Ballblazer Champions

Although LucasArts is still keeping a tight wrap on this title, a limited amount of information has been supplied for the unveiling at the upcoming E3 show.

The blindingly fast sports gaming classic BallBlazer returns with an all-new, updated multiplayer version for the Sony PlayStation. BallBlazer has been redesigned to take full advantage of the latest technology and is set in a spectacular real-time 3-D environment to blow players' minds away with dazzling effects in intense competition.

Any old-school gamer worth his or her weight in Commodore 64 joysticks can't help but remember BallBlazer, LucasArts' 1985 8-Bit computer hit that combined speed, two-player thrills and brilliant gameplay into one incredibly fun package. Now LucasArts is unleashing a 32-Bit update to the classic, and-nostalgic gamers have no fear-BallBlazer Champions stays true to the original.

For the uninitiated, BallBlazer is a futuristic, soccer-inspired arena romp in which two hovercraft take pot shots on each other's goal with a blazing ball (hence the game's name). But here's the catch-each craft has a certain amount of energy that begins to drain once players nab the ball. Since this energy supply keeps the craft going at top speed and lets it perform turbo boosts, the player carrying the ball is at a distinct disadvantage. The other player can easily zoom up and swipe the ball.

One of the most common-and risky-strategies, therefore, is to continually launch the ball in front of you before it can sap too much energy. This tactic lets ball carriers move at top speeds, but it makes it easier for opponents to score a turnover.

Making things even more interesting are the arenas themselves. BallBlazer Champions offers 12 stadiums, only one of which resembles a regular sports arena. The rest are filled with hills, platforms, ramps, energy-replenishing and energy-sapping zones and destabilization zones, which knock your control systems haywire. The game packs eight different hovercraft, and some vehicles are better in certain arenas than others. The bird craft for example, does well in ramp-rich arenas.

Scattered throughout each arena are power-ups-including mines, missiles and cloaking devices-that'll even the odds. Of course, you could take the low-tech approach and ram the ball carrier to knock the ball free.

BallBlazer offers three modes of play: Single Match, Tournament (which lets you upgrade between matches) and a Split-Screen Two-player Mode. It is the Two-player Mode that'll keep gamers playing long after they've earned the title of MasterBlazer.

Ball Blazer Champions paints a bleak vision for the future of spoits. Even though it has an interesting premise, BBC ultimately rockets its way into the "who cares" bin.

BBC combines elements of soccer and racing: gamers must shoot an energy ball into a goal while staving off their opponent with Wipeout-style weapons. You choose from eight aliens, each possessing a different rotofoil racer with different ratings for speed, handling, launching power, and energy. Gamers can upgrade these ratings with accumulated credit crystals that they receive after each race.

BBC's downfall is due to uninspired graphics and sounds along with poor control and nauseating game perspectives--you may actually feel sick while you play. The best thing about the visuals is the start-up where you choose your vehicle and purchase your upgrades. Otherwise, it's a bust.

If you're fond of torture, give Blazer a whirl. The best advice, however, is to blaze a trail far away from this game.

Futuristic sports competition takes on a new meaning in Baliblazer X, a multiplayer game with incredible speed. In the year 3097, the International Baliblazer Championship takes place on an artificial asteroid. Competitors from around the galaxy compete for the title of Masterblazer.

From a first-person perspective, each competitor pilots rotofoils, incredibly fast futuristic craft that function like hov-ercrafts. The goal of each tournament varies, but superior piloting skills and steel nerves are required to win.

Sports competition goes futuristic in Ballblazer X, an incredibly fast multiplayer game that requires nerves of steel and, well, balls.

The International Ballblazer Championship of the year 3097 takes place on an artificial asteroid. Compeh'tors from around the galaxy vie for the title of Masterblazer.

From a first-person perspective, each contestant pilots a rotofoil, a sci-fi variant on the Hovercraft. The goal of each tournament differs, but superior piloting skills and a cast-iron stomach are always required.