Playstation 2 Action and Adventure Games

STANDARD CONTROLLER FOR PLAYSTATION 2 DELIVERS A MORE INTUITIVE GAMING EXPERIENCE WITH UP TO 255 LEVELS OF PRESSURE SENSITIVITY ON EVERY ACTION BUTTON INCLUDES TWIN ANALOG CONTROL STICKS FOR DOUBLE THE CONTROL INTELLIGENT SELF-CALIBRATING ANALOG SYSTEM AUTOMATICALLY OPTIMIZES PERFORMANCE FOR EVERY GAME

The layout of PlayStation2's Dual Shock 2 controller is nearly identical to that of the original PlayStation's Dual Shock controller, which is good news for most gamers. The main new feature is that, when the buttons are pushed, the controller can register how much pressure is being exerted. This adds a completely new dimension to sports, racing, fighting, and more games. Aside from the Start and Select buttons, all of the functions are analog for greater control, a wider variety of operations, and a more compelling interactive experience. Two convex analog thumb pads and two force-feedback solenoid rumblers round out the features. This controller is also compatible with all software that supports the original Dual Shock controller.

Final Fantasy X takes you into the world of Zamarkand, where you must face down the dark force called Sin to save the world. Tidus is a star athlete who survives a massive disaster. With the help of a girl named Yuna, he journeys to temples & monasteries to find truth. Learn to summon aeons-old spirits of power to add to your fighting abilities as you battle the evils of Sin. Spectacular graphics and incredible voiceover work will immerse you in a new world where evil forces threaten the existence of all you know! Life-like, high-polygon, motion-captured characters designed by renowned artist Tetsuya Nomura Dolby Digital 5.1 channel Surround EX compatible Enchanting musical score, with tracks featuring a distinct Japanese Okinawan flavor

Each installment of the Final Fantasy series has featured strong storytelling, characterization, and strategic combat, fun minigames, and hours upon hours of captivating gameplay. The 10th title in the series is no exception. This is the first time a Final Fantasy game has appeared on the PlayStation2, and it takes full advantage of the increased technical capabilities.

The story this time concerns Tidus, a blond-haired star of a sport called Blitzball. While he is playing in a match, Tidus's city is attacked by an evil force called Sin, and everything is destroyed save Tidus and his guardian Auran. The adventure begins as the pair are somehow transported to another world. From here on, it's standard Final Fantasy gameplay: fight battles, manage experience points, learn new powers, and recruit a motley crew of nonplayer characters to join your quest.

The graphics, however, take things to a new level. They are amazing not only for their realism, but also for their imaginative art design. The world these heroes inhabit is breathtakingly beautiful, flowing, and full of inventive surprises. You haven't lived until you've surfed cables high in the air, or ridden a graceful airship through the clouds. The stunning effects are on display when you use magic in combat, summon gigantic monsters, and use fire columns to devastate your foes.

One new element is voice acting. The innovation yields predictably mixed results: it's wonderful to hear spoken dialogue rather than read subtitles, but as with most games translated from Japanese, the acting is mediocre and sometimes unintentionally hilarious.

Still, the game's new graphics engine and solid gameplay are sure to please fans of the series waiting to see what Square has in store for them. While Final Fantasy X doesn't offer much innovation, it also doesn't disappoint. And fortunately, with Final Fantasy XI already in development, the title is still a misnomer. --Andrew S. Bub

Pros:

• Gorgeous graphics
• Epic story line
• Voice acting

Cons:

• Little innovation
• The voice acting is sometimes laughable

Final Fantasy X is the first title in this landmark RPG series to be released for the PlayStation2. The main characters are Tidus, a star of blitzball (a hugely popular sport in the Final Fantasy universe), and Yuna, who has learned the art of summoning and controlling aeons, powerful spirits of yore. These two people of different backgrounds must work together as they journey through the world of Spira. This installment of Final Fantasy has a distinctly Asian influence, bringing a fresh feel to the characters, music, settings, and story.

Features include voice-overs for the first time in the series (utilizing the Facial Motion System), high-polygon, motion-captured player characters designed by Tetsuya Nomura, and a camera that automatically adjusts its perspective to correspond with the movements of the characters--a feature now possible because the game is largely polygonal.

On his return to the neighborhood, a couple of corrupt cops frame him for homicide. CJ is forced on a journey that takes him across the entire state of San Andreas, to save his family andto take control of the streets. Liberty City. Vice City. Now San Andreas, a new chapter in the legendary series. Grand Theft Auto returns to the PlayStation 2 this October.

It may not be a splashy leap forward, but Rockstar Games' Grand Theft Auto: San Andreas in its own deep, dark way does just as much to move and revolutionize video games as its two predecessors, Grand Theft Auto III and Grand Theft Auto: Vice City. As in previous installments, here you play as a thug with problems you must steal and shoot your way out of, but the problems this time are disconcertingly more realistic. You play as Carl Johnson, known on the street as CJ, a likeable criminal type who has just returned to his hometown, Los Santos (a fictionalized Los Angeles), to find that his mother has been murdered and that the police have framed him for another murder. Reunions with his friends and a troubled relationship with his brother set off a sprawling, complex plot line, taking place at first in the immediate Los Santos area but eventually spilling into San Fierro (based on San Francisco) and Las Venturas (Las Vegas).

You play as Carl Johnson, known on the street as CJ.

This is an honest effort to create an engaging story about sympathetic characters caught up in a brutal environment that is on par with a movie or novel.

Gaming Gangsters

Where Vice City took its cues, with tongue firmly in cheek, from the 1980s television series Miami Vice, San Andreas is a sincere homage to early 1990s innercity gangster films like Menace 2 Society and Boyz `N the Hood. This is an honest effort to create an engaging story about sympathetic characters caught up in a brutal environment that is on par with a movie or novel. If that effort hits a few flat notes (you would have to be totally desensitized not to wonder if it's OK to make entertainment out of driveby shootings), it may also mark the first step toward video games growing up. The first thing that fans of earlier GTA games will notice is the range of action is much wider now: Along with shooting, running, and driving, there's now swimming, eating, working out, shopping, and, yes, getting a haircut. All this means the game has a fairly steep learning curve. But, though the pick-up-and-play appeal of Grand Theft Auto III may be long gone, your access to the action becomes fairly transparent after a little practice. My only serious complaint is that, with the controller now crowded with such previously unheard-of functions like "Gang Active" and "Talk Positive," you can drive only with the left analog stick. A minor point, but it makes cars a lot more difficult to handle.

Bicycles take on a surprisingly central role.

Vehicular Variety

It would be hard to surpass the variety of automobiles available in earlier games, and San Andreas wisely does not for the most part try to compete on that score. Instead, it's bicycles of all things that steal the show. The bikes' speed and flexibility are perfect for many of the missions, and there is something about cruising through the streets and basketball courts on a BMX that just feels right. If you play far enough into the game, you will also be rewarded with the chance to fly a number of aircraft, and flying is something Rockstar makes a greater effort to get right this time (welcome news for anyone who struggled with the planes and `copters of the earlier games).

Lackluster Graphics--but a Real Feel

Graphics--never a huge priority for Rockstar--actually take a step backward from the luscious, tropical look of Vice City. Textures are rendered with only a cursory attention to detail, and contours are often blocky. It scarcely matters, though, because no matter how San Andreas looks, it feels real. This is due in no small part to voice work by an all-star cast including Samuel L. Jackson, Ice T, James Woods, Peter Fonda, and Outkast's Big Boy and a stellar soundtrack with tunes by Soundgarden, 2Pac, Public Enemy, and even a few country classics from the likes of Willie Nelson. But it's not just realistic, San Andreas is also vast, encompassing three big urban centers and huge swaths of rural land (complete with shotgun-toting farmers) between them. This vastness does mean, however, that there can be a lot of tedious driving to get to the missions, which, along with some awkward sequencing of the cut scenes (they are in places stacked one on top of the other), means that there is a bit too much downtime. But never mind the quibbles. Ladies and gentlemen, we have another classic on our hands. --David Stoesz

Pros:

• Astonishingly vast game space
• Vivid character development
• Complex, engaging plot
• Enormous range of available actions

Cons:

• Occasionally awkward game design
• You can no longer steer cars with the directional buttons
• Steep learning curve

What's Your Strategy?
Get mission strategies and detailed maps to achieve every objective with the Grand Theft Auto: San Andreas Official Strategy Guide.

Star Wars Battlefront II takes the best-selling Star Wars® video game of all time one Imperial-walker step forward with all-new space bat playable Jedi and never-before-seen environments straight out of the Star Wars: Episode III Revenge of the Sith movie. Fans of the original Star Wars Battlefront will also enjoy an all-new single-player experience that takes players through an epic story-based saga where every action the player takes impacts the battlefront and ultimately the fate of the Star Wars galaxy.Star Wars Battlefront II improves upon the original game s single-player experience with open-ended mission-based objectives inspired from all six Star Wars films. The pelling storyline spans more than 16 new locations many from the Episode III movie including volcanic Mustafar and the space battle above Coruscant. All-new classic movie moments plete the Star Wars Battlefront II experience as players battle within the interior of the Death Star and visit Princess Leia s blockade runner the Tantive IV as seen at the beginning of Episode IV A New Hope. In addition at certain key moments within the battles players can earn the opportunity to wield a lightsaber and use the Force as a Jedi.For the first time ever Star Wars Battlefront II players can engage in space bat and during the same battle board enemy ships to attack from within. Starting on foot inside a capital ship players can enter the starcraft of their choice and travel into space to dogfight with the rival faction. From there they can dock within the enemy s capital ship overtake the ship s mand posts man its turrets to disable its shields and destroy it from within! Or they can simply stay inside their own capital ship and defend it from attacks and enemy fire. The choice is theirs.The stellar online play that marked the original Battlefront returns even bigger and better for Star Wars Battlefront II. Players can locate their buddies and track their stats as they battle alongside more player

Taking place two years after Yuna's fateful journey to defeat Sin the once chaotic world of Spira hasgone through a massive transformation entering a period of "Eternal Calm". The people of Spira now shun the teachings of Yevon and have opened their arms to former foes the Al Bhed and the use of machina. The Machine Faction aims to propagate the use of machina in Spira going as far as renaming "machina" to "machines" to remove the stigma. However even with the peaceful life they now live there is an emptiness in Yuna's heart that is keeping her from moving on as the others have.One day Yuna obtains a mystical sphere that contains imagery of what might be the Blitzball player shethought was gone forever. Although Yuna isn't certain that it is him or if he is even alive she's driven toseek him out. Yuna needs closure to their unexpected parting even if only to find that she will never seehim again. So begins her journey...Format: PS2 Genre: RPG (VG)/ Rating: T - Teen UPC: 662248903057 Manufacturer No: 90305

CL) AA)PS2 GRAND THEFT AUTO VICE

How big is this game? Even publicists for other games end up talking about Vice City when they call our office, babbling in the same helplessly intoxicated way that afflicts everyone who plays it. The achievement of Vice City (which, as everyone knows by now, is set in the 1980s and offers an all-new, Miami Vice-inspired story) is not only that it manages to live up to an absurd level of expectation, but that it takes the game places that fans of its predecessor Grand Theft Auto 3 never dreamed of, and that it achieves this astonishing level of innovation without losing anything that made GTA3 the bestselling PS2 game of all time.

After a brilliant homage to the era of the Commodore 64 in the opening credits, the first thing you'll notice is the improved graphics, which are smoother and more detailed, and--with effects like neon lights reflected on rain-slick streets, and intense Florida sunlight--have a lush, tropical look that immediately gives you a strong sense of place. The architecture is more fabulous by tenfold, with art deco buildings, high-rise hotels, and believably seedy back alleys. The control scheme is essentially the same as in GTA3, but the cars handle much better, and in pedestrian mode there is a new crouch move. You will have access to fast, great-handling cars right away, as opposed to GTA3 which made you unlock the second island before you could get your hands on any respectable wheels. This game has such riches to offer that there is no need to be chintzy with the vehicles.

Cops are more vigilant this time--minor offenses like whacking innocent bystanders will more often than not get you a two-star wanted level--and are harder to elude (though they still can't seem to climb stairs or negotiate sharp turns). So while free-roaming exploration is as fun as ever, there is more incentive to perform the missions instead of randomly raising hell. Not that that's a bad thing: even lazy criminals like myself (in GTA3, I would rather toss hand grenades into traffic than follow orders from some rude Mafia boss) will be quickly caught up in the vivid characters and hilarious, fascinating story, in which you play an acid-washed-jeans-wearing thug named Tommy Vercetti. Where in GTA3 missions were blocky, schematic affairs only nominally connected to the story, this time tasks move the story briskly along and deftly blend cinematics and game action. For example, there is a scene of a character throwing Tommy a gun, at which point you are suddenly thrown back into the action and must make an instant decision about whom to trust and what to do.

There are more, and more detailed, indoor environments, including a hotel, police station, and mall (a slight downside to this is that some of the more elaborate indoor environments require load times). The layout of the city, with tons of backyards, narrow alleys, and fire escapes, encourages creativity when eluding pursuit, as does greater access to rooftops. Get your motorcycle up the fire escape and a whole new world of action is possible, including... well, use your imagination.

This overview barely scratches the surface of the Vice City experience, its colorful explosion of music, clothes, combat, and brilliant voice acting, not to mention the plot twist midway through the game that changes the very nature of the game itself. Though it was the outrageous, amoral violence that got all the press, the essential genius of GTA3 was its intoxicating blend of script and open-ended action. In Vice City this is--to use a cliché that is for once apropos--taken to a whole new level. --David Stoesz

Pros:

• Astonishing, innovative gameplay
• Godlike attention to detail
• Opportunity to drive on the beach at midnight listening to the Human League's "Fascination"

Con:

• More load times

Shin Megami Tensei: Nocturne is a continuation of the popular role-playing series, set in our modern world. It's an average day, as a typical Japanese high school student goes to the hospital, for a visit with his sick teacher. While on the train, he gets a mysterious vision that the Apocalypse is coming. Arriving at the hospital, the boy is sucked into a Vortex Field, into a dark mirror-image of his world. When he learns our world is ending to make room for this new one, he'll do what he can to get back home and (hopefully) stop the Apocalypse.

Dragon Quest™ VIII: Journey of the Cursed King™ is the latest installment of the immenselypopular Dragon Quest series and the first to be released for the PlayStation®2 computerentertainment system. For the first time ever the colorful characters exotic environments anddaunting dungeons of the Dragon Quest universe have made the transition to glorious 3D.In their continent-spanning adventure players will be immersed in a unique world of seeminglylimitless possibilities.Format: PS2 Genre: RPG (VG)/ Rating: T - Teen UPC: 662248905013 Manufacturer No: 90501

Max Payne's wife and baby daughter were slain by junkies hopped up on a dangerous new synthetic drug. For three years, Max has worked undercover to find the source of these drugs, and, just when he's almost got it figured out, somebody ices his superior and pins the murder on him. Now it's payback time as Max faces off against the Mob, the police, and much, much worse. Max Payne has jumped from the computer screen to the PlayStation2 and there's going to be hell to pay.

Max Payne uses extremely realistic graphics to showcase a gritty film-noir-inspired New York City. Payne stalks subways, tenements, nightclubs, and even government installations as he takes his vengeance out on a horde of gun-toting bad guys. Taking a page from the visual style of famed director John Woo, as well as The Matrix, Max Payne lets the player launch into a slow-motion mode generally known as "bullet time," which makes dodging enemy fire and dishing out your own return fire a breeze, all while leaping side to side. While this looks extremely cool to do, it also evens the odds and can only be used for limited amounts of time, making it a strategic as well as aesthetic option.

And speaking of aesthetics, the game is packed with exciting moments, weapons, and locations, even if the enemies get a little redundant after a while. The level design ranges from inspired (a multilevel parking garage) to humdrum (a warehouse) and several levels actually take place in the twisted wonderland of the hero's warped psyche. The graphics are state of the art, though admittedly the PlayStation2 doesn't have the power to render them as well as the Xbox or PC, but most people won't notice the difference. The introduction scenes consist of painted photos presented in graphic-novel style, which is a stylistic choice that pays dividends, even though the writing is hilariously bad and the voice acting is, if possible, even worse.

Needless to say, all this is violent, disturbing, and not at all for the kids. Pay attention to the Mature rating; it's not there for decoration. --Bob Andrews

Pros:

• Photorealistic graphics
• Fantastic cinematic action

Cons:

• Terrible writing
• Even worse voice acting

Max Payne is a stylish, urban, revenge-driven action game based in New York City's grimy underground. A groundbreaking rendering engine allows for heart-stopping, photorealistic visuals and breathtaking movie-quality effects as Max Payne fights his way to uncover the truth. The game combines elements from Hollywood action thrillers with the latest in video game technology to deliver a highly original gameplay experience.

Max Payne is the game where your life has fallen apart in a New York minute, and you have to get revenge before you can move on. Dark and gritty just went to a whole new level!

Katamari Damacy is a silly, colorful and occasionally hysterical game that's become a hit in Japan. Now it's arrived here and it's unusual gameplay and one-of-a-kind design will make gamers laugh and play for hours! When the King of All Cosmos accidentally destroys the stars in the sky, he orders his pint-sized princely son, to put the twinkle back in the heavens. He decides to do this by rolling everything and anything on earth into clumps, so he can replace what's missing in space.

Product Features Devour your enemies and absorb their devastating powers and special abilities Explore a gritty sci-fi world brought to life with breathtaking cel-shaded graphics Take part in a battle system that will satisfy even the most hardened gamers Customize and develop your characters using the unique Mantra Flow system Play through more than 50 hours of story Digital Devil Saga 2 continues the story from the first hit. Serf and his companions from the Embryon tribe set out for Nirvana. In the midst of chaos, a mysterious object, the Pod, suddenly appears. Countless spheres of light are emitted by the Pod and infect Serf and his comrades, awakening their demonic powers. An unimaginable battle unfolds within, as they fight a new desire to tear the flesh and shatter the bones of their enemies, who have also been transformed. Who will emerge victorious as everyone struggles with their own demons? \

Max Payne 2: The Fall of Max Payne brings back the film-noir and gritty gaming of the popular anti-hero, Max Payne -- a good cop who turns his back on the law, and goes after revenge. Cinematic twists and turn as you follow an incredible plot and uncover the secrets of Max Payne's past

Fatal Frame 2: Crimson Butterfly is a new journey into fear, with the terrifying themes and feel that made the first fatal Frame such a hit! When Mio and her sister Mayu return to their old hometown, they follow a strangely glowing crimson butterfly deep into the forest. There, they discover an abandoned village that hides an ancient, horrifying secret.

Street Fighter Anniversary Collection is an all-encompassing fighting, bringing home the classic 2D side-scrolling action you went nuts for in the arcades. This collection has multiple characters and character variations found throughout the series.

Black playstation 2 slim. 2 wire connecting playstation 2 controllers

MODEL- 27807 VENDOR- TAKE-TWO FEATURES- Bully PS2 You are not going to take it anymore. From edgy publisher Rockstar's Vancouver development team comes this dark comedy set in the most vile and sadistic setting yet in a Rockstar videogame: the schoolyard. As a troublesome schoolboy you will laugh and cringe as you stand up to bullies get picked on by teachers play pranks on malicious kids win or lose the girl and ultimately learn to navigate the obstacles of the fictitious reform school Bullworth Academy. -- SPECIFICATIONs ---------------------------------------ESRB Rating : T for TeenGenre/Category : Action/AdvetureSystem : Playstation 2Number of Players : 1On-Line Compatible: No

For far too long, the bullies of Bullworth Academy have been stealing lunch money and making life miserable for students. For far too long, you've taken a back seat as nerds were taunted and put on display. And for far too long nobody has put the bullies in their place. Finally, the time for sweet revenge is here! The Rockstar tradition of groundbreaking, original gameplay and humorous tongue-in-cheek storytelling invades an entirely new setting: the schoolyard. As a mischievous schoolboy, you'll stand up to bullies, get picked on by teachers, play pranks, win or lose the girl, and ultimately learn to navigate the obstacles of the worst school around, Bullworth Academy - a corrupt and crumbling prep school with an uptight facade.

The joy of cliques. View larger.

Payback comes at the most unlikely times. View larger.

Don't put anything past the brilliant nerds. View larger.

Preppie or jock, which will you choose?. View larger.

Life at the academy
The story follows Jimmy Hopkins, a teenager who's been expelled from every school he's ever attended. Left to fend for himself after his mother abandons him at Bullworth to go on her fifth honeymoon, Jimmy has a whole year at Bullworth ahead of him, working his way up the social ladder of this demented institution of supposed learning, standing up for what he thinks is right and taking on the liars, cheats and snobs who are the most popular members of the student body and faculty. If Jimmy can survive the school year and outsmart his rivals, he could rule the school.

Using the "living sandbox" game style similar to Rockstar's previous titles, players complete goals and experiment with items in the game world. A rival may dare you to drop a firecracker into a toilet or scare some sense into the kid who took your lunch money. Don't spend too much time roaming the halls, however, as you may actually be punished for skipping out on important classes. Choices you make outside of school will also impact how friends and foes in the school view you after you buy new clothes and sport a new haircut.

Mini games abound
Bullworth Academy pride themselves in rigidly sticking to the curriculum at all times, to this end consistent truancy will result in punishment. The esteemed staff of the Academy, though occasionally questionable in their recreational habits, ensure that the pupils have a firm grounding in the key academic subjects. Alongside the strict principals of loyalty, trust and ruthless ambition that are ingrained in every pupil in the academy by the principal Dr Crabblesnitch, core subjects include English, Gym, Shop Class, Photography, Art and Chemistry. Each subject comprises a series of five tests to be passed with flying colors. Of course on passing each test a due reward, in the form of gameplay features will be earned by the player. Bullworth Academy's educational system is provided through a host of exciting and innovative mini games lovingly developed by Rockstar Vancouver to accompany the main storyline of Bully.

Do a double clique
Just like any other crumbling prep school, Bullworth Academy has its cliques. You'll have to choose whether to side with football jocks, well-dressed preppies, or try to turn them against each other while you laugh at the antics with your fellow greasers. Clique membership becomes even more exciting as your clique rises to the head of the class- making a name for themselves and striking fear into the hearts of those who might cross you. Don't be surprised if some cliques offer up some surprises, as those bug-eyed nerds just may have the scientific know how to create weaponry that can keep those bullies at bay.

Ready yourself for a hilarious return to campus living with Bully, the outrageously funny debut title from Rockstar Vancouver, available exclusively for PlayStation2 computer entertainment system.

Fatal Frame 3: The Tormented is a haunting Japanese style horror game where nightmares become reality. A young woman named Rei is having twisted nightmares. These dark dreams take her to the "House of Sleep", where she encounters hideously tortured souls who are being overtaken by a curse. Meanwhile, a deadly tattoo and deadllier secrets of life and death are waiting to destory her, unless she is quick enough to stop it. But Rei's dreams is only the beginning of the nightmare, making Fatal Frame III: The Tormented the most terrifying virtual experience to date.

Description:
Based on a true story, Fatal Frame recounts Miku's investigation for her brother Mafuyu, who has been missing for two weeks. Her latest clue leads her to the abandoned Himuro mansion, a place that local townsfolk fear. Gifted with a supernatural sixth sense, you'll guide Miku as she explores the areas in the mansion where Mafuyu was last seen investigating the disappearance of three other people. Armed with only a camera, you must discover the connection between mysterious disappearances, restless spirits, and ritual sacrifices.

With a couple of exceptions, the PlayStation2 has been starved for quality survival horror games. Thank goodness then for the arrival of Fatal Frame, with its mix of Japanese mythology, atmospheric graphics, and freaky sound effects.

The game tells the tale of a young girl searching for her missing brother in a cursed mansion--all fairly straightforward stuff. Fans of the genre will feel right at home as the backstory is quickly filled out, allowing the process of ghost hunting to begin--and unlike the comic lunacy of the GameCube's Luigi's Mansion, the spooks and specters here are of a very adult nature. Screaming and moaning accompany the arrival of the ghosts, and they don't shut up until they're "killed"--an act that requires a camera. Fatal Frame eschews pistols and shotguns in favor of a celluloid-death approach, which makes sense given the fact that the opposition are well beyond the living to begin with. In camera mode, the heroine's faithful Box Brownie pops up in a first-person style and it's necessary to keep the ghoul within the focusing reticule in order to drain maximum power from it. It sounds a little lame, but in practice it works well and is an effective way of explaining just how to "shoot" ghosts.

The plot development is nicely done, and there are a host of puzzles to solve that are well balanced and never get too tough, but it's the graphics and sound work that really make Fatal Frame special. Cutscenes are rendered in a variety of styles designed to increase the tension, and the sparse soundtrack works wonders when it kicks in. While it's not the strongest title in the PS2's gaming arsenal, it'll certainly keep survival horror fans busy until the next installment of Silent Hill rolls around--remember, though, it's best played with the sound up loud, in the dark, on your own... --Chris Russell

Fatal Frame, a horror-adventure game, leaves its victims breathless as they become immersed in a world of supernatural spirits and sheer terror. Guided by her sixth sense and armed only with an antique camera, Miku sets out to solve the mystery of her brother's sudden disappearance. As the story unfolds, she discovers gruesome details about the Himura mansion's troubled past. The property and surrounding area have a dark history involving grisly murders, an evil cult, and restless spirits.

Dragonball Z: Budokai 3 takes you beyond the earlier Dragon Ball Z sagas. Experience the full force of the most powerful fighters in the universe, in a challenge like no other. Discover a new "Dragon World", wilder match-ups and amazing new missions -- and see if your martial skills will prevail against deadly new villains!

This sequel features an enhanced health damage system, an upgraded weapons system, all-new character design, and gladiator-style arena battles.

This sequel features an enhanced health damage system, an upgraded weapons system, all-new character design, and gladiator-style arena battles.

Gamers looking for intellectual horror will find it in Silent Hill 2. As the story opens, James Sunderland receives a letter from his wife telling him to meet her in the town of Silent Hill. The only problem is that she's been dead for three years. In hopes of reuniting with her, Sunderland explores the haunted town, where he has many terrifying and unexpected encounters. While the brilliantly designed monsters are indeed scary, it's the complex twists and turns of the plot that really produce the game's terror.

The gameplay is largely puzzle based. Much of it involves gathering clues and items to solve each puzzle. A few fights are thrown in, but these are quite easy, and are mostly used to show off the developers' bizarre creations. The level of both puzzles and fighting can be adjusted to match each player's skill level. Although its mechanics are rudimentary, the game's presentation is anything but. A heavy use of fog is the game's hallmark effect, greatly adding to the mood. Sound--both effects and music--alternates between eerie silence and sudden, shocking crescendos.

Although the graphics and sound are both topnotch, the real star of this game is the story. It's very rich and intricate--a sharp contrast to the banal scenarios that frame most games. Although the game is short (around 10 hours), players will want to give it another go to discover its multiple endings and secret items. Despite basic gameplay, Silent Hill 2 is an excellent choice for gamers looking for cerebral thrills. Parents should note that in addition to violence and gore, this game deals with such topics as suicide, homicide, and euthanasia. --Raymond M. Padilla

Pros:

• Scary and stylish graphics
• Excellent cutscenes
• Effective sound effects and music
• Original creature design

Cons:

• Unchallenging combat
• Too much item fetching
• Story might be too complicated for some

With its Poe-like atmosphere, dense fog, pitch-black hallways, and a cryptic letter from a dead wife, Silent Hill 2 promises to surpass the paranoia created by its predecessor, Silent Hill.

The sequel opens with James Sunderland, the series' average joe protagonist, and a mysterious message that reads, "Silent Hill, our sanctuary of memories. I'll be waiting for you there." More puzzling is that the note is signed by Mary, his deceased wife.

James sets out for Silent Hill hopeful that he'll find a trace of Mary. After an aborted attempt by car, James plunges into the dank fog and embarks on his quest by foot. Enter Angela, a woman who bears a striking resemblance to Mary, and who also beckons him with another curious message. It seems James can't go back; strange things are happening in Silent Hill.

Silent Hill 2 offers 10 new formidable foes, plenty of puzzles, and bone-chilling gameplay. The sequel's new story and characters promise to thrill and terrify. The visual and sound effects are amazingly detailed and macabre, and, if you're playing on a system with surround sound, you may find yourself keeping the lights on.

Gamers looking for intellectual horror will find it in Silent Hill 2. As the story opens, James Sunderland receives a letter from his wife telling him to meet her in the town of Silent Hill. The only problem is that she's been dead for three years. In hopes of reuniting with her, Sunderland explores the haunted town, where he has many terrifying and unexpected encounters. While the brilliantly designed monsters are indeed scary, it's the complex twists and turns of the plot that really produce the game's terror. The gameplay is largely puzzle based. Much of it involves gathering clues and items to solve each puzzle. A few fights are thrown in, but these are quite easy, and are mostly used to show off the developers' bizarre creations. The level of both puzzles and fighting can be adjusted to match each player's skill level. Although its mechanics are rudimentary, the game's presentation is anything but. A heavy use of fog is the game's hallmark effect, greatly adding to the mood. Sound--both effects and music--alternates between eerie silence and sudden, shocking crescendos. Although the graphics and sound are both topnotch, the real star of this game is the story. It's very rich and intricate--a sharp contrast to the banal scenarios that frame most games. Although the game is short (around 10 hours), players will want to give it another go to discover its multiple endings and secret items. Despite basic gameplay, Silent Hill 2 is an excellent choice for gamers looking for cerebral thrills. Parents should note that in addition to violence and gore, this game deals with such topics as suicide, homicide, and euthanasia. --Raymond M. Padilla Pros: Scary and stylish graphics Excellent cutscenes Effective sound effects and music Original creature design

Greatest Hits Killzone Playstation 2

Scarface: The World Is Yours takes you into a complicated world of excess and greed. You'll become Tony Montana, one of the most ruthless gangsters ever depicted on film. The original screenwriter has created an all-new storyline that authentically recreates the historical time period of the film, and gives you the chance to live out the events of the film -- or change them and create a new life story for the famous gangster.

Everything you Feared! Includes New footage - Never before seen cut scenes. Playstation 2.

A port of the Dreamcast hit, the PlayStation2 version of Resident Evil: Code Veronica X offers the same fantastic survival-horror adventure with some improvements in the graphics department. This update also includes some nifty bonuses: 10 minutes of additional cutscenes and a demo of Devil May Cry. Taking place after Resident Evil 2, the game puts players in control of Claire Redfield as she continues to search for her brother and investigates the ominous Umbrella Corporation. Players also occasionally play as a partner character during the hours of puzzle solving and zombie killing. Parents should take note that this is an M-rated title filled with blood, gore, and violence.

Though the game's outstanding graphics are even better than in the Dreamcast version, the camera is still annoying. The jerky and awkward controls--a problem throughout the series--add to the player's frustration. Despite these problems, this is still one of the best of all survival-horror games, and a fine specimen of interactive storytelling. But veterans of the series will find nothing new and will be irritated by the same old problems. This game is best for players with limited or no experience with the series. --Raymond M. Padilla

Pros:

• Awesome cutscenes
• Compelling story
• Devil May Cry demo

Cons:

• Awful control scheme
• Troublesome camera
• Tedious puzzles

Resident Evil: Code Veronica X comes with a bonus playable demo ofDevil May Cry.

Resident Evil: Code Veronica X begins as Claire Redfield leaves Raccoon City for the European headquarters of the Umbrella Corporation to search for her brother Chris and solve the mystery surrounding Umbrella Corporation's dreaded biotoxins. She is captured during her investigation and sent to a prison on a desolate island.

In Resident Evil: Code Veronica X, players control Claire at the beginning of the game, and later assume the role of Chris Redfield in their efforts to halt Umbrella's devious plans. One of the many features that make Code Veronica X different from previous Resident Evil games is the Real World System (RWS). Now when Claire affects changes to her environment (opening doors, solving puzzles, storing items), those changes remain while you play the second half of the game as Chris.

Resident Evil: Code Veronica X contains never-before-seen footage that focuses on battles between Chris and the enigmatic Wesker, and sheds new insight into the ominous Resident Evil story line. To her horror, Claire discovers Umbrella Corporation's insidious activities are not isolated to the remote Midwestern city. Flesh-eating zombies, horrific beasts, and even stranger mutations have spread on a global scale. Just how far does this twisted conspiracy extend? Nope.

In SOCOM 3: U.S. Navy SEALs, you'll get as close as a civilian can possibly get to realistic warfare, as conducted by a SEAL team. Defend America from the various forces which threaten it, as you use new weapons and tactics in an increasingly hostile world. Featuring larger maps, land and water vehicles you can pilot and an innovative new weapon customization system, you'll feel like a veteran when you're done. New swimming and water combat tactics - Use water for cover or pilot strike boats for waterborne assaults Larger maps provide much more varied and rich gameplay experience - multiple mission paths bring replayability and variety to single-player mode Advanced particle and graphic effects for more realistic weaponry, environments, and equipment

Cooperative play is more important than ever as players can now work together to perform devastating special combos. Intricate levels and enchanting characters are all a feast for the eyes. Again, do battle with the dreaded undead legions in the continuation of Gauntlet Legends! Live up to your status as a Legend with Gauntlet Dark Legacy!

With the Dual Shock 2 Controller for PS2 let you customize your gaming experience and enjoy it more comfortably than ever! Color - Green

The layout of PlayStation2's Dual Shock 2 controller is nearly identical to that of the original PlayStation's Dual Shock controller, which is good news for most gamers. The main new feature is that, when the buttons are pushed, the controller can register how much pressure is being exerted. This adds a completely new dimension to sports, racing, fighting, and more games. Aside from the Start and Select buttons, all of the functions are analog for greater control, a wider variety of operations, and a more compelling interactive experience. Two convex analog thumb pads and two force-feedback solenoid rumblers round out the features. This controller is also compatible with all software that supports the original Dual Shock controller.

Call Of Duty: Finest Hour leads you back into the World War, where you will experience epic battlefield moments in the war's most legendary conflicts. Fight alongside ordinary men who fought and died for freedom and changed the world.

In the 3rd chapter of the .hack saga, "The World" continues to deteriorate as the virus spreads out of control. As the outlaw player, Kite, you must choose your strategy wisely. Not only is the OUTBREAK affecting "The World" in the game, but now repercussions are being felt in the real world too. Is there a way to stop this OUTBREAK? Where does

The Baldur's Gate series redefined and reinvigorated the PC role-playing scene, and now Interplay brings it to the PlayStation2. Don't be fooled, however. This isn't a traditional role-playing game, but rather a fun, wall-to-wall action hack 'n' slash adventure in the mold carved by Gauntlet and the storied Diablo games--one that nonetheless conforms to the Advanced Dungeons & Dragons Third Edition rule set.

Baldur's Gate: Dark Alliance casts you as one of three basic characters: an elf sorceress, a human archer, or a dwarf fighter. From there, you're set free inside a huge Dungeons & Dragons world replete with dungeons, forests, ice caves, and much more. Naturally, it's all filled to the brim with horrible monsters, wicked traps, treasures, and fabled magical weapons. As you go, you're constantly rewarded with new weaponry, new monsters to fight, and experience points you can put into your character stats to grow even more powerful. You can swap equipment in an inventory "paper doll" screen; those changes will be reflected in your onscreen character, so you'll start with simple weapons and a drab appearance, and you'll end up a big, mean superhero at the conclusion.

The graphics are simply wonderful, and the controls are accurate, responsive, and fun to use--which is necessary for the constant hacking and slashing required. The game is all the more fun when you recruit a buddy and play the game in cooperative mode. --Bob Andrews

Pros:

• Fast, furious fun with great graphics
• It's even more fun with a friend!

Cons:

• Might disappoint PC Baldur's Gate fans looking for something deeper

Baldur's Gate: Dark Alliance combines fast-paced action and adventure in the popular world of Baldur's Gate. It features an epic tale of intrigue, alliances, explosive spell effects, and highly detailed creatures and environments, and allows for both single- and two-player cooperative play. Characters are customizable, each with unique powers, appearance, and abilities. This is the first console game to feature Dungeons & Dragons, 3rd Edition rules in real time. The game features Dolby Digital sound, comprehensive voice acting, and a completely original soundtrack.

Baldur's Gate: Dark Alliance takes you into the world of Dungeons and Dragons in a thrilling new action game!