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This past generation of video game consoles was really the first to be able to supply game players with first-person shooting action similar to what PC gamers had enjoyed for some time. The Nintendo 64 in particular was the first machine to have first-person shooters that could at least compete with PC iterations of the genre. The dust has settled on the last generation of machines, so now is a good time to check our game collections and make sure that they include the pioneers of first-person shooting on video game consoles. This week's Game Collector should serve this purpose nicely.
GoldenEye 007 - Nintendo 64 (1997)
Street Price: $12.99
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If you haven't heard of GoldenEye 007 by now, chances are you just got into video games. As the grandfather of 3D console first-person shooters, many argue that Rare's Bond shooter has yet to be topped. In addition to having some of the best gadgetry ever found in a video game and a one-player mode that's incredibly engrossing, GoldenEye has a four-player deathmatch mode, which has ushered in a new era of multiplayer console gaming. If you haven't procured your own copy of GoldenEye yet, it isn't too late.
Quake II - Nintendo 64 (1999)
Street Price: $9.85
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Quake II on the N64 is a good conversion of the PC game, and the multiplayer mode stands up to games such as GoldenEye and Turok 2 quite nicely. Quake has been a mainstay on the PC for quite some time, but Quake II for the N64 was the closest a console had come to replicating the series on a console--until Quake III Arena was released for the Dreamcast. Quake II for the N64 is a solid shooter and a worthy representation of the PC classic.
Medal of Honor - Sony PlayStation (1999)
Street Price: $9.75
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Medal of Honor is set in the heat of World War II. As a member of the Office of Strategic Services department, you must infiltrate enemy-occupied territory, sabotage equipment, steal documents, and generally act as a monkey wrench in the Nazi's plans. Medal of Honor's gameplay elements--masquerading as an officer, stopping troops from flipping alarms, and using passes--make it feel more like an adventure game (like Metal Gear Solid) than a fast-paced blow-'em-up (like Quake).
Red Faction - Sony PlayStation 2 (2001)
Street Price: $37.00
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In Red Faction, Volition attempts to combine the best elements from notable first-person shooters such as Valve's Half-Life, Rare's Perfect Dark and GoldenEye 007, and Raven's Soldier of Fortune into one game. It's heavy on story, has a wide variety of tasks for you to accomplish, and involves combat that's visceral and strategic at the same time. It's the best first-person shooter on the PS2, and you'd do well to add this excellent first-person shooter to your collection.
Unreal Tournament - Sega Dreamcast (2001)
Street Price: $19.99
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Unreal Tournament is an immensely fun game that sets new standards for console ports of PC first-person shooters and will have you coming back many months down the line. Quake III Arena on the Dreamcast may offer more visceral gameplay, but Unreal Tournament is the most complete package yet. If you haven't taken your Dreamcast online for some frag sessions, Unreal Tournament is an excellent place to start. It's very easy to join a game online.
Perfect Dark - Nintendo 64 (2000)
Street Price: $20.00
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Many wondered how Rare's GoldenEye 007 would ever be topped on a console, but Rare itself did just that with the peerless Perfect Dark. Eschewing the Bond license for creative freedom, Rare has constructed a futuristic setting for PD, complete with alien comrades and a sinister plot to clone the president. If you thought GoldenEye's multiplayer modes were great, Perfect Dark builds upon all the good things found in the Bond game and piles on the improvements to maps, weapons, and selectable characters.
TimeSplitters - Sony PlayStation 2 (2000)
Street Price: $29.98
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While the single-player portion of TimeSplitters can leave a bit to be desired, it's one of the first PlayStation 2 games that makes the Multitap a real must-have. The level design is quite good, and the sheer number of configurable options is staggering. Add to that a highly useful map editor, and the lack of meaningful single-player options is all but forgotten. Fans of the multiplayer modes found in the N64 duo of GoldenEye and Perfect Dark should definitely give this one a try.
Medal of Honor Underground - Sony PlayStation (2000)
Street Price: $19.97
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Since most game players are under 30, they've never had to bear the full brunt of a massive conflict like World War II. Like Medal of Honor before it, Underground provides these younger generations with a look back at a period of history that, although immeasurably bloody, also deserves attention. At the same time, it's one of the better first-person shooters available on a console, so fans of that genre and history buffs alike owe it to themselves to give it a shot.
Quake III Arena - Sega Dreamcast (2000)
Street Price: $15.00
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Quake III Arena for the Dreamcast is an excellent port of the action-packed first-person shooter for the PC. Most PC first-person shooters ported to consoles tend to lose playability, control, and options. Quake III Arena for the Dreamcast remains faithful to the original PC game and is one of the best first-person shooters ever to appear on a video game console. In addition to having extensive offline support, you can take it online and battle against three other warriors with a mouse and keyboard.
Turok 2: Seeds of Evil - Nintendo 64 (1999)
Street Price: $5.90
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Just as GoldenEye raised the bar for first-person shooters, so too did Turok 2. Nestled within the confines of its 32MB cartridge (the largest N64 cart ever, along with Zelda) is one of the hugest games you'll ever have the pleasure of playing. Spread out over five virtual miles of gaming real estate, each of Turok 2's levels is absolutely gargantuan. Turok 2: Seeds of Evil certainly and inarguably brings the flash, but more importantly, it also brings the thunder. It's a must-buy for any fan of shooters.
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