Cavin-SmithTake control of Jack Bauer in his video game debut. Taking place between Day 2 and Day 3 and featuring many character models based on their real-life counterparts, 24: The Game maintains the feel of the television series. Though not playable over 24 real-time hours, levels are split up into hour-based segments and contain sequences that are based on a time limit. Early reports cite that it isn't as polished as it could be, but a solid action game allowing you to drive, shoot, solve puzzles, and interrogate in classic Bauer fashion should whet the appetites of most gamers and series fans.
Platforms: Playstation 2
MSRP: $39.99
Screenshots: PS2
Black
The mavens of destruction behind the Burnout series turn their focus on First Person Shooters. Though a little on the short side and very straight-forward, Black is meant to give provide the player with the pleasure of shooting real guns (and, indeed, every gun in the game is based off of a real model with appropriate physics). The emphasis is on deformable environments and immense explosions rendered in some of the best graphics ever seen on the PS2. If you want mayhem, Black is your game!
Platforms: Playstation 2
MSRP: $39.99
Screenshots: PS2
FIFA Street 2
Another iteration of EA's over-the-top Street series is coming to the PS2 and PSP this week. This update features many new player tricks and reputation destroying moves. Mastering of the Trick Stick is a must! The Street series is for those who love sports games without all of the restrictions on rules , regulations, or realism.
Platforms: Playstation 2, PSP
MSRP: $29.99 (PS2), $39.99 (PSP)
Final Fight X: Streetwise
It's been a long time since the last Final Fight game. This one is a 3D brawler focused around Kyle Travers, brother of the original's Cody, trying to figure out the mystery behind his sibling's disappearance. Though some elements from the old games seem to be present, previews seem to indicate a lack of congruency in Streetwise, as well as the dubious quality of the title itself. Maybe it is best to see if it can carry the torch of this classic beat-em-up series for yourself?
Platforms: Playstation 2
MSRP: $39.99
Screenshots: PS2
MLB '06: The Show
Like last year's NBA game, Sony's key baseball series has gotten a facelift. There is now more focus on rivalries between players and a much expanded Franchise Mode. Also included is a Career Spotlight and a new mini-game called King of the Diamond, evoking the playground duels of old. Despite the improvements found in NBA 06, the fundamentals of the game suffered greatly. Will MLB fall victim to the same fate? There's only one way to find out…
Platforms: Playstation 2, PSP
MSRP: $39.99
Ys: The Ark of Napishtim
Though already released on the Playstation 2 to little fanfare, Ys developer Falcom is making another attempt on the PSP. It's not that the game is bad, but that American gamers aren't familiar with the long-running action-RPG series. Napishtim features 2D characters on 3D background and plenty of swank-looking CG and animated cutscenes. The PSP could always use a new, fun action-RPG and this game seems is looking to fill that gap. At a low price, it's certainly worth a shot!
Platforms: PSP
MSRP: $29.99
Screenshots: PSP
Street Supremacy
Street Supremacy brings back the gameplay of the old street-racing series, Tokyo Xtreme Racer. Rival racing clubs compete on the highways for dominance over the turf. The goal of each battle is to deplete the opponent's Spirit Points by forcing him into walls, staying ahead of him in the race, or otherwise beating the pants off of 'em. The game is divided into 15 different areas to dominate, but will Street Supremacy maybe be hard pressed to find its niche amongst the plethora of other PSP racing titles.
Platforms PSP
MSRP: $29.99
Screenshots: PSP
Generation of Chaos
This PSP adaptation of the long-running strategy-RPG series is NIS America's first title for the platform. Like most games in the genre, it features 2D characters placed atop a three-quarter view battlefield. Massive battles and a new storyline differentiate it from the PS2 title it is based upon (Generation of Chaos IV). Like Ys for action-RPGs, Generation of Chaos should occupy a niche in the American PSP line-up that hasn't been filled yet.
Platforms: PSP
MSRP: $39.99
Screenshots: PSP
MX vs ATV Unleashed: On the Edge
MX vs ATV Unleashed: On the Edge features new vehicles and tracks. It will also have 4-player multiplayer via wireless internet. If you've been itching to take this off-road rivalry on-the-go, now you have the ability to do so.
Platforms: PSP
MSRP: $39.99
Screenshots: PSP
