Tuesday, January 27, 2009

Tiger Woods PGA Tour 09 All-Play


Tiger Woods PGA Tour 09 All-Play
From Electronic Arts

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Product Description

Whether you're a seasoned veteran or hitting the links for the first time, now everybody swings on an even playing field, in Tiger Woods PGA Tour 09. Your career begins under the watchful eye of Hank Haney, Tiger Woods' real-life coach, who takes you under his wing, helps you tune your clubs, and provides training drills to help improve your game.

With experience under your belt and confidence as your ally, take aim at family, friends, and rivals in fun and challenging game modes, including the new Golf Party mini-game mode.

With improved swing mechanics, an all-new controller system, and tutelage from one of the game's best coaches, play your way to the top of the leader board with Tiger Woods PGA Tour 09.

All new swing controls provides a one to one relationship between what you're doing with the Wii remote and what your player is doing on screen, for the ultimate control and accuracy with every swing. For the first time on the Nintendo Wii, compete with a live foursome in the time it takes to play a single-player round
Product Details

* Amazon Sales Rank: #43 in Video Games
* Brand: Electronic Arts
* Model: 15546
* Released on: 2008-08-26
* ESRB Rating: Everyone
* Platform: Nintendo Wii
* Dimensions: 2.00 pounds

Features

* Battle your friends in 15 fun and challenging mini-games that keep the competition fierce, long after you have finished your round
* Tiger Woods' real life coach Hank Haney will guide you through your career right from the start and help you improve your confidence
* Get the most out of every club with the Club Tuner, an all-new swing-control feature that allows you to calibrate your clubs to fit your personal tendencies and preferences
* Coach Haney will be constantly watching your performance and assessing areas for improvement
* Ball trail visuals indicate your competitors' shots, allowing you to swing whenever you're ready

Editorial Reviews

Amazon.com

Everyone Plays, Anyone Can Win

Whether you're a seasoned veteran or hitting the links for the first time, now everybody swings on an even playing field in Tiger Woods PGA TOUR 09 All-Play. Your career begins under the watchful eye of Hank Haney, Tiger Woods' real-life coach, who takes you under his wing, helps you tune your clubs, and provides training drills to help improve your game.

With experience under your belt and confidence as your ally, take aim at family, friends, and rivals in fun and challenging game modes, including the new Golf Party mini-game mode. With improved swing mechanics, an all-new controller system, and tutelage from one of the game’s best coaches, play your way to the top of the leaderboard with Tiger Woods PGA TOUR 09 All-Play.

Customer Reviews

I don't like the Putting
Game is not interesting to me because putting seems complicated and unrealistic. Sometimes, at 3 feet from the cup, I have to take a huge swing to get it to the hole.

Fun and Challenging
After liking golf on the Wii Play we decided that we wanted to upgrade to a more challenging golf game. This does it! You can play many courses and many different ways. By hooking the system up over the internet we can play friends in different States, which is another great way to keep in touch!
rent first, then buy
I first rented this version at a local store. Dreaded the thought of the putting after so many bad reviews. It took one round to get the hang of it. Playing regular Tiger I'am sure is of some aid, none the less it becomes easier. The strange thing is the rental game as soon as the putter goes back the bars are going up on the power meter.

When I got this (purchase )game home and putted it was very different. You first bring the putter back to a point that feels right, then the meter reacts to where you have you backswing.

I'am not sure if someone renting the first one had made some adjustments or what. I cannot recall in any reviews this situation with the putting. As in real putting you need to tinker a bit, but I found it strange how different the rental game was from the game when I purchase it.

The worst thing I found is the occassional unplayable lie. It can be very difficult even when the lie graphic shows a fairly playable situation. If you are not sure rent it first, but don't be surprised when you buy it it may play different.

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Monday, January 26, 2009

Crisis Core: Final Fantasy VII


Crisis Core: Final Fantasy VII
From Square Enix

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Product Description

You are a young SOLDIER 2nd Class who aspires to become a 1st, those who are strong enough and who are respected and idolized by the citizens. SOLDIER is a group of skilled combat operatives within the Shinra Company, who is rapidly increasing its influence through its monopoly on mako energy and military might.

A large number of SOLDIER members have gone missing during an operation in Wutai. You are charged with finding them, along with your 1st Class mentor Angeal, and the 1st Class superhuman hero Sephiroth. A cruel and fateful struggle waits?

Product Details

* Amazon Sales Rank: #518 in Video Games
* Brand: Square Enix
* Released on: 2008-03-25
* ESRB Rating: Teen
* Platform: Sony PSP
* Dimensions: 2.00 pounds

Features

* Complete the FINAL FANTASY VII experience and reunite with the most recognized RPG characters created by world-renowned character designer Tetsuya Nomura

* Witness stunning graphics, inspiring visuals, and gorgeous CG cut scenes coupled with top-notch voice acting in a 16:9 widescreen presentation, made possible by the PSP system hardware

* Innovative D.M.W (Digital Mind Wave) system enhances the action-packed, engaging, real-time battle system, allowing players to unleash special attacks or call upon iconic Final Fantasy summons

* Take on challenges with the all-new “Hard Mode” developed exclusively for the North American audiences

* Acquire unique accessories made available through 300 side missions to further enrich the gameplay experience

Customer Reviews

An awesome back story
This is a nostalgic game. I'm going to refer to Final Fantasy VII for playstation and this game as Crisis Core. It is exciting to see the old environments from FF7 on Crisis Core now revamped in a 3D world.

Certain conversations In Crisis Core with characters allude to the FF7 game too. I am enjoying the story as it unfolds. I would like to play FF7 after I'm finished with this game. Unfortunately there is no overworld to freely explore the planet.

When you select missions though, they are like sidequests and those take you to many places in the world. I highly recommend this game for those who played FF7 and were sucked into the story.

Not really an RPG
If you are a FF7 fan, you probably have the game already, if not then get it. If you like RPG games in general and wondering about whether to get it or not then read on.

RPG is my favorite genre (along with turn based strategy games) and I picked this game up thinking that it would be good. However, as some other reviewers mentioned the combat is not enjoyable from an RPG fan perspective.

It quickly turns into button mashing. I played it for more than 10 hours and barely used any spells (except healing) and had no problems in getting through the battles by just hitting the sword button over and over again.

They could have at least added combos to make the combat more interesting but alas. You just need to evade now and then with another push of a button and that's it. I think RPG lovers who enjoy strategizing in battles will find the combat extremely dissatisfying.

Second, there is very little character customization. You can only choose your equipment and spells. There are no skill trees, character classes etc. That's another blow if you are looking for an RPG game.

In sum this is an action/rgp game, and unfortunately the action elements are not very satisfying. Get it if you like action rpgs (Kingdom of Paradise is another game to consider), look elsewhere if you want a more traditional rpg.

This is a slot machine sim seen through a JRPG filter.
The RPG elements have been destroyed by a completely misguided slot machine based system. For example: leveling up your character and materia isn't due to getting enough experience - it happens automatically when you get the right numbers on a slot machine that runs constantly while you fight.

Many of the main characters are intensely unlikeable as well - an overly cocky, hyperactive teenager and a pretentious bore who is constantly spewing lines from an imaginary play. As the final nails in the coffin the gameplay is extremely boring, and the story takes forever to get going. Avoid like the plague unless you are a diehard FFVII fan with a masochistic streak.

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Nintendogs Labrador Retriever & Friends


Nintendogs Labrador Retriever & Friends
From Nintendo

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Product Description

In Nintendogs 3: Labrador & Friends you'll get to train and care for a a puppy, without having to clean up all those soiled newspapers. As you teach your puppy to obey, it'll start competing in dog shows. See if your dog can earn money you can use to buy new breeds!

Product Details

* Amazon Sales Rank: #232 in Video Games
* Brand: Nintendo
* Model: 45496736453
* Released on: 2005-08-23
* ESRB Rating: Everyone
* Platform: Nintendo DS
* Subtitled in: German, English, French, Italian, Spanish
* Dimensions: 7.50" h x 1.00" w x 5.40" l, 1.10 pounds

Features

* Choose from a wide range of pets - Labrador Retriever, Miniature Schnauzer, Toy Poodle, Pembroke Welsh corgi, Miniature Pinscher and Shiba Inu
* Socialize your pups by walking them around town, where they'll meet neighborhood dogs -- and maybe even find new toys
* Walk it, buy the right supplies and work with your puppy to increase its stamina
* As a puppy competes in obedience and agility trials, owners can win money to purchase other puppy breeds

Customer Reviews

xmas gift
My 9 yr old son loves this game. My son panics if he has miss placed his DS because he has to take care of his dog. Great game for children who have and don't have a dog but love animals.

My 6 year old daughter loves this
I was worried when we first put this in the new DS, as it had some directions and reading that required my help (I really want her to be able to do these on her own, and a different game she has involves way too much dialogue). However, my daughter is now fully hooked, and a loves this game.

The 'directions' are not hard for her to figure out. She has two puppies now, and knows how do do things I hadn't figured out. The best part: we also have a new puppy at home, and she is carrying over some of her training skills and care skills to real life :) She even wanted to help pick up poop!

Great item!
My son got this game for Christmas and he has really enjoyed it. He is only 6 years old but does not have any trouble playing it...good item!

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Sunday, January 25, 2009

Banjo-Kazooie: Nuts & Bolts


Banjo-Kazooie: Nuts & Bolts
From Microsoft

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Product Details

* Amazon Sales Rank: #450 in Video Games
* Brand: Microsoft
* Model: 882224729765
* Released on: 2008-11-11
* ESRB Rating: Everyone 10+
* Platform: Xbox 360

Features

* Banjo and Kazooie return for this third installment in the franchise, exclusively for Xbox 360
* The famous bear and bird return in high definition, with plenty of user-generated content and fun gameplay options
* Lord of Games (LOG) has built a multitude of worlds with lots of challenges and villains, including the evil witch Grunty
* Vehicle creations are nearly endless with hundreds of parts, gadgets, and customization options
* Offers complete single-player and multiplayer experiences

Editorial Reviews

Amazon.com Product Description
Rare Ltd. revives the Banjo-Kazooie franchise with this third installment, created exclusively for the Xbox 360. Banjo-Kazooie: Nuts & Bolts brings the famous bear and bird duo back in high definition, with plenty of user-generated content and fun gameplay options.

In Nuts & Bolts, a showdown has been set. The Lord of the Games (LOG) has arranged a duel between Banjo and the evil witch Gruntilda, aka Grunty, to decide the rightful owner of Spiral Mountain.

LOG, being the creator of all video games, has built a multitude of worlds to host the challenges. Banjo must complete all the worlds to win, while Grunty tirelessly tries to stop his efforts using every method she can muster.

Build it at Mumbo's Motors
The game is loaded with vehicle options to help Banjo pilot over land, water, and air. Parts for vehicles are widely diverse, ranging from your standard engines and wheels to egg guns, floaters, and other gadgets. The Mumbo's Motors workshop makes it easy to create new vehicles.

You'll collect different parts by solving puzzles and exploring worlds. Vehicle parts include a wide variety of body panels, engines, wheels, wings, propellers, fuel, and weapons, plus lots of bizarre items like Mumbo Bombos, floaters,

and the versatile sticky ball that allows you to create almost anything from a simple object. Once you've finished your ride, customize your creation with a paint job and a suitable name before Banjo takes the wheel and pilots it into action.

Customize, Customize, Customize--or Just Get Down to Business
LOG's worlds are littered with hidden secrets, reward puzzles, and over 100 contraption parts that deliver an almost limitless combination of vehicle possibilities. As you work through the worlds, you'll discover more and more ways to customize and improve your contraptions, creating a surprising level of user-generated content.

But even if you don't fancy yourself the greatest inventor or a highly creative craftsman, you can still have countless hours of fun with Banjo-Kazooie's pre-built vehicles. With these at your fingertips you're ready to jump in and get started, and there are plenty more contraptions available for purchase throughout the adventure using in-game currency and musical notes.

Characters, Old and New
Banjo and his best friend, Kazooie, are ready to battle for their homeland and prevent Grunty from developing it into tower blocks and malls. Other familiar faces return as well, such as Bottles,

Captain Blubber, and the Jinjos, along with a vibrant cast and crew of new friends and foes. Keep your eyes peeled for Grunty's minions--look out for Trophy Thomas, Piddles, and Grunty's menacing Gruntbots: they'll do anything to prevent Banjo's success.

Nuts & Bolts offers an engaging storyline, entertaining characters, and fun gameplay options. This game offers complete single-player and multiplayer experiences--tackle LOG's worlds on your own,

or play with your friends in competitive and cooperative challenges. Banjo-Kazooie: Nuts & Bolts for Xbox 360 is a enjoyable, challenging game that appeals to people of all ages and types.

From the Manufacturer

Build an Adventure of Mechanical Mayhem. Banjo and Kazooie are facing their greatest adventure yet, battling long-time nemesis Gruntilda for rightful ownership of Spiral Mountain.

Use your wits and imagination to invent wild and wonderful contraptions so Banjo and Kazooie can crush this wicked witch. Rule the road, sky and water in the land of Banjo-Kazooie: Nuts & Bolts!

Overview:

Famed game developer Rare Ltd. is reviving one of its most beloved and successful franchises exclusively on Xbox 360® with the third installment of the Banjo-Kazooie series. Banjo-Kazooie®: Nuts & Bolts embraces new and old fans alike, as the famous bear and bird duo return in stunning high definition for a unique adventure of epic proportions.

The Lord of the Games (aka LOG) is tired of the petty squabbling between Banjo and the evil witch Gruntilda (aka Grunty) over the years, and has arranged a showdown to decide the rightful owner of Spiral Mountain.

Claiming to have created every video game ever made, LOG has built the game worlds in which the contest’s challenges take place. Banjo must complete LOG’s challenges to win, while Grunty tries to stop him using every method her devious mind can muster.

Throughout your adventure, create your own abilities by building vehicles for Banjo to pilot over land, water, and air. Vehicle parts, which range from simple devices such as engines and wheels to more unusual equipment such as springs and egg guns, are earned and collected throughout the game.

Use your imagination to combine parts in any order to create whatever vehicle you choose. LOG's challenges have one goal, but your choice of vehicle and tactics will determine how you get there. By exploring worlds and solving puzzles, you will be rewarded with more advanced and diverse vehicle parts in your quest to defeat Grunty once and for all.

With the power of Xbox 360® and Xbox LIVE®, Banjo-Kazooie: Nuts & Bolts brings an entirely new experience to the console and takes the franchise to a whole new level of enjoyment. High-definition graphics, user-created content, and online gameplay are just three of the many advances people of all ages and skill levels will discover as they embark on their adventure.

Features:

Adventure and imagination: If you can imagine it, you can build it in the Mumbo's Motors easy-to-use workshop. Then put your creation to the test as you take on Grunty in your quest for Spiral Mountain.

Unlike other games, where you progressively pick up new skills or abilities at points pre-determined by the game’s creator, Banjo-Kazooie: Nuts & Bolts puts the power of improving Banjo's abilities into your hands as you build vehicles that allow Banjo to progress through the game.

Vehicle parts include a wide variety of body panels, engines, wheels, wings, propellers, fuel, and weapons, plus many more weird and wonderful gadgets such as floaters, Mumbo Bombos, and the versatile sticky ball,

from which you can design and create anything from a simple object-carrying truck to a space-age flying saucer. Once you've designed your creation, give it the finishing touch by painting it and choosing a suitable name before Banjo jumps in and pilots it into action.

Customizable experience: With more than 100 contraption parts and unlimited combinations possible, no two players will have the same experience in Banjo-Kazooie: Nuts & Bolts.

By exploring the vast game worlds, discovering hidden secrets, and solving puzzles to win rewards, you will continually find more and more ways to customize and improve your contraptions, creating an unprecedented level of user-generated content for a 3-D platform adventure game.

Fun right out of the box: Don't worry if you aren’t the world’s greatest inventor or want to skip the workshop and get straight to the action, because Banjo-Kazooie: Nuts & Bolts comes with a fully loaded experience right out of the box.

Pre-built vehicles are included so you can jump right in and get started, with many more contraptions available for purchase throughout the adventure using the in-game currency system of musical notes.

Engaging storyline and entertaining characters: Two of Rare's most beloved characters return from retirement, making their debut on Xbox 360. To win the deed to their homeland and prevent the evil witch Gruntilda from developing it into tower blocks and malls, Banjo and his best friend Kazooie battle over land, sea, and air against their longtime rival.

Familiar faces such as Mumbo Jumbo, Bottles, Captain Blubber, and the Jinjos are also back to lend a hand, along with an equally colorful cast of new friends and foes. Look out for Trophy Thomas, Piddles, Lord of the Games, and Grunty's mechanically menacing army of Gruntbots.

Enjoy alone or with friends: Banjo-Kazooie: Nuts and Bolts offers complete single-player and multiplayer experiences. Play through the adventure alone in the single-player campaign, or play with friends in competitive challenges on your own or in teams.

Fun for everyone: Xbox 360 is the home to the best entertainment experiences for everyone. With Banjo-Kazooie: Nuts & Bolts, Xbox 360 continues to build its impressive lineup of content that appeals to people of all ages and types.

Customer Reviews

Suprisingly Great Game
As a kid growing up in the 90's the original Banjo Kazooie games were a big mainstay in my collection, I was surprised and confused when I heard about nut's and bolts coming out, and my expectations were not high.

I decided I would buy the game anyways after I saw it for 26 one day on Amazon. When I first started playing I was pretty disappointed but after maybe an hour or two I could not put down the controller.

The vehicle creation is what really makes this game, its really fun to play these missions in a vehicle you specifically created for them. The graphics are really pretty good, and the game has that classic Banjo feel with out the tired old platforming. There is a reason they don't make platformers anymore, they don't work on the next gen consoles.

People feel like they aren't getting everything they can out of their system when they play them, and while some games can do it really well still, ie, super mario galaxy, it just wouldn't have been enough for Banjo. If your an old Banjo fan or new to the series I would definitely recommend picking up this game.

Think Outside the Box
This is without a doubt, one of the most unique games I have ever played. Previous Banjo-Kazooie games stuck with the old Super Mario 64 play style. But here, with Nuts & Bolts, Rare has take that style of game and added a twist. That twist is vehicle creation.

The vehicle creator tools are quite intuitive. And after a little while, you'll find it's not hard to create a car, plane, helicopter or boat. A lot of it comes down to common sense. For instance, if you want a vehicle to fly, it's going to need wings or propellers, and they need to be balanced on the vehicle.

What's the point of vehicle creation? To complete tasks that are given you to earn music notes, jiggies and T.T. trophies. There are a good variety of challenges. And while some may say they get repetitive, I do not mind this because they may be similar to other challenges, but then they put some variation into them.

To complete challenges with good scores, this game really encourages outside of the box thinking. It's not always the most obvious vehicle type that will yield the best results.

The graphics in this game are top notch. Rare never ceases to throw imaginitive artistic values into their games. They are the Pixar of the video game world. Through all the levels, you'll find huge areas to explore with wonderfully detailed design. I just can't say enough about what they have done visually with the game.

The sound in the game is great too. The sound effects are very cartoonish, and add to the feel of the game. The music really shines through giving the feeling of fun to be had by the player.

Overall this is a great game for kids and adults. While it has vehicle creation, younger ones may have a tough time with that. As a result, the ability to buy vehicle blueprints is in the game.

I know this has been very helpful for my 5 year old son, since understanding the basics of making a vehicle isn't easy for him. But over time, I have also noticed him trying to build things as he gets an understanding of the physics and what is needed to make a vehicle do a specific task.

I highly recommend this game to anyone who wants a good time with a game that allows you to shape what you get out of it. It encourages creativity and rewards you in spades for doing so. And at the cheap price it is selling for on Amazon, I would think this is a no brainer.

Good Times
Pretty fun game. It's a a little hard to make vehicles that actually work. It was worth it for the cheap price though.

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Ratchet & Clank Future


Ratchet & Clank Future: Tools of Destruction
From Sony Computer Entertainment

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

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Product Description

The funky little Lombax mechanic and his trusty robot sidekick Clank return in an all-new adventure exclusively on Sony's PS3. Developer Insomniac promises that Ratchet & Clank: Tools of Destruction will return the series to its roots -- namely playing up the crazy platforming and weapons and the duo's inimitable charm -- while also greatly evolving the series' look and scope.

SIXAXIS support has been confirmed.
Ratchet & Clank Future: Tools of Destruction brings back our heroes in a brand new series for the PS3.

This time Ratchet & Clank must embark on an galactic adventure to unravel the mystery of Ratchet's origin. This epic adventure will introduce new characters, new weapons, and all-new worlds for Ratchet & Clank to explore.

Product Details

* Amazon Sales Rank: #367 in Video Games
* Brand: Sony
* Model: 98127
* Released on: 2007-10-23
* ESRB Rating: Everyone 10+
* Platform: PLAYSTATION 3
* Original language: English
* Dimensions: 3.00 pounds

Features

* Embark on a galactic adventure with gadget-building hero, Ratchet, and his brainy robotic sidekick, Clank
* Try to find an ancient device that is the key to preventing the return of an ancient, evil race of interdimensional aliens
* For some unknown reason the evil Cragmites hate Lombaxes of which Ratchet is the sole living survivor
* Ratchet and Clank must not only save the galaxy from annihilation, but also unravel the mystery of Ratchet's origin
* New characters, new weapons, and all-new worlds to explore

Editorial Reviews

Amazon.com
Ratchet & Clank Future: Tools of Destruction™ brings back our heroes in a brand new series for the PLAYSTATION 3 system. This time Ratchet & Clank must embark on an galactic adventure to find an ancient device that is the key to preventing the return of an ancient, evil race of interdimensional aliens called the Cragmites.

To make matters worse, for some unknown reason Cragmites hate Lombaxes of which Ratchet is the sole living survivor. Once again, Ratchet & Clank must not only save the galaxy from annihilation, but unravel the mystery of Ratchet’s origin as well. The latest Ratchet & Clank has new characters, new weapons, and all-new worlds for Ratchet & Clank to explore.

Customer Reviews

Fantastic
This game was fun for everyone in our family from the 3 yr old to the 30 yr old. Great Game

Best single player game ever
This game has posotively great... well, everything. For those who have played Ratchet and Clank, then BUY THIS.

Pros
1.Best graphics I've ever seen on a ps3. It's really detailed and as good or better than Wipeout HD or COD5.
2.Great gameplay that gets you right into the action. Once you've blasted your way through piles if enemies you have to solve a difficult puzzle while your heart is still beating twice its rate.
3.No blood. Some may think this is bad This is because they won't think any game is decent unless people explode with blood and foul language as soon as you hit them.
4. Script is funny for a video game. Some negative reviews say this isn't like watching a pixar movie. WELL DUH IT ISN'T. You can play Killzone or God of War or whatever and never laugh. (unless your cruel and laugh at your character cutting peoples heads off so they become a fountain of blood)

Cons:
1.Single player only. No online, split screen, or co-op. Nothing, just 1 person.
2. Too quick and easy for more hardcore gamers. I finished this game quite quickly and only really died because of falling of a bridge or drowning in goo.

Good game for kids, not so much older gamers.
This is a good game for younger kids, who enjoy watching cartoons and cute little animals talking. But for older more mature core gamers like me, it's a little juvenile. There is no blood, no mature themes, no "adult situations" if you know what I mean.

So if you're over 12, think twice before buying Ratchet & Clank.

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Saturday, January 24, 2009

Pinball Hall of Fame


Pinball Hall of Fame: The Williams Collection
From Crave Entertainment

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

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Product Description

Pending

Product Details

* Amazon Sales Rank: #87 in Video Games
* Brand: Crave Entertainment
* Released on: 2008-02-26
* ESRB Rating: Everyone
* Platform: Nintendo Wii

Features

* Multiplayer for up to four players
* Bonus content: unlockable extra game features can be earned throughout the game

Customer Reviews

Pinball Hall of Fame: The Williams Collection
Very realistic. Great game. Would recommend if you loved playing pinball on the old machines.

Brings back the old days
I played a lot of (and loved) pinball as a kid. I originally bought this game to be able to play the "Black knight" table. I used to drop every quarter I had in that machine (mostly paper route money). It was a huge bonus to find so many other tables that I had forgotten about.

I 100% recommend this game for anyone in a similar situation, and at the current price ([...]... what a deal! Lots of tables, un-lockables that are cool, great sound effects...

The graphics are not great, probably more due to the limitations of the Wii than anything else, but don't let that hold you back. I play a lot of pinball on the Xbox 360 where the graphics are incredible,

but I would still say this game (with real tables) is much more fun. Outstanding game play! Surprisingly the Wii remote and nun-chuck combination work well, the table shaking by flicking is excellent..

Pinball Hall of Fame: The Williams Collection Review
I also grew up playing pinball. Each table is so realistic it's like your playing as a kid again.

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Cooking Mama: Cook Off


Cooking Mama: Cook Off
From Majesco Sales Inc.

Price: $18.99 & eligible for FREE Super Saver Shipping on orders over $25.

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60 new or used available from $9.95
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Product Description

Cooking Mama: Cook Off is a unique 2 player family game designed specifically for the Wii. Mama is whipping up some kitchen competition by pitting chef against chef! Help Mama cook international dishes from 10 different nations and watch as the realistic foods actually change in appearance based on your actions!

Practice mode lets you fine tune your cooking skills without being judged Keep up with recipes as they progress - from simple to complex, from small to large dishes you'll unlock

Product Details

* Amazon Sales Rank: #88 in Video Games
* Brand: Majesco
* Released on: 2007-03-20
* ESRB Rating: Everyone
* Platform: Nintendo Wii
* Dimensions: 2.00 pounds

Features

* The Wii Remote is your ultimate cooking utensil, putting you in total control of the cooking action as you chop, grate, slice, stir, roll and much more
* Create 55 real world dishes from 10 different nations, in a series of Cook Off challenges
* Adjust your timing and make decisions on the fly, to ensure each dish comes out right
* Win seasonings, small utensils & other items that bring your kitchen to life
* Earn bronze, silver, and gold medals from Mama based on the quality of your cooking

Editorial Reviews

Amazon.com

After her initial DS debut, Mama is whipping up some kitchen competition by pitting chef against chef in Cooking Mama Cook Off – a unique 2 player family game designed specifically for the Wii home video console.

Step-by-step, recipe-by-recipe, help Mama cook international dishes from 10 different nations and watch as the realistic foods actually change in appearance based on your actions!

FEATURES

* The Wii Remote is your ultimate cooking utensil, putting you in total control of the cooking action as you chop, grate, slice, stir, roll and much more! Hold and point it in many different ways depending on the task (i.e. upright to mash potatoes, lengthwise to fry in a pan, etc.) to get the real sensation of cooking in a kitchen!

* All-new Cooking Challenge Mode lets you and a friend go head-to-head in the ultimate multiplayer cook off to determine who can cook the fastest with the fewest mistakes.

* Create 55 real world dishes from 10 different nations: Japan, America, France, India, Mexico, England, China, Spain, Germany and Italy. You can even make desserts like cream puffs and pudding too! From hot dogs to pan fried crab to bouillabaisse, Cook Off challenges you to make it all!

* Realistic graphics with real-time effects make you feel like you’re actually cooking. Adjust your timing and make decisions about your next course of action based on what you see on screen (i.e. if food is starting to look burned, quickly remove it from the burner, etc.).

* Keep your kitchen fancy and fresh by earning items that bring your kitchen to life (i.e. seasonings, small utensils, etc.).

* Earn bronze, silver, and gold medals from Mama based on the quality of your cooking.
* Practice mode allows you to fine tune your cooking skills without being judged. Recipes progress from simple to complex, from small to large dishes, so do your best to meet Mama’s expectations as you unlock new dishes.

Customer Reviews

Better Than Mama!
I bought this game for my wife and 5 year old son. They love to cook together and this is a gerat way for them to have fun and still share a similar experience.

I would have to say that my favorite part of the game is Mama's broken english. I get a big kick every time she says "Better Than Mama!". I love the graphics. They are cartoony, but perfect for the game.

The game makes great use of the Wii's controls. Whether you are buttering a pan or gutting a fish or even just throwing your ingredients into a pot, you will have fun.

I just wish they would have included some Filipino food! I want my digital Adobo!

Pan fried lobster, pierogie, cream puffs and sushi
I picked up two new games for my Wii recently, Resident Evil: The Umbrella Chronicles and Cooking Mama: Cook Off. "Resident Evil" was fun, but it quickly got tossed aside for multiple hours of slicing up squid and rolling pasta with Mama.

This kind of game is what makes the Wii so much fun. Originally a DS game, "Cooking Mama: Cook Off" (original title: "Cooking Mama: Minna to Issho ni OryƓri Taikai" or "Cooking Mama: Everyone Together for a Cooking Tournament") makes a more creative use of the Wii remote than I have seen in any other game.

From chopping, flipping in a fry pan to rolling sushi and shaping hamburgers, pretty much every type of kitchen action can be replicated. Some of them are fairly easy and soon mastered, like slicing and dicing, some are trickier, like cracking eggs and rolling pasta. There is enough variety and mastering of skills that the game soon becomes addictive. Always time for one new recipe right?

Game play is incredibly simple. There are a variety of recipes, and as you complete each recipe you are given either a bronze, silver or gold medal, or ranked "too bad" and have to do it over again.

Clearing pages from your cookbook unlocks new recipes of varying complexity. You can also go head-to-head with a friend to see who can complete recipes the fastest, or compete against one of the computer's "world friends".

And while the actual gestures don't really replicate what you would do in the kitchen, there are some actual good cooking skills on display here, like how to slice an onion or how to clean and cut a squid.

"Cooking Mama: Cook Off" keeps its Japanese charm more than any other adapted game I have played. The voice actress who dubs Mama's voice is clearly Japanese, and not such a great English speaker at that. Many of the phrases, like "Do not mind!" are direct translations from Japanese that don't make a lot of sense in the game, but add to the fun.

On a separate note: Don't bother with the Wii Cooking Kit. "Cooking Mama" has you change tools several times mid-game, and it is highly impractical to connect and disconnect these peripherals in the time necessary, and wouldn't add anything to game. The regular Wii remote works just fine.

7 yr old daughter loves it!
This is a good game for the kids. My daughter really enjoys helping her Mom in the kitchen and this game is the next best thing without any mess to clean up. You can buy utensils for attachments, but you certainly don't need them. The game is fun without them.

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