Video games: What do you mean, gift-giving season is over?

By Daniel Pelfrey
Special to The Seattle Times

	"Lord of the Rings: Return of the King" thrusts players into the action.
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"Lord of the Rings: Return of the King"
Electronic Arts (PlayStation 2, Xbox, GameCube, $49.99, rated T for teens)

In this third game in the LOTR series, the player is immediately thrust into the action, with only a cursory backstory. "Return of the King" follows the branching story of the (now broken) fellowship with each character playable at certain points in the game. Primarily an action game, players battle their way through events depicted in the film.

There are some RPG (role-playing game) elements, but what is central is the cooperative play available. Two players can take the character of their choice through any of the game's levels. Yes, you and a friend can pair up Frodo and Pippin at Helm's Deep. The PS2 version goes one step further by offering the co-op mode online.

Truly a movie tie-in, the game has unlockable portions that are similar to the extras found on DVDs. Short vignettes on the creation of the game and aspects of the film present more background on how the game and film tie together. For diehard fans of the trilogy, those who most likely already have the first two games and DVDs, this is definitely a must-own.

"The Temple of Elemental Evil"
Atari (PC only, $49.99, rated T)

Taking the ruleset 3.5 (this is the first game to incorporate the new rules), this is the first "Dungeons & Dragons" game set in the popular world of Greyhawk, a familiar setting for many adventures. Players will choose their band of adventurers, which can either be a pre-set bunch, or created from scratch. This allows players to either jump right in, or — for the more experienced — take their time and do things their way.

The graphics are solid, if not groundbreaking. The audio is a bit lackluster, but where the game really shines is in the controls. Controlling five characters in any given situation can be a chore, but developer Troika has done a great job of streamlining the process.

The ending to "Temple of Elemental Evil" isn't set in stone like most RPGs. Actions taken throughout the game, which are influenced by the makeup of the player's party, will determine how the story ultimately finishes.

The story is fairly basic, with plenty of sidequests to accomplish — all standard RPG-type fare. The gameplay is the real heart, with various feats, skills and spells to master. The monsters are also well-represented with a wide array present, not just variations on the same monster.

Accessible to the typical PC RPG player as well as the fan of "Dungeons & Dragons," "Temple of Elemental Evil" is a solid game worthy of purchase.

"Time Crisis 3"
Namco (PS2 only, $59.99 and $49.99, rated T)

Namco's "Time Crisis" series has its roots in the arcade. The original arcade game had one or two players with a light gun taking down bad guys in rapid-fire succession. "Time Crisis 3" doesn't stray from that formula much. Included in the PS2 game is the arcade version, as well as enhancements for the home console. While playable with a controller, the game is much more fun with the light gun peripheral. This not only helps to re-create the arcade feeling in the home but fully immerses the player in the role of the VSSE agent.

"Time Crisis 3" comes packed with Namco's GunCon2 ($59.99) as well as separately ($49.99) if you already have one. There are other light guns available separately, and it may be a good idea to pick one up, as "Time Crisis 3" is at its most fun when played with a friend.

This game, like all other games where shooting is the primary gameplay mechanism, is not appropriate for young kids.

"Deus Ex 2: Invisible War"
Eidos (Xbox and PC, $49.99, rated M for mature audiences)

The original "Deus Ex" was released in 2000 and was widely lauded as one of the best games of the year for the PC. The game had enough in it to satisfy conspiracy theorists, action fans and FPS (first-person shooter) fans. The sequel, "Deus Ex 2: Invisible War" takes place several years after the events in "Deus Ex," and while it may have toned down the shooting, the story is more intriguing than ever.

After being rescued from an attack in Chicago and transported to Seattle, the player comes under attack again. Starting out this way, disoriented and unsure of who to turn to, is essential to playing the game. The core gameplay is built upon not knowing which side to work for or against.

That's the key factor to enjoying "Deus Ex 2: Invisible War" — being able to choose how the story plays out. Players are free to ally themselves to a faction but also to change that alliance throughout the game. There's plenty to pick up and interact with in the game, as well as a multitude of methods to dispatch (or not) enemies. It is possible to go through the entire game without killing anybody.

The PC version has some technical issues, making the Xbox the platform of choice. Like a good science-fiction novel, the game will keep players engaged all the way to the ending — whichever one the player chooses. With multiple ways to play through, the replay value is very high.

"Prince of Persia: Sands of Time"
UbiSoft (GameCube, Xbox, PS2, $49.99, rated T)

With its breathtaking visuals and unique action, "Prince of Persia: Sands of Time" is the rare game that's fun to play and just as enjoyable to watch as somebody else plays.

While there are traditional elements to the game, the twist is that the Prince has a device that allows the player to alter time. Take a few too many hits? Reverse time to before the attack, move differently, and avoid the attack altogether. Too many enemies? Momentarily pause time to get in a few hits before they realize what's going on.

"Prince of Persia: Sands of Time" is a title that anybody can enjoy regardless of age multiple times, thanks to a relatively steady difficulty level that allows both novices and experienced gamers alike to take command of the various powers the Prince commands.

There isn't much that older kids will find scary, but parents may want to be warned about the zombified people inhabiting the palace before letting the younger set play. "Prince of Persia: Sands of Time" also includes the original 1989 game upon which this was based, further adding to the value of the game.

Daniel Pelfrey runs Digital Entertainment News (www.dignews.com) and can be reached at daniel@dignews.com

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