Video Game Corner

Madden NFL 2005
Madden 2005, EA Sports’ latest football video game, is entertaining, but almost too complex. A gamer shouldn’t have to memorize what combination of buttons will shift the defensive line. It even goes so far as allowing you to pick what each player will do after the snap.

The graphics are so-so. The only time they look decent is during an instant replay. Game play graphics are not smooth. Playstation 2 is not as advanced as Xbox, per se. Playstation 2 has other titles that simply blow these graphics out of the water. Perhaps if EA Sports had focused on general graphics instead of complicated controls, it possibly could have a hit game.

Madden 2005’s audio is effective. You can hear the roar of the crowd and the smash and clash as players collide. Plus, there is a soundtrack with 15 or so songs that contain some of today’s most popular music. It is perfect to listen to while editing your roster or creating your dream team.

General game play is intense at some points, and realistic. A.I. (Artificial intelligence, the video game’s thinking ability) is highly advanced. For example, if the computer is losing the game, the game seems to get more difficult as if the men on the opposing team really want to win. Sometimes it’s hard to remember that you’re playing a computer and not a real person.

Call of Duty: United Offensive
Activison has struck gold with its latest edition of Call of Duty. The game made me feel like I was a soldier is some of the greatest battles of World War II. It is also more difficult than trying to keep a straight face while watching the “Dave Chappell Show.” Sometimes I would get so frustrated that I had to walk away and take a break from the game.

From the simulation of water and the use of shadows, to the lighting that adds depth to the surroundings of each fight, the graphic quality of the game is outstanding. Also highly detailed and dense explosions made me jump out of my seat.

Even the general movement of the allies looks real. But something that could use some retooling is an allies A.I. It seems as though they couldn’t hit the broadside of a barn.

The audio adds another layer of realism to the game, which is important to make it feel like it’s a real situation or battle. Every game relies on its audio to heighten the experience, and Activison has hit the mark.

With the new release, they have possibly raised the stakes for future first-person shooters. Your weapon sounds are accurate and there is crystal-clear ambient noise. You can even hear your opposition yell in German, and the whiz of bullets flying past your head.

I was disappointed in the new multiplayer modes. With the addition of tanks, jeeps and larger maps, it added major latency issues. The original Call of Duty multi-player mode had little or no lag problems. I am confident that Activison will fix these problems in the near future. The more time they take to fix these issues, the fewer the number of players who will buy and play this game. But don’t let the issues keep you from the game.