Maximum Overdrive
Today’s gaming systems can burn up your living room or race you through rush hour. Adam Williams checks out the New Year competition.
Playstation 2
The old man on the block, PS2 has been around since 1999, but it’s not showing signs of stopping. With 90 million sold and the most third party games, the PS2 is a rock-solid system. Cheap enough to tide you over until the inevitable PS3.
Price: $1,380 (main body, including one free game from four choices)
Killer Game: “The Warriors.” A faithful remake of the dark and deadly 1979 New York gang movie, “The Warriors,” pits your gang against legions of bizarre thugs. Come out and play...
Playstation Portable
This slick portable is coming up on its first anniversary and has only gained momentum. It downloads games from the internet, shaving off the weight of a traditional game cartridge. With full 3D support, the color graphics are rich and nearly at the same level as the actual PS2. Mp3 and Mp4 movie capabilities round out this pocket-sized powerhouse.
Price: $2,079
Killer Game: Ridge Racer. Analog and digital joysticks make the PSP one responsive little racecar. Put it to the test in the range of vehicles and international race circuits that Ridge Racer offers up.
Nintendo DS
Taking Nintendo’s titles past the constraints of their dated Gameboy Advance system, the DS is a snazzy little clamshell with dual screens, one of them touch-sensitive for keeping notes and playing their addictive puzzle games. Games take up both screens and make use of the DS’ 3D graphics capabilities. And still small enough to fit in your pocket.