'Torino': Out of Medal Contention

One-dimensional gameplay and few challenges hamper "Torino 2006." (2K Games)

Every four years, some new game publisher steps in and picks up the Summer or Winter Olympics game license. That publisher almost never continues on to the next Olympics. The one constant is that gamers almost always get a lackluster Olympics game.

At least this year, 2K Games has had the decency to price its game at only $20, but even that's more than the product is worth. The main drawback to all of the Olympic video games is that the gameplay is too one-dimensional. In "Torino 2006," for instance, there are 15 events, but when you account for slight rule variations, there are only eight different challenges. The luge and bobsled events are the same thing in terms of gameplay. And the various skiing events are nearly identical. For instance, the Nordic is considered a separate event, even though it's simply a combination of cross-country skiing and ski jumping. The three speedskating events have been broken up, despite being the same save for the distance skated.

One of the biggest problems with "Torino 2006" is that some of the main events have been ignored. International Hockey is a must-have for any Winter Olympics collection, but it's not here. Figure skating is another top attraction, yet it, too, is overlooked.

With such a limited number of events to focus on, you'd think 2K Sports would have great presentation and gameplay. Unfortunately, "Torino 2006" looks and plays like a value-priced game. From poor commentating to lackluster graphics, there's no replay value. True Olympic fans are better off just watching the games on television. This one's not even worth a rental, since you'll grow tired of it in about a half-hour.

-- John Gaudiosi

Torino 2006 Everyone, Playstation2, Xbox, PC ($20) 2K Games/2K Sports