" If the weapons and graphics were a bit better then this would be a way cooler game. "

      Title: Tribes: Aerial Assault by Sierra

      Format: Online FPS for the PS2

      Reviewing Monkey: Chimpan-A

      The Hype: Hey, massive player fps' worked for all those computer companies, why the hell can't they work for the PS2? Sierra says it can and will with their console Tribes game. You'll need the modem for this one kids, otherwise what are you even doing here? It's all the fun of Tribes mixed with the fun of a PS2 controller. Now file in, newblood.

      What This Monkey Thought...

      Graphics: We've definitely seen a pickup in graphics for PS2 games of late. This game definitely delivers some quality, although it does so with less than steady results. The vistas and environments are both absolutely huge and incredibly gorgeous (at least in most cases). The character models are a little grainy, as are some of the structures. The weapon effects are, for the most part, kind of boring. A few neat explosions with some of the nicer weapons but that's about it. All in all it's not a bad graphical experience, and the huge environments with tons of folks fighting it out make up for it. 3 out of 5

      Playability: If you're a PC player hoping to make the jump over to the console for the Tribes experience, then I'd stay on the computer for this one. If, however, you're a console player with a PS2 looking to experience the joys your PC buddy's have been telling you about all these years, this is a pretty good place to start. The game controls fairly well and runs smoothly enough. In most cases it's your standard First Person Shooter. The one element they've added in to the game is the titular jetpack (That's the "Aerial" part of the Assault for those not paying attention to what review they're reading). Now instead of just running across the ground, you make majestic leaps across the countryside. It's an interesting device and plays well, adding a bit of strategy to a genre that needs it badly. The single player is practically non-existent though, so like I said at the top, if you don't have a PS2 modem, don't bother. The main problem I have with this game is that the weapons are pretty boring. You've got a grenade launcher or two, some mini-guns, some basic lasers. It's all just fairly standard stuff that doesn't grab you at all. Or if it does, it's with one of those weak palmed handshakes that make me feel all creepy. 3.5 out of 5

      Multiplayer and Replayability: Here of course is the way the game was meant to be played. Grab your modem and hang out with the other newbloods online. The game functions fairly well, the real killer being lag. If you've got a high connection, it doesn't seem to be a problem. We heard plenty of 56k'ers complaining out there. Avoid the big games if you have doubts about your connection speed. When you get a good speed game going, though, you've got a good experience. Jumping around the scenery on your pack can be quite fun. If the weapons and graphics were a bit better then this would be a way cooler game. At least it's got vehicles for your riding pleasure. And some of them are loads of fun, if a bit hard to control. How often you play this will depend on how good your connection is, but theoretically there's no end to the replayability. It's definitely the best you're going to get of the PS2 fare out there right now. 4 out of 5

      Story/Dramatics: Story? They're supposed to be putting story in these things? What will they think of next? The single player "campaign" is kind of a piss poor attempt at sending you through boot camp while attempting to pin a story on there. If you look real hard you can actually see the guy in the back with a script and a thumbtack just saying "I'm sorry. Really." At least the voices are alright, the taunts don't get annoying. 1 out of 5

      The Verdict:

If you own a PS2 and a PS2 modem, this is a pretty good game. It makes a great introduction into the world of Online FPS games. It's fairly fun to boot. However if a) Your connection is bad, or b) You don't have a modem: don't bother with this game, it's not worth it. If you don't have a PS2 then why the hell are you looking at this?

      The Good: Fairly fun, the jetpack adds an interesting little twist.

      The Bad: Graphics are so-so, as is the weaponry.

      The Overall Ugly: If you crave some online Multiplayer for your PS2, go ahead and get this game.

      What it's Worth: Market price