Game Reviews
Evil Dead: Regeneration
THQ
PS2 (also on Xbox and Windows XP)
Rating: 3 (If you're an Evil Dead fan: 4.5 )
Hail to the king, baby. Ash returns as the fearless quip-slinging, deadite killer. The gameplay has improved slightly over the previous game, but it's still pretty much a button masher. Despite the quirks, it's still worth the 20 bucks, especially if you are a fan of the movie franchise. Killing deadites can get a bit repetitive but at least you don't have to search for ammunition. Ash is always locked and loaded. In plentiful scenes that add to the movie feel, Bruce Campbell returns as the voice of our hero with Ted Raimi providing the voice for Ash's sidekick Sam. The banter between these two is exactly what one would expect if Evil Dead 4 ever gets made. Unlock the game extras and hear Campbell explain how that can happen. But until that glorious day, Evil Dead: Regeneration will have to keep you tided over.
- Bill Klein
Fight Club
Vivendi Universal
Xbox (also on PS2)
Rating: 4
A full-contact, no-holds-barred, brutal underground street fighting game, Fight Club delivers just what the title suggests, the movie. Visually pleasing graphics give detail to every strike and head butt with all the gore that comes along with it. The game even offers a slow-motion bone-breaking move, which gives an x-ray display of the actual bones of your opponent being broken in fully interactive environments. The stylistic fighting and the ability to play the actual characters from the movie suck you in. Playing the story mode brings you even closer to the movie with great-looking cut scenes as you play a character trying to become part of the Club. The shocking visuals, familiar surroundings and characters make this game worth checking out. Remember, "The first rule of Fight Club is not to talk about Fight Club."
- Dave Villegas
Nascar 06: Total Team Control
PS2 (also on Xbox)
Rating: 4
EA's latest NASCAR game may look a lot like last year's model, but as the new Total Team Control moniker implies, there's a change under the hood. While the core graphics and physics are virtually unchanged, the game is now designed to focus on team-based racing rather than individual accomplishments. Nudge a competitor on the track and a simple grudge might form, but accidentally hit a teammate and he might just throw the race, jeopardizing your overall team standing. You can issue simple commands to your teammates to control their positions, or even swap cars in the middle of races. It's a refreshing and well-executed enhancement that adds a welcome new level of immersion to the series.
- Steve Geise
CD Reviews
DJ Dan
Lift
Rating: 3
Effortlessly combining a selection of dance mixes on two discs, DJ Dan probably won't blow you away, but he certainly will keep your head (and body) bouncing. A funky, mainly fun tone presides over the first disc while almost decadent tech house rules the darker second.
Timo Maas
Pictures
Rating: 3
Predominately dark and ominous, this very atmospheric excursion isn't the sort of carefree, mind-numbing music you'd want to play at your next party (though often creepy beats would suit All Hallows Eve perfectly). The eeriness and uneasy sounds make the album substantial.
Anemo
Slowburn
Rating: 2.5
Blending pop and rock, Anemo benefits from the strong voice of lead singer Hazelle Woodhurst. Though not musically intriguing, the beats and keyboard make a pleasing accompaniment to songs that will no doubt appeal to girly rock lovers and girls.
Various Artists
Clubplanet Party Mix: Mixed by Crooklyn Clan
Rating: 2
For those of you too broke to hire a DJ at your next house party, this CD was made for you. Hopefully, your guests find listening to remixes of old R&B, pop, rock, etc. favorites from the '90s and prior entertaining. Personally, I'd hire the DJ.
Mike Park
North Hangook Falling
Rating: 2.5
Mr. Park recently did a tour in which he played in people's living rooms-the aptly named Living Room Tour. Obviously, this isn't your typical rock CD. The guy-with-guitar schtick takes a different turn with many politically and socially charged songs. If you don't ignore lyrics, make sure the content is your cup of tea.
Aerosmith
Rockin' The Joint
Rating: 3
Here's the short of it: If you like Aerosmith, buy this DualDisc. The 2002 performance in Las Vegas comes right into your car with 11 favorites performed raw and untampered with. The DVD side includes four filmed tracks as well as behind-the scenes footage.
Various Artists
Latin Lounge
Rating: 3
Ah, the glories of world music. This smooth album will definitely get you in the Latin mood with its electronica-infused Latin rhythms. Put it on when you want some background music for guzzling sangria or your favorite cerveza.
DVD Review
Looking for a belated Christmas gift for a shorty in pigtails? We don't know why someone would send this in, but we had it reviewed anyway by the 10-year-old daughter of our former managing editor.
A Very Minty Christmas
Rating: 4
This movie is about a little pony named Minty who thinks she ruined Christmas for all the other ponies. I think anyone who loves ponies or horses will enjoy this movie because this is what it is all about. I think that this movie is interesting, exciting, very fun and everyone should learn from it.
- Raelene Gonzalez