October 30-November 5, 2003

naked city

Ghoulies, Mutant Turtles and a Voodoo Doll

Mummified: A scene from Grabbed By The Ghoulies

Freaks and geeks united? It must be Halloween.

by Chris Newborg

Boys and Ghouls

The group behind the much lauded Donkey Kong Country has switched teams and brought along its latest creation for Microsoft's Xbox, Grabbed By The Ghoulies (Microsoft Studios-Rare Studios, Xbox, $39.95). Players assume the role of “Cooper,” a kid on a mission to rescue his girlfriend from the evil Ghoulies that haunt Ghoulhaven Hall. Relying heavily on the comic-book style of days gone by, the many interspersed videos feature a multi-framed book which helps tell the story. While visually Ghoulies does not break any new ground, there is just enough whimsical humor to make it a Halloween treat.

Turtle Droppings

The storied comic book/cartoon franchise reemerges this year with Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles (Konami, Game Cube, PS2, Xbox, $39.95). Shedding the childish look of years past, the four pubescent reptiles appear to be quite amicable and humorous. However, once you get below the surface, the eye candy and whip smart cracks from the boys aren't enough to stop the game from quickly sinking into their subterranean lair. A button mashing fest from beginning to end, this game ensures that the calluses on your fingers will be as hard as tortoise shells.

Stick Pin

A masochistic twist on the traditional console game, Voodoo Vince (Microsoft Studios, Xbox, $39.95) not only encourages, but mandates that the lead character -- a burlap voodoo doll -- inflict damage upon himself to defeat his enemies. Vince must traverse many treacherous locales, from the swamps and bayous of Louisiana to the sewers of New Orleans, in his quest to free his maker, Madam Charmaine. Thirty different voodoo attacks can be brought upon Vince's enemies (and thus himself), including sticking pushpins in his head and jumping into blenders. As quickly as the candles burn down in the jack' o lanterns on Halloween night, Vince's quest comes to an end.

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