Platform: Playstation 2

Genre: Sports

Publisher: Acclaim

Developer: Acclaim, Cheltenham

ETA: Summer 2003

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Summer Heat Beach Volleyball

Dead or Alive Xtreme Beach Volleyball for the Xbox has been extremely successful even without universal good reviews. It would only make sense to make another game before this beach volleyball fad ends. Playstation 2 owners will finally get their own beach volleyball game to call their own later this summer.

As of this writing, I’ve had the opportunity to check out a few movies of this game. From what I have seen so far the game is looking pretty good. Since it’s the Playstation 2, the graphics don’t match up to the level of the Xbox, but the graphics still look nice. It’s also a welcome addition to see that Acclaim has taken the time to include a four player multiplayer mode. Essentially Summer Heat Beach Volleyball will feature two-on-two games. The game will come included with all your basic game modes, but one mode seems to have caught my attention, which are the mini-games. Mini-games make for great hours of gameplay. Just

look at games like Madden 2003 or Sega Sports Tennis. It’ll be interesting to see what the developers will be able to put together in the mini-game mode.

Like any good sports game Summer Heat Beach Volleyball will also include a list of unlockable items, by completing different components of the game. There hasn’t been much information on what types of characters we can expect, but from my first look of the game it looks to be beautifully detailed women, like in DOA volleyball. It seems Acclaim is turning the heat down a notch from BMX XXX, which featured strippers.

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Features:

Fourteen selectable characters each with player specific attributes and abilities.

Twelve sizzling locations including Venice Beach Stadium, Flamingo Pier, Emerald Marina and Silver Sands Beach.

Immersive summer game play experience allows you to unlock tons of game play secrets as you spike your way to beach volleyball dominance.

All-new “Super Spike” system enables gamers to earn special moves, speed-ups and unlock hidden features.

First-ever Summer Party Mode tracks player stats plus unlocks hidden features, players and allows you to travel to the world’s hottest summer spots.

Game play modes include Arcade, Exhibition, Tournament and Mini-Games to unlock more hidden features.

Full character customization allowing players to modify character skin color, hairstyle, and accessories.

TV-style presentation including music videos, player cut scenes, arena fly-throughs and instant replays.

Summer Heat Beach Volleyball should hit stores sometime this summer.

- Siddharth Masand

(June 8, 2003)