If you were to look at the PlayStation Network a few years ago and compare it to its competitors, there wouldn't be very much to say. “It's free” was usually the best argument you could offer. With time, however, Sony's online gaming network has come into its own, adding in features and content that have helped to make it – if not exactly a match for the likes of Xbox Live – at least a worthy contender. ... » Read More

Oct 15, 2008

RPG Emo-Off

PS1 Feature | Final Fantasy 8

You know the type: spiky hair, sad eyes, too many belt buckles in his ensemble to count. You might meet one or two of these guys in fighting games, or starring in a Prince of Persia sequel; more often than not, you’ll see them wangsting their hearts out in a sprawling Japanese RPG epic. ... » Read More

Mar 9, 2007

Final Fantasy week

PS1 Feature | Final Fantasy 8

Final Fantasy is one of the most enduringly popular games in the history of video gaming. 2006's Final Fantasy XII, the last PlayStation 2 entry in the series, set a record for most copies shipped to retail on release. The series has struck a chord with fans the world over, by providing engrossing gameplay against a backdrop of astounding drama - for over 20 years. But which game in the series is the ultimate? Which entry has the best main character, the best villain, the best music or the ... » Read More

Mar 8, 2007

Final Fantasy week, day 4

PS1 Feature | Final Fantasy 8

As we near the end of our weeklong countdown, it's time to look at one of the biggest parts of any Final Fantasy - the music. Each game in the series features an astonishing number of quality tracks, from burning guitar rock, to tear-jerking ballad, to rave-friendly electronica. There's probably no other game series in the world that's had as many full-blown concerts in its honor, be they garage bands cranking out angsty riffs or a legitimate orchestra performing for a crowd of thousands. But ... » Read More

Mar 7, 2007

Final Fantasy week, day 3

PS1 Feature | Final Fantasy 8

With each new Final Fantasy, a tweaked battle system is revealed. Here, we consider how much each affected the series' gameplay as a whole. When most people think RPG, they think turn-based menu surfing. Final Fantasy IV finally got it right - but later games added on to it. We don't stop there - we also take into account the supporting gameplay systems that directly affect your fighting style. 5. Final Fantasy VII The game that brought RPGs to the masses did so with a very clever evolution ... » Read More

Mar 5, 2007

Final Fantasy week, day 1

PS1 Feature | Final Fantasy 8

The central character of any game defines it. It goes double for Final Fantasy. Some characters blend compelling personalities with a tale of personal growth; some simply fade into the background and let a grand adventure take place around them. Obviously, nobody from the second category is going to make this list. No, it's a place only for the most dashing, the most troubled, the most likable of Final Fantasy leads. Away we go. 5. Squall Leonhart (Final Fantasy VIII) No hero in the history ... » Read More

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