Cert: 3+
Platform(s): PS3, XBOX360
Genre: Sports
For those of you who follow my reviews: good for you! Keep it up! But you will also remember that I predicted this review. Alas, as night follows day, developers follow events looking for ways to cash in. A blockbuster movie is coming out - quick, make an emulation! The world of football is having an international competition - by God, we need a game! The athletes of the world are traveling to China to compete on the world stage in the most controversial Olympics since Hitler opened the games.. ehh.. maybe you should have skipped this one, lads!
They didn't, and more's the pity. This game is a cold and calculated reproduction of the iconic events. Every category is covered - from 100 metre dash to table tennis. The best portrayed events are archery and shooting. Most of the other disciplines are badly-executed, with a mix of wrist-breaking button-bashing, or dull repetition. Possibly the worst incarnation of the Olympics on a computer console, ever.
Lacking the pure fun of the classic Summer Games, or the sheer playability of California Games, the creators of Beijing 2008 have made a mathematically brilliant, but boring game. Avoid!
Rent or Buy: RENT
Graphics: 3/5
Gameplay: 2/5
Replay Value: 1/5
Overall rating: 2/5
Review by Eamonn Cleary