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Salt Lake 2002

Score: 50%
ESRB: Everyone
Publisher: Ubisoft Entertainment
Developer: DC Studios
Media: Cart/1
Players: 1 - 4
Genre: Sports

Graphics & Sound:

I was a little disappointed in the Salt Lake's presentation, or rather the lack of. I realize this is not the X-games, but given that this is the Olympics, I expected a little more. It's pretty obvious that the game was a bit rushed so it could be out in time for the 2002 games. Some events, like Curling or Bobsledding look great - especially when compared to the lack-luster visuals in the downhill events. For most of the game I got the impression that each event had been given to a different team and none of them had any kind of communication between each other. I was also disappointed in the medal ceremonies. Instead of showing your athlete on the podium, you are given this generic model of a man with your country's flag painted on him. It's goofy looking. Overall, it was very disheartening because I know the GBA is cabable of better.

Sound is virtually non-existent. The entire soundtrack consists of one song - and it is not even the Olympic theme song. After winning Gold, I wanted to hear my National Anthem, but I soon realized that if I wanted to hear 'The Star Spangled Banner' - then I would have to sing it myself. Each of the events also sport the typical 'whooshes' and 'swooshes' you would expect, but that's about as good as it gets.


Gameplay:

Salt Lake is a collection of six Olympic events and after selecting a country, players can compete in time trials, compete in one event, or multiple events.

Downhill Skiing, Snowboarding, and Downhill Slalom are essentially the same game. You start at the top of the mountain and work your way down while going through gates. The problem is that the camera is at such an awkward angle that you cannot see the gates as they come up. Instead of using a behind the athlete view, the game instead uses an overhead view. What really surprised me was that the camera zooms in and out when you speed up or slow down - so my question is why not zoom back to show what is coming up. Unfortunately, this one problem makes these events next to impossible to play and sucks the fun right out of them.

Bobsled is the most visually impressive and fun event in the game. I was very impressed by the 3D engine the developers worked up for this part. Instead of an overhead view, Bobsled takes a first person view. The event is played by trying to keep a box as close to a blinking circle on a 'U' shape at the top of the screen as possible. It takes a bit of practice, but after awhile you will be gaining Gold.

Ski Jump is all about timing - just move the dot as close to the target circle as you can while jumping and you will do fine. I was able to win Gold on my second attempt here.

Curling...does anyone even understand this event? Until this year's Olympics I had no idea it even existed. Basically, this is shuffleboard on ice, only with a big rock. At the end of each round, the team with the most stones near the center of the circle wins. After getting used to the rules, I found this to be one of the more enjoyable events - but it was a little too slow and boring to hold my interest for long.


Difficulty:

Except for the downhill events, Salt Lake is a nice challenge. After some practice, you will be racking up the medals in no time - just don't expect to always make Gold. I was extremely happy to see that in Curling, the computer was just as prone to make mistakes as I was. Again, I only wish that the camera had not been so bad on the downhill events because they are pretty close to unplayable in my opinion.

Game Mechanics:

Salt Lake's main problem is again - the lack of a good presentation. Since this was the 'official' game of the Olympics, I would have liked to hear the Olympic music, or at least a National Anthem or two. I also would have liked a few more events. The six that here are amusing for awhile, but after winning a Gold, there is little to make you want to play again. Each event controls well, but this is one of those games that I suggest spending some time with the instructions before playing. If you are dead set on getting an Olympics game, then you might want to check Salt Lake out - but as anything else it's a pass.

-Starscream, GameVortex Communications
AKA Ricky Tucker

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