Final Fantasy XII for the PS2
© Square
Final Fantasy 12
By: CAPTAIN GORDON EDWARDDate: Thursday, November 02, 2006
Things continue to heat up this week on the videogame side, as an avalanche of games is ready to rock your world, and your wallet. What was more surprising to me though, is that most of these are for the PSP. Perhaps Sony is helping developers to make their system worth something. Currently if there is only one hit in the bunch, it would increase the PSP’s hit group to... three. Beyond the PSP, a game has come out that people have waited patiently for years to play. Will it be their final game? Probably not, considering there is a continuation on the DS coming out for it. But with that said, perhaps it is best to just start the show.
Final Fantasy XII (PS2) - Starting the show off with a high note, Final Fantasy will be the game to buy. This would be the best Final Fantasy game to get in quite a few years on a Sony system. They have totally revamped the battle system, so that it is live action. From my personal experience of playing it at E3, it was fun to play. The characters look nice, and it should be a must for anyone that loves RPGs. I am also giving this game my nod for Game of the Week.
ATV Off Road Fury 4 (PS2) - It seems that some people will never out grow out of the need to play games involving ATV’s jumping over the sides of hills. Not too much will change in this game from the last, but at least you have new maps.
Death Jr: Root of Evil (PSP) - The original Death Jr. game came out during the infancy of the PSP. I loved the idea, and the art, and this game uses these things again. With so much competition this week though, this one may just become buried.
Every Extend Extra (PSP) - A little similar to Geometry Wars, you will play a ship that flies around on the screen. You can drop a bomb and choose when to detonate it, which is the main goal of the game. You will have plenty of lives, and you will try and create the largest chain possible. From testing it out a few months ago, I can say that it is pretty addicting.
Lumines II (PSP) - Lumines builds on their previous game with more maps, and more music. Of course this game was another very addicting title for the PSP, and there are a lot of fans out there. I am quite the fan of this game, and this is another game that I played at E3. Again this is just one of those games that is simple, but incredibly addicting.
Rush (PSP) - Wanting another driving game for your PSP? Look no further than this one. The long-standing series continues with a fun, and fast game, allowing you to take on the world once again.
Killzone Liberation (PSP) - Pulling a 50 Cent game turn on a less than popular game, Killzone reinvents itself by using a different perspective. With a top down view, you play this game in a whole new light, which makes it much more entertaining than the PS2 version. I wonder if this trend will continue with other failed PS2 games.
Powerstone Collection (PSP) - The Dreamcast created quite a few fantastic games that were ported to better consoles, and the original game would be a prime example this. A sad note though is that the multi-player (with humans) has been removed, which makes it hard to recommend. Accentually Powerstone was the Dreamcast's version of Smash Brothers, so removing the multi-play kills it.
Grand Theft Auto: Vice City Stories (PSP) - It seems that Grand Theft Auto: Liberty City Stories will no longer be the lone car jacking game on the PSP, as a follow-up to another popular game is ported to the PSP. The original game was fantastic, and likewise this one should be a lot of fun as well. Amusing note though is that the original GTA for the PSP was the only reason to buy the system, until it was ported to the PS2.
Need for Speed Carbon (DS - GBA - PSP - GC - PS2 - X-Box - X-Box 360) - Leave it to EA to drop games on every single system under the sun. The NFS series has stood the test of time, and like the Sega franchise, it refuses to die. Of course that is a great thing, because each game has been a fun experience. Probably the best thing about the game though is the extent of which you can customize your vehicles.
Children of Mana (DS) - This was another fun game to play at E3, and Square Enix seems to be going all out this holiday season. The Mana series has faired quite well for something that was started so long ago. The battle style is fun, and this will be a must have game for the NDS.
Pokemon Ranger (DS) - Speaking about other series that have fared well, the newest Pokemon game is out. This one does not involve capturing Pokemon to add to your collection, but running across them in the wild, and temporarily taming them to have them assist you. The taming happens at the touch of the DS stylus, so this should be fairly interesting to play.
Neverwinter Nights 2 (PC) - A fun experience in the D&D world returns, following the original game, which had about 10 or so expansions (or so it seemed). People cannot get enough of the original game, and if that is any indication, this one will be immensely popular. You will also be able to create your own maps, or modules to control the action. This is another must buy for any RPG fan.
F.E.A.R. (X-Box 360) - Since the expansion was released last week, the original game has ported its way to the console. I love the fact that it came out on Halloween, because it is an incredible and creepy game. If you have not played F.E.A.R. before, now will be a great time to do it. The AI is fantastic, and since the 360 has been lacking games lately, this will be one worth picking up.
In the end, this week faired quite well, with plenty of games to capture my attention. I am still trying to cement a relationship with Square-Enix to review their games for the site, but they seem to be fairly fickle for whatever reason. Hopefully soon this can be corrected, so that I can personally tell you which of their games are fun, and which are... 50 Cent Bulletproof inspired. All and all though, this is Captain Gordon Edward... signing off.
Questions? Comments? Suggestions? CaptainGordonEdward@Gmail.com
