The Official UK Playstation Magazine Chronology Blog [#8 up]

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Christopher
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PostRe: The Official UK Playstation Magazine Chronology Blog [#8
by Christopher » Wed Oct 27, 2010 8:50 am

We got hacked and had to hide the forum, sadly some members got missed off from the notice.

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TomFromSouth
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PostRe: The Official UK Playstation Magazine Chronology Blog [#8
by TomFromSouth » Sat Oct 30, 2010 10:21 am

Quite sad, really. People hacking innocent forums. Makes me cringe thinking about it.

Can't think of a decent signature, so here's a short one:

Han shot first!
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PostRe: The Official UK Playstation Magazine Chronology Blog [#8
by KK » Mon Jan 24, 2011 7:40 pm

Issue #13, December 1996

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"When the financial year starts in April, chartered accountants no doubt get excited about new tax law amendments. On January 1, the real year starts and we all vow to give up chocolate, start running in the mornings and learn to play a musical instrument. Here on PSM, the PlayStation year starts here.
After celebrating a far from annus horribilis last month, we launch into our second year with one resolution: to produce an issue with no more than 20 PlayTests, less than 120 pages, no competitions and too few PrePlays.
Well that didn't last long, did it?
That's been the story of this issue.
Issue 13 truly has been truly unlucky. We had the ominous job of fitting in the most reviews we've had since PSM 2. Then we had the unfortunate task of deciding what to put on the cover from a choice of Tomb Raider, Final Doom and Destruction Derby 2. As if that wasn't bad enough, we also had to squeeze in PrePlays of Reloaded, Monster Trucks and Hexen. I mean, how unlucky can you get?
So, before anything else can go wrong, here is issue 13. Unlucky."


Rob Pegley

On the Disc

Wipeout 2097
Monster Trucks
Formula One
Destruction Derby 2 (rolling)

In the News

F1 blows a gasket. Formula One has been a disappointment to many, due to many 'bugs'.
Japanese game Choro Q becomes Penny Racers, after Sony slap the license on it.
Tempest gets a remake, under the name Tempest X.

PrePlay

Reloaded
Monster Trucks
Command and Conquer
Pandemonium
Star Gladiator
Floating Runner
Iron and Blood
NBA '97
X-Com Terror From The Deep
Konami Line Up: Contra Legacy of War, Suikoden
The Incredible Hulk
Namco Tennis: Smash Court
Hexen

PlayTest

Tomb Raider
You can't play a better game at the moment. Tomb Raider is the sort of thoroughly adult entertainment that the PlayStation needs and deserves.
10/10

Destruction Derby 2
Psygnosis have taken a ropey game, packed it with great new features, given the gameplay a total overhaul and have come up with an A-class racer. Well done.
9/10

Street Fighter Alpha 2
Street Fighter Alpha 2 may lack the extra dimension of most beat 'em ups today, but its gameplay is still hard to beat, especially in VS mode.
8/10

Mortal Kombat Trilogy
Mortal Kombat Trilogy is a splendid game, rather overshadowed by the Tekkens but there are loads of characters and it's still awfully good fun.
7/10

Blast Chamber
This is one tough cookie that's going to have you busting your brain in one player mode and busting your joypad in multiplayer. A rather different kettle of carp.
7/10

The Adventures of Lomax
This is one of the smartest proponents of the platform genre - it's just a shame that it's about two years too late, really.
5/10

Robotron X
Robotron X would go down a storm in the arcades. But this massively action-packed blaster is too repetitive to be lastingly enjoyable.
6/10

Final Doom
You can never get enough of this brilliant game - 30 more spine-chilling, mind-jarring levels that challenge you to the maximum.
9/10

Break Point
While not as intuitive as it could have been, Break Point is marginally the best tennis game on the PlayStation. We may still be waiting for a classic, though.
7/10

Black Dawn
One of the best airborne combat games out there. The graphical detail, explosive sound effects and challenging missions all add up to an action packed experience.
8/10

Robo Pit
Nothing to get hold of, nothing to suck you in, and nothing to write home about. Robo Pit is tedious and not worthy of your time or money
4/10

Disruptor
The scenery is stunning and its slick looks are backed up by some impressive level design. Don't rave on about Doom all the time or you might miss out on this gem.
8/10

NHL '97
Another fine sports game from the producers of the best ice hockey sims. The gameplay is essentially the same, but they've combined playability with superb visuals.
8/10

Soviet Strike
It's far from being original, as well as being a little on the short side, but Soviet Strike is nonetheless great fun to play.
7/10

Street Racer
As a conversion from their 16-bit original, UbiSoft couldn't have done a better job. As a game in itself, Street Racer still manages to impress with its detail and polish.
7/10

Steel Harbinger
Unfortunately big guns and bikinis make up for what is basically the development of a tired theme disguised as a strategy game.
6/10

Pitball
Difficult to get into, but ultimately a fun romp into the world of sport, come a couple of millennia. And the league management side is brilliant.
7/10

Casper
Playschool for the PlayStation? Or an original game? Maybe Casper is a bit different to the usual fayre, but it's still not all that much fun.
6/10

Onside Soccer
This could have been the answer to every soccer fan's prayers with its promise of management and playing, but it fails to deliver on both counts.
4/10


Page Count: 122

Will re-upload a better scan of the cover at a later date, because that's ridiculously washed out.

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NickSCFC

PostRe: The Official UK Playstation Magazine Chronology Blog [#8
by NickSCFC » Mon Jan 24, 2011 8:38 pm

Looking forward to issues from late 1998 and early 1999. I owned these issues back in the day and they're impossible to find on eBay.

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Christopher
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PostRe: The Official UK Playstation Magazine Chronology Blog [#8
by Christopher » Wed Jan 26, 2011 8:38 am

I remember that issue. Don't they complain about the load times in SFA2? One of the PlayStation mags at the time. I lol'd with my arcade perfect Saturn port 8-)

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PostRe: The Official UK Playstation Magazine Chronology Blog [#8
by KK » Fri Jan 28, 2011 4:24 pm

suzzopher wrote:I remember that issue. Don't they complain about the load times in SFA2? One of the PlayStation mags at the time. I lol'd with my arcade perfect Saturn port 8-)

Don't mention the load times at all, actually. Just that there's been no revolutionary changes to the formula, though still worth buying if you have SFA1.

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PostRe: The Official UK Playstation Magazine Chronology Blog [#8
by KK » Fri Jan 28, 2011 5:50 pm

Issue #36, September 1998

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"Sometimes an offer is too good to refuse, and you simply can't say no. Some things in life are just irresistible and so it was with the latest Official UK PlayStation Magazine. Those of you that read the next month page in the last issue, will possibly be confused by the presence of a playable Tekken 3 demo. We had, after all, promised the likes of Auto Destruct and Tombi on the disc. When the hotline from Sony rang this month, however, and the glass-encased red phone started flashing, we hoped that it was the news we'd been expecting. Indeed, it was, and the whispered words "It's on" signified the fact that operation Tekken 3 could be put into force. Duly a playable Tekken 3 picture demo was sourced together with a specially produced video, a shiny black collectible box was forthcoming, exclusive artwork was commissioned, a 16-page supplement created, the first review of the UK version was written, and a Tekken 3 arcade machine offered as a prize. Sometimes, you just can't say no.

Elsewhere in the magazine is a review of the best PlayStation football game we've ever encountered (see page 106), the complete history of Final Fantasy I to VII (and the very latest on Final Fantasy VIII) and more news of Crash 3 which is looking absolutely fantastic.

Enjoy the complete Tekken 3 experience. Normal service will be resumed next month. Unless of course, that phone starts ringing..."

Cheers.


Rob Pegley (Editor)

On the Disc

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Tekken 3 (Playable)

Primal Scream
'Developers quizzed, boffins questioned, eggheads interrogated...The inside deal on the games you'll be buying in six month's time. '

Medievil
Messiah
O.D.T
Future Cop LAPD
Knockout Kings
Akuji The Heartless

PrePlay

Ninja
BioFreaks
Unholy Wars
Assault
G-Darius
Duke Nukem Time To Kill
Test Drive 5
Moto Racer 2
Wild 9

Features

Crash Bandicoot 3; Jason Rubin interview
Analysis: Final Fantasy - 1 to 7
Analysis: Tekken

PlayTest

Tekken 3
Reviewer: Dan G
The best fighting game in the world, ever. Excellent from day one and the more you play it, the better it gets. Totally without equal.
10/10

ISS Pro '98
Reviewer: Steve Bradley
Unrivalled in its field. Despite those who press the claims of EA's latest cut, ISS Pro '98 is a far better game. Believe it, and moreover, buy it. The best.
9/10

Fluid
Reviewer: Andy Jones
Relaxing, post-club fare and other-world experience. Who says gaming breeds psychopaths? World peace and harmony is just round the corner.
7/10

Super Match Soccer
Reviewer: Tim Weaver
Super Match Soccer makes The Beautiful Game seem utterly dire. It's like ISS Pro, or Actua, or FIFA never existed. Repulsively bad.
2/10

Rock And Roll Racing 2
Reviewer: Stephen Pierce
Inspired, hollow, soulless fare. If games were actors, this would be Robin Askwith sliding around in a sea of foam, on a kitchen floor, nude.
4/10

Mortal Kombat 4
Reviewer: Stephen Pierce
It's the same old stuff trotted out with a fresh coat of pixels, After this the Mortal Kombat license should be allowed to commit digital euthanasia.
5/10

S.C.A.R.S.
Reviewer: James Price
A neat racing game which will give Circuit Breakers a run for its money. If only there was a little more to it, it could have been one of the greats...
8/10

Arcade's Greatest Hits: The Atari Collection 2
Reviewer: Steve Merrett
The best retro collection to date, but most of the games fail to hold their own in the '90s. The disappointment of Gauntlet's gameplay still hurts now...
7/10

Sentinel Returns
Reviewer: Andy Butcher
As quirky, strange and just plain weird as the original, but Sentinel Returns is a sadly flawed version of one of computer gaming's few truly original titles.
5/10

Tombi
Reviewer: Steve Merrett
Tombi's immediacy draws you in, but it is the constant and varied challenges that keep you hooked. A welcome surprise from Sony.
8/10

Blasto
Reviewer: Mike Goldsmith
Inevitably, a cartoon cavalcade of astrogalactic gymnastic inanity (with lots of platforms). If only the thing was faster, easier, had better controls...
6/10

Versailles
Reviewer: Stephen Pierce
Education and fun rarely go hand in hand. Cryo has tried to handcuff them together in Versailles. Unfortunately, it appears fun found the keys.
5/10

Ayrton Senna Kart Dual 2
Reviewer: Robin Alway
About as poor as you'd expect given the dubiousness of the license. This is a low-quality, simplistic racer in one of the PlayStation's strongest suite of games.
4/10

Phat Air Extreme Snowboarding
Reviewer: Rob Pegley
A pale imitation of Cool Boarders 2, this lacks the smooth intuitive feel of its peer. The control system is weaker and the graphics more blurred. It's a fakie.
5/10


Page Count: 162

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Christopher
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PostRe: The Official UK Playstation Magazine Chronology Blog [#8
by Christopher » Sat Jan 29, 2011 11:34 pm

I still have that issue and demo disc.

NickSCFC

PostRe: The Official UK Playstation Magazine Chronology Blog [#8
by NickSCFC » Sun Jan 30, 2011 11:52 am

Ah my first ever issue, so easy to find on eBay, but the following ones are impossible to find :(

Their comment on Mortal Kombat 4 was spot on by the way.

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Christopher
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PostRe: The Official UK Playstation Magazine Chronology Blog [#8
by Christopher » Tue Feb 01, 2011 8:38 am

I wish the forum hadn't died when it did. Chapwee was going to sell some mags and now he hasn't returned :(

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PostRe: The Official UK Playstation Magazine Chronology Blog [#8
by KK » Mon Feb 14, 2011 3:59 pm

Issue #40, Christmas 1998

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“Forget the debate over whether it’ll be The Spice or The Boyz this Christmas. Nobody gives a monkey’s what’s number one in the pop charts at Christmas anymore – not since Mr Blobby robbed the esteemed position of any scant remaining significance.
The real question is what will be the best-selling PlayStation game this Christmas? You can bet that it will come from one of the game reviewed in this issue and in particular from the fab four of Crash 3, Tomb Raider 3, Fifa’99 and TOCA 2. We have the world exclusive review of Tomb Raider 3 to follow last month’s demo, a world exclusive review and playable demo of Crash Bandicoot 3, the (sigh) world exclusive playable demo of TOCA 2 to go with our review and a huge Fifa ’99 review to make up the quartet. You need look nowhere else for buying advice this Christmas.
Especially as we also have the ultimate Christmas feature. What are the best games to buy for the young ‘uns? Which peripherals should you slip in a loved ones stockings? Where should you do your Chrimbo shopping? And which are the turkeys to avoid? Sant’a little helpers have been on the blower and all is revealed from page 76 onwards.
If all that seems like humbug, then Rollcage and Rainbow 6 have already got us looking forward to 1999. Catch next month’s issue where we unveil the PlayStation line-up for next year.
But first, here’s Christmas…”


Rob Pegley (Editor)

On The Disc

TOCA 2: Touring Cars
Crash Bandicoot 3
F1 ‘98
MUSIC
Psybadek
O.D.T.
Lemmings Compilation
Moto Racer 2
Blitter Boy (Yaroze)
Silent Hill (rolling)
Brian Lara Cricket (rolling)
Net Yaroze (rolling)

Primal Screen
'Developers quizzed, boffins questioned, eggheads interrogated...The inside deal on the games you'll be buying in six month's time. '

RC Stunt Copter
Rainbow 6

PrePlay

Monkey Hero
Kensai
Trap Runner
T’ai Fu
R-Type Delta
Asteroids
Shadow Gunner
MegaMan Legends
Analysis: Rollcage

PlayTest

Crash Bandicoot 3: Warped!
Reviewer: Arron Taylor
Crash’s finest hour. Without question the best platformer on the PlayStation. Tweaked and updated in all the right areas. Sheer brilliance.
9/10

Tomb Raider 3
Reviewer: James Price
Incredible. How did Core manage to fit so much into it in just a year? A superb final entry to an illustrious trilogy. It’ll keep you playing for literally months.
10/10

FIFA ‘99
Reviewer: Steve Merrett
Another worthy update to the FIFA engine. All the pace and skill of the game has been married to one of the most instinctive control systems to date.
9/10

TOCA 2: Touring Cars
Reviewer: Paul Pettengale
While TOCA 2 is an improvement on the original game, the new cars feel a bit tacked-on. It’s still one of the best racing games out there and it’s lots of fun.
9/10

Pool Shark
Reviewer: Stephen Pierce
Pool Shark is a tidy sim. While not able to totally recreate the real dexterity required, it manages to successfully manufacture angle, pace, position and tactics. Pot on.
8/10

Legend

Reviewer: Stephen Pierce
Entertaining swordplay for fans of the simple. Seasoned PlayStationers may find play limiting, however its purity has a certain beauty.
6/10

NFL Blitz
Reviewer: Andy Butcher
One of the most addictive, playable and just plain fun American football – indeed sports – games to appear on the PlayStation in a long, long time.
8/10

LiberoGrande
Reviewer: Mike Goldsmith
A mix of arcade action, cerebral counters and selfless sacrifice for the good of The Beautiful Game. The choice for the purer purist…
7/10

Psybadek
Reviewer: Steve Faragher
Neither big nor clever, Psybadek tries to be the next hip hit and fails terribly. Someone should have told them before it was released.
4/10

All Star Tennis
Reviewer: Tim Cant
Not recommended for the lone player, but those with a multi-tap should definitely investigate this entertaining and inventive slice of tennis action.
7/10

Cool Boarders 3
Reviewer: James Price
A little more thought and care would have made this indispensible. As it is, it’s merely excellent. As such, it’s more than worth a gander. So do so.
8/10

O.D.T.
Reviewer: Steve Faragher
A decent game that despite its refreshingly different plot just isn’t user-friendly. Shaky graphics let down its bold action and exploration intentions.
7/10

B-Movie
Reviewer: Steve Merrett
What appears to be a balls-out blaster contains a surprising amount of depth and manages to stay fresh despite its simple premise. A good, solid game.
8/10

Actua Soccer 3
Reviewer: Steve Merrett
A with FIFA and ISS Pro, Actua Soccer 3 just cannot cut the yellow stuff. It lacks a wide range of moves and fails to convey the flowing nature of the real sport.
6/10

Streak
What could have been a fast and original plank racer is spoilt by far too twitchy, awkward controls and a lack of finish. Ultimately rather disappointing.
6/10

Small Soldiers
Reviewer: Richard Pelley
It feels like the game was written first and the film license tacked on afterwards. It has nothing to do the film and is an extremely limp game in its own right.
5/10

Music: Music Creation for the PlayStation
Reviewer: Daniel Griffiths
A pro-sounding combination of sequencer and synthesiser with hundreds of hip loops and demos to fiddle with on board. As remarkable as it is excellent.
9/10

Actua Golf 3
Reviewer: James Price
This is a game for the dedicated golf game fan alone. Others will question its visuals and dated control system and turn to other better games on offer.
6/10

Rival Schools
Reviewer: Steve Merrett
B+. Capcom is still playing catch up with Tekken 3, but Rival Schools is a step in the right direction. New moves and two-on-one attacks add to the basic action.
8/10

Bust-A-Move 4
Reviewer: Mathew Pierce
The new additions fails to imrove on previous versions. Yet it’s still a furiously addictive two-player game. Only first time Bust-A-Movers need apply.
8/10

Test Drive 5
Reviewer: Andy Butcher
An exceedingly average racing game that promises far more than it delivers. There are plenty of other racing titles more worthy of your cash.
6/10

Constructor
Reviewer: James Price
A standard conversion of a top PC game. You’ll need a mouse to enjoy it best, but its sheer depth is rivalled by all too few other titles.
8/10

Test Drive 4x4
Reviewer: Andy Butcher
Enjoyable off-road bumps and jumps, but can be frustrating. It can be a lot of fun but ultimately lacks the depth of its more serious competiton.
7/10

Time Crisis (Platinum)
Reviewer: Andy Butcher
Time hasn’t been kind to its graphics, but Time Crisis remains the most fun you can have while waving a plastic gun at your TV screen. Top stuff.
8/10

V-Rally (Platinum)
Reviewer: Tim Cant
Still standing proud after all this time – we’re guessing the ‘V’ stands for Viagra…
8/10

Page Count: 202 (!)

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Christopher
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PostRe: The Official UK Playstation Magazine Chronology Blog [#8
by Christopher » Mon Feb 14, 2011 4:39 pm

TOCA 2 :wub:

I also enjoyed Libero Grande :shifty:

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PostRe: The Official UK Playstation Magazine Chronology Blog [#8
by KK » Mon Feb 14, 2011 4:43 pm

The assumption that Tomb Raider 3 would be the last on PSone was a bit wrong. In all fairness, it should have been.

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Christopher
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PostRe: The Official UK Playstation Magazine Chronology Blog [#8
by Christopher » Mon Feb 14, 2011 4:47 pm

Nice one KK, you now have me pining for a new TOCA. I miss that franchise :(

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PostRe: The Official UK Playstation Magazine Chronology Blog [#8
by mpx » Sun Mar 13, 2011 12:15 am

Hello :)

Do you know where can i find scans of UK PSM?

I found scans of lot of old videgame magazines on various web sites but i cant find UK PSM :(

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Victor Mildew
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PostRe: The Official UK Playstation Magazine Chronology Blog [#8
by Victor Mildew » Fri Mar 18, 2011 8:32 am

Toca 2, possibly the finest racer ever :wub:

Hexx wrote:Ad7 is older and balder than I thought.
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Christopher
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PostRe: The Official UK Playstation Magazine Chronology Blog [#8
by Christopher » Fri Mar 18, 2011 8:39 am

mpx wrote:Hello :)

Do you know where can i find scans of UK PSM?

I found scans of lot of old videgame magazines on various web sites but i cant find UK PSM :(


No sorry, dude. Might be worth sending a PM to NICKSCFC or Dangerblade.

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Dangerblade
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PostRe: The Official UK Playstation Magazine Chronology Blog [#8
by Dangerblade » Tue Mar 22, 2011 2:14 pm

I have the first 50 issues of OPM, but unfortunately no way of scanning them. Might be worth keeping an eye on http://www.retromags.com/forums/index.php? and http://www.outofprintarchive.com/

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TomFromSouth
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PostRe: The Official UK Playstation Magazine Chronology Blog [#8
by TomFromSouth » Fri Apr 22, 2011 8:15 pm

Why did no one else write this?

Well, I have to say this, good to see you back, dude.

Can't think of a decent signature, so here's a short one:

Han shot first!
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Spindash
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PostRe: The Official UK Playstation Magazine Chronology Blog [#8
by Spindash » Sun May 29, 2011 10:53 pm

suzzopher wrote:TOCA 2 :wub:

I also enjoyed Libero Grande :shifty:


Libero Grande was mint. If I remember correctly, you could play in net as well.


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