‘WarGames’ Tailor-Made to Platforms

Very smart. That’s the only way to describe MGM Interactive’s strategy in simultaneously releasing what appear to be two very different games with similar names on the PC and Sony PlayStation.

In fact, “WarGames” for the PC and “WarGames: Defcon 1” for PlayStation are the same game. Same stories. Same environments. Same arsenals. Same mission objectives.

Yet one sells itself as an intelligent real-time strategy game--and succeeds. The other boasts of its shoot-everything-in-sight action--and succeeds just as well.

How?

Perspective. By altering the games’ perspective between platforms, designers create two distinct experiences--each a delight on its own. At the same time, the games hint at the future not only of strategic combat simulators but of the entire video and computer game industry as well.

“WarGames” and its twin represent the conflicting forces of convergence and differentiation that are driving innovation in the $6.6-billion interactive entertainment industry. Contradictory as that sounds, it’s true.

Here’s why:

Many big games hit multiple platforms within weeks or months of each other to cover as much of the market as possible. Yet most are just ports or slightly tweaked versions of a master game. Variations on “Doom,” for instance, spread from the PC to Sega’s 32X, Atari’s Jaguar, PlayStation, Nintendo 64 and even the Super Nintendo Entertainment System.

“WarGames” and “WarGames: Defcon 1” differ from that formula because they truly are different. And the same. Each aims for a demographic segment and delivers what its players consider important.

Like so many strategy games, “WarGames” lets players cruise comfortably at the 30,000-foot level, issuing orders, building supply chains and plotting strategy. Sure the screams of the grunts echo as they charge headlong into a firefight, but a certain intellectual sterility prevails. Perfect for PC owners, who traditionally tend toward more thoughtful and strategic games.

“WarGames: Defcon 1,” on the other hand, plops players down on the ground behind the controls of some wicked armored units and lets them blast with abandon. Those with PlayStation’s vibrating controller can feel the rumble of explosions and crashes.

By producing two complementary games on complementary platforms, the company ensures a dual revenue stream. Very smart.

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I Spy: What I know about covert operations comes from three sources: Spy novels, spy movies and spy video games. So although I can fall back on multiple sources, none is really the sort to hold up under serious scrutiny.

That said, Ocean’s “Mission: Impossible” for Nintendo 64 comes as close as I imagine any game can to replicating the skills necessary for success as a secret agent. Good thing.

Plagued by delays, “Mission: Impossible” became a sort of punch line in video game circles as it slowly worked its way to store shelves. But the game should encourage the wags to disavow their past pooh-poohing.

Players assume the role of agent Ethan Hunt, although this Ethan Hunt looks a lot more like the Jaws villain from the James Bond movies than Tom Cruise, who starred in the recent “Mission: Impossible” movie.

Unlike that other spy video game, “Goldeneye 007,” “Mission: Impossible” can’t be beat by shooting every bad guy in sight. First, there’s not enough ammo for a Rambo-like assault. Second, capping a guard may set off his buddies. Instead, players use all sorts of cool gadgets--from face makers to blow guns--to sneak through enemy territory.

The graphics are sometimes clunky and the control can take a while to get used to, but true playability is more than just a pretty screen. And on that level, the game works.

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Times staff writer Aaron Curtiss reviews video games every Monday in The Cutting Edge. To comment on a column or to suggest games for review, send e-mail to [email protected].

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Essentials

WarGames

* Platform: PC

* ESRB* rating: Teen

* Price: $44.95

* Bottom line: Good strategy

WarGames: Defcon 1

* Platform: Sony PlayStation

* Publisher: MGM Interactive

* ESRB rating: Teen

* Price: $39.95

* Bottom line: Good action

Mission: Impossible

* Platform: Nintendo 64

* Publisher: Ocean

* ESRB rating: Teen

* Price: $59.99

* Bottom line: Brains and brawn

Next week:

* “Turbo Prop Racing”

* “F-1 World Grand Prix”