Top video games for 2002

Nov. 21 - Once again this year, video games and game systems are going to be big sellers. But which system and which games? “Today” contributor and consumer specialist, Herb Weisbaum has the results of the annual video game test.

WHETHER IT’S PURE fantasy or totally reality, today’s video games are truly something to see. But great graphics don’t guarantee a winner. The only way to pick the hits is to let players rate them.

Once again this year, the Pacific Science Center in Seattle hosted the video game test. We set up a one-of-a-kind arcade and filled it with the latest games for the Microsoft Xbox, Nintendo GameCube and Sony PlayStation 2. During the two-week run, we tested 73 games this year: sports games, adventure games, racing games, and fighting games. Some were clear winners. Others just didn’t make the cut.

Players had to be at least 7-years-old, but lots of moms and dads joined in, too. They got to test-drive a game for up to 20 minutes. Then they rated it for us, from terrible to most excellent. In all, we collected more than 10,000 ratings! Based on that feedback, here are the top-rated titles for 2002.

1. METROID PRIME

This is the latest and most graphically advanced offering in the Metroid series, which started with the original Nintendo Entertainment System and now debuts on the GameCube. Once again our hero, Samus, must fight the evil Space Pirates… and this derelict ship has lots of places to hide.

The object of this game is simple- get the space pirates before they get you! Because of all the fighting, Metroid Prime is rated Teen, for kids 13 & up.

2. SUPER MARIO SUNSHINE

We find our hero vacationing on the Isle Delfino. But there’s trouble in paradise. There’s a vandal on the loose and fingers point to Mario. You need to help him clear his name and clean up the place. He does that with a water cannon named Fludd, which also serves as a jet pack to help Mario race around, pressure washing as he goes. Super Mario Sunshine is the first all new Mario game since 1996. It was well worth the wait and it’s for all ages.

3. MLB SLUGFEST 20-03

This is not your typical sports game. Forget realistic. SlugFest aims for outrageous fun! For instance, when a player does well, he’s literally on fire! Things get real interesting when the pitcher throws a bean ball-a fight can break out. MLB SlugFest 20-03 is rated for everyone.

4. TONY HAWK’S PRO SKATER 4

This is a fast-paced, action-packed sequel to last year’s mega-hit and the kids tell us, this is the best one yet. “I like it cause you can skate with other people, see, like there’s other skates on this half pipe.” Turns out Tony Hawk 4 was also the top-rated title for the Sony PlayStation 2. The PS2 version includes a new online feature that lets you play this game with up to 8 others anywhere in the world. Tony Hawk Pro Skater 4 is rated Teen on both the PS2 and Xbox. By the way, you have the option of having the onscreen skaters wear full safety gear— including pads and a helmet— just like they do in real life.

5. MARIO PARTY 4

Once you get started, it’s hard to stop, there are so many games to play — 50 mini-games to be exact — all new for the GameCube

system. It’s fun. What makes it fun? You can choose your person to play. And what a cast to choose from! You get to pick from some of the most popular Nintendo characters, like Yoshi, Donkey Kong and Luigi. Mario Party 4 is fast-paced fun for the whole family. Those are just the top-rated tiles, but there were lots of others that made it into the “winner’s circle.”