Hands-On: Athens 2004
The latest from 989 will try to get you into the Olympic spirit.
Billed as the official video game of the Olympic games, Athens 2004 from 989 Sports is hoping to ride the enthusiasm generated by the time-honored global competition. Nothing generates excitement like national pride; so 64 countries are selectable with 800 unique characters to help distinguish the athletes. This is welcome news for fans as similar games in the past have had mostly the same generic characters.
The preview version allowed play in almost every event, and things are quite polished already. Swimming, weightlifting, and track events all have the familiar ?tap on two buttons like a madman? gameplay element. However, there are some twists that keep it interesting like a small break from button mashing in weightlifting, the dance game?like controls for gymnastics, and the targeting of archery and shooting. All told, 25 events will be selectable in the final version. As an added bonus, you can use a dance-pad controller to really get into the game, and up to four players can compete through the use of a multitap.
The visuals and audio are also quite polished at this point with impressively detailed stadiums packed with roaring crowds. The athletes animate smoothly, and the camera angles give you the feeling that you?re watching a telecast. Athens 2004 should hit stores in advance of the actual Olympics, giving you time to play out your own drama first.
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