April 2000 Volume 81 Number 4 "serving the protectors"
By Mike Horsfall

PLAYSTATION EXTRAVAGANZA

No serious gamer will ever concede that the graphics quality of the PlayStation Console comes even close to that delivered by a PC. Nevertheless, PlayStation will go down in history as one of the most popular electronic entertainment media of the 20th century.

Even the introduction of the Nintendo 64, and more recently the Dreamcast, hasn’t impacted significantly upon the popularity of the PlayStation Console (PSX). While it seems the regularity of PSX game releases has slowed, there’s still plenty of high-quality existing titles - in addition to new releases.

THRASHER - SKATE AND DESTROY

This new release claims to realize the dream of anybody who has ever stepped on a skateboard - “at first you felt a little uncomfortable and even a little scared, but soon the board becomes part of you and your confidence grows with your skill”. I’d suggest that those without skateboard skills and confidence should, with Skate and Destroy, try before they buy at their local store.

The aim of the game is to gain top-level recognition and become Thrasher Skater of the Year. You’ll do this by forming combinations, a series of tricks strung together to perform spectacular manoeuvres. These might consist of such moves as the backside 180 kick-flip, the grab, the grind and the slide. Skateboarders will know what that means.

So for those with a yearning to give it a try, “grab your board and go riding. Either skating is a part of your life, or skating is your life. The only limitations are in your mind”.

For the opportunity to win a copy of Skate and Destroy put your details on the back of a used envelope and address it to Thrasher Comp, SA Police Journal (168).

REEL FISHING

More to my speed (and capability), Reel Fishing is simply rod and reel sports fishing PlayStation style, with exceptional graphics (for a console game).

Reel Fishing claims to offer all the fun, excitement and joy of fishing in the wild. I don’t think I’d go quite that far. The game is certainly fun and maybe even exciting, but no electronic game can replace the joy of actually landing the big one.

As is the case in real life, the reliable bagging of fish is an acquired skill. In Reel Fishing as your skills improve you’ll be challenged to catch more and bigger fish, until you begin breaking records. At some point you may become so accomplished that you’ll out-fish the Fishing Master.

In your quest for success be prepared to master the art of tackle and bait selection as you progress through bait/lure fishing through to fly fishing. You’ll need to hone your skills in enticing and luring the fish, setting the hook and playing the fish. Your goal will be to manoeuvre gradually the fish to the landing spot.

For the opportunity to win a copy of Reel Fishing put your details on the back of a used envelope and address it to Reel Fishing Comp, SA Police Journal (168).

KILLER LOOP

New release Killer Loop is targeted at those console gamers with a passion for speed and futuristic racing. Set in the 23rd century, players will be racing on impossible courses through the entire Solar System. Seven demanding courses are included, each one more difficult.

For variety there are three competing race teams, each with different design philosophies and their own individual strong and weak points. Speed categories range from fast to unbelievable. In the vein of Wipeout, Killer Loop is best suited to the younger player, or those not looking for realism in their gaming.

For the opportunity to win a copy of Killer Loop put your details on the back of a used envelope and address it to Killer Loop Comp, SA Police Journal (168).

JADE COCOON

The people of Parel are being terrorised by horrible monsters known as Minnions. Historically, though the villagers fought the Minnions, they still could co-exist with the forest. But that was until the Onibubu, the Locusts of Apocalypse, attacked the town, plunging the villagers into a deep and endless sleep.

The Cocoon Master is sent into the forest in a desperate attempt to save the villagers from eternal slumber. During his quest he’ll face endless ordeals as he fights the Minnions. His holy tasks are to restore nature’s lost harmony, decide the fate of the world, and learn to protect and care for the one he loves.

An amazing epic adventure guaranteed to satisfy almost all the younger players is presented in Jade Cocoon - Story of the Tamamayu. It’s a 3D Adventure game in which the player takes on the role of Levant, the new Cocoon Master.

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