I think I figured out why the PlayStation 2 is so often
criticized for lacking anything new, interesting, and/or
entertaining. The simple fact, it seems, is that all of the
PS2 games that are getting any hype or coverage are the games
that aren’t innovative or exciting. Think about it;
all the PS2 games you’re hearing about – Tekken Tag, Ridge
Racer V, Madden, etc. – are sequels or rehashes. Even Metal
Gear Solid 2, perhaps the single most anticipated game on the
system, is a sequel to a game that appeared two years ago on
the PSX. The more interesting games seem to take the back seat
to anticipated sequels like those mentioned above. Take
Fantavision, for example – this one came out of nowhere in
Japan, and with a cool premise, flashy graphics, and addictive
gameplay, came as a pleasant surprise to gamers bored with the
PS2’s other offerings.
Although the gameplay could be described as a flashy,
updated Missile Command, accepting Fantavision as such would
be failing to see what the title is really all about. Here’s
how the game works: Point to a bulb, link it with two others
of the same color, and then detonate them. Since you’ll
often have more than one bulb color onscreen at once, you’ll
have to link a flashing bulb, which let you detonate two
different colored bulbs together. The energy bar at the bottom
of the screen, slowly draining throughout the round, will be
replenished each time you set off a chain. The higher the
chain, the more energy you’ll get back.
If you think that a game like this would need the coolest
looking fireworks ever seen, you’re right – and
Fantavision delivers in the visuals department. Beautiful
particle effects and explosions set the scene here, making the
game into an Independence Day show onscreen. The backdrops,
which include nighttime views of futuristic cities and
beaches, look great, too. Throw in a replay mode that allows
you to view your skyshow from any angle, along with Matrix
style slowdown effects, and Fantavision, while certain to be a
lot of fun to play, will be just as entertaining to watch.
With its classy presentation, top-notch graphics, and
addictive gameplay formula, Fantavision is easily one of the
better-looking titles in the PS2’s launch lineup. Fans of
puzzle games and people looking for something new and cool in
general would do well to keep an eye out for this one on
October 26th.
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