As stupid as this sounds...there is basically a war that is being currently fought in the many gaming forums now.  Well...at least until the next phase of hyped games come up. This makes it especially worse since they've all appeared within a week.  We have the Halo 2 vs. HL2 debate where one claims the game is better than the other.  Some claiming they've played their rival's game and have come off unimpressed or just too absorbed in their favorite franchise.  Then we have the MGS3 guys who really don't care about any of the other games and care a lot about lengthy dialogue.  These people mostly dream about being Snake as they sneak around their own kitchen for a midnight snack. Then we have Metroid 2 - The game that has the guys wishing they were that girl in a super suit that can turn into a nutsack. It has been a long coming for these games and Halo 2, HL2, Metroid 2, and MGS3 (bought in that order) are finally in my collection.  Despite my crazy schedule...I've gotten a chance to play each of those games for a couple of hours.  With all the game/console bashing going on it's always sad to hear others speak of which game is better without any actual first hand experience with the games.  Of course after playing these games in the order I've bought them...they would definitely affect each impression I've had with each of the games so of course there would be unavoidable comparisons.  It has been a gamefest lately and my bros have their favorites.

Halo 2 - My bros and I have shared hours on this game we've reached several levels that were very memorable in its own right.  *spoiler* one part "rendevous with the pelican" is one of the most memorable parts of the game I've enjoyed playing.  The mutiplayer component works very well...even online.  The graphics were a huge improvement from the first but even then the game had a very involved storyline and good cinematics.  I was impressed by the sheer amount of action and enemies that were on the screen and the multiplayer part of the game was also well designed too. I didn't play enough of the original Halo to get all the bonuses and references from this sequel but I like some of the action moments you have when teaming up with allies. The game has great pacing. Good game that seems to be a favorite with my bros. This was one of my reasons for getting the Xbox.

Half Life 2 - This game is too good.  When I picked up the game, I didn't have too much problems installing it. Steam came through without a hitch and we were up and running on my fastest PC...which was a surprise.  We had to admit...the graphics in HL were ten times better than what we expected.  Of course any console game that's compared to a 3Ghz PC with a X600 video card is pretty unfair much in the same way it is unfair to say that PCs will not have the true plug and play of consoles.  Many believed that HL2 isn't original, isn't groundbreaking, and it is just another 1st person shooter.  What people need to realize is that sometimes being original does not necessarily mean better or the best (i.e. Black & White, Homeworld, etc.).  Like Halo 2, HL 2 does a great job putting them in the thick of the action but HL2 tells stories differently but unlike Halo 2 where most console games depend on in-game cinematics, HL2 has none. Absolutely none...just like its previous installment only with better pacing. The physics seemed like a minor part of the game at first but when it is integrated perfectly into the gameplay you get some pretty ingenious puzzles.  So yeah...I like puzzles.  The characters are incredibly done.  Valve went pretty far to try getting the player connected with their characters. But alas, it's just another FPS, and yes it's a huge achievement next to HL1 and I'm also willing to bet moolah that it'll convince more console gamers to try more PC games...or even buy a PC.  A very abosrbing game.  Best game on the PC. Period. 

Metal Gear 3 - an incredibly fun (and also pretty damn funny) game that make's the stealth a much more challenging component compared to the previous installments. If you're not used to the lengthy dialogue - the game's everlasting trademark, then you haven't played any Metal Gear game to date. The story is involving and takes place in the past and in a jungle.  Even on the aging PS2, the graphics are incredible.  Jungle shadows, and animals look and animate well and seem to have actual names (i.e. H. Rat, D. Snake, T. Frog).  Stealth is alot more intense and challenging but the camera (which worked so well in MGS1 and 2) has a hard time adjusting to the jungle where Snake can hide in several angles but cannot determine exactly how to hide from the enemy's field of vision...unless you use the battery depleting sonar.  Snake goes into 1st person in the grass but not when he is kneeling it's back to 3rd which can get problematic...but man! There are so many hiding places and more abilities.  The enemies are more mindful and you can even interrogate them while choking their head out.  The stealth aspect in MGS3 is definitely more satisfying as well. Basically, you'll need to be extremely mindful of Snake's POV and enemy positions when you're in 1st or 3rd person mode. Great Game. Best story so far...even when compared to HL2.  However, I'm still not comfortable with MGS3's title song (which happens after the first level). Too 007-ish.  Still...It's Metal Gear. 

Metroid Prime 2 - Metroid 2 does not have physics, nor does it have great lengthy in-game cinematics.  It doesn't even have dialogue between characters or even the creatures. You can't steal vehicles or wield two weapons at once. The creatures don't have cool facial expressions and you can't put them to sleep. Ms. Aran barely uses her radio to contact for support and may not even have radio. Metroid 2 also does away with the sneaking around. Wow. How can you even like this game? I don't know. It's just Metroid - one of the best games I've played in a long time. But Rad! It's another FPS! Yes dammit but a good one. Metroid 2 let's all the Metroid fans know that it hasn't forgot about them.  HL2 did well on level design but the puzzles on Metroid are downright mind numbing and satisfying. The puzzles have purpose too and are woven in the story well. The game takes me back to the Link and Super Metroid days where games were simple yet incredibly addictive and fun. Metroid 2 pulls alot of stops to throw new gameplay elements. They may not have the technology or hardware to exploit some neato effects that HL2 and Halo 2 thrive in but Metroid is a game and world in itself.  Even after playing the last three games, Metroid still grabbed my attention with great pacing, original weapons and switching visors.  A girl in a super suit which can turn into a ball is pretty hot.

All in all, these games are great. 

If you can afford to buy them or at least swallow your pride to play them somewhere else, try it, you'll be suprised over what you've missed. Fanboys need to cease existance and just play what is out there and give some positive points. People who ask for original games are looking for something so radical, so different, they're disappointed.  Unless you've played Katamari Damacy, 95% of the time a very original and very different game altogether is complete crap (i.e. Battlezone). I hope you all enjoyed this article and make sure you play these incredible games in 5.1 surround.

Now looking forward to Gran Turismo 4.

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