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Playstation 2
ACTION Armoured core 2 -----------------------------------------------------------------------------
I expected a lot from Armored Core 2, and it let me down. Aside from being a better looking version then it's PSX brethren, there's nothing here to usher in a new generation. It's great to have a plethora of titles at launch time, but now we are playing the repercussions of that pressure. Give me a solid two titles like Mario 64 and Pilot Wings like the N64 had; games that redefined gameplay. Titles like Armored Core 2 do nothing to elevate the bar of next generation gameplay, it only exists to say, "Look how much better I look on this machine? Aren't you glad you bought a PS2, now that I look so pretty?" No, I'm not glad. I'm actually more than getting a little PO'd at the mediocre titles that the PS2 launched with. The quality of the DC launch titles was miles ahead of what I've been playing on this thing. In fact, I've almost having more fun playing enhanced versions of old PSX games and watching DVD's than I am playing some of these new titles. And that's gotta tell you something right there folks. Hype is hype.
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Highs:
Tons of Customization Options
Some Fun Missions
Lows:
No Analog Control
To Much Like Old School
Customization Affects Mission Outcome Too Much
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First off, From Software, you are working with a powerful machine like the PS2 and have been given what many consider to be the ultimate controller to design for; the Dual Shock 2. Tell me then why there isn't even analog control present in this game? That's ludicrous. I'm stupified. I can't imagine how ingenious the control could have been with an analog control scheme. As it is, the turning radius is to slow with the digital pad, making firefights a little too hard to retreat from.
If you've ever played an Armored Core game, you know that the big draw is the customization of the Mechs. In that case, AC2 doesn't fail. There is a ton of available options that will have you mixing and matching for weeks, like a harried fashion designer. The problem is however, is that on some missions, if you don't customize your mech to suit the event, you'll never be able to finish the level. Talk about frustrating. As a mercenary mech, you'll get paid pending completion of your mission, which you can then use to customize your Iron Man outfit, which will hopefully enable you to make more money doing harder missions. The concept is cool. But it was cool almost 4 years ago.
Graphically the game looks good, but as in the past, the sort of ugly textures rear their ugly head. The game suffers from the "jaggies" here and there and just isn't as polished as I would have thought. It basically looks identical to when I played it at E3 and surely they could have spruced up the visuals since then. But alas, no.
I'm not saying this game is bad. It isn't. It's just not quite what I had expected, whether that's in part due to the hype surrounding the PS2 in general or whatever. I guess when I see Sony quoting George Lucas saying that the PS2 is more powerful than the equipment he used to generate the effects in Phantom Menace, and that the US was going to classify the PS2 as a super computer, my expectations tend to run a little high. Can you blame me? At this point, the PS2 is doing exactly what the N64 did; reliving old glory days and slopping some paint on old ideas and hoping that people go, "It's exactly like playing the PSX, only better looking and way more expensive." We all know what that ideology did for the Big N. Sony and the third parties better get their head's out of their butts, and quick. We payed for the ultimate gaming machine, so where the #$%@ is it?
6.5 OVERALL
7.0 GRAPHICS
6.5 CONTROL
7.0 MUSIC/FX
7.0 FRUSTRATION
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Donald Duck: Goin' Quackers Review Well, I've had the PS2 for a year now, and for some reason, I'm looking forward to playing Donald Duck. You tell ME what's wrong with this picture. Either I've lost the ability to choose my games wisely, or the PS2 just isn't offering a great selection of games at this point. Let me say this though, Donald Duck isn't a bad game at all. It lacks originality, and plays like a next gen Crash Bandicoot, but it will whittle away the hours waiting for the other games to show up.
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Highs:
A Platformer For PS2
Great Control
Lows:
Crash Bandicoot With Donald Duck
Not Much Replay Value
Unoriginal & Derivative
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As Donald, you'll stomp, jump and "go quackers" through varying levels that either go into the screen, scroll or have you running towards the screen on your quest to save Daisy Duck. It's always something, isn't it? Once you get past the derivative gameplay, you'll find that it's most enjoyable and at least it provides the only platforming experience on the PS2. Although the game is on all of the other systems, those who own the PS2 and don't necessarily like platform games, will probably hunt this one down. For no other reason than to have another good looking game on their shiny new system
The animation and graphics in Donald Duck are excellent. The levels are filled with detail and color, while Donald is constantly moving about and keeping you entertained in some way or another. The control is really tight, especially the jumping, which makes the game so much easier to play. Later on in the game, you will be challenged with a plethora of jumps to pull off and you'll be glad that the developers tightened the reigns on the control.
If borrowing the entire games play mechanics from Crash wasn't enough, the music has also been lifted. Expect to hear a lot of bongo-esque type rhythms and other Crash inspired background tunes. The sound effects and voices are well done, and you will hear Donald spout off a lot during the adventure. As you might guess, the sound bytes tend to get a little repetitive if you've been playing for awhile.
Donald Duck provides a decent challenge, but for those who take their platforming seriously, it's pretty easy to get through. The replayability isn't quite there, which leaves you with a good-looking game with no real reason to play again once you've finished it. However, if you own a PS2, you are probably checking out this title, because that's exactly what it is; a new PS2 title and a platform one at that! You could do much worse than DD:GQ. My advice, if you are an older gamer, rent it. If you are thinking about it for your children; buy it.
6.5OVERALL8.0 GRAPHICS 8.0 CONTROL 5.0 MUSIC/FX 1.0 FUSTRATION
I will be updating this page with more reviews so keep coming here to check them out
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