Definently something you would not expect to see on any Nintendo system any time soon, Manhunt was an attempt by Rockstar to go against the grain. It was vicious, gory, and brutal, and not comical like the GTA cash cow. Gamers either liked the game or hated it. You play as James Earl Cash, a man whose televised execution was faked just to secure his “participation” into the walking nightmare of Carcer City. Forced to participate in amateur snuff video with only the sadistic director as his ally, he must use stealth kills and deception to defend himself against 4 psychotic gangs, corrupt policemen, and “Piggsy.” Also of note is the instruction manual, which is made to look like an actual snuff order catalog.

In 2004, Midway released ‘The Suffering’ a refreshing take on the survival horror genre.  It was a lot more action focused than the Resident Evils and SIlent Hills, in which it was less about solving puzzless so much as it was about blowing away hideous creatures.  It was basically a combination of SIlent Hill and Max Pane.  Players took the role of Torque, a grim man scentenced to Death Row for the murder of his wife and children, but here was the twist – weather or not he actually committed the crimes depended on how you played the game, giving you one of three endings.  A year later, Midway followed it up with this sequel.  WHile it delivered more of the same action, it was moved to a different setting.  Players with an old save game can load up and get a different starting sequence based on how they finished teh game last time.  You fight against Blackmore and his henchmen, including dozens of new monsters, each based on real life horrors.  Once again your ending differs based on how you play the game.  Although this game’s big plot twist will seem familiar to anyone who has seen Fight club, Midway/surreal has crafted a brand of survival horror that can very well end up being America’s equivalent to Resident Evil.

This is Sony’s answer to Ninja Gaiden. A hyperactive button masher with simple puzzles and upgradable weapons and abilities that’s hyper violent and relentless in it’s presentation. You play as Kratos, a really pissed off guy with two blades grafted to his arm. Your mission is to kill Aries, the god of war. Throughout the game you encounter many souped up versions of mythological greek figures such as the minotaur, hydra, and Medusa. Also of note are several action sequences which require you to keep your finger on the control pad not unlike Resident Evil 4. Following the sequence properly can lead to a really big payoff. For action fans with a PS2, this is a must buy for the system, especally since a sequel is coming early next year.

Well not exactly, but you get the idea.  A while I told you about The PSP version of Nintendo…… I mean a PSP game called the Dog Happy Life, now Atari is getting into the act with a game called Hot PXL.  The game puts players in the control of a character called Djon and play more than 200 micro…I mean minigames.  These include stage diving, skateboarding, and trying to cross a street.  The game also promised downloadable content.  Hmm…a collection of minigames…where have I played this before?

The Dead or Alive series has never been as deep as the Soulcaliburs or the Tekkens of the 3-d fighting wolrd, but it’s interactive environments, Tag team gameplay, and it’s ‘fan service’ has always bought it a unique flavor. Dead or alive ultimate is a double package of both DOA 1 (saturn version, never before released in the US) and DOA2 (with a new intro, costumes, and backgrounds) and throws it together with online play. THis two pack is perfect for Xbox owners looking to pass the time until they pick up DOA 4 on 360.

In late 2004, Squaresoft released this 1-cart compiliation of the orgins of it’s flagship FInal fantasy series, complete with new graphical upgrades to update the look to the 16-bit games in the series. These match the similarily packed Final fantsy origins, released for the original Playstation a few years back. Even though there are no prerendered sequences in this version (obviously) the new features such as 4 new random dungeons in FF 1 (featuring familiar bosses from other titles in the Final Fantasy series), and an all new subchapter in Final fantasy 2 (featuring the characters who have died during the main game) more than make up for it. Both titles allow you to save anywhere,making them perfect for long trips. Although they are difficult and as old school as they come (complete with random encounters), they are the perfect trip back in time for old school RPG fans.

Out of all the Games that have adopted GTA’s free roaming design, only 3 really stand out from the pack. Spiderman 2, Mercenaries, and Destroy all Humans, the latter 2 designed by the same company, Pandemic. You play as Crypto, an alien looking to conquer an alternate 1950’s America chock full of paranoia and innuendo. You use different gadgets and powers such as an anal probe, flying saucer, and telekenesis (Throwing around cows is always fun). The game is fun, and silly, and it proves that the GTA formula dosen’t always have to be about drive bys and prostitutes. My only regret is that the game is too short and there is nothing much to keep you playing afterwards.

It’s rare that I post something not related to $20 GOTY, but this is a special occasion.  Morrowind was one of my favorite titles on the original Xbox, and it’s sequel pretty much addresses everything I didn’t like about Morrowind.  From the combat, to the menu, to travel, and the skill system, everything has been overhauled %100.  The best thing I found early on is that the intro sequence, in which you have to escape from prison behind the ill fated emperor (who is voiced by Patrick Stewart), gives you a chance to try out each of the skills available.  When you reach the end, you can change anything you want.  Anything you can think of, it’s in here, from stealth, to destructive magic, to marksmanship.  The only thing I don’t like is that the construction kit available on PC isn’t available here, but oh well.  Hopefully the downloadable content will offer us some interesting stuff.