Sports

In Fuzion Frenzy, players are required to compete in a variety of mini-games which test the endurance, skill, and reflexes of the competitors. Developed by Blitz Games, Fuzion Frenzy builds on the foundation set by earlier titles in the genre.

Billed as a "futuristic street sport," Fuzion Frenzy pits up to four gamers against each other in over 40 mini-games. The mini-games themselves are what make up the majority of the gameplay and cover a wide range of sports and disciplines, from a variation of bumper cars to high-speed boat races.

Before players can enter a mini-game however, they will need to compete in one of six different arenas. By collecting various objects in the arena players can form a makeshift ball which can then be fired into a scoring hole. By scoring five times, a mini-game will be initiated. Players can customize the length of each game or participate in individual mini-games. ~ Gavin Frankle, All Game Guide

Developer Visual Concepts' first soccer game offers three-on-three action with a choice of six exotic teams: El Fuego, Tsunami, Spirit, Volta, Sub Zero, and Toxic. Offbeat characters represent each squad, from a kilt-wearing Scotsman named Angus to a purple-skinned medicine man known as Djimon, each individually rated in speed, hitting, passing, shooting, and stealing. Four modes of play include Exhibition, Practice, Quest, and Tourney.

Exhibition lets players choose the teams, one of nine stadiums (three are initially available), and both field and weather conditions. Practice is a tutorial designed to familiarize players with the controls, while Tourney is a five-day event with all six teams playing each other in a round-robin format. Quest is the heart of the game, consisting of a full season of competition as players attempt to win the coveted Continental Cup. ~ Scott Alan Marriott, All Game Guide

Developed by the same HotGen Studios responsible for the GBC version of Mat Hoffman Pro BMX, stunt biking action now comes to the screens of the Game Boy Advance courtesy of the recently revealed Activision O2 label. Using the same game engine that powers the GBA's acclaimed Tony Hawk Pro Skater 2, players guide their virtual BMXers to perform stunts and accomplish level objectives from a pseudo-3D isometric perspective. The game features a playable version of champion Mat Hoffman as well as seven other professional riders, who compete across a variety of street-, vertical-, and dirt-style courses. ~ T.J. Deci, All Game Guide

In Dave Mirra Freestyle BMX 2's main mode, known as the Pro-Quest, players pick their riders and bikes and then assault eight different stages with all the tricks and spins they can crank out. Each level has five ranks for players to conquer: Rookie, Amateur, Pro, Hardcore, and Insane. The Rookie challenge is always a score test, and the next three levels each contain four challenges of increasing difficulty. Within the levels are other pro riders, and you will have to seek out a different rider for every level to receive his challenge. The Insane challenge is always a single trick with a very high degree of difficulty.

Finishing the difficulty levels on each stage will open new opportunities by giving you sponsorships, revealing special tricks, and opening up more stages to play. Finishing the Pro level will always open the next stage, and each challenge you complete will not only score you regular points in the level, but also add to something new toDave Mirra Freestyle BMX 2: respect points.

Respect points are entirely different from the regular points, as they are cumulative over the course of the entire game. You can earn up to 50,000 respect points, and there are plenty of different ways you can obtain them. This includes completing challenges, jumping all of the special gaps contained in a given stage, and placing within the Pro-Quest's competitions.

You won't be allowed to enter competitions right away -- you have to score at least 10,000 respect points first to show that you're worthy. After you do so, the first stage will be open to competition, and you'll have two runs to show off your skills. Placing first, second, or third will give you respect points and open the next stage up to competition. The judging becomes tougher as you go, however. To help players out, new bikes that increase a rider's stats are available at certain respect point levels. ~ Jon Thompson, All Game Guide

Nickelodeon's four California friends have two things in common: they're out of school for the summer and they're extreme sports fanatics. On the way to the Annual Ocean Shores Surf Contest they get involved in a bizarre mystery -- somebody has stolen all the sand off the beach! To get to the bottom of it, players must take Otto, Reggie, Twister, and Sam through 50 levels of favorite extreme sports, like skateboarding, inline skating, and more. Get ready for a different breed of summer vacation with Rocket Power: Beach Bandits! ~ Jeremy Lee, All Game Guide

Hop on your trick bike and get ready for a new level of combos, control, and clarity in Dave Mirra Freestyle BMX 2. While the portable version of the first Dave Mirra game was released for the Game Boy Color, this sequel comes to the Game Boy Advance and is designed to make use of the superior technical specs through improved graphics and greater control. Like its 3D counterparts on home console systems, this isometric action game features a park editor, potential for nearly limitless trick combinations, and 14 real-life pro BMX riders, including Ryan Nyquist, Rick Moliterno, and of course Dave Mirra himself. ~ T.J. Deci, All Game Guide

Dive into the experience of wrangling a largemouth bass from lake to boat and become a bona fide member of the Fisherman's Bass Club by mastering the myriad skills, lures, and techniques offered in Agetec's 3D fishing simulation. Novice fishermen can reel in the lessons provided by the tutorial and build skills up to the expert levels needed to compete in ten tournaments featuring prizes for largest catch, most fish, and heaviest catch. Fishing sites include watery terrain surrounding a ruined building, a boat dock, under a bridge, near a pier, and around a submerged house.

Tournaments range in difficulty and include beginner, two specials, amateur, intermediate, professional, veteran, top pro, master, and final. The target fish (e.g., black bass, largemouth) varies in each, but the parameters vary by time, clearing requirement (weight), and goal. Ten lures are initially available, including poppers, minnows, cranks, worms, and jigs, and another ten can be unlocked by gaining experience and improving results and skills. A free mode allows casual fishermen to select the time of day and weather conditions, and practice methods learned during the tutorial.

An optional vibration function can be used in conjunction with the Fish Energy Meter and Tension Gauge to help build winning techniques. Game controls feature use of the DualShock analog controller as well as Agetec's proprietary Bass Landing controller (not included with this game). Techniques can be studied further through the use of a unique underwater perspective during actual battles with the bass. Fisherman's Bass Club for the PS2 is developer Vingt-et-un Systems' second fishing title; their first, Action Bass, was released for the PlayStation two years previously. ~ Michael L. House, All Game Guide

This relatively straightforward golf game is designed to make good use of the technical superiority of the Game Boy Advance over its portable predecessors. Though based directly on Konami's Japanese GBA launch title JGTO Golf Master, the U.S. sports network branded ESPN Final Round Golf 2002 features more realistically styled players, instead of the big-head anime characters of the original title. Most other gameplay factors remain the same however, as this American release features 14 golfer characters and five different courses set around the world. Games can be played at day or night and in sunny or stormy weather. Course flybys offer an overview of the challenge ahead as the virtual golfer steps up to each tee. Multiplayer games are supported through a cable connection and up to four players can hit the links together. ~ T.J. Deci, All Game Guide

Return to the courts with the 2002 edition in EA Sports perennially popular NBA Live series. This year's release adds to the game beneath the boards, with more lay-up and dunk options and better control in rebounding. Star NBA players are rendered in more complete detail, as hairstyles, tattoos, and even the brand of shoes worn are now represented. The game's new franchise mode invites players to take a step back from the hardwood and up to the General Manager's office to manage a pro team for up to ten years, maximizing strengths, recruiting the top rookie players, and developing a true dynasty. New cut-scenes have been added to convey emotion during key moments in the game. In addition to these and other presentational enhancements, NBA Live 2002 also delivers the refined style of play that sports gamers have come to expect from the series. ~ T.J. Deci, All Game Guide

World Series Baseball 2K3 continues Sega's baseball franchise that dates back to the 16-bit Genesis console. The game engine introduced in World Series Baseball for Xbox has been refined with more motion-captured animation in the field, on the mound, and at the plate. Among the new additions to the 2002 version's core gameplay is a fielder's ability to jump to snag line drives or to scale walls and rob a batter of a potential home run. Players can also pitch from a view behind the pitcher, warm-up relievers in the bullpen, and choose from multiple hitting options, including a timing-based swing instead of the original's cursor-based system.

Players who decide on the cursor-based system will have additional options to help them adjust to batting. Four different cursor sizes are available, from very small to large, with each size further adjusted according to a batter's real-life ability during the 2002 season. A pitcher, for example, will see the cursor shrink compared to an MVP slugger. While on the mound, players can now select four different pitch heights, choose a cut-fastball if the pitcher is able to throw it, use vibration feedback in lieu of the cursor to "feel" their way around the strike zone, and view a 3D representation of the last pitch thrown to settle any discrepancies about a ball or strike.

Computer AI has also been addressed from 2002's World Series Baseball, so runners will be more aggressive on the base paths and hitters will respond more quickly to pitching patterns. Pitch speeds are faster, errant throws, passed balls, and wild pitches are possible, and a new Legend difficulty setting tests the skills of those looking for a big-league challenge. As in High Heat Baseball 2004, players also have the ability to adjust individual sliders to tweak the game to their liking. A new editing function lets players customize an athlete's name as well as his assigned ratings and attributes. In addition, the Franchise mode now offers more depth by incorporating a record book, Hall of Fame, player loyalty when signing free agents, fatigue, the ability to hire and fire coaches, and more control over the areas a coach has on player development. ~ Scott Alan Marriott, All Game Guide

Following in the high-tops of NBA Street comes Street Hoops, a basketball game distinguished by its urban setting and playground style made popular in films like Hoop Dreams and White Men Can't Jump. A total of four modes of play are available: World Tournament, King of the Court, Versus, and Half-Court.

After players select their athletes, they can bet money on the game, purchase sportswear from a variety of authentic brands, and hit the pavement on one of ten U.S. city courts featured in the game. A hip-hop soundtrack provides the background music as players drive to the hoop, elbow close defenders, or trash talk unworthy opponents. ~ Scott Alan Marriott, All Game Guide

Sony's offbeat Hot Shots Golf series tees off on the PlayStation 2 with 15 playable characters on six fictitious golf courses. Graphics are rendered entirely in 3D and courses are playable in four different seasons, which alters their appearance and overall difficulty based on weather and wind. As in the two previous games, a horizontal meter is used to determine power and accuracy. A variety of single-player and multiplayer modes are featured, with four-player support in Stroke Play and Match Play.

VS. Mode pits players against one of the 12 hidden characters in a Match Play format. Defeating a character unlocks him or her for play in the other modes. Stroke Play is also available on any of the unlocked courses, while Training is specifically targeted at practicing certain holes or lie conditions. The Tournament mode consists of multiple events and competitions where players can win items, trophies, and equipment as well as gain the experience needed to advance in the rankings.

Each time players participate in the single-player modes, they have the chance to earn Hot Shots points by performing well, such as keeping the ball on a fairway, chipping in from certain locations, and achieving par or better. Points are also deducted for mistakes, such as hitting the ball into a sand trap, so it pays to be accurate. The points can then be banked and used in the Shop to purchase new equipment, caddies, environmental items (such as crabs that crawl along a course), and bonus options.

While players cannot create their own golfer, statistics for each hole is saved as well as overall performance in such areas as longest putt, best drive, fairway hits, percentage of pars, eagles, and birdies, and other achievements. An overall ranking is also kept, which can be improved through winning various tournaments. A separate mode called National Tournament allows players to enter in a special code and compete for prizes after registering at www.hotshotsgolf3.scea.com. The contest lasts until September 30, 2002. ~ Scott Alan Marriott, All Game Guide

EA Sports returns to the gridiron for another season of collegiate competition with this "2005" edition of NCAA Football. In addition to offering the realistic graphics, engaging play, and attention to detail that many have come to expect from a game that's built on the best-selling Madden NFL engine, this year's NCAA Football is designed to accommodate the many emotional and environmental factors that influence the action on the field. The collective enthusiasm of a passionate crowd can be a significant factor in nearly any team sport, but it is especially powerful in college football.

Not only can the intangible inertia of an emotional stadium influence a game's momentum, but more substantial factors, such as crowd noise, or even the unsettling rumble of a thousand foot-stomping fans, can have direct effects on snaps and play-calling. Individual players may react differently as they run on field to the cheers and jeers of 100,000 over-excited fans, too, and smart gamers can turn this to their advantage using NCAA Football 2005's new "Match-Up Stick" feature. Coaches can now spot that nervous freshman tight end, for example, and perhaps gain the upper hand by matching him up against a seasoned senior linebacker.

Of course, "home field advantage" is not an automatic -- visiting squads that can shut down an opponent on its own turf will take the crowd right out of the game, and perhaps even enjoy a few on-field advantages of their own. Either way, these emotional and environmental effects may be most drastic when competing in one of NCAA Football 2005's "Top 25 Toughest Places to Play," which include famous stadiums such as Florida's "Swamp," LSU's "Death Valley," and Michigan's "Big House." Nevertheless, the crowd can be a factor in the smaller stadiums and leagues as well.

As in previous editions, NCAA 2005 features a nearly comprehensive selection of major conference teams, as well as squads from more than 70 smaller 1AA schools. Crowds cheer realistically for their home team, no matter how large or small, but a number of higher profile squads may also see their fans performing signature celebrations in the stands, such as the "Gator Chomp" or "Texas Hook 'Em Horns." Once they have a feel for the new emotional flow of this year's college football game, PS2 and Xbox players can go online to compete against other EA Sports fans. ~ T.J. Deci, All Game Guide