Weekend Etc. Weekend Etc. magazine makes a sundry return from their holiday break Thursday. ARTS michigandaily.com/arts WEDNESDAY JANUARY 9, 2002 5 TV/VIDEO GAMES SOUND OFF ON '01 New systems emerge, old consoles die: PS2 controls video game market in 2001 By Jeff Dickerson and Matt Grandstaff Daily Arts Editors Following the tragic events of Sept. 11, death and violence became a sensitive issue for Americans. In the world of video games, the issue of death and violence had a much different impact on the year that was 2001. Death first struck the video game world in Janu- ary, when video game giant Sega and their Dream- cast system threw in the towel. Purchased primarily by hardcore gainers, the Dreamcast quickly fell off the face of the map following the release of Sony's Playstation 2 in October of 2000. Sega fought hard until the end, dropping the price of the unit to a mere 50 dollars, but casual gamers looked past the aged console. Fortunately for game fans, Sega has decided to focus on software which means its popu- lar "Sonic the Hedgehog" and "Phantasy Star" games will live on via newer systems. While Dreamcast may have been the most supris- ing death in the video game business, 2001 also saw the end for three other systems: Nintendo 64, Game Boy Color and the original Playstation. Nin- tendo 64, while great for multi-player games and classic Nintendo updates, will be remembered more for delayed games, blurry graphics and out- dated cartridges. As for the Game Boy Color and Playstation, their deaths were imminent with the releases of their backwards compatible successors, Game Boy Advance and Playstation 2. In addition to the Game Boy Advance (the 32-bit handheld which became the prized possession of millions this summer), 2001 also brought two new When you're a vampire slayer, you're a vampire slayer all the way. Buffy, A-merica shine in 2001 television wrap-up contenders to the next-generation console race, Microsoft's Xbox and Nintendo's GameCube. Released within a week of each other in November, both systems managed to boast impressive sales during the holiday season, with many parents searching the ends of the earth to find an Xbox or GameCube. Microsoft announced it has sold approximately 1.5 million units from the launch date to the end of 2001, a number Bill Gates and Co. can be more than pleased with. Reportedly, Nintendo has sold similar numbers, but the PS2 continued to be the best-selling hardware unit in the crucial time-frame. With a competitive game industry on the hori- zon, video game publishers released a slew of titles on several systems, with some companies choosing exclusive rights to a hardware publisher. Square maintained its powerful collaboration with Sony, releasing the 10th installment of the ever-popular Final Fantasy series on Playstation 2 in December. Nintendo focused on rehashing older titles at the launch of the system, putting out such remakes as Waverace and Super Smash Bros. Melee. Microsoft went for more originality for its system's debut, releasing exclusive titles such as the critical- ly acclaimed first-person shooter "Halo." Perhaps no game was as talked about in 2001 as much as Rockstar Game's "Grand Theft Auto 3." Released in October for PS2, the game contains all the elements of a classic Victorian novel: Gang wars, stealing cars, beating up prostitutes and the occasional assassination. Stores around the country refused to sell the game, but that didn't do anything but help the tremendous buzz surrounding the con- troversial game. Another candidate for game of the year was the highly anticipated sequel to Konami's 1998 hit "Metal Gear Solid." Garners waited months for the release, with some left scratching their heads at the convoluted plot and others drooling at the innova- tive gameplay. Sequels were rampant across all genres of gaming this past year, producing some of the finest entertainment in the process. "Tony Hawk's Pro Skater 3," "SSX Tricky" and "Madden NFL 2002" made vital improvements, keeping their respective series fresh and endlessly playable. What might the future of video games hold? Sony will push online gaming in the coming year, while Nintendo and Microsoft try to maintain their strong starts. With three strong next-generation video game systems available, 2002 looks to be an exciting year for those still fascinated by the bloops and bleeps of the current batch of new gaming consoles. 1. "America: A Tribute to Heroes" - On Sept. 21, television history was made. In an unprece- dented multi-network event, the entertainment industry's elite stood together for a wide-scaled tribute to the victims of Sept. I in "America: A Tribute to Heroes." After Sept. 11, the television medium literally became a "window to the world," as heartbreaking and staggering images filled the television screen. This star-studded tribute paid homage to America's fallen brethren in New York and Washing- ton, and raised millions of dollars as well. Tom Hanks eloquently cate- gorized the event as a chance for V entertainers "to raise spirits as well as lots of money." While many stars like Hanks, Julia Roberts, George Clooney and Tom Cruise described their own reactions to the tragedy as well as stories of incredible courage, other stars like Jack Nicholson, Whoopi Goldberg and Robin Williams sat ready to answer phones. The tribute also featured incredible performances by Jon Bon Jovi, Bruce Springsteen and Billy Joel. "A Tribute to Heroes" provid- ed a lasting image of a community, one usually riddled with strife and scandal, which can come together and share a common goal and express the grief of a stunned nation. It also pulled in $150 mil- lion for the Sept. 11 th Fund. 2. David Letterman - After the events of Sept. I 1th, New York mayor Rudy Guiliani urged every- one to go back towork. That first Monday after the attacks, David Letterman returned to the air with more wit and heart than ever. Let- terman's silly antics gave way to serious and truthful discourse about politics and moving forward. He began awkwardly, but found his rhythm by just speaking his feel- ings. His opening remarks echoed the grief and anger of the entire nation. His return to work signaled an attempt to return to a state of normalcy. Letterman wanted to stay at home but felt it was his duty to come back and show the world that New York and America would not be held down. Dan Rather and Regis Philbin were his guests. The most poignant moment came when Rather broke down for the second time and needed a few moments to regain his composure. This touching and important show helped to heal the wounds left by the attacks. After this first episode, Letterman paid tribute to the courageous leaders, firefighters and police officers that became heroes throughout that dark day. 3. "South Park" - "Shit" was uttered 161 times. To illustrate a point, creators Stone and Parker had their characters utter a word not allowed on network TV. That and the Bin Laden episode have helped resurrect the show after a dismal previous two seasons. 4. Tenacious D on Letterman and Conan - Usually when Letter- man and Conan O'Brien stop with their stunts and monologues, it's time to switch off the TV and sleep. But the D brought the house down on both shows, especially their ver- sion of "Tribute" on Letterman. 5. The World Series - As much as Bob Costas was sorely missed on the broadcasting, this was the best World Series since 1991, and far more entertaining than any other sports event, espe- cially the Super Bowl and the dull college bowl games The Yankees losing is one thing nobody should ever get sick of seeing. Seven games, two dominating teams,'the way the game was meant to be. If only they would move up the broad- casts so more people could watch. 6. The Emmys - Ellen DeGeneres had one great moment, speculating how upset the Taliban must be at a lesbian host surround- ed by a bunch of Jews. Otherwise, she wasn't all that funny, shameless- ly promoting her new show. At least Edie Falco, James Gandolfini, and "The West Wing" won. But c'mon, "Sex and the City" as best comedy? The best part about the Emmy broadcast was their joke about updating viewers on the World Series score. So Fox trumped them and updated viewers on the Emmy results. Fox 1, ABC 0. 7. CBS is back - "Survivor: Africa" inexplicably is still pulling in viewers, but CBS is finally giv- ing viewers a reason to watch before Letterman. "Becker," "CSI," "Everyone Loves Raymond" and "Yes, Dear" are all pulling in sur- prising ratings, forcing the other networks to take them seriously. 8. Buffy: the musical - Why did UPN steal the show away from the WB? Episodes like this. This season hasn't been the best, but the show clearly stood out, especially on Tuesday nights full of new talent ("Scrubs," "24"). 9. "Band of Brothers" and "Six Feet Under" debut on HBO - HBO is, on certain days (Sundays in particular) an excuse by itself to have cable TV. "Band of Brothers" was a powerful war drama and "Six Feet Under" continues the quirky tradition of HBO original shows. Maybe the networks should pay attention and learn to develop shows as well.made ("Bob Patter- son," anybody?) 10. Ross is announced as the father of Rachel's baby on -I.-.-- 11 A rC. -v nl...nn Impressive titles "Grand Theft Auto 3" and "Metal Gear Solid 2: Sons of Liberty" led Playstation 2 to great heights in 2001. courtesy of Rockstar Games C.ourtesy01of onail A retrospective on last year's TV losses By Jennifer Fogel Daily Arts Writer This year the TV community lost some icons, both to death and can- cellation. In a year with few quality TV debuts, the losses are that much more significant. Compiled here is a short list of those who we will miss from television. Jack Lemmon (1925-2001) - Along with strong performances in television movies like "Inherit the Wind" and "12 Angry Men," Lem- mon captured the hearts of audi- ences with his incredible portrayal of Morrie Schwartz in "Tuesdays with Morrie." Lemmon turned act- ing into an art form, inspiring hun- dreds of other actors, including Ving Rhames who practically "gave" his Golden Globe award to his fellow nominee. Carroll O'Connor (1924-2001) - O'Connor will forever be remembered as a patriarch. As the set-in-his-ways father of the dys- functional Bunker bunch, he never quite got his foot out of his mouth during the run of the series, but the man behind Archie Bunker always knew what he was doing - forcing the audience into social discussion. After his stint on "All in the Fami- ly," O'Connor once again took on the role of the patriarch as Sheriff Bill Gillespie on "In the Heat of the Night." Behind the scenes, O'Connor was a father struggling to keep his own family together only to face the grief from the loss of his son. A mentor to many actors, O'Con- nor ushered in a new geperation of actors who have desperately tried to recreate the talent of this fallen star. William Hanna (1910-2001) - One half of the dynamic anima- tion duo of cartoon powerhouse Hanna /Barbera, William Hanna enjoyed a wonderful career full of characters'like Huckleberry Hound, Scooby Doo and The Flintstones. Hanna and partner, Joseph Barbera, effectively paved the way for mod- ern animated sitcoms like "The Simpsons." Christopher Hewett (1922- 2001) - As America's' beloved steward, Mr. Belvedere, Hewett served his "typical American fami- ly" with humorous disdain. Fading from the limelight after the end of the show, Hewett died from compli- cations from diabetes. "Mister Rogers' Neighbor- hood" (1966-2001) - Fred Rogers hosted this beloved chil- dren's television program that fea- tured an imaginary world with puppets living in a medieval- type kingdom. Saying his last "won't you be my neighbor," the host ended his run after 35 years. "3rd Rock from the Sun" (1996-2001) - After playing aliens playing humans for six sea- sons, John Lithgow, French Stew- art, Kristen Johnston and Jordan Gordon-Levitt said goodbye and headed back to that big head in the award-winning NBC ratings giant, original cast member, Eric La Salle left his position at County General. In a wonderfully subdued episode, Dr. Benton chose his child over his career and gracefully takes a new position at another hospital. La Salle's departure leaves only Anthony Edwards and Noah Wyle of the original "ER" crew, (the returning Sherry Stringfield as Dr. Susan Lewis doesn't count) and Edwards is headed out the door at the end of the season. Lemmon and friend. ''Eonhlu' I1 Loyola's MSW, accredited since 1921: " Clinical specializations: children, families, adults, couples, elderly, health, and school social work * Four dual degree programs: MSW and Child Development (MS); Law (JD); Divinity (MDiv); or Child and Family Law (MJ) " Available at Loyola's Water Tower Campus, Chicago, and at Carthage College, Kenosha, Wis. Also available at Loyola's School of Social Work: BSW and PhD degree programs Chicago's Jesuit University LOYOLA UNIVERSITY SCHICAGO 0 Graduate School - ofSocial Work M.S.W. Admissions: Jude Gonzales at 312.915.7289 E-mail: jgonza@luc.edu sky. Dr. "1ER." Peter Benton departs - After seven years on the Winter Term 1 Apply now at the Law Library * non-Law Students 9 Law Students Loyola University Chicago is an equal opportunity educator and employer. ©2002 Loyola University of I ..... ... . .... . .... ...... rk u I