EyeToy: AntiGrav
Sony Computer Entertainment

The graphical style of AntiGrav is suitably futuristic and slick, with plenty of details within the large environments for each race. Characters animate nicely, although they can be a little stiff based on how quickly the EyeToy tracks your movements. The true star of the game is the soundtrack from Apollo 440, which remixes and changes based on your performance.

Taiko Drum Master
Namco

The rhythm game genre has evolved into a number of interfaces for players to get their groove on. There's the basic button pressing mechanic, which asks gamers to tap the corresponding button in time to the music or the onscreen icons. Many gamers are also aware of the phenomenal success of DDR and the Dance Pad that took the world by storm. There have also been a number of instrument peripherals, from maracas and guitars to turntables. The latest addition to this growing list of devices comes directly from Namco, who's bringing over a taiko drum from Japan. Grab your sticks and practice your cadence, because it's time to become a Taiko Drum Master.

Where is it now?

While other EyeToy games have mainly been focused upon mini-games or other amusement features, AntiGrav is different for two reasons. First, AntiGrav is a fully featured “extreme” sports title that requires the use of your entire body to control onscreen action. Secondly, you’re actually not the focus of this game; instead, your movements direct an onscreen character through a number of arenas. These two factors make AntiGrav's use of the EyeToy unique and should make this title appealing to gamers of all ages.

Where is it now?

Peripheral issues aside, Taiko Drum Master is probably one of the first rhythm games in a while to actually provide some amount of creativity to the genre. Thanks to the drum and the playlist, gamers will have a number of tracks to beat out differing rhythms to, and the animated characters are somewhat amusing. Were the drum and the other features of the game more solid, this would’ve been an award winning title.

Related articles: Preview
Buy at Amazon.com: PS2

Karaoke Revolution 2
Konami

Overall, Karaoke Revolution Volume 2 takes the approach of “if it ain’t broke, don’t fix it, adding a few new features while essentially retaining the same gameplay as its predecessor. It still takes songs everyone knows and gives them an opportunity to be a star. If you like singing or dug the first game, you’ll definitely want this edition, but other players should rent it to see if they want to become a lyrical superstar.

Jakks TV Games
Jakks

TV Games is an easily portable, self-contained gaming system. All you need are batteries. No videogame consoles and no gaming cartridges required! Simply plug in the A/V input jacks that come with the controller into any standard television set, turn on and play! The lightweight, compact, all-inclusive controller houses a combination of videogames with all of the hardware built-in. This technology allows gaming fans to access a number of videogames with just one single purchase.

Where is it now?

Not everyone is an athlete or natural dancer, so Dance Dance Revolution, novel as it is, has always had a hard time making inroads compared to Karaoke Revolution. Success on the Playstation 2 platform has taken Karaoke Revolution through a handful of volumes and a debut release on the Xbox. With the public still enamored with reality shows like American Idol, singing is definitely in.

Where is it now?

Jakks? TV Games currently available include Atari TV Games, Namco TV Games, Activision TV Games, SpongeBob SquarePants TV Games, Spider-Man TV Games, Disney TV Games, Mrs. Pac-Man TV Games and Atari Paddle TV Games. From classic, nostalgic videogame properties to children's top entertainment programming, there's something for everyone.

Related articles: Review
Buy at Amazon.com: PS2 | Xbox

The Sims 2
Electronic Arts

The most interesting element of The Sims 2 is the random, life-like quality of it all. Your Sims do things you never told them to do – never even thought of them doing. One of the families I played with was designed to look like my wife and I and our hypothetical children, which was fine until my Sim started flirting with the cute neighbor girl from the down the street. My wife was very understanding about it – until the cute neighbor girl’s dad starting flirting with our newly teenage daughter! Now we have some kind of soap opera on our hands that was never what we intended – but it sure is fun to watch.

The Incredibles
THQ

The Incredibles is essentially a platformer, and one that's very faithful to the movie. Most of the actors reprise their roles in the game, with the notable exception of Craig T. Nelson as Mr. Incredible, and there's something like fifteen minutes of the film strewn throughout the game. The graphics really capture the square-jawed, fast-moving action of the movie. The Incredibles has had some real work put into it to make it as faithful a reproduction of the style and feel of the film as possible, and you can really see that on the screen.

Where is it now?

The Sims shot from relative obscurity to PC game immortality as it and its many expansion packs outsold the rest of the field for several years straight. Electronic Arts has had nothing but success when it comes to The Sims, as long as they stay out of the online arena. The Sims 2 promises to deliver the same life simulating fun as The Sims but with updated graphics that console players have had a sneak peek at for some time. If The Sims 2 is anywhere close to what The Sims was, you can rest assured that Electronic Arts has another few years to rest on its laurels.

Where is it now?

Older gamers could probably blow through The Incredibles in one night, but a kid'll have hours of fun playing as the characters from the movie, and that's the audience this is meant for. If you liked the movie, you'll probably like the game, as it's a near-perfect blend of classic gameplay with the production values and design of the film.

Related articles: Review
Buy at Amazon.com: PC