video games - EU Jacksonville 6/21/07

entertaining u newspaper: your weekly guide to entertainment

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video games

by norm stovall    normstovall@gmail.com

For Xbox 360

      DiRT is totally awesome. I really mean that. From the moment I got my antsy hands on the demo, I was hopelessly in love. I’m a big fan of rally racing games in general, so I guess that makes me a little biased going into this review, right? Well, hear me out. DiRT has a terrific mix of simulation-style rally racing and arcade style gameplay. With a ton of true-to-life cars and buggies to choose from, you are sure to find your favorite rally vehicle. In addition to standard style rally races on dirt, gravel and tarmac, DiRT also features head-to-head racing, a la NASCAR. The damage that happens to your car is realistic, and if you run off the road into a tree, chances are gonna be good that you just ended the race for yourself. While playing, you can choose from multiple viewpoints, including two from inside the car, which is perfect for playing with the Microsoft steering wheel. If none of this sounds cool to you, then maybe I am a little biased, but I still stick to my opinion that this game is totally awesome.

For PSP

      Some of you may be sick of remakes and re-releases. Fair enough. One of the main selling points of both the Nintendo Wii and Xbox live is the steady flow of classic games and remakes. Well, the PSP also has a few, of course. Nothing to rant about, as there is plenty of new content for the PSP. But you know what? This week, PSP got a really good remake of a really good game.

      About 20 years ago, the first Final Fantasy game was released with much fanfare. It may be hard for some of you to believe that it was actually that long ago, but yeah, 20 years. With the remake, Final Fantasy is just as good as it ever was (and even better than it eventually became), with all-new bells and whistles that fans of the series will go gaga over. An all-new bestiary system is at your disposal, allowing you to easily view the enemies you have defeated, which is actually pretty cool to use. Additionally, all the graphics have been redone and enhanced. The dungeons have had their share of revamping as well, though the tried-and-true gameplay mechanics and story have stayed the same. Whether you’re a fan of the original or a new player learning the roots of console RPGs, it’ll do you good to play Final Fantasy.

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Entertaining U Newspaper, eujacksonville.com. Published by N2U Publishing, Inc. 3101 University Blvd., South #201 Jacksonville, FL 32216. Copyright N2U Publishing, Inc. 2006. Reproduction of any artwork or copy prepared by N2U Publishing, Inc. is strictly prohibited without written consent of the publisher. We will not be responsible for errors and/or omissions, the Publisher's liability for error will not exceed the cost of space occupied by the error. Articles for publication are welcome and may be sent to the following address: 3101 University Blvd., South #201 Jacksonville, FL 32216. We cannot assume responsibility for unsolicited manuscripts and photographs. For information concerning classified advertising phone 904-730-3003.