Rampage: Total Destruction [GC]

This game has always been about multiplayer, and Total Destruction has several ways for a few friends to go all King Kong on each other's behinds. Tackle one city, block by block, to see who can cause the most damage. Or do an appetizer sampler of the whole world. You can actually play the main campaign with two players, as well.

The fun of having someone on the couch next to you makes up for some of Total Destruction's shortcomings, and it's accessible enough (despite the perspective problems and convoluted controls) that even inexperienced gamers can enjoy themselves. The camera pulls out nicely so you won't find yourself struggling to see, and it's a hoot to just punch your partner in the face if for no other reason than because you can.

With multiplayer being the highlight, the GameCube version is the superior product. Four controller ports means four-player simultaneous, and more people definitely equals more fun. The PS2 version only allows for two-player, which knocks its enjoyment factor down a peg. The two versions are basically equal in every other way.

From a presentation standpoint, Rampage: Total Destruction is easy enough on the eyes. The character models have gone from looking like clay to looking like CG -- which has to be considered an upgrade. Damage is more detailed than ever, and you'll see a lot of activity onscreen. The audio is a letdown, however, with random chatter that gets annoying and forgettable-at-best music.

Midway did the right thing by suggesting a retail price for Rampage: Total Destruction at $20. At around the price of a board game, you and your buds will get a weekend's worth of entertainment out of it. The series' simplified gameplay takes a step backwards with Total Destruction, and the overall experience is decidedly mediocre. But sometimes, after a hard day of work, you just want to knock over a skyscraper. Have at it.