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Final Fantasy IX (Platinum)

Atari

As with the other games in the series, Final Fantasy IX has the ability to grab your attention from the time you fire it up until the last boss is put down. Previous entries into the game's lineage took a more dramatic cinematic route to do what a role-playing game does best--tell a story. That style led to some complaints from headstrong fans and role-playing gamers alike. In response to this, while not sacrificing what new technology they've built into the series, SquareSoft has backtracked a bit. To put it simply, they've gone back to their roots.
But even players with no experience in this series can pick this up as a new game. Final Fantasy IX's story follows a group trying to stop Brahne, the evil Queen of Alexandria, in her quest to rule the world. Zidane, a skilled thief, teams with a young mage, a royal knight and a princess, who all soon discover that the queen's threats are fronting an even more sinister plot involving a powerful sorcerer named Kuja. It's your job to control the eight playable characters--each of whom begin the game with one weapon, one piece of armour and one special power--and to uncover Kuja's motives before he carries out his deadly plan.
The game's opening sequence sets the stage for what's to follow and, as we've come to expect from the CG wizards at SquareSoft, what is an utterly amazing visual scene. Long-time fans will revel in SquareSoft's decision to return to the disproportional-character look of the past.
Like VII and VIII, Final Fantasy IX uses the ATB (Active Time Battle) system. With each character learning the abilities and commands appropriate to his or her job class.
An Active Time Event (ATE) lets you see events that are happening elsewhere. For example, while you are controlling the main character in a town, you can view what the other characters are doing in another part of the same town. This function provides additional information and behind-the-scenes details about the story and the characters.
The game's visual splendour touches even the most ordinary scenes, such as shadows in the street alleys and the mazes of cobblestones. Final Fantasy IX's colour palette does a remarkable job in creating interest on every single object, location and person.
This will be SquareSoft's last venture on the PlayStation for the Final Fantasy Series, with its awesome graphics, a good story, and random battles that reveal curious bits about each character, Final Fantasy IX is an epic adventure that'll have long-time fans of the acclaimed series beaming with pride and joy. As for everyone else who has yet to experience the Fantasy, now is the time! --Stuart Miles
Final Fantasy VIII Platinum

Sony

SquareSoft has always had a sure-fire hit when releasing any of their Final Fantasy titles, and Final Fantasy VIII should be no exception. The basis of a good RPG (role-playing game) has always been the story; spectacular graphics are secondary. Final Fantasy VIII's, involved and interesting storyline is filled with great twists, well-developed characters, suspense and romance. As an added bonus, the graphics are beautiful. Everything--from the low-lit jazz club to the steam-filled railroad tunnels--is gorgeous and perfectly sets the mood and tone of a scene.
The game mechanics are standard fare for an RPG: acquisition of items and spells, turn-based combat, experience points earned in combat allowing advances in levels. From exploration to battles to dialogue, Final Fantasy VIII has it all. However, Final Fantasy VIII falls to that great weakness of RPGs: random battles. While necessary for advancing in levels, the battles occur with such frequency that they can grow annoying, making for a tedious game experience.
The epic storyline spans four discs--over 40 hours of gameplay--and is based around a mercenary cadet who finds himself caught up with an underground rebel faction. He winds up in a plot to assassinate the sorceress who has just seized power from the president.
You could complain of limited replay value, but this gripe is of no consequence; the game is such a satisfying experience, it doesn't require replay. Final Fantasy VIII is easily worth both the hype and the wait. You can't buy a much better game. --John Cocking
Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone (PS)

Electronic Arts

The history of video games is littered with translations of films--most of them bad. Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone, while most certainly created around the feature film's visualisation of the Harry Potter story, is actually very good, despite being too easy for most experienced gamers. It's a fun, colourful experience even for the few of us left on this planet who have neither read the books nor watched the movie.
Electronic Arts thankfully placed a lot of emphasis on production value for this release instead of taking the cheap cash-in option. Aside from the occasional pop-up problem that makes walls vanish quite un-magically, the graphics are beautiful and fun. Chocolate frogs (an appropriate health power-up) and other elements and characters from the book and film are wonderfully animated. The sound effects and, particularly, the voice acting are top drawer, which helps draw the player into the Potter experience. Also, the gameplay is nicely varied throughout. Players go from learning a new spell in class, to retrieving fire seeds for Hagrid, to magic fights against the Slytherin bully Draco Malfoy, to riding the broom--which is especially fun. There's even a Quidditch level early on, but there's little to do and it's over very quickly.
On the downside, the game suffers from some really odd control. Like a lot of adventure games, jumping is really important since many levels require you to clear obstacles or reach out-of-the-way items. But, unlike nearly every other game in the genre, there's no jump button. Instead, players automatically jump from the edge of a platform from either a full stop or while running. It takes a lot of getting used to because, if you're not at full run or full stop, it's easy to just walk right off the edge and fall. And, like too many other games, you can only save your game at predetermined locations in the game.
Another fault of this game is its lack of challenge for experienced gamers. It's nice that they're trying to make it accessible to the entire cross section of PlayStation-owning Harry Potter fans, but without varying levels of difficulty, it's less of a game than a tour through Potter's magical world. Still, it is an interesting world, and even through it's easy, the action is still varied enough to be fun. --Porter B Hall
Final Fantasy VIII (PS)

Sony
SquareSoft has always had a sure-fire hit when releasing any of their Final Fantasy titles, and Final Fantasy VIII should be no exception. The basis of a good RPG (role-playing game) has always been the story; spectacular graphics are secondary. Final Fantasy VIII's involved and interesting storyline is filled with great twists, well-developed characters, suspense, and romance. As an added bonus, the graphics are beautiful. Everything--from the low-lit jazz club to the steam-filled railroad tunnels--is gorgeous and perfectly sets the mood and tone of a scene.
The game mechanics are standard fare for an RPG: acquisition of items and spells, turn-based combat, experience points earned in combat allowing advances in levels. From exploration to battles to dialogue, Final Fantasy VIII has it all. However, Final Fantasy VIII falls to that great weakness of RPGs: random battles. While necessary for advancing in levels, the battles occur with such frequency that they can grow annoying, making for a tedious game experience.
The epic storyline spans four discs--over 40 hours of gameplay--and is based around a mercenary cadet who finds himself caught up with an underground rebel faction. He winds up in a plot to assassinate the sorceress who has just seized power from the president.
You could complain of limited replay value, but this gripe is of no consequence: the game is such a satisfying experience, it doesn't require replay. Final Fantasy VIII is easily worth both the hype and the wait. You can't buy a much better game. --John Cocking
- A story to beat all stories
- Characters worth caring about
- Hey--it's from SquareSoft
- Stunning animations
- Too many random battles
- Combat is, as always, turn-based and offers minimal excitement
- Weak souls might give up after two or three discs of play
Tomb Raider: The Last Revelation (PSone)

Eidos

Eidos serves up more of the same in the fourth instalment of the adventures of Lara Croft. Tomb Raider: The Last Revelation is sure to please rabid fans of the busty heroine, but it may give indigestion to series veterans looking for something new or improved. If you're one of the latter, your suffering will begin from the start as the game opens with a prologue/training level that requires you to go through the motions before proceeding the actual game. And you probably won't give a hoot about the "play as young Lara" gimmick.
However, those willing to play through the flashback will be pleased to discover that Tomb Raider: The Last Revelation recaptures much of the spirit of the original. Unlike the previous two sequels, the 3-D environments here are closed in, the puzzles are less vague, and the enemies are mostly non-human. While the controls can still be awkward at times and the graphics are largely unchanged, the Indiana-Jones-style gameplay is just as entertainingly addictive as it was the first time around. --Joe Hon
Scooby Doo and the Cyber Chase

THQ
Final Fantasy VI - includes FF X PS2 Demo (PS)

Sony

Final Fantasy VI, originally released as Final Fantasy III on the Super Nintendo, is a straight SNES conversion, so its 2-D graphics and 16-bit sounds are admittedly sub-par by PlayStation standards. However, SquareSoft have added new, beautifully animated movies for this release, and the endearingly melodramatic characters, a genuinely epic story line, and rock-solid gameplay make Final Fantasy VI just as absorbing today as when it was Final Fantasy III. To top it off, also included is a demo of Final Fantasy X (only playable on PS2). --Joe Hon
Tomb Raider Chronicles (PSone)

Eidos

Lara Croft, cultural icon, cover girl and scourge of wildlife everywhere was last seen buried beneath an Egyptian pyramid at the end of Tomb Raider: the Last Revelation. Despite this apparent demise, Lara returns in Tomb Raider Chronicles, an adventure that features previously unseen episodes from her career. Old friends of Lara who have gathered for her funeral and to swap stories about her exploits introduce the stories.
The first level is set in Rome, and is classic Lara; plenty of jumping and puzzle solving with a minimum of gunplay and is reminiscent of the very first Tomb Raider--it even features the comedy bad guys Pierre and Larson from that game. This chapter also serves as an introduction to Lara's various moves and is a real nostalgia-fest for long-time fans.
The other chapters have distinct themes: on a spooky deserted island an unarmed teenage Lara must get through by wits alone, there is an action-packed level set on a submarine and, most intriguing of all, Lara infiltrates a high-tech building and utilises various stealth techniques. This is very Metal Gear Solid-esque and possible indicates the direction the series will take in future. (Lara's not really dead? Now there's a surprise.)
Unfortunately, the fiddly control system still remains, and the graphics have only been given a slight polish, but to combat this, an array of customary new moves have been added--this time Lara can use a tightrope, for example--but these are essentially cosmetic. The gameplay overall hasn't evolved much, but thankfully the puzzles are less obscure this time round, and the levels are tightly designed which cuts down on the aimless wandering that was common in the middle games of the series.
Tomb Raider fans will be very happy with what is probably the most purely enjoyable game since the first. Lara-phobes will take more convincing, but all the hype that surrounds her shouldn't obscure the fact that the divine Ms Croft hasn't appeared in a bad game yet and Tomb Raider Chronicles is no exception. --Michael Bartley
Final Fantasy IX (PS)

Atari

As with the other games in the series, Final Fantasy IX has the ability to grab your attention from the time you fire it up until the last boss is put down. Previous entries into the game's lineage took a more dramatic cinematic route to do what a role-playing game does best--tell a story. That style led to some complaints from headstrong fans and role-playing gamers alike. In response to this, while not sacrificing what new technology they've built into the series, SquareSoft has backtracked a bit. To put it simply, they've gone back to their roots.
But even players with no experience in this series can pick this up as a new game. Final Fantasy IX's story follows a group trying to stop Brahne, the evil Queen of Alexandria, in her quest to rule the world. Zidane, a skilled thief, teams with a young mage, a royal knight and a princess, who all soon discover that the queen's threats are fronting an even more sinister plot involving a powerful sorcerer named Kuja. It's your job to control the eight playable characters--each of whom begin the game with one weapon, one piece of armour and one special power--and to uncover Kuja's motives before he carries out his deadly plan.
The game's opening sequence sets the stage for what's to follow and, as we've come to expect from the CG wizards at SquareSoft, what is an utterly amazing visual scene. Long-time fans will revel in SquareSoft's decision to return to the disproportional-character look of the past.
Like VII and VIII, Final Fantasy IX uses the ATB (Active Time Battle) system. With each character learning the abilities and commands appropriate to his or her job class.
An Active Time Event (ATE) lets you see events that are happening elsewhere. For example, while you are controlling the main character in a town, you can view what the other characters are doing in another part of the same town. This function provides additional information and behind-the-scenes details about the story and the characters.
The game's visual splendour touches even the most ordinary scenes, such as shadows in the street alleys and the mazes of cobblestones. Final Fantasy IX's colour palette does a remarkable job in creating interest on every single object, location and person.
This will be SquareSoft's last venture on the PlayStation for the Final Fantasy Series, with its awesome graphics, a good story, and random battles that reveal curious bits about each character, Final Fantasy IX is an epic adventure that'll have long-time fans of the acclaimed series beaming with pride and joy. As for everyone else who has yet to experience the Fantasy, now is the time! --Stuart Miles
Digimon World (PS)

Atari

And so the latest Pocket Monsters-style game falls off the production line, with Infogrames' Digimon World giving PlayStation owners the chance to play with little critters of their own. Sucked into the Digimon world, the player is given the usual task of saving everyone's hide. So off you travel, with your Digimon in tow, as you train it, feed it, encourage it, scold it and generally build it up in advance of battles ahead.
Thus, the gameplay follows the pattern of exploring the game world, talking to its inhabitants and fighting off baddies where necessary. Sadly, while Digimon World is graphically far superior to the Pokémon series on Game Boy, it's not as tight a game. Its momentum is severely hampered by the need to take part in prolonged conversations, which take far too long and leave you bashing at buttons simply to get back to the action. And when the fights do kick off, you'll find you're more an observer than anything else.
With Nintendo never likely to permit Pokémon to venture onto any other formats, it seems Play Station owners in need of their own Pocket Monsters have a very limited choice. As it stands, Digimon World is reasonable fun at first, and for younger, less demanding players, it has its merits. --Simon Brew
Star Wars Episode 1: the Phantom Menace Platinum

Activision

When Star Wars: Episode 1--The Phantom Menace became the biggest grossing film of 1999 it got a release on the PlayStation, now the popular game has gone Platinum.
Star Wars: Episode 1--The Phantom Menace the game, like its silver-screen brother, sets new standards by creating a new gaming genre. The game consists of a unique blend of action-adventure, puzzle and RPG. Although this combination, initially, doesn't seem feasible, it is thoroughly enjoyable. Some levels have been created in order for your character to fight his way through to the end. Others require using Jedi powers to negotiate a peaceful, non-violent solution. It is up to the player to decide what the best course of action is. However, whichever method is chosen will either aid, or impede level progression.
All the main locations from the film can be found in the game, such as the peaceful planet of Naboo and the much visited Tatooine. The sound quality is of a high standard, including music from the movie score. Voice acting and sound effects can also be found, incorporating the unmistakable sound of a moving lightsabre. There are eight levels in all to explore, culminating in a battle with the dark prodigy Darth Maul.Star Wars: Episode 1--The Phantom Menace will provide hours of cerebral work, as well as periods of initiative. Like The Force, it is finely balanced. --Alex Leung.
Final Fantasy Origins (PS)

Atari

Brand New : Shrink Wrapped Posted 1st Class
Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets (PSone)

Electronic Arts
Ubisoft Exclusive Collection: Grandia

Ubisoft
Final Fantasy Anthology (PS)

Sony
Digimon Rumble Arena

Atari
Discworld 2

Psygnosis
Vagrant Story (PS)

Crave

Vagrant Story is one of those games that wows you at the start--a big "WOW!" in this case--but maintains only a tenuous hook in the long haul. In this mix of action/adventure and fantasy role playing, players are cast as a Riskbreaker (think one-man army) named Ashley Riot, whose pursuit of a villainous cult leader takes him to the mysterious city of Lea Monde.
The highly stylised graphics in Vagrant Story are easily some of the best ever seen on the PlayStation, and give the game a gorgeous, distinctive look to match its sombre tone. Cinematic story sequences blend in almost seamlessly with gameplay, which takes place in 3-D environments (viewed from a third-person perspective) that can be rotated to provide the best angle.
Vagrant Story features a rich battle system built on both strategy and quick reflexes. In addition to character statistics, weapons and armour have detailed numbers of their own and can be disassembled, assembled or even combined to create new items. Hand/eye co-ordination factors heavily in combat, as Ashley develops offensive and defensive battle abilities that require perfectly timed button pushing in order to be used.
Unfortunately, it's all too easy to get bored with Vagrant Story. The painfully-linear gameplay here doesn't rise above killing enemy after enemy in room after room, and (oh boy!) solving puzzles by manipulating boxes. If not for the wholly intriguing (but sparsely littered) plot, one would be strongly tempted just to leave Ashley to rot in the catacombs beneath Lea Monde. --Joe Hon
Breath of Fire IV (PS)

Capcom

. Although the fourth instalment in the Breath of Fire series is a fine role-playing game, it doesn't quite hold a flame to the best of the alternatives.
Breath of Fire IV is a single-player game that continues the story with these "dragon people" who gave their lives to eradicate the evil goddess and restore peace in their world. This time around, battle has broken out between two powerful continents, and the fair Princess Elena has disappeared during a tour of the war-torn region. The princess's sister, Nina, who reigns o'er the Windia Kingdom, vows to retrieve her missing sibling. She meets Ryu along the way, who joins the epic quest.
Breath of Fire IV's gameplay is refreshingly simple, with only a few minor additions to its predecessor's battle system. Most noticeably, a new combo system lets spells dish out more damage than when cast alone, by working in conjunction with other spells. As before, Ryu can transform into a dragon or hybrid half-human, half-dragon creature to gain special attack powers. The party will pick up other drifters throughout the game, some of whom have the power to transform.
Each town opens up a new set of subquests and minigames (yup--there's another fishing game here, folks), both of which add longevity and replayability to Breath of Fire IV, although not everyone will appreciate the mandatory nature of these diversions.
Like many Japanese-bred RPGs, the musical score and crisp sound effects are excellent, but there is very little voice talent in the game. In all, Breath of Fire IV is a solid, although not fantastic, RPG. --Todd Mowatt
Riven: The Sequel to Myst (PSone)

Acclaim