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Ahhh, memories. Barbarian, for those who missed out the first time, was a controversial Commodore 64 game that, when released in 1988, offered gamers their first opportunity to decapitate an opponent in a beat-em-up. It also featured Page 3 stunna Maria Whittaker, wearing very little, on the cover. Unsurprisingly, it sold extremely well, and is fondly remembered today.
High time for a PlayStation 2 update then, albeit one that has precious little to do with the original (loincloth-toting musclemen excepted). The new Barbarian is an innovative romp with the emphasis on multi-player rumbles, with up to four human and four AI controlled thugs duking it out at once. There are ten sprawling, fantasy-themed levels to fight in, which allow you to not only hit your opponents with the scenery, but also hit the scenery with your opponents, by throwing them through boarded up doors, fake walls, and so on, opening up even more areas to explore. Add some magic-based special moves, a story mode for single-player larks, and a smattering of RPG elements, and even Maria Whittaker's absence can be excused.
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