Todd's columns have appeared in many publications such as GamePro, Electronic Gaming Monthly, PC Gamer, and Electronic Games. Todd is a founding member of GiN and speaks from an "old school" gamer's perspective. Embracing the notions of all classic gaming, game soundtracks, and the original "hardcore style," he also shuns the trends he feels are ruining the game industry, such as the embracement of 3D, the over-saturation of MMOs, and misleading game advertising.
Earlier this week, I wanted to do a commentary providing my take on our Game of the Year voting. But there were some matters that I wanted to get out of the way first. Several external circumstances cause me to change my plans for the week. As many of you know (unless you were in a coma or hiding under a rock for the last 48 hours), our military forces have taken action against Saddam Hussein's forces in Iraq. Earlier this afternoon (evening in Baghdad) the ground war began. As I was returning from my bi-weekly trip back home, I … Continue reading General Down! General Down!→
Sammy's most recent releases for the PlayStation 2 are sequels to two titles that I will admit I never played. However, in the end I am proud to say that I didn't play one of the predecessors while I wish I did play the other one. The following co-reviews will explain my decision even further: GALERIANS: ASH Galerians: Ash follows up on the PS1 title literally. Six years have passed since the mother computer, known as Dorothy, was destroyed by the lead character Rion's psychic powers. Now her followers, named Galerians, are attempting to revive Dorothy. It … Continue reading Sammy's Mixed Bag→
When Panzer Dragoon was released during the Saturn’s early launch, many people missed out on a very unique title. While everyone was playing the other launch titles (Daytona USA and Virtua Fighter), the unorthodox Panzer was the true showcase of the system, an impressive 3D Rail Shooter that truly brought out the power of the Saturn, and eventually became a cult favorite. An even more impressive sequel was released a year later which improved on the original in every conceivable way, followed by an RPG released late in the Saturn’s life cycle (so late in fact that I was unable … Continue reading Panzer Reborn!→
The last few weeks have been pretty slow for me as far as new releases are concerned. It seems that once the whole Christmas rush is spent, there really isn't much for me to look forward to. I've already gone through the best games this past holiday had to offer (Metroid Prime, Splinter Cell, and Vice City to name a few) and until E3 there isn't really much to look forward to. I do know of one title that I will be keeping a close eye out in the next month when it is released, and that is the Legend … Continue reading GameCube Make Or Break Time→
Game Review- Dead or Alive: Extreme Beach Vollyball
Very little of Dead or Alive: Xtreme Beach Volleyball’s gameplay has been shown. Mostly the footage we have seen involves the graphic and sexual appeal of the game’s female cast. However, it does come as a surprise that DOAX does have surprisingly good gameplay (if a little on the shallow side) but also works well as, of all things, a life simulator! Those used to the DOA series will be taken for a ride. DOA veteran Zack (voiced by Dennis Rodman with a strange accent) announces that he will be hosting the fourth tournament on his own private island. Using … Continue reading Volleyball Vacation→
I want to start my commentary off with a correction. Previously I wrote that I couldn't mind my Xbox titles that are enhanced by HDTV. After doing some extra research, and consulting www.hdtvarcade.com, I found out that a majority of Xbox titles support both 480p resolution and 16×9 widescreen. In addition, once I had the settings to my HDTV altered, I am now able to enjoy Xbox the way it is meant to be played, in high definition widescreen. Thanks to everyone who wrote in to let me know about this. While we're on the subject of the Xbox, it … Continue reading Ve Have Vays Of Making You Talk, Ya.→
It’s no surprise to anyone who has read my reviews and commentaries that I am a huge Metal Gear fan. Something about tactical espionage and stealth infiltration just piques my interest. Nothing is more suspenseful than sneaking up on an unsuspecting guard, where the slightest noise could mean the difference between taking a hostage or being a corpse. Solid Snake may have been the innovator of the stealth genre, but his successors add their own special skills to the mix (the lead character from Thief using shadows to hide in, and Hitman #47 disguising himself as an innocent courier). Last … Continue reading Snake Meets His Match→
The year 2003 is starting off on a high note for me. After all the trouble I had the previous year with the mass power surge that fried my equipment (now I find out my computer was also affected), as well as the "Big One" crash that left me without a car for over a month, it is about time that good fortune came my way. Christmas Eve is usually a slow time for me, except for the fact that my woman and I celebrate our anniversary. I received a phone call that afternoon, but it wasn't from her, but … Continue reading Surprise, You Are Rich!→
The original Metroid was one of the first games I played when I got my Nintendo Entertainment System. That was over 15 years ago, and back then it was a milestone in adventure games. Keep in mind that this was during an era when most adventure games only involved horizontal scrolling, and Metroid’s vertical depth added a unique addition to the mix. While it went unnoticed in Japan, Metroid was a huge hit in the States, and went on to span a GameBoy sequel, as well as the Super Nintendo successor, which expanded everything about the original game. I regret … Continue reading Primed for Action!→
Or At Least The Year Has 2002 ended already? It seems like it was just starting! Then again, with some of the problems I had this year (the massive power surge, The Big One, and car insurance hell to name a few), maybe the sooner 2003 will get here, the better off I'd be. Still, despite all I went through this year, it was an amazing year for gamers everywhere. I could go on and on about each and every title that I tested out and loved (or hated), but that would take forever. The year's end also brings our … Continue reading The End Of An Era→
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