Top 20 Ireland Games Chart (W12, 2005)
Week 12, Year 2005; Ending 26th March 2005.
position - name
- Fifa Street
- Gran Turismo 4
- Rugby 2005
- Brothers in Arms: Road to Hill 30
- Metal Gear Solid 3: Snake Eater
Full top 20 chart…
- Fifa Street
- Gran Turismo 4
- Rugby 2005
- Brothers in Arms: Road to Hill 30
- Metal Gear Solid 3: Snake Eater
- <Non-Game Title>
- Resident Evil 4
- Timesplitters: Future Perfect
- Super Mario 64 DS
- Devil May Cry 3: Dante’s Awakening
- Championship Manager 5
- The Sims 2: University
- Sonic Mega Collection Plus
- The Punisher
- Mercenaries
- Fight Night Round 2
- The Spongebob Squarepants Movie
- Grand Theft Auto: San Andreas
- <Non-Game Title>
- The Incredibles
‘Irish software charts’ compiled by ChartTrack, copyright (C) 2005 ChartTrack Ltd
Review: Locomotion
Developer: Chris Sawyer | Publisher: Atari | Format: PC
An underground and transparent-buildings view of London. Incl. a high-speed rail link to Dublin.
Reviewer: Cian Ginty Chris
Sawyer’s Transport Tycoon Deluxe (1995, Microprose), and what was
originally going to be its sequel RollerCoaster Tycoon (1999,
Hasbro/Microprose), have taken so many hours from this writer’s life
he is tempted to ask for them back.
Sawyer is an independent games developer, his games have been
developed with little outside help — namely from the freelance graphic
artist Simon Foster, and with musical help from Allister Brimble and Anthony Putson.
If you have not got it by now, the basic idea is the transportation
of people and cargo by rail, road, water, and air. High-speed passenger
trains to trams or concords to cargo ships.
The graphics are improved - but only to the level of the 2D
RollerCoaster Tycoon — they are far from some modern management games,
like Children of the Nile.
Scenarios range from real life places - Ireland and the UK, the
three quadrants of the United States, and the Swiss Alps — to imaginary
ring islands. A map editor is also included.
While things such as complex underground road and rail, and massive
bridge-building have been added since the original - they have also
brought their own new problems. Even with underground mode and
transparent buildings on, over ground road and rail can obstruct
underground ones. While massive-scale building of rail over the ground
on bridges can completely overshadow cities as well as the countryside.
Although, these are major flaws, they are not fatal flaws — they can be
frustrating, but ignored.
For the rail buffs - In rail technology, the game starts at some of
the first trains and goes as far as the high-speed TGV trains.
Strangely, unlike the TTDLX, there is no magnetic levitation rail
- even thought it is just now being used in the real world in an
economic way. However, third-rail and over head electrical wires can be
added to the normal track.
This isn’t the type of game with a hugely broad appeal - for
management fans or transport fanatics only (any budding Aer Lingus or
CIE mangers?).
Not so good vibrations for Sony
In The order by a California federal court will only come into effect if an appeal — which Sony intends to take — fails. 
the
Sony may be forced to stop selling its PlayStation consoles and 47
games set for release, and pay $90 million in damages to Immersion Corp
for using their patented technology. The patent covers console
controller vibrating technology that rumbles in line with in-game
action.
Microsoft settled for out-of-court with Immersion, paying 26m to
license Immersion’s technology, and obtaining 10 percent of the
company. This left Immersion’s original 2002 patent-infringement
lawsuit only effecting Sony’s PlayStation 2, and PlayStation/PSOne.
Review: Winnie the Pooh’s Rumbly Tumbly Adventure
Developer: Phoenix Studios | Publisher: UbiSoft | Format: PS2 (GC, GBA)
Reviewer: Craig Gallagher Everyone
one loves Winnie the Pooh - he is one of the most enduring characters
in literature, and has successfully expanded into one of the biggest
selling brand in the world. A few games were inevitable.
Winnie the Pooh’s Rumbly Tumbly Adventure is a kid’s title through and
through. And when I say kids, I mean kids, those small, noisy
annoyances that we were all once {Ed — kids, other wise known as baby
goats?). As such, Disney Interactive is marketing this game to children
the 10 year old and younger.
The story is simple and cute. Pooh and Christopher Robin are taking a
walk in the Hundred Acre Wood when Pooh’s stomach goes rumble.
Christopher Robin suggests that Pooh Bear recall happy times in a bid
to block his hunger pains. He starts thinking back to the birthday
parties of all his friends in the forest.
There are three different game modes: the Birthday Adventures, Junior Mode, and multiplayer games.
The Birthday Adventures is the closest thing to a main adventure or
quest in the game, where you can play through five chapters, each one
someone’s birthday. Junior Mode lets you explore the Hundred Acre Wood
at your own pace without objectives or any other distractions; while
the multiplayer mini-game mode lets you play a collection of single and
two-player mini-games. Junior Mode and multiplayer represent the
simplest form of “pick and play” there is. Aimlessly exploring the
Hundred Acre Wood will only appeal to young children, and most of the
mini-games revolve around collecting things, so basically it’s simple
fun for kids.
It’s impossible to review this game for anyone over the age of ten.
it’s a game for children which offers them hours of fun. Its good,
clean, innocent fun that will keep them entertained for hours on end.
Review: ESPN NBA 2K5
Developer: Visual Concepts | Publisher: Global Star | Format: PS2 (Xbox)
Reviewer: Craig Gallagher Getting
games in the post can be a bit of a mixed bag. For every good game you
get you are guaranteed at least three crap ones. Sometimes you open a
package and find a pleasant surprise, such as three games instead of
one that is how I received the EASP 2K5 package.
Global Star Software, a Take-Two company, is a known for releasing
quality budget titles. NBA 2K5 is one of those games that pleasantly
surprises us. It’s as good if not better than its full priced
competitors.
However, NBA 2K5 is a lot slower than its competitors - this may make
the game more realistic, but for non-basketball fans such as myself it
seemed a bit boring. It makes you think about what you will do with the
ball rather than simply passing and shooting as soon as possible. The
thoughtfulness of the gameplay means that you will never be bogged down
in strategies and controls - the game is fun and simple much like the
real thing.
There isn’t much that I can criticise the game for, it delivers as much
fun and quality as any other NBA game currently available and for half
the price. NBA 2K5 is a quality title. The gameplay is decent, it looks
good, and it’s a lot of fun. It’s a must buy for basketball fans and a
decant purchase for everyone else.
Review: ESPN NHL Hockey 2K5
Developer: Kush | Publisher: Global Star (Take Two) | Format: PS2 (Xbox)
Reviewer: Craig Gallagher What
the puck! Maybe it’s just me getting older or my lack of hockey
knowledge but I can’t seem to see where the puck is. Then again that
doesn’t really matter in NHL 2K5 as you spend most of the time trying
to start fights with the opposition.
It’s fair to say that the majority of the game’s features will be lost
on most Irish gamers. The new scouting system, which gives you the
opportunity to sign minor-league players and the opportunity to hire
new coaching staff is all well and good for serious sports fans. But it
will drive the vast majority of us who pick quick game insane.
There was nothing wrong with last years ESPN NHL Hockey, and the small
changes aren’t enough to justify buying NFL 2K5 as well. So if you own
last year’s version don’t bother with the latest rendition. If not,
then go for it — it’s not even a full-price game.
Review: WarioWare Touched
Developer: Nintendo | Publisher: Nintendo | Format: DS
Six screen shots, three from the DS’s top and bottom screens.
Reviewer: Craig Gallagher So
you think that the DS is a gimmick? Nothing more than money grabbing
piece of hardware that will only appeal to Nintendo heads? Well if
that’s the case you need to play Wario Ware Touched. Go grab your
stylus and get stuck in.
Anyone who has played Wario on the GBA should be instantly familiar
with the gameplay. A series of long, laugh-out-loud set pieces followed
by some of the most inventive mini games you will ever come across
followed by a big boss.
There are literally dozens and dozens of different games to perplex
your brain and give not just your wrist but your lungs a work out. Yes,
you read that right, you lungs! One entire section of the game involves
you blowing on the screen.
Old favorites have been given a new spin - the air brushed girl with
a runny nose is back, but is now elongated over the two screens and you
must snip her enormous snot to send it back into her nostril.
Although the game could be longer, unlocking every micro-game provides
hours of replay value. WarioWare Touched is a classic. It’s highly
addictive, funny and a lot of fun.
Review: Uefa Champions League 2004-2005
Developer: EA | Publisher: EA | Format: PS2 (PC, PS, GC, Xbox)
Reviewer: Craig Gallagher This
is one of those games which demonstrates just how much power EA has. A
soccer sim with only one unique quality - the official licenses to all
of the major clubs.
Uefa Champions League 2004-2005 is yet another soccer game based
upon the Fifa engine. You know what you’re getting from the word go.
Nice graphics, a flavor of the month soundtrack, decant commentary and
gameplay which is about two steps behind the competition.
There is one new feature though, the main mode is now mission based.
You have to qualify for the champions league and other such stuff. You
are given a number of different tasks, beating certain teams by a set
number of goals and so forth.
Over all Uefa Champions League 2004-2005 just isn’t good enough.
Just get a copy of Konami’s Pro Evolution Soccer 4, you wont be
disappointed.
Gizmondo handheld gets Ireland street date - UK launch tomorrow
Gizmondo
makers, Tiger Telematics, have arranged a deal which sees Sigma
Wireless made “official distributor” of the handheld console,
so-far the device is to be stocked in Xtravision, Spectra, and 3G
stores.
Until now, Tiger Telematics’s main business was using the Global
Positioning System satellite system for business applications.
Priced at 349 euro in Ireland (app 242 UKP), and 229 pounds in the
UK, the handheld console features a camera, music player, film player,
and GPS. Although it is not a mobile phone, it has Mms capabilities,
such as text and photo messaging, and audio and video clip download.
Gizmondo uses Microsoft’s Windows CE, their games Age of Empires,
MechAssault, and It’s Mr Pants will be published for the console. Games
such as Conflict: Vietnam, Worms, and Carmageddon, will be ported to
the format.
The console publisher has bought games developer Warthog (Battlestar
Galactica, Mace Griffin Bounty Hunter), and incorporated it under their
‘Gizmondo Stuidos’ brand. Upcoming self-developed games include
‘Colors’, a action GPS gang warfare game where you control your “turf”,
and the RPG Fallen Kingdoms.
“There’s been growing interest in Gizmondo since it created such a
stir in at the Toys for Big Boys show in Dublin. We’re thrilled to be
working with Gizmondo Europe in bringing such a feature-packed piece of
technology to consumers in Ireland” commented Tony Boyle of Sigma
Wireless.
In other handheld news, Nintendo’s DS was released last week, Sony’s
PSP’s European release is on ice, and Nokia have once again dropped the
price of their phone-console N-Gage which has attracted disappointing
sales figures.
Sports car prize for GT4 Champion of Ireland
In-game image for illustration purposes only
Computer Entertainment Ireland is holding a competition to find the
best Gran Turismo 4 driver in Ireland, with the 55,000-euro Nissan 350Z
sports car as top prize.
The first stage to winning is to submit your best time (and code)
from the Nürburgring World Circuit track in Time Trial in Arcade mode
using the Nissan 350Z. To verify, the top 16 entrees will be asked to
send their memory cards to Sony, which will be returned.
The top 16 finalists will then go to the Irish GT4 Challenge Final for knockout stages.
Titled ‘GT4 Champion of Ireland’ the winner will receive the Nissan
350Z and go forward to the European final of the GT4 Challenge at Le
Mans 24 in June.
“The GT range has such a huge following. Fans have been waiting for
GT4 for 3 years and our day one sell in figure of 60,000 certainly
reflects this anticipation” commented Marea Gray, Marketing Director
SCE IE, adding that “We believe the game will deliver and in fact
surpass all expectations. Because GT4 is such a successful franchise
for PlayStation we believe a promotion of this scale is warranted’.
For full details on how to enter, and terms and conditions, see gt4ireland.com, or for more details on the game go to GranTurismoWorld.com.