Week December 1st, 1999

THE BIG 6: HOT HOLIDAY GAMES

Welcome to GameSlice's list of the Big 6 Games for the Holiday Season.  First of all, before you throw your arms up in disgust because you don’t see games like Quake 3 and Unreal Tournament on the list, remember the rules:  Games must be scheduled for release between November 15, 1999 and December 31.  Furthermore, games that were on our fall list (Quake 3 and UT fall into this category) are not eligible for another crack at the list.

And now, here are the Big 6 Games to keep your eyes on between American Thanksgiving and the New Year:

1. Who Wants to Be a Millionaire

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Based on the November sweeps TV ratings, the question might be Who Doesn't Want to be a Millionaire?  The Shockwave Flash version of the gameshow available on ABC's website has logged over 3 million players this month alone, and now Jellyvision (Creators of You Don't Know Jack) has put together the PC CD-ROM version of the game in just a few short months.  Complete with Regis Philbin, the heartbeat laced tension-building music and all three lifelines (phone a friend has Reege talking to a scripted "virtual" friend), the CD-ROM will definitely give you a fix of Millionaire now that it's off the air until the new year.  As for the variety and quality of the questions, I've played numerous games with no repeat questions, although be warned the quality of the questions here is sub-par to the TV show or even the web-based version.  And be warned: The difficulty is a little off-kilter, considering questions at the $100 and $200 level are much tougher than what you'll see on the TV show at that prize level.  Priced at an attractive US $29.95, you really can't go wrong with this game.  It's not a 3D shooter or a real time strategy game, but it's a great family game. 

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2. Interstate '82

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Activision's long-delayed sequel to Interstate '76 has finally just arrived on store shelves.  Although early screenshots of this game had me worried about the graphics quality, the final version of the game is visually stunning.  Best described as an action game with driving elements, Interstate '82 has 40 mission, 15 customizable cars, and over 25 weapons.  The most exciting new feature this time out is the ability to actually get out of your car and battle on-foot as you fight to free your partner Groove Champion, who has mysteriously disappeared.  With a touch of 80s flair and a well-tooled plot by designer Zack Norman, Interstate '82 has a little bit of everything – action, adventure, and story.   If you're tired of conventional games, check out Interstate '82, as it breaks the mold of what you'd expect from an action game in 1999.

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Read My Interview with Zack Norman, Designer of Interstate '82

Continue to the next two games on the list >>>

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