Vicarious Visions

Transformers: Autobots has a few good ideas held back by terrible production values and an execution that's so sketchily erratic, only a dedicated Transfan would be willing to put up with it for more than a few levels.

If Jedi Knight II: Jedi Outcast is "a beacon of light" as Keith calls it, I don't want to follow. This game should change its subtitle from "Jedi Outcast" to "Faces of Death" because it isn't so much an interactive adventure set in the Star Wars universe as it is the most elaborate and punishing three-dimensional mousetrap ever conceived.

I can recall back to my childhood watching the Star Wars Trilogy. I have rather fond memories of the movies and even dreams that have never been able to manifest themselves in any other media other than my imagination. It's rather disappointing when I think about it, especially considering the multitude of opportunities LucasArts has had to capture the experiences of the movies. Don't get me wrong, they have produced gems like Star Wars: X-Wing and The Super Star Wars games, but on the same note, they're also credited with flops such as Star Wars: Episode 1 Racer and Star Wars: Jedi Starfighter. In fact, it seems all of their recent attempts have been lackluster at best.

According to ESRB, this game contains: Violence

Game Description: In the tradition of the multi-award-winning Star Wars: Jedi Knight, Star Wars: Jedi Knight II, Jedi Outcast features rebel agent Kyle Katarn in exhilarating first-person action. Players assume the role of Kyle as they employ a unique mix of weapons, Force powers, and the lightsaber in both single- and multiplayer modes. Jedi Outcast features expanded and enhanced use of the lightsaber, with new attack and defense moves. Tap into the powers of the Force, including jump, push, and Jedi mind tricks. Employ combat or stealth, depending on the situation. When a fight is necessary, be at the ready with an arsenal of weapons: stun baton, Bryar blast pistol, and blaster rifle to name but a few. Explore breathtaking Star Wars locales such as Cloud City, the Jedi Academy on Yavin 4, Nar Shaddaa, the smugglers' moon--plus some never-before-seen locations. Multiplayer options include capture the flag, free for all, team FFA, duel, weapons only, and Jedi master.

Game Description: Tony Hawk's Pro Skater 2, which has been a bona fide hit on every console it has graced, has staked its claim on the Game Boy Advance. The idea is still to perform hundreds of complicated tricks for points, and players can still ride as T. Hawk or any of a dozen pros in the game. Players can create their own skaters from scratch, too, by selecting appearance, gear, clothes, and more. Heck, you can even create your own ideal skate park by building ramps, rails, pipes, and other challenging obstacles.

According to ESRB, this game contains: Animated Blood

No matter which way you look at it, Tony Hawk's Pro Skater 2 is a monumental achievement. When Nintendo first announced the specs for the Game Boy Advance to the world, speculation abounded from all circles in the industry as to what the true power of the console could be. There were debates about how many sprites the unit could actually handle and whether it could pull off a convincing 3D with polygons of any degree of sophistication. Tony Hawk's Pro Skater 2 puts that debate to rest as soon as you turn on the game.