MEMBER PROFILE FOR DocHoliday78
Average Overall Score Given: 7.77778 / 10
Total Forum Posts: 4600
Reviews
Max Payne 2: The Fall of Max Payne
Overall: This is the stunning sequel to last year's hit fps shooter Max Payne. With longer gameplay and some tweaks to bullet time this should be fun.Gameplay: Nothing from last year's MP has dissapeared but some new bullet time options have been added. The physics are good, but the game is short
Graphics: Better graphics then MP1 but not up to par with lets say a game as far cry or sometimes even halo. Textures can sometimes be plain though.
Audio: Great bullet soundaffects, i love the comic theme and the voice overs are perfect. Mona adds some new humor to the game.
Overall Score: 9.0 / 10
Fuzion Frenzy
Overall: This was the Xbox's anser to the Mario Party craze. Its a decent attempt and does provide fun with its mini games if you have 4 players.Gameplay: If your by your self i give it a 3.0 but if your at a party i give it a 5 so i averged it out. The gameplay is all mini games and the controlls are simple yet responsive. You should get a few kicks out of playing FF.
Graphics: Average graphics, character models, and level textures. This game wasnt made to impress you on the visual aspect.
Audio: This game has all the necessary sound effects that is needed for a game like this. It is the generic bonks and whaps but does the job.
Overall Score: 8.0 / 10
The Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King
Overall: This is the last installment of the LOTR game ( I think since its the last movie) This follows very closely to two towers gameplay and deserves a chance.Gameplay: The gameplay is finely tuned and tweaked compared to last years two towers game. You now have recorded experience and you can buy new moves via dungeons and dragons style. The only problem is this game is very short on the two player side but has replay value since there are character unlockables etc..
Graphics: Its an EA game so dont expect anything over the top. Yes it looks like a ps2 port and yes they coulda used a lot more of the xbox capability but its decent.
Audio: If you have surround sound then this game really plays up to par with it. The in game cinmeas sound great and the action is never off.
Overall Score: 9.0 / 10
Top Spin Tennis
Overall: This is pretty much a vitrua Tennis clone with better characters and updated. It is live which makes it niceGameplay: This game has a crisp clean feel to it. ITs been a few years sincei had picked up a tennis game and i felt right at home with the controlls. There is a career mode which is pretyt in depth and i found it to be much deper then expected.
Graphics: Awesome, awesome graphics. The replays and physics of the net are insane. I have a crappy TV and they still looked great. The court and player models are very detailed but the ball boys never run acroos.
Audio: Fitting music is played throughout the game and i dont see how you could mess up a tennis games sound. The racket hitting the ball is realistic and gives you a sense of accomplishment when you murder the ball
Overall Score: 9.0 / 10
Backyard Wrestling: Don’t Try This At Home
Overall: A lack luster wrestling game that plays more like a retarded tony hawk virtua fighter game. Dont go into this one expecting much.Gameplay: Horrible wrestling phyics, controlls, gameplay, and anything else you would expect comes with this game. The season mode is a joke and if you lose on match you have to start the whole event over. Garbgage unlockables make this game have zero replay value
Graphics: Terrible terrible graphics. It looks like your in a tony hawk level. The levels are poorly detailed and all graphics are slightly under the ps2 level.
Audio: The best part about the sound for this game is that you can mute it all. The sounds are all very limited and pretty soon you will realize your just hearing the same groaning and hitting over and over gain.
Suggestions: Dont make another game
Overall Score: 3.0 / 10
Metal Gear Solid 2: Substance
Overall: The sequel to one of the greatest games of all time, carries alot of hype wth it. Once again you play as snake but now there is a new character thrown into the mix. I wont ruin any secrets but this new guy is fun to use.Gameplay: Classic Solid Snake gameplay. If your a vetran then the controlls will come into play perfectly and you wont have any gripes. For all the new fans starting this one up i suggest you play the vr missions. There are over 150 vr missions all based on there main theme. My favorites are the weapon vr's. This adds a ton of replay sice you can also unlock new characters to use in the vr's.
Graphics: This is a straight ps2 port. The framerate is a little iffy in the begging movie sequence but from there on every thing is fine. Of course they could have been a lot of changes for the better but you cant have everything i guess.
Audio: Fantastic sound. The music and conversation is outsatnding. Snake will make you laugh out loud a few times from his sarcastiv remarks.
Overall Score: 10.0 / 10
Madden NFL 2004
Overall: The newest addition of Madden. The new features are owner mode and being able to make playmaker decisions. No live though.Gameplay: Same madden as every year just a few teaks. The new playmaker mode allows the user to pull back the secondary. On the fly audibles and choose blockers as your running. THe gameplay comes up short compared to espn's.
Graphics: This looks barely better than the ps2 game. Being a port dont expect anything woo you over. Just basic standars here.
Audio: Al Micheal and John Madden do a decent job of commentary. However they just sound really flat. Also the refs can be barely heard over the crowd and madden.
Suggestions: Needs online capability like all stupid EA games.
Overall Score: 8.0 / 10
SSX 3
Overall: This is the newest game in the SSX series. It features one giant mountain with three diffrent areas.Gameplay: THe controlls are alot more responsive than the past SSX's. There is the basic setup and the pro control setup which gives you 4 extra grab buttons. There is the standard race and trick competiotns. The newest feature is the free ride which isnt close to amped 2.
Graphics: Great graphics but this is a port. They didnt even come close to using Xbox's power and their are some framerate issues.
Audio: The characters are constantly talking back and forth during the race. The sound as your boards cuts through fresh powder is nice.
Overall Score: 9.0 / 10
Grand Theft Auto: Double Pack
Overall: Finally we have the GTA series! It cant get any better than this. Its not even a port. The graphics and sound have been optimized for our xboxs.Gameplay: There is the basic game missions and the endless amounts of fun to have with this game. You can do praciticly anything. Want to bang a hooker and then killer to get your money back? Go ahead. Great controlls although i like a keyboard and mouse better.
Graphics: The game supporst HDTV's so the graphics look awesome. This isnt a ps2 port so dont expect lame models and textures. Everything looks great.
Audio: Awesome sounds from guns,explosions, and death. Custom soundtracks make drive-bys a blask. Nothing like putton on some NWA and shootin cops.
Overall Score: 10.0 / 10
WWF Raw
Overall: The first attempt at a wrestling game on the xbox. I purchased this game for 10 dollars not expecting much. Well i was correct. This is a lackluster game that comes no where close to wwf no mercy.Gameplay: The grappling system and controlls are horrible. Its not quite smackdown but not quite no mercy. Whats even worse is that you can be pounding on a wrestler for five minutes straight, hit your finisher and he will bounce right back up. I find myself having to use clotheslines and other boring moves to finish the match. There are also extremly stupid weapons in crates that can be unlocked. There are no ladder matches, or table matches. Everything is very basic here.
Graphics: This is the best looking wrestling series out. Thats the only good area of this game. I must mention though that HHH looks like a hagard old women.
Audio: Decent sound is in this game. The wrestlers all have their correct music but there is no music ripping on this title. Nothing extraordianry here.
Overall Score: 2.0 / 10
WWE Raw 2
Overall: The sequel to last years Raw is here. I had high standards coming into this game and i must say i am impressed with the forward progress this title has come. There have been many tweaks and changes throughout this game. Also a story mode has finally been introduced.Gameplay: Well, its about time they got the grappling system how its supposed to be. It is the closest thing to no mercy. There are also now hell inthe cell matches, table matches, and the royal rumble. There is a new story mode but sadley its about as deep as the kiddy pool. There seems to be no point or purpouse other than to get to Wrestlemania. I guess you could create your own story plots if you wanted to. The Create a Wrestler is great. Plenty of styles and names to choose from. The music ripping option is great.
Graphics: BEST. WRESTLING. GRAPHICS. EVER. They are that good. All the wrestlers are acuratley portrayed but the Rock looks like a starving Eithopian. Also some wrestler are extremly shinny.
Audio: With the ability to rip your own music that is an automatic bonus. I love being able to change Hogan's entrance theme to his original, I Am A Real American.
Overall Score: 9.0 / 10
Dead or Alive 3
Overall: One of the first games out on the xbox is still one of the best fighters out there. This is the third insallment of the DOA series and not much has changed.Gameplay: Same combo and fighting system as DOA2 from the Dreamcast. There are some new fighters. The controll system is very tight and precise. If you have the timing part of the game down youll be hard to beat. However there is a lack of replay value since only movies can be unlocked.
Graphics: The graphics are stunning. The levels have such immense details and texturing. My personal favorite is the ice level where you can send your opponent into giant icles and watch them shatter.
Audio: There is a ton of sound affects. From pounding your opponent into walls to geting fryed by an electrical system the osund is crisp. Its a plus to have a good sound system of course.
Overall Score: 8.0 / 10
Phantom Crash
Overall: Well another mech title was released. Dont expect a mech assualt type of game here. The upgrading system is nice though.Gameplay: There is single player vs in this game. The single player AI is quite dumb. They do talk smack like UT series but its not as cool. A plus is being able to upgrade your mech how you see it.
Graphics: The graphics are nice. Not as good as mechassault but still much better then any other system. The mechs are detailed as with the buliding sourrounding you.
Audio: The reason i gave it such a low score is becasue that they ai constant ranting is horrible. The say the same thing over and over again. The gun and missle sounds arent anything special and everything else seems subpar.
Suggestions: Needs live and much much better sound.
Overall Score: 6.0 / 10
Tony Hawk Pro Skater 2x
Overall: This was inspired by Thugs release. Anyway this is TH 2 with some added new levels and badass looking grass. Gameplay: The controlls seem to have been tightened in a good way. I am able to get off bigger combos and manual longer. Everything esle is the same. There are new levels though that are up to par with the other hawk levels. Nothing compares to the school though ;)
Graphics: The grass in this game is amazing. Seriously best grass ever. I dont know why it hasnt carried through to the other three THPS titles on the box. The characters look much better than ps of course.
Audio: Good sountrack and you can have custom soundtrack like the other hawk series. The grinding and bailing sounds are good.
Suggestions: Needs live
Overall Score: 9.0 / 10
Tony Hawk Pro Skater 3
Overall: The third installment of the Hawk series. A new move called the revert has been added along with some crazy special manuals.Gameplay: The controlls are nere flawless in this game. A new move called the revert has been added which allows you to keep combos going off of vert tricks which is very helpfull
Graphics: Good graphics. Its still a port from ps2 and shows. The awesome grass from 2x is gone and i dont know why.
Audio: Follows in the path of the other Hawk series with great music. A lot more songs then the second one. Also supports custom soundtrack
Overall Score: 9.0 / 10
Tony Hawk Pro Skater 4
Overall: The fourth series of the Hawk series. The missions in this game have evolved to going around and talking to characters for diffrent challenges. T his game is exremly fun especially with XBC.Gameplay: It plays just like all other hawk versions. The missions are now activated by talking to various characters with an icon over the head. The real fun is on xbox connnect where you play against other people. I have had alot of fun with this.
Graphics: The best graphics so far minus that !&%$@#* grass that still hasnt appeared. Still a ps2 port but oh well textures look nice.
Audio: Assortment of songs put together by activision. Custom soundtrack supported. Better bail sound affects.
Overall Score: 10.0 / 10
NHL Hitz Pro
Overall: This is the pro version of the NHL hitz series. It is now 5-5 and the rinks are much bigger. The xbox version is not live enabled however.Gameplay: It plays a little more NHL and a little less hitz. Like stated above there are now 10 players on at one time. The fighting system is new. Instead of the normal combos and punches your are given a button to tap. I personally hate the new fighting system but love the overall gameplay. Dont expect an all out arcadey feel for this one
Graphics: The graphics are improved from 2003 but are below Espn's hockey title. This is a port so nothing spectacular is to be seen. I will say that the rink and fans do look better.
Audio: This game supports custom soundtracks so thats a plus. The crowd chants and commentary is good. Much much better than last years hitz. The commentaters keep up with the action quite well and are never off by more then one play.
Suggestions: Being a hitz vetran i was pleased with the new face lift on this game. I am still heated that xbox got screwed with the no live enabled options.
Overall Score: 8.0 / 10
Hitman 2: Silent Assassin
Overall: This is the squal to the first one. You play as a hired assasin who come out of retirment to take on his enemies.Gameplay: The gameplay is kidna funky at first if you have never played the first game. You have a menu that you bring up when your near doors and other objects that pulls up certain actions. A new feature is being able to look through key holes which is very help full. Like Splinter Cell this game has a number of ways you can go through the levels. If you want to go out guns blazin the be my guest...just dont expect to get far.
Graphics: The graphics are meh. They could have been better but weren't maxamized for the xbox. The character models are smooth and the level textures are decent. Nothing hard on the eyes.
Audio: If you have surround sound then you will love this game. The gasping and wheezin of your enemies while you choke them out is delightfull. Enemies can hear your actions so you must be sure that you are quiet while creeping up to them
Suggestions: This game has cheats that will up the replay value for sure. Its a good buy especially at its new low price. If you are into the tactic, assasin thing then you will love this one.
Overall Score: 8.0 / 10
Rocky
Overall: You play the role as Rocky Balboa from the hit movies. This game is a mix between knockout kings and ready to rumble in a good way. There is exhibition and story mode.Gameplay: In story mode you work your way up through all 5 Rocky movies facing 5 diffrent boxers (including each Boss). The hardest boss was Clubber for me. He has a badass combo. Speakign of combos. This fighting system is awesome. Its all based on timing and counters which work very affective.
Graphics: This game looks great sometimes and is laughable at other times. In the cinematics the fighters hands seem extremly puny but that is just a small complaint. Other than that the models are great.
Audio: I love the music in this game. It brings back memories but besides the nastalga part for me the sound is very nice. All music is from the movie and while you train you get some insperational tunes. They coulda had better voice overs.
Suggestions: If you have friends to play then this is a game thats gonna be played. The vs mode is great and can lead to some heated battles. Story mode takes about 7 hours to beat on high difficulty. Have fun with this one
Overall Score: 9.0 / 10
All-Star Baseball 2004
Overall: Obviously this is a baseball game. It has the basic modes that all do and is a decent game that is worht your timeGameplay: The pitching and batter interface is decent. I would have liked if the controlls were a bit more tight. Infielding and throwing is easy to pick up on. However Tripple Play has better controls imo.
Graphics: Decent graphics and colors. They could have pushed for more details and used the xbox's power much more.
Audio: All-star baseball does a good job of incorperating the sound in this game. High heat has better sound then this but its still aboe average
Suggestions: If your big on baseball games that rent this one out. It could suit your taste but for me i am stickign with MVP all the way
Overall Score: 7.0 / 10
NBA Street Vol. 2
Overall: This is the second instalment of the street series. Has a new street mode and much more unlockables.Gameplay: Street 2 follows up the first game with some new tricks and a much better create a player mode. You can unlock old school players like Dr. J and three dirffent versions of MJ.
Graphics: I dont know why some people say its cell shaded but its far from that. However it is a ps2 port. I give it a 3
Audio: Decent sounds. Nothing to spectacualr. Could of used a custom soundtrack option but not all games can be perfect.
Suggestions: Once you beat the game its not much fun playing it will last you about a month or so.
Overall Score: 9.0 / 10
ESPN NFL Football 2K4
Overall: Oh baby! 2k4 is in the house and it is jam packed with unlockables, great new franichise options, and other tasty treates like First Person Football.Gameplay: The gameplay is slowed down and a lot more realistic. With gang tackles and the option to use the right thumb stick for running moves, you have a better feel for the game. There is the franchise and season mode options. My favorite is the crib where you unlock crib items via making big plays in games. Its the answer to the madden cards imo.
Graphics: If you got a HDTV your ognna love the graphics. The fans are not detailed unless they show the special cinematics where people have there shirt off and cheer etc. Same thing to alway be expected with SEGA: Great presentation and the ESPN franchise finally took the task of adding in a half time show which is really cool. It takes pictures of the big plays so far and Chris Berman commentates on them.
Audio: Extremly good commentary. I believe that compared to Fever and MAdden 2k4 blows the comp away. In the crib you can select your music and have songs off teh hardrive playing.
Suggestions: Its Live enabled. Hurry up and go buy this game. If your not a football fan this will make you one. Best choicie out of all three of the football games out on the box.
Overall Score: 10.0 / 10
Tony Hawk's Underground
Overall: Well, what do you need to expect with another hawk series title. Its been given the usual hawk face lift with a new way to link up combos(running) and it has been given an rpg feel. Oh and dont forget about the create a move option.Gameplay: Gameplay is nice and tight. There is the same idea of going around and doing diffrent mission like THPS4 but its involved in a story mode. You go from not having a any skateboard to being a pro skater. For the first half of the game you have to deal with your brainless friend Eric who is constantly getting into troube and causing you to bail him out. This continues untill you sign and choose what sponser you want. Thats as far as i have gotten
Graphics: The graphics are clean, but they scream PS2 port. I would have liked if they had used any of the xbox's graphic capabilities but oh well i cant really complain. What ever happend to that real life grass deal like in THPS2x? Anway graphics get a 3.5
Audio: Awesome sound effects, with the option to have customized songs. If you dont have any songs dont be sad becasue like always the game comes with a nice wide variety of music genres to fit your needs. Heh they even got SOD on there.
Suggestions: With XBC, and old schoo levels to unlock this has a lot of life in it. Ya gotta love this series for how far it has come. Ya gotta check this one out addicts!
Overall Score: 9.0 / 10
Kabuki Warriors
Overall: Ok, I am proud to say that i have played and beaten Kabuki Warriors. I do NOT recommend this to anyone.Gameplay: Terrible, just terrible. I dont even know if the game developers heard of a combo system. The fighters are extremly lame.
Graphics: Bland, bland, bland. You remeber when you first saw the fantastic 4 on ps1. Well think worse, much much worse
Audio: Best part of the game becasue you can mute it. No seriously, they forgot to put in real sound affects and voices.
Suggestions: Stop making games
Overall Score: 3.0 / 10
Blood Omen 2
Overall: Meh, its an average xbox title with some great key features but overall its a great rental at its best.Gameplay: You play as a vampire with the need to kill and suck blood out of everything. Sucking blood is one of the best features in this game.
Graphics: Average. The game does not take advantage of any of the xbox's features. It looks like a great ps2 port.
Audio: Sounds good with THX sorround sound. Hits give a satisfiying crunch when delivered. Decent voic overs.
Suggestions: None
Overall Score: 7.0 / 10
