Ten Best Video Games

Sonic Adventure 2 Battle

Amazon Price: (as of 12/22/2009)
List Price: $49.99
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Sega's mascot made his 3-D debut on the Dreamcast, but with the demise of that system the zippy blue hedgehog is popping up everywhere--including on the GameCube. Unfortunately, his first next-gen appearance, Sonic Adventure 2: Battle, is marred by the same 3-D camera problems that plagued the Dreamcast version, and the multiplayer "battle" component isn't all that it's cracked up to be.

Right out of the gate, players have the option of choosing Hero (Sonic, Tails, and Knuckles) or Dark (Dr. Eggman, Shadow, and Rouge) quests, which are completely different. Sonic and his dark counterpart Shadow traverse levels at warp speed colleting coins and power-ups while fighting enemies in the game's most exhilarating moments. Unfortunately, the other characters are nowhere near as fun to play. Dr. Eggman and Tails fight through levels that require little more than constant button-mashing to shoot an endless procession of enemies, and Knuckles and Rouge participate in seemingly endless levels that require searching for a variety of objects.

Graphically, the game is a bit of a letdown considering the processing muscle of GameCube. Models are fairly simplistic, and level textures are sometimes bland. Game Boy Advance owners can use a link cable to download Chao from the game and train them on the go, but the rewards for doing so are minor considering the time investment involved. The main feature this game offers over its Dreamcast predecessor is the variety of multiplayer modes, which are fun but offer none of the depth or replayability of standalone multiplayer games like Super Smash Bros. Melee. Still, they are nice additions--especially the racing games--and round out a flawed single-player component. Sonic addicts who missed this game the first time around on the Dreamcast will definitely want to check it out, but the finicky camera, tedious non-Sonic/Shadow levels in single-player mode, and surprisingly shallow multiplayer components (especially the Chao games) turn what could have been a great game into a mere good one. --T. Byrl Baker

Release Date: 12/31/1969

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Shadow The Hedgehog

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* Open-ended, story-altering choices. Produce positive or dire consequences in Shadow's future by the paths you choose. Have a different experience every time you play!
* Intense high-speed action! Shadow has amplified speed and firepower, and can manipulate time and space with Chaos Control or create unbelievable destruction with Chaos Blast.
* Weapons, vehicles, and items! Draw from a huge arsenal of weapons including projectiles, firearms, bazookas, blasters, and worm lasers. Speed away on a motorcycle, an alien craft, or an SUV. And, for the first time ever in a Sonic property--pick up and use environmental objects like poles, sticks, and debris to plow your way through the mission.
* An all-star cast of characters! All of your favorite characters from the Sonic series, as well as an interesting lineup of new allies and adversaries!
* Huge variety of unique and intriguing stages and missions. Over 20 stages and more than 50 missions.
* Two-player competitive mode. Get your friends in on the intense action.

Release Date: 11/15/2005

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Sonic Mega Collection

Amazon Price: $54.98 (as of 12/22/2009)
List Price: $14.99
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Take a trip back in time with the character that redefined video games, in Sonic Mega Collection for the Nintendo GameCube. Sonic Mega Collection is packed with seven classic Sonic games, each presented in its original blistering-fast form. Trace the blue blur's roots in the first three Sonic the Hedgehog games, and expand the experience with Sonic & Knuckles' lock-on technology. Then mix things up with Sonic Spinball, Sonic 3D Blast, and Dr. Robotnik's Mean Bean Machine. And if you need a break from the action, head over to the Extras section and check out movies, illustrations, and comics featuring Sega's signature character.

Release Date: 07/06/2004

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Otogi 2

Amazon Price: $29.99 (as of 12/22/2009)
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Otogi 2: Immortal Warriors combines real-life folklore and mysticism with an incredible fantasy stoy and amazing combat action! In the first Otogi, the famous warrior Raikoh gave his life to defend Japan from demonic invasion. In this sequel, five new warriors bravely sacrifice their lives to resurrect Raikoh. As Raikoh rises, the warriors rise with him -- giving him an army to command against a new demon threat.

Release Date: 10/20/2004

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Soul Calibur 3

Amazon Price: $49.99 (as of 12/22/2009)
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The unholy sword was sealed by the destined one, but a mysterious individual revives the azure knight, Nightmare. The legendary battle of Soul Calibur and Soul Edge moves to the next phase. Which sword will ultimately prevail? What is the motivation of the three new souls who join the fray? And how will you, the player, become involved in the world of SoulCalibur?

Play as one of your favorite classic characters to follow how their fate unfolds in the Tales of Souls mode. Battle it out against your friends in the Vs. Standard mode. Create your own original character to play in the Character Creation mode. Rise in the ranks in the World Competition mode... Play it any way you want. Get ready for the latest installment of the most dramatic weapon-based fighting franchise on the PlayStation2.

Features:

* Customizable characters: Create your own character after you or the ideal warrior you've always wanted to be. Choose the sex, occupation, look, and even a weapon for your own original character.
* Your original character is the star: the Chronicles of the Sword mode allows your original customized character to play through a mode much like real-time simulation--you can see your own character in the battles that unfold.
* Three brand-new characters! Zasalamel, Tira, and Setsuka wield their specialty weapons to join the classic cast for a total of over 25 characters.
* More stages than before: battle it out in more stages than ever, from a castle in Germany to a shrine in Greece, or even at the top of a clock tower.
* ...and more! Get ready for the battles by training in the Practice mode; enjoy unique battles in Soul Arena mode; view the history of the franchise and everything you've unlocked in Museum mode--the variety of modes will keep you playing!

Release Date: 09/08/2006

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Genji

Amazon Price: $14.62 (as of 12/22/2009)
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* It is 1159 AD, and a brutal samurai clan called The Heishi have stepped in to take power after the old nobility fell. With their mystical stones, they rule the land through fear and violence.
* Extensive weapon, armor, and attribute upgrade system enhances your character's strength, defense and health
* Two playable characters, each with his own fighting style, upgradeable weaponry and character development
* Battle mythical enemies and fantastical creatures armed with deadly weapons and magical powers
* Fight in 30 missions across elegantly styled environments of feudal Japan -- with real seasonal changes and authentic Japanese architecture

Release Date: 09/20/2005

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The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time (w/ Master Quest)

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The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time, considered by many to be the best adventure ever created, arrives on the Nintendo GameCube, faithfully repoduced and displayed in high resolution. As a special bonus, this disc also contains the never-before-released Master Quest, a second journey through Ocarina of Time with newly laid-out --and incredibly challenging-- dungeons. Only true heroes will make it though this quest alive...

Release Date: 12/31/1969

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The Legend of Dragoon

Amazon Price: $33.61 (as of 12/22/2009)
List Price: $39.99
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Talk about going out with a bang! Sony Computer Entertainment released its four-disc The Legend of Dragoon for the PlayStation only months before the release of that console's successor, the PlayStation2. This very absorbing role-playing game, with hours upon hours of story and inventive gameplay, might just be the last great title for the glorious PSX.

The copious story begins with Dart, a vengeful young man with spiky hair and red armor who embarks on a desperate rescue mission to break his childhood sweetheart out of a castle prison. The two join forces with a knight who is trying to end a war that's destroying the region. Dart soon learns that he is a Dragoon--a human who's privy to the spiritual power of dragons. Like all RPG heroes, Dart is up against impossible odds, but his newfound Dragoon magic and battle skills go a long way toward making the bet even money.

And that's just the beginning. Grab a spare memory card and a comfy chair and be prepared to spend at least 20 hours getting through the first disk (there are three others just like it in the double-wide case). It's hard to sustain a player through this kind of time span, but The Legend of Dragoon takes chances and wins. For example, its battle system is turn based, so you can actually use some strategy, but it also features special "additions," or fighting combos that unfold if you match the X button to that addition's timing. When handling three players' additions, each with unique sequences, it can be quite challenging. You can increase the potency of the elemental magic up to 160 percent by quickly tapping X during your cast. Also, the perspectives often change between battles--players will direct the action from behind the heroes, behind the villains, looking down from above, and off to the side.

There are a couple downsides to the game. First, the stylized transitions into and out of battle mode, while initially cool, quickly become exhausting--especially when running the gauntlet through lesser foes in the wilderness or lower ramparts of a castle. The game's story is built such that you're watching the sometimes goofy dialog as a spectator rather than participating in it. There are a few occasions when the game will prompt you to choose from two different responses, but often either response will bring about the same conclusion. That tightly controlled narrative, however, often works in the player's favor by keeping the game flowing instead of the wandering common in other RPGs, where players waste time looking to each townsperson for direction.

Overall, the game's wonderfully illustrated sets, light exploration and problem solving, and a handful of jaw-dropping full-motion video scenes make The Legend of Dragoon fun to play and hard to put down. --Porter Hall

Release Date: 06/13/2000

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Baten Kaitos

Amazon Price: $94.31 (as of 12/22/2009)
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The world of Baten Kaitos is a world adrift in time and space. Humanity forges its existence on an archipelago of land floating in a yawning, endless sky. The earth below, and the vast oceans it once harbored, are mere legend. It is by no means a tranquil existence. A sinister conspiracy is afoot, one that threatens to tear these few remaining rafts of land from the heavens and erase forever the memory of the seas below. Act as conscience and spirit guide for young Kalas and his companion Xelha. Guide them in battle and watch their friendship bloom. Join them as they struggle to reveal the mystery of the lost sea and destroy the corruption that threatens their world.

Features

* Embark upon an epic and emotional journey across a richly imagined world. Enjoy detailed character development and unravel an intricate plot spanning over 60 hours of gameplay.
* Innovative, dynamic "Magnus card" system unites all elements of gameplay. Capture the essence of items, weapons and spells in Magnus cards and use them for exploration and combat. Cards in your inventory change with the passage of time: food ripens or rots, blades rust and rare items increase in value.
* Baten Kaitos' unconventional card-based battle engine features over 1000 Magnus cards--each with unique artwork--that can be combined for a virtually infinite number of attacks and spell effects.
* Enter a landscape overflowing with graphic detail. Vivid, pre-rendered backgrounds are alive with movement and subtle, ambient animations. Enjoy gloriously rendered battle environments and astounding spell effects.
* Character design by renowned artist Nakaba Higurashi. Epic, stirring soundtrack

Release Date: 11/16/2004

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Mario Party 5

Amazon Price: $106.98 (as of 12/22/2009)
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* Change the location of event spaces on the virtual game board to get a leg up on your competition and race to collect more stars than anyone else.
* Duke it out in new duel, traditional or everyone-vs.-Bowser mini-games.
* Have fun with everyone's favorite characters, as well as some new ones debuting in their first Mario game.
* View the game board with ease and get back to the game faster with the new 3-D maps.
* Compete against the Koopa Kid Brigade-a trio of Koopa Kids who take their turns simultaneously, cutting down significantly on the wait time and letting everyone get back to the action more quickly.

Release Date: 12/01/2003

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Animal Crossing

Amazon Price: $91.30 (as of 12/22/2009)
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Release Date: 06/15/2006

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Luigi's Mansion

Amazon Price: $102.94 (as of 12/22/2009)
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Release Date: 06/15/2006

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Sonic the Hedgehog

Amazon Price: $19.09 (as of 12/22/2009)
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Release Date: 01/30/2007

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Final Fantasy: Crystal Chronicles

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Release Date: 02/10/2004

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Goblin Commander: Unleash the Horde for PlayStation 2

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Release Date: 11/11/2003

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Xbox 360 Rock Band Special Edition

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Release Date: 11/20/2007

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Guitar Hero World Tour Band Kit for Wii

Amazon Price: $119.99 (as of 12/22/2009)
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Release Date: 10/26/2008

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Worms 3D

Amazon Price: $119.98 (as of 12/22/2009)
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Release Date: 03/16/2004

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Billy Hatcher and the Giant Egg

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Release Date: 09/23/2003

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Harvest Moon Magical Melody

Amazon Price: $29.99 (as of 12/22/2009)
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Release Date: 03/28/2006

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The Simpsons Road Rage

Amazon Price: $113.19 (as of 12/22/2009)
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Release Date: 12/18/2001

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