Χ-Play (2003)

Republic Commando, CSI: Miami, Iron Phoenix and more! (3x19)

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On tonight's episode of X-Play, we preview Star Wars: Republic Commando, which puts you in the mass-produced boots of a clone trooper in the thick of the Clone Wars. Let's see how it measures up. Suikoden IV is a game that casual gamers will find both tough to pronounce and tough to get into. This traditional console RPG revolves around gathering up to 108 characters for a gigantic, boat party of destiny. There are one-on-one duels, strategic naval clashes, a fake ending, and the ability to admire your surroundings (and other characters) from a first-person view. All of these qualities are things we admire here at X-Play; but it seems gamers are destined to suffer a little to get to the good stuff. You don't need forensic science to understand that the point-and-click adventure is a gaming tradition that was born in the text adventure era, and had its full flower around the time that Leisure Suit Larry was still in college (the first time). Now, it's a fallen icon, relegated to bargain bins and television spin-offs--the gaming equivalent of the oldies station. CSI: Miami is, and please excuse the pun, case in point. But despite the anachronistic feel, is the digital version of David Caruso enough to lure players to the dark alleys of Miami? Face it. You love dragons. You cherished Anne McCafferey books as a teenager. You have a signed copy of the Dragonheart DVD, but can't bear to watch the cruelty inherent in Reign of Fire. You have a problem. Especially now because there's I of the Dragon, which puts you in control of a titanic winged lizard as it flies over endless miles of countryside, immolating everything with toxic breath that defies even Listerine. And if this is the answer to long-repeated prayers, you have a bigger problem than we thought. The martial arts medium has become the new crossover kid. BioWare is giving it an RPG slant in the anticipated (and oft-delayed) Jade Empire. Iron Phoenix, on the other hand, mixes one part Ninja Gaiden an