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How Metascores Are Calculated
69
1942: Joint Strike
Stars indicate the most critically-acclaimed games. |
The online functionality of all three platforms ensures that for the very first time, fans of the Olympic Games can experience the thrill of competing against other gamers across the globe in the world’s greatest sporting event. Beijing 2008 is a simulation of over 35 events from the Beijing 2008 Olympic Games and allows gamers to experience the thrill of competing in many of the official venues ranging from the famous Beijing National Stadium (the "Bird Nest") to the National Aquatics Center (the "Water Cube"). In addition, Beijing 2008 incorporates innovative control schemes that allow novice gamers to learn how to play the game, while providing experienced gamers the chance to set new records. Through the addition of online gameplay and a variety of game modes never seen in an official video game of the Olympic Games before, Beijing 2008 truly allows gamers to experience the "Olympic Spirit. [Sega]
All critic scores are converted to a 100-point scale. If a critic does not indicate a score, we assign a score based on the general impression given by the text of the review. Learn more... 77
IGN
It's certainly fun. It takes a fair number of risks, and more of them pay off than fail. Some of the events aren't fun, but most of them are entertaining in at least some manner, and a handful are great fun.
 75
1UP
So, sure--Beijing may not be gold-quality throughout, but it's the best Olympics game we've had since, well...probably ever.
70
Maxi Consolas (Portugal)
Although it’s not an essential buy, it can very well capitalize on the fever around the Olympic Games. Especially because it has a good amount of competitions, online modes and worldwide rankings. Just a word of advice…your fingers will probably pay a heavy price. [July 2008]
70
VideoGamer
Beijing 2008 isn't doing anything all that new, but there's just something undeniably addictive about going for high scores and fastest times. If you've got an urge to twiddle an analogue stick faster than any human knew was possible you can do a lot worse.
70
Gameplayer
A game such as this is much like a big bag of mixed lollies. There’s yummy stuff like Freckles and Sherbies, but there will always be a big, yucky aniseed ball or three lurking in the bag to keep a nasty taste in your mouth.
70
DarkZero
It’s actually quite good in multiplayer and if you enjoy setting records then the same can be said for the competition side of it.
70
NZGamer
Even breaking virtual World and Olympic records and having them displayed online for eternal glory is possible. But for others wanting a fun arcade-like game, Beijing 2008 is likely to just end up being too much work.
60
Level7.nu
Track and field video games usually consist of endless button mashing, and this is no exception. Luckily most of the modes in this game demands some form of precision-based challenges as well as pure button mashing, making the experience at least a teeny bit varied. Unfortunately most of the challenges feel like they are up to chance rather than skill. This is a decent attempt at a track and field experience, nothing more.
60
G4 TV
And this wouldn't be so bad, except for the draconian daily qualification requirements you face during the Olympic Games mode.
58
Jolt Online Gaming UK
It’s as though no effort has gone into the gameplay beyond what merely works, and little thought has been given into making either the main single player or multiplayer modes fun or worth pursuing.
57
PSM3 Magazine UK
Complex controls put this out of touch. [Aug 2008, p.80]
56
Cheat Code Central
Beijing 2008 doesn't escape from the stereotypical Olympic Games video game mold – it's a series of some good and bad mini-games that, while somewhat fun with others, don’t amount to much entertainment.
54
Play UK
Destined to reside in a graveyard of Sixaxis controllers and shattered British medal hopes, but fondly remembered during periods of intense hangover.
50
Worth Playing
The tedious button-mashing might be fun when watching your friends make amusing faces while pounding their way to the finish line, but any extended time would be better invested in watching the actual games themselves. See you in four years, Summer Olympics.
50
Playstation: The Official Magazine (US)
The heart of an Olympics game is the multiplayer mode, and this is exactly where Beijing falls short. [Sept 2008, p.76]
50
Gameplanet
It's the official game of the event, but unlike the real thing there's nothing particularly ground-breaking about Beijing 2008. What you see is what you get, and with nearly 40 events it's a lot to cover. Unfortunately they're mostly similar to play and the awful controls ruin what could have been a solid title.
40
Playstation Official Magazine UK
Shambles. [Aug 2008, p.104]
35
PSX Extreme
Reliving the real-life Olympics is a far better option that trying to experience them in a virtual realm; this game will frustrate, annoy, and soon tire most any gamer.
30
Thunderbolt
Archaic button mashers such as Beijing 2008 just aren’t relevant anymore.
30
GameSpot
Beijing 2008 proves beyond a doubt that rapidly pushing buttons is not fun.
J.R W. gave it a5: Neil B. gave it a2: AmigaGuru Toaks gave it a9: Craig I. gave it a9: Simon K. gave it a9: Vinny Boy gave it a10: |
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