What do the games Max Payne, Gitaroo Man and SSX Tricky all have in in common? These three amazing games were all reviewed back in 2001, but they were NOT that year's best games. At least, not according to NEXT Generation magazine, who gave all three of these undisputed classics four stars out of five. As crazy as it sounds, NEXT Generation gave 21 different games a higher score than Grand Theft Auto III. I'm talking about the perfect 5-star rating, and today we're going through all of these reviews to see what makes them worthy of this coveted prize. This is NEXT Generation's Five-Star Reviews, and these are the 21 best games of 2001 (and a little of 2002).
Battle of Britain (PC)
#1
“In an era of lightweight arcade simulations, Rowan's Battle of Britain is nearly everything a dedicated flight sim junkie could wish for. A pixel-perfect re-creation of the struggle between Britain's Royal Air Force and the seemingly unstoppable Luftwaffe, this is one flight simulation that never falters when it comes to providing a realistic, exceptionally satisfying World War II experience. Rowan has managed to strike a perfect balance between realism and gameplay, capturing the same sense of aerial excitement that made its previous game, Mig Alley, so perfectly enthralling. While the truly hardcore may find a nit or two to pick, for the most part, Battle of Britain's winning combination of accurate physics, sneaky AI and immersive visuals is more than anyone could ask for.”
Black & White (PC)
#2
“Like one of those artsy films the Europeans are always coming up with, Black & White doesn't so much entertain you as impress the hell out of you. Perhaps, say 20 years from now, when video games have firmly established themselves as a legitimate art form, we'll be able to say with a straight face that Black & White was a brilliant work of Romantic Pantheism. But for now, we'll just say that it kicks much ass. With its amazing graphics and physics, superb AI, excellent sound and ingenious interface, Black & White is a completely absorbing experience. While most games continue to slumber in a moral adolescence where the consequences of action are routinely ignored, our slowly maturing industry could use more thoughtful and engrossing titles like this.”
Dead or Alive 2: Hardcore (PlayStation 2)
#3
“Y'know, you've really got to hand it to the Dead or Alive 2 team at Tecmo – we doubt they've gotten much sleep for something like three years. DOA2 for Dreamcast was a phenomenal game, placing only slightly behind Namco's powerhouse SoulCalibur as the best-looking, best-playing fighting game for the system. The Japanese PlayStation 2 release was not only a superior first effort on a new system, but the team took the additional three months that had passed since the Dreamcast release to add in numerous extras, like new costumes, and animating the characters on the select screen. And so we come to the U.S. PS2 release, and guess what? Tecmo has used the six months since the Japanese release to add even more stuff and tweak what was already there, making this the best-looking, most full-featured, most packed-with-extras version of one of the best fighting games ever made. Buy it, period.”
Dead or Alive 3 (Xbox)
#4
“Dead or Alive 3 is, by far, the best-looking home video game we've ever seen. The characters are drop-dead gorgeous (in every sense of the word). The backgrounds are incredibly detailed. And the fast and fluid animation outclasses all but the best Hollywood has to offer. This game is more than just a pretty face, though; it also delivers some of the most balanced and exciting gameplay ever seen in a 3D fighter. The game's only weakness is its single-player game, which offers virtually no cohesive story and little in the way of bells and whistles, with one of the most pointlessly frustrating boss battles ever. But then the single player mode is really just the side salad to this sumptuous fighting feast, and in all important regards, DOA3 practically defines the phrase “killer app.” It's fast, it's deep and it's so beautiful it almost hurts. What more could you want?”
Fear Effect 2: Retro Helix (PlayStation)
#5
“The original Fear Effect was one of the more undeservedly neglected games of last year. An action adventure in the mold of Resident Evil, it had its problems, but it also boasted a strong storyline, fascinating characters and solid gameplay. And we're overjoyed to report that Fear Effect 2 not only maintains a firm grip on what made the original so enjoyable, but also nearly manages to eliminate the annoyances. Everyone who's mature enough to appreciate it and owns a PlayStation should but this. You will not be disappointed. Now, sequel please!”
Gran Turismo 3: A-Spec (PlayStation 2)
#6
“If Gran Turismo 3 does anything truly and dramatically new, it's to provide a real sense of place. Make no mistake: This is a souped-up remix of the original game in terms of structure and content, but the new graphics engine makes it so much more than the sum of its parts. That's why this deserves the nomenclature “3,” since this was originally intended to be a half-step to a true PS2 sequel. Gran Turismo 3 provides a stunning graphical experience, a wealth of technical simulation, and even the simple, vital fun of multiplayer racing. All this in a game that spans racing genres, redefines technical excellence, and finally shows off PS2 to full effect. It's almost fortunate that this didn't ship with the launch system. The initial shortages were bad enough; this might have created a national disaster.”
Halo: Combat Evolved (Xbox)
#7
“It may have taken over three years, but sometimes the wait is worth it. Let's keep this simple: Halo is one of the best games you'll ever play. Period. What makes this game so instantly memorable is its perfect blend of finely tuned action and smart storytelling. It's the attention to detail that really makes the game stand out. From sandy beaches to snowy valleys, the surface of Halo is visually breathtaking. And, about halfway through, when you might begin to feel there's a certain sameness about the action, you're thrown a couple of wrenching plot twists that completely change everything. If you didn't think there was a reason to buy an Xbox, Halo will change your mind.”
Madden NFL 2002 (Xbox)
#8
“While the Xbox version of the latest incarnation of EA Sports' hardy perennial is nothing more than a straight port from PS2, it is still a straight port of a fantastic football game. The smooth yet precise control that has made Madden Football a standout for years is still here, and new animations that make the receptions look all the more realistic. The Xbox controller works just fine, too, although we did find the upper black and white buttons a little too out of the way to be as useful as we would have liked. Madden NFL 2002 is slightly better than last year's (or even this year's) excellent PS2 version, it's hard to find much fault with this outstanding effort.”
Metal Gear Solid 2: Sons of Liberty (PlayStation 2)
#9
“No other game in history has received the kind of overwhelming hype enjoyed by Metal Gear Solid 2. Given that, you'd almost expect the game to disappoint on some level. Sadly for all the cynics out there, it doesn't. From the graphics, to the gameplay to the storyline, Metal Gear Solid 2 is a shining example of what a video game can be. It's simply one of the most ambitious projects ever created, and it's one heck of a great ride. And if you thought that the countless previews, cover stories, and movie trailers were going to spoil the experience, think again. No matter what you think you know, the only thing you should expect is the unexpected. Great action, an enthralling story and plenty of surprises make this THE PlayStation 2 game to get this holiday season.”
Metropolis Street Racer (Dreamcast)
#10
“This game was announced before Dreamcast was even launched in the U.S., and so it shows up with a lot of expectations in tow. However, the wait was worth it – Metropolis Street Racer is nothing less than a brilliant, innovative and seriously fun driving game. MSR places the emphasis on fun as well as physics. It uses a point system in which you're rewarded for finishing a race with speed and style. Winning is a question of not only going fast, but stylishly skidding into a turn as you do. Innovative, fast, and fun, MSR is an excellent addition to Dreamcast's library of racers.”
MindRover: The Europa Project (PC)
#11
“With the creation of MindRover: The Europa Project, CogniToys has added a glittering jewel to the Robot Wars genre. A 3D strategy and programming game, Mindover challenges players to design and program robotic vehicles and compete in different scenarios such as races and combat. The graphics are a bit dated, and the sound effects limited, but neither are so bad they detract from the overall appeal. Not even Carnage Heart was this good. A truly amazing title for anyone looking for something unique and challenging.”
NCAA Football 2002 (PlayStation 2)
#12
“Poor Tiburon Studios. The Orlando, Florida-based developer toils quietly down there in the humidity while making the Madden and NCAA Football titles for EA Sports. Those games don't make magazine covers and blowout previews, but the simple fact is that last year's Madden Football 2001 for PS2 was one of the best sports games made for any platform. So it is really no surprise the NCAA Football 2002 is another brilliant and near-flawless football game. Quite simply, this game has everything a college fan would want, from the option play to the Top 25 rankings and 26 bowl games to the Heisman award at the end of the season. It is awesome.”
NFL Fever 2002 (Xbox)
#13
“When we first saw NFL Fever 2002 up at Microsoft some months ago, we privately snickered at the game's ugly textures and clunky animation. We thought it was going to be terrible. Oh, how we were wrong. NFL Fever 2002 is simply a superb football game, and in almost every respect it is the equal of Madden NFL 2002 and NFL 2K2. Graphically, however, it is superior to both, with the textures on the field looking particularly amazing. The player models are terrific and the attention to detail extends from the jumbotron right down to the stretching mesh on the players' uniforms. Fever might be the “out of nowhere” system seller that NFL2K1 was for Dreamcast.”
Paper Mario (Nintendo 64)
#14
“It's been entirely too long since Nintendo has graced us with a solid Mario game, but we're happy to report that this game was well worth the wait. Paper Mario is a superb RPG, and a worthy sequel to one of SNES's greatest achievements. Nearly every aspect is done to perfection, but the fighting system and story progression are Paper Mario's greatest strengths. Despite the childish appearance, it's simply one of the best RPGs ever, and definitely the best RPG available for Nintendo 64. Even if you've only been buying games for newer systems, this is a must-buy. Give it a chance, you won't regret it.”
Phantasy Star Online (Dreamcast)
#15
“After spending countless hours duking it out against hordes of alien monsters, while chatting with gamers from every country, we're satisfied that Phantasy Star Online is worth every bit of its hype, even if it's not without a few chinks in its role-playing armor. However, not one of these snags diminishes the genuine appeal and satisfying, addictive gameplay. As a testament to Sega's talented developers and Sonic Team's savvy gaming know-how, Phantasy Star Online is a title that shouldn't be ignored. Flawed, but absolutely phenomenal – reason enough to mourn the Dreamcast's passing with an online wake.”
Sid Meier's Civilization III (PC)
#16
“It's doubtful that any other PC game series is as hallowed as Sid Meier's Civilization. In each installment, your goal is nothing less than to grow a civilization from the Stone Age to the Space Age, and they are, quite simply, the finest strategy games ever made. After much legal wrangling with Activision and others, Civilization III is finally here. As expected, given the series' five-year hiatus, changes to the gameplay are quite numerous and varied. However, while there are plenty of gameplay tweaks, Civ veterans will find these don't affect one's “classic” strategies. The changes mostly seem to increase your options for trying new strategies, without really altering the core games. And actually, that's a brilliant approach: Keep it familiar, then increase the strategic possibilities.”
Sudden Strike (PC)
#17
“You've got to hand it to those crafty Germans. Coming from practically nowhere, CDV offers up Sudden Strike, a World War II realtime strategy game that will rock you back on your heels with its blazing blitzkrieg action. Think Red Alert, but without resource management, tank building or mineral harvesting. This one is also much grander in scale. The fighting is bloody and ferocious from beginning to end. There's no easy victories here. Many seemingly impossible battles will have you shaking your head in frustration, but you'll love every minute. Guaranteed.”
Test Drive Le Mans (Dreamcast)
#18
“Let's get the bad stuff out of the way first: The music is so-so; the interface barely suffices; and we'd like to have more car customization capabilities. That said, everything else is absolutely perfect. What makes this game is the control. Unlike most simmy games, you can actually FEEL when you're about to lose it, so you don't randomly spin all the time. Add in the incredibly long Le Mans track and awesome AI, and you have a game that keeps you engrossed for hours at a stretch. It may be the best reproduction of the actual feel of marathon racing ever.”
Tony Hawk's Pro Skater 3 (PlayStation 2)
#19
“If we've learned one thing about the game industry in the new millennium, it's that we should never underestimate Neversoft's ability to evolve the Tony Hawk series. As much as Pro Skater 2 improved on the original, Tony Hawk's Pro Skater 3 makes even more significant strides. And like it's predecessor, Tony Hawk's Pro Skater 3 outshines every title in PS2's current library. Tony Hawk's Pro Skater 3 suffers from no serious faults, although the soundtrack is arguably weaker than the previous entries. In any case, this in no way diminishes the game's overall quality. If you've never played any of the other games in the series, you owe it to yourself to pick up a copy of this gem, immediately.”
Tribes 2 (PC)
#20
“When the original Tribes came out inconspicuously at the end of 1998, it started a quiet revolution. Equipping every player with jumpjets, combined with enormous indoor/outdoor maps and useful, distinctive player classes, Tribes became and almost instant classic. After many delays, Tribes 2 has finally been released, and it was well worth the wait. Instead of going in a different direction or simply adding more maps and a new weapon or two, Dynamix has recreated the original game from scratch and crowded it with new items and features. It's not terribly friendly toward newbies, and the system requirements are stiff, but wow ... there's nothing else this incredibly good for team-based multiplayer mayhem.”
Twisted Metal Black (PlayStation 2)
#21
“We've returned to the Twisted Metal tournament, but it's not what we remember. This is Twisted Metal Black, both a sequel to and departure from the PlayStation series. The gameplay dynamics that were laid down in the original two Twisted Metal games have returned, but the atmosphere is forcibly, even demandingly Gothic. It's not possible anymore just to pick up the controller and ignore the world around you. This time everyone's going to have to wallow in the darkness. It is in the story mode, with its bloody touches, haunting soundtrack, and abundance of homicidal killers, that you experience the full impact of Twisted Metal as something more graphic, disturbing and artistic than anything that's come before it. Let the dripping blood and laughing clowns ring in a new age in game design.”
