PlayStation

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The difference between Parasite Eve II and any of the games in the Resident Evil series can be summed up like an unhip microbiology major's bad joke: "What's the difference between a neo-mitochondrial mutagenic airborne virus and a fluid-transmitted virus which reanimates and increases aggressive tendencies in mutated expired organisms?"

According to ESRB, this game contains: Animated Blood & Gore, Animated Violence

Game Description: Aya Brea is back to defend the world from the mitochondrial menace in Parasite Eve II. This story takes place three years after the New York incident of the first game, when the horrible mutations are supposedly a thing of the past. Now working for the FBI in Los Angeles, Aya is called on to join the Mitochondrian Investigation and Suppression Team (MIST) to hunt down dangerous monsters and keep the disease from spreading. To do that, she must unravel the conspiracy that seeks the destruction of all mankind. Parasite Eve II features an enhanced, real-time battle system that will allow players to use a large array of modern weaponry. These guns, built into the game with realistic fire rates, can even be upgraded with parts that you buy or find. Also on your side is Aya's Parasite Energy, which enables her to harness elemental power, such as a searing column of fire, to fight the monsters.

I was a little surprised to see the turn Parasite Eve II takes in regard to the original, which was more of a traditional role-playing game. This sequel is just what Brad says it is—a Resident Evil clone that tries to keep its feet in both genres.

Like most of this year's baseball releases, Triple Play 2001 seems to be stuck in mediocrity. It could be argued that this is a case of the PlayStation's limits finally being met, but I think it is far more likely that developers have simply given up on doing anything even remotely interesting on the five-year old console in favor of its new big brother, the PlayStation 2.

Game Description: Mega Man Legends 2 continues the successful 3D spinoff of the 2D Mega Man franchise. It features familiar characters from the series, and mixes action-adventure, RPG, and puzzle gameplay. Accompanying Mega Man are Roll, the Bonne family, the Servbots, Data, and Glyde. The story revolves around the recently discovered Sealed Key, which could unlock the Great Legacy—a mystery that could be either a boon or a curse to mankind. There are several towns in which to explore, and a giant airship called the Flutter will transport the party there.

This title could have been released two years ago, and I still would have proclaimed the graphics and animation to be hideously shoddy. If this is the best they can do with 32-bit, 3D graphics, I'd gladly see the return of sprite-based 16-bit graphics for baseball games that I can recall as being much more attractive.

Game Description: Get ready to take on the greatest baseball heroes of all time in Triple Play 2001 from EA Sports. Babe Ruth, Willie Mays, and Ted Williams are among the classic players you can control in this realistic baseball game. Play solo against Triple Play 2001's enhanced artificial intelligence (AI) or go head-to-head against your buddies. For added realism, experience the game from either the behind-the-fielder view or the outfielder's perspective. The improved AI offers more strategic hitting and player and pitcher substitutions. The umpire even argues and gives high fives. Great plays are rewarded with unlocked extras and cheats, including special players and power-ups. Triple Play 2001 features an exclusive 500 Home Run Club license.