Computer Games

1 Legend of Zelda: Majora's Mask

Nintendo of America / $60 Nintendo 64

GIST Players must get out of a time loop and save the world from a falling moon.

NOTE The game is both darker and more disturbing than previous games in the Zelda series. Lacking the lightheartedness found in its predecessors, the game pits the player against a more malicious evil. Requires previous purchase of the N64 expansion pack.

Electronic Arts / $50 / Playstation 2

GIST Uses the PS2's advanced graphical capabilities to create one of the most realistic looking football computer games yet.

NOTE The commentary is repetitive and the game pace is slower than previous versions; however, the slower pace is an advantage as it allows more time to control characters and to enjoy the view.

NAMCO / $50 / Playstation 2

GIST Contains no plot whatsoever, having only violence between characters with exaggerated abilities in the martial arts.

NOTE Brings back many of the characters from previous versions of Tekken and adds a game mode similar to tag-team wrestling.

Activision / $40 / Playstation

GIST Similar to the original Tony Hawk (see review below).

NOTE Adds new characters, new maps, and a utility to create your own levels. Contains realistic, painful-looking falls.

Electronic Arts / $51 / Playstation 2

GIST Race against other players, performing stunts as you make your way down the courses.

NOTE Winning often requires taking "shortcuts" and overly aggressive snowboarding. Levels include icebergs and cities, and have colored snow rather than the standard white mountainside of previous snowboarding games.

What do you get when you combine Mario Brothers with Cool Boarders2? Tony Hawk Pro Skater by Activision takes the directed action of Cool Boarders2, adds the simple fun of Mario Brothers, and combines them in a series of interactive 3-D levels. Unusual surfaces can be used to perform stunts and often lead to hidden areas or to necessary goals. While the controls make performing simple tricks very intuitive, they are difficult to master and leave the player feeling as if he or she is randomly pressing buttons rather than consciously controlling the character. Each level has goals to be achieved, and, while most are innocent enough (i.e. get 40,000 points), some include bashing in "No Skating" street signs or breaking glass directories in a mall. One level requires the player to avoid aggressively driven taxis whose drivers make hostile comments. These elements play into the stereotype of rebellion and vandalism often associated with skating. The game does not, however, dwell on these and other minor elements, such as small splashes of blood after a serious fall. It remains focused on challenging the player to explore the levels and master dazzling tricks. The music is harsh and contains inappropriate lyrics.