GameSlice: Behind the Scenes of the Computer and Video Game Industry

GameSlice Daily Editorial

Week Ending December 1st, 1999

Editorial
on trends in the gaming
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THE BIG 6: HOT HOLIDAY GAMES

3. Battlezone 2

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A few years ago every developer wanted to blend the real time strategy with first person action. Despite a number of failed attempts (Uprising comes to mind) the one game that managed to get the formula right was Battlezone from Activision. Despite less-than-blockbuster sales numbers for the original game, Activision and developer Pandemic Studios are back again with perhaps the most visually stunning 3D engine you'll see this calendar year. Spanning six rich worlds, with 25 different weapons and over 30 unit types, Battlezone 2 lets you take to the battlefield and participate in the action, while at the same time allowing you to manage resources, develop bases, and plan strategic attacks with a new squad interface. Look for Battlezone 2 to arrive in early December.

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2. SimTheme Park

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Known as Theme Park World in every country but the U.S., the American version of Bullfrog's update to 1995's Theme Park just recently arrived on store shelves. Considering how Microprose's Rollercoaster Tycoon was at the top of the sales charts last week, there's no question Bullfrog and Electronic Arts have high expectations for this business simulator that lets you micro-manage a theme park. From deciding on how much fat to put in burgers to the design of every twist and turn in a roller coaster, SimTheme Park's best assets are its rich, colorful graphics and the ability to let players experience their park in 3D. (Note that the control in the 3D mode leaves a lot to be desired). If the game has any fault, it's the same one Theme Park had: You can quickly become overburdened with trying to maintain each and every little element of the park. From maintaining the rides to cleaning up stink bombs left by teenagers, things quickly reach a fevered pace. Nevertheless, SimTheme Park is a unique and solid game, although not necessarily much different than the original.

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