XBox Action and Adventure Games

Halo 2 returns you to the role of the Master Chief - still humanity's best weapon against the Covenant. Their defeat at Halo was only temporary, and they are pursuing their goal - the complete obliteration of humankind - with renewed zeal. Human military forces are exhausted and unable to stave off the Covenant's rapid advance toward Earth.

Halo 2 is one of those rare video games that garnishes attention from regular folk who wouldn't know which direction to point a game controller. With more than 1.5 million pre-orders and a massive release party in Times Square, the game enjoys the sort of buzz, and sales, generally reserved for boy wizards. But does it merit the hype?

Opening Scene

Halo 2 opens with a cut scene in the Covenant Holy City of High Charity. Much has happened since Master Chief (that's you) created so much havoc for the Covenant in the first Halo, and the Arbiter has much atoning to do for his failures. This first cut scene is long, but the lush graphics, orchestral sound, and polished voice talent for both this and other cut scenes as well as the game itself put most animated television shows to shame.

Much has happened since Master Chief created so much havoc for the Covenant in the first Halo, and the Arbiter has much atoning to do.

In the end, though, Halo 2 is unabashedly a first-person shooter. It has a Mature rating and is not meant for kids. Gameplay is constant and intense. No sooner is one bunch of aliens taken care of than another descends. The controls are identical to the first game so those familiar with it will be up and blasting in no time. And the sound and graphics have been beefed up so that Halo 2 is undoubtedly one of the most beautiful console games available.

Opening Fire

Most of the weapons from the first game return, although strangely the MA5B Assault Rifle (the default weapon in the first game) is not available. There is a single melee weapon known as the Covenant Sword, but the controls for it are the same as that for all the shooter weapons, making it difficult to direct. Also, for a new twist, you can hold two of the smaller guns at the same time and shoot double-fisted.

As for vehicles, the old favorites are back and joined by a few new, mostly Covenant wheeled monsters. Some improvements have been made to the AI so that the nonplayer characters can drive without running into too many obstacles while you man the turret. This improved AI also has enemies ducking for cover, and the banter from both the Marines and the bad guys has undergone massive improvements so that it no longer sounds quite so repetitive.

On Your Own

The most significant change in the single-player game is with Master Chief's much-touted defensive suit. At the beginning of the game, he is told that the suit has been upgraded, but it's really undergone a severe downgrade. In Halo 2, the player has only one lifeline. Unlike in the first game, there is basically no defensive shield on the suit, making gameplay tougher. It can often take multiple--sometimes a maddening number--attempts to make it through thorny parts of the game.

Or with a Friend

Finally, no review of a Halo game is complete without mentioning multiplayer. One of the main reasons to buy Halo 2 is the ability to play through Xbox Live, a feature not included in the first game, which was among the original releases for the Xbox. Multiplayer for Halo 2 uses all of the same weapons and vehicles as in the single-player game, and the types of games available in Halo (King of the Hill, Slayer, Capture the Flag) return with a host of new maps. Multiplayer Halo 2 offers customizable profiles, control layout, and screens as well as a voice proximity feature, where you can talk with other players via an Xbox Communicator so that those closer to you sound louder than those farther away. Players can also create both permanent clans and temporary parties in the Xbox Live world. Undoubtedly, this multiplayer feature alone ensures that Halo 2 will remain a top-selling game for years to come. --David Morel

Pros:

• Lush graphics and orchestral sound
• Constant, thumping shoot-'em-up action
• Multiplayer available through Xbox live

Cons:

• Suit downgrade makes single-player often overly difficult
• Get ready for some bleary-eyed mornings

Bent on humankind's extermination, a powerful fellowship of alien races known as the Covenant is wiping out the Earth's fledgling interstellar empire. You and the other surviving defenders of a devastated colony-world make a desperate attempt to lure the alien fleet away from Earth. Shot down and marooned on the ancient ring-world, Halo, you begin a guerilla-war against the Covenant. Fight for humanity against an alien onslaught as you race to uncover the mysteries of Halo.
Halo takes you deep into the future, with the fate of planet Earth hanging on your shooting skills. After a massive battle, only one ship is left and its crew is stranded on an abandoned space station. You must do whatever it takes to keep the Covenant from reaching Earth.

Experience the ultimate Halo challenge with all-new online multiplayer for up to 16 players. Take on the world in any of the 15 multiplayer maps including 6 brand new maps never before seen. Unleash destruction with incredible weapons and vehicles including brand new armaments for intense online multiplayer games. Voted Game Of The Year by IGN.com, Electonic Gaming Monthly, and Xbox Magazine.

More often than not, when a game is in development for more than three years, it does not live up to the hype. Bungie's Halo is the exception. Not only does it meet expectations, it greatly exceeds them. This sci-fi first-person shooter is a nearly perfect blend of gameplay, graphics, and sound.

The story revolves around the conflict between humans and an alien race known as the Covenant. The aliens have discovered a powerful artifact--on the ring-shaped planet called Halo--that will shift the balance of power, and it's up to the player to stop them. In addition to several first-person-shooter levels, the game offers numerous opportunities to engage in vehicular combat. Both the enemy and allied artificial intelligence are extremely impressive. Enemies will use the terrain and layout to put you in tight spots. Allies will know when to cover and aid you. For instance, if you hop into a jeep, an ally will know to jump in and man the turret on the back of it.

The graphics are exquisitely detailed, but only move at 30 frames per second rather than 60. The sound effects and voice acting are superb. The level design is among the best ever; most of the game is engaging and challenging without being frustrating. There's also high replay value thanks to the built-in single-player, cooperative, and deathmatch modes.

Much like the outstanding GoldenEye 007 for Nintendo 64, Halo raises the bar for console first-person shooters. All console action games will be measured against Halo for years to come. --Raymond M. Padilla

Pros:

• Outstanding game design
• High replay value
• Impressive AI

Cons:

• Several maps are used multiple times
• Save functions could have been better implemented
• Graphics move at 30 frames per second, not 60

This action shooter takes place on a mysterious alien world. It offers a combination of team-based first-person-shooter gameplay (reminiscent of Tribes) and third-person vehicle combat elements. Gameplay kicks off with the player heading down to the planet's surface in a troop carrier, à la Aliens. As the player and fellow marines exit, the remaining troopers form a flank in reaction to an oncoming onslaught of human and alien enemies.

It's this smart AI system that makes for a noticeably unique gameplay feel. Another very nice feature is the seamless transition into vehicular elements. As you venture through mission objectives, a variety of enemy flyers and on-ground buggies are yours for the taking. Come across a vehicle and the camera will pull back to a third-person view as you strap in and motor through crossfire. A co-op mode allows a friend to join you in the single-player missions. For chaotic fighting action, up to four players can duel in split-screen deathmatch mode or link systems for LAN play. However you choose to hero your way through Halo: Combat Evolved, the action should break in your new Xbox in explosive style.

Star Wars: Battlefront II features a revamped single-player experience that includesmore sophisticated artificial intelligence in both your enemies and allies. Open-ended mission-based objectives allow for an increased emphasis on the story and engage you in a gripping gameplay experience. Wage war in more than 16 new battlefronts on land and space, including many from Episode III: Revenge of the Sith. Go online for challenging multiplayer action that will test your skills even further. Strap in and blast off because the sequel to Star Wars: Battlefront is soaring into a galaxy near you. New space battles let you dogfight in X-wings, TIE fighters, Jedi starfighters and more, as well as fighting it out on foot on an enemy capital ship. Special opportunities throughout the game give you the chance to wield a lightsaber and use your favorite Force powers as a Jedi.

Tom Clancy's Splinter Cell grants players access to the highest echelons of national security, where shadowy operatives have the freedom to do whatever it takes to safeguard America. The player controls Sam Fisher, a field operative of a secretive black-ops NSA sub agency called Third Echelon. Sam Fisher is geared up to infiltrate high-security strongholds, seize critical intelligence, destroy threatening data, and neutralize the enemy--all without leaving a trace.

Tom Clancy's Splinter Cell grants players access to the highest echelons of national security, where shadowy operatives have the freedom to do whatever it takes to safeguard America. The player controls Sam Fisher, a field operative of a secretive black-ops NSA subagency called Third Echelon. Sam Fisher is geared up to infiltrate high-security strongholds, seize critical intelligence, destroy threatening data, and neutralize the enemy--all without leaving a trace.

Splinter Cell Chaos Theory Xbox

Sam Fisher is back for more espionage and intrigue in Splinter Cell: Chaos Theory. All the nail biting about whether to go in "hot" with guns blazing, or to use stealth is back in this new version, plus some amazing improvements. Chaos Theory ups the ante with vastly improved graphics, totally open level design, and coop gameplay.

Fresh from the East Timor operations, Fisher is now put on the front lines of information warfare. The year is 2008 and the world is suffering from citywide blackouts, stock exchange sabotage, and electronic hijacking of national defense systems. The stakes are high and Fisher, as the NSA's most elite black-ops agent, is inserted in operations to aggressively gather intelligence. A wide range of missions call on a lethal mixture of weapons and close range combat. While Chaos Theory demands the same agility and athleticism required in previous Splinter Cell incarnations, some new weapons, gadgets and moves are available, such as the prototype Land Warrior rifle, and the stealthy, but oh-so-deadly inverted neck break.

In addition to an improved graphics engine, physics are enhanced, too. Enhancements like rag doll physics, particle effects, and realistic interaction with the environment make the Splinter Cell experience more immersive than ever. Just as judging your environment was crucial in past Splinter Cell games, Chaos Theory demands that you understand the delicate balance between light and shadow to stay alive.

Chaos Theory offers great replayability in single player mode, thanks to its vast, open level design. There's always more than one way to achieve your objectives. At the beginning of each mission you are given your objectives, but you must choose how to go about completing them. Decisions about stealth versus conflict are yours to make, too. Should you enter a mission with non-lethal weaponry, a host of guns and ammo, or a little bit of both? You decide.

The Splinter Cell franchise is known for its tense, stealth-driven multi-player modes, and Chaos Theory is no exception. This version adds unique cooperative modes where you and your teammates must complete infiltration missions. Try to keep each other alive. Try to thrive in the dark and strike when the moment is right.

Halo 2 Limited Edition For Xbox Limited 2 Disk Set Contains Behind the Scenes making of Halo 2 Making the Game Six Video Featurettes Visualizing the Story (Concept Art Early Level DesignScript to Game info Storyboards) Bonus Material (Trailers Cut Scenes Commentaties ect..) Street Date 11/9 Do Not Sell before Street Date

Star Wars Republic Commando makes you a part of the Empire, as you fight for the Dark Side. Lead a highly-trained 3-man squad deep behind enemy lines. Take on the most brutal enemies with the deadly weapons at your disposal - pit them to good use and prove to the Galaxy why they should fear a Republic Commando.

MODEL- 95575 VENDOR- ELECTRONICS ARTS FEATURES- Star Wars Jedi Knight: Jedi Academy The highly acclaimed Jedi Knight series returns as you follow the path of a new student at Luke Skywalkers Jedi Academy. Continue an ancient tradition and learn the powers-and dangers-of the Force. Completely customize the look of your character. Construct your own lightsaber from handle to blade. And customize your fighting stance-from the classic single-blade to a blade in each hand to the rare and powerful dual-blade. The Force will be with your as you hone your Jedi skills in single player missions or fight it out in multiplayer modes. As a new student of Luke Skywalkers Jedi Academy follow an ancient tradition and learn the powers - and dangers - of the Force. The Force is a powerful ally; use it wisely. * Star Wars Jedi Knight: Jedi Academy allows players to immerse themselves in the classic Star Wars universe as theytake on the role of a student eager to learn the ways of the Force from Master Luke Skywalker. Players will interact with famous classic Star Wars locations and characters while facing the ultimate choice: fight for good and freedom in the light side or follow the path of power and evil to the dark side. * Players can create their own characters by defining various characteristics such as species gender clothing and physical attributes allowing for a more personal experience before entering the academy to learn the powers - and dangers - of the Force. * Construct your own lightsaber from handle to blade color. Utilize two if you prefer or try the ultimate dual-bladed lightsaber made famous by Darth Maul. * Unique tiered level selection allows players to choose their adventure and the missions they take based on the skills they need to become the ultimate Jedi Knight. * Additional multiplayer modes add depth to the Dark Forces/Jedi Knight legacy. Players can partake in a variety of unique modes. * New vehicles weapons and Star Wars environments enhance players S...

Mortal Kombat: Armageddon celebrates the best-selling fighting game by giving you the most complete roster ever. Choose from more than 50 fighters from the entire Mortal Kombat universe - past, present and future. From Liu Kang to Shang Tsung to Shao Kahn, they're all here -- along with an incredible new Kreate-A-Fighter and Kreate-A-Fatality modes. With more playable fighters than any other Mortal Kombat game to date, it's the most complete, intense and lethal fighting experience ever!

In Call Of Duty 2: The Big Red One, you'll experience the adrenaline rush and harsh realities of war as never before. The cinematic intensity of Call of Duty returns with more complete gameplay -- get to know your squadmates, and fight alongside them through an epic story of the most harrowing moments of WWII. As a part of America's most decorated and heroic fighting unit, The Big Red One, you'll work together with your squad to accomplish a variety of combat missions spanning North Africa, Italy, and Nazi-occupied Western Europe. Charge into battle together as Allied and Axis planes duel overhead, artillery explosions shake the ground and choke the air, and bullets and shrapnel streak past you and your squadmates. Experience war-torn Europe and Africa, from the blistering desert expanses of Tunisia and Libya to the beautiful yet deadly countrysides of Italy, France, Belgium, and Germany. Live a soldier's story, deeper than any you've experienced before! Intense Axis vs. Allies team-based multiplayer action

2006: The U.S. installs a temporary military base on East Timor to train the developing defense force of the "world's youngest democracy." Resistance to the U.S. military presence in Southeast Asia is widespread and passionate, but the threat Indonesian militias pose to Timorese democracy is deemed sufficient justification. Anti-U.S. resentment comes to a head under the leadership of guerrilla militia leader Suhadi Sadono, acting with the unofficial support of major corrupt factions of the Indonesian government. Suhadi's men attack and occupy the U.S. Embassy in Jakarta, taking dozens of civilian and military personnel hostage.

Deployed by a top secret wing of the NSA (National Security Agency) known as Third Echelon, Sam Fisher is a lone field operative supported by a remote team. Fisher must defend and assist the U.S. military, both locally and from remote locations, until Suhadi's terror-driven policies can be subverted and the guerrilla faction eradicated. Charged with saving the world, it's a high stakes game. If he fails, the U.S. will deny any knowledge of his existence.

An experience so compelling you feel it.

• Believe the story. Inspired by the world of Tom Clancy, and endorsed by the famous author, and written by JT Petty, who penned the original Splinter Cell, Tom Clancy's Splinter Cell Pandora Tomorrow features a storyline so real you can feel it. Tension filled stealth-action springs from a compelling original storyline so realistic it could have been ripped from the headlines.
• Understand the characters. In this sequel to the original game, favorite characters like Sam Fisher and Irving Lambert return and unveil even more about their personal histories in the more character-driven storyline. New antagonists appear, including Suhadi Sodano an Indonesian guerilla leader whose beliefs are sound, but whose methods are barbaric. And then there is Norman Soth: CIA-trained mercenary deep under cover or traitor working for the enemy? Whose side is he really on?
• Immerse yourself.Revolutionary lighting, shadowing, animation, physics, and sound effects pushed to the limit to create a universe so tightly woven that the line between reality and gaming starts to blur. "High res" cinematics, amazing sound design and music as well as top quality voice over give SCPT as unique movie production quality. Voice actors, music composers and cinematic directors to be announced in the coming months.
• You've got the moves. Now more than ever, Sam relies on his moves. In this sequel to the original Splinter Cell, circumstances demand that Sam use his agility and athleticism to avoid detection and death. In fact the level design demands them. Use a half split jump to reach a ledge, zip line across an open courtyard, rappel along the side of a building, SWAT-turn to bypass an open door unseen.
• You've got the gear. Based on prototypes currently in development, or gadgets out on the field, Sam Fisher has a menu of high tech gadgets and tools from which to choose.

Revolutionary multiplayer stealth action gameplay online for the first time.

• Take Splinter Cell online. Taking place in a graphically-rich environment we expect from Splinter Cell, the multiplayer gameplay is a natural extension of the Splinter Cell world. Just as in Splinter Cell, players will call on a wide variety of gadgets, weapons and athletic moves to best their opponents. The light and shadow-filled environment offers dark retreats for stealth gamers and wide open spaces that spell danger for spies. The multiplayer game is integrated into the compelling offline story, though both offline and online gameplay can be enjoyed independently of one another.
• Choose a side. Taunt your enemies from the shadows as you meet stealth objectives playing through wide multiplayer maps in third-person view as a Shadow Net Spy. Or track spies using a first-person perspective as a heavy armed Argus Mercenary protecting your compound. The abilities and resources on each side are evenly matched. Winning will come down to skill and strategy.
• Feel the tension. Just as in the original game, online players will feel the tension that comes from never knowing what might happen next. Shadow Net spies hold their breath as mercenaries pass by close enough to touch them. They hide in the dark and wait for the right moment to spring into action. They work in concert—one can distract the mercenaries, while the other(s) meets the objective. Mercenaries never know when a Shadow Net spy might silently drop down from the shadows to attack, or slip by detection efforts to complete a mission. By relying heavily on their detection devices they feel like they can stop the threat—at least for now. Are spies stealing your secrets while they toy with you?
  It's important to note that the maximum number of players on a multiplayer map is four. Too many people in a map would create chaos and result in shooter gameplay. But this is Splinter Cell. It's a stealth action game not a shooter. This game tests your stealth and your strategy, your readiness and your resourcefulness. Are you ready?
• Feel the game. The multiplayer maps feature the revolutionary lighting, shadowing, animation, physics, and sound effects that have become the Splinter Cell trademark. Graphical effects push that even further. Electronic interference can disrupt the vision and tools of the mercenaries. Spies must avoid the searching flash lights and laser pointers. Flash bang, shaft and gas grenades are also powerful visual effects that players will have to deal with. Thanks to their advanced goggles, Shadow Nets can see in the dark and read thermo signatures in their environment while mercenaries detect movements and electro-magnetic disturbance in their surroundings…and much more to discover.

Splinter Cell: Pandora Tomorrow takes players back to the shadowy world of Third Echcelon - a special spy unit using high-tech weapons and equipment in defense of their government. Special agent Sam Fisher is waging a one-man war against Indonesian terror networks. He'll travel to far-off corners of the world and try to figure out who can be trusted. This conspiracy-filled story will test your wits and your nerves, by throwing you into the world of international espionage. Unbelievable online gameplay -- you'll become a team of Third Echelon agents like Sam, competing against deadly mercenaries, in a series of multiplayer action/shooters!

DOOM 3 Xbox

The wait is over. After five years of development, Lead Programmer John Carmack and the id Software team have put together a revolutionary visual experience. If your PC has the juice to set this game loose and you have a thirst for first-person shooter action, you're in for a treat. Although Doom 3 is not perfect, the 3D graphics engine upon which it is built sets a new, jaw-dropping standard that makes this game a must-have.

Hell on Mars
Your character is a low-ranking Marine on a routine rotation to the Mars Research Facility of the United Aerospace Corporation (UAC). That's pretty much all the backstory you need. Doom 3 is a bit skimpy in the storyline department, but rich plotting and character development have never been the focus of the Doom franchise. Action is the name of the game here, and we found plenty. After a few minutes of wandering through the facility, listening to rumors about impending catastrophe from the staff (remember Half-Life?), it was time to start shooting. We fought our way through dark, lavishly detailed environments until finally doing battle with pure evil in the depths of hell. Although the game offers no opportunities to explore the Martian setting apart from the linear corridors of the research facility, good level design and well-crafted sound effects succeeded at scaring the living heck out of us all the way through.

Fearsome monsters. Dimly lit environments. The perfect recipe for horror.

Creature Discomforts
Groaning zombies and the sudden leaping attack of an eleven-eyed Imp are just the beginning of the horror and anxiety in Doom 3. Floating Cacodemons attack from above with a mouthful of teeth... ethereal Revenants fire flesh-seeking missiles with deadly accuracy... a swarm of spider-like Trites skitter down the corridor, hungry for blood. Although the enemy AI in Doom 3 is less crafty than we would have liked, the incredible variety of enemies--each with a unique style of attack--outweighs this shortcoming somewhat.

Guns, Guns, Guns
While there are many powerful weapons in the game, they are designed to force players to anticipate and plan for firefights. For instance, we liked wielding the chaingun to shred enemies at longer ranges, but the weapon devours ammo and using it on close-range targets was a waste of bullets. We quickly learned to switch to the shotgun or the chainsaw to dispatch foes at close range.

One piece of hardware, the flashlight, was a point of both salvation and frustration for us. Doom 3 is a dark game and many enemies know how to take advantage of it. You'll often find yourself switching back and forth between your weapons and your flashlight just to see what's lurking ahead. This problem might easily be solved by duct-taping the flashlight to your equipped weapon, but, alas, we found no duct tape on Mars.

Looking Good
Doom 3 looks incredible. Every room is exquisitely detailed, from the shimmer of the air near a heat source to the texture of a hamburger sitting on the counter of the company mess hall. Id obviously went all out designing every creature in the game and their realism makes them all the more horrifying. The eye candy does come at a price, though, and we were forced to play at fairly low resolution even on a Pentium IV 2.8 GHz and an ATI Radeon 9500. Even so, gameplay was smooth as silk. For higher resolutions (1024 x 768 and above) the latest generation of ATI or Nvidia cards is suggested. --Joshua Gunn

Pros

• Stunning display of graphics technology
• Strong level design with lots of spookiness
• Rich variety of enemies
• Plenty of hours of single-player gameplay

Cons

• Thin storyline
• Stiff system requirements
• No headlamps or gun-mounted lighting in the 22nd century
• Fairly basic multiplayer options

Crime does pay. The hugely successful, highly controversial Grand Theft Auto franchise moves into 3 dimensions in the dark and seedy underworld of Liberty City. With the freedom to go anywhere and jack anyone, Grand Theft Auto 3 puts the dark, intriguing and ruthless world of crime at your fingertips, if you have enough guts to take it. Featuring a fully 3-D living city, a combination of narrative driven and non-linear gameplay and a completely open environment, the game represents a huge le

Praised for brilliant scripts and open-ended gameplay, vilified for unapologetic violence and mature themes, Grand Theft Auto has deservedly become one of the most popular game franchises in history. This double pack contains the full versions of both Grand Theft Auto III and Grand Theft Auto III: Vice City, enhanced for Xbox. Xbox gamers can rejoice that the grand king of video games--The Sopranos with a gamepad--is finally available on the big black box.

Grand Theft Auto
With Grand Theft Auto III Rockstar proves that not all developers are concerned with toning down the violence in their games. This sequel is even more bloody, violent, and sadistic than its popular predecessors, offering up an enormous 3-D city in which nearly any criminal act is possible. Players are free to steal cars, beat up the local population for their money (or weapons), make time with prostitutes, or simply roam to their heart's content. Those seeking more structure can embark on dozens of missions driven by a genuinely interesting crime-story plot or steal cars that let them play minigames. Nab a cop car and you can go on vigilante missions. Grab a cab and you can play a deadly version of Crazy Taxi. Take a fire truck and you can earn money putting out fires. The minigames are a good way to unwind after a particularly difficult mission. With so much to do, the game just never gets boring.

As you'd expect, there are consequences for criminality. As your random acts of mayhem mount up the police start hounding you, eventually calling in SWAT trucks, the FBI, and even the army if you continue down the path of destruction. Shaking these pursuers is easily the most fun part of the game, especially when a bunch of friends are packed in the room to witness your narrow escapes.

Grand Theft Auto III is fine-tuned to near perfection in every category. All the vehicles, from slick sports cars to lumbering dump trucks, handle exactly as you'd expect and smash apart realistically when abused. The three islands in the game are rendered in terrific detail considering their size, and are packed with traffic, pedestrians, and hidden jumps. The audio is equally amazing. Pedestrians talk, cops scream at you, and you can tune in nine different radio stations whenever you are in a car. It all adds up to a monumental achievement: the rare console game for adults that manages to get everything right.--T. Byrl Baker

Grand Theft Auto III: Vice City
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 III 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:

• Open-ended gameplay; player can chose to be relatively law-abiding or engage in wanton virtual destruction
• Varied missions
• Brilliant scripts with Hollywood voice acting
• Rocking sound track (also available in our Music store)
• Xbox-enhanced graphics

Cons:

• As the The Sopranos of games, GTA 3 draws unwanted attention from overzealous legislators
• No multiplayer

The infamous GTA series doubles up and delivers twice the car-stealing, hood-capping, trash-talking larcenous adventures. Includes Grand Theft Auto III and Grand Theft Auto: Vice City.

Mercenaries Xbox

In Crimson Skies: High Road to Revenge, you'll pilot classic aircraft in a major swashbuckling adventure!

Shenmue II takes you on a wild ride through a completely interactive game world, as you uncover a strange mystery!

Call of Duty Finest Hour Xbox

The follow-up to the #1 next-generation game, Call of Duty 3 delivers the intensity of being closer than ever to the fury of combat during the Normandy Breakout, the historic campaign that made the liberation of Paris possible and brought the Allies a step closer to Berlin. Through a seamless narrative that delivers the rush of unrelenting battle and breathtaking action, players assume the roles of four ordinary Allied soldiers-American, British, Canadian and Polish-and are thrust onto an authen Call of Duty 3 Xbox

Oddworld: Munch's Oddysee is a cute, funny and visually sumptuous 3D adventure that combines puzzle-solving with arcade-style action.Combining an entertaining storyline, excellent graphics, humorous sound effects and cartoon-style action, the player guides heroic Abe through a myriad of hazards and challenges to resuce his mom and defeat an evil alien corporation who is driving Abe's people to extinction. The gameplay is puzzle-based, and players are required to solve a series of problems to ensure Abe and his chums win the day. Filled with neat touches and fun visual effects, Oddworld: Munch's Oddysee is a game that will appeal to players aged 13 and up.* Embark on a journey through a changing world of oddball creatures, off-the-wall action and outlandish goons* Guide Mudokon champion Abe and his aquatic partner Munch through a series of puzzle-based challenges* Use special psychic powers, cool power-ups, way-out vehicles and other special abilities to deliver payback as they rescue Abe's captured mommy

Abe, the strange Mudokon, is back with his powers to possess enemies and lead other Mudokons. This time he's joined by a Gabbit named Munch, an amphibious creature that can communicate with Fuzzles and shoot electric beams. They are definitely two of the weirdest characters in gaming, but they ooze personality, partially because of their design and mainly because of the outstanding voice acting provided by Lorne Lanning, president of Oddworld Inhabitants. Although the characters are cute, in a peculiar way, the game's dark humor gives them an edge.

Oddworld: Munch's Oddysee is primarily a puzzle game, with some action and adventure thrown in. The puzzles are great brainteasers that require players to use the special abilities of the two characters, know when to switch between them, and know when to guzzle performance-enhancing SoBe beverages. Several of the game's best puzzles get the player so caught up in their conventions that they overlook much simpler solutions.

This curious world seems totally believable through the power of Xbox. The mountains, water, caves, and factories in this foreign world are extremely detailed and lifelike. The in-game cutscenes are comparable to Pixar movies. Although the Oddworld games for the PlayStation had spot-on personality and gameplay, the Xbox has truly brought the developers' visions to life.

Oddworld Inhabitants has crafted a captivating experience that's imaginative, clever, and beautiful. Simply put, this is a must-have Xbox title. --Raymond M. Padilla

Pros:

• Unmatched uniqueness and personality
• Awe-striking cutscenes
• Addictive brainteasers

Cons:

• Might not have enough action for impatient gamers
• Quite possibly, too strange for some

The power-packing Xbox hardware delivers the third Oddworld title in one of the most brilliantly realized settings to grace any gaming system. Blending unique gameplay, humorous characters and interactions, and the aforementioned graphics, Munch's Oddysee simply feels unlike any other game in the 2001 console gaming lineup. Players control two characters in the game: Munch, a wheelchair-bound hero, and Abe, a character some gamers will recognize from previous Oddworld games. Their goal is to find and free the Mudokon queen, keeper of the remaining eggs of an endangered species.

Both characters feature unique talents that, via a tag-team style of play, propel the player through the game. For instance, Abe can climb and jump to reach new areas, as well as temporarily possess an enemy's soul via a chant. The web-footed Munch can swim to new areas and, when on the roll in his wheelchair, use his sonar plug to control machinery remotely. Saving an entire race also requires a coordinated effort on everyone's part. To get the job done quickly, players can deliver verbal commands to kinsmen. They'll gladly greet you (in a witty manner), then gang up on a mean-spirited enemy or accomplish difficult tasks for you. As with the rest of the game world, the finely detailed characters and environments, as well as a refreshing charm, draw you into an experience with the quality of a Pixar film. Prepare for gaming to get very odd indeed.

Dead or Alive Ultimate Both discs in new condition Two separate games in one set, Dead Or Alive 1 & 2. Dead or Alive Ultimate is a Fighting game for Xbox. Tecmos esteemed development group Team Ninja has created the ultimate Dead or Alive fighting experience. DEAD OR ALIVE ULTIMATE packages the original Saturn version of Dead or Alive with a completely redesigned Dead or Alive 2 for the Xbox video game system. And, now for the first time ever on any console gamers can enjoy 3-D fighting online! Both games are Xbox Live-enabled, giving players the chance to test their fighting skills against a vast community of highly competitive gamers across the globe.

Battle throughout the world as either an elite counter-terrorist unit, or a terrorist cell Immersive, intense multiplayer action as you fight through 15 diverse maps(including 7 exclusive to Xbox) New terrorist and counter-terrorist units, with new weapons for wider range of tactics Improve your skills in single player Skirmishes or play co-op matches with friends against AI Bots Strategize and communicate with your friends with the Xbox Live connection

Jade Empire is a new kind of role-playing adventure, set in a mythical, medieval China. You are a young martial artist, studying under your master's watchful eye and developing your mystical powers. When danger threatens from the ruling authorities, you must travel across the world and learn the secret martial styles & techniques. Use them to defeat the most powerful enemies and carve a place for yourself in the Jade Empire. Limited Edition features: Bonus content, extra characters, additional combat techniques, "making of" video and playable demos of upcoming games.

Buffy the Vampire Slayer is the first third-person action-adventure game based on the international hit TV series. Players take on the role of Buffy Summers, a 17-year-old high-school student who must balance adolescent growing pains with the responsibility of being the Chosen One. As the slayer, Buffy eliminates vampires and other demonic creatures that threaten the world's existence. It's up to you to save the human race from being "drained" during this devilish time.

Fortunately, Buffy is not alone. Her friends help her solve mysteries and watch her back. Fans of the series will recognize the voices of favorite characters including Angel, Xander, Willow, Cordelia, Spike, the Master, and Giles.

Players fight a range of enemies including Spike, the Master, Drusilla, demons, zombies, and other supernatural creatures that threaten mankind. All of Buffy's favorite haunts are richly detailed: Sunnydale High School, the cemetery, the Bronze nightclub, and the library, which is the portal that sits atop the Hellmouth. Special supernatural effects such as morphing creatures, eldritch explosions, dynamic fogging, and arcane spell casting enhance the dark, mythical setting of the game. An intelligent combat system allows enemies to perform counterattacks and learn from character's fighting techniques.

MODEL- 01030 VENDOR- TECMO FEATURES- Ninja Gaiden One of gamings most treasured franchises will be given new life as Tecmos Team Ninja and the powers of Xbox join forces to bring you 100% action in one of the most anticipated games of the new millennium. Ninja Gaiden boasts cutting-edge action with gorgeous pre-rendered environments and visuals as the player takes on the role of powerful ninja Ryu Hayabusa. New features include revolutionary Xbox Live Compatible element swift new moves and intense action sequences and amazing visual effects. * Ninja Gaiden is on the cutting-edge of action. Take on the role of powerful ninja Ryu Hayabusa who seeks revenge after his clan is massacred by the Vigor Empire. * Taking full advantage of three-dimensional space advance through the story with only your wits your ninja skills and your deadly sword- cutting down opponents in the Vigor Empire as you attempt to beat the Holy Emperor and reclaim the magic sword Ryuken. * Xbox Live compatible: Tecmos Team Ninja development group has created a revolutionary new Xbox Live-compatible feature within Ninja Gaiden. This radical new feature is being developed specifically for Ninja Gaiden and is like nothing any gamer has experienced in action games before. * Increased skills and new weapons: As you progress through the game your skills increase and you will be rewarded with new weapons to help fight opponents. The more competent you become in fighting enemies the stronger you will become which unlocks new combinations and skills. Wit and skill are also rewarded. The decisions you make in the game affect the weapons and skills you can acquire. * Amazing visual effects: Witness an amazing level of detail as you take on opponents in a variety of environments. Hear swords slicing through the air. Jump out of the way as gouts of blood pulse out from vanquished enemies. Beautifully rendered graphics amazing visual effects and realistic combat take Ninja Gaiden to a whole new level. * Many c...

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.

Manhunt highlights the sick and gruesome world of cold-blooded murderers. It's an intense, violent gaming experience, capturing the dark side of humanity more accurately than any game before. NOTE - This game has accurate & realistic depictions of violence and murder. It is not recommended for sensitive or younger game players.

MAX PAYNE 2: THE FALL OF MAX PAYNE is a violent love story. Dark, tragic and intense, the in-depth story is a thrill-ride of shocking twists and revelations. Twists and turns of the in-depth storyline keep you hanging on as the the dark, twisted plot unfolds.

Red Dead Revolver takes you back to a time before you could spray opponents with gunfire and watch them fall. In this Old West shooter, a quick draw and a sharp eye are your best weapons, as you live out a classic tale of revenge. Great 4-person multiplayer deathmatch game for even wilder shootouts, in the Wild West!

It's a collision of the world's two most-powerful fighting universes. Marvel vs. Capcom 2 is an insane tag-team fighting game with an unprecedented 56 playable characters, three-on-three tag-team battles, tight controls, and hyper-fast animation. Pick a fight with your favorite legendary Capcom characters and superheroes from the Marvel universe and watch the super combos fly.

Electronic Arts Medal of Honor European Assault Xbox Europe 1942. These are desperate hours for the Allied forcesas the Nazi war machine rages across a devastated European landscape. With the British on the brink, Lt. William Holt of the OSS is sent on a secret mission by order of the President of the United States. On his own, or with his squad, Holt is pivotal in helping to turn the tide in four of the most crucial battles leading to victory in Europe.