You still can't hit any of the spectators or pedestrians and the invisible barrier that stops cars from careening over cliffs and into buildings is still very much part of the game. As is the series' lack of a "damage mode," which might please those who enjoy driving, but will possibly annoy gamers used to more crash-and-burn-oriented driving simulations.
Star Wars: Republic Commando
Publisher: :ucas Arts
Platform: X-Box and PC
Taiwan Release: Late March
Over the past five years, PC/console gaming Star Wars fans have been pampered with a myriad of games ranging from first-person shooters to third-person adventure games and time-consuming strategy games. The latest in this seemingly endless Star Wars series is a squad-based first-person shooter that sees gamers leading a three-man squad of Republic Commandos behind enemy lines.
Set in a time period between Star Wars: Episode I -- The Phantom Menace and Star Wars: Episode II Attack of the Clones, Republic Commando has been produced very much in the same vein as Halo. Graphical effects are superb and, while this reviewer didn't find Republic Commando as riveting as last year's third-person hit, Star Wars: Battle Front, the game is still hugely entertaining.
In a first for Star Wars games, Commando includes blood splatter and allows players to give specific orders to members of their squad. A single command button keeps this simple and includes basic orders such as to open fire and take cover, as well as more complex orders.
While the graphics are top notch and the sound impressive, the slowness and unease with which the game's characters move can prove an annoyance, especially when players are being pursued by heavily armed Super Battle Droids intent on laying waste to any and all Republican troops.
MVP Baseball 2005
Publisher: EA Sports
Platform: PC, PS2 and X-Box
Taiwan Release: Late March
A long with its FIFA and NBA series, Electronic Arts' annual MLB game is one of the most sought-after titles worldwide. Like the huge advancements EA incorporated into this season's soccer and basketball games, MVP 2005 also features a host of changes that both enhance game play and allow players to become more immersed in the world of pro baseball than ever before.
Like its predecessors, MVP 2005 features all of the 30 official Major League teams and stadiums and gives gamers control over more than 1,000 individual players from not only the top teams, but also from Minor League clubs. And for the first-time players can create their own tournaments for both PS2 and X-Box online modes.
While gamers can still play head-to-head games in the standard "Exhibition Mode," they will be spending most of their time in one of the game's two franchise modes. MVP 2005 comes with two great franchise modes, both of which are the most comprehensive of any EA Sports title.
"Dynasty Mode" allows players to manage a team for a staggering 120 seasons and gives them the chance to take responsibility for everything from line-ups to trading. The in-depth "Owners Mode" takes the games to new heights. It expands on the basics of the "Dynasty Mode" and gives gamers even more say over how their club is run.
Whatever mode gamers choose, MVP 2005 gives baseball fans the most realistic baseball gameplay experience with new moves and a much more user-friendly interface. In addition to game play, the game also allows hardcore players to flip through pages of statistics in 64 different categories.
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