Sony DVD - Remote control - infrared Review

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(More customer reviews)This remote control converts a Play Station 2 console into a full-featured DVD player.It does this in two ways.First, it improves upon the existing PS2 DVD Player software.For my unit, the version of DVD player jumped from 1.30U to 2.10U.Second, it provides a wireless remote control with every function you could want plus a few.
The package ships with an instruction manual, the DVD Player 2.1 disk, two AAA batteries, a small stub IR receiver.The first disappointment is that the receiver is NOT a passthrough.Fortunately, it is designed to fit the second controller slot.Swapping the stub for a controller is only an issue then for two player games.
The remote control has some other disappointments.The DVD Player 2.1 software, essentially a firmware update, installs on a memory card and consumes a lot of real estate in the process.It only works with memory slot 1 and the entire copy takes 2.2MB, a quarter of the card's capacity.In an era where the most basic computer devices are all 'flashable,' it's a mystery why Sony didn't keep a more careful eye on future revisions.After all, I have flashed my computer motherboard, DVD player, and home network equipment with firmware updates.All of these devices carried some fashion EPROM (electronically programmable memory).And they all sold for less than a Sony Playstation, so it's hard to blame this short sitedness on cost.It's a mystery why Sony didn't forsee a similar eprom need in their console (read poor planning).Instead of flashing an internal chip then, Sony forces us to copy a new copy to a memory card, making the existing ROM so much silicon gathering dust.The DVD Player 2.1 software can be manipulated just like any other saved game.You can delete and copy it back at will.The remote will work without it too, although without the software to support it most buttons won't work as advertised.
Luckily, the improvements are significant and probably offset the disappointments enough to make this a good purchase.The new remote control and player software are feature rich adding many needed improvements to the DVD playback on the PS2.The most anticipated difference for me was the multi-speed scan.With the new player, it is now possible to scan through a DVD at 2x 4x and 8x speeds.The next best feature is an actual time clock, showing chapter progress time, remaining time, feature progress time and remaining time.The original player only showed chapter stops.Sonylayed out the DVD remote buttons in a logical and clear fashion.It includes every button you could want in a decent arrangement.Even chapter selection is there.The remote is a hybrid, including all of the shock controller buttons with the exception of only the analog sticks.It's nice - it rivals any other DVD remote.I read one review that said you could control power with this remote.This is not true.There is no labeled on/off button nor does the manual mention it. Other esoteric features are repeat (is this for a video store?) and shuffle (?), which are questionable even for concert DVDs.Maybe someone out there can find purpose to them.
I've never had any trouble with DVD playback having successfully watched dozens of titles on the PS2 now.Other people have complained about incompatible DVDs in the past.The new player software may address these issues.Sony claims this unit is compatible with any disk stamped with the DVD logo.I'm guessing it's a region 1 player and not region free, although I can't verify this for sure.I'm sure a hack is on its way if not already available.
Overall, it's a good purchase.The $20 ranks it among the cheapest accessories.It does it's job very well and transforms the console into a decent DVD player.But the real complaint, the one that ranks it at four stars, is that Sony didn't get it right the first time.Perhaps they underestimated the demand for DVD playback.I'm convinced it won't be long before some electronics genius burns the player to a ROM and sells it as a 'mod chip.'Until then, Sony is the only act in town that can provide these improvements.Actually, there's probably a way to distribute the new player via a Game Shark.Legality is at stake of course.
Bottom line: if a remote is a must have, this is the only one to consider.

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Product Description:
Play your favorite movies without any wires or other hassles! Modeled to match the sleek design of the PlayStation 2 computer entertainment system, the DVD Remote has all the features of a standard controller plus enhanced DVD capabilities.Discover even more DVD features with an updated version of the PlayStation 2 DVD driver for use with the DVD Remote Control - Slow Motion, Chapter Program, A=B Repeat, Shuffle, Repeat, and Three-Speed Scan are all accessible at the push of a button, as are all of the basic PlayStation 2 DVD functions such as Audio Track selection, Subtitle display, and Multi-Angle options.Two new buttons, the "Open/Close" button (opens and closes the disk tray from the remote) and the "Reset" button (duplicates the function of the Reset button located on the front of the PlayStation 2 console).Label text for the "Title" and "DVD Menu" buttons on the old remote has been changed to "Top Menu" and "Menu" respectively on the new remote. Functionality of these buttons remains unchanged.The new DVD remote will not be compatible with PlayStation 2 consoles having model numbers beginning with SCPH-30xxx, SCPH-35xxx, or SCPH-39xxx unless you already have an IR receiver (SCPH-10160). For PlayStation 2 console model numbers SCPH-30001 and SCPH-35001, you will need a copy of the DVD remote control software disc and a Memory Card (8MB) (for PlayStation 2).

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Tekken 5 Review

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(More customer reviews)Tekken 5 is the latest in the Tekken fighting game series. The graphics, gameplay and customizable outfits make it a game well worth buying!

We really enjoy fighting games and have played most that have been released. It can be easy to start comparing them to each other and to look for the best of all possible worlds in each game. Tekken 5 really does a great job compared to most of what is on the market today!

First, of course, the fighting. There are 20 characters to start with - plus a number of unlockable. The game does a GREAT job of offering you male and female, young and old, a variety of races. And unlike some other modern games, the females are actually clothed and earn your respect. You fully get the sense that each character has a background, a style, an attitude.

Every character has his or her own moves and combinations. You can master one character, and move on to learning the next character's talents. The more you learn about each character's style, the better you get in any of the combat situations. There are plenty of moves to keep you entertained for weeks, and each executes flawlessly on the screen.

Which brings us to the graphics. I really have to say that this is one of the best looking games I have seen on the PS2. Normally I give the XBox the edge on graphic quality - but there are some arenas that are just stunning. The dark chapel with orange stained glass stands out in my mind. Yes, the backgrounds are in action, the clouds move, birds fly by. You find that in just about any game in modern times. But the quality of the scenes are sometimes just amazing. Sure, there are some arenas that are a bit boring and look repetitive - there's one with dirt, dirt piles and dirt tornados which isn't graet. In general, though, someone spent a lot of time on the worlds you play in.

The graphics for the characters is also quite well done. The braids move with your action, the scraves blow, the attack moves are smooth and flowing. When you slam into the ground or a wall, it creates impacts. Sure, being a PS2, there are some limits. The ground-pieces that fly up are sometimes rather jagged looking. Still, it's about as good as I've seen.

The game has a wide range of difficulty settings, and you can choose characters that are easier or more difficult for you to play with.There's a challenge even in the easiest modes though - don't expect to button-mash your way to victory. It really pays to spend a fair amount of time in training mode, to learn the specific talents of each character.

I do have to say that when you are fighting a tough boss, it gets REALLY annoying to have the boss laugh at you - to have to sit through 5 long seconds of a replay of your failure - to then see and hear "YOU LOSE!" and then another few seconds of start-up before you try again. It's fine the first time or two, but there should be a way to skip it after that. We know we lost, already. There isn't a need for the game to grind your face in the dust for 15 seconds.

That being said, even the main boss is beatable once you learn the counter-moves to his attacks. It's a matter of study, and learning your character's unique talents. There is definitely a way to win with every character. Again, button mashing won't do the trick. It takes strategy.

Also, even though you have a 'circular world' to fight in where you can side-step left or right, it's a very close quarters game. You can't back up to set up a strategy, you can only mince a step or two back. There aren't other levels to jump down to or take advantage of. It's sort of like a sumo match, with a narrow circle to mince around in.

The sound is fast-paced fighting music. There are different styles, to go with the different arenas, but all of it is generic and repetitive. I really like some of the other games that have "real" Chinese and Japanese music, say, for temple battles. But I realize of course that some people ignore the music completely, so it all depends on what interests you. I happen to appreciate having a great music track with my game.

There are a nice variety of game options to keep you playing for months. There are of course the story modes where each character goes through stages and meets their friends and foes. There are one and two player random matches. There are all sorts of unlockables, customizations, and even a bunch of mini-games.

Highly recommended in general!

Rating: 4.5/5

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Product Description:
Ten years after the First TEKKEN redifined the console fighting scene, the legendery King of Iron first Tournament returns to dominate the genre all over again.

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