Original games reign in the land of sequels
By AIMEE HATFIELD, Lincoln Journal Star

Game companies are lacking a bit in the originality department of late, with so many sequels being released, but there are still games out there that don't have a number in the title. And this week, every single one of them is outstanding.

''The Warriors''

The 1979 cult movie the game is based on is about a gang, far from its own turf, wrongly accused of shooting another gang leader. As the gang, The Warriors, tries to get home to Coney Island, every other gang in the city is gunning for them.

There's a bit of a ''Grand Theft Auto'' feel to it as you run around New York and mug people or steal car radios. Missions prompt you to infiltrate enemy turf, rescue people from the police or spray your gang tag on walls.

The fighting is very well done, with an intuitive and responsive system of combos and throws, and the pretty graphics make you feel every brick thrown into the back of your head. This also translates well into the crazily fun multiplayer modes (a second player can even jump into the single-player story mode with you).

''Indigo Prophecy''

''Indigo Prophecy'' is a murder mystery in which you play all three of the main characters: The murderer and the two police officers trying to catch him.

As you make your way through the world, actions present themselves, but they're not always good, and almost all have an effect on your character's mental state. This ''actions have consequences'' system paired with knowing what all the characters know and yet still not knowing all of the story makes for an exciting, original game.

''Shadow of the Colossus''

"Colossus'' is the story of a young man hoping to bring a woman back to life. Using a magical sword that channels the powers of light, the man must destroy sixteen Colossi --- gigantic beings spread around a mystical world. The world itself is beautiful, with a dreamlike and cinematic quality.

The Colossi are the only fights in the game; there are no other monsters or people to come across. The focus is all on the Colossi, and that's what makes the game so different --- and so satisfying. Each battlefield is the Colossus itself; in order to defeat it, you must climb the Colossus and find its weak spots.

''F.E.A.R.''

Other critics already have been calling this first-person shooter ''the best PC shooter of the year,'' and I don't think I would argue with them.

''F.E.A.R.'' (First Encounter Assault Recon) is the story of a special forces team member trying to take down the leader of a group that has infiltrated a compound. Of course, it turns out to be more complicated than that. Along the way are plenty of bodies, blood, ghostly visions and strange radio interference.

The gameplay is smooth and responsive. The artificial intelligence of the enemies sometimes fails, but for the most part it is pretty smart. ''F.E.A.R.'' also offers solid online multi-player play.

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