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These titleís usually are defining momentís in video game history and appear once every 2 years, in such a constant flow as we are about to see. Iím not on about a release of one particular groundbreaking game, but several, or letís say about a dozen in fact, that will leave us with empty pocketís.
First off we have the upcoming release of Shenmue II. With the first in the epic we witnessed spectacular visualís never seen before, coupled with unique gameplay and enhancementís in the Fashion and style of Yu Suzuki himself at his bequest.
Iím really excited about this game, it promises to be as groundbreaking as the first, with better visuals. Yes, better visuals. I never thought they really could be improved upon, as the first game was spectacular and the graphics in my opinion have yet to be beaten on any system bar the Gamecube.
But one thing that will make me proud to have this game, is the fact that 'I will feel lucky' to have it. Not only was the game cancelled in America but Europe obviously will be the only region on earth with the English language version of the game, let alone the only territory outside of Japan to have it playing on their Dreamcastís. But get this, because the game wonít be available in America, apparently the Americanís are snapping them up on pre-order in European countries to be shipped back to the states.
They are raging too that itís been cancelled, itís usually European gamerís that get cancelled splendours such as this. Another reason to get your handís on it then.
Then we have Devil May Cry. Capcomís first groundbreaking original title for PS2. One of the differences with Devil May Cry when compared to any of Capcom's other horror tiles is that like Onimusha you're wrapped in action. Taking combat to a rougher more athletic/Karate type scale. What looks impressive is when the character Dante has the powers to pull off many stunts, not ordinary oneís mind, but awesome acrobatics.
You can jump onto walls and perform flips, He can stick his sword into an enemy, and toss them upward. Further, taking his double pistols out and balancing an enemy in midair, wow!.
The opposition that you'll face ranges from marionette puppets marked with evil, shadow demons black as night, and even witches that float in the sky lunging enormous clippers at your body. Itís definitely one to watch out for, and one that many PS2 ownerís such as myself will have proudly inside the system.
And then there is Final Fantasy X. Itís Final Fantasy to me so itís a must. Iíve played them all, yes them all, and rarely (with the exception of Zelda) does any RPG series come close.
Details have all become known and other gameplay enhancements and features that we expect. Namely for the first time ever in the Final Fantasy Series we will witness character voices rather than the usual FF speech bubbles that we have all become so used to.
It was a change that could have left people reeling, but really, going by the Japanese audience itís flawless and a worthy addition coupled with the improved graphics.
And then for the PS2...We have Metal Gear Solid 2. I know yes, this game is on everyoneís list and another exclusive, despite the murmurings of MGSX appearing on X-BOX. Not much can be said here, the title alone is an enticement and certainly one of those defining moments that will have us playing at all hours. Canít wait.
And for the X-BOX, we have Halo. Really a game with combat, supposedly Halo will have you battling on foot, in vehicles, fighting aliens on various planetís. If we are to believe Microsoft, Itís one to wait for, hereís hoping.
Then the Biggies appear, namely on Gamecube.
One that has me gasping in awe is StarWars: Rogue Leader-Rogue Squadron 2.
Boy does this game look promising, never before in video game history have I anticipated a movie tie in like this before, ok Goldeneye was the bees knees, but this, this for sure will be played by George Lucas himself, Itís that true to the films.
Take a look at the screenshots, or even better download a movie of the game, stunning isnít the word for it, itís really beyond wordís.
Flying down the Death Star trench is what im looking forward to, not to mention, piloting the Millenium Falcon equipped with the instantly recognisable sounds.
A game that will be sure to be cherished forever without a doubt.
And onto Starfox Adventures: Dinosaur planet. One of the many truly original titleís appearing on the Nintendo Gamecube, with Maestroís Rare on hand to guarantee a great time.
My first impressions of this from videos and screenshots is that it is a vastly more spectacular version of Jet Force Gemini, but of course I was wrong, I later learned it Is really different from that game; and more in line with RPG elements, furthermore retaining the famous Zelda button layout on the upper right corner of the screen.
We have to remember it was first a game meant for the N64 with itís own Unique characters, but Shigeru Miyamoto once suggested in an Interview that it would be great to have included the Starfox cast in it. Of course when a gaming legend of his stature speaks, everyone listens, namely Rare, when soon after It was announced with the new look of the title that it would be available for the new Gamecube, not the N64, furthermore shockingly having the Starfox cast onboard. Thanks to Miyamoto then.
But a surprise will occur. This time, Pikmin and Nintendoís first adventure into the RTS genre, but in their own style and way that should be promising. Here in this game you will be tasked to explore a lush, garden-like landscape from an ant's perspective and watch as plant life and world objects interact with characters, all as you Control hundreds of Pikmin to help you scavenge the planet for missing parts of your ship that need gathering. Wouldnít be possible on other systemís and it largely owes itís thanks to the Gamecube Controller.
And so then, all that is left is the darn waiting!!.
Not to mention two new systemís for myself to get my handís on, geez more money.
It will be a defining era, without a doubt and for those with Console bias sadly they will not experience the delights of each system.
So for the Biased amongst you, go on out there and experience the delights of each. Youíll not be disappointed.
You're completely right... I'm getting a PS2 before this christmas, and i'm just hoping that future releases (next two years) have as much to offer as the ones now...
I mean, this certainly is a November to Remember for PS2 fans... it seems as though everything is coming at once!
I don't see what the rush for Gameucbe is... sure I WILL get one, but even if you pick a DC up for £80 in the mean time you still have a helluva lot to keep you occupied...!
Game
These titleís usually are defining momentís in video game history and appear once every 2 years, in such a constant flow as we are about to see. Iím not on about a release of one particular groundbreaking game, but several, or letís say about a dozen in fact, that will leave us with empty pocketís.
First off we have the upcoming release of Shenmue II. With the first in the epic we witnessed spectacular visualís never seen before, coupled with unique gameplay and enhancementís in the Fashion and style of Yu Suzuki himself at his bequest.
Iím really excited about this game, it promises to be as groundbreaking as the first, with better visuals. Yes, better visuals. I never thought they really could be improved upon, as the first game was spectacular and the graphics in my opinion have yet to be beaten on any system bar the Gamecube.
But one thing that will make me proud to have this game, is the fact that 'I will feel lucky' to have it. Not only was the game cancelled in America but Europe obviously will be the only region on earth with the English language version of the game, let alone the only territory outside of Japan to have it playing on their Dreamcastís. But get this, because the game wonít be available in America, apparently the Americanís are snapping them up on pre-order in European countries to be shipped back to the states.
They are raging too that itís been cancelled, itís usually European gamerís that get cancelled splendours such as this. Another reason to get your handís on it then.
Then we have Devil May Cry. Capcomís first groundbreaking original title for PS2. One of the differences with Devil May Cry when compared to any of Capcom's other horror tiles is that like Onimusha you're wrapped in action. Taking combat to a rougher more athletic/Karate type scale. What looks impressive is when the character Dante has the powers to pull off many stunts, not ordinary oneís mind, but awesome acrobatics.
You can jump onto walls and perform flips, He can stick his sword into an enemy, and toss them upward. Further, taking his double pistols out and balancing an enemy in midair, wow!.
The opposition that you'll face ranges from marionette puppets marked with evil, shadow demons black as night, and even witches that float in the sky lunging enormous clippers at your body. Itís definitely one to watch out for, and one that many PS2 ownerís such as myself will have proudly inside the system.
And then there is Final Fantasy X. Itís Final Fantasy to me so itís a must. Iíve played them all, yes them all, and rarely (with the exception of Zelda) does any RPG series come close.
Details have all become known and other gameplay enhancements and features that we expect. Namely for the first time ever in the Final Fantasy Series we will witness character voices rather than the usual FF speech bubbles that we have all become so used to.
It was a change that could have left people reeling, but really, going by the Japanese audience itís flawless and a worthy addition coupled with the improved graphics.
And then for the PS2...We have Metal Gear Solid 2. I know yes, this game is on everyoneís list and another exclusive, despite the murmurings of MGSX appearing on X-BOX. Not much can be said here, the title alone is an enticement and certainly one of those defining moments that will have us playing at all hours. Canít wait.
And for the X-BOX, we have Halo. Really a game with combat, supposedly Halo will have you battling on foot, in vehicles, fighting aliens on various planetís. If we are to believe Microsoft, Itís one to wait for, hereís hoping.
Then the Biggies appear, namely on Gamecube.
One that has me gasping in awe is StarWars: Rogue Leader-Rogue Squadron 2.
Boy does this game look promising, never before in video game history have I anticipated a movie tie in like this before, ok Goldeneye was the bees knees, but this, this for sure will be played by George Lucas himself, Itís that true to the films.
Take a look at the screenshots, or even better download a movie of the game, stunning isnít the word for it, itís really beyond wordís.
Flying down the Death Star trench is what im looking forward to, not to mention, piloting the Millenium Falcon equipped with the instantly recognisable sounds.
A game that will be sure to be cherished forever without a doubt.
And onto Starfox Adventures: Dinosaur planet. One of the many truly original titleís appearing on the Nintendo Gamecube, with Maestroís Rare on hand to guarantee a great time.
My first impressions of this from videos and screenshots is that it is a vastly more spectacular version of Jet Force Gemini, but of course I was wrong, I later learned it Is really different from that game; and more in line with RPG elements, furthermore retaining the famous Zelda button layout on the upper right corner of the screen.
We have to remember it was first a game meant for the N64 with itís own Unique characters, but Shigeru Miyamoto once suggested in an Interview that it would be great to have included the Starfox cast in it. Of course when a gaming legend of his stature speaks, everyone listens, namely Rare, when soon after It was announced with the new look of the title that it would be available for the new Gamecube, not the N64, furthermore shockingly having the Starfox cast onboard. Thanks to Miyamoto then.
But a surprise will occur. This time, Pikmin and Nintendoís first adventure into the RTS genre, but in their own style and way that should be promising. Here in this game you will be tasked to explore a lush, garden-like landscape from an ant's perspective and watch as plant life and world objects interact with characters, all as you Control hundreds of Pikmin to help you scavenge the planet for missing parts of your ship that need gathering. Wouldnít be possible on other systemís and it largely owes itís thanks to the Gamecube Controller.
And so then, all that is left is the darn waiting!!.
Not to mention two new systemís for myself to get my handís on, geez more money.
It will be a defining era, without a doubt and for those with Console bias sadly they will not experience the delights of each system.
So for the Biased amongst you, go on out there and experience the delights of each. Youíll not be disappointed.