You want weird? Look no further than Oddworld: Abe's Oddysee. Mild-mannered factory worker Abe has discovered that his employers at Rupture Farms are planning to use his fellow Mudokons as the main ingredient in their latest product, Mudokon Pops. Like any decent Mudokon, Abe aims to rescue his peers. He also is determined to seek justice in his battle to bring down the corrupt Rupture Farms. You help Abe carry out his heroic duties by possessing enemies, participating in action sequences worthy of an Indiana Jones flick, and talking to fellow Mudokons using the game's impressive "gamespeak" feature, which allows multiple characters to communicate with each other using your control pad. The graphics in Abe's Oddyssee convey a unique personality, which is often lacking in platform action games. Still, a few pretty game environments will not distract you from the devious puzzles scattered throughout the game. Fortunately, you never run out of lives in Oddworld: Abe's Oddysee. Instead, Abe rematerializes immediately after you "die" and the game continues from the last checkpoint you reached. This approach encourages exploration, which you'll want to do anyway since this is one of the most beautiful 2-D games we've seen. [+]

The first of the now-famous Tomb Raider games is a must-have for every gaming fan. You are Lara Croft, a tough, beautiful, sophisticated female Indiana Jones-think of a British Demi Moore in a fedora. Lara climbs walls, leaps chasms, and generally defies gravity using impressive gymnastics. All of her actions are intricately modeled to produce the lifelike athleticism that made Tomb Raider-and Lara Croft-famous. But Lara's got more than good looks and smooth moves to help her on her globetrotting quest for relics. Like guns. Lots of guns. Lara begins her adventures with her trademark pistols, wielded John Woo-style: one in each hand. She eventually works her way up to Uzis and even adds a handy shotgun to her arsenal, perfect for taking down a troublesome tyrannosaur found in some steamy Tibetan lost world. Here's the story: having made a name for herself as a finder of antiquities, Lara is hired by a mysterious woman to find an artifact believed to have come from Atlantis. [+]

Enter the challenging world of Rayman and suddenly reality seems far too tame. Free your mind as Rayman takes you on an arduous adventure through a complex realm of psychedelic landscapes, absurd characters, formidable oppents, and uncharted levels of dementia. Many of the games in the budget-priced Greatest Hits series are showing their age, but Rayman's old-school 2-D technology ironically gives it an edge in terms of longevity. This still is one of the most beautiful, fun, and imaginative side-scrolling platform jumping games ever released. You control the now-famous Rayman, a strange character with no arms or legs (although he has feet and hands) and a propeller on his head. Some may look at this as just another game where players run around and jump all the time, but the charming graphics and incredibly tight controls elevate Rayman into special territory. The difficulty level is just right at the beginning, letting players get a feel for Rayman's basic moves. Later levels require more advanced tricks and precise jumps, but the game is never unfair-something few 2-D side-scrolling games can claim. If you can get past the too-cute graphics and see them for the lush, imaginative visuals they are, the gameplay should keep you hooked for days. -T. [+]

A downright creepy "survival horror" title, Silent Hill succeeds where most Resident Evil-inspired titles suck: keeping you hooked and instilling you with fear throughout the game. Players are cast as Harry Mason in his desperate search for his daughter, who mysteriously disappeared after their car crashed into a gully outside of a desolate resort town. The 3-D environments in Silent Hill are bathed in fog or darkness, making its dismal setting all the more eerie; this also allows for some spectacular lighting effects when using a flashlight in the dark. Granted, there are some pretty coarse graphics being obscured here, but it's a fair trade-off, considering the game's short load times. Silent Hill is played from a third-person perspective, viewed from both fixed and moving camera angles. As with similar games, the viewpoint can be awkward at times, especially during combat, which here is so clunky that you should try to avoid it whenever possible-something you should do anyway, as this isn't Tomb Raider. Rather than resort to cheap scare tactics, Silent Hill features a gameplay twist that works very well with its limited visibility environments. Harry carries a radio with him that crackles with static whenever the game's nasties are near, and continues until they're no longer in the vicinity or have been killed off. (Enemies may require further whacking when they're down, as they like to play dead. ) Additionally, the supported Dual-Shock controller pulsates in a heartbeatlike fashion whenever you're moderately or seriously injured. [+]

Crash Bandicoot, the poster marsupial for PlayStation, is back. In this third installment of the popular action-game series, Dr. N. Trophy has built a time machine to collect the gems and crystals dropped by Dr. Neo Cortex. Joining this dastardly group is Dr. Cortex's boss Uka Uka, a freaky floating mask that is out to crush Crash. It is up to Crash and his sister, Coco, to conquer this threatening threesome and grab the goodies. Warped offers 25 levels of challenging solo action. If you have a dual shock controller, this game takes full advantage of its vibration feature, which is especially fun when a dinosaur is chasing Crash. [+]

Let me go on record and say that I was never a fan of the original Crash Bandico Even though Crash was disarmingly cute and fuzzy, and even though the game's graphics were just about as good as they got in those days, the frustrating design of the game made playing it such a painful experience that I still have flashbacks when I see small marsupials on the Discovery Channel. But just one short year after his debut, Crash is back in a sequel that is so far superior to the original that I'm willing to forget the mistakes of the past. The new storyline is simple: A very gullible Crash is corralled into collecting crystals for the evil Dr. Cortex and gems for the terrible N. Brio. There are 25 levels in all; each level contains an easy-to-find crystal and hard-to-earn gems. Instead of being forced to approach the game in a strictly linear fashion, you progress through a series of five warp rooms. Each warp room contains five levels, which you are free to tackle in any order. After you have found the crystals in each level, you can progress to the next warp room. This system of warp rooms is a great innovation; it's clear how to progress in the game, and yet you have the option of moving to a different level if you're hopelessly frustrated with one area. [+]

Long recognized as role-playing games par excellence, the Final Fantasy series gets a technological makeover in this installment (and series debut on the PlayStation). Shedding the two-dimensional graphics and limited sound capabilities of its predecessors, Final Fantasy VII features lush 3-D graphics, beautifully animated "movie" sequences, and soundtrack-quality music. Coupled with the game's intricate storyline, endearing characters, and immense yet highly imaginative world, these new advancements make for a quite an engrossing experience. The story of Final Fantasy VII centers around a solider named Cloud Strife, who joins forces with Avalanche, a group of resistance fighters, to take down an evil mega-corporation known as Shinra. (The fate of the world hangs in the balance, of course. ) Truly epic in scope, this four-disc game requires a considerable amount of time to complete-this reviewer gladly gave up over 80 hours of his life to finish it. But it's definitely a rewarding adventure that every PlayStation owner should consider undertaking, especially since it's now one of the low-priced "Greatest Hits" titles. -Joe Hon Pros: Intricate and absorbing storyline with endearing characters Immense and highly imaginative game world Special battle system Beautifully animated movie sequences Cons: Your friends and family may feel neglected.

The third installment of the series that redefined the survival horror video game genre, Resident Evil 3: Nemesis is the best Resident Evil yet. As Jill Valentine, one of the original game's survivors, players must fight for their lives while fleeing a city overrun by hordes of zombies and other hideous creatures mutated by a sinister corporation's biotechnological virus. To make thing worse, a near-invincible monstrosity known as the Nemesis stalks Jill throughout the game, which raises the series' suspense level to an all-new high. In addition to the constant threat of the Nemesis, Resident Evil 3 features other gameplay elements new to the series: players can now dodge attacks, perform quick 180-degree turns, and create ammunition by mixing gunpowder types. Also, the "Live Selection" feature forces players to make decisions that affect the story's direction. While none of these additions are particularly groundbreaking, Resident Evil 3 keeps the player in suspense and the action even more intense than in its predecessors, proving that more of same can be a good-make that very, very good-thing in a sequel. -Joe Hon Pros: Suspenseful and thoroughly engrossing storyline Excellent use of topnotch graphics and sound to establish mood Improved controls and faster load time between scenes The Mercenaries secret game adds serious replay value Cons: Third-person, fixed-camera-angle point-of-view can be awkward May be too intense for younger players.

Nancy Drew Double Dare 2 lets you assume the role of young super-sleuth Nancy Drew. Get to wok uncovering secrets and mysteries as you crack strange cases. These two games provide over 40 hours of great entertainment for one low price. Features The Haunted Carousel and Danger On Deception Island.

In the tradition of great 3-D action jumping games, Crash Bandicoot is probably the PlayStation equivalent of the groundbreaking Nintendo 64 title Super Mario 64. Now repackaged as one of PlayStation's Greatest Hits, this top-selling game takes you away on a tropical island adventure that is filled with precarious enemies and challenging levels. Our spiky-haired hero Crash needs no weapons to survive the harsh jungle. Instead, he jumps, jogs, and spins his way through numerous lush and downright fun environments. With 26 levels spanned across three tropical islands, Crash Bandicoot is sure to amuse old gamers as well as new. Crash must rescue his girlfriend, Tawna, from the evil clutches of Dr. Cortex. Along the way, he can gather fruit for extra lives, smash boxes for random prizes, and gather tokens that can be used for bonus rounds. Numerous big bosses block your path, which also includes more than a few risky jumps that require split-second timing. Crash Bandicoot's impressive graphics and strong gameplay have already won over many hard-core and casual gamers. [+]

Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire brings back Harry, Ron, and Hermione for more adventure! Harry is mysteriously selected as the fourth contestant in the dangerous Triwizard Tournament. Each competitor in the international competition must confront a fire-breathing dragon, rescue friends from the icy depths of the Black Lake, and navigate the twisting mysteries of a vast, dangerous maze. It may sound difficult, but Harry is older, wiser and more skilled now. Still, even he isn't ready for another show with the evil Lord Voldemort himself!.

CSI: Miami leads you down slippery trails of evidence, into the steamy world of Miami's beaches and nightclubs. Follow a tangled progression of crime scenes, complete with the surprising conclusions, straight out of the TV show. Go to five crime scenes and dissect the truth!.

The Thing for PlayStation 2 MODEL- 71436 VENDOR- VIVENDI FEATURES- The Thing Knowing who you can trust is the difference between living and dying. Dropped into the frozen wastelands of Antarctica, youre the leader of a military rescue team sent to investigate the mysterious death of an American scientific expedition. In the punishing wind and cold, your team encounters a strange, shape-shifting alien life form that assumes the appearance of the people it kills. This monster is difficult to see, hard to kill, and seemingly impossible to evade. And when you see it, its often too late. Try to control your panic-stricken squad - and your own fear - in the face of spectacular alien destruction, gruesome carnage, shocking plot twists and immninent death. Your only hope is to trust your team. and hope that they trust you. ESRB Rating : M for Mature Genre/Category : Action System : PlayStation 2 Number of Players : 1 Compatible Peripheral Features: MANUFACTURER WARRANTY:andnbsp;andnbsp;90 DAYS Based on the same elements that made the movie so enjoyable-fear, suspense, and the possibility that your teammate might be infected-The Thing lets players slowly creep into the action with the help of several nonplayer characters (NPCs), whom you control and use to protect and aid you and your group. [+]

Help those meddling kids solve a cyber mystery. Someone has beamed the Scooby gang into cyberspace with the Phantom Virus. Now, the gang must fend off a variety of villains, gather clues and find the box of Scooby snacks located on each level. Once they gather enough clues and Scooby snacks, maybe they can unmask the Phantom Virus. Can you help the Scooby gang solve the mystery? Relp! Scooby-Doo and the gang have been beamed into cyberspace, and they are not alone. The crafty Phantom Virus is up to his old tricks, and he's got a band of dastardly villains at his disposal. Search for clues, fend off his evil henchmen, and maybe even unmask the Phantom Virus himself! The game's 18 levels of Scooby action let you explore a creepy mine, avoid creepy mummies, and throw cream-filled pies to defeat the Phantom and his cronies. All the while, you'll play through environments and scenarios based on the upcoming Scooby-Doo movie's story line and artwork. This title is compatible with analog controllers.

Fight Bloodthirsty zombies and other hideous mutations.

In SpongeBob SquarePants: SuperSponge, players take the role of SpongeBob on a quest to secure the autographs of his heroes, Mermaid Man and Barnacle Boy. This is no simple task: SpongeBob must complete silly errands such as retrieving beauty products from the bottom of the world and fetching Kelp Kandy Bars. SpongeBob even has to borrow a time machine and travel to prehistoric Bikini Bottom to find a shell-bra outfit made of rare clams. Whether he's searching for the ultimate spatula to perfect his Krabby Patty-flipping technique at the Krusty Krab, or just hanging out with his best friend Patrick (an amiable starfish), SpongeBob's good intentions and overzealous nature usually create chaos in his underwater world.

Vagrant Story is one of those games that wows you at the start-a big "WOW!" in this case-but maintains only a tenuous hook in the long haul. In this mix of action/adventure and fantasy role-playing, players are cast as a Riskbreaker (think one-man army) named Ashley Riot, whose pursuit of a villainous cult leader takes him to the mysterious city of Lea Monde. The highly stylized graphics in Vagrant Story are easily some of the best ever seen on the PlayStation, and give the game a gorgeous, distinctive look to match its somber tone. Cinematic story sequences blend in almost seamlessly with gameplay, which takes place in 3-D environments (viewed from a third-person perspective) that can be rotated to provide the best angle. Vagrant Story features a rich battle system that's built on both strategy and quick reflexes. In addition to character statistics, weapons and armor have detailed numbers of their own and can be disassembled, assembled, or even combined to create new items. Hand/eye coordination factors heavily into combat, as Ashley develops offensive and defensive battle abilities that require perfectly timed button pushing in order to be used. Unfortunately, it's all too easy to get bored with Vagrant Story. The painfully linear gameplay here doesn't rise above killing enemy after enemy in room after room, and (oh boy!) solving puzzles by manipulating boxes. If not for the wholly intriguing (but sparsely littered) plot, one would be strongly tempted just to leave Ashley to rot in the catacombs beneath Lea Monde. [+]

The classic arcade game Frogger snatched more than a few quarters back in the '80s. Hasbro's smash hit comes home with an entirely new look and sound. You'll hop through nine gaming worlds and dozens of levels in a new 3-D-based gaming environment. The game begins in familiar territory as the first levels are faithful 3-D re-creations of the classic arcade game. However, as you begin to progress deeper into the game, you'll find new areas that are equally challenging. Whether or not you are a fan of the original game, Frogger stands on its own as a modern-day favorite. This title has consistently ranked among the top-selling home video games since its release. - Brett Atwood Pros: Based on the arcade hit Dozens of game levels Cons: May not appeal to some hardcore gamers.