As Megatron once said, "I would have waited an eternity for this."
Despite the fact that it’s based on the crappy new Transformers: Armada TV show rather than the superior original, this game is what Transformers fans of all ages have always wanted. The graphics and animations are breathtaking, but this game is so much more than meets the eye.
You play in third-person view as Optimus Prime or two other Autobots, and yes, with the press of a button, you transform into a truck. It even makes the sound. Through gorgeous environments like Antarctica and the Amazon, you search for cute, little Mini-con robots that upgrade your weapons, allowing for a surprising variety of ways to blast Decepticons.
The annoyingly clunky controls prohibit any graceful movement, but you are, after all, a giant robot that changes into a car—not a ballerina. Any game-play hiccups are more than made up for by the huge amount of unlockable extras. So, transform and roll out!
SYPHON FILTER: THE OMEGA STRAIN (M)
Sony Computer Entertainment
PlayStation 2
Sony tries to save its dying bio-terrorism-action franchise with yet another game that lets its online features ruin the single-player experience. Playing alone, the levels are too big, objectives are tedious, and the game doesn't pause when you look at your map. Add dull graphics and a generic feel, and you'll wish Sony would realize this germ has run its course.
VAN HELSING (T)
Vivendi Universal
PlayStation 2, XBox, GameCube
As games based on movies go, this one's not too horrific. Decent graphics have Transylvania looking suitably gloomy. And the combat system, similar to Devil May Cry, features a series of easy combos and upgradeable weapons that have different effects, depending on which "Monster Mash" character you happen to be fighting. Unlike your blood-craving arch-nemesis, Van Helsing doesn't suck.
METAL SLUG 3 (T)
SNK NeoGeo
XBox
Are you a huge fan of arcade games but too lazy to play standing up? Then you're in luck. Whether you're riding an ostrich into combat or puking acid on your enemies in zombie mode, this hilarious Contra-like, side-scrolling shooter perfectly captures that sweet arcade feel. Plus, it saves you money. Try setting a quarter on your XBox every time you continue, and in an hour you'll see what I mean.
Matthew Scott Hunter has been known to mumble, "Up, up, down, down, left, right, left, right, B, A, start" in his sleep. E-mail him at
[email protected].