Proof that you just can't win them all, this weeks GameTap releases features more than its share of stinkers. Well, that's a fairly negative way to put it. Look at it this way: if you were too young to appreciate the FMV craze of the 90's, Wing Commander IV has more of it than the entire Sega CD catalog combined. And speaking of which --- Wing Commander IV: The Price of Freedom (PC): Definitely not the first choice of enthusiasts, the GameTap release of Wing Commander IV means that you won't have to swap through all six discs of this FMV epic just to play through it.
- Legacy of Kain: Blood Omen 2 (PC): If we ever compile a list of series that simply don't stand the test of time, Legacy of Kain would be somewhere near the top. This one in particular takes place during a time paradox set up by the previous game. Fantastic.
- Samurai Shodown III (Neo-Geo): While not the lowest point in the series (SS64 and SSV fight for that honor), it's no prize either. With a ridiculously high damage scale, matches in this sequel rarely, if ever go beyond 10 seconds.
- King of Fighters 2000 (Neo-Geo): As the last of the SNK developed KOF titles, it's sad knowing that they left the series on such a low note. The Strikers got even more ridiculous this year, resulting in tons of bugs and 90% combos across the board. Next week, you'll know what true pain and suffering is all about. After that, however, it's smooth sailing!
Hey, cheer up, subscription-based gamers! Not only do you have The Last Blade to look forward to next week, but this week, X2: The Threat and Disciples: Sacred Land have been added to the free play section of GameTap. As for other soon to come titles, Clockwork Knight 2 has popped up, along with Morning's Wrath and Blast Miner.
Maybe, if we're really lucky, they'll release the Mac client today as well. We'll keep you updated on that one.
[Update - A quick peek at the freshly updated coming soon list reveals some nice closure as two of the finest in the series, Street Fighter Alpha 2 and Super Street Fighter II Turbo are finally making their way to GameTap. Also appearing are complete collections of Hitman and Bloodrayne as expected, along with another Eidos titles Just Cause, Legacy of Kain: Defiance and Thief: Deadly Shadows. Lastly, Space Quest IV will be arriving on GameTap, adding to the ever growing classic adventure pile on tap.]
