In hollywood, sequels are generally maligned by critics, the accusation being that the original is always better. But it's a different story with video games. Ever since Ms. Pacman, the game industry has shown that the best franchises only get better with age. That explains why the best of Sony's 2004 lineup aren't just sequels, but are actually sequels to sequels.
Metal Gear Solid 3: Snake Eater (M)
Konami
Drop date: November 2004
Snake gets to play in the grass this time as he sneaks through MGS3's mostly outdoor environments. This means that in addition to avoiding the usual heavily armed guerrillas, you'll have to survive the elements, and as the title suggests, dine on a few jungle hors d'ouvres. The game features a new camouflage system in which you choose a pattern that best blends into the environment. A stealth game where you pick color-coordinating outfits? It's Solid Snake meets Queer Eye!
Jak 3 (RP)
Sony Computer Entertainment
Drop date: October 2004
Jak's back, and he doesn't look happy about it. That probably has something to do with being exiled from Haven City and forced to wander the surrounding Mad Max-like wasteland. The Jak series just gets edgier as developer Naughty Dog tries to prove that platform games don't just have to be about collecting coins and talking to happy mushroom people. Expect new "light Jak" powers, innovative game play, and a haircut for our hero.
Ratchet & Clank: Up Your Arsenal (RP)
Sony Computer Entertainment
Drop date: November 2004
The third installment of this comic sci-fi series could almost be called Clank & Ratchet, as the game's characters finally realize what gamers have known for years: Clank is so much cooler than Ratchet. Look forward to more Clank-based missions—with a hilariously jealous Ratchet in tow. Anticipate a larger array of exotic weapons, sure to dispatch enemies in some of the funniest ways ever seen.
Kingdom Hearts II (RP)
Square Enix
Drop date: December 2004
While waiting for next year's Final Fantasy XII, Square fans can treat themselves to part two of the weirdest crossover since the Jetsons met the Flintstones. Sora reunites with Donald Duck and Goofy for more Disney-themed adventures and Final Fantasy-esque drama. The unlikely combination should be just as good a second time, as long as it sticks to Disney's classics rather than any of its recent stinkers. A Treasure Planet level could single-handedly ruin the game.
Gran Turismo 4 (E)
Sony Computer Entertainment
Drop date: August 2004
At last, everyone who's ever wanted to see a Porsche Ruf race an original Model T can get their wish. GT4 boasts a car collection even Jay Leno would envy. You can race 500 vehicles from every automobile era on any of 50 photo-realistic courses, courtesy of GT4's overhauled graphics engine. The only problem is when you shut off your PS2, it may be tough to readjust to your real-life clunker.
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].