While I eagerly await the Sega Dreamcast release on September 9, 1999 ( 9-9-99, hmm ) I played two recent Playstation titles that are sure to please; Tarzan and Bloody Roar 2.
Tarzan is a typical Disney side scroller: well designed and beautifully implemented. What I enjoy most about Disney titles is the way they integrate animation from the films into the game: in Tarzan's case you get a piece of the movie between levels, adding an element of depth that is unprecedented. As for gameplay, it is a side scrolling adventure through various backdrops; while it's great if you want to experience the film, I'm not a huge fan of this genre. Tarzan's technical merits speak for themselves: lush graphics and immersive sound make this one a must have for Disney fans and side scroller's alike.
Bloody Roar 2 carries on the tradition of the first; a non stop fighting game with enough moves and graphics to keep you coming back. The previous formula still works: you can fight as a human, or transform into an animal. The graphics are smooth and rich, and the action is quite furious. New to this version is a super move that does amazing damage and provides a real visual feast; the background even goes black so you can enjoy the animation all the more. Nine characters are available, each able to morph into an animal, giving a decent amount of moves and animations. All in all a recommended fighter for the Playstation. To check out both games, go to www.playstation.com and see for yourself.
Unfortunately the summer months are slow for the PC gaming genre: companies believe it's best to release all the good titles around Christmas, so the buyer is faced with ten great games but can only afford two. Command & Conquer: Tiberian Sun and Homeworld are being released in September, so be on the lookout for those titles.
To complete my "what to buy" computer series, the specs on the $3000 PC are posted on my website, www.iprimus.ca/~tbabble. With that kind of cash, I went all out on the best components. Surprisingly, I had to make a few sacrifices to stay within budget, such as not getting the 18 GB hard drive. Also, I've restructured the systems into a home system classification: I believe home users want a complete package, including printer and scanner. The ultimate system classification is aimed at the gaming segment that's looking for performance above all. Look for that series in the coming months.
by Scott VanderPloeg
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