Smithers: "I'm afraid we have a bad image, Sir. Market research shows people see you as something of an ogre."

Burns: "I ought to club them and eat their bones!"

Top Games

Kingdom Hearts
Square : RPG : PlayStation 2
AU$99.95 : November 22nd

An odd premise here: A Square-Disney collaboration resulting in an Action-RPG which mixes characters from Disney's films with some of the more popular characters from Square's past epics. Quite why Squall or Cloud would be hanging around with the likes of Ariel remains to be seen. Could be very interesting indeed.

Colin McRae Rally 3
CodeMasters : Driving : PlayStation 2 / XBox
AU$109.95 : November 2nd

All the rally experience of the PlayStation Colin McRaes, plus stunning visuals. What rally loving human being could ask for more?

Grandia II
GameArts : RPG : Dreamcast
Out Now

The more mature, slightly briefer sequel to the massive Saturn, then PlayStation, hit [Grandia], this is one of the best examples of a next-gen RPG staying true to its' roots. The graphics receive an update and there's a smattering of speech and video, but it never takes away from the game itself. There are some slight modifications to the original Grandia battle system, but nothing too terrible. One of the best RPGs available for the current crop of systems. (Note: Grandia II is also now available on PlayStation 2)

Madden NFL 2002
EA Sports: Sports : PlayStation 2
AU$99.95 : Out Now

I can describe the reason for this game being here in one, simple sentence: Taking out the SuperBowl with the Packers. Oh yes...

Suikoden II
Konami : RPG : PlayStation
AU$99.95 : Out Now

Mmm, classic RPGing goodness. A much more polished effort than the original, Suikoden II proves there is still a place for traditinal top-down RPGs in the modern, graphic-oriented market. The visuals are beautifully drawn, practically dripping charm from your TV set. Having some great music, memorable characters and varied battle types doesn't hurt it, either.

Codemasters : Sports : PlayStation
AU$49.95 : Out Now

Ah, what better way to avenge the Wallabies recent loss to the English than to trounce them in your very own living room? None, and that's what makes Lomu such a top game. Still to be surpassed (EA's recent efforts may look prettier, but play very much worse). The only thing holding this game back is the missing knock-on rule. I'm not sure what Codies were thinking. Oh well. A next-gen sequel would be _very_ welcome.

Gamearts : RPG : PlayStation
AU$29.95 : Out Now

Yes, this is the stuff! I was a little unsure whether this game would have the same impact as when I first played it, but it certainly does - and then some. With the sequel already out on DC and on its' way to PS2, and the news of Grandia Extreme (erm... Xtreme. Ick) coming to light, there has never been a better time to play the original. Timeless.

Square : RPG : PlayStation
AU$39.95 : Out Now

More FF8 goodness. I'm not going to repeat myself, so check out June's Top Games for the reasons why this one is here ^-^

[Front Mission 3] Square : Strategy RPG : PlayStation
AU$??.?? : Out Now

Front Mission 3 is a very traditional Strategy RPG, but rather than an olde worlde fantasy setting, it's set in a futuristic Japan with giant mechs. Mmm.. explosive.

Square : RPG : PlayStation
AU$39.95 : Out Now

Final Fantasy VIII is June's Game of the Month. I was drawn back to this one after downloading far too much video and artwork of the game. I had originally put it down after becoming annoyed with the ending, but I've started playing it through from the beginning, and it certainly is an enjoyable ride.

Konami : Action : PlayStation 2
AU$99.95 : Out Now

Zone of the Enders, more famous for being the game Konami bundled the MGS2 demo with, stands on its own as a very fast and frantic mech combat game, very much like playing an episode of Evangelion.

EA Sports : Sports : PlayStation 2
AU$99.95 : Out Now

NHL 2001 is what next-gen sports games are all about: Amazing graphics, smooth gameplay and "really there" atmosphere.

Konami : RPG : PlayStation
AU$99.95 : Out Now

You've gotta love the real old-fashioned RPGs. The speacial kick with the Suikoden series is the super-high number of companions to collect - Over 108!

International Superstar Soccer

Konami

PlayStation2

NHL 2001

EA Sports

PlayStation2

Jonah Lomu Rugby

Rage Software/Codemasters

PlayStation

Grandia II

GameArts

Dreamcast