Castlevania: Symphony of the Night Review

Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)Castlevania: Symphony of the Night for Xbox Live Arcade is a port of the PlayStation 1 game.Castlevania:SOTN is arguably the best Castlevania game in the series and one of the best games on the PS1.I had a lot of fun playing this game right when it came out and at a $10 price point, it's kinda hard to beat.This is the first game in the series to play like the Metriod games on the Nintendo systems or use the "Metriodvania" style but, it has integrated RPG elements into the gameplay.If you are a fan of classic 2D games then you will love this game or if you loved this game back on the PS1, it's still worth getting.

Click Here to see more reviews about: Castlevania: Symphony of the Night

Product Description:
Single Player, HD (High Definition). Uncover all the mysteries of Dracula's castle with the full version including achievements, leaderboards, and multiple endings. Have you uncovered the true secret behind Dracula's power? There are no refunds for this item. For more information, see www.xbox.com/live/accounts.

Want to read more honest consumer review about Castlevania: Symphony of the Night now ?

Pac-Man C.E. Review

Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)The easiest way to say this is that I'm not that great at the game, but I absolutely love it. I used to think that Ms. Pac-Man was the height of this formula, but CE just runs away with the title without much of a contest.

Changing mazes, heavily increasing speeds, opportunities for crazy scores if you play well. The game, more than anything else, heavily rewards staying alive... Eat enough dots and the score goes from an initial 10 to 50 over time, which adds up pretty significantly. Perhaps the biggest change to the formula is the addition of a timer. The game simply doesn't allow you to live on indefinitely due to memorizing patterns. Rather it forces you to think about what is the most important thing to pick up at any given moment. This concept makes trying to beat your friends' scores even more exciting because you know they're playing under the exact same constraints you have. While the scoring system allows you to build up a heavy amount of extra lives, dying eats up enough time that you could have probably have eaten all four ghosts with a power pellet (not to mention the scoring for the dots resets to 10 -- if you had that up to 50, that's a major knock on score).

The game also features morphing boards, a two sided system that requires you to eat fruit or an item to rebuild the opposite side and expanded ghost eating abilities (up to 3200 points per ghost if you chain enough together). There's several board and timer choices to choose from, including one that blacks out the entire maze design (a dull light surrounds you and the ghosts, lighting things up).

It's just incredibly addicting, it's incredibly fun and it's dozens of times more fun than the demo would ever let on. Really, the only thing that could make it better would be a multiplayer function.

In my opinion this is one of the top handful of XBLA games and arguably one of the better games released in its year. It's not just a Pac-Man title. It's Toru Iwatani's swan song that makes up for years upon years of strange choices for the franchise. These games don't need to be like Mario 64. They need to be like Pac-Man.

Click Here to see more reviews about: Pac-Man C.E.

Product Description:
Single Player, HD (High Definition). Purchase the full version of Pac-Man Championship Edition. With new and unique gameplay features, including six game modes, a time limit, constantly evolving mazes, and enhanced graphics and sound! Practice hard and play well to experience increased gameplay speed! Experience the evolution of Pac-Man! There are no refunds for this item. For more information, see www.xbox.com/Live/accounts.

Want to read more honest consumer review about Pac-Man C.E. now ?

DOOM Review

Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)I'm not going to bore you with a summary of the game, suffice to say that as the first real premier FPS, this baby sports a very simplified control scheme with no ability to jump or even peer mindlessly at the ceilings or floors or at the fireball-spouting imp standing above you. And if you're still okay with that concept, then do read-on.

I've played just about every incarnation of Doom that's been on a console, from the compacted Genesis 32x version, to the 3DO, the atrocious Atari Jaguar, and the slightly ramped-up Playstation One version. This Xbox 360 downloadable version lands somewhere in the middle for me.

This version feels almost as if someone slapped it together on a whim... and in a day. The multiplayer is the only place where this version shines, LIVE does an awesome job of connecting you to your friends, with lag that is almost entirely non-existant. Everything else however...

As far as graphics go, they stick to their roots verbatim and for a game that's 15 years old, you don't expect anything great since they're blocky sprites and not the 3d models of today's games. They reworked the sound to seem close to being surround, but even then you'll get some weird and unexpected anomalies (especially when monster screams from repeated chaingun bullets run over top of each other and sound like an unintentional octave, out of nowhere). And as far as the controls... well, the controls are just barely workable in my opinion.

You can't configure them at all. You're not even given the option of *slightly* changing the layout--which is understandable with today's games where every button is completely necessary, but even the oldest ports had SOME kind of choice as to which buttons do what since there's only really 9 button and a directional pad needed. The d-pad and the symbol buttons are mapped to the same functions: open doors/flip switches, go back and forth through the weapons in your inventory (which is atrociously slow, and on top of that, has no memory of your presses to makeup for it--pressing left multiple times in a hurry to get from Weapon 5 to Weapon 2 does absolutely nothing but change only one weapon... again, S-L-O-W-L-Y, which becomes a major hassle in the middle of an unexpected close-combat firefight and you've got your rocket launcher up), and with the last button function you can open the map, and the map is probably one of the most noticeably dumbed-down functions of the port.

In the real game (and every one of the more modern console versions), while viewing the top-down, fullscreen "automap", you usually can: zoom-in or out of your current position, or roam around the screen in a free mode, where the center of the map moves without changing your position on it. For whatever reason they decided not include the free roaming view, and that's fine... in smaller maps. Once you get into maps that may take longer than 3 mins to completely traverse, checking for incomplete red map lines to indicate where you haven't been/seen yet becomes a terrible project and your only option is either to zoom all the way out to Google Map proportions, or to wander around blindly with the fullscreen map up, moving your arrow avatar around and trying not to bump into walls, fall into sludge pits, or worse. Go ahead and picture the in-game reality of that if you will: a confused space marine, all alone with a shotgun under his arm, stranded on a giant, darkly-lit army base with rifle-toting zombies, ghouls, and deadly radioactive waste around every corner... with his face buried in his map because he took a wrong turn somewhere, and now he's reduced to wandering around aimlessly... trying not to bump into walls. It's just silly, and arduous. Luckily if and when you do lose your way, you can generally just keep running up and down every hallway, following every wall until you've reached a door, a switch, or an area you haven't gone through yet though, if that's your style of play.

The final slap in the face is the trusty "Screen Size" option. As a PC user, I tend to get excited just by the mention of this. This isn't the "pick your resolution" kind of option of modern games, this is the "brick-by-brick" incremental style, where there's normally your HUD bar taking up residence at the entire bottom of the screen, and a window in the middle of the screen where all the action is and literally, you can make the inside-window smaller or bigger to help the program run smoother, but incrementally. The biggest inside-window setting would do away with the status bar entirely and even reveal extra "action" that was just-out-frame (which was very cool at the time, even revealing more of your weapons than you could normally see). Most console ports just have a set size that they decided was the biggest the window could be to display the most action while still having a decent framerate. On the 360 however, adjusting your screensize literally does just that, magnifies or de-magnifies the entire game screen--HUD, action window, and all--it all grows or shrinks. Why they thought this was useful to anyone, I'm not entirely sure, aside from a few users with flatscreens that overscan, otherwise I don't get it. It can get pretty tiny, and the biggest it gets is to magnify the center of the screen until you almost can't see the space at the bottom where the HUD is, but then this also cuts off the same-size of space at the top of the screen (the size of HUD at the bottom); Also to note that there's no "re-envisioning" for widescreen tv's at all, which although would've been amazing, it's completely understandable (especially compared to everything else this port dropped-the-ball with).

In the end, this is still a fun and classic game, and if you meet any of the below criteria, I still have to vote a big YES to downloading it:
- if you want a fun and modern way to link-up with friends (or strangers) for co-op or deathmatch Doom,
- if you've never played Doom but love classic FPS, or finally
- if you can't find your PC copy and need to get your fix.

Click Here to see more reviews about: DOOM

Product Description:
Single Player, Xbox Live Multiplayer 1-4, 5.1 Surround Sound, HD (High Definition). You're a Marine stationed on Mars when a military experiment goes wrong. Your mission - blast your way to freedom through the classic world of DOOM. Face off against Hell's army including stampeding demons and undead Marines, and lay waste to rooms of monsters with the infamous BFG 9000 and an arsenal of classic weapons. Then, take the deathmatch online via Live and battle your friends for dominance of the leaderboards, or team-up with a friend in co-op. There are no refunds for this item. For more information, see www.xbox.com/live/accounts.

Want to read more honest consumer review about DOOM now ?

Ear Force X3 Headset: Chat + Wireless Game Audio, for Xbox 360 Review

Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)I play combat games for the most part: Call of Duty 4, Halo 3 ... but others, too -- like Rock Band, which as you might guess can also get LOUD.

My wife hates the noise. That means I need headphones for game play. And I've tried/tested pretty much all of them, including the earlier versions of Turtle Beach (wired and wireless, like the X2) as well as many other brands, like the Tritton True 5.1 Digital Audio Headset with AX360 Audio Xtreme 360.

Until the Turtle Beach Ear Force X3 Wireless Headphones (which I got for Christmas), my two favorite were:

* the Turtle Beach EarForce X2 (wireless)
* The Trittons (wired)

Both of the above had pros and cons.

The pros of the X2s was that they were wireless and had decent Xbox Live Chat capabilities. The pros of the Trittons was the fantastic sound quality. There are 4 dials for sound alone! If you don't play games that require Xbox Live, these are fabulous headphone. They use an optical sound cable. Fab sound quality.

Cons of both the X2 and the Trittons: depending on the game, is that it can be hard to clearly hear your teammates during the heat of battle -- even in the lobby if there is default game music playing (in Call of Duty 4, there is no user option to turn this music off).

You also can't hear yourself talk -- both of your ears are covered, naturally, so when you talk, you tend to get LOUD because you can't hear yourself. Your own voice is muffled.

Turtle Beach Ear Force X3 Wireless Headphones for Xbox 360 solved this problem. Now you can "hear" yourself talk. Much like when you are on the phone, you can hear a little bit of your voice through the earpiece part of the phone.

The wireless base station is also MUCH smaller than the X2's base station. Which was huge mainly because it was designed to needlessly hold the headphones when not in use.

Pros of the X3s:
* Set up takes about 3 minutes. Plug and play.
* The earphones are comfy -- even on my big, adult head
* Wireless
* Can "hear" yourself talk through the headphones
* "Bass boost" option mode (a switch near the volume)
* TWO volume dials: one for overall gameplay, another for Xbox Live chat. For example, I love Call of Duty 4, but you are unable to turn off the lobby's default music in between games. With the other headphones, I had trouble hearing folks. The X3s enable you to dial down the music altogether -- so you just hear the chat in the lobby.
* Mute button
* Surround sound is good ... you can tell where the bad guys are coming from

CONS:
Sound quality is good -- but not amazing. But remember that these are wireless. The wired headphones have a bit of an advantage in overall sound quality.

Tip: With the Turtle Beach X3s, unlike ALL of the other headphones, under the "voice" personal options 360 menu, select the default "Play Voice through Headset" and not "both headset and speakers."

You are going to love these headphones.

Click Here to see more reviews about: Ear Force X3 Headset: Chat + Wireless Game Audio, for Xbox 360

Product Description:
With Xbox 360 Wireless Headsets you can pump up the volume without disturbing friends, family or neighbors. Wireless Xbox 360 gaming headsets allow you to freely move around as you play. Hear every nuance of the game - from an opponent sneaking up behind you to your teammate-s voice right next to you. Trash talk online & Block out distractions at the same time. The Turtle Beach Ear Force X3 wireless xbox 360 headsets are everything you need for an amazing gaming experience.

Want to read more honest consumer review about Ear Force X3 Headset: Chat + Wireless Game Audio, for Xbox 360 now ?

Portal: Still Alive Review

Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)Portal has won many awards since its launch in 2007, and when you play it, you'll agree that it deserves them.It's ingenious and compelling, a masterpiece easily at home in an all-time greatest games hall of fame list.

Despite many recommendations from friends, I initially avoided getting this game for two reasons.Don't make this mistake!It's a fantastic game, and neither of my concerns proved to be important.

First, I thought Portal was a first-person shooter (FPS), and I don't like FPSs or games requiring lightning fast reflexes, so I almost skipped it.Portal was originally released as part of "The Orange Box".The Orange Box was a disc-based game for Windows, Xbox 360, and PS3 which bundled 5 games in 1.The other 4 games in the bundle were well-known FPSs which had been released previously (Half Life 2, 2 add-ons for Half Life 2, and Team Fortress 2).In that company, one might assume that the 5th game in the bundle, Portal, was also an FPS.In fact, Portal is not an FPS at all, but a first-person 3D puzzle game, and one of the most original and ingenious puzzle games in years.Each level introduces you to new game elements and increasingly difficult puzzles, with many wonderful "aha!" moments.Fast reflexes aren't required, but brains definitely are.Others might assume that, as the "fifth wheel" in The Orange Box bundle, Portal would be a give-away title not worth trying to sell or advertise.Nothing could be further from the truth.Despite the obvious success of Half Life 2, many game players and critics alike would argue that Portal is the strongest game in The Orange Box bundle.

Once I knew I wanted to try Portal, I again delayed my purchase because I wasn't sure which version to get.Should I get "The Orange Box", which costs more, comes on disc, and contains 4 FPSs that I probably won't play?Or should I get "Portal: Still Alive", which costs less, is downloadable, and comes with a few extra puzzles but no bundled games?The answer is:it doesn't matter, either choice is great, and it's up to personal preference.If you also like FPSs, The Orange Box is definitely a great value.I personally prefer not having to keep a disc in the drive, and will gladly take even a small amount of extra puzzling content over an FPS, so this downloadable version was best for me.See my comment on this article for a detailed list of differences between the two versions.Regardless, don't let indecision about the platform/version hold you back, like it did me.You can't go wrong with either one!

Now, I want to briefly describe the game and what makes it great.The premise and basis of all the puzzles is that there is a new technology that allows you to open "portals" between virtually any two flat surfaces.Imagine opening a magic door that connected the wall in front of you with the wall behind you -- you could look through this door and see your own backside.Now what if you opened a magic portal connection between the floor and ceiling -- and stepped through.Now what if you open a portal connection between walls at different angles and jump through -- your momentum will carry through but gravity will shift your ballistic trajectory.The possibilities are endless and mind-boggling.Fortunately, the game eases you into the concept, along with other game elements, and by the end you're an expert, ready for the major challenges ahead.(Once you solved the game, try looking at online videos of pros playing the game; you'll be blown away by what experts can do with portals.)

But the other great thing, which isn't common for puzzle games, is the understated but excellent plot and backstory.Throughout the levels, you get a few hints that something bigger is going on here, and that maybe beating the levels shouldn't be your first priority.I'll avoid spoiling it and leave it at that.But I can't help but mention the superb cherry on top, which is a very gratifying end credits scene with a catchy original song, which you'll probably want to view/listen to over and over again.You can find this song and its lyrics online (and in games like Rock Band 2), but they won't make sense or carry any emotional weight until you've solved Portal.I'm also told the plot ties in with the larger Half Life universe, but as I don't like first-person shooters, I didn't catch those references.

I can't recommend this game highly enough.If you haven't played it yet, run, don't walk, to enjoy this treasure.

Click Here to see more reviews about: Portal: Still Alive

Product Description:
5.1 Surround Sound, HD (High Definition). Winner of over 30 'Game of the Year' awards, 'Portal' now comes to the Xbox LIVE Arcade! As unwilling test subjects in a sinister laboratory, players must break the laws of physics using 'portal' technology to solve puzzles and survive. Unlock the full game to experience the complete singleplayer story, gain access to all 14 new bonus maps, and get a glimpse behind the scenes with developer commentary! This game requires the Xbox 360 hard drive. There are no refunds for this item. For more information, see www.xbox.com/live/accounts.

Want to read more honest consumer review about Portal: Still Alive now ?

Trials HD Review

Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)This game starts out pretty innocent.Totally awesome graphics, effects, controls, and just plain fun.Pretty soon though, it gets very hard. About midway through the Medium levels, you realize how hard this game is, and once you get midway through hard you may just throw your controller. WAIT - don't!While this game is hard, it is very easy to practice over and over. By pressing the B button, you are instantly put back on two wheels at the last check point. (Or press Select to start the level over).You could knock down over 50 attempts in about a minute or two until you get it right, and then the next checkpoint is just over that bump. Still wanna throw your controller? WAIT - don't!This game turns out to be all about the rear wheel.If you can master when to apply your rear wheel to the ground, you will have a much easier time getting through the levels... still hard, but easier.You can't accelerate if your rear wheel is off the ground, so the longer your rear wheel is on the ground the faster you'll go!

After you pass some of the harder levels, press Y to see the leaderboards, and then check out the replays from the #1 slots. Keep a close eye on the rear wheel action, I've learned a lot by watching what others do.

Another tip: Leaning one way then the other can result in some serious instabillity (true to physics) so be careful not to overcompensate!

1-19-2010 EDIT:I'm still totally addicted to this game, so here is another tip. Learn to "bunny hop" for those Hard and Extreme levels. If you accelerate while leaning back, then quickly lean forward, you can hop up on things easier.I find the Hard levels totally manageable now (still no Gold medals), and I've beat all the Extreme tracks... once I figured out the bunny hop.

DLC (BIG Track Pack) also available now, and totally worth the measly $5.

Click Here to see more reviews about: Trials HD

Product Description:
Trials HD is a frantic, single player motorcycle racing game for download and play on Xbox LIVE Arcade. Chock full of features such comic, yet explosive action blended with platforming and puzzle-solving influences, a constant link to the times posted by players on your friends list, and a deep level editor, it is an affordable and addictive option for any and all Xbox LIVE account holders. Originally available only as a download through Xbox LIVE Arcade using Microsoft Points, Trials HD can now be yours via online game code, which can instantly be redeemed by anyone. Players will still need both an Xbox 360 console connected to broadband Internet and an Xbox LIVE Silver or Gold account for game download and play.

Modes
Trials HD is a full-featured, physics-based motorcycle racing game with over 50 mind-boggling tracks in two unique game modes. Race Mode emphasizes balance, skill, and control as you tackle indoor obstacle tracks. Skill Mode features extreme stunt tracks in which explosions, crashes, and injuries cannot be avoided. A level editor enables players to create, share and download an unlimited number of free tracks. The game features stunning full HD graphics, rider customization, unlockable bikes, global rankings, all new in-game friend scores, and many other fun features.

Explosive racing action with a puzzle-solving feel.
Viewlarger. Gameplay
Trials HD is an arcade style racer, with platforming and puzzle-solvingaspects, designed for play on Xbox LIVE Arcade. The goal of the mainportion of the game - Race Mode - is to finish the levelswith the best time possible. 35 levels, offering 2D movement and near3D rendering of environments and rider are pre-loaded with the gamedownload, with the additional ability to create levels using the includedlevel editor tool. These can be shared by the level creator with playerson their Xbox LIVE friends list. A single player affair, the arcadeaspect of Trials HD relates to the repeated over-the-top actionand comic nature of the explosive damage your rider endures whileattempting to complete levels, yet players are never really alone.A built-in link to your Xbox LIVE friends list constantly comparesyour progress and speed against the best times of your friends. Duringa ride players can move their bike left, right, up and down throughlevels, with the game's real-world physics allowing for an extremelevel of sensitivity as you use a standard controller scheme utilizingthe left stick for movement and triggers for acceleration and braking,with puzzle-solving precision to clear each level faced. Successfulcompletion of levels, graded at six degrees of difficulty and featuringmultiple check points for saved games, earns players medals rangingfrom bronze to platinum, as well as motorcycle upgrades and a shotat a variety of leaderboards featuring scores and video replay ofruns. Trials HD also features a second play option, Skill Mode,which allows players to take on a series of 12 challenges. This gauntletof skills games test players' abilities in more focused scenarios,that in turn can be put to use in Race Mode, and offer additionalachievements and leaderboard recognition.

Key Game Features

Tons of Tracks - The initial game download includes over 50 versatile tracks will test your racing and stunt riding skills.
Levels and Mini-games - Post your best time as you roar through 35 race levels, graded at levels of six difficulty, in Race Mode and 12 specific skill games available in Skill Mode.
Level Sharing - The level editor allows you to create your own levels and share them with other racers on your Xbox LIVE friends list.
Customization - With success, unlock new bikes as you ride, and make your rider your own.
Xbox LIVE Leaderboards - Trials HD features a new type of in-game friend scores and global rankings.

Additional Screenshots:

Addictive arcade action.
Viewlarger.

Want to read more honest consumer review about Trials HD now ?

Xbox 360 Live Vision Camera Review

Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)This camera is available in two packages - this is the basic package and comes with the Xbox 360 Live Vision Camera, a headset that you probably already have, and a code redeemable on the Xbox Live Marketplace for the game UNO (which supports the camera in online play) and also 1 month of Xbox Live Gold service.

Note that the official press releases mentioned the game Totemball being included. It is NOT included, but you can now download it for free from the Xbox Live Marketplace.

The camera itself is very nice. It's very small and has a focus ring on the front. The quality of video and still pictures is great. It's easy to install, you just plug it into your Xbox in the front or back USB port and you're good to go. You can also use it as a regular webcam with your PC. It currently does not work with Macs but Mac support is promised soon from Microsoft as their press release claims Mac support.

Overall it's a nice little piece of equipment. It just depends on whether you want a webcam or not! Video chat is a nice feature if you have friends or family with an Xbox 360. Also, future games will support mapping your face onto your on-screen character which will be fun. Games like Totemball will be played by actually moving your arms and body around in front of the camera. So it does open up a lot of opportunities for new experiences with your Xbox.

Parents worried about kids: when playing camera-enabled games you will see other people's video whether you have the camera or not, so buying this camera doesn't make any difference to what they will see. You can disable looking at other people's video for all the games.

Click Here to see more reviews about: Xbox 360 Live Vision Camera

Product Description:
Xbox 360 Live Vision

Want to read more honest consumer review about Xbox 360 Live Vision Camera now ?

Grand Theft Auto IV: The Lost and Damned Review

Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)This isn't so much a review of The Lost & the Damned (which is great BTW), as it is a warning about spending the $22.95 they're asking for this card as of today.The game is only 1600 regular microsoft points ($19.99 just about everywhere), you don't need a special code or anything so save the few bucks and just get regular MS points, or use a credit card on the xboxlive site to download the extra episodes.

Click Here to see more reviews about: Grand Theft Auto IV: The Lost and Damned

Product Description:
Expand your command over the rough and tumble Grand Theft Auto underworld with GTA IV: The Lost and Damned for Xbox 360. You'll need an Xbox LIVE connection and a GTA IV game disk to use this add-on content, but once you're connected, you'll have a whole new perspective on Liberty City.


Johnny Klebitz of The Lost is no newcomer to the biker gangs of Liberty City. View larger.


Take a Joy Ride with Johnny Klebitz
Unlike Niko Bellic of GTA IV, and most of the other central GTA characters you may be familiar with, Johnny Klebitz is no newcomer to the tumultuous underworld of Liberty City, he's a local that lets you see the streets through fresh eyes. VP of "The Lost" motorcycle club and brother of Billy, the club's hot-headed president, Johnny built up profitable truces with other local gangs while his brother was in rehab, but now that Johnnie's out, chaos is back at the forefront of life for this crew.
If this sounds too tame for you, don't worry -- you'll find yourself leveling brutal attacks on cops and rivals, taking your fill of booze and women, and watching out for drug deals gone wrong in classic GTA style. Find a way to stick together, don't hesitate to kill if you have to, and hold on for the ride as this storyline intersects with the main story from GTA IV, exposing tons of the gut-wrenching twists you've come to expect from series creator Rockstar North.
Experience the Thrill of a Sleek, Graphic Production
Series fans have come to expect more from Grand Theft Auto titles--from more action to better production and truly diverse soundtracks--and they won't be disappointed with this edition. In addition to powerful graphics, cool lighting, and music not found in the rest of GTA IV, this expansion pack boasts new multiplayer modes for exploiting Liberty City with your friends, hot new vehicles, and newly minted weapons.
This add-on is only available as a download from Xbox LIVE, so you'll receive an activation code instead of a disk in the package, along with a two-sided GTA poster.



Level brutal attacks. View larger.

Cruise Liberty City. View larger.

Show your rivals who's boss. View larger.

Want to read more honest consumer review about Grand Theft Auto IV: The Lost and Damned now ?

Tom Clancy's Rainbow Six 3 Review

Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)The original PC version of Rainbow Six 3 was "muy excelente". It featured much freedom throughout the game: it allowed you to plan out your course of action throughout the missions, your operatives, their weapons, and even down to their uniforms. You had the freedom to utilize up to four squads together comprising 8 or less operatives. Rainbow Six 3: Raven Shield was clearly the king of all Rainbow Six games. Sadly, these freedoms have not been implemented in Rainbow Six 3 for the Xbox.
It is alarming how the Xbox version could be so different from the PC version. UbiSoft calls it "redefined console oriented gameplay, with a new interface, new circumstantial actions, and clearer icons, to lead Rainbow to success", but it is really more like a stripped down version of the PC version. When the original Rainbow Six came out in 1998, the whole idea, the selling-point of the game was the planning-out of the mission and the one-shot, one-kill process. No longer are these true in the Xbox version. Now, you can only control Ding Chavez, and lead your squad of 4 operatives including Eddie Price, Dieter Weber, Louis Loiselle, and yourself. What about the planning and the one-shot, one-kill policy? Those were thrown out too. Now it is more of a run-and-gun game more along the lines of Half-Life and Unreal. I found that you could take up to 15 bullets before you die. And when Ding Chavez dies, the mission is failed, but if any of the operatives get "incapacitated", they pop right back up for the next mission (assuming you accomplish the previous one without them). In the PC version, if your operatives die, they are gone for the rest of the game, and for injuries, your operatives take about 2 missions or so to recover. Talk about missing realism for the Xbox.

Now, seeing how you are stuck with the same 4 operatives, the least UbiSoft could do was give each of the guys distinct personalities, but that was not the case. You get 4 boring guys that are basically the same except Louis has an annoying French accent.

But, throughout all these caveats about Rainbow Six 3 for Xbox, there are many good things. For example, the lucious graphics based on Splinter Cell. The excellent lighting schemes (shadows, heat-vision, etc.), and fantastic details such as fluttering curtains and volumetric fog have been implemented in this game. Also, the inclusion of voice-recogniion technology for squad commanding is an excelent bonus, which really pulls you into the game. The sound is also excellent like the PC version: the super 5.1 positional sound, and even realistic static as you "talk" to your operatives. The inclusion of Xbox Live is also cool. The multiplayer is excellent and loads of fun. The problem is, is that there is no split-screen gameplay, so forget about inviting your friends over for a tango-killing fest.

The gameplay itself deserves a 2 out of 5. The entire selling-point of the R6 series is gone, and what's left is a run-and-gun mess unlike the other games in the Tom Clancy series.
But, with the inclusion of awesome graphics, sound, voice-recognition technology, and excellent Xbox Live gameplay (but no split-screen for Live-deprived people), it deserves a 4 out of 5. But beware, if none of the above-mentioned things in the previous sentence appeal to you, then I suggest you stick with Rainbow Six 3: Raven Shield for the PC. It is more expansive, and includes the heart of the Tom Clancy series itself : tactical strategic gameplay.

Click Here to see more reviews about: Tom Clancy's Rainbow Six 3

Product Description:
Team Rainbow faces the hidden global forces of a new and secretive foe; command Rainbow in a race against time in locations around the world.

Get 30% OFF

Want to read more honest consumer review about Tom Clancy's Rainbow Six 3 now ?

Plantronics Gamecom X10 Review

Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)My Microsoft headset microphone stopped working after 7 months and my identical spare did not work out of the box (Microsoft did replace one with one that did work), so I swore off all Microsoft 360 headsets and went with the Plantronics X10 for Xbox 360. At first, it was a little snug but soon I got used to it. Works like a charm and all of my friends can now hear me loud and clear. I really like the volume/mute switch being inline because I can clip it to where I need it. At $14.99, this head set was cheaper than the Microsoft version. Hopefully, the Plantronics headset will last longer than the Microsoft set. I gave this headset 4 stars due to it's tighter than expected fit. All in all a better choice....so far.

Click Here to see more reviews about: Plantronics Gamecom X10

Product Description:
GameCom X10 for Xbox 360

Get 32% OFF

Want to read more honest consumer review about Plantronics Gamecom X10 now ?

Burnout 3 Takedown Review

Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)An email I wrote in December 2003:

"Dear Criterion Games:

I hear that Burnout 3 is going to focus on wrecking opponents.This is a mistake. It's not going to work.Why turn your brilliant, traffic-weaving Burnout franchise into a demolition derby?Change is good, but this is too much - it's now a fighting game with cars instead of a racing game.Hopefully Burnout 4 will get it right.

Regards, A Fan"

Fast-forward to September 2004.Burnout 3 is now here, and I am now sending them my sincerest apologies.I now invite them to send me a very nasty "We told you so!" response, because they've managed to not only prove me to be completely and utterly foolish for doubting them, they've made what is hands-down the best arcade racing game we're likely to play.

Criterion has managed to tap into some kind of suicidal primal instinct all of us seem to have - the urge to fly through populated streets at near the speed of sound in a sleek automobile (or firetruck), careening headlong into anyone and anything in our path.Better yet, Burnout 3: Takedown now adds the lovely feature of a dream made virtual reality: smashing into pieces that no-good idiot who dared to try and tap you into the guardrail.We've all had those fantasies, right?Now you can live em in the comfort (and safety!) of your own living room.

For those of you who are skeptical, one thing should be made clear up front:Burnout 3 is very different from the first two games in the series.You'll still race through beautifully rendered courses at brain-searing speeds, missing traffic by millimeters.But even though B3 now focuses on making your race opponents wreck in the most ghastly ways possible, the intensity and rush is still here...no, it's actually been ratcheted up to a realm of insanity no racer has ever attained.It's different, but still more than worthy of attention.

One thing Burnout vets will appreciate is the single-player mode has been greatly expanded.There are a huge number of race events - close to two hundred, ranging from single races to burning laps to eliminations to crash junctions to....well, it doesn't get old.Add a ridiculous number of unlockables (including fake headlines, signature Takedowns, forty tracks, seventy cars, etc etc) and suffice to say you could finish the first two Burnout games twice each before seeing all B3 has to offer.You still progress by earning medals - only getting golds will unlock everything - but it's no longer just about finishing first.Peforming Takedowns is essential, and well-worth it, as the game lovingly displays the mechanical carnage you create, but it's not always easy.The AI is wicked this time round, and will even gain grudges for you......and go after you.If you do fall victim, you can always choose to enable the Aftertouch, a brilliant feature that allows you to control your wrecked car, and steer it into the path of your opponents.Revenge has never been so sweet.

Screaming down a Hong Kong-ish crowded street, golden Buddha statue looming overhead, desperately trying to keep your lead when two guys in F1-type racers are inches from your rear bumper.....yeah, it's exhilirating all right.

Crash Mode returns in all its destructive glory, but now it's deeper, and larger.Power-ups litter the course - yes power-ups, ranging from temporary boosts to points multipliers.Add the Crashbreaker - in which your car becomes a literal bomb that you can detonate at any time, and we're talking serious mayhem.And oh yes - this mode can be played co-operatively now.One more thing - there's 100 crash junctions now.

The multiplayer madness continues with Road Rage Mode (whoever takes down the most opponents wins), Elimination (whoever's in last place at the end of a lap is disqualified), Burning Lap (boost as fast as you can without crashing once), and normal Single Race, and there's a lot more meat here than before.

The bad?Well, the default soundtrack can leave a lot to be desired (and turn the announcer OFF, trust me), but this is easily fixed by lovely custom soundtrack support.HINT:Causing wrecks to bluegrass is poetry in motion.EA Games - who now owns Criterion - has plastered advertising signboards all over the courses, and they're kind of distracting in an annoying way.There are also many minor details (you race in car classes now rather than picking any you want, the scoring system is different, no nighttime races or weather changes, no licensed cars (like any respected auto manufacturer would let their lovingly crafted creations get dismantled like this!), Crash Mode repeats junctions) that one could complain about, but the core gameplay is so sublime, well-done, and addictive, it's silly to dock the score for any of them.

Burnout 3 is the epitome of what arcade racing should be: easy to pick up, hard to master, appealing to everyone, unimaginably intense, and unbelievably fun.Mark my words, you're gonna see Burnout 3 on a lot of Best Games of 2004 lists -- it'll be on mine, without a doubt.

Thanks for proving me wrong, Criterion.But I need to ask - what's next?You can't possibly top Takedown....can you?

Click Here to see more reviews about: Burnout 3 Takedown

Product Description:
Burnout 3: Takedown rewrites the rules of the road with its aggressive racing action. Get behind the wheel and experience real high-speed action. Use your car as a weapon and battle your way to the front of the pack -- by taking down rivals and instigating spectacular crashes.

Want to read more honest consumer review about Burnout 3 Takedown now ?

Halo Reach Wireless Xbox 360 Headset Review

Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)I purchased this headset to match my Xbox 360 250GB Halo Reach Console Bundle. The headset looks great, comes with a USB power charger, additional earpiece, and instruction manual. It looks and feels rugged too which I like. It is definitely not flimsy by any means.

Voice clarity is great, good range on it...I go outside of my house to smoke a cigarette in between games and I can still talk to my friends on it and hear them just fine. Charges quick and last about 8 hours of gaming before another quick charge is needed.

Overall I am very satisfied with this mic, the HALO look of it is just a bonus. 5-stars from me.

Click Here to see more reviews about: Halo Reach Wireless Xbox 360 Headset

Product Description:
Halo: Reach Wireless Headset

Get 10% OFF

Want to read more honest consumer review about Halo Reach Wireless Xbox 360 Headset now ?

Xbox Live Arcade Unplugged Review

Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)Xbox Arcade Unplugged is a collection of some of the best-selling games from the Xbox Live Arcade on the Xbox 360.Included is 6 games, 3 demos and a 1 month subscription to live.

1 month of live (retail $8) - It is a great service for online play of any game.You can download and rent movies, buy tv episodic content, and chat with friends, families, and strangers around the world.

Bejeweled 2 (retail $10)- A popular puzzle game in which you try to match up jewels in order to get to the next level.There are several modes to Bejeweled, some unlockable.The game is a real challenge, and if you like puzzle games, you will be pleased with Bejeweled 2.

Geometry Wars: Retro Evolved (retail $5) - An instant classic in the tradition of Asteroids.You fly around in a 'ship' trying to destroy geometric shapes, each having their own characteristics.As you progress, the games elements get harder, and more shapes are introduced.A fantastic game that is fun for just about everyone.

Hardwood Backgammon (retail $5) - Classic Backgammon action.You can play against a friend on the couch, vs. the computer, or take on someone online on Xbox Live.Hardwood Backgammon is also Camera Enabled.

Outpost Kaloki X (retail $10) - A strategy game in which you are in outer space, attempting to manage power and research.A variety of missions and scenarios to keep you busy are included.

Wik and the Fable of Souls (retail $10) - A crazy game about a small creature who uses his tongue to eat bugs and whip around treelimbs.Part puzzle game, part action, this game can be very challenging.There are over 120 levels in the game, each one being more difficult than the last.

Texas Hold 'em (retail $10) - This may be the junk of the bundle.A poorly executed attempted interface leaves most poker players wondering why they didn't copy any of the popular online poker sites and their interface.Often multiplayer works too slow, while you wait for others to take their turn.There are some scenarios to work on in single player.Overall, it isn't too bad, but it leaves a lot to be desired amongst poker players.Also included are demos of Uno, Marble Blast Ultra, and Feeding Frenzy.

Uno is the classic card game everyone knows.It translates to Xbox Live very well and is camera enabled.It has a wide variety of gameplay options, including partner play.Marble Blast Ultra is a game in which you try to move your marble around to the exit point.Each level is brilliantly designed, colorful, and challenging.Feeding Frenzy is a great game for all ages, in which you start each level as a small fish, eating other fish and growing as you do so.

If you bought everything in this package for retail price, it would cost you $58.Even if you only need a couple of the $10 games, it's still agreat bargain with the 1 month of Xbox Live for free.

Click Here to see more reviews about: Xbox Live Arcade Unplugged

Product Description:
Xbox Live Arcade is fully integrated into the Xbox 360 console. You can jump straight into Xbox Live Arcade from the Xbox 360 Dashboard, where you can download new games, access their game collection, check out new releases and experience cool around-the-game features. With Xbox Live Arcade for Xbox 360, casual gamers will find a wide variety of game genres available for download, including action arcade titles, coin-operated and retro classics, puzzle games, casual sports games, light strategy titles, and card and board games.

Get 10% OFF

Want to read more honest consumer review about Xbox Live Arcade Unplugged now ?

Tom Clancy's Rainbow Six Vegas Review

Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)Combine the popular "Dynasty Mode" and customization options of sports games with the great take-cover functions of Gears of War, and the weaponry and tactical realism of Ghost Recon: Advanced Warfighter, and you have Rainbow Six: Vegas, probably the most complete shooter to date.
Let me jump to the custom character section right off: this is SICK. Using your Xbox Vision Camera, you can create an uncanny shaved head version of yourself to use in the game, and online. You can then customize your weapons, rated on accuracy, range, and damage, as well as your shoulder, chest, arm and leg armor, which force you to choose between mobility and protection. You can shoose to have a super-zooming rifle scope on your pistol or rifle, or a laser sight, or more. All prettied and ready to go?
Playing any number of games, either in single player or online or multi-player will earn you experience points and medals. The more points you receive, the higher your rank (you start off as a Private Second Class), allowing you access to even more customizable items.
To the gameplay: intuitive and useful, RS: Vegas doesn't throw in any useless controls. You can single click to put a silencer on your weapon, switch to night or thermal vision, or invert yourself upside down on a rapelling rope. You can look inside rooms with a snake cam before you enter, fire blindly around a corner, or detonate explosives from a distance.
The AI is superb; you can run the same mission three times in a row and never have the "enemies" in the same areas, or in the same amounts. If you faced four guys in the opening building the first time around, you might face two guys, with the other two sneaking around to flank you on your second try.
Adopting the Gears of War health system, where you take non-permanent damage that instead impairs your condition and requires taking cover to heal, works wonders for this game...you can't just bum rush enemies guns ablaze, because they're bound to cap you with a headshot.
It's a great game for the more patient sort, and might take some adjusting by those recently spoiled on Halo 2 or Gears of War, in terms of aggressive play. My only complaint (as one spoiled by the latter) is the lack of a run button to cover open ground, but hey, it forces me to take better cover.
Highly recommended, especially for the online co-op option.

Click Here to see more reviews about: Tom Clancy's Rainbow Six Vegas

Product Description:
Tom Clancy's Rainbow Six Vegas X360

Want to read more honest consumer review about Tom Clancy's Rainbow Six Vegas now ?