> Sony PlayStation 2 Games > Burnout 3:

Burnout 2, like its acclaimed predecessor, puts fun right a ... Read more

Burnout 2, like its acclaimed predecessor, puts fun right at the top of the agenda, dispenses with niggling irritants like realism and delivers top-class gaming entertainment. So what's new? There are additional locations, including a twisty road round the Rocky Mountains and an inspired airport-based level. There is also a greater choice of vehicles. Naturally enough you have to balance your need for speed against the need for good handling and take into account the weather and the kind of level you're racing across. Yet the core of Burnout 2 is still arcade-style racing and there's little else that does it better. It's incredibly accessible and an absolute blast to play. It doesn't matter whether you're competing in the enhanced single-player modes or hooking up with friends--it's completely irresistible. Visually, the game looks great and moves very, very quickly. The action is interspersed with elaborate crashes, and when you do hit something you shouldn't, you're rewarded with an action replay for your trouble. There are genuinely very few negatives here. Those who prefer their driving games flavoured with a bit more realism are going to be happier with a Gran Turismo game. Also, despite some good improvements and additions, there aren't enormous differences between this and the original Burnout. However, Burnout 2 is an exemplary piece of gaming entertainment, and a welcome antidote to the growing band of games that just take themselves far too seriously. Treat yourself. You'll be glad you did. --Simon Brew Minimize

Forgiveness is for Loosers!

Platforms: PlayStation2

The only videogame based on the movie, Coraline will allow ... Read more

The only videogame based on the movie, Coraline will allow players to explore and interact with such immersive 3D environments from the movie as the Pink Palace, its nooks and crannies and apartments, and the unpredictable Other World. Players will engage in unique minigames and adventures with Coraline's friends Wybie and Cat as they collect items that will unlock the mysteries of the Other World. Become Coraline and interact with all of the colourful characters in this fantastical interactive adventure Explore two distinct, fully interactive worlds - the brooding Normal World and mesmerising Other World Graphic style and tone inspired by the amazing stop-motion animated film and the eerie storyline Earn buttons as "currency" through unique and engaging minigames Collectable items galore: find unique outfits to customise Coraline's look, fill your scrapbook with photos, and unlock artwork and stills from the movie Minimize

In these days of endless sequel after sequel it's quite a s ... Read more

In these days of endless sequel after sequel it's quite a surprise to find out that a successful series like Jak & Daxter is coming to an end of its publisher's own volition. But--although the characters may well appear again in some other form--Jak IIImarks the end of the epic storyline that is now over three years in the making. The first Jak & Daxter game was a fairly straightforward Rare-esque platformer, but the second game expanded the concept considerably to become a sort of cartoon style Grand Theft Auto. This third game removes some of the more unnecessary diversions of Jak II to become a more enjoyably focused action adventure. The actual story follows on directly and sees Jak and Daxter banished to the Wastelands--a massive game world more than five times the size of Haven City from the last game. Although they are less prevalent than last time there are a dozen different vehicles to pilot and plenty of upgradeable weapons. Perhaps the most important new gameplay feature though is Jak's new light eco form, to balance out the dark eco powers from Jak II. In light eco form Jak grows a pair of angelic wings and gains the power to regain lost health and even freeze enemies in time (and yes, it does work a bit like bullet time). For fans of the series, or those just looking for a fun, modern-thinking platformer, this series is definitely going out on a high. --David Jenkins Minimize

Sports fans with little interest in basketball video games ... Read more

Sports fans with little interest in basketball video games may want to rethink their stance after getting a look at Sega Sports' NBA 2K3. They--not to mention hard-core basketball simulation enthusiasts--will likely find it hard to keep from being drawn in by the game's picture-perfect detail, engrossing realism and challenging gameplay. Like NFL 2K3, NBA 2K3 is presented in the patented ESPN style. The game has all the sights and sounds of the NBA: the pomp and circumstance of pre-game introductions, accurate arena re-creations, realistic player animations and sizes, and fluid dribbling and shooting (including crossover moves and the ability to change shot direction in midair). All of this is accentuated with special touches such as alley-oops, tipped shots, the ability to make passes on the fly, fierce rebounding battles under the basket, and the added drama and excitement of the ball bouncing off the rim before it either falls in or goes awry. NBA 2K3 offers a host of moves and modes on either side of the ball, with 25 offensive and 10 defensive plays from which to choose. Throw in fully customizable strategy options--everything from player clutch factor to computer shot tendencies, plus all types of shot percentages and fouls--and it's easy to create the ideal matchup and game environment. The limitless roster manager feature also ensures that league and franchise modes will keep from getting stale. Street mode offers a break from the grind of NBA play, allowing you to go two-on-two or all the way up to five-on-five in nine playgrounds and gyms. Pick your favourite players from current teams or choose greats from the 50s through the 80s and go at it as the Ballers vs the Ringers. Street even features requisite trash talk such as "Yeah! You like that?" and grunts backed with "Get some!" --Larry White Minimize

One Punch Can Change A Fight - Three new Impact Punches ala ... Read more

One Punch Can Change A Fight - Three new Impact Punches ala the EA SPORTS Haymaker keep gamers at the edge of their seat as players are only one punch away from the entire dynamic of the fight changing. Land a perfectly timed Flash KO or jump into a quick mid-fight mini-game to land a humiliating knockdown punch. Thrown using EA SPORTS Fight Night's innovative analog punch system, Impact Punches are high risk and high reward - put down your opponent or get knocked on the canvas. Boxing's Greatest Rivalries - Watch ESPN Classic footage of real-life bouts or re-create the greatest fights from past and present including Arturo Gatti vs. Mickey Ward, Marco Antonio Barrera vs. Eric Morales, and Ali vs. Frasier. Talk the Talk, Walk the Walk - Establish intense rivalries of your own by intimidating opponents before the big fight with heated press conferences full of hype, trash talkin', and fights at weigh-ins. Relive the best rivalries of your career in ESPN's Instant Classics! Style Defines a Fighter-Create a style of your own, then see how you match up against the authentic signature styles from the world's best fighters. Licensed boxers use tactics and strategies that match their real life counterparts. Self Determinant AI adapts its style to match user strengths and to exploit weaknesses. Minimize

Set in the 60s and using the Cold War as its inspiration, M ... Read more

Set in the 60s and using the Cold War as its inspiration, Metal Gear Solid 3: Snake Eater forces the player to adopt a number of new skills to survive in Snake's new jungle environment. Danger lurks everywhere as Snake explores the beautifully-realised forests, encampments and rivers, with guards patrolling key routes, dangerous animals to contend with, and the uneven terrain and noisy foliage making the silent approaches the Metal Gear hero is famed for virtually impossible. Gameplay set in Cold War era 1960's Camoflage System: Use different combinations of uniform and face paints to blend into your environment Food: Capture and eat animals & plants to sustain Snake's health and abilities Close Quarters Combat (CQC): Take on enemies up close and personal with knives and martial arts techniques for silent kills Exclusive content for the PAL version includes: Duel Mode - Battle through the game's Boss Fights independently Demo Theatre - Watch all the cut scenes in sequence European Extreme difficulty level 2 New Levels in Snake Vs Monkey Mode New Face Paint and Camoflage Designs not available in US or Japanese versions Minimize

The most eagerly awaited PlayStation 2 game of 2001 is fina ... Read more

The most eagerly awaited PlayStation 2 game of 2001 is finally here. It's about motor racing, it's called Gran Turismo 3: A Spec, and it's utterly superb. Much has been made of the appearance of Sony's flagship title on the PS2. Detractors have complained it has fewer cars than GT2, it only has a couple of extra tracks and it's really no more than an update. But then it's easy to knock it before you've tried it. To be fair the detractors have a point and for the seriously hardcore driving fan "only" 183 possible vehicles might be a bit of an issue, but to the vast majority of racing gamers GT3 will be a fabulous gaming experience and will really prove what the PlayStation 2 is capable of. In essence, GT3 is a series of sub-games combined by a motoring theme. There are driving licences to gain which open access to racing events, which in turn provide cash to buy bigger and better motors. There's a full arcade section in which it's possible to choose from a pre-determined selection of cars and tracks on time trials, first-past-the-post and free-run races and there's a huge section of game time devoted to tuning and maintaining your garage of racing machines. Graphically, this is the best-looking PS2 title yet. It's crisp, smooth, frighteningly quick and there's no invisible scenery in evidence. Lighting effects are truly awesome--wait 'til you see the setting sun of Laguna Seca--and the engine sounds are ear-burstingly impressive. Control is smooth and precise; the DualShock controller is used to good effect but playing with a suitable steering wheel adds a whole new dimension to things. A number of top-name bands have their musical wares shoehorned into the soundtrack so expect the company of Ash, Feeder and others to keep you company during the long hours of gawping at the TV. Playing GT3, you get the feeling that the PS2 is finally starting to show its worth. This is professional games software of the highest quality. Buy it now. You know you want to. --Chris Russell Minimize