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PSP Games Overview by Title - S
Updated September 27, 2007 |
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  Sega Genesis Collection
Many remember the Sega Genesis. The console was a robust 16-bit system, introduced in 1989 and popular for several years. This compilation offers 28 classic Sega Genesis titles (Alex Kid, Altered Beast, Bonanza Bros., Columns, Comix Zone, Decap Attack, Ecco the Dolphin, Ecco: The Tides of Time, Ecco Jr., Flicky, Gain Ground, Golden Axe, Golden Axe II, Golden Axe III, Kid Chameleon, Phantasy Star II, Phantasy Star III, Phantasy Star IV, Ristar, Shadow Dancer, Shinobi III, Sonic the Hedgehog, Sonic the Hedgehog 2, Super Thunder Blade, Sword of Vermillion, Vectorman, Vectorman 2, and Virtua Fighter 2). In addition to the impressive list of Genesis titles, interviews, and cheat codes, there are five unlockable arcade titles (Astro Blaster, Congo Bongo, Eliminator, Space Fury, and Super Zaxxon). The range of titles and genres offers something for everyone. For games that offer two-player action, others with a UMD of the Sega Genesis Collection can join in using Wi-Fi. Games can be played in original resolution, scaled to fill more of the screen, or stretched to widescreen format. The graphics and audio only rarely skip, and play is generally smooth and well emulated. The Genesis controls have also translated well to the PSP, and even the analog stick works admirably. One of the nicer features is the ability to save progress at any point in game-play, perfect for portable gaming and retrying levels. With so much to choose from, Sega Genesis Collection offers significant value both for new and old gamers alike. The sheer volume of content makes this title an excellent addition to any game library. |
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  The Sims 2There is a lot of fun and humor, all destroyed by constant loading. The loading times interrupt the play too much, sometimes exceeding the time spent in the game. |
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 The Sims 2: PetsIn-between obnoxious and continuous loading, it's entertaining to balance life with nurturing a simulated cat or dog. This is a more faithful port of the console titles than The Sims 2, but the loading kills the game flow. |
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  Smart BombFrame-rate issues, clipping problems, skipping background music, and even display freezes combine to make game-play downright unpleasant. When things actually work, the challenges are obtuse and onerous. |
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  Snoopy vs. The Red BaronWe didn't expect a Snoopy game to be so much fun. With clean humor, decent controls, and surprising difficulty this title is appropriate for many audiences. The lack of mission and play diversity is the only major drawback. |
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  SOCOM US Navy Seals Fireteam Bravo
SOCOM US Navy Seals Fireteam Bravo is a tactical shooter. Like its PS2 counterparts, this game offers options for single player and networked team action. SOCOM has a military setting with representational objectives and graphics — and it is not suitable for younger audiences. The player has two soldiers under his command, and the controls become intuitive after only a few minutes of play. The game stands out with both single-player and network multi-player missions, impressively offering both Wi-Fi and online modes with up to 16 players. With the optional headset, networked players can talk to each other and work as a team. The graphics are great, and the on-screen displays are easy to read. The targeting system works very well, and the camera angles follow the action nicely without getting confusing. There are also well rendered cut-scenes with mission background that are worth watching and not gratuitous. The audio further enhances the action. Even without the multi-player headset, it is suggested to play the game with headphones so that the stereo sound effects help with the game-play. Character voice acting is solid, further lending the realism for both standalone and network game-play. We are not big fans of the tactical shooter genre, but SOCOM US Navy Seals Fireteam Bravo stands apart and is recommended for the appropriate audience. |
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 Sonic Rivals1991's Sonic the Hedgehog was great because of lightening-fast platform action and playability for anyone regardless of gaming experience. Both the graphics and sense of speed from the early Sonic titles have been restored, yet the 3D environments and camera angles are awkward and frustrating. |
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 Spider-Man 2The overall presentation would have been high quality if it wasn't diminished by occasional graphics glitches, frame-rate drops when the action increases, repetitive soundtrack, and annoying load times. This game is too short, and can be played from start to finish in an afternoon — with no motivation to play it again. |
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 Spider-Man: Friend or FoeThe action is straightforward, however after 30 minutes of play the over-simplified formula doesn't have enough variety to hold interest for experienced gamers. It's well suited for those who want uncomplicated and predictable game-play. |
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 SpongeBob Squarepants: The Yellow AvengerThe graphics are cute and in keeping with the television series, yet there is an obvious lack of audio that could have been lifted from the cartoon. The story is tiresome, the controls are imprecise, and the game fails at an attempt to combine platforming and RPG elements. |
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 SSX On TourThe graphics are solid and fun to look at — except when the clipping bugs and camera problems affect play. An excellent soundtrack and good controls make up for some of the flaws. |
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 Star Trek: Tactical AssaultThe first few missions commanding a starship are entertaining, but a pattern for success rapidly emerges. The average presentation and lack of depth make this title best suited to franchise fans. |
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 Star Wars: Battlefront IIOnline multi-player defined the PC/console versions, and without it this is substandard shooter. Poor controls, frame-rate problems, and other bugs add to the overall disappointment. |
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 Street Fighter Alpha 3 MaxThis portable version brings back everything that made the 2D fighters so popular in the 90s, and the graphics look fantastic on the PSP's screen. The arcade play and combos do not translate perfectly to the PSP controls. |
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 Street SupremacyA potentially fun street racing strategy concept is destroyed by unresponsive controls, monotonous environments, and short races. Navigate through menus, load, and repeat. |
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 Super Monkey Ball AdventureThis is a conventional platformer with tons of content. There would be a lot here to like if only the uninteresting challenges, unvaried levels, and frequent loading didn't destroy the experience. |
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Contents Copyright © 2003-2008 Andrew Kator & Jennifer Legaz. All Rights Reserved. |
