Computer Games

1 MADDEN NFL 2001

Electronic Arts; $41; Playstation

GIST This year's version of the popular NFL simulation with play-by-play announcing by John Madden and Pat Summerall.

NOTE Has a sequel's strength and weakness. The artificial intelligence has been improved, and other changes have been made, yet the game remains similar to previous versions.

Nintendo of America; $50; Nintendo 64

GIST The familiar Mario and company take up rackets and challenge each other on both standard and some unusual courts.

NOTE The game-play becomes repetitious when played in single-player mode. Playing with friends and family makes the game much more interesting.

Microsoft; $30; CD W95/98

GIST The original game has the player become a historical figure and lead campaigns. This expansion pack adds more units, maps, controls, and other elements.

NOTE The campaigns are historically based but do not fully represent historical facts.The expansion pack requires previous purchase of Age of Empires 2: Age of Kings.

Square EA; $42; Playstation

GIST Search for the "Frozen Flame" that enables the hero to go back in time to save himself from dying 10 years ago in a parallel dimension.

NOTE Re-playable since the player can make choices that will change how the game progresses and even how the game ends.

Maxis; $29; CD W95/98

GIST This expansion pack adds new careers, homes, neighborhoods, and furnishings to The Sims and requires that game's prior purchase. Maintains the pleasure-centered approach of the original game.

NOTE Added elements such as a vibrating bed are suggestive. An extensive online community has developed around this game, with some amateurs creating elements for free download that show Sims in gross perversions.

Diablo 2 by Blizzard Entertainment can be approached from two sides: structure (how the game is controlled, how the plot is advanced, etc.) and content (images displayed, plot, worldview). Diablo 2's structure is excellent: It's a game that is easy to control, yet not so simplistic that it becomes boring. Role-playing elements greatly increase re-playability because each decision about a skill to develop affects the game. The game's content, though, features disturbing cinematic scenes and occult images and themes. The combat part of the game is bloody, and background images become bloodier as the game progresses. The plot holds together for a video game, but Diablo 2's theme is typical within this genre: In the battle of good against evil, evil has frighteningly powerful forces, while on the side of good, there is only the player, at best given minimal help. God is little or nowhere to be seen. In this Deistic worldview, God sets things in motion and leaves us to sort them out. Meanwhile the powers of darkness work with a free hand.