E3 2004: Acclaim Booth

100 Bullets (PS2, Xbox)
I have to admit that I and other members of Gaming Target were skeptical of 100 Bullets before playing the game. This was because the gameplay seemed to be similar to Max Payne and the cue-ball mystery character looked a lot like Agent 47 from the Hitman series. However, let us doubt no more since 100 Bullets is a third-person action game in its own right. I began as Cole Burns, one of two playable characters in this dark, but appealing game based on the DC Comics comic of the same name. The action was paced quite nicely and used intuitive controls to pull of both the basic and more complicated moves. This was the game's most appealing aspect since it features tons of specialized movement, including one trick where players can put an enemy into a headlock. Essentially, you can use the enemy as a hostage by holding a gun to his head and threatening his surrounding counterparts. This enables you to freely move about until you execute the enemy or his friends simply don't care anymore. Upon being totally surrounded, players can also unleash pinpoint attacks if their rage meter is built up enough. However, instead of slowing down the entire game like most titles, the speed of your character seems to pick-up while everything else slows down. 100 Bullets seems to have a lot going for it from the E3 demo and I'm looking to do a lot more damage when Acclaim releases it later this year.

Juiced (PS2, Xbox)
Juiced isn't just another street-racing game. I'd say it's more of a simulation racer that meets the underground racing phenomenon and it has parts to spare. The game allows players to purchase about 50 licensed vehicles by winning races and has every detail you can imagine, from things you'd expect like tires to finer elements such as tinted windows. In addition to authentic handling of these vehicles, players will be pleased to know that realistic damage also plays a part in Juiced, even though it's often shunned by car manufacturers. Also, another first comes as Acclaim takes its ride online with six-player support with a team-based racing crew and pink slips. Pink splits basically allow players to repossess the loser's wheels if it's the prize of the race. This type of competition is definitely up my ally and it'll be interesting to see how Juiced pans out when it releases in September for PS2 and Xbox.

The Red Star (PS2, Xbox)
The Red Star represents the second comic book franchise Acclaim is taking under its wing this year next to 100 Bullets. This game gives players a view of Russia in a parallel universe where magic and technology take center stage. This, of course, greatly impacts the gameplay, which is fast-paced and action-packed much like the upcoming Neo Contra title from Konami. However, while The Red Star also combines 3D graphics with Contra-type gameplay, it hasn't ditched the side-scrolling setup. Instead, there's a view from the side as well as a view from the top. The control setup is also unique in that it uses one analog stick for target and another for moving about. This, combined with the two perspectives, gives the intense action of The Red Star a different feel from a game like Neo Contra, but makes it equally as fun. The Red Star revolution is set to begin in September.

Worms Forts: Under Siege! (PS2, Xbox)
While I did spend some time with Worms Forts: Under Seige!, it wasn't at Acclaim's booth. This is because Sega is also publishing Worms Forts, but doing so overseas while Acclaim is taking the helm here in North America. This isn't surprising since Acclaim recently released Worms 3D for PS2 and GameCube and is aiming for PS2 and Xbox this time around. While little has changed from Worms 3D, there's a new theme that involves waging war within forts, as you may have taken note from the name. This only adds to the already strategic and addictive nature of the game, and with great environments including Egypt and Troy plus humorous characters like Samurais and King Arthur, it looks like another worms blast. And it won't be a battle you wage alone as four players can participate in the action. No word on online play as of yet, but Worms is definitely due for some of that fortified online loving as well.