PlayStation 2

FantaVision

Fantavision really is the surprise of the Playstation 2 launch. Out of nowhere comes this great little puzzle game that isn't just a particle effects demo as many have suggested. Playing the game is fairly simple although the pace will soon become frantic as you try to detonate all the fireworks on screen before they fizzle out. Fantavision is an excellent puzzle game, it looks great and is a lot of fun to play. What more could you ask. Go buy it.

Geen must have maar wel een even verslavende als grappige game. Vooral de Two Player mode krijgt van mij een pluim.

Scoring Fantavision is tricky as it is a love or hate title. You will either sit down and fall victim to its charms or toss the controller away after a few minutes trying to fathom what the attraction of this game could possibly be. Having said that its basic and simplistic nature does count it against when the fact that it is a full price release is considered. For around $120 most gamers would expect a lot more and this is reflected in its score. It is one of those titles that you play in a state where your brain becomes disengaged and reactions and are running the show. Fun for some but inexplicable for others. Despite all that it is certainly a game which every PS 2 owner should at least try ... just in case.

The gameplay is similar to Bubble Bobble, forcing you to use your pointer to connect multicolored fireworks in order to ignite them. Some charges split into multiple rockets, which, if detonated correctly, create dazzling displays. It isn’t as refined as others of its genre, but the urge to create even more awe-inspiring flurries will keep you playing. Think of Fantavision as an amazing screensaver built into an average puzzle game.

Fantavision neither revolutionizes nor damages the genre, it simply comes out somewhere in between. The advantage of being the first puzzle title on the PS2, combined with the game's eye candy and two-player mode, definitely works in the game's favor. In the end, Fantavision is little more than a pleasantly entertaining puzzle game.

Like most puzzlers, you’ll either dig this game or not quite get it. With better sound, graphics and decent presentation, gamers might be enticed to play more than this game merits. As it stands, however, the gameplay isnt that fun no matter how original, and the games other flaws just bring it down more. I recommend a rental at best.

When the lights have faded and the explosions cease, Fantavision turns out to be a truly odd little puzzle game. Chances are pretty good that you'll feel this game should have been packaged along with the PS2. While it tries to take a different gameplay approach, the result is something that is so frantic, players will have a tough time figuring out what exactly is going on...and that's a puzzle we can do without.

This nifty technology demo shows the PS2’s ability to easily handle particle effects. Wait…this is a game? And Sony wants you to shell out 50 bucks for it? Screw that!

Pour la technique, vous avez du vous rendre compte par vous même que Fantavision est loin de repousser la PS2 dans ces derniers retranchements. Les animations ne sont pas très rapides mais c'est voulu et à part les effets visuels qui sont splendides mais ultra répétitifs, le paysage de Fantavision devient vite monotone. C'est d'ailleurs bizarre que Sony ait décidé de commencer par un jeu aussi simpliste...

Puzzlespiele leben erfahrungsgemäss selten von Sound und Grafik. Wenn dann jedoch beim Spielprinzip kein Suchtfaktor aufkommt, hat es ein Spiel schwer, auf dem doch recht kleinen Markt der Puzzlereien Fuss zu fassen. Fantavision ist solch ein Fall. Bestenfalls für eine jüngere Zielgruppe geeignet, reisst leider nicht einmal der prinzipiell interessante Zwei-Spieler-Modus das Spiel aus dem dumpfen Mittelmass. Und für ein Grafikdemo ist der empfohlene Preis dann doch zu hoch angesetzt.

This isn't to say that Fantavision isn't a burn-out. This game includes some very catchy techno music along with soothing music while playing that isn't overpowering and gently complements the game. The overall experience with the game was fulfilling, but short-lived. This is definitely worth a rental to just see the beginning graphic capabilities of the PS2. If you're a puzzle fan, you'll need to wait longer for a better puzzle game to come along (come on Sony with Intelligent Qube 2 already! :) as this won't be able to fill people's lust for the next "Tetris". If this title were $29.99, then it'd be worth recommending shelling out the clams for the game. Until it does drop in price, this is a recommended pass.

Fantavision är ett trevande experiment i början av PlayStation2:s levnad, och får därför inte dömas för hårt. Det är faktiskt helt okej ett tag. Men i slutändan blir det ungefär lika roligt som att sitta ensam på nyårsafton och titta på fyrverkerierna på TV. Alltså ganska meningslöst.

Malgré un concept bien pensé et une belle réalisation, la magie de Fantavision ne prend pas, notamment à cause d'une jouabilité trop médiocre. Le principe du puzzle tactique et technique à la Tetris ne se retrouve pas dans ce jeu, trop confus et compliqué. Même les fans du genre n'apprécieront guère ce titre, celui-ci ne pouvant ravir que les amateurs de 14 juillet virtuels.

I suppose it's mildly satisfying to set off an exceptionally long chain, but there's really no goal in Fantavision and the game seems to drag on and on as you rack up outrageous scores. The firework effects are less than spectacular, and the attractive city backgrounds are barely noticeable once the action gets underway. Fantavision may appeal to some young kids, but there's just not enough game here for me.