Quick Mini-Reviews

Games to play, if you haven’t given them a shot already:

Dragon Ball Z Budokai 3(PS2): Definitely fun if you like the show/manga, and unique among fighting games. I didn’t get to play 2, but I played a bit of 1, which was neat. Story mode is a little watered down in some ways compared to the first, but is still fun, including the flying around at mach speed. The story starts in the Saiyan Saga of DBZ, and sort of runs like a “Cliff’s Notes” version of DBZ.

Attacks are neat, as you play, you gain new attacks and learn how to use them gradually, so there’s a good learning curve. Lots of characters, though I’ve only gotten to see a few. Some GT stuff thrown in for good measure(it’s still primarily Z, though), and even what appears to be a brand new animated sequence for the opening. Good stuff.

Mario Power Tennis(GameCube, natch): Good, simple fun. Easy to learn, difficult to master, like many of Nintendo’s best, like Smash Bros. and Mario Kart. And like Mario Golf, the opening is funny in a sort of Looney Tunes/Mickey Mouse cartoon sort of way.

Burnout 3: Takedown(PS2 and XBox, I think): if you like to crash cars, this game is for you. Wrecking a vehicle and running your opponents off the road has never been this much fun.

Dead or Alive: Ultimate(XBox): I’m a fan of DOA, and these updates are pretty good. Wish I owned an XBox and had Live so I could enjoy them fully.

LBD “Nytetrayn”

David Oxford

David Oxford, or “LBD ‘Nytetrayn’,” as he is sometimes also known, is a freelance writer of many varied interests who resides in Toronto, Ontario, Canada. If you’re interested in hiring him, please drop him a line at david.oxford (at) nyteworks.net.

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