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Review: Games for the roadGame Boy titles are designed for on the go
By Marc Saltzman
Editor's Note: The opinions expressed in this column are solely those of Marc Saltzman, a freelance technology journalist whose reviews also appear on the Gannett News Service. Much to Nintendo's delight, its latest Game Boy Advance "SP" machine (short for "special") has been rolling out faster than barrels in a Donkey Kong game. According to Nintendo of America, the $100 portable player sold more than 800,000 units at retail its first week alone. This enhanced Game Boy features a built-in light, rechargeable batteries and a flip-screen (a.k.a. "clamshell") design. Here's a look at the latest games available for the Game Boy Advance SP -- and yes, they'll also work on the regular Game Boy Advance player. Each title costs roughly $30. Splinter CellBased on the popular console and PC game, this portable version of Splinter Cell pits Sam Fisher, a highly trained secret operative, against a ruthless terrorist cell. While it lacks 3-D graphics and an impressive use of lighting and shadows found in its predecessors, the stealthy action game still captures the thrill of modern espionage. The 11-mission game begins as two CIA agents mysteriously disappear in the former Soviet republic of Georgia. As a result, the National Security Agency (NSA) sends Sam in to crawl, climb and sneak about the many levels to collect data and recover the missing agents. Splinter Cell gamers can connect the Game Boy to a Nintendo GameCube machine (cord sold separately) to download an additional five levels. Golden Sun: The Lost AgeIn this role-playing game (RPG) sequel, the player first sets out to find a friend's missing brother, but then stumbles upon an evil threat that can destroy the world. The combat is straightforward, and the clever magic system is based on the four elements -- earth, wind, fire and water -- which are combined to create unique attacks against enemies. This adds a deeper strategic component to the 40-hour adventure. The game also features bright and colorful graphics, a melodic music soundtrack and the option to battle against a friend using a Link-Up cable (sold separately). If you liked Lord of the Rings, then you'll love Golden Sun: The Lost Age. Ninja Five-ONo-holds-barred action is the name of the game in Ninja Five-O, a side-scrolling arcade game starring an acrobatic ninja cop named Joe Osugi. The player advances through six lengthy missions by fighting against other ninja masters by whatever means possible, be it a sword, shuriken throwing stars or ninjutsu magic. Power-ups can also be collected for an upgrade. The player also has access to a grappling hook to scale walls and building ledges, swing across the screen and drop down on unsuspecting terrorist thugs. Once the game has been completed, more Ninja Five-O fun can be had with an unlockable difficulty setting (making the game more tough to complete) and an optional Time Trial model. Marc Saltzman is the author of "DVD Confidential: Hundreds of Hidden Easter Eggs Revealed."
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