The games people will play

Sony's PlayStation2 has proven to be so popular the company will not be able to meet holiday production schedules

September 28, 2000
Web posted at: 5:01 PM EDT (2101 GMT)

By John Sheadel
Special to CNNfyi

(CNN) -- Save the princess, save the seas, save the universe -- they're all valid options this fall as a new set of top-notch video games hits the market. A few sequels seem to be the best bets, but it is also safe to assume (if history is any indication) that a handful of new games will also make their mark.

The biggest hit in the gaming world probably won't be a game itself but a game console. With a DVD drive, special sound and graphic chips and assorted other goodies, PlayStation2 should break all barriers when it comes out in October. Another huge perk is PS2's ability to play earlier model PSX games.

Several games themselves should generate their share of excitement, too. So warm up your index finger and thumb for some fun as we count down fall's highlights:

This Nintendo 64 game picks up where the previous N64 Zelda adventure, Ocarina of Time, left off. A mysterious, masked man bumps into Link, telling him Princess Zelda has been captured yet again. Nice guy that he is, our faithful hero takes it upon himself to rescue her and save the world. While Majora's Mask plays much like previous Zelda games (vast landscapes and multiple worlds), some new additions heighten the world-saving experience. Word on the streets is that this game should be all that Zelda lovers are looking for.

Another N64 game, Battle for Naboo takes the concept of driving and flying to whole new levels. You, Lt. Gavyn Sykes, lead a group of Naboo rebels against the evil Trade Federation. Using a vast array of sea ships, airships and ground transports, your job is to protect the innocent and free the prisoners of this unjust war. From what's out there, the graphics seem nicely improved from previous versions.

Modeled after Need for Speed, this James Bond racing game (on PlayStation) will remind many of the racing classic, Spy Hunter. Q has gotten to Bond's Aston Martin car, equipping it with various destructive devices. These weapons help Bond maneuver through multiple levels, assaulting bad guys in classically insane 007 fashion.

For all you sports buffs, this is a game that only comes around once every four years. With 12 events and three different modes of play, Sydney 2000 (on Dreamcast) can bring to life your very own Olympic dreams thanks to crisp graphics, smooth game play and fluid human actions. With multiple camera angles and replays, who needs the real Olympics? You, too, can go for the gold.

The much-awaited sequel to Sega's classic aquatic adventure, this sea-saving quest follows Ecco, the dolphin, through various levels and bodies of water. Using sonar, nose bumping and Flipper-worthy skills, Echo thoughtfully saves the world. The graphics and game play are set in 3-D and are masterfully done, vastly improved from the original smash hit. Granted, it may be a bit hokey, but this game should be lots of fun.