Showing posts with label educational video games. Show all posts
Showing posts with label educational video games. Show all posts

9/15/2012

Age of Empires: The Rise of Rome Review

Age of Empires: The Rise of Rome
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If you like AOE (Age of Empires), you should get this.It adds more campaigns, units, and civs.It also adds more to the game itself, like gigantic map.While you would think that they could squeeze more into an expansion, they didn't.But it is still a remarkable addition to a trulygreat game.However, if you don't play AOE that much, or like it, Iwouldn't recommend it, because it is the same game, just bigger and better

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This software is BRAND NEW. Packaging may differ slightly from the stock photo above. Please click on our logo above to see over 15,000 titles in stock.

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8/08/2012

Age of Empires II: The Conquerors Review

Age of Empires II: The Conquerors
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It is soooooooooo fun and I would say it is one of the best games in the world!

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7/24/2012

Age of Empires III: The Asian Dynasties Expansion Pack Review

Age of Empires III: The Asian Dynasties Expansion Pack
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Yes you need Age of Empire III and that is because this is an expansion pack, this means you add the levels of this game to the original game.In anycase this is a great expansion pack and truly adds to the Age of Empires series.Plus the computer game play is well managed a big plus.Well worth your money even if you have to buy the base pack.

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Product Description:
AGE OF EMPIRES III: THE ASIAN DYNASTIES

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7/20/2012

Empires: Dawn of the Modern World Review

Empires: Dawn of the Modern World
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After playing some other strategy games online, I decided that I was ready to actually buy one.So I was off in search of finding one that was good, and while I was at the store one day came across Empires: Dawn of the Modern World.Unlike most games that I have bought in the past, I didn't install this game untill about two weeks after purchasing.However when I did install it I got an error message saying that the game key was invalid.I tried many times, still the samething.So in my frustration I called customer service.At first the customer service rep asked if I was typing in caps or lower case, then he told my to email them my system details.Come to find out I didn't have the right video card that supported the graphics for this game.I have since upgraded my video card and reinstalled the games...and have been playing ever since.
Despite having to upgrade my computer just to use this game might seem to be a hassle to same, but hey, after all I would have had to of upgraded anyway.So now for the real meat and potatoes.
As I have mentioned earlier I had played other war strategy games online(renting them online), I have played both Rise of Nations and Age of Empires II using this service.And I must say that Empires is a better game as far as graphics and game play is concerned.The 3D graphics are very good and you can zoom in closer then in other games.
Now for the game play, Empires goes from Medieval up to World War II.You can chose between England(UK for WWI and WWII), the Franks(France), Korea, China, the United States, Russia and Germany.Each civilization is unique, for example if you chose England and start off during the Medieval Age then you can build a mind on a site that has either gold or stone.However if you chose the Franks, you will have to have several villagers mind the gold instead.Building walls around your town center is highly recommended if you don't want your civilization to be invaded.There are three campaigns to choose from: Richard the lionheart, Captain Xi, and General Patton, these campaigns take a long time to complete...I still haven't finished Richard's campaign yet.
I would have given Empires a whole five stars, but there are a few things that I think that it can improve upon, thus only four stars.The civilizations are only available up to a certain point; if starting from the Medieval time and you chose England, by the time that you reach WWI you will have to choose a Modern civilization i.e. the UK.Another thing that I feel is a disappointment in this game is lack of options for the civilizations.Example being you can't choose the USA to start off during the Medieval time (for obivous reasons) but it would be nice if they had the colonies as an option instead of the USA only being available from WWI and on.
Overall I recommend Empires: Dawn of the Modern World, despite it's few draw backs.I have certainly enjoy playing this game as a single player and as a multiplayer, playing against friends.

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Product Description:
Empires: Dawn of the Modern World is a unique real-time strategy game that puts you in command of a millennium of human history!

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7/17/2012

Empire Earth Review

Empire Earth
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I can still remember when I played the original AGE OF EMPIRES, wondering to myself if they would be able to make the same general strategy game using modern weaponry. As I loved the original AE, I held out hope that they would someday be able to pull it off.
Well, there is no reason to wonder anymore:our friends at SIERRA have done it. EMPIRE EARTH and its expansion set (both included in EE GOLD) takes us all the way from the dawn of mankind up thru the modern age and even into the future with spaceship and robotic battles and the like.
For myself, the most satisfying component of the game is being able to play with modern-day weapons. Build tanks, artillery and various troops for huge land battles.Build air-forces with fighters and bombers.Build navies with submarines, aircraft carriers, battleships and frigates.
Your civilians form the backbone of your military apparatus as they're the ones who collect the necessary resources (i.e.:wood, food, gold, stone, iron, etc) for your campaigns.You're the one in charge;how you utilize your resources is up to you.If you fail, you're the one who is accountable.If you are victorious, you're the one who deserves all the accolades and glory!
The most remarkable thing about the game for me is its symmetry.There is no one single "unstoppable" weapon in your arsenal. The most powerful weapon is the B-52, with which you can nuke your enemies.However, you had better protect it with great care;send it by itself on long-range bombing sorties and it's sure to be shot down by enemy fighters, anti-aircraft batteries or soldiers with STINGER missiles.
You may create TRIDENT submarines with powerful cruise missiles that can strike targets deep inland.However, these submarines are also the easiest for your enemies to sink:protect them at all costs!
Apache helicopters are devastating against tanks and other land targets, but are highly vulnerable to STINGERS and are downright helpless against enemy jet fighters. Jet fighters are susceptible to the fierce fire of anti-aircraft batteries.However, anti-aircraft batteries are hapless against tanks.All units have their strong points, and all units have their weaknesses, be they ground, sea or air.
If you like strategy games, I cannot recommend EE enough.If you like building armies, blowing stuff up and upgrading the prowess of your military, this is certainly the game for you.Just beware:it's about the most addictive game you will ever play!

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Product Description:
Rewrite history with the ultimate strategycollection!Product InformationEmpire Earth Gold Edition includes the original Empire Earth named Gamespy's"PC Game of the Year" and the official expansion Empire Earth: TheArt of Conquest. An added feature is an Official Strategy Guide withaward-winning strategies and advice from tournament champions for both games.Empire Building:Command history's best known civilizations such as the Greeks English Frenchor Germans or create and customize your own from scores of unique attributes.Colonize or conquer surrounding territories and establish new settlements. Planand build walled towns and city-states. Construct Temples and Hospitals toprotect and enhance your growing empire. Town Centers inspire defenders to fightharder and can be transformed into powerful Capitols. Wood gold iron and othernatural resources provide the raw materials for expansion while intelligentcitizens keep your economy running smoothly. Over a dozen technology tracksoffer numerous opportunities for further advancement.Weapons Of War:Train more than 200 types of combat units from every era in history includingEarth's future. Instantly enhance the combat abilities of your troops withspecific improvements. Lead your armies to glorious victory with the help ofCharlemagne Cromwell and other great heroes from yesterday today andtomorrow. Carry out surprise assaults in the dead of night. Attack unsuspectingenemies with stealthy submarines and aircraft. Soften up an enemy position withartillery fire carpet bombing or off-shore shelling. Wage epic air battleswith over 30 types of aircraft such as Camels Spitfires F-15s Apache Gunshipsand B-2 Bombers. Fight massive naval engagements with more than 40 kinds ofships including 16th Century ships-of-the-line U-boats and modern aircraftcarriers. Train colossal Cybers to fight the battles of the future.Religion Wonders and More:In Empire Earth the military option is just one possible path to victory.Convert an enemy's

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6/16/2012

JumpStart Advanced 2nd Grade Review

JumpStart Advanced 2nd Grade
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Very disappointed with the educational value.So many rcade-style activities distract from skill building except for coordination skill and fine motor control. Also not very intuitive software even though it claims to have auto-help.

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Product Description:
A learning experience personalized for your childProduct InformationJumpStart Advanced 2nd Grade includes seven learning styles for betterunderstanding. Experts have identified seven learning styles as somechildren respond best to songs some to pictures and others to words andrhymes. JumpStart Advanced uses your child's natural learning style toteach everything from reading to spelling to arithmetic. Your child setsthe pace. Activities automatically adjust so they are never too hardnever too easy.Skills LearnedReadingVocabularyReading ComprehensionSynonyms and AntonymsCompound WordsPhonicsWritingSpellingCapitalizationParts of SpeechContractionsScienceLife CyclesPlantsAnimalsSocial StudiesContinentsCountriesWorld LandmarksCulturesForeign PhrasesMathAddition with CarryingSubtraction with BorrowingTime and MoneyOdd and Even NumbersPre-AlgebraFractionsRoman NumeralsEstimation and RoundingMusicMusic StylesMusic NotationArtArt StylesArt VocabularyThinking SkillsLogical ThinkingProblem SolvingProduct FeaturesFundamentals - CD #1Build essential 2nd grade skills and get a head start on 3rd grade.Features:Over 50 skills are taught from math and reading to art and music.Hundreds of math problems and hundreds of worlds to read and comprehendDevelop your science skillsPractice 3rd grade tooActivities:Reading RightBuild Vocabulary and GrammarClassic Art ClassMaking MelodiesDiscover ScienceField Trip Adventure - CD #2Take a field trip around the world.Features:Visit nine countries - Italy Brazil Japan Australia and more!Learn foreign words phrases cultures and musicCollect your worldly knowledge in your very own scrapbookActivities:Book a Trip AnywhereBoats Blimps Planes and TrainsSky-High PilotBouncing Blimp RideCiao From ItalySalute From FranceShare Photos Postcards and Fun FactsMystery Club Volume 1: Detect

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6/04/2012

KNOWLEDGE ADVENTURE Math Blaster Ages 6-7 (Windows/Macintosh) Review

KNOWLEDGE ADVENTURE Math Blaster Ages 6-7
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Originally designed for Windows ME/98/95, also Mac OS 8.1 or higher.

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5/28/2012

Civilization 3: Conquests Expansion Pack Review

Civilization 3: Conquests Expansion Pack
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This is a GREAT expansion pack. Particularly if you skipped "Play The World" (as I did). There's more, more, MORE of everything, and enough interesting gameplay tweaks that it makes Civ 3 feel like a brand new game.
What makes it so good?
* New tribes to play. Or, perhaps more importantly, new tribes to play against. The Mayans can be a terror.
* New tribe attributes. Seafaring! Agricultural! OK, that doesn't sound that exciting, but it definitely has an impact on gameplay and strategy. Agricultural favors the AI such that the new Killer AI tribes are almost always those with the Ag trait, like the Celts.
* Boosted navy! Combined with the Seafaring, navy is still underpowered, but way better than before. On an archipelago map, seafaring can mean the difference between a breezy success and a slow slog.
* Boosted airforce! Bombardment in general is boosted, so everything from catapults to stealth bombers feels a little more useful.
* Fewer resources! Wait, fewer resources? Well, not fewer KINDS of resources. Just fewer all around. You either have to learn to play very nice with the AI or very mean.
* Entertaining scenarios! From the cradle of civilization to the 20th century, you can have your turn (sorta) re-enacting historical events. These can be fun, fast, intense, changes of pace from the epic game.
* New techs/wonders/governments! The unit-producing Statue of Zeus and Knights Templar are a hoot. The Temple of Artemis is amazingly powerful (but very short-lived). The Internet--well, like all the modern wonders, it seems a little too late. But it ain't bad. Fascism is a blast to play if you want to live out your Great Dictator fantasies, but you can see the AI self-destruct with it, too, unfortunately.
So, how was this Really Good Thing screwed up? Bugs! Bugs o' plenty! If you're a casual player, playing particularly on Chieftain or Warlord levels (maybe even Regent), you might not notice the bugs. Not at first, anyway. There are patches, oh, yes, there are patches, unofficial though they may be. But the situation seems to have arisen because the game was yanked out of public beta toward release-time, then tweaked and re-tested internally. Unfortunately, this game is too deep and often too subtle to be effectively tested by any in-house crew. Result? They managed to break trade, corruption and resource-distribution in the final release.
An official patch will eventually be released. Probably before the summer. Until then, you have the choice of living with bugs, or living with a beta patch (which might introduce its own bugs), or simply waiting to get the game.
There's an even more serious problem, really, underlying these changes. Trade is absolutely vital with the resource reduction. Either you find a way to trade, or you find a way to conquer, which may not be a play style you want to be forced into Every Single Game. The problem is, the trade and diplomacy systems are not sophisticated enough to meet this increased need. If you need iron, but it's all being traded, you can't offer the AI any incentive to trade it to you when the current deal is up. Those deals get made in-between turns, so you often don't have a shot.
So these fabulous changes are not only marred by bugs, the whole game creaks under them. And it's a long way to Civ 4.

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Civilization III: Conquests takes you on a journey through the ages as you pursue victory through conquest!

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3/17/2012

Age of Mythology Review

Age of Mythology
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I must say, I am thoroughly impressed with Age of Mythology.Though it's certainly not revolutionary to the RTS genre (it plays very similarly to Age of Empires I & II), it is an addictive game that's accessible to amateurs but still rewarding to those that master it.What really stands out about it though, is how polished it is.
Age of Mythology is all about the details.While Age of Empires I & II had very simlar looking units for their many "races", this game really gives the varying units a different look.There are only so many ways you can depict a 0.5 inch spearman on screen, but the developers have nevertheless defined each unit visually.It gets even more impressive with the plethora of colorful myth units.Who knew that a manticore and a chimera would look so very, very different?
Perhaps even more impressive is the fact that at least the Greeks actually speak their ancient language (though the single player mode understandably narrates the story in English).Take it from the classics major (I even verified the phrases I didn't know in my lexicon.....yeah....I'm a loser), Ensemble Studios did their homework.We're not talking Thucydides; the statements are really simple phrases basically translating to "that is my purpose" and "especially" and "yes".I have no idea how accurate the Egyptian or Norse game language is, but I have to imagine that they did their best to base them off their ancient languages.
On top of being polished, Age of Mythology is a lot of fun.For fans of the Age of Empires games, you'll be pleased toknow you'll still be having a blast with powerful siege weapons and legions of infantry, archers and cavalry.The addition of myth and hero units and of course the wonderful "god powers" does wonders for the gameplay.The old and the new are boiled down into one familiar, intuitive interface.
My largest complaint about Age of Mythology is that the variety between the races.I was nurtured by Starcraft in the beginning of my RTS days, so I have long been accustomed to different "races" holding different advantages.Though there are certainly variety in the "races" strengths as well as units' abilities and look, they are pretty similar (i.e. Greeks have more types of archer units, Norse have the best melee fighters, Egyptians build stronger walls, but all races have archers, melee fighters and as walls).This does tend to force players to strategize more, but I would have liked to see more variety.
Overall, this is a really good game that is really detailed and just a hoot to play.If you're considering getting Age of Empires I or II, waste not your money and get this one instead.

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Product Description:
AGE OF MYTHOLOGY

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1/13/2012

Spelling Challenges and More Review

Spelling Challenges and More
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I am an adult gamer who likes vocabulary & spelling.They were my favorite subjects in school.I was excited to see they made a game out of it!!

There are variety of word games.Pick the one that's misspelled, the one that's correct, unscramble the words, & spell the word they flash at you quickly.Real neat.I really enjoyed it.The games are timed and you collect coins depending on how well you did.It keeps track of your points and you can try to beat others with the score or beat your own score.You enter your age and they'll give you your skill according to your age.If it's a 9 year old, they'll give 9 year old's reading level. If you enter an adult's age, the words get harder.You also unlock some new games once you beat certain games or level.

I've played with it for 40 minutes and I like it.I can't wait to go back and play some more.Everything is done with the stylus and there is no problems with it's usage. The only downside is that it does not use a QWERTY as a way to find the letters.It's in alphabet order.I am a typist and I know where the letters are in QWERTY way but since it's in alphabet order, I learned pretty quickly where the letters are and became faster in finding the letters I wanted eventually.I don't know how this game is long term but so far it's a great word game.

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Product Description:
Your Spelling Bee host, Mr. Niceguy, will introduce the game to you and award dollars and prizes. There are a plethora of word games to test your skills and improve your brain. Opportunities to aquire bonuses by going for broke and the words will increase in difficulty as your progress. Your ultimate aim is to be invited to the Super Challenge and hit the big jackpot!

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1/07/2012

Age of Empires III: The War Chiefs Expansion Pack Review

Age of Empires III: The War Chiefs Expansion Pack
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I've been playing this game since it was first released and added the expansion pack as quickly as it came out. I just don't get tired of it. I highly recommend it.

The newest release builds on the past two with all of the fantastic strategy included in the earlier games. The new improvements are vast and I'm sure that other users and reviews will be able to expand on them more directly. However, if you've played AoE games in the past, this one will not disappoint. They've dropped some of the more esoteric and mundane steps (like villagers constantly returning to town center) and have added simplifying features but haven't sacrificed any of the strategy. I think version three finally brings it all together.

There are a few features which are lacking, however, the scenario game play is a little weak in AoE III and I didn't see any addition in the expansion pack. Also, the scenario creator has so much potential for active users to build situations that others might like to play but requires so much time and effort as to be useless.

On the whole, I certainly recommend this game and the expansion pack to anyone who is interested in strategy games.

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Product Description:

MODEL- MS-CD25988WI VENDOR- MICROSOFT

FEATURES- Age of Empires III: The Warchiefs
Try the new expansion pack for the best-selling real-time strategy
title of 2005--Age of Empires III from Ensemble Studios and
Microsoft Game Studios.
Microsoft Age of Empires III: The WarChiefs--the new expansion pack
for Age of Empires III--will engage gamers of all ages and types in
epic warfare in the Americas where they will lead the proud native
civilizations to expand their empire and fight for control of the
Americas.
* Playable Native American civilizations
Lead one of three proud Native American civilizations. Each civilization
has its own unique units buildings and a distinct approach to their
Home City feature.
* Gripping new single-player campaign
Play through 15 new missions with a rich story and a cast of characters
that interact with real historic figures and events.
* Enhancements to European civilizations
The expansion pack will also provide exciting additions to existing
European civilizations with new Home City content new units and new
ways to look at your card deck.
* Extended gameplay
Experience more of everything including new random maps in unique
locations in the Americas additional native allies and units more
statistics tracking and new ways to play.

REQUIREMENTS- 1.4 GHz or faster processor
256 MB of RAM
2 GB of available hard-disk space
Windows XP MANUFACTURER WARRANTY:90 DAYS

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1/01/2012

Civilization 4: Beyond The Sword Review

Civilization 4: Beyond The Sword
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Most expansion packs are disappointing, and until now the Civilization ones were no exception. They add a few new units, a few new civilizations, and maybe a concept or two. Although "Beyond the Sword" does all of this, it does a lot more. The additions--corporations that grow and develop, random events that affect relations and growth, a new espionage system that puts teeth back into spies--change the strategy of the game, adding complications and nuances throughout. This is especially good when all of the territories have been claimed. Before this pack, late gameplay was the least interesting part. Now, it is just as enjoyable as the rest of the game. There are also little things that I've enjoyed. Building wonders has always been a great part of Civilization, and now there are many more. New military units, like anti-tank infantry, guided missiles, and paratroopers, add new strategic possibilities to war, and personally, I really like the new animations for the spaceship. The only thing a littledisappointing is that they couldn't get Leonard Nimoy to read the script for the new technologies. I don't know who the new guy is, but compared to Nimoy, he sounds pretty lame. You won't be disappointed with this expansion pack. After playing this at my house a few nights ago, a friend of mine went home and ordered his own copy immediately. If you're a fan of the Civilization series, I suggest that you do the same.

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Product Description:
Sid Meier's Civilization IV: Beyond the Sword is the second expansion pack for Civilization IV. The expansion focuses on the late-game time periods after the invention of gunpowder and includes 12 different scenarios, ten new civilizations, 16 new leaders, five new wonders, and a variety of new units that offer more ways for players to expand their civilization's power as they strive for world domination.

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9/15/2011

Age of Empires: Gold Edition Review

Age of Empires: Gold Edition
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I purchased the original Age of Empires years ago when it first came out, and the Roman expansion when it became available, so I have the equivalent of the so-called "Gold Edition".
Out of all the games I own, this is the most addictive.Time just flies by when I'm playing this game, which isn't always a good thing.This IS a good thing when my flight has been delayed however.With my laptop, extra lithium-ion batteries, and Age of Empires, airport delays are not nearly as painful as they used to be.
To create a game that remains addictive and interesting over the years is quite an achievement.Most video games become boring after a while, either because they are too frustrating and difficult, or they are too easy or repetitive.Finding a balance that is both entertaining and challenging is tough, and these guys have done it.I personally love the random games.The environment really dictates the strategy you should use, as it does in real life, and the possibilities are nearly endless.You can also design your own scenarios, which kills a lot of time and allows you to experiment with environmental conditions that the random map generator would never come up with.
The Roman expansion didn't add much, but it also didn't cost much.The most important feature I was looking for was the ability to put gates in my walls.In Age of Empires, if you build a wall around your civilization, you can not get out without destroying part of the wall.As I understand it, this has been corrected in Age of Kings, which I have not gotten yet.
If you enjoy real time strategy, you're gonna love Age of Empires!

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Product Description:
Microsoft Age of Empires is an epic, real-time strategy game spanning 10,000 years, where players are the guiding spirit in the evolution of a small Stone Age tribe. Starting with minimal resources, players are challenged to build their tribes into great civilizations. Choose from one of several ways to win the game: by conquering enemy civilizations, exploring the "known" world, or accumulating wealth to achieve economic victory.
But don't stop there. Age of Empires: The Rise of Rome Expansion starts off where Age of Empires left off. Continue your gameplay with several new features, including four additional civilizations, several unique units, and three entirely new campaigns, showcasing the rise of Rome.

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6/09/2011

Age of Empires III: The Asian Dynasties Expansion Pack Review

Age of Empires III: The Asian Dynasties Expansion Pack
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This is a solid expansion to the AGE OF EMPIRES III, the one you will play for hours at end. Although the 3rd installment of AoE was the weakest of the series (I personally enjoyed much more AGE OF EMPIRES II), I have to admit that I was really pleased by this expansion - and cannot complain but about minor things.

After the lukewarm WARCHIEFS, which introduced Native American civilizations, this expansion introduces three major Asian civilizations (Japanese, Chinese, and Indian) - with their corresponding campaigns.
The Japanese campaign takes place during the Shogunate civil wars. The Chinese campaign (trying to avoid any...political shoals) is on the fictional discovery of the New World by the Chinese (I would have preferred it to be about the unification of China under the Qin dynasty - but, then again, that would make it quite similar to the Japanese campaign). Finally, the Indian campaign is centered on the uprooting of the British East-India Trading Company.
All three campaigns follow a scenario that will surprise you at many points (and frustrate you in some others). Nevertheless, keep in mind that this is an RTS game - so don't expect a JAMES CLAVELL novel plot twists.

The graphics are just a notch better than WARCHIEFS, the interface has received only minor retouching strokes and one can rely on finding, once more, the known exceptional gameplay. Not only are the new units carefully balanced, they can be seamlessly incorporated with the previous AGE OF EMPIRES III units. Stacking Samurai infantry against Highlanders anyone? (yes, only one can survive in the end...)

My only complain is the music: AoE's are of the games that are played for endless hours. So music is important not to be tiresome. This being the ASIAN DYNASTIES expansion, I felt that the game developers missed the chance of introducing some new and distinctly Japanese, Chinese and Indian tunes. Well, one can always bring his own music I guess...

One of the best expansions this year.

RECOMMENDED.

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Product Description:
MicrosoftAge of Empires III:Asian Dynasties Expansion Pack Win32 .Rule powerful and exotic Japanese, Chinese and Indian civilications of the East; battle with Samurai, Chinese Banner Armies and devastating war elephant troops; build powerful wonders such as the Great Wall and TajMahal to advance in Age.

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5/27/2011

Sid Meier's Civilization III Review

Sid Meier's Civilization III
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This was the first game that I played in the Civilization series and i got a good overall impression. It is by far the best turn-based stratagy games i have ever played. The graphics aren't great but hey, who needs good graphics in a stratagy game. The only problem is the game didn't come with a manual and the tutorial is awful, but once you get the hang of it Civilization 3 is a greatgame. i would recomend it to any stratagy gamer.

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Product Description:
From Firaxis Games and Sid Meier, the creative genius behind some of the most critically acclaimed computer games ever produced, comes Civilization III. Experience a game of epic proportions. Match wits against the greatest leaders of the world in an all-out quest to build the ultimate empire and rule the world. This highly addictive journey of discovery includes exciting new features that build on and enrich the Civilization experience.
As you play, you'll find that there are many pathways to victory - use Diplomatic Finesse, Cultural Domination or sheer military might to dominate the world. New technologies, wonders of the world and trade systems expand the scope of the game.
Features:

    Improved combat options for enhanced war-making capabilities
    More interactions, alliances and realistic A1 responses that put you in the middle of negotiations and diplomatic actions
    Advanced trade system manages resources, trade routes and spread of technology
    New elements of Culture, Nationality and the Arts help focus empire building efforts
    Active world generator creates more realistic maps, detailed barbarians and minor nations
    Game Editor Suite lets you create customized civilizations, maps and rules
    New easier-to-use interface for streamlined management and better control




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2/09/2011

Mystery Case Files: Prime Suspects Review

Mystery Case Files: Prime Suspects
Average Reviews:

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I've been hooked on "Mystery Case Files" games since the first one appeared last year (titled "Huntsville").The goal in this series of games is to search for a list of hidden items that have been embedded within various pictures/locations - and to do it within a specified period of time.

In "Prime Suspects", the ultimate goal is to determine who stole the queen's "Hope Diamond".You do this by first locating the hidden items listed in each location within the time allotted.Once you find the clues/items for each suspect, you have to solve another puzzle through the "crime computer" in order to find out what each suspect was really up to at the time of the crime - are they innocent or have they made the "prime suspect" list?

The types of puzzles you'll have to complete include: reconstructing various pictures, matching games, & word finds.Because you aren't given any extra time to complete these puzzles be sure to work fast at finding the clues/items so that you have enough time to complete these puzzles - lest you have to start at the beginning again for that particular suspect.

Overall, I've found the "Mystery Case Files" games to be great fun and highly addictive!If you enjoy "search & find"-type games, you can't go wrong with "Prime Suspects"!

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Product Description:
Mystery Case Files: Prime Suspects takes you deep inside a mystery that only YOU can solve! Search for clues to the whereabouts of the missing Hope Diamond. Travel through 22 levels, find the offending culprit, and recover the stolen gem. Expand your investigations through the game's 29 unique locations by finding items that will unlock subsequent levels. Thousands of clues are cleverly hidden within the beautiful illustrations, creating a new game experience each time you step into this masterpiece of visual indulgences!

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1/30/2011

My Virtual Tutor: Reading Kindergarten to 1st Grade Review

My Virtual Tutor: Reading Kindergarten to 1st Grade
Average Reviews:

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My three boys 5,7,7 really loved this game. My seven year old boys have the 2nd grade game and my 5 year old plays the the Kindergarten 1st gradegame. We are so thrilled that they all are enjoying these games. We are truly amazed that a learning game has kept them so interested. My Vrtual Tutor has far exceed our expectations. We can't get over how much time they are spending playing and learning "Juust Amazing" Great investment.

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Product Description:
By combining the kid-friendly Nintendo DS with a proven reading curriculum developed and tested at the University of Colorado, My Virtual Tutor: Reading makes learning reading skills fun, affordable and portable! Through interactive books, school age and grade relevant phonics instruction and fun quiz modes, your child will learn the comprehension, phonics, fluency and vocabulary necessary to become an expert reader, all while having fun with their Nintendo DS.

Gameplay

My Virtual Tutor: Reading greets your child first with a fun story in Read to Me mode, where the story is read by the tutor, accompanied by fun sounds and animations. Once the story is read, your child then accesses the story in Explore mode, which features comprehension questions which assess your child's understanding of what they read. After Explore mode, I Can Read mode is unlocked, where your child can read the story, play fun word-based minigames and even record and listen to him/herself reading aloud! These minigames offer more practice to expand reading comprehension and vocabulary. After playing I Can Read, your child can unleash their inner artist in paint mode while the story is read to them by the tutor. Once your child completes all four modes in the first book, an additional book is unlocked in their library to read and explore. These books were specially created at the University of Colorado to both engage readers and supply practice to gain fluent reading and comprehension.

At any point your child can also play phonics minigames building the skills necessary to become an independent reader. The phonics games focus building words that start, contain, and end with certain letters and sounds. These games progress along with your child by evaluating performance on the current concept then moving on once that concept has been mastered. In addition to phonics practice, our challenge mode will test your child's skills with survival-style gameplay.

After your child has explored a story and tested their phonics skills, he or she is ready for quiz mode! Quiz mode tests the skills and concepts your child has learned up until that point in the game. By answering story comprehension questions, word matching, and coloring (just for fun!) your child can unlock 20 great prizes! [Prize Pictures]
Parents can access Parent Mode at any time to track your child's progress and identify areas of mastery and areas needing more focus for deeper learning.

Key Features

Enhanced Learning – Reading as a fun activity
My Virtual Tutor: Reading has fun as a top priority. By experiencing early reading through wonderful, hand-drawn animations and characters, along with fun mini-games, your child will not only learn to read; they'll learn that reading is fun!

Successful
The game is based on the National Education Association standards for teaching literacy, and derived from a system developed by researchers at the University of Colorado. Delivered on the Nintendo DS, learning to read is made fun and portable.

Easy to Play
Nintendo DS uses the touchscreen exclusively; no need for long, wordy menus to begin and play! Your child can interact with the words and pictures in the game, and they can even paint a picture of the story while the virtual tutor reads. With the portability of a Nintendo DS, your child can learn to read anywhere, anytime!

Adaptive learning
My Virtual Tutor: Reading teaches your child new skills as they master previous ones. The activities are paced to correlate with their learning. As your child performs better and faster, the game will dish out extra challenges to keep them excited and engaged.

Self-Correcting Practices
To help develop fluency, your child can read the books out-load using the Nintendo DS microphone. After your child reads, the tutor will play back the recording and compare it to what she reads for self-correcting practice.

A Fun Reward System
Animated and interactive quizzes are introduced to test your child's retention of the skills and concepts they learned while playing the game. As your child learns to read by mastering skills and concepts, fun prizes are awarded. Your child will be eager to accumulate as many prizes as possible.

Parent Mode
By tracking your child's progress, the tutor shows you where your child excels, and where more practice is needed.
Up to 3 Users per Game

With up to three possible user profiles, every child in your family can have their very own Virtual Tutor!


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