> Sony PlayStation 2 Games > Burnout: Revenge

Forgiveness is for Loosers!

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

Platforms: PlayStation2

One of the first Army Men games to appear on the PlayStatio ... Read more

One of the first Army Men games to appear on the PlayStation2 console is a sequel to what's perhaps the best of the franchise. Army Men: Air Attack 2 blows onto the scene in a blaze of glory, destined for a hallowed spot on your shelf. Yeah, the little green and tan soldiers from our youth are back, but good old Sarge, from most of the games, doesn't lead them. In Air Attack 2 it's Blade the Helicopter pilot large and in charge. His personality is reminiscent of Robert Duvall's deranged Colonel Kilgore from Apocalypse Now, and that adds quite a bit of humour to the destruction... and there is a lot of destruction. Things blow up really well on the PS2 and Air Attack 2 has you piloting all kinds of choppers on all sorts of missions. You've got an Apache, a Cobra, and an Osprey, and Blade's wingmen all have different attacks. Missions range from melting evil tan army men and destroying their supplies to search and rescue work--all in pleasing and well-constructed living room and backyard environments. The graphics and audio are excellent and really take advantage of the PS2's advanced hardware. Plus, it's even more fun with a buddy in split screen mode on the same TV. And for the benefit of those of us who used to stage harrowing scenarios involving real green plastic army men and fireworks, the makers have included a small selection of fireworks into the gameplay. To quote General Plastro, "I love the smell of plastic in the morning!" --Andrew S. Bub Minimize

Platforms: PlayStation2