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How can it be that a game with such a recognizable name in marketing has fallen so short of expectations? Is this a cash in? Can Scrapland be more than just its name implies? The gameplay that Scrapland offers to its players may be more than a half-assed crack at game design and storytelling, not to mention dabbling with the very sheik idea of open-ended activities. But it definitely falls short of its potential, skimping on voice talent, mission variance and structure, and that principal fusion that makes the whole game feel like one big ball of fun. Injecting a few different types of internet/LAN multiplayer won't make up for any of that. Scrapland must be seen for its positives too, though, such as smooth game control and a very interesting usage of player character mimicry in order to complete missions. Not to mention that it's quite pretty. Unfortunately, in the end, it may leave players wondering why they're engaging in conversations with NPCs that, like the story, world and mission structure, contain so much empty air.

Whether you're a newcomer or a veteran player, you must play Commandos 3! Finish it in single player, then beat your friends in multiplayer. It is a fun game, with very nice graphics and music. It is a game that requires much thinking and planning, and it will make you lose many nights trying to finish it You might find it a little, bit hard but in the end you will be able to proudly say; “I have finished Commandos 3!”. And if it is first game you played from Commandos saga, definitely get the other 2 as well!

It’s very hard to call Wanted a failure, because it’s truly not. The wit is recognizable and even humorous, but you won’t find yourself laughing or terribly engaged. The scenery is distinguishable and easy on the eyes, if a little wobbly (I deemed the inertial movements of the human characters “breast physics” as I watched their heads wobble while they spoke). Puzzles are laid out in simple forms, but the bag of crap you tote around as a player couldn’t be hauled around by a fleet of Pony Express couriers. There are a few timely moments here that inspire the sort of entertainment video games are supposed to elicit, but the long periods of bromidic plodding are the problematic spurs that leave Wanted wanting.

In the end, the prettiness of Runaway: The Dream of the Turtle does not entirely make up for its average sound and gameplay, but despite some of its flaws, it is still an entertaining game, and fans of the original, or those seeking a nice looking and light-hearted adventure game, will more than likely appreciate this sequel.

If you are a fan of adventure games and only want to buy one game this year, I would certainly suggest Runaway: A Road Adventure.

"Torrente," an irreverent, darkly comic action shooter for PC in North America and South America. Developed in Madrid, Spain by Virtual Toys in partnership with Cinemaware, and based on the top-grossing films of the same name, Torrente is a sexist, drunk, and dirty cop who soon finds himself caught in the crossfire between drug cartels and the Mafia. Now he must blast his way through street thugs and hit men battling for control over Madrid's seedy underworld. The game is expected to ship in late summer 2004.

All in all, Wanted: Weapons of Fate isn't so much a game for fans of the shooter genre, but it's a game for fans of Wanted.

On the surface, War Times is really nothing more than a collection of the greatest aspects of RTSes past. Everything from developmental progression down to how a user-created grouping is brought to center-screen on the map has roots in some other notable game. But innovation was not the aim here. While not visually stunning, the graphics ride the side car along the much stronger structural foundation of War Times. In going the trodden path of those before it, Legend Studios has not faltered in implementing and combining gameplay, interface, and real-time strategy entertainment to the backdrop of one of the most famous wartime struggles in history. If you like RTSes, and War Times looks even remotely interesting, pick it up. You simply can’t lose.