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Dave Mirra Freestyle BMX

Acclaim

Tony Hawk's Pro Skater from Activision became a mega-hit, but since then, dozens of companies have tried to bring fringe sports like surfing, sky diving and other "me, too" extreme sports titles to market, all looking to cash in on the craze.
Up till now, none have matched the quality or replayability of Tony Hawk, and only a small few have come close, including this month's challenger, Dave Mirra Freestyle BMX from Acclaim.
Instead of using a skateboard to race against the clock and perform dangerous mid-air stunts for points and prestige, this game is all about daredevil BMX bike riding, so players can aim to pull off a "Superman", "Icepick", "Tailwhip" or "Toothpick". In total, there are over a dozen unique environments, such as Camp Woodward's back-breaking "Lot 8" or the San Jose Ramp Club, to name a few.
Fortunately, controlling the rider is a cinch to learn for younger or novice gamers, and there is enough substance here to keep players pedalling long after the goals are met. In fact, along with the "Free Ride" mode, the timed "Session" mode, and the challenging, career-based "Proquest" mode, there are ten different two-player games including our favourite, dubbed "B-M-X", where the second player has to mimic the first rider's moves (remember the H-O-R-S-E variant of basketball?).
Dave Mirra Freestyle BMX's visuals are only satisfactory, with nothing really to kick heels about. The 3-D engine brings a few annoying screen "pop-ups" (objects and backgrounds awkwardly disappear on occasion as riders move relative to the "camera") and "clipping" (where the rider gets mysteriously stuck) problems that probably could've been ironed out with a few more weeks in development. And while the mid-air stunts and crashes look painfully real, the game seems to lack a convincing sensation of speed.
But even with its shortcomings, Dave Mirra Freestyle BMX is a rad BMX arcade/sim that proves that the Tony Hawk's Pro Skater series, while still the king, is not the only game in town. --Todd Mowatt
Virtua Athlete

Sega

If you are looking for a game that doesn't have much substance, but is good fun to play while it lasts, then Virtua Athlete is the ideal game. Based around the Sydney Olympics, Sega's attempt at the Olympic gold is unfortunately more a bronze when compared to the likes of Sydney 2000 and International Track and Field.
This is not to say that the game is a complete shambles: the finely polished game does shine graphically, and what it does concentrate on, it does well. In Virtua Athlete the events follow the standard range, 100m Dash, Long Jump, 110m Hurdles, Shot Put, High Jump, Javelin and the finger numbing 1,500m are all present as you work your way through the seven events to be crowned with gold medals.
There are five difficult levels to challenge yourself with and if that wasn't enough, Sega have included the option to download, and upload, race data to a World Network Ranking System on Dreamarena.
If you are looking for a well-polished game, glorious eye candy and great pick up and play options then Virtua Athlete will definitely fill those needs. If however, a range of depth is more your game then one of the other Olympic titles might be better suited.--Stuart Miles
Trickstyle

Acclaim
TrickStyle is one of the most stylishly pleasing games. And the Dreamcast version really pumps out the pixels with fluid animation that effortlessly follows the hoverboard riders along the tracks. One of the game's designers recently explained that the concept behind the game was for riders to find the path of least resistance, taking one graceful path down the track like "a drop of mercury". This is a great concept but this drop met many a brick wall on its way to uncertain victory. The tracks in TrickStyle are not player-friendly, and neither are the computer-controlled opponents that act more like flawless robots than flesh-and-blood competitors.
Still, this game looks so cool, you can't resist playing it. The requisite tricks from snowboarding games are here, but this time they actually add important power-ups to your repertoire, favouring function over, dare we say, style. To save yourself the frustration of trying to consistently win races, you should enjoy this game by watching the screen while other more nimble or less leisure-time-deficient friends play. --Jeff Young
- Jaw-dropping graphics and animation
- Functional board tricks
- Contemporary styling
- Difficult racetracks
- Unrealistically skilled computer opponents
- Need to place first in order to progress
Ready 2 Rumble boxing - Dreamcast - PAL

"Sega of America, Inc."
UEFA Dream Soccer (Dreamcast)

Sega

If you are a footy-loving Dreamcast owner you are not exactly spoilt for choice on Sega's otherwise exemplary console. Apart from Virtua Striker the only alternative is the World Wide Soccer series which sees its third incarnation in UEFA Dream Soccer. If you own either of the previous versions you will find this game very familiar with a few graphical bells and whistles and some gimmicky additions such as female teams (who play no differently to their male counterparts).
The moment you kick off, it is obvious that there are some major flaws with UEFA Dream Soccer: the players AI is very suspect: you can play an inch-perfect pass to your striker and he will stand with the ball at his feet waiting to be dispossessed. It is possible, however, to score by walking the ball into the back of the net, with the goalie stuck in the scenery, which doesn't happen very often in the Premiership.
Some of the animation is very dubious too: a simple defensive header can send the ball rocketing into the other half and the players glide over the pitch in a very unconvincing manner. The UEFA licence doesn't extend to real player's names and the random commentary often doesn't reflect the actual on-field action.
As a two-player pick-up-and-play, though, it has its moments and its possible to have some exciting high-scoring end-to-end games with some spectacular, if unconvincing, action. The varied Arcade options ensure extended play as well.
Unfortunately this game is not the killer football title that Dreamcast has been waiting for. If you are a true sports fan then the best advice would be to try Virtua Tennis instead. Not football admittedly, but possibly the best sports game on any console. --Michael Bartley
Phantasy Star Online 2

Sega
WWF Attitude

Acclaim

WWF Attitude is just like its subjects: big. Over 40 World Wrestling Federation wrestlers--with bigger-than-life bodies and personalities to match--take to the ring, including The Rock, Stone Cold Steve Austin, The Undertaker, D-Generation X and Triple H. Wrestle as an individual or tag team, create your own pay-per-view event, or choose from a wide variety of options for matches and gameplay.
As the wrestlers come out, their theme music is played, and they go through their trademark moves. From there the action gets a little slow. While the crowd sounds very realistic, the actual moves are executed rather slowly. Plus Acclaim has included a function that causes the wrestlers to lock arms if they get too close. This is designed to keep a player from using the same moves over and over again. It doesn't work--an entire match can be won by just hitting the kick button. What it does do is force numerous arm locks that do little damage and can turn monotonous. However, executing a great move like a body slam is cool--when it works.
Hard-core professional wrestling fans will appreciate the accurate character models and faithful reproductions of signature moves of their favourite wrestlers. While those who are into fast and furious wrestling action will be better served looking elsewhere, fans who enjoy watching the pros will enjoy this game's cinematic attitude. --Allen Stewart
Worldwide Soccer 2000 Euro Edition

Sega
Tee Off

Acclaim
The first golf title for the Dreamcast, Tee Off is in the vein of arcade-style golf games like the Hot Shots Golf series on the PlayStation. Players control big-headed, Japanese animation-style characters on vibrantly-coloured 3-D courses. Shots are viewed from multiple camera angles--including some mesmerizing aerial views--with the ball leaving a fading trail behind it.
While Tee Off does require some basic golf knowledge, it uses a standardized control scheme which even those who've never played video golf will be able to pick up on right away. In addition to customizable difficulty levels, Tee Off offers various modes of play, including gate ball (think croquet in cyberspace) and world tour, which rewards players' high scores by "unlocking" new characters and equipment.
Admittedly, Tee Off isn't for devotees of more simulation-oriented golf titles, as they'll probably pass it off as kiddie fare. However, casual video golfers and those new to the armchair sport are in for one heck of a good time on the links. --Joe Hon
- Highly addictive arcade-style gameplay
- Great replay value
- Gate ball (cybercroquet) mode
- Japanese to English language translation is weak at times
- May not appeal to fans of more simulation-oriented golf titles
UEFA Striker

Atari

Football is a rare thing on the Dreamcast, so when you get the chance of a game, it always has high hopes. UEFA Striker, although not a FIFA, is a high hope for the Dreamcast, and with commentary from the likes of Jonathan "get excited about a corner" Pearce and Ron Atkinson, you know you could be in for a treat.
So with UEFA offering 130 teams--all with correct name spelling--and nine game modes UEFA Striker has plenty to offer. Couple this with a huge element of customisation and gameplay that opens further elements of the game and you'll be in for some good football.
The control method is your standard shoot, pass, boot and tackle and although lacking the precision of the FIFA series is useable to soon rack up the goals. This is a welcome non-arcade football game for the Dreamcast. --Stuart Miles
International Track and Field (Dreamcast)

Konami

With every Olympic Games, there comes a whole host of video games to boot. International Track and Field from Kanomi is one of these for the Sydney Olympic games. So with Britain having done well in the Olympics, it's your turn to turn your luck at winning those gold medals.
Based on the already popular International Track and Field series, this version sees the usual array of events and the adding of some new ones. Try your luck at the ever-impossible 100m Dash--this is the same for every track and field game--to the more unusual Pole Vault or even Horizontal Bar event.
The game at times can be very competitive, with you having to perform to your best abilities in an attempt to get placed. Every event has a different technique to it and once mastered makes the game a lot more enjoyable, although to begin with can be very frustrating.
International Track and Field is on a par with Sydney 2000 by Eidos and Virtua Athlete, with all three offering you an array of different events. If you really are a fan of the Olympics then perhaps the safest bet is to check all three out, as you would then have most of the Olympic events covered.--Stuart Miles
Championship Manger 03/04 (PC)

Sold Out Software
Tony Hawk Pro Skater 2

Activision
Virtua Tennis

Sega
Extreme Sports

Sega

With more and more games turning to the field of extreme sports, it was only a matter of time before one game tried to tackle them all. Sega Extreme Sports tries to do just that and does a pretty good job of it.
Rather than offer you the chance to play each sport individually like a sort of decathlon, Sega have opted for the rather original choice of rolling them into one, well sort of.
The levels, which are structured in such a way that you are completing in an ever-changing non-stop race containing at least three events sees you jumping on snowboards, bungee jumping, mountain biking, hand gliding and even sandboarding in a game that offers you that "I've got to get to the next stage feeling".
Couple this with a gruelling Championship mode and the usual array of time trails and bonus tracks and what you end up with is a very nice refreshing change. What Sega have managed to do is create a game that doesn't get bogged down in any one topic, but gives you a sample of them all in a fast-paced race. --Stuart Miles
Sega Bass Fishing

Sega
For those willing to take the bait, Sega Bass Fishing has an addictive gameplay hook that will reel in sporting enthusiasts and even a few hardcore gamers. This realistic 3-D bass fishing simulation shines with three distinct gaming modes, eight fishing environments, and 13 different lures.
Let's be honest here. Fishing simulation games aren't for everyone. Many hardcore gamers will likely bypass this title because they believe the genre lacks the instant gratification of fast-moving shooters. That's a shame. Though it might not be everyone's can of worms, Sega Bass Fishing does offer a subtle, highly addictive gaming experience that will challenge even the most seasoned of game veterans.
This isn't Quake, to be sure. But you'll need similar gaming smarts and strategies to succeed in this water-based sporting environment. It takes a skilled aim and a steady hand to hook and reel in the largest fish, which are surrounded by smaller, less desirable catches. There's nothing worse than casting your lure directly at a monster-sized bass only to have it intercepted by a meddlesome minnow. We encountered more than our share of near misses, which gives us virtual bragging rights to "the one that got away".
While some gamers will prefer the subtlety of free-form fishing without time constraints, this game also features a fast-action arcade mode that requires the player to meet a minimum quota of catches before advancing to a new fishing environment. An optional Dreamcast fishing controller (sold separately) makes the task of catching these underwater critters all the easier. The controller, which also adds a realistic rumble when you catch a fish, is a highly recommended accessory for the ultimate home fishing experience. --Brett Atwood, Amazon.com
Pros:
- Near-perfect translation from the hit arcade game
- Eight realistic 3-D fishing environments
- Three different game modes to choose from
- Great control with optional fishing controller (sold separately)
Cons:
- Game genre will not appeal to everyone
Extreme Championship Wrestling

Acclaim
ECW Anarchy Rulz

Acclaim

Extreme Championship Wrestling is to other professional wrestling outfits what gangster rap is to mainstream rap: a much more hard-core permutation. Whereas the WWF and WCW are more like soap operas, ECW features in-your-face, high-impact manoeuvres and, shall we say, more aggressive language.
Acclaim made an equity investment in the wrestling series, and Anarchy Rulz, their second PlayStation title in the Extreme series, is fully loaded with plenty of features and gameplay modes. Plus, you will have 34 wrestlers to select from, including Tommy Dreamer and Super Crazy (note the easy-to-remember names!). Of course, knowledge of the franchise helps immensely.
ECW includes a Create-a-Wrestler option that lets the would-be manager have fun with creating fighters. You can even put together your own four-person wrestling posse, complete with theme songs, personality clashes and a logo for your group. Anarchy Rulz also comes with the typical wrestling game modes: exhibition, career and tournament.
In terms of the action in the ring, this is where Anarchy Rulz shows its true colours. The camera's flutter and movement is very irritating, and the gameplay seems an exact replica of Acclaim's previous WWF titles. The wrestling action relies too much on grappling and not enough on the over-the-top action that the ECW is famous for. There are very few throws and no high-risk leaps or takedowns.
Crazed ECW fanatics or wrestling lovers should enjoy this game, while all others might want to pass. --Todd Mowatt
Sydney 2000

Eidos

Every four years the Olympic games come and go, and every four years developers and publishers alike produce computer games based around these games. The good thing for gamers is that with every four year the games get better. Sydney 2000 by Eidos, is based on this age-old principle.
With 12 Olympic events, 32 countries represented whilst providing a number of gaming options ranging from Classic Arcade mode to a career based Olympic mode, this is a far cry from the days of Daley Thompson's Decathlon. As you would expect, graphically the game has improved ten-fold on the game titles that were present at the last Olympics. The races now actually look different from each other, all with their very own individual style.
Although the graphics have improved, the gameplay is still the same tested and tried approach that comes with every track and field game. This normally involves you bashing the hell out of the controller or in a mad frenzy in an attempt to get your runner, swimmer or even cyclist, around the track in a suitable time.
But do not fear, for not all the events are based on this format. Featured are the 100m Sprint, 110m Hurdles, Hammer, Javelin, Triple Jump, 100m Freestyle Swimming, Olympic Sprint cycling, Skeet Shooting, Super Heavyweight Lifting, 10m Platform Diving and Kayak K1 Slalom to challenge you on both precision as well as speed.--Stuart Miles
Jeremy McGrath Supercross 2000 (Dreamcast)

Acclaim

Jeremy McGrath Supercross 2000 is another in the long line of extreme sport action games. With the likes of Dave Mirra and Tony Hawks already well established, is their room for one more in this ever expanding market?
The game has all the right elements and Jeremy is the 11-time world Supercross champion. The soundtrack is from the punk band The Offspring, but somehow, just fails in the execution, the game lacks that certain style, that certain excitement, and flounders somewhere between a racing and a free-style stunt sim.
The stunt part of the game seems like an add-on, with no real formula, while the racing is fun, but has no real direction. The game controls seem like an afterthought, far too severe, leaving you off the track rather than on it. Although winning a race can earn you points to unlock new sections of the game, winning those points is unfortunately a different matter.
With a track editor the fun can be dragged out a little longer, but this really is a game where its more fun to cause havoc and pile-ups on the first corner than to try to win the championship laid out before you. If you've got nothing else to do and want something a little off the beaten track then this is the game for you, but if Acclaim want the McGrath brand to continue, something had better be pulled out of the hat for the next installment. --Robert Holliday