bit-tech Shopping: Sony Dark Cloud 2 PS2

Rating: 8

Time with product: 2 Months

Strengths: Smooth gameplay, good character design, innovative, great graphics.

Weaknesses: Some control difficulties, plot resolutions/voice acting targeted at Barney-aged audience.

Summary: This game is really quite fun to play. At first, the cel shaded graphics struck me as odd and somewhat ugly, but after giving the game a chance I was won over by the design, and even came to appreciate the beauty of the style. It all works quite well. The fighting, though mostly button mashing, is smooth and enjoyable, with enough variety between Max, Monica, and the Ridepod to keep it interesting. The only significant technical problem with this game is that it is WAY too easy to accidently switch characters when you are in the heat of battle and simply trying to maneuver. Still, compared to the muddled battle system of .hack//infection, or the troubled camera and interference of your cohorts in Kingdom Hearts, this game takes top honors. I was never very successful with the invention system, but rebuilding the various towns was fun, and the game of Sphera is a better golf game than most golf sims! The fishing is an interesting way to pass some time as well, though the rewards there are nothing to write home about--except in that it helps get Monica into her ultimate kitty bikini, kitty ears and all! Now, THAT'S entertainment! Of course, Max in the clown suit can be amusing, as well. Overall, gameplay and the depth of this game deserve a five star rating. It loses a star for me due to the kiddy-level moralizing and the somewhat infantile dialogue. Though it could have been better, it is still more than worthy. Better than .hack or Kingdom Hearts. Two thumbs up!

Rating: 10

Time with product: 1 Months

Strengths: great graphics, many minigames, and fun plot

Weaknesses: messed up inventory system

Summary: The graphics are cel-shaded, I dont know what the fool above me is thinking. This game is great for all ages and it is highly recommended. very high replay value, and the weapon upgrade system is very unique.

Rating: 4

Time with product: 3 Weeks

Strengths: The plot of the game is easy to understand (a first grader's level).

Weaknesses: graffics stink. the way you get your weapons really is crumby.

Summary: If you like time travel and building games (when I say building I mean by parts and build houses) and you don't mind the graphics. Then this is the game for you. But if your like me and whant nice 3d smooth, shaded graphics and a difficult plot to understand then you need to look elsewere.