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There's only one word to describe The Bouncer, SquareSoft's ... Read more

There's only one word to describe The Bouncer, SquareSoft's latest beat-em-up action title for the PlayStation 2: gorgeous. From the second the opening credits kick in this game oozes quality, putting everything that went before it to shame. It's like watching an action film with fight sequences you can direct yourself; the visuals alone are enough to convince the wary that buying a PlayStation 2 is a great idea. The voice acting, too, is among the best yet on a PS2 title and really adds to the atmosphere of the piece--clearly a lot of thought has gone into this, and has paid off greatly. The plot is fairly straightforward: a 15-year-old girl, who happens to have three burly bouncers for buddies, gets kidnapped by a multi-national corporation. The guys decide to take action; setting off for the corporate HQ, stumbling upon all manner of bizarre and intriguing mysteries. The Bouncer is, in essence, a fighting game similar to the old Capcom title Final Fight. The bulk of the plot is driven by non-interactive FMV sequences, with the player taking control of one of the three main protagonists at the beginning of the fight sequences--of which there are many. Given the number of moves it's possible to make during the heat of battle, Square have made intelligent use of the DualShock pad, allowing high, medium and low-level attacks, the strength of which can be altered according to how hard you hit the buttons. Falling as it does between interactive novel and beat-em-up there's a little something here for everyone, and if all else fails The Bouncer is so visually appealing that it will be difficult not to like it. --Chris Russell Minimize

Set in 1930`s America, just after the era of The Great Depr ... Read more

Set in 1930`s America, just after the era of The Great Depression, `Shadow Hearts: From the new world` follows our young hero - Johnny Garland. After losing his father, younger sister and part of his memory in an accident, Johnny heads off to New York to form his own detective agency. Johnny takes his first case, by accepting a request from a mysterious man to find and apprehend a criminal suspect who has escaped custody. Taking a central role is Johnny`s female-counterpart, Shania a 21yr Native American. A bounty hunter by trade and gifted with spiritual powers, Shania senses a strange energy from Johnny, and decides to accompany him on his quest. The third instalment of this truly exciting RPG series offers a totally fresh storyline and includes a newly improved battle system, a whole host of new and bizarre characters, breath-taking CG cut-scenes and a myriad of side quests and mini games to explore. Shadow Hearts: From the New World looks certain to be the most successful episode yet! Up to 60 hours of enthralling game play Movie-type storyline Atmospheric high-end CG cut-scenes Aid your quest by playing and exploring various mini-games and side-quests to gain extra bounty! Travel across America, explore familiar locations Meet with mythical and historical characters. Will they assist or hinder your quest? Newly improved features to the series trademark `Judgement ring battle system` Multiple endings and surprising twists in storyline where you determine the end New `Stellar chart` system feature to unlock hidden secrets, bonuses and power-ups! Character morphing ability Minimize