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  • Official U.S. PlayStation Magazine, March 1999

    Official U.S. PlayStation Magazine, March 1999



    The Official U.S. PlayStation Magazine was as the title describes, the official publication for PlayStation products in the U.S. It covered multiple generations of PlayStation hardware but in 1999, it was still just the original PlayStation. This magazine also included a demo disc which was kind of nice since downloads weren’t an option then. The March 1999 issue includes:

    • PlayStation Glossary – Whether you’re a newbie or a veteran PlayStation gamer, this glossary will help you get up to speed with the jargon and buzzwords often thrown about.
    • Silent Hill – Prepare to be seriously spooked by Konami’s chilling adventure. Is it a true Resident Evil rival, or just a knockoff? Find out in our giant, in-depth review.
    • Syphon Filter – A peek into our top-secret strategy files for 989 Studio’s new espionage adventure. For your eyes only. This magazine will self destruct in 20 seconds.
    • WCW/nWo – Can’t quite beat your buddies into submission? You will if you check out this easy-to-use guide to your favorite wrestlers and their moves.
    • Letters – Check in with your fellow readers as they sound off about what’s on their minds, including a “he said/she said” regarding the controversial “10 Games Your Girlfriend Will Play” feature.
    • News – The long-awaited sequel to PaRappa the Rapper is revealed, a PlayStation emulator is announced, Sammy Sosa finally hits into a Triple Play and much more.
    • Previews – We take a look at Hasbro’s Centipede (’90s style), Legend of Legaia, NBA In the Zone ’99, Monaco Grand Prix, VR Baseball 2000, Bomberman Fantasy Race, Alien Resurrection and Rushdown.
    • International – Can’t afford a trip to Japan? Heat up some ramen and check out our international coverage. This month more Final Fantasy VIII and a pair of hot new fighting games. It’s almost like being there.
    • Reviews – Find out if Silent Hill and Syphon Filter live up to advanced billing in two huge reviews, and then see if NCAA Final Four ’99 or March Madness ’99 is the best college hoops game to get.
    • Tricks – Get all the riders and courses in Cool Boarders 3, play the God Mode and have infinite ammo in Twisted Metal III, and have level select and play the classic game in Asteroids.
    • g.e.a.r. – Need a little swerve in your sports gaming? Check out this pair of new controllers. We also take a test listen to a sound system that won’t blow out your budget.
    • Demo Disc – Playables of Syphon Filter, Bust A Groove, Akuji the Heartless, Fisherman’s Bait and No One Can Stop Mr. Domino (it’s a game and a statement). Also, a peek at NCAA Final Four.

    …and more!


  • Ghost in the Shell (PS1)

    Ghost in the Shell (PS1)

    The original Ghost in the Shell movie was always one of my favorite anime productions so the game had a lot to live up to. Fortunately, for the most part, it did. The game was released for the PlayStation in 1997 and while it was not related to the plot of the movie it used the same English voice cast.

    Ghost in the Shell is still widely regarded as one of the better anime or manga related games, particularly outside the role-playing realm. This game is more action oriented with the player controlling a Think tank (Fuchikoma) to complete various missions. If there are any complaints they are that the game is too short and some parts are a bit repetitive. If you have never seen the movie (and I mean the original anime not the new live action movie though that’s ok too) then by all means check it out. And if you have a PlayStation then pick up this game as that is still the only way to play it as far as I know.

    There have been other Ghost in the Shell games since (e.g. those based on Ghost in The Shell: Stand Alone Complex for the PS2 and PSP) but this was the first and still the best.

    The above ad is from the November 1997 issue of Tips & Tricks.