Saturday, January 31, 2009

Mario Party 8


Mario Party 8
From Nintendo

Price: $40.99 & eligible for FREE Super Saver Shipping on orders over $25.

Availability: Usually ships in 24 hours
Ships from and sold by Amazon.com

65 new or used available from $31.45
Average customer review:

Product Details

* Amazon Sales Rank: #64 in Video Games
* Brand: Nintendo
* Released on: 2007-05-29
* ESRB Rating: Everyone
* Platform: Nintendo Wii
* Dimensions: .0" h x .0" w x .0" l, 2.00 pounds

Features

* Dozens of new mini-games, six new party boards and many new game modes
* Extra large mini games like Star Carnival Bowling and Table Menace
* With motion control you'll row your way through a river race, punch a statue to pieces, steer race cars, mopeds and go-karts, handle a balancing pole while walking a tightrope
* Shoot at Boos in a haunted house, drag and drop toppings in a cake-decorating competition, select the correct answers in game-show challenges
* Use the Wii Remote's Buttons - Jump and pummel your way through a football brawl, hop and run across a field of spinning platforms

Editorial Reviews

From the Manufacturer
The world's most popular party videogame is getting a lot crazier in Mario Party 8 for Wii! Whether you're shaking up cola cans or lassoing barrels, you and your friends will be drawn into the action like never before using the Wii Remote.

All-new ways to play:

* Play with motion control: Row your way through a river race, Punch a statue to pieces, Steer race cars, mopeds, and go-karts, Handle a balancing pole while walking a tightrope.
* Play using the Pointer: Shoot at Boos in a haunted house, Drag and drop toppings in a cake-decorating competition, Select the correct answers in game-show challenges.
* Play using the Wii Remote's buttons: Jump and pummel your way through a football brawl, Hop and run across a field of spinning platforms.

All-new features/boards:

Mario Party 8 for Wii also includes dozens of new mini-games, six new party boards, and many new game modes. In a series first, players can transform their characters into many forms, such as player-smashing boulders and coin-sucking vampires. Mario Party 8 also includes "extra-large" mini-games like Star Carnival Bowling and Table Menace. One to four players can play Mario Party 8 for Wii, each with a Wii Remote.

Customer Reviews

Our 5 year old loves it
Great game for younger kids, as long as they can read or don't mind skipping some text. HUGE variety of mini games, and a lot of them are fun. Board game part is fun as well, with interesting twists to each board. Lots of stuff to unlock as you progress. Solid replay value.

Better as multiplayer, but an adult will easily defeat a child and normal computer players. Kids should play other kids or the computer.

Excellent Game
I like very much this game, I can play it for hours and I never get bored.
I play it with my wife & nephews, and we enjoit a lot. It has a lot of mini-games.

Too button masher friendly
Why does this game seem like it's a better graphic version of a cheap button mashing arcade fighter game?

It's annoying the camera views it uses for each different stage, the buttons are a mess, and the controls are sluggish at times. All you seem to do is hold directions and mash buttons with no real strategy to learn to beat opponents.

The graphics may be nice, the sound is decent, but the controls are horrible. Once I had beaten the game in just a few minutes, I just turned it off and have no intention to every play it again.

Click here to see other

Boom Blox


Boom Blox
From Electronic Arts

Price: $37.99 & eligible for FREE Super Saver Shipping on orders over $25.

Availability: Usually ships in 24 hours
Ships from and sold by Amazon.com

37 new or used available from $33.45
Average customer review:

Product Description

Fun for kids and the entire family, BOOM BLOX offers action-packed interactive activities that takes Wii play to a new level of creativity and fun with single player, co-op, and versus gameplay. Players can explore the visceral gameplay that keeps them destroying their way through brain-twisting challenges.

They can interact with entertaining characters such as the Blox-laying chickens or the baseball-throwing monkeys, who bring personality to the Tiki, Medieval, Frontier, and Haunted themed environments.

Additionally, players can remix any level of the game in Create Mode using props, blocks, or characters that have been unlocked during the game. Players can also virtually build anything they can dream up. Plus, their designs can then be shared with friends or used to challenge others to solve their newly created puzzle via WiiConnect24.

Product Details

* Amazon Sales Rank: #97 in Video Games
* Brand: Electronic Arts
* Released on: 2008-05-06
* ESRB Rating: Everyone
* Platform: Nintendo Wii
* Dimensions: 2.00 pounds

Features

* Use fun action gestures and crazy virtual tools (like bowling balls, baseballs and fire hoses) to destroy your way through over 300 brain-twisting challenges.
* Fun for kids and the entire family, BOOM BLOX offers action-packed interactive activities that takes Wii play to a new level of creativity and fun with single player, co-op, and versus gameplay.
* Tackle the action and interact with entertaining characters such as the Blox-laying chickens or the baseball throwing monkeys, who bring personality to the Tiki, Medieval, Frontier, and Haunted themed environments.
* Unlock characters, worlds, blox, and props throughout the game and use to build whatever you can imagine in Create Mode. You can virtually build anything you can dream up. Remix any level and share what you create with friends via WiiConnect24.
* Over 30 Wacky Characters set in 5 Unique Worlds, and up to 4 players at once.

Editorial Reviews

Amazon.com
BOOM BLOX, is the first game developed in collaboration between two giants of multimedia entertainment, Electronic Arts and director/producer, Steven Spielberg. Spielberg is obviously a master storyteller and so knows a thing or two about blockbusters,

but he also no stranger to the gaming world. A long-time gamer himself, he conceived the original idea behind Lucas Art’s PC/Mac title The Dig, but busting these BLOX is an entirely new concept.

Levels and Levels of Fun
A Puzzle/Action game inspired by Spielberg's own search for a game that he would enjoy playing with his own kids, BOOM BLOX is designed specifically with the strengths and versatility of the Wii in mind.

In it players can look forward to a fast-paced gameplay blending the simplicity of the wildly popular block game Jenga and the crazy complexity of a Rube Goldberg machine--devices that although performing very simple tasks are designed to do it by the most complicated means possible.

BOOM BLOX features over three hundred levels, a variety of activities, a cast of over thirty wacky characters, and an easy-to-use in-game editor that allows players to express their creativity. It’s visceral gameplay is perfectly suited for the Wii’s interactivity.

The action gets going fast and the fun never ends as you throw baseballs, blast lasers, save wacky animal characters, explore cool worlds and more!... making it the ultimate Wii blox-buster for 2008.

Features:

* Throw, grab, and blast your way through 300+ levels - Use fun action gestures and crazy virtual tools (like bowling balls, baseballs and fire hoses) to destroy your way through over 300 brain-twisting challenges.
* Fast-paced Multiplayer Action - Fun for kids and the entire family, BOOM BLOX offers action-packed interactive activities that takes Wii play to a new level of creativity and fun with single player, co-op, and versus gameplay. Up to 4 players at once.
* Over 30 Wacky Characters set in 5 Unique Worlds - Tackle the action and interact with entertaining characters such as the Blox-laying chickens or the baseball throwing monkeys, who bring personality to the Tiki, Medieval, Frontier, and Haunted themed environments.
* Make It Your Own/Share – Unlock characters, worlds, blox, and props throughout the game and use to build whatever you can imagine in Create Mode. You can virtually build anything you can dream up. Remix any level and share what you create with friends via WiiConnect24TM.

Endless Play and Replay Combinations
Built upon a full real-time physics model, each player's BOOM BLOX experience can be as easy or difficult as you want it to be. Additionally, players can remix any level of the game in Create Mode using props, blocks, or characters that have been unlocked during the game.

Players can also virtually build anything they can dream up. This makes for nearly endless play and replay options in what promises to be the latest must-have Wii title for the entire family.

Customer Reviews

Excellent game for Kids or Adults
We picked up a Wii last year for the Fit balance board. Since then we have been looking for fun games for adults to play on the fit. Well this is one of them. My wife and I have played for hours and hours and keep coming back for more. It keeps coming up with things to make us think and giggle...

Very satisfied.

Great Family/Party Game
This was my first game outside of Wii Sports for the Wii and so far I have been very impressed. While I have not yet played the single player mode, my entire family, including my mother who has not played a video game since Tetris for the original Gameboy, played the multi-player mode for hours.

Our favorite mode is competition mode GRAB, which is like a virtual version of Jenga, but with dozens of different tower configurations, it makes for a very exciting game. Other game modes allow you to throw baseballs or shoot at blox to knock them over. Each game mode has multiple mini-games inside, and we have yet to try more than half of them.

While this game won't win any awards for an in-depth story game, it makes a great party game, even moreso than games like Mario Kart, Mario Party or Super Smash Brothers. It really makes great use of the "Wiimote" sensing abilities and allows for up to 4 players in most games. Now I'm just anxious for my family to give it up for a few hours so I can try the single player mode.

Edit: After exploring the game for a few more days, I will have to say that the "Party" multi-player mode is a lot more fun than single player mode. The competition aspect of the multi-player portion of the game is great, but playing alone, single player mode seems a little too simple.

While it would probably entertain those 12 and under, adults will most likely find themselves bored with the mini-games in single player mode after an hour or two. It will stay on my shelf as a great party game, but I probably won't be playing by myself very often.

Lots of Fun
This game is a 110% winner. I am not a video game person but I do enjoy the challenge and the fun of this game. Grandkids from 5 yrs to adults have really enjoyed the game....and adults have changed their minds about a video game system due to boom blox. If you want to spend money on a game, you will be satisfied with this one. Worth the money! Awesome!!!!

Click here to see other

Thursday, January 29, 2009

The Legend of Zelda


The Legend of Zelda: Twilight Princess
From Nintendo

Price: $46.99 & eligible for FREE Super Saver Shipping on orders over $25.

Availability: Usually ships in 24 hours
Ships from and sold by Amazon.com

63 new or used available from $34.99
Average customer review:

Product Description

The Legend Of Zelda: Twilight Princess brings you back tot he land of Hyrule, as you uncover the mystery behind its plunge into darkness. Link, a young man raised as a wrangler in a rural village, is ordered by the mayor to attend the Hyrule Summit.

He sets off, oblivious to the dark fate that has descended upon the kingdom. When he enters the Twilight Realm that has covered Hyrule, he transforms into a wolf and is captured. A mysterious figure helps him break free, and with the aid of her magic, they set off to free the land from the shadows.

Link must explore the vast land of Hyrule and As he does, he'll have to enlist the aid of friendly folk, solve puzzles and battle his way through dangerous dungeons. In the Twilight Realm, he'll have to use his wolf abilities and Midna's magic to bring light to the land. Revisit classic and new characters - Link, Zelda, Midna and many others

Product Details

* Amazon Sales Rank: #63 in Video Games
* Brand: Nintendo
* Released on: 2006-11-17
* ESRB Rating: Teen
* Platform: Nintendo Wii
* Dimensions: .0" h x .0" w x .0" l, 2.00 pounds

Features

* Combines the amazing new interface features of the Wii with the Zelda franchise
* Amazing new horseback combat system
* Attacks, moves, and even fishing, are controlled with the Wii Remote
* Link transforms into different creatures as part of his quest

Editorial Reviews

Amazon.com

When an evil darkness enshrouds the land of Hyrule, a young farm boy named Link must awaken the hero and the animal within. When Link travels to the Twilight Realm, he transforms into a wolf and must scour the land with the help of a mysterious girl named Midna. Besides his trusty sword and shield, Link will use his bow and arrows by aiming with the Wii Remote controller, fight while on horseback and use a wealth of other items, both new and old.

journeys, reinvented
Hailed by many as the best Zelda game since 1998's Ocarina of Time, Twilight Princess thrusts players into a troubled world ravaged by a dangerous magic. Sporting a new, more realistic visual style than the previous Zelda title,

Link looks much more like an adult than in previous installments and fits well into an environment that provides Zelda fans with a much more gritty and grim environment to explore. The entirety of the quest fits this darker mood, as both Link and NPC's alike share the same concern for the changes about in Hyrule.

More than just a spiritual successor to previous Zelda installments, Twilight Princess offers players a new way of controlling Link through dungeons, forests, towns, and the bizarre Twilight Realm: precise weapon controls with the Wii remote! Players can use the remote to control Links' weapons including the sword, arrows, and boomerang.

This new control scheme allows for much faster and more accurate control than on previous Nintendo hardware. For example, waving the remote in the air will result in Link performing the same move with the sword.

To fire off on arrow, players "pull back" on a virtual controller string as the Wii remote's speaker lets players know that the projectile is ready for release. It all works incredibly well and adds to the title's immersion and style- you feel more in the center of the action than in previous Zelda games.

As impressive as the new control scheme is, the scope and size of the new land of the Hyrule is equally as impressive- truly the Wii's first epic adventure. Beautifully crafted and four years in the making, the land players travel through is vast and diverse as the dungeons and monsters that lie within.

As players collect triforce pieces from the distant sections of the continent, they will get to know many different villages and foes. Thankfully, Link will be able to move over long stretches of land faster thanks to "Epona," your faithful horse. Epona also helps Link become a more effective fighter, as a number of powerful and impressive sword strikes can be launched while galloping through fields of enemies.

The Twilight Realm awaits
Like most games in the Zelda franchise, Link begins his adventure with little more than the clothes he has on an an inkling that something has gone awry. After an initial trip to the Twilight Realm, in which Link appears as a wolf, a friendly shadow dweller named Midna will meet up with players and give helpful advice on gameplay.

Fortunately for players, this virtual assistant spells out ways to be a more effective adventurer in and out of the shadow world. Early stages of the game have Link spending a lot of time in the Twilight Realm,

and outdoor areas of Hyrule, attempting to clear areas of the strange darkness that has seemingly fallen over every village, forest, and field. As the story progresses, players will learn the cause of the shadows, and what they must to do vanquish them for good.

Puzzling puzzles
Link once again finds himself in a number of classic Zelda-esque puzzle scenarios in which he must light torches to unlock doors, raise and lower water levels, and fight enemies to collect keys and open chests for valuable rupees.

A number of the dungeons present unique puzzle challenges that rely on the player's ability to hone their Wii remote's control, such as an air castle in the sky that can only be accessed by an extremely accurate grappling hook toss.

In general, Twilight Princess is more challenging than the average Zelda game, with a number of boss battles having protracted hit sequences with little support potions about, and even less warning. Still, there's never been an adventure experience such as this,

wherein players can literally charge at a dungeon boss with their fists and punch the air to defeat an enormous foe. As the finest Zelda experience in almost ten years and the game fans have been waiting for, Twilight Princess will delight young and old gamers alike.

Customer Reviews

it is ok.
this is an ok game...not much a zelda fan.. but it is fun. difficult to figure out for sure.

Simply Amazing
This game has basically everything you'd want in a Zelda game. I was blown away by the graphics and sound. You play as Link, a little older than he was in the Wind Waker. However, Hyrule has been overrun by twighlight. The added bonuses of being turned into a wolf and riding your horse into battle gives new perspective to the game play.

Learning the controls are easy enough, however, the camera angles get a little iffy sometimes and the horse riding looks really fake. The game is long and challenging while still being extremely fun to play. You rarely get irritated in the confusing dungeons. There is alot to explore outside of dungeons and many "mini" games to play along the way unlike the Wind Waker.

Overral this is a great game and packs alot of bang for your buck!

Zelda Fan
This game is fun, entertaining, and educational. If you like adventure, you will highly enjoy this game.

Click here to see other

Wednesday, January 28, 2009

Build-A-Bear Workshop


Build-A-Bear Workshop
From American Game Factory

Price: $19.99 & eligible for FREE Super Saver Shipping on orders over $25.

Availability: Usually ships in 24 hours
Ships from and sold by Amazon.com

20 new or used available from $16.27
Average customer review:

Product Description

Build-A-Bear is a Nintendo DS simulation that recreates the in-store experience. Gameplay offers a unique immersive experience, which replicates the process of shopping and creating a Bear when entering a Build-A-Bear Workshop store. The game allows you to approach the Build-A-Bear Workshop concept with the same hands-on and do it yourself formula.

This level of interactivity is achieved through the use of the touch screen, wireless technology, enhanced graphics and innovative control mechanism. Choose, create and customize your own personal virtual Bear and participate in various activities with your new furry friend.

Learn how to perform moves with the DS trick control, earn honey nuggets by completing challenges and buy up to 150 different clothing accessories. Spend some time in the photo studio and share your photo album and clothes collection wirelessly with your friends.

Enjoy an afternoon in the backyard playground using the swing and various ball games Become a professional fashion photographer and set-up photo shoots in the Build-A-Bear photo studio Change your Bear outfits, select the zoom and camera angle, modify the backdrop and direct your character's poses While spending time in the bathroom,

help your bear clean his teeth Interact wirelessly with your friends to trade items or challenge each other in the mini games Test your skills in the dancing game by drawing the right shapes at the right time with your stylus on cue in order to hold the rhythm of the music Play dress-up and mix and match up to 150 fashion accessories Control two bears at a time with your stylus and collect honey while dodging bees Make sure you don't pick the last seat paying musical chair

Product Details

* Amazon Sales Rank: #189 in Video Games
* Brand: American Game Factory
* Model: 00158
* Released on: 2007-11-07
* ESRB Rating: Everyone
* Platform: Nintendo DS
* Dimensions: .15 pounds

Features

* Make your own furry friend using the stylus and microphone in all of the Build-A-Bear Workshop stations including Choose Me, Stuff Me, Fluff Me and Name Me
* Choose from 8 different characters - Dimple Teddy, Sassy Kitty, Mocha Bunny, Marvelous Monkey, Velvet Teddy, Friendly Frog, Playful Puppy, Pink Poodle
* Care for and play with your new furry friend using the touch screen and microphone
* Cook a series of meal and feed your Bear using a fully equipped kitchen and dining room
* Tidy-up your character's bed room and get ready for clean-up time organizing and placing toys and items back on the shelves and in the chest

Customer Reviews

Fun even for boys
This game is really fun for girls and boys. I have a 3 and 5 year old and they really enjoy it. I would say it is a a [...] dollar game. My boys don't play it nonstop like other games, but they return to it and like it. I don't think I would pay more than [...]

Didn't click w/ 5 year old
This game has been a bit slow/tough for my 5 year old to get into. Maybe if we spend more time helping her get into it she will enjoy it but not so much at this point.
She much prefers Mario Brothers or Mario Kart.

Great
The game was lots of fun and I recommend anyone to buy it. My children are the one who plays the game the most and they enjoy.

Click here to see other

Call of Duty World at War


Call of Duty World at War Collector's Edition
From Activision Inc.

Price: $69.99 & eligible for FREE Super Saver Shipping on orders over $25.

Availability: Usually ships in 24 hours
Ships from and sold by Amazon.com

24 new or used available from $66.89
Average customer review:

Product Description

Go to war in the final tension-filled, unforgiving battles against a new ferocious enemy in the most dangerous and suspenseful action ever seen in WWII. Call of Duty: World at War completely changes the rules of engagement by redefining WWII gaming.

It brings an uncensored edge to combat, as soldiers face the most harrowing and climatic European and Pacific battles. This Collector's Edition includes an instantly available FG 42 Machine Gun, a double experience in multiplayer, a Stainless Steel Canteen and a Metal Storage Tin.

Double Experience - Take advantage of a week of double experience in multiplayer to accelerate your advancement. (Limited time offer. Exact date for week of double experience will be announced on CallOfDuty.com, register online to receive confirmation of date and time and other key information) Stainless Steel Canteen - Authentic 8-ounce brushed stainless steel Call of Duty branded canteen Metal Storage Tin - Featuring Call of Duty inspired artwork, this collectable metal storage tin provides enough space to store multiple games and their cases

Product Details

* Amazon Sales Rank: #1432 in Video Games
* Brand: ACTIVISION
* Model: 83483
* Released on: 2008-11-11
* ESRB Rating: Mature
* Platform: Xbox 360
* Dimensions: 2.00 pounds

Features

* Call of Duty: World at War Limited Collector's Edition from Activision redefines World War II gameplay
* Battle against fearless Japanese and German soldiers in epic infantry, vehicle, and airborne missions across Pacific and European locations
* Cooperative campaign gameplay allows up to four players to meet and play online, or a two-player local split-screen co-op
* Online multiplayer action includes vehicle combat with tanks and a host of improved in-game, statistical features
* Limited Collector's Edition includes Day 1 Edge, Double Experience, canteen (not intended for drinking), and metal tin

Editorial Reviews

Amazon.com Product Description
Call of Duty: World at War Limited Collector's Edition from Activision for the Xbox 360 completely changes the rules of engagement by redefining World War II gameplay. In this edition, players are thrust into the final, tension-filled battles against a new, ferocious enemy in the most dangerous and suspenseful action ever seen in a WWII title.

Building on the Call of Duty 4: Modern Warfare engine, this installment promises to immerse players in gritty, chaotic combat. You'll have to band together to survive harrowing and climactic battles that defined WWII and led to the demise of the Axis powers.

From the remains of Russia and the ruins of Berlin, to the beach and jungles of the deadly Pacific Theater, Call of Duty: World at War's campaign gameplay employs features that were only available in multiplayer gameplay in the previous installments.

With this title you can take advantage of perks, rankings, and online stats in an up-to-four-player cooperative gameplay that is sure to revolutionize the way you play Call of Duty. And with new infantry and vehicle-based weapons, such as the potent flamethrower, you'll have the tools you need to set the battlefield ablaze and defeat the enemy.

Advanced Enemies, New Environments, and Fearless Tactics
You've never encountered combat challenges like those presented in Call of Duty: World at War. Prepare yourself to face off against ruthless enemies who employ advanced tactics. Your foes will stop at nothing to defend their homelands.

With swampy ambushes, tree-top snipers, and fearless Kamikaze attacks, there is no safe place to turn. As U.S. Marine and Russian conscripts, you'll battle against the fearless Imperial Japanese and elite German soldiers in epic infantry, vehicle, and airborne missions across a variety of Pacific and European locations. On foot, behind the wheel, or in the air, you'll have to be relentless to achieve victory.

Cutting-Edge Technology and Physics-Enabled Battlefields
Call of Duty: World at War utilizes cutting-edge technology, including highly-detailed character models, self-shadowing, environmental lighting and amazing special effects to deliver best-of-breed visuals.

Depth of field, rim-lighting and texture-streaming technology bring the adrenaline-pumping combat to life. And with physics-enabled battlefields and fire that spreads realistically through environments, you'll feel immersed in battles that are both life-like and dynamic.

Cooperative Campaign Mode
For the first time in franchise history, Call of Duty introduces cooperative campaign gameplay, bringing a breath of fresh air to "No One Fights Alone." This gameplay mode allows up to four players to meet and play online, or a two-player local split-screen co-op.

Now you can share the terrifying experience of campaign missions with your friends for greater camaraderie and improved tactical execution. Co-op mode also incorporates innovative multiplayer components, such as challenges, rankings and online stats, and even features a competitive co-op mode that will identify the best player on your team.

Improved Online Multiplayer Action
Call of Duty: World at War once again delivers sophisticated, class-based, online multiplayer action that has made the series famous. New additions include vehicle combat with tanks, and Call of Duty: World at War rounds out the multiplayer experience with improved features, such as persistent stats, player rankings, upgradeable weapons, squad-based gameplay, customized classes, enhanced perks, and more.

This Limited Collector's Edition includes:

* Day 1 Edge: Dominate your online rivals and rank up faster with the instantly available FG 42 Machine Gun. The FG 42 is a high-level (45+) weapon which you can have from day-one, only with this exclusive Limited Collector's Edition. Saw through your opponents from 50 yards with this fast firing machine gun.

* Double Experience: Take advantage of a week's worth of double-experience gameplay in multiplayer mode and accelerate your advancement. Please note, this is a limited time offer only available with the Limited Collector's Edition. The exact date for the week of double experience will be announced on CallOfDuty.com. Register online to receive confirmation of date, time, and other key information.

* Authentic eight-ounce, brushed stainless steel, Call of Duty branded canteen. Not intended for drinking.

* Metal tin, with Call of Duty inspired artwork, that is perfect for storing multiple games and cases.

Customer Reviews

More of the same but that isn't bad.
This game uses the call of duty 4 engine and it shows. The graphics are awesome and the controls are still the best of all shooters. The game is Call of Duty 4 with a World War 2 skin which is not what I wanted. I am sick of World War II shooters but if you aren't this is a really solid game.

great game
i bought this game for my son and he loves it.him and his dad shares the xbox games.

Day 1 Edge sucks!
Just a foreword, this is my review of one of what this Collector's edition promises to deliver, and that is the Day 1 Edge.

What enticed me to get this collector's edition was the Day 1 edge. But it's a big disappointment. The FG42 gun is indeed available from Level 1, but only in the pre-made Machine Gunner class, and cannot be customized with perks and all. The gun in this class doesn't have the stopping power perk, which cannot be changed.

The FG42 has a high rapid fire and small clip, and empties in about a second. Without stopping power, you would need the whole clip to kill. This leaves you no room for any bit of mistake. If any of your bullets miss on that burst and your target turns to you, then you're pretty much doomed, because by now, you're holding on a gun with an empty clip.

Also, facing an advanced enemy player that knows how to move from side to side, means you're dead too if you can't put all those bullets in. Imagine too how you would deal a situation where you encounter more than one enemy. This means a reload after killing one, and you probably could guess already how this would end.

Bottom line, if you mostly care about getting this edition due to the Day 1 Edge, then just forget about it. I hope this review is helpful.

Click here to see other

Tom Clancy's EndWar


Tom Clancy's EndWar
From UBI Soft

Price: $59.99 & eligible for FREE Super Saver Shipping on orders over $25.

Availability: Usually ships in 24 hours
Ships from and sold by Amazon.com

81 new or used available from $28.75
Average customer review:

Product Details

* Amazon Sales Rank: #607 in Video Games
* Brand: Ubisoft
* Model: 52406
* Released on: 2008-11-04
* ESRB Rating: Teen
* Platform: Xbox 360
* Dimensions: 2.00 pounds

Features

* Deeply customizable armies featuring unit ranks and hundreds of upgrades add up to endless replay value.
* Can be played almost entirely via the revolutionary voice command system.
* Experience a chillingly realistic vision of World War III in the fashion of the best techno-thrillers.
* Explore 40 stunningly realistic real-world battlefields set in Europe and the United States, including Washington D.C., Paris, and Moscow.
* Go to war online in a persistent multiplayer campaign allowing hundreds of player matchups in battles that can last for months at a time.

Editorial Reviews

Amazon.com
Nobody thought humanity could possibly let it really come to this, but in 2016, the unthinkable happens… The first nuclear exchange occurred over Middle Eastern soil. It lasted only 5 hours and resulted in the launch of the world’s first joint missile defense system to ensure peace, that is, until now.

With the United States, the European Federation and Russia at odds a final war is inevitable. Although intercontinental ballistic missiles have been rendered obsolete, command technology has evolved. Battles will be fought from war rooms, by the sound of human voice.

Leaders will rise and countries will fall. Experience World War III in your living room with Tom Clancy's EndWar, a revolutionary new war game built to maximize next-generation gaming consoles and completely controllable by voice.

The Storyline
The horrific nuclear conflict in the Middle East not only killed millions, it also crippled the world's fuel supply. With oil from that part of the world no longer available, crude oil prices skyrocket to $800 a barrel.

The vast Russian landmass now holds the largest accessible reserves of fossil fuels, making Russia the world's primary supplier of energy virtually overnight. With the massive economic boom it receives, Russia quickly re-establishes itself as a superpower and restores her military might.

In response most of Western Europe unifies to create the European Federation, a new nation destined to be a formidable 21st-century superpower. But things are also changing across the pond.

In 2020, the United States is on the verge of finishing construction on the Freedom Star, a controversial orbital military platform that will upset the balance of world power. The European Federation withdraws from NATO in protest.

Tensions between the European Federation, the United States, and Russia are building and will soon reach the breaking point. The EndWar is about to begin. Which side will you fight on?

The European Enforcer Corp
The European Federation is a new superpower, founded in 2018 to consolidate political and economic power in the face of the world energy crisis and accelerating security and environmental concerns around the globe.

Though publicized as an evolution of the European Union, demanding admission criteria disenfranchised all but the wealthiest nations of Europe. The UK and Ireland declined membership (instead joining the New Commonwealth), as did Switzerland (fiercely neutral as always).

Consummate professionals, the European Federation Enforcer Corps is made up of veteran elite counter-terrorist and peacekeeping forces from throughout Europe. Calm and precise, these highly-trained and experienced soldiers are especially skilled in urban warfare.

They excel in electronic warfare as well as advanced directed energy weapons technology, and have the fastest battlefield vehicles. The Enforcer Corps also have access to the world's best "less than lethal" weaponry.

The United States Joint Strike Force
Once strong allies with Europe, the U.S. has broken ranks following the dissolution of NATO and the formation of the European Federation. The two superpowers are now locked in a costly and controversial military space race.

This rivalry builds to a crescendo when the U.S. prepares to launch the Freedom Star, a huge military space station that Europe suspects could be used to neutralize its missile shield satellites. An evolution of today's Marine Expeditionary Units, the Joint Strike Force is known for their integration of air and ground combat capabilities.

Epitomizing the saying, 'high speed, low drag,' these elite soldiers excel in precision firepower and can rapidly deploy anywhere in the world. Moreover, their stealth technology and the accuracy of their weapons are second-to-none.

The Russian Spetsnaz Guard Brigades
The world's number one supplier of oil and natural gas since the 2016 nuclear war in the Middle East, Russia has experienced an economic boom of epic proportions. It has used its newfound riches to build up its military to levels beyond the Cold War and is once again a true superpower in the world arena.

Soldier for soldier, no force on the planet can match the Spetsnaz Guard Brigades in terms of raw, brute force. Hardened veterans of Russia's many regional conflicts, these troopers are a highly effective, determined, and deadly force.

The Spetsnaz tend to focus on heavy weapons and heavy armor, and often ingeniously modify standard-issue equipment to suit their needs, resulting in vehicles bristling with bolted-on weaponry the original designer never dreamed of including.

Key Game Features:

* Wage war without ever picking up a controller with the revolutionary voice command system.
* Experience a chillingly realistic vision of World War III in the fashion of the best techno-thrillers.
* Explore 40 stunningly realistic real-world battlefields set in Europe and the United States, including Washington D.C., Paris, and Moscow.
* Deeply customizable armies featuring unit ranks and hundreds of upgrades add up to endless replay value.
* Go to war online in a persistent multiplayer campaign with fully-customizable battalions and units.
* Watch the destruction unfold in spectacular detail in massive battles featuring hundreds of units and fully destructible environments.

Join in a Battle Armed for the Future
Instead of the traditional top-down view, EndWar uses a unique third-person camera that puts you in the heart of the battle. This means that you get a bird’s-eye view of the devastation that unfold as hundreds of units engage the enemy on fully destructible battlefields.

Also, true to the Tom Clancy legacy, EndWar deals with fictional, but strikingly true to life situations and scenarios and features a wide range of vehicles, weapons, and equipment based on real-world military research.

The result is a frighteningly realistic and relevant war-game experience that provides players with unprecedented access to the cutting-edge technology of tomorrow’s wars and the combatants that may faceoff in them.

Customer Reviews

Best RTS not on the PC platform.
I must start out by saying this is the most advanced RTS game I have ever played. This game blew me out of the water as soon as I began playing it. The graphics are better than many others, the storyline is incredibly in-depth, customization potential is spectacular, and on top of that the controls are unmatched.

I really think there are two main parts of this game that make it a 5-star. 1) The storyline is incredible. I am a student studying political sciences and foreign relations, to me; this storyline has a basis on the worst-case scenario for WW3. It almost comes to the point of being scary in how true this plot could be.

2) The plot, graphics, fast load time, and customization are all things this game has, but the thing that really sets it apart from other games is the voice control system. When I first began to play it reminders and hints kept popping up all about the voice command system, not wanting to go through hours of training the command system I didn't plug in my headset.

However, when I did finally attach it and without any trainer I was playing and the X-Box understood every word, WITHOUT a trainer! I couldn't imagine playing End War without the voice command system. You can coordinate massive attacks with ALL of your units without selecting a single one!

Simply say the unit you want, where to go and who to attack and that unit will do it, even while you are selecting another unit to move manually. Between manual and voice control your entire army can be rapidly deployed and easily dominate the battlefield.

Bottom line is simple. Buy it! If you have a headset, use it! If you don't, buy one, the game comes alive when you use it!

Best RTS on the 360 yet.
This game uses an intelligent voice command system that allows one to interact with his units, off-map supports, and the map itself. The voice command is awesome, accurate and reliable. Graphics are good, nothing spectacular, but infantry units are well detailed. The campaign plays well, and can be short if you consistently win, but can last much longer if you have mixed performance.

Criticism:
The training portion leaves some parts of gameplay unexplored, and one must figure on their own. The game manual is nearly useless in its vagueness, and lack ability to answer any questions one may have, plus there are several typos in the manual. (That is just poor coming from a franchise such a Tom Clancy.)

Overall:
This is a game that I would say rent or play the free XBOX Live downloadable demo first, then if you like buy it. The game is fun, and if you increase the difficulty it can be seriously challenging. Plus, there are 50 achievments plus 10 more with the now out Downloadable Content that also included more maps and upgrades.

Good, but only the first time around.
Let me tell you, the whole reason I rented EndWar was because I was intrigued with its World War III premise. I also rented it expecting what's usual in a Tom Clancy game--a first-person shooter.

What I got was a strategy game.

Now, that's not bad; I absolutely love strategy games, but I wasn't exactly sure what this would turn out to be.

Basically, EndWar is about World War III. The story begins by putting you in the 'prelude to war' at the beginning of the game. This is the point where America, Europe and Russia are facing their own problems and stresses, which forces them into small skirmishes with one another. But, the real point comes when Europe destroys one of America's space shuttles. World War III is soon to follow.

When I first started playing the game, the tutorial prompted me to use the headset to command my troops. My headset was and still is damaged, but still workable. Whenever I tried to speak into it, I got a 'you're speaking too loud' message.

This was surprising and, oddly, amusing. I figure if it's still processing what I'm saying, does it matter if the microphone is reading my voice as 'too loud?' Well, it apparently did, as I was never able to use the headset feature. The lack of that didn't make the game any less enjoyable though.

It's perfectly easy to command your troops with the controller commands, but the headset would've made the game a little more enjoyable, since you'd actually get to voice-command your troops and all.

Like any strategy game, your mission is simple. But, in this game, it's more than simple. You either, A) capture half the uplinks on the map and hold them for a few or, B) destroy all enemy troops. It's simple, but it doesn't give you a whole lot to do in each match.

You're either running back and forth, stealing uplinks from enemies, or engaging in firefights with your enemies (Europe/America/Russia, depending on who you play as.) The lack of strategy it actually involves is rather disappointing, because I expected I would be able to do a lot more than just capture uplinks.

The game explains that capturing the uplinks is to keep your enemy from knocking out your communications, which is understandable, but it doesn't add to the game. The fact that your enemy never seems to be afraid of you (even in the most drastic of situations) is also disappointing. In the conquest matches, you just everything. There's nothing to it, really; you're just killing everything, with little to no strategy whatsoever.

EndWar has a few different types of units. It's got the infantry, which are riflemen, who don't sport rifles, but machineguns; and engineers who have rocket launchers, but don't fix or work on anything. I found it odd how the designers called them `Engineers' when I didn't see them repair anything (but I could be wrong, considering I only played through the game once.)

There are also ground vehicles, which are the transports (mini tanks that allow you to load your soldiers inside of them,) tanks and artillery. You've also got the base of operations vehicle, which, without it, you can't push the back button and display your overhead map. And, finally, there's helicopters.

These units are what you use to dominate your enemy. But, fear not! You've also got special abilities you can use when you gain war funds after defeating the enemy. There's also a few other neat things (destroying enemy uplinks with bombs, or using kinetic strikes to massacre handfuls of units at a time.)

One problem with the game is that the gameplay becomes repetitive. It also doesn't leave anything to be desired, or anything you're working toward. After you get into the World War III part of the game, you automatically have all the unit types every time you enter combat. You can keep ordering them in without having to worry about running out of them, no matter what map you're on or whether you're playing capture the uplinks or conquest type maps.

The lack of main objectives, coupled with the small amount of units and their never-ending supply [and lack of realism as to how so many units would be so easily deployable,] doesn't make the game that much fun after a little while.

I played the whole story (until victory) once, tried to play it again, then found myself not wanting to replay the same story, but with a different faction. Oh, and playing the same repetitive game again wasn't really up my alley either.

In all, EndWar is the kind of game you'll at least want to try if you like strategy games. I personally wouldn't pay fifty/sixty dollars for this game. I doubt I'd even pay forty or thirty for it.

This kind of game, with its repetitive gameplay and lack of real strategy elements, isn't up there with the other strategy games I've played in the past. But, I do recommend renting it, just to enjoy the experience. It's not a bad game, really; it just doesn't give you a whole lot to come back to after you win WWIII the first time around.

I give EndWar three out of five stars, with three out of five on the fun level.

Click here to see other

James Bond 007: Quantum of Solace


James Bond 007: Quantum of Solace
From Activision Inc.

Price: $46.99 & eligible for FREE Super Saver Shipping on orders over $25.

Availability: Usually ships in 24 hours
Ships from and sold by Amazon.com

37 new or used available from $35.25
Average customer review:

Product Description

Can you be the next James Bond? Coldly efficient?dangerous?the new Bond is the ultimate weapon in today's ruthless world of international espionage. Blending first person shooting and third person action, Quantum of Solace puts you in control of Bond's greatest weapon?his mind. You must think like Bond and intelligently use the map and situation to your advantage.

Confront enemies in a variety of ways: take them head on, fire from behind cover or sneak up silently and eliminate them with a variety of special takedown moves. Based on Quantum of Solace and Casino Royale, Quantum of Solace the Game puts you in the dangerous world of international espionage and intrigue.

Product Details

* Amazon Sales Rank: #491 in Video Games
* Brand: ACTIVISION
* Model: 047875832695
* Released on: 2008-11-04
* ESRB Rating: Teen
* Platform: PLAYSTATION 3
* Dimensions: 2.00 pounds

Features

* You are the new Bond - Employ all of your Bond skills in high-octane combat, chaotic gunfights and precise stealth takedowns
* Take cover - First person shooting with third person cover combat allows you to adjust your gameplay to meet each challenge. Hide behind cover, fire from protected positions and use suppressing fire to distract enemies
* Fight worthy adversaries - Advanced AI systems allow enemies to react to you in intelligent and tactical ways. Think quickly, because they'll seek cover and outflank you
* The new world of Bond - Using the likenesses and voices of actors from both films including Daniel Craig and Judi Dench, the game immerses you in the story of how Bond becomes the ultimate 00 agent. Each mission will take you through the exotic locations such as Casino Royale in Madagascar, the deserts of Bolivia and the streets of Austria
* Become the world's premier MI6 agent - Bond gets online with standard 12-player multiplayer mode plus unique Bond modes such as ?Bond VS which pits you against other opponents in an intense race to complete objectives, and ?Golden Gun mode, which lets you perform one hit kills using the coveted Golden Gun

Customer Reviews

Very good
in my opinion this game is one of the best story missions in question is a mixture of action, suspense and strategy everything needed for a good adventure action and excitement

HORRIBLE GAME
i seen the trailers and read the reviews so i bought it. Have to say real disappointment!!!!!!!!!!!! the graphics are sub par at best. the story line is ok.

story line-
was ok guns are limited the sneak and peak around walls is awesome almost just like Rainbow Six Vegas 2. controls are easy. maps are very straight forward no real thinking involved too easy one could say.

Online play-
HORRIBLE HORRIBLE graphics look ancient online!!!!!!!!!!! i mean really horrible graphics online like playing 1990 game!! ridiculous!!!

i know my review is not the best but if you like Vegas 2 and Call duty this game is not for you!!!!!

Bond game for PS3
Gave as a Christmas gift. My husband and teenagers enjoy it. Great graphics, not all rambo style (more stealth and sneaking around) which they enjoy more. Only glitch seems to be when playing online; it tends to kick the player offline in the middle of the game. We own a few other PS3 games that are played online and this does not happen with those.

Click here to see other

Tuesday, January 27, 2009

Uncharted: Drake's Fortune


Uncharted: Drake's Fortune
From Sony

Price: $59.99 & eligible for FREE Super Saver Shipping on orders over $25.

Availability: Usually ships in 24 hours
Ships from and sold by Amazon.com

54 new or used available from $31.99
Average customer review:

Product Description

A 400-year-old clue hidden in the coffin of Sir Francis Drake sets a modern day fortune hunter, Nathan Drake, on an expedition for the fabled treasure of El Dorado, leading to the discovery of a forgotten island in the middle of the Pacific Ocean. The search turns deadly when he and his party become stranded on the island and hunted by modern day pirates.

Outgunned and outnumbered, he must fight to survive as he begins to unravel the terrible secrets hidden on the island . . . Fight to survive with both gunplay and wild hand-to-hand combat Gorgeous and highly-realistic backgrounds and graphics ESRB Rated RP for Rating Pending

Product Details

* Amazon Sales Rank: #227 in Video Games
* Brand: Naughty Dog Inc.
* Model: 15782621
* Released on: 2007-11-19
* ESRB Rating: Teen
* Platform: PLAYSTATION 3
* Dimensions: .37 pounds

Features

* Uncover the clue to Sir Francis Drake's last great adventure and seek out the fabled treasure of El Dorado
* Use maps and hidden artifacts to uncover and island that was thought to have never existed
* Explore exotic locations, such as expansive jungles and 4000-year-old ruins.
* Interact with Drakes companions through cooperative mechanics and exploration
* Daring high-speed chases over land and water

Editorial Reviews

Amazon.com
A 400-year-old clue in the coffin of Sire Francis Drake sets a modern day fortune hunter, Nathan Drake on a expedition for the fable treasure of El dorado, leading to the discovery of a forgotten island in the middle of the pacific ocean.

The search turns deadly when he and His party become stranded on the island the hunted by modern-day pirates. Outnumb ered and outgunned, he must fight to survive as he begins to unravel the terrible secrets hidden on the island.

Features:

Adventure:
Uncover the clues to sir Francis Drake's last great adventure and seek-out the fabled treasure of El dorado. Drake's companions and allies play an important role in the adventure through cooperative mechanics, gun play, and exploration.

Mystery:
Using maps an ancient artifacts uncover clues and unravel mysteries to find a forgotten island and a treasure that was thought to have never existed.

Exploration:
Discover a world alive with intrigue an mystery. Explore exotic locations. Traverse through living jungles and spectacular 400-year-old ruins

Action:
Experience daring high-speed chases over land and water. Run and take-cover from a hail of gunfire, rely on a full assortment of guns you find or acquire along the way. Use a variety of hand-to-hand fighting moves, from wild haymaker punches to running drop-kicks, to put your enemy off balance.

Customer Reviews

Cool Game!
This game is very good and quite enjoyable. It reminds me of Indiana Jones with a gun fighting bad guys everywhere (there are plenty of them). The story, gameplay and graphics are fantastic. Sometimes the levels can get a bit hard but if you get killed you come back almost in the same spot that you were killed in so you don't have to replay the whole level.

Also if you get stuck in a level and don't know where you're supposed to go to get to your next destination the "L2 Hint" button will appear and give you a hint. Buy this game, it's FUN!

A Must Play!
One of the most fun and cinematic games I've ever experienced. It is paced perfectly, it never at one moment get's boring and frustration was very minimal. Anyone who owns a ps3 needs to play this game!

drake's fortune was fine
its a tricky game and it could give you some better clue as to what you are supposed to do in areas, but it is fine.

Click here to see other

MotorStorm Pacific Rift


MotorStorm Pacific Rift
From Sony Computer Entertainment

Price: $52.99 & eligible for FREE Super Saver Shipping on orders over $25.

Availability: Usually ships in 24 hours
Ships from and sold by Amazon.com

48 new or used available from $39.99
Average customer review:

Product Details

* Amazon Sales Rank: #251 in Video Games
* Brand: Sony
* Model: 98155
* Released on: 2008-10-28
* ESRB Rating: Teen
* Platform: PLAYSTATION 3
* Dimensions: 2.00 pounds

Features

* The Island - A brand new radically different location for the festival.
* The Monster Truck - An all new vehicle class added to the core vehicle selection for a total of 8 different vehicle classes.
* Immersive Online Experience ¿ A radical re-look at the whole MotorStorm online experience, focusing on ease of use and breadth of gameplay all while tearing it up in races up to 16 players.
* Improved Actions - A new level of control; punch, duck and ram using a new control layout.
* New Rating Systems - It¿s not all about winning; it¿s also about how you perform.

Editorial Reviews

Amazon.com Product Description
The first Motorstorm wowed fans with its heady formula of brutal, unpredictable off-road racing, festival vibes and stunning Monument Valley desert scenery. Now, Motorstorm Pacific Rift takes you to a solitary tropical paradise in the Pacific Ocean, ready for a whole new take on no-holds-barred racing action through thick swamps, dense jungle, towering peaks and steaming volcanoes.

Not just pretty backdrops to the action, these environments take center stage in challenging players with everything in Mother Nature's arsenal. Thick mud, tangled undergrowth, swift flowing rivers, choking volcanic clouds and searing lava pools all test the drivers to their limits and beyond.

Expect a rich festival of off road racing, along with a host of game modes and rewards. It's brutal, dangerous, relentless, and unpredictable and more than a game - Motorstorm Pacific Rift is a way of life.

Even More Vehicle Classes and Tracks
Pacific Rift ships with eight car classes: the seven from the original game (Bikes, ATVs, Buggies, Rally Cars, Racing trucks, Mud Pluggers and Big Rigs) all reproduced in new forms, as well as the new Monster Truck class. Big, but not as big or powerful as a Big Rig, Monster Trucks are surprisingly fast for their size and are able to roll over most other classes of vehicle and virtually any vegetation they encounter.

The game's list of playable tracks has also been doubled to 16 and are categorized along the lines of the elements and the different environmental zones are found on the island.

These zones are:

* The Air Zone - Tracks high up in the mountain and featuring lots of big jumps.
* The Fire Zone - Track oozing with new land and pools of lava that come from the island's resident volcano.
* The Water Zone - Here players will find courses laid out along the the beaches and other water sources of the island.
* The Earth Zone - The typical rough, rocky mud-filled off-road courses similar to the tracks found in the original game.

Multiplayer Modes
In addition to the wild, anything goes singleplayer festival mode players of the originalMotorstorm game will remember and relish, Motorstorm Pacific Rift also provides addictive multiplayer modes for both online and local play. These include the same rampaging, music injected, 12-player online support as the first game, as well as multiplayer options for local action up to four players.

Play in local multiplayer modes are further enhanced by new four-player split screen functionality that when used in conjunction with the game's 720p HD video output ensures clarity no matter how fast racers are moving or how much mud they are throwing up.

Key Game Features:

* The Island - A brand new radically different location for the festival.
* Unpredictable Events - Never the same race twice. Events will take place to change the race on a lap to lap basis.
* Split Screen Play - Play with up to 3 buddies on the same screen.
* The Monster Truck - An all new vehicle class added to the core vehicle selection for a total of 8 different vehicle classes.
* Immersive Online Experience - A radical re-look at the whole Motorstorm online experience, focusing on ease of use and breadth of gameplay all while tearing it up in races up to 12 players.
* Improved Actions - A new level of control; punch, duck and ram using a new control layout.
* Free-play - Race how you want by creating your own race tickets.
* Photo Mode - Snap your greatest victory or your most visceral crashes and share them with the world.
* New Rating System - It's not all about winning; it's also about how you perform.

Bells and Whistles: Tunes and XMB Functionality
As was the case with the original Motorstorm, the driving experience in Pacific Rift can not be separated from the music that accompanies it. The game comes with a thumping 40 song soundtrack and players will also have the ability to pipe in their own playlists saved to their PS3 the ability to access others saved on your PS3's Hard drive.

In addition for players who want to relive their moments tearing across the island, the game also features PlayStation 3 XrossMediaBar (XMB) functionality and Photo Mode. XMB lets plays create movies of their races and access them from the PS3's main menu, while Photo Mode allows you to take snapshots while within a race.

As you roll into the Rift, expect a rich festival of off road racing, along with a host of game modes and rewards. It's brutal, dangerous, relentless, unpredictable and much more than a game - Motorstorm Pacific Rift is a way of life.

Customer Reviews

Great Racer
This game is alot of fun. Its a great arcade game with plenty of depth and looks gorgeous. Contains trophies and learning the maps are great.

GREAT GAME!
This game is fantastic! It's a definitely improves upon the first in many ways. There are more tracks and the addition of the nitro modifiers make a big difference. By that I mean that there are spots on certain maps that cause you to burn through your nitro bar quicker while you can use the water throughout several levels to cool it down faster. Over all this game is a must play if you own a PS3.

Exciting
For a racing game this is far more exciting than others. Being able to crash your vehicle makes it more realistic and keeps you from driving to reckless. Should be a buy for anyone that likes driving games.

Click here to see other