Game Zone reviews

PlayStation 2/Xbox

This is set in the same Nosgoth universe as the recent PS2 game Soul Reaver 2. But where that game followed the adventures of good vampire Raziel, Blood Omen 2 (it should really have been called Kill Innocent People To Stay Alive) is the flipside, where you play Raziel's nemesis Kain. Not only has your vampire the ability to suck blood (no, really?), he also has several other powers, notably super-human strength and an ability to shroud himself in mist, always handy for avoiding enemies.
Cleverly, the inhabitants of Nosgoth will react differently according to how you treat them. For example, if you run around slaying peasants willy-nilly they'll eventually cotton on and run away screaming when they see you. Blood Omen 2 is not for the faint of heart, but if you can stomach the claret, you shouldn't pass this by. (HM)

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Transworld Surf

Xbox

Go back to when you were eight years old. Your dad promised to take you to Alton Towers, but instead thought a trip to the basket-weaving museum would be more edifying. You're at the museum, desperately trying to find something to engage your interest, but there's no escaping the fact it's just plain dull. Yes, mum, the baskets look lovely, but unfortunately I've lost the will to live. That experience is twice as good as playing Transworld Surf. It looks great (wow! Look at the realistic water!) but the surfing tricks come from utter guesswork. Shame, really, because consoled extreme sports are the lifeblood for many gamers. But leave this. It's a wipeout . (NP)

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Sonic Advance

Game Boy Advance

The little blue hedgehog first made his debut on the Megadrive in 1991. Now he returns to his roots in this adventure, which features classic 2-D side-scrolling action. This time around, the Dr 'Evil Moustache Guy' Robotnik has devised yet another diabolical scheme in his typical quest for power. Your job is to romp over seven different zones as Sonic and his comrades, while you collect rings and emeralds. And that's just the story mode, as there are also multiplayer features too, with Chaos Hunt and battle options for up to four players, where you can race against your peers. Need I say more? Go forth and buy. (HM)

Game Zone reviews archive