Amazon.com

The Sims was one of the most popular games ever made. In it, players micromanage the lives of a family of virtual people, or Sims, and influence their paths toward success or something akin to a nervous breakdown. Its open-ended blend of cartoonish behavior and everyday living is unique in an art form otherwise obsessed with carnage and sports. With The Sims 2, longtime fans now have a deeper game with lots of ways to customize and share their experiences. The game will also attract first-timers because the goal-oriented gameplay and the luridly fun starter families make it easier to get into the action right out of the box.

Now Sims are born with the traits of their parents, families grow, and Sims grow old.

The People in Your Neighborhood
The game starts at the neighborhood level. Here you can create a housing development from scratch or start with one of three premade neighborhoods, each with its own theme. From there, you'll settle on a house and a family of Sims to control.

Create your own Sim (above) or your own house (below) from scratch with advanced tools.

Aside from the basic needs carried over from the previous game, Sims now have aspirations, wants, and fears. The wants and fears are the day-to-day things that occupy their minds, like wanting to see friends or get married and fearing death or being rejected for a kiss. Satisfy their wants, and they become more efficient at completing tasks you assign them. Realize their fears, and Sims become lethargic, cranky, and unresponsive to your commands. Aspirations are the big-picture things, like raising a family, becoming wealthy, and gaining knowledge. Succeed here and you'll be able to buy odd gifts for your Sim to improve his or her life, like a money tree that pays dividends or a "fountain of youth" water cooler.

What Else Is New?
Of course, you wouldn't be able to juggle all that if it weren't for the improved "Free Will" option, which makes it easier for Sims to fulfill their basic needs. The artificial intelligence of the game is noticeably improved; they won't turn on radios just as a family member is going to bed but, strangely, they do occasionally put their dishes on the floor.

Another big change in the series is the concept of the lifespan. Now Sims are born with the traits of their parents, families grow, and Sims grow old. Not only does this go hand in hand with aspirations (growing up is the first aspiration that a baby Sim will have), it provides a limited time with which your Sims can achieve their goals.

The Universal Control Panel helps you manage your Sim family.

A Family Affair
The Sims 2 not only lets you create just about any type of Sim in any type of family, build elaborate houses, and even create a neighborhood from scratch, but it also allows you to start the game in medias res, with premade households. These families all have backstories that are smart spoofs of soap-opera plots--lots of scheming, romance, ghosts, and family fighting. Parents of teens shouldn't worry, though, because nudity is tastefully blurred out and "woo-hoo" between Sims takes place completely under the covers. The ESRB has given this a Teen rating. If The Sims 2 were a film, it would likely land between PG and PG-13.

The makers have included some nice tools to help share the universe you've created. For example, you can capture in-game stills and video to show friends the private moments, family interactions, and house parties of your Sims. You can even package a household to share as a blog or an album on a special Web site.

The Sims 2 is for patient gamers. Like life itself, the game is filled with mundane details, like getting ready for work and doing dishes. The game also demands a level of creativity from its players that the run-and-gun game genres wouldn't know what to do with. But those who stick with it will be rewarded with an absorbing, amusing diversion and a virtual family history that they've created themselves. --Porter B. Hall

Set Up a Sims 2 Machinima Studio
Amazon.com contributor Porter Hall reveals how you can make movies using the Sims as your actors. See his guide to setting up a Sims 2 Machinima Studio. ... Read more

Features

• Build dream homes and design neighborhoods with new building options
• Lifestyle simulation where you manage your Sim's dreams and fears over a lifetime
• Mix Sim genes and see physical and personality traits through the generations
• Control the camera and capture the action into mini movies
• Generate unique Sims with the new Create-A-Sim feature

Reviews (6)

The Sims2 for Windows
Hi, I have the sims2 game. My friend and I really enjoy playing it! It is so much fun. People just need to try it out and see if they like it!

The Sims 2
Yes, I am a Mac user, and yes, I can't wait until May 30th!!
I have played The Sims 2 before, and it is SO COOL!! I love to go to the park, stand under the trees. It feels like you're right there with them!
I may not have to wait, though, if I get the Windows computer I've been wanting so badly. And if I don't get that computer, then I'll just get this on May 30th. Oh, lucky me.
Well, anyway, I've always liked building the houses, and now I can make so many changes (especially when I do the cheat -- hee hee!)
All my friends like The Sims, especially me. So I root the sequel on!

-- Nina S.

The Sims 2 for Mac - Why the Wait?
I've waited since the slightest infromation of the Sims 2 to get it, with much impatience. And now, I find out that it's not coming out for Macs until May 30th? I really, can't wait this long. All of my friends have it and I just watch them play it in raging jealousy. So not fair. I wish Maxis would have waited until May 30th to release the Sims 2 for Mac and PC, then I wouldn't have to watch all of my friends play it and brag and stuff. I played it at my friends house, and I was glued to the screen until I had to go home! I can't...wait...until...May...30th. I'll be so mad if Maxis pushes it later for Macs like they did for PC!!

finally...
Well I'm really excited that they're coming out with sims 2, but does it have to be in may? the 30th? But luckily I'm getting a new computer, so I really don't have to wait. But its a really good game, and you guys should enjoy it.

Super game
Sims 2 is the best game I've played. Now you can actually choose the color of your Sim's eyes and hair, choose what type of cheeks, eyebrows, nose, chin, lips (ect) you want!!! And this time, Sims actually GROW UP!! It's much more reallistic than the other Sims. May 30th is waited with impatience.... ... Read more

Features

• Meet loads of hot women in 25 interactive locations
• Experience the sexual escapades and misadventures of Loser Larry
• Updated for the 21st century with 3D graphics and engaging conversations
• Uncut edition with full nudity and sex-scene footage not seen in original version
• Explore a real-time, 3D world filled with sexy and outrageous humor

Reviews (13)

for adult only
in this version of Leisure suit Larry you'll see more detail and more "action" then the original version. So for those who want to have some fun with a PC game where you need to sleep with surch beatyfull woman.... it's your game!!!!

GREAT GAME!!!IGNORE THOSE TOUTING COMPLAINTS!!!
This is a great game! Sure I read the reviews from others that Magnum Cum Laude is nothing more than a string of mini games...??? But I took a chance and boy am I glad I did. This game is so much more than I expected.It is definitely NOT Cheesy or poorly conceived.My best description of it is an adult uncensored version in the likes of Zelda or Link.After all in Zelda you had to master several different opponents by playing a mini game within a game. The same pricipal is used in Leisure Suit Larry Magnum Cum Laude.The only difference is that instead of trying to "kill a bad guy" you are trying to "make it" with a college hottie and there certainly are a lot of hotties in this game!You also have to perform certain tasks that have you moving all over the virtual worlds just like in Zelda.Again instead of trying to "save the world"you're simply trying to get laid!or to catch a glimpse of some incredible T&A.The only thing worth mentioning that may or may not be of concern is that the game takes up a minimum of 3.5 Gig.For some with slow or older systems with small disk drives this could be a concern but if you look at it like I did.Wow the game has 4 disks and requires a minimum of 3.5 Gig.It has to be one heck of an involved game and that is most certainly what it is.To those who are slamming it I can only surmise that you bought it expecting for some quick sexual relief and when you saw that it actualy required a brain and some coordination that bothered you.Personally I'm glad the game is so much more than I expected.I have been up every night until 3:30 AM playing this game just to see what will happen next because according to some "cheat code" sites on the net after you beat the game is when it really gets good!You then start over and things really heat up!!!If you're over 18 and enjoy both a mental challenge and the titilating stimulation of seeing incredible (although animated) HOT college girls in full frontal nudity then buy this game you will not be disappointed.

Old Larry Laffer this is not, but fun in its own ways
The title of this game is "Leisure Suit Larry: Magnum Cum Laude, Uncut & Uncensored."This is almost identical to the "Leisure Suit Larry: Magnum Cum Laude" game, except that this is more like an NC-17 version, with T&A bared for geeks like us to enjoy late at night.

Our hero Larry is Larry Lovage, nephew of the famous loser from the late 80's, Larry Laffer.The original creator of the LSL series, Al Lowe, was unfortunately not involved in the development of this game at all, so what we have is not the old, very enjoyable adventure game, but more like a puzzle game with silly mini-games that you win in order to see things.

Apparently some people felt hugely let down by this change.I would have preferred the old LSL style myself, but find this game quite tolerable, actually, make that enjoyable.The 3D girls are gorgeous, and the humor not bad at all, and the mini-games are pretty fun to play and easy to beat.The gameplay is pretty much linear but, because the games are not impossible like true puzzle games like Myst, or even the old LSL series which involved a lot of running around, backtracking and digging and searching, the entire experience is on the lighter side.This game won't win any award, but it's easy to play so in the end is still an enjoyable game, esp. for geeks like us late at night.

Oh, I see that Amazon has raised the price on the game since I bought it.If you can find it for under 30 bucks, and you enjoy computer-generated 3D T&A, you should give this a try.Of course, defintely go for this U&U version, not the other one.

Adventure game? No, arcade game
As an old LSL an sierra in general fan... this game is a bomb. They re-wrote the meaning of adventure game. You'll have more fun with frogger.

If you like the old LSL games, keep away from this.
If you're just interested in seeing a bit of pixelated T&A and playing lots of arcade-like games ad-nauseum, then this is the game for you.

If you fondly remember all the old Al Lowe LSL games, and are looking to revisit some of their wit and challenge, then stay far away.

Unlike the old AL Lowe games, all that's required to bed these pixelated babes (or quite often barely miss bedding them), is skill at a few different arcade-like games.There's not a lot of variety in these games, and they quickly become irritatingly repetitive.

Basically, there's no thought required to play the game at all.The "Little Black Book" tells you exactly where to meet each babe.All you have to do, is show up at that location, wear the right clothes, play the arcade-like game, and watch the cutscenes of Larry scoring or not quite scoring.

So far, I've not even had to search a single trash can.What kind of Al Lowe or LSL game is that???

Also, one other very irritating thing about the game is the fact that while you're playing these tedious arcade games, you often miss out on what little humor is available in the game.

One of the most frequent arcade type games, is one where you have to navigate a sperm through a minefield of conversation topics (this is how you converse with the babes in the game).

Unfortunatly, I often find myself trying so hard to navigate the minefield succesfully, that I miss out on the actual conversation that is going on at the same time.

The one up side to the game, is the abundance of pixelated (and sometimes real (during some of the load screens)) babes throughout the game.

So basically, there's lots of eye candy, but absolutely no intelligent game play.

If you're looking for a fun LSL game; with lots of humor, challenge and fun, scrape up an old copy of LSL7: Love for Sail.

If you just want pixelated nudity and boredom, buy this game. ... Read more

Amazon.com

After the incredible success of the life-simulation game, Sims 2, gamers have eagerly devoured a variety of Sims 2 expansion packs. Get ready for another addition, with the after-dark installment--The Sims 2: Nightlife Expansion Pack--intended to send your Sims on an epic night out.

Enjoy the hedonistic side of life while you cruise the nightclub scene.

Play your cards right, and you could meet the Sim of your dreams.

Get busy with the DJ station, one of over 125 new objects and items.

Right out of the box, your characters will be ready to hit the town and all the swanky spots. Whether they're cutting a rug until the morning light, flirting with the opposite sex, or getting nowhere throwing gutterballs at the bowling alley, the Nightlife expansion pack will deliver an unforgettable night on the town. With Nightlife, you'll have a better opportunity to discover the chemistry between Sims. Will two people click or clash? Is there a future beyond the night or is it just a steamy affair? If you're ready to add a fun, romantic, splash to your Sims simulation, then look no further than Nightlife to lift your spirits and start the party.

Your Sims' romantic attraction is now based upon personality, life aspiration, and zodiac signs. After you size up a mate and determine likely compatibility, try to throw your Sims' love life into the red zone with new, romantic social interactions such as the longing gaze, the slow dance, or the dramatic dip kiss. If you've done well, success might bring your Sims a romantic gift. Strike out and your Sims might just get a pile of hate mail.

Ahh, hedonism. Choose the all-new Pleasure Seeker life aspiration for your Sims and live vicariously through your characters. Deliver these Sims all the blissful amusements the world has to offer--hot dates, fancy parties, fine dinners, hot tubbin', and more--these Sims know how to live it up. Be careful, though!These pleasure-seeking Sims are terrified of pain, embarrassment, and effort, so anything outside of the realm of "PARTY!" is probably going to deliver quite a blow to their fragile egos.

Partying doesn't just happen. Looking good and hooking up with the right person takes work. Whether it's a girl's night out or an important, romantic date, your Sims will need to get dolled up and dressed to kill for their epic evening in the all-new downtown area. What's the mood? With all the new choices, they can mellow out in lounges, kick up their heels at hipster nightclubs, enjoy candlelight dinners at fine restaurants, or hit the bowling alley with the guys. No matter how they feel, Nightlife has something to offer.

Sims 2: Nightlife Expansion Pack has tons to offer to help your Sims live it up in fun and style. The pack delivers over 125 new objects and items, including a DJ station, a photo booth, a karaoke machine and more. With all the choices your Sims should be ready to impress. Plus, there are loads of exotic new Sims to mingle with or even date, such as vampires, hot waiters and others. So get out there, have some fun and find romance--even if it is just for a night. ... Read more

Product Description

Prepare to experience the wild ride of life through the eyes of your Sims.The Sims influenced the gaming world like no game before it.Now comes The Sims 2 with a lively 3D world, realistic Sims, and new gameplay that will let you control your characters across a lifetime.As you manage Life's Big Moments, they'll earn a Life Score that measures how well you are playing each Sim.Your Sims will have more awareness of their surroundings, be able to form more complex relationships, and be e ... Read more

Features

• Sequel to the hit lifestyle simulation
• Manage your Sim's dreams and fears over a lifetime
• Mix Sim genes and see physical and personality traits inherited down through Sim generations
• Movie-making feature lets you control the camera and capture the action into mini movies
• Also available in CD-ROM Edition

Reviews (825)

A Must buy
This game was one of the few games that i play all the time. The sims 2 is an inprovement to the sims because firstly the sims would all was pause and i would have to wait for awhile befor i could play again. There are great graphics and it is a very realistic game that can intertan you for hours on end. The only proplem is that if you do not have a fast cumputor or even if you do the game takes awhile for it to load. This game is worth the money and i think shouldcost more because it is worth more.

Fun for a teen
I played this when I was nine. To me it was the thing I worshiped. Yeah, yeah, it was fun, but it was so inappropite. I mean I can play this, but it`s really for a teen. Come on it`s not for just a girl, yeah, fine I`m a girl, but that doesn`t mean only girls can play this, so take that back whoever said that. I`m not a teen, I`m a preteen sort of. Well it`s lots of fun and my friends love it, so get this game and don`t just wait for another review. If you hate this and you took my advice, which you won`t hate, than say this review was not helpful. This is a great game!!

Fun... for a GIRL
Basically a doll house, fun for a girl. I found it boring, but hey. I guess I was intrigued by the idea that the Sims might get down with each other. But when it comes to controlling little dolls in a little house, and shopping for little clothes for them, that really does not interest the masculine brain.

AMAZING
I haven't got this game yet but i've been on it at a friends house. And i can guarentee you 1 thing. You will LURV this game. It has many good graphics and if you get this you will never ever want to get off the computer. Pretty much everyone in my year has this game and no one ever stops talking about it!! All i hear is man this game rocks or Totally sweet!! You can make your own family or have one that was already saved. you have a certain amount of money. You can adopt children or make your man and woman try for them!! I have never been on a game like this most of my games are on horses but this will be like the first non horse game i've ever had!!

You can also build extentions to your house. once youv'e got a certain amount of money you can move into a really big house and sell your old one. However if you have kids you must remember to look after them!! If you don't all these things will come up and say like: What kind of parent laeves a child starving or something like that. you can go into town and go for a swim or you can get a job and hire a nanny. You can order a taxi or call emergeny services if theres a fire or your shower needs fixing. when your toddler becomes a child they will automatically go to school. You can also get jobs at like schools or you can be a security guard to earn money.

The worst thing is that i'm not allowed to get it until the end of my exams which are i two-three weeks so i better start revising.

Oh and buy the way buy it!!

A Great Game Made Even Better
I've been playing sim games since the early 1980s, starting with Utopia for Intellivision.Each game has taught me something.Each one helps us understand what the scholar Peter Senge described as "systems thinking."Through sim play, I've deepened my understanding of economics, business, city a regional development...the list goes on.

Now comes the re-release of The Sims, the most popular sim game of them all.I was delighted with its emphasis on individality and creativity.

However, like with the Sims 1, this game teaches us systems and more.In the Sims, the key message was balance.The Sims cannot achieve maximum levels of "win" without an appropriate balance of work, leisure, physical and mental needs...

Sims 2 helps us personalize this even more - something I would not have thought possible.But the essential message remains:balance is key for the "win."

What will we see for an encore?? ... Read more

Amazon.com Review

NASCAR Racing Season 2003 brings the intensity, grit, and roaring sound of NASCAR to the PC.This 2003 incarnation of Sierra’s 10-year old series is once again built by Papyrus, the first name in racing simulation fidelity.It doesn’t disappoint.

NASCAR Racing Season 2003 features 23 venues including all the real-world tracks in the Winston Cup series, every major driver, and all the licensing NASCAR is famous for. There’s advertising everywhere, from M&Ms to Cingular Wireless and AOL, but that only makes the game look more realistic.

True to the NASCAR Racing legacy, this isn’t an arcade racing game. You can crank the realism settings up and expect to race in all the qualifying rounds to determine your place in the opening pack for the race itself. You can set the physics to perfectly model the real world, where you have to fight your car every step of the way. Set the AI to maximum and you’ll have to battle for every inch of track space. You can even tweak the tire pressure and brakes, and set how your pit crew behaves. It’s a race fan and grease monkey’s dream come true. Less hardcore fans have the option of dialing down the realism settings. You can add a green line to the track showing the ideal route, let the computer help you with traction, steering, and braking, and even set unlimited fuel and unbreakable cars. Admirably, Papyrus puts you in charge of your NASCAR experience.

The graphics are decent, better than last season but behind the curve when compared with other games. Cars look good up close, and the sense of speed is extremely realistic. The sun glints in your windshield and the smoke effects are impressive. But farther way, even at the highest detail settings, there are problems with shimmering and jagged lines around cars and objects. The audio is perfect, from the pit crew giving advice to the roar of the engines; it’s all very convincing.

NASCAR may look like a crowd of cars all turning left but in reality it’s split second timing, daring, and skill. It's not easy riding an oval for 20-200 laps at high speed with little margin for error, or passing a crowd of 10 two-ton vehicles all hurtling along in excess of 170MPH. This game perfectly shows just how hard NASCAR racing can be. One word of caution before you get the green light: the keyboard or a game pad will let you play reasonably well, but you’ll never take the checkered flag without a good force feedback steering wheel. --Bob Andrews

Pros:

• Fun NASCAR racing for both beginners and experts
• The best racing simulation on the market

• Some long distance graphics flaws
• Confusing menus and interface

Reviews (50)

From the Department of Redundancy Department
Yes, as the previous reviewer stated. "The endless possibilities of this game are ...... um.....endless"

The best Sim out there!!
The endless possibilities of this game are endless.
Although the offline play can be a bit boring, as the AI cars are very hard to race against (meaning that they are not the most realistic drivers) The game realy takes off when it come to online racing. The Servers that support this game (Xtremespeeday being the best that there is!) offer the best racing around. There are endless additional mods that can be found with a quick search of the net not to mention OVER 200 extra tracks!! that can be played online. You can also join 'families' (Xtremespdwy.com being the most welcoming) where you can get help from other drivers and the bosses that run the different servers. they also offer talking software called ventrillo that can be used so that you can talk to the drivers around you at the same time!!!
This game is a MUST. If you like arcade games, then this is not for you! If you like racing Simmulations that even the Real drivers use to practice on, then this is the ONLY game to buy!!
Hope to see you on the Track (in my mirrors of course!!)
From (TXR) MrMondeo (A boss in Xtremespdwy.com)

Papy makes the Best Racing Sims
I've had this game ever since it came out and it's still at the top of my gaming pile.

the community is keeping this game alive, upto date car paint schemes and the mods are great. Project Wildfire has released many mods that are just amazing for this game (Truck series, Busch Series, IROC and a trans am mod for all you road racers, plus over a dozen new tracks from PWF and tons of tracks from many other mod teams)

get a wheel pedal combo, a good vid card and get into community and you'll find this game is still going very strong even after papy has moved away from the PC sims.

if your a PC sim fan, Papys games are the only games you want, EA's Nascar games are for arcade fans with Xbox's.

i can get from 50-80fps with:
- Athlon XP 2800+
- 512 ddr-ram (PC-3200)
- ATI Radeon 9700pro (128mb) videocard

------------------
find PWF @ http://www.projectwildfire.com they have moved on but all the info you need you can get from the very active forum.

Flat Out Awesome!
I've been playing the Papy racing sims for years and have consistently be awestruck at the accuracy of the controls and the "feel" of the cars.Lets face it, anything else is 3rd rate compared to this racing sim.

What I find amazing is the amount of support online for this product.You can race all of the usual "Cup" tracks or download awesome tracks like Mosport and Le Mans.Anyone with the slightest amount of computer savy will be able to add outrageously modified high-speed tracks with close to 300 MPH top speeds and classic road courses like Riverside.BUY THIS PRODUCT or be disappointed.

Sim racing doesn't get any more realistic
EA Sports doesn't have anything in their invetory that can conpare with this game. Papyrus is way ahead of everyone else when it comes to Racing simulations. Yes...I'm calling it a simulator instead of a game because that's what it is. Dale Earnheardt Jr. has been know to use the game to prepare himself for the next race. Yes folks, it's that realistic. It's a real shame that this was the last edition of this game. Ea sports bought out the license from NSACAR. ... Read more

Product Description

SimCity™ 4, features new simulation and graphics engines, new regional game play and thenew ability to track the lives of individual Sims as they go about their daily routine, SimCity 4 isthe most realistic, powerful and personal SimCity experience ever. Lay the groundwork for theircities by molding mountains, carving valleys, seeding forests and laying rivers. Build a worldclasscity with stadiums, airports, universities, and real-world landmarks. Feel the rhythm of thecity: peaceful protests and rowdy riots, noontime crowds and nighttime calm. Control everyaspect of your city and see the results for better or worse.

• Sculpt mountains, gouge valleys, seed forests, and bring forth animals to create a world allyour own.
• Summon volcanoes, release tornados, and call down meteors and lightning.
• Build a world class city with stadiums, airports, universities, and real-world landmarks.
• Deploy emergency vehicles and join in the action as they battle blazes, mobs, and more.
• Place your Sims in your city to get the inside scoop on what's going on around town.
• Connect a massive region of SimCities, each sharing and competing for resources.

Features

• Create and control the most life-like metropolis you can imagine
• Take your Sims from "The Sims" into your SimCity
• Dispatch police cruisers to fight crime, send out the Mayor's limo to quell a rioting mob, or cap an erupting volcano threatening your citizens
• Form mountains, carve valleys, plant forests, raise oceans, and more
• From mellow traffic flow to commuter hell, noontime crowds to nighttime calm, partygoers to troublemakers, the movement in your city is ever-changing and unpredictable

Reviews (28)

Should be Crash City not Sim City
I bought this game for my son and I am now spending many minutes a day rebooting his MAC computer. The game locks up the entire system and requires a hard reboot each time. If this was an automobile from GM of Ford the roads would be littered with wrecked cars. Don't waste you money.

Great game, but you need a patch to fix a performance issue
I played all the previous versions of Sim City back in my bad oldWindows days and really enjoy the game.But for some reason this version will paralyze even a fast Mac.I'm running this on an iMac 1.8GHz G5 with 1GB of memory, and after about 10 minutes of play I have to quit and restart the game because the response becomes impossibly slow.Very frustrating.Haven't tried the updater yet, so I'm keeping my fingers crossed.

UPDATE (Apr 05): Installed the updater and it appears to have fixed the slow response problem.

Very Good...if it has update!
I have noticed many people have said just how bad Sim City 4 is. The thing to solve these problems is to get the updater It will make Sim City much better!

Graphics not a problem...if you fix them!
Lots of these reviews complain about the graphics on this Mac version.I had the same problems too - unexpected crashes and VERY slow game performance, on a pretty new G5 tower.

Doing two things will fix these issues.In the game's video/display options panel, switch off the page scrolling, and reduce the graphic detail.That's all it took to have this game running great.The manual should cover these quirks but it doesn't.

One final tip - learn the keyboard commands (found on the back of the manual) as it will speed up gameplay hugely, and totally compensates for no scrolling.

Not worth it!
Ok so i was a fan of Sim City 2000 which I found a demo of on a CD I didnt know i had. So I put it in and played Sim City 2000...and played and played and so on so I soon got the full thing. I became addicted to it. When Sim City 4 came out, i wanted it so much but I only had a mac. When it came out I bought like the first day! When I played I was sooooo dissapointed. nothing seemed to work right, the airplanes shadows became square and the streams on the airplanes was stretched all the way across, it kept crashing, and the industrial zone turned white, edge scrolling messed up sooooo slooooow. When I played it on a PC at my friends house, it was beutiful! Not a single bug! I ditched the game and played 2000 again finding it much better. Now I only play for like 10 minutes before getting bored. Seiously on this, NOT worth spending $40-$50 on this pathetic game. Maxis should be ashamed of themselves to take so much care in the PC games then throw it on a mac bugs and all. NOT worth it! Keep your money while you can! In other words, it doesn't take good graphics to make a good game. So get with it Maxis!! ... Read more

Features

• For 1 player
• Third-person fantasy adventure game trails Kate Walker on her voyage to Syberia
• Lush graphics and settings designed by comics pioneer Benoît Sokal
• Optimized graphics engine with dynamic lighting effects and more fluid animation
• 4 new locations and new and continuing characters from Syberia I

Reviews (55)

One of the good ones
If you like Atlantis & The Longest Journey you will like this.Not as good as the others, but good just the same.

A sequel that works
Oddly they did that too. They made a sequel that was just as great as the original. An old fashioned adventure game that doesn't want you to kill people (or things), just makes you think and use your head. Unlike the mindless shoot-em-ups being shoved down our kids throats today. And you don't have to save it every few minutes so that you don't get killed and have to start from the beginning. I loved it!

Really Fun Game!
I really enjoyed this game.I liked Syberia too, but I guess by this time, playing Syberia II I was used to all the little quirks that annoyed me in Syberia.The story line is fun (although I have to admit I still don't understand the obsession with the mammoths) the graphics are A+ and puzzles are interesting and related to game play.I don't want to give anything away, but I was actually sad at one part in Youkol Village - you'll know when you get there.

I highly recommend playing Syberia first and then Syberia II but Syberia II is by far the better one.

Very fun, but shorter than the first
This sequel was as much fun and as beautiful as Syberia I.However, some of the puzzles at the end were rediculously difficult, and the game was much shorter thanSyberia I.However, I recommend it, and wish there were more games that were this interesting, fun, beautiful, and stable.

Great Game
Wow!

What a great game! I was totally entertained with both Syberia I and now I have just completed II. Makes me laugh when I see that anyone would say Syberia II was too short. It just goes to show you how delightful both of these games are. I wish it could have gone on and on, but in no way was it too short. One just hates to see it come to an end. I loved them. I cannot say enough good things about them both. Superior in all aspects.
... Read more

Product Description

Magna Cum Laude brings back humor from the most respected funny brand on PC - Leisure Suit Larry. Now this game comes to the PlayStation 2!Updated for the 21st century with 3D graphics, engaging conversations, and a fully realized college campus, Larry is back to give gamers some loving. 2004 Sierra Entertainment, Inc. All rights reserved. Sierra and the Sierra Logo are trademarks or registered trademarks of Sierra Entertainment, Inc. Vivendi Universal Games and the Vivendi Universal Game ... Read more

Features

• In this epic search for sex, you'll travel across aninteractive college campus, searching out women
• Use quick thinking and romance skills to talk your way into women's pants, earning prestige and respect along the way
• Keep a step ahead of the competition and earn that ultimate reality TV prize!

Reviews (4)

This is a half-step below the best
It's a little slow at first but you quickly get caught up in the storylines and challenges.

An enjoyable sexual escapade & 1 of the best games of 2004!!
"Leisure Suit Larry: Magna Cum Laude" is the first LSL game in about 8 years, and also the first to cross over from the personal computer to home video game platforms on the Playstation 2 & XBox. As a fan of old Sierra games (even though I was too young to have played the early LSL games), I was incredibly pleased to see the series resurrected and brought to new heights!

Important note: "Magna Cum Laude: Uncut & Uncensored" has now been released for the PC, and it features full frontal nudity and none of the pesky "censorship bars" that are present in this version.

Obviously, nudity is the main selling point of this game. Anyone who says otherwise is trying too hard to justify his or her purchase. The college co-eds are voluptuous, they are animated in a sexy, often provocative, ways, and the main quest of the game is to get Larry laid. Because of the time and attention put into creating realistic (though cute in an almost-anime way), this game is more titilating than any of the "Dead or Alive" series of fighting games, more fun than any of the WWE wrestling video games that feature the strip matches, and the females are more desirable than Lara Croft ever has been.

The women are mostly stereotypical "college girls" -- we have the head cheerleader Barbara Jo Bimbo (B.J. for short), the Italian castoff from "The Sopranos" Analisa, the Russian exchange student Zanna, the hot but nerdy college professor Beatrice, and so on. Chasing after each woman requires different approaches, and the result is never the same twice. And no, Larry *does not* get with all these babes. I hate to spoil it for you, but he only has actual intercourse a few times during the entire game. But every encounter is sexy, funny, and most importantly, packed full of eye candy!

The gameplay is fun. It is not very involving and has been criticized for being mostly a string of "mini-games." That is true; however, the variety of the games keeps it interesting as you progress through the storyline. The script is absolutely hilarious, and the comedy is equal to the nudity as a selling point for this game. If you are a guy, or even a gal who likes to laugh at guys, you will laugh at Larry and the things coming out of his mouth. He rambles on a lot, gets off-topic, tries horrible pickup lines, lies constantly, and even staggers around drunk and farts. If you've ever known a man who made you laugh simply because he was, to quote Steve Martin, "a wild and crazy guy," then you will enjoy the story of Magna Cum Laude. And the voice acting is wonderful; there is not a bad actor or actress in this entire game.

Now a few words on the Mature Audiences rating: This game is about sex, (...) drinking, jokes, and other things guys find enjoyable. For some people, this is disturbing. Those people need to get a life. I can play Grand Theft Auto, in which my character is able to walk down any street and at any moment cut off the head of a pedestrian with a sword. Or gun down dozens of policemen, only to enter a cheat code and get away with it all at the last possible minute. Yet somehow, the ESRB (game ratings board) finds Larry's girlfriends more offensive when they drop their shorts. Give us a break! Violence is much more detrimental to society & to teenagers than sex is, and yet we still can't get over our fear of pixelated private parts. It's ridiculous!

All in all, I give "LSL: Magna Cum Laude" a totally positive recommendation to anyone old enough to purchase it. It was definitely one of the best games of 2004 simply because it is like nothing else on the market today: a fun, sexy romp through college life. 5 stars! 2 thumbs up! Just buy it!

NAUGHTY FUN
this game is a hoot! it is definitely the naughtiest PS2 game out there. it's terribly easy to play, but that's because it really wants you to experience it's witty (and dirty) story. you won't believe the stuff you're asked to do in this game. it's really not pornographic as in this console version "censored" bars cover up the nether regions, though the game does feature topless characters. it's about as dirty as a SI swimsuit issue. one dissappointment was that the loading screen girls, pictures of actual girls in the costumes of the game's characters, don't show as much as you might want, especially after being tittilated by the game's sex-hunt for a couple hours. but, regardless, i was cracking up the whole way through this clever, silly, no-holes-barred game. a definite rental if not a must-buy.

Where's Al Lowe?
I see that there is no mention of Al Lowe being involved with creating this.If he is missing, then I can guarantee you that the humor and gameplay quality will be missing as well, and online opinion would seem to confirm this.

What a shame that Sierra wasn't smart enough to employ him.I was looking forward to a real LSL game, not a rip off. ... Read more

Product Description

After Archimonde and the Burning Legion were defeated at the battle of Mount Hyjal, a new threat rises throughout the land and it's up to you to defeat it. ... Read more

Features

• ESRB Rating: Teen
• Genre: Strategy
• Mission: Experience a vast new chapter in the epic Warcraft saga
• Platform: Mac OS 9.0 or higher, OS 10.1.3 or higher; Windows 98/Me/2000/XP

Reviews (88)

Great addition to a great game!
When I first went to my friend's house to play Warcraft 3: Reign of Chaos, I had lots of fun! I didn't enjoy the normal maps too much, sadly, and I wasn't really looking forward to buying the game.

Then, I went online with my free Battle.net account and downloaded a player-made map. I really loved the map, so I decided I'd save up and buy Warcraft 3. The game kept me entertained on and off. I'd play it for hours on end, then I'd stop for about 2 weeks, then go back to play it again! New maps are made almost every week, as players love to find fame. I, myself, have made a number of maps.

Anyway, when my friend got the expansion pack, I played a few Warcraft 3: Frozen Throne maps at his house. WOW! They were great! I couldn't stand having the game without the expansion! So, I got my allowance, and bought the expansion!

I recommend this to anyone who likes RTSes (real-time strategies) or even people who DISlike them, because the game could be called an "Action\Adventure Role-Playing Strategy Sports Driving Sim" or something! It's a multi-genre!

good stuff
this is definatly a good expansion set, just like the regular Warcraft3 itself. if you beat the first one, i suggest you buy this. graphics improved, more gameplay, and more fun. online action is great, including 1 new hero per race. i love this game and so does everyone i know who owns it.

1 year of frozenthrone playing and im not yet tired of it
Alright people that think this game is boring and it should have a Naga race and a Drenei race is stupid. I mean it would be pretty fun, but it would take lots of balancing and stuff so...no. Humans, nighrelves, undead, and orc are enough and the game is fun enough with out those other 2 races. I mean u can still play as adrenei or naga in the single player...and even on custom games...i was playing open rpg islands and i was a naga and i was swimmin anround shootin things with the naga seaweitch. The game really isnt that hard to play when u get used to it. Heros make everythign so intense and exciting which is why when ur fighting the enemy you really should take out the hero then work on the units.

The thing that i kinda hate about warcraft frozen throne and warcraft roc is the blademaster...cheap crap. he just got cheaper in this patch i mean now he can run through my units. Im always undead...and if youve been undead race u know what im talking about. Death to that dam blademaster. BUT finaly, they just got 2 new heros in a patch a alchemist and a firelord. I am very impressed with the alchemist he can take on the bladeamster pretty well.Anyways, people been saying how starcraft is better then warcraft and im like why? they say because its too shiney. I'm like ok...period over gotta go to enxt epriod...get this game ur kids will liek it buy it!! wee!!!!!!!!!!!Sinferno rulez!!!

Tried and true style of game works yet again
There really isn't much original about the Warcraft 3 game, and its expansion Frozen Throne campaign.It's yet another clone of itself/StarCraft/Ages Of Empires, etc. etc. etc. where you build, upgrade, build some more, upgrade, start sending your forces out, upgrade, replenish your forces, upgrade, repel enemies that may be attacking your base(s), start wiping out major concentrations of enemies, replenish your forces and complete any upgrades not already made, and finish off all your enemies.This has been done a hundred times before, and I'm sure it's not the last strategy game which will use the same method.The hero unit in Warcraft is cool, though.

The game is really easy to start, and gently eases you into the game.The cutscene movies are incredible, the best I've ever seen in a game.It's hard to say which campaign was the best, but I'd have to say it's a toss up between the Orc and Night Elf ones.I didn't like the Undead campaign, but the summoning of buildings was kinda neat.

I did get tired of hearing "Frostmourne hungers" everytime I moved my Undead hero, though.

the beast at this game beassssssssst
Warcraft is my favorite computer game. It has a lot of fun especially when you kill your allies. I'm level 100 because I play every minute of my life except for now and when I'm at school. When I play nobody messes with me. I'm the best person you could find on the game except for my brother. You should definitely buy this game. ... Read more

Product Description

Features 5 games from the Command & Conquer label. Includes Tiberian Sun, Tiberian Sun: Firestorm, Renegade, Red Alert 2, and Yuri's Revenge. ... Read more

Features

• ESRB Rating: Teen
• Genre: Strategy/RPG
• Mission: Choose a General in control of massive armies of bleeding-edge military weaponry across a globe teetering on the brink of war.
• Platform: Windows 95/98/Me/2000/XP

Reviews (17)

The comand and conquer collection
The Command and Conquer collection is a great game with Red Alert 2 and the expansion pack Yuri's Revenge.plus there are lots of other games .There are five games in all.Command and Conquer, Tiberian SunTiberian Sun Firestorm, Renegade, Red alert 2 and the expantion pack Yuri's revenge.

Pure and simple
Command and Conquer: Red Alert 2 and the expansion pack, Yuri's Revenge is more than enough to justify a $20 price tag - that in itself is a bargain, with more than enough to keep any sane person entertained for hours on end, especially with the floods of modifications availabale for the game. To get three additional games thrown in just says it all. Pure and Simple

THESE GAMES ARE AWESOME!!!!
In Tiberian Sun You can do really cool things like defend a UFO and in Tiberian Sun firestorm you can get awesome units like cyborg reapers in renegade is a first and third person shooter and red alert 2 you can use awesome stuff in yuris revenge you can mind control massively! In conclusion GET THIS!!!!

THESE GAMES ARE AWESOME!!!!
In Tiberian Sun You can do really cool things like defend a UFO and in Tiberian Sun firestorm you can get awesome units like cyborg reapers in renegade is a first and third person shooter and red alert 2 you can use awesome stuff in yuris revenge you can mind control massively! In conclusion GET THIS!!!!

GREAT SERIES!!!
The C&C series is some of the best strategy games available.This is has some of the better games of the franchise.In my opinion, Red Alert 2 is the best game of the pack, but the other ones are good, too.Great value, too.5 games for $19.99?Can't go wrong there. ... Read more

Product Description

There has never been a better time to buy the game everyone is talking about.The Sims Deluxe Edition combines into one premium edition the most popular PC game of all time, The Sims, as well as the top-selling Sims expansion pack, The Sims Livin' Large, and a host of all-new exclusive features and content. ... Read more

Features

• Includes:
• The Sims: Create an entire neighborhood of Sims and run or ruin their lives with the full version of the best-selling PC game of all time. Help your Sims pursue careers, make friends, and find romance - or make a complete mess of things! Open-ended gameplay gives you the freedom to set your own goals and chart your Sims' destiny.
• The Sims Livin' Large: With over 125 additional items, five additional career tracks with 50 additional jobs and a cast of wild characters like the Grim Reaper and the Genie, this best selling expansion pack puts your Sims into outrageous situations and settings.
• Sims Creator: Recreate every Sim you can imagine with this powerful tool that allows even the novice users to customize every detail of how their Sims look. Even put your own face in The Sims!
• 25 plus Exclusive Objects

Reviews (183)

Would be five stars except for Sims 2...
This pack contains the game that started it all.Here, even more room is made for individuality and creativity.

What do we learn from the Sims?

1.Deferring gratification is essential for a "win."
2.Money isn't everything - but it isn;t evil, either.
3.Energy is limited but renewable.
4.Balance is crucial.Spending all time and energy on one thing is rarely good in the long run...

Wonderful, wonderful game.

Boooooooooorrrrrrrrring!!
I've heard so many people rave about the Sims over the past couple of years that I finally decided to break down and buy it. This is one of the few times that I have to say I honestly have no idea what the big deal is all about.

The Sim is a "people simulator". You create little people, plop them down in a house and control thier lives. You buy them clothes, furniture, make them meet people. Just about everything real people do. And that's basically the problem.

The thing I that I found least entertaining about the Sims is that the whole game revolves around what I call "micro-managment". Every last little detail you have to scrutinize. Though some might find this appealing, I found it tedious and boring. It makes me feel less like I'm playing a game and more like an accountant. The game is also quite slow paced. Even if you speed up time, the game can move too fast and then you can really lose control over the game.

The gameplay consists of a "point, click, and watch" formula for gameplay. You click on an object, your Sim person will walk to it, use it, and then go back to being idle. After time if you develop a pattern the Sim person will do things on his own, but that takes a while. After endlessly pointing and clicking and watching, I started to do things like try to set my Sim person on fire, or not have him go to the bathroom for a while. It is rather fun to torture your Sim person but it wears thin after a while.

The graphics are good. The Sims speak in some kind of jibberish. And there's lots of Sim skins available for download on the internet.

All in all I'd have to say that I really don't get this game. Maybe it's because I'm more used to games like Metal Gear Solid and SOCOM that I have trouble playing a game of this type. I tend to like having more direct control over the outcome of a game. The Sims made me feel like I'm a spectator. I'd have to say pick this up only you find a really good deal. Otherwise it's best to take the $20 you were going to spend and pick up something else. Sorry, but this is one I can't recomend.

simy
this game is simulated life.Why is it "fun" to do the dishes in a game, but not in real life?who cares?it is!so, but now or die now.

simulated people
The Simms stands for simulated people.A simulation is like the real thing but on the computer.You dont move around a maze like Mario.YOu have to take care of you're SIMMS PEOPLE!!You have to feed them and give them windows and jobs and make them go to the bathroom.It's like your a scientist whocontrols the experiment which is people. And notice didnt say you are GOD Peo-PLE so you cant get made at me.

Now some warnigns about the game.Peoplewho play the Simms like to talk about wht there simms did that day and who they met and how they are doing.YOU HAVE TO TAKE CARE OF YOU'RE SIMM OR THEY WILL DIE PEO-PLE!!!!iF YOU THINK YOU CAN PLAY IT A LITTLE BIT and put it away then it is not for you.Go get Halo Half life or another first person shooter!!Part of the fun of the simms is being with people who now about it and want to talk to other people abbout how there Simms are doing!!!

Also it is very addicting!!!!

ALo you can kill your sim by putting them in the pool and taking the ladder away!!!

Kinda Fun, but mostly ANNOYING!
Overall, the concept of this game is fun and the writers had some really good ideas and it's funny in some ways. But what I HATE about this game is that you spend more than 70% of the time making them go to bed, eat, and go take a bath/shower!!! Like, I get it, but enough already... They have so little energy that you never have time to do anything fun. One or two activities, and they're down on the floor. WHAT?! Ha, don't even bother getting them a job b/c you will see them again...Just stick with the cheat codes. If this game did not have this one flaw (ie energy would last longer) then it would be awesome. I'm buying Sims 2 and I really hope that this will not be as big a problem!!!! Grrrr.... ... Read more

Product Description

New Characters:Assassin -- The Order of Mage Slayers was formed after the Vizjerei survived the tragedy brought on by Bartuc and Horazon. Their purpose was to watch for rogue magi that may become corrupted by the forces of Evil. To be effective at this task they were trained in abilities that were not conducive to Demonic corruption. Living as rumor and myth to the general population, even other magi knew very little about this mysterious order. Their reputation was shrouded in mystery and t ... Read more

Features

• Two new character classes (the Assassin and the Druid) each with 30 unique skills/spells
• One new Act set in the Barbarian Highlands
• Many new monster types, including bosses and uniques
• Interactive environments such as siege towers and fortified battlements

Reviews (267)

Lady Gamer's Review
In D2 LoD, you are following the path of Baal, the Lord of Destruction. He has ventured into the Barbarian highlands to find the Worldstone, the source of the Soulstones. The town you play in is Harrogath, NPC's include Malah the healer, Larzuk the armorer, Nilathak the Elder,(he's also a Necromancer, you'll see how in the fifth quest), Cain, who accompanies you through all the acts, and Anya, the Elder Aust's daughter. Two new characters are available, the Assassin and the Druid. Assassin skills feature lightning, fire, and blade Traps, Shadow Disciplines, and Martial Arts. An all new set of weapons was created- claws, of which she can hold one in each hand. This includes katars, blade talons, cestus', and scissors suwayyah. The Druid features elemental skills, like Hurricane and Armageddon, he can summon spirits like wolves and vines, and he can shape shift into a Werewolf or Werebear. He has a unique helm set of Sky Spirits, Antlers, and Wolf Heads. Of course, there are six new quests, and various monsters such as Minotaur demons, Sucubbi, and Enslaved. New "little" things include jewels, runes, expanded stash, and class-specific items. This is the game that completes the Trilogy.

game rocks like doom 3 and half-life 2
this game rocks. its better on the online and its not a waste of money. i got good chars with high lvl weapons and kicking sets. online is never boring and some people can be total dicks or friends. the only problem is that it doesnt let us use our spells and skills in town. :)

buy this game along with doom 3 and half-life 2. these games are great and worth money. i dont like to say this and start rumors but they are makeing a half life 3 and expansion for half life 2 and if u heard already this well dont bitch and if u think this game sucks go play hacky sack or that totaly gay halo 2.

so peace out.

Fun & Challenging, but Baal-runs ruins it.
Diablo 1 was fun and addicting. However, with duping (the ability to duplicate any item in-game), everything got just way too easy. You could beat Diablo without much of a thought as everybody had the most powerful of weapons.

Diablo II was much more challenging as that bug has been resolved. The graphics were improved and the ability to learn only a certain number of skills added a real strategic portion to the game.

The only bad thing that Blizzard should have resolved is what is known as a Baal run.Baal is a new character in the expansion.He throws four groups of minions at you to defeat and you end up getting a lot of experience.If you don't kill Baal, you can do this over and over and over again racking up a lot of experience points.Unfortunately, this makes leveling up and advancing waaaay to easy and took the challenge out of the game.Now the only challenging thing is getting to Baal.So if you are playing online on Battle.Net, you are playing against characters who did Baal runs for a couple of hours and are now more buff than imaginable.Blizzard should have fixed this a long time ago.

After playing for several years, I think I'm going to "graduate" to World of Warcraft (also by Blizzard) which I've noticed is quite similar in many ways. But I'm sure I will return to the world of Diablo quite often as there are still a few challenges left to conquer.

I play this everyday, im an expert
I play this game all the time, im one of the godliest people on US East Hardcore.So much fund dueling and trading other ppl.I enjoy the social aspect of this game and the player vs player a lot, loads of fun to scam people too.

HOOKED ON THIS GAME
I am absolutely addicted to this wonderful game...My honey introduced me to it and ever since then I have been playing it...What makes it so great,for me, is that you can have a female character: Amazon, Assassin, or sorceress.I love all of them.I've been every character and they are all equally challenging in different ways.I also think, what makes this so addictive, is finding better and better weapons, jewels, gems, armor, etc...there are all kinds of magical items...and the skills you can develop are pretty variable.I have tried Amazons that shoot cold arrows that freeze monsters so you can kill them easily, and I have also tried amazons with spears that have lightening properties....If you havent tried this game and are thinking of it...go for it.You won't regret it.The only thingI regret is that they have'nt come out with more diablo. ... Read more

Product Description

Since the Beginning of Time the forces of Order and Chaos have been engaged in an eternal struggle to decide the fate of all Creation. That struggle has now come to the Mortal Realm... And neither Man, Demon, nor Angel will be left unscathed.Diablo, Lord of Terror, and youngest of the Three Prime Evils, awoke from his long sleep beneath the dark earth. Setting in motion a grand scheme to free his exiled brothers, Mephisto and ... Read more

Features

• Five all-new character classes with unique attributes and abilities.
• Four different, fully populated towns complete with wilderness areas.
• Multiple dungeons, caverns and crypts in every town for players to explore.
• Expanded world filled with all-new quests, weapons, spells, armor, monsters and non-player characters.

Reviews (533)

Best of the Genre
Diablo II is a helluva lotta fun.I'm not so much a single player person, but a multiplayer person.The gameplay is well thought-out and engaging.The plot is corny, but, then again, this is an RPG.

The graphics are kinda mediocre, but the gameplay makes up for it.The expansion is a must.Playing online is incredibly addictive, which I don't like, but I get a kick out of it.What makes this game is the interaction in multiplayer.

(...) is easy to use.They catch a fair few cheaters.

My main complaint is that there are many lamers.There is a group of people that buys duplicated items of the internet at like 10 dollars a piece.This is what I don't like.There are other people that hack accounts and steal characters and equipment, and that is just lame.Thankfully, this has not happened to me, although my brother got hacked a long time ago.

Even so, the fact that your account might get hijacked just adds to the reality that it is, after all, just a game.

___________________________________________________________________________________________

The single player is a lot like the multiplayer.It is a good way to learn how to start out independently.In fact, the multiplayer is like single player, but just with more people.(surprise)

There aren't many glitches, and there is skill involved, up to a point.

Buy this game.It's worth your money.So is the expansion.

Great game!
Diablo 1 players. Yes, I know you have suffered, but Diablo 2 fixed all their problems and this game is 700 times better! Get it!

Learned some lessons from DIABLO, but quests more restricted
DIABLO 2 can be summarized as "like DIABLO, but more so." DIABLO 2 has more locales, more varied scenery, more (and more elaborate) AIs, more control over developing your character's skills, more types of characters to play, better play balance, and so on.

Like the original, DIABLO 2's settings are (mostly) randomly generated, so that with the exception of some set-piece areas (like the Skeleton King's lair in the original), no two games follow exactly the same map. DIABLO 2 has four acts covering 5 locales (including Tristram, the setting of DIABLO). Each act has very different climate/geography and monsters differing accordingly.

You're following the trail of the Wanderer (the hero of the first game) as he locates the other Prime Evils, Diablo's brothers, before leading you into Hell and the final confrontation with Diablo himself. The settings in general have much greater variety and eye candy, and include outdoor segments as well as dungeon crawls.

Act I is a generic-Europe setting, with a lesser-demon Level Boss rather than a Prime Evil. Act I most closely resembles the earlier stages of the original DIABLO, and contains references back to the original, as the player's task is to help the Sisters of the Sightless Eye. (The Rogue from DIABLO was a member of the order; your closest-equivalent player character in DIABLO 2 is the Amazon, who has a different backstory.)

Act II is a desert scenario, with a sort of Egyptian flavor to the tombs, and a different, more formidable type of undead. Act III, by contrast, is a rainforest, emphasis on poisonous insects, water monsters, and fast-moving little AIs with blowpipe attacks. Act IV's revamped version of Hell is much more larger and elaborate than that in the original, with an assortment of demons and new attacks. The succubae weren't retained, but as a tradeoff Act I has hordes of renegade Rogues.

Many of the AIs have been revamped to make them tougher and to give them more distinctive appearances. While the distinct colour schemes were retained, the details are more elaborate and they're tougher opponents. The carver-type AIs now include shamans, who in addition to their own magical attacks can raise the fallen. Animated skeletons on higher difficulty levels may now have mages as well as archers with them.

That's one of the biggest changes from the original. Monsters not only regenerate after you've cleaned out a level (even lesser "unique" monsters, though not Level Bosses that have to be killed to end an Act), but many monster types can raise the dead or harvest energy from corpses. There are also delayed-action attacks, as poisons and antidotes have been added.

Other changes from original:
- Multiplayer and single player now use the same limited set of quests, rather than single player having a random selection of a larger set of quests.
- Play balance on character abilities now includes active and passive skills, differing by character type. Not just any character can learn spells.
- In addition to mana and life, player has stamina. While you don't have to eat or sleep as in, e.g. DARKSTONE, you either have to pace your character, stock up on stamina potions, or be content to move slowly.
- In addition to Town Portal spells, each Act contains a set of fixed waypoints, and the player can return to earlier Acts if desired.
- Towns are more elaborate. Apothecaries selling potions are now separate from magic sellers, and at least one NPC per Act can "gamble" with you. You can hire and equip NPCs who will follow you and fight what you fight. If they're with you, your experience points are divided with them, but they level up and become more formidable over time.

Some lessons learned by the designers:
- Local smiths can upgrade weapons, e.g. installing runes or gems in them. Partway through Act II, a quest item allows you to combine multiple gems of the same type to get a single gem of a better grade, so strategy is a factor.
- In town/camp you have a chest in addition to the inventory on your character's person. Items in the chest are safe, but if you're killed and resurrected, anything you were carrying has to be retrieved from the body. Since you're fined a large amount of your total gold when you're resurrected, you're motivated to scavenge your own body anyway just to get some of it back.
- Partway through Act I, you revisit Tristram and rescue Deckard Cain, who now has enough gratitude to identify items for free instead of gouging you.
- Some unique items now come in sets (e.g. helmet, breastplate, gauntlets) that are stronger together than apart, and mostly effective for specific character types (e.g. bonuses apply only to a paladin). Strategy comes into play: is it worth saving an item in the hopes of acquiring the rest of the set?

In summary: the thing I miss most from the original is the randomized quest mix on single player. The active/passive skill system is interesting enough to make up for restricting the player's ability to create super-powerful spell-casting Rogues and the like.

As in the original, even in single-player a game can't be saved in multiple states; you can only have multiple characters working through different scenarios. In multi-player, items can be transferred between characters by drop-and-switch, but that's about it.

nothing tops this
there have been many trys by different developers to copy the play style of diablo 2.they are no doubt good but they are NOT diablo 2.diablo 2 has the best story, fun factor, sound, cinematics, addictiveness and replayability.i stopped playing this a long time ago because i was hooked on starcraft but i am going to start a new character tonight just to see how fun this game is again.my previous barbarian only got up to lvl 46.i've been playin WoW and have a lvl 60 alliance human paladin but there is not nearly as much loot as there is in diablo 2, thus making many characters look the same.(to the post below- all mmorpgs require a fee to play...its what basically gets them paid to make updates, fix the servers, etc.)cant wait to start diablo 2 again!

Another increible Blizzard's production
Lord Of Terror
When Diablo came out almost 4 years ago, it was the surprise hit of the 1997. One day there wasn't Diablo, the next it was on store shelves, and the day after North American productivity plummeted 25%. Although Blizzard liked to classify it as a RPG, it wasn't really one. More like an action-RPG, since so much of the game relied on reflex and mouse-clicking. The story development was slim and roleplaying aspects non-existent. Yet the simple, addictive gameplay hooked us all and had us begging for more.

After years of development, a few promises, a few leaked features and dozens of delays - Diablo II is here. The Second Coming of Hell and another dip in all IT stocks came to my desk less than a week ago, and grudgingly I accepted the job of reviewing the game.

For those of you who've been in a timewarp the past 5 years and never heard of Diablo or Diablo II, let me give you a brief rundown on both.


Diablo
Diablo was a game where you played a hero of one of three character classes - Warrior, Sorcerer or Rogue. This hero operated out of a small town called Tristram, underneath which Hell itself was opening up. At first simply trying to clear the local corrupted Cathedral of vermin infestation, the hero soon discovers that something much more sinister is afoot. Hence you keep going deeper and deeper through the game until you discover that none other than the Lord of Terror himself - Diablo - is at the root of all the problems. You see, he, along with his two other brothers - form the Three Prime Evils. They got banished from Hell by lesser evils and then rampaged around the world until they were captured in soulstones given to mortals by the angel Tyrael.

Through 4 different dungeons having 4 levels each you fought, died, and recovered your own corpse. You'd restart the game when it got too hard to gain xp in easier areas, and go back in again. It was all about getting to the next level, getting the next spell, getting the next better weapon or armor. It was simple to the point of being idiotic. Click the mouse to move somewhere, then click-click-click-click-click at some monster until it dies, and move on to kill more. That's an over-simplified description, of course - but the point is that Diablo was extremely addictive.
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