By Matthew Scott Hunter
‘Crackdown 2’ (M)
The hunger continues
**1/2
Microsoft Game Studios
Xbox 360
One of the reasons the “Grand Theft Auto” games are such a perfect feast of gameplay is that they offer a meaty campaign, driven by a satisfying narrative, while simultaneously offering a variety of tasty treats on the side like street racing side-missions or the option to simply run amok in an expansive sandbox world. “Crackdown 2” only offers the latter. The story is basically non-existent, so all of the activities — from street races, to upgrade collecting to indiscriminate blasting of gun-toting gangs and rampaging mutants — don’t feel like they’re leading anywhere. Initially, there’s some enjoyment to be found in what is essentially a junk food buffet of destruction, but it doesn’t make a meal.
Of course, the first game was much the same, but it would’ve been nice to see this franchise bring something new to the table after three years. Instead, we’re in the very same playground for carnage as before — only the graphics are beginning to look a little stale. The only driving force in the game is the hunt for new upgrade-granting power orbs, many of which you can effortlessly amass while completing the same five mission types over and over again. And even if you manage to upgrade yourself in every way possible, you’ll still be faced with nothing but those same repetitive missions. Chances are, you’ll be hungry for something more.
‘N3II: Ninety-Nine Nights’ (M)
*1/2
Konami
Xbox 360
Have you ever seen those old kung fu movies, where a lone hero fights a dozen adversaries, but rather than swarming over him, the enemies politely wait their turn to get pummeled? “N3II” is that, times a hundred. At first glance, this “Dynasty Warriors” hack-‘n-slash rip-off looks like it offers spectacularly epic battles, but you’ll quickly realize that the hundreds of medieval soldiers surrounding you are simply hanging out, waiting for their turn to step up to the veritable guillotine of your sword swing. If you’re looking for amazing fantasy battles, you’ll have to look elsewhere, but if you’re looking to mindlessly wear out your X and Y buttons, then this is the game for you.
‘Sniper: Ghost Warrior’ (M)
**
City Interactive
Xbox 360
With a little more polish (well…A LOT more polish), this game could’ve been awesome. As it stands, it feels about as cheap and frustrating as being the recipient of a sniper’s headshot in any other shooter. The shooting mechanics are solid, forcing you to take into account breathing, heart rate, wind and gravity with every long-distance kill. Unfortunately, enemies are annoyingly psychic, easily spotting you when you’re hidden in brush so dense, you can’t spot them back.
‘Mega Man Zero Collection’ (E)
***1/2
Capcom
Nintendo DS
For most of his reploid-blasting career, Zero has been relegated to offering backup to Mega Man X, but during the first half of the decade, he finally got to shine on his own in four games for GameBoy Advance. With a greater emphasis on story and a more continuous mission structure, these sidescrolling spin-offs did just enough to distinguish themselves from the main series. Unfortunately, none of these games have received much of a DS update. (In fact, the screens have a black border to preserve the low resolution of the GBA graphics). If Zero wants to be treated with the same respect as his blue colleague, he might consider a name change. CV
