GAME OF THE WEEK: TRON 2.0

Beuna Vista Interactiv; PC; $49.99

(Star) (Star) (Star) (Star)

"Tron 2.0"--a sequel to the cult 1982 Disney film "Tron"--is simply so gorgeous to look at, you're afraid to touch the keyboard -- less you disturb the art.

Once you get past the jaw-dropping, sumptuous visuals, you're also treated to great gameplay and a storyline that builds and expands on the mythology created in the film. You play as Jet Bradley --the son of Alan Bradley (Bruce Boxleitner, reprising his role from the film). Dear old dad has disappeared --possibly into the computer-- and one of his programs digitizes you to save both the cyber and real worlds.

Game play is a mix of first-person shooter, puzzle-solving and -- recreating the best part of the original film-- light cycle racing. "Tron 2.0" is a textbook case on everything that can be done right with a game based on a movie. (T for teen)

-Misha Davenport

F-Zero GX

(Nintendo; GameCube; $49.99) (STAR)(STAR)1/2

Are you feeling the need for speed? If your learning curve is fast and your patience is long, the latest in Nintendo's racing franchise may win you over. If not, you'll get frustrated fast. Building your racing vehicles and racing them can be a blast--literally. But trying to get through all the levels can be a trying experience for the novice player. The controls seem almost too touch sensitive at times and the gears shift almost at whim. FYI: There's no such thing as friendly fire here, so keep your eyes peeled for enemies. They're everywhere. (T for teen)

--Jae-Ha Kim

NCAA Football 2004

EA Sports; PlayStation 2; $49.99 (STAR)(STAR)(STAR)(STAR)

Between Madden and EA Sports' football game franchises, is there really a need for competitors to even bother? This game rocks. The game controls are the same as before, but the game play is stronger, faster and better. Before, you could bump a player and that counted as a tackle. Now you have to legitimately tackle your opponent for it to count. The pass defense is much better as well and even the fumbles are more realistic. There's some added fluff that's not crucial to the game but is nonetheless fun. As players run out of Notre Dame's locker room, you see a poster that says, "Play like a champion today." Now maybe they will. (E for everyone)

-Jae-Ha Kim

CHICAGO'S TOP TEN

The hottest new games sold in Chicago

on amazon.com last week:

TITLE PLATFORM

1. Soul Caliber II GameCube

2. Star Wars: Knights of the Old Republic Xbox

3. Madden NFL 2004 PlayStation 2

4.Madden NFL 2004 Xbox

5. Final Fantasy: Tactics Advance Game Boy Advance

(Advance orders; avail. 9/8)

6. Pokemon Pinball: Ruby & Sapphire Game Boy Advance

7. Soul Caliber II PlayStation 2

8. Buffy the Vampire Slayer: Chaos Bleeds GameCube

9. Backyard Baseball Game Boy Advance

10. F-Zero GX GameCube

UPCOMING RELEASES GAME PLATFORM RELEASE DATE

.hack Part 3: Outbreak PS2 Sept. 9

Risk: Global Domination All consoles Sept. 9

Rugby 2004 PC/PS2 Sept. 9

Scooby-Doo: Mystery Mayhem GBA Sept. 9

U.S. Open 2003 Xbox Sept. 15

TIPS, TRICKS AND CHEATS

APE ESCAPE 2 for PlayStation 2

Having trouble defeating the boss blue monkey? Try stunning him with the stun gun first. For the boss yellow monkey, you'll need to dodge his attacks, wait for him to lose his balance and then hit him from behind.

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