Graphics: Jaw dropping graphics abound in Blade 2. The graphics are so good, you dont even notice how good they are. Subtle things like reflections on the floor and the way Blade's coat flows and reflects light are very well done.
Gameplay: Some of the coolest gameplay on the X-Box. All you have to do is tilt the right stick in the direction of the person you want to hurt and it happens. It takes a little getting used to, but once you get the hang of it works great.
Sound: 5.1 surround sound support. Well rendered sounds and realistic right down to the echo of footsteps, are a treat for any sound system.
Price: 20 bucks or less.
Graphics: This version of BMX has the best looking graphics of the three versions. Character models are as detailed as in any Tony Hawk game. Nothing spectacular in the graphics department in any version.
Game play: This game is very underrated. I think most people's problem with BMX is that the humor goes to the least common denominator. People also seem to focus on all the sexual innuendo. Sure, boobies are fun, but if you look past that, you'll find a very solid sports title, that's playable for anyone.
Sound: like most X-box games, BMX XXX features surround sound. All you seem to gain by this is the ability to hear a lewd comment behind you to the right. nothing amazing about the sound on this one.
Price: Buy it if you find it. Usually it's 12 bucks or less. Public outcry ensures that this one will be a collector's item one day.
Graphics: the graphics in Fistful of Boomstick arent exactly the full potential of the X-Box, but certainly are better than PS2 standards. The State of Emergency engine allows for multiple enemies with no slow down. So while Boomstick may not make you stop and stare like some others, you'll enjoy being able to hack and shoot 20 or 30 deadites at once.
Gameplay: This is Fistful of Boomstick's strong point. It plays like it is the fourth "Evil Dead" movie. If you dont like being half way down on health and facing a hoard of respawning enemies, then I suggest you play Animal Crossing instead, go arrange furniture. This is how Ash got through any "Evil Dead" movie, beat up and odds against him.
Sound: Par-for-the-course for the X-Box. Like most X-Box games it supports 5.1 surround sound. So, if you have 5.1 surround capabilities, the sound is good. If not, stop being cheap, go to Walmart with 70 bucks and buy a 5.1 surround sound system and do your X-Box a favor. You're at the top of the food chain, deal with it.
Price: Lots of bang for the buck. 20 dollars new, less for used.
Graphics: These graphics show off what the X-box is capable of! I have read reviews of this game that claim Gunvalkyrie is lacking in the graphics department. For my stance on that subject, check out my review of Freaky Flyers on Gamecube. This is one of those games that will make you sit back and take a look around.
Gameplay: Once again this game is no slouch in the Gameplay department. It does, however, get frustrating at times, especialy when there is a hidden enemy in a dark corner at the top of the room holding still, and you have been looking for 10 min for his sorry butt. All that aside, i think you'll find that this is a solid addition to your game library.
Sound: It is a little disappointing how this one doesnt take advantage of full surround sound. The stereo surround sound does the job though, and all of the sounds are well rendered.
Price: 15 bucks or less.
Graphics: Amazing. The in game model of Jessica Alba looks just like Jessica Alba from TV. A lot of work went into making this sows ear into a silk purse.
Gameplay: Oddly enough, here's where this game really drops the ball. Apparently the designers put so much work into making a pretty game that sounds good that they must have missed the deadline or something and crapped something out in like 10 minutes. Yes, it really is that bad. Dont even bother renting this game, you'll wish you had rented anything else. The character controlls like a Mack truck with flat tires, the bad guys (in a stealth game) seem to have a 6th sense about where you are, you get beat up bad real quick, just like in high school, and 2 minutes after you are spotted, you lose. That's right, doesnt matter if you kill every bad guy in the level in that time, 120 seconds tick buy and GAME OVER.
Sound: Very nice. very realistic and emersive. A lot of work went into this aspect of this game.
Price: 30 bucks down the drain. Pray for a liberal return policy.
They got it right this time around
Graphics: Very well done cell shaded graphics. Looking at the cut scenes and character faces here is like reading one of those cool comic books your big brother used to have but kept away from you because he thought you wouldn't take care of them. It seems like one of the designers must have played Jet Grind Radio, seen what was wrong, and fixed it. The goofy faces are gone, making this all seem much more believable.
Gameplay: This game handles exactly the way you want it to. Jumps still can be frustrating, but over all the entire controll scheme has been re-worked and tweaked so that it flows smoothly. And best of all, no longer does your skater crawl along, he or she actually moves quickly! That's as you would expect from a group of kids that run from cops a lot.
Sound: this was always the best part, and dare i say it, it still is. The tunes and voice overs are some of the best you'll find.
Price: If your smart you'll buy the Jet Set Radio Future/Sega GT combo pack for 5 bucks. If not then you'll find yourself spending 15 bucks for the game by itself. Net profit to you, 10 bucks and a race car game for free!
Graphics: This is one of those games that doesn't do a whole lot to test any boundaries. The graphics are nice, but could have easily been done on the Dreamcast way back when. Don't look to be impressed with this one on any level.
Gameplay: Again, there just isn't anything that stands out. Don't get me wrong, I like this game, but it won't be anyone's real favorite.
Sound: Nothing new or spectacular here. The sound works, but in the end it isn't any better or worse than any other aspect.
Price: 15 bucks or less.
Last Word: Worth buying, but won't keep you up at night playing.
Graphics: WOW!!! This game has absolutely gorgeous graphics. It's about time that these game designers took all their extra free time to tweak the choppies out of the graphics. For all of you that hate games that don't have true to life graphics, this game is for you. This is as close to real life gaming that you'll get without having to walk outside and play with your annoying little brother. If I didn't know better, I'd think that the whole game was a cut-scene.
Gameplay: Yet again, what am I gonna say? The controls for Prince of Persia are fantastic, as they allow you to maneuver very fluently and swiftly, and the Sands of Time assist with absolute necessity. You'll find that this game is very much like what I'd expect a gymnastics game to be like, as far as controls.
Sound: The game supports 5.1 Surround and to get the best sound possible you'd have to have a surround sound system. You can hear trees rustling in the wind, people yelling orders, and cannon shots being blown. You'll think your house was being bombarded or a plane was landing on it. Too cool!
Price: It just came out so you're looking at 50 dollars out of your pocket, but well worth the money!
