28 - Sky Odyssey (PS2)

Genre: Flight sim
Rating: E
Developer: CAProduction
Publisher: Activision
Platform: PS2
Release date: 2000

I don't know why I have so many simulation games that I barely know anything about. I don't have any particular interest in flying or planes but here's another game based around it. Unlike more action oriented games such as Ace Combat this game is one based upon adventuring.

In the game you're given the option to play through the adventuring story mode, practice, or just fly freely around. I went with adventure mode because that was what I assumed to be the meat of the game. At first it seemed really boring but quickly picked up.

You're flying in precarious places by cliff sides and between them. Sometimes there will be rock slides that spontaneously occur and you have to maneuver out of the way or else you're in big trouble. You also need to keep an eye on the random plane stats on the side of the screen or else your craft might stall in midair. Mine did, but somehow miraculously un-stalled before I went crashing to my death.

Speaking of which, I managed to fly through the level, hitting the magical circles in the air that they wanted you to nail. It was at the very end of the flight that I finally saw the landing strip down below me. I quickly descended and tried to get on their as slow as possible. However, what ended up happening was that I slammed down onto the strip and it was game over. I saved a replay and hope to upload that to Youtube sometime.

Would I play again? No.

3 - Activision Anthology

Genre: Compilation
Rating: E for Everyone
Developer: Contraband Entertainment
Publisher: Activision
System: PS2 (Also: GBA, PC)
Release date: 2002

Compilation games are some of my favorite things ever, especially when they're retro compilations. I adore being able to play my favorite games from childhood without ever having to hook up the consoles again. Sure, there is something very awesome to be said for playing games on their initial hardware, but it becomes increasingly difficult to hook them up on modern TV sets.

This was a really awesome collection. It had well over 20 games and the interface was one of the best I've seen for this type of game. You navigate around a kid's very 80's room to choose various options. The games themselves are on a spinning shelf and you can view lots of information on each title. Playing games gives you access to their commercials and other various items. This is what I wish Achievements of Trophies would do these days, instead of just giving you more points.

In fact, on the shelf of games there are empty slots. I talked with someone on the development team for this game and those slots are not for unlockable games. In fact, they were supposed to be special games you could download. Of course, the PS2 online network never really took off and this feature was nixed.

Overall this was a lot of fun although I wish there could be a bit more explanation about how to set up two player modes or what the various functions the buttons are mapped to. Aside from that, it was a fantastic set of games and a great way to spend some time with friends.

Would I play again? Yes!