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.

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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.

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Demon's Souls Review

Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)Note: There are additions to the review below my original review.
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I wanted to provide a review, but I see that most of the others have already addressed most of what this game is all about. This review is based off of the "Deluxe Edition," which differs from the regular edition in that it includes an official strategy guide and a slip cover case that houses the game and strategy guide. The game is exactly the same in both versions.

Demon's Souls is a worthwhile experience in itself, and I highly urge any who are on the fence about it to at least give it a rental. It's a game that one will need to play through more than once in order to feel as though the game has been completed. Read other reviews for details into all of the aspects of the game.

I am going to focus my attention on the "extras" provided with the deluxe version. Is the strategy guide worth the extra $10? As somebody who did not play the import versions of Demon's Souls (many people here have), I can safely endorse the purchase of the deluxe version in order to get the strategy guide. For one, it's beautiful. There was much effort in organizing the art and text in a concise and useful way. It's very easy on the eyes. Each walkthrough section has pictures to go along with the walkthrough instructions, which is helpful. It runs 159 pages and is as big as the game case - not bulky at all. Even though it is small, it does not look or feel cheaply made. Here are the topics considered in the table of contents:

Introduction, Class & Gender, Character Building Guide, Survival Guide, Non-Player Characters, Merchants, Living Body and Soul Form, World Tendency and Character Tendency, Demon's Souls Usage, Magic Guide, Weapons Guide, Weapons Upgrades, Armor, Rings, Items, Enemies, Crystal Lizards, Quirks & Tricks, Trophy Guide, Online Mode Guide, Leveling Guide, Walkthrough (Worlds 1-5), End Game, Perfect Run Walkthrough

There are a couple drawbacks to the strategy guide. Demon's Souls has been out for awhile in Japan, Korea and China. This means that there are already plenty of online resources that discuss just about everything provided in the paperback guide. The guide does not provide illustrated maps of each level, which would have been icing on the cake. This is especially true since the game does not have any sort of mapping system. It would have been nice if the guide were a bit fatter - more detailed descriptions - but sufficed to say, this is a small gripe considering that all items, weapons, rings, monsters, and NPCs got descriptions and pictures to go along with them. It's a blessing and a curse because there is always a want for more content, but an efficient guide is also desirable. This strategy guide is efficient to say the least.

Again, I recommend the "Deluxe Version" even though the only real difference is the strategy guide. If you have no need for a tangible guide then there are online resources that definitely match the content. However, the guide is organized, in full color, and there are pictures that go along with the walkthroughs, items, monsters and other aspects of the game. Most online walkthroughs/guides I have looked at do not provide these things, and the ones that do are not in the same league as the guide provided with the deluxe version.

In summary, the guide is NOT necessary, but it is useful and convenient. Hope this helps!
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*Edit:A few additions to the review.It was brought to my attention that the cover of the guide, most noticeably the spine, fades easily.I found that both the spine and front cover have begun that process.

The information in the guide is still very good.However, after much use of the walkthrough I can honestly say that it's not as extensive as I initially thought it was.It covers the essentials for getting main items and tackling bosses, but it does not cover most items that can be found in each level - it does note which levels all items are located, but the walkthrough section skips over where to find them.The walkthrough also minimizes boss battles in some cases and I found myself deviating heavily from the boss guide.Again, it's still a very good guide overall, but do not expect it to have an answer for everything in the game.If you want to get the main, most powerful items, this guide is definitely for you.

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Product Description:
Beautiful, compelling, and at times unforgiving, Demon's Souls is the hardcore RPG experience PS3 owners have been waiting for since the platform's launch. Revolutionary online features define your adventure like never before, presenting seamless interconnectivity that serves in every instance to enhance the single-player game. Unprecedented in its depth and subtlety, peerless in its relentlessly challenging gameplay, Demon's Souls is the ultimate action RPG. The game features:

- A hardcore RPG challenge

- In this brutal land, death is inevitable, but not final. Combining the best features of an action game and RPG, you'll slice, smash, shoot, and cast magic against some of the most horrible, vicious enemies ever encountered. Are you strong enough to face up to the impossible and win?

- Ground-breaking online capabilities

- Network features go far beyond any previous RPG, allowing players to leave hints for each other, replay death scenes, cooperatively revive dead players, or invade and wreak havoc in another's game. Not merely an add-on feature, multiplayer options are vast, and uniquely focused on changing and intensifying the single player experience.

- Freeform and flexible

- The open-ended structure of the game means that there is no single path, but rather a wealth of options. Set your own pace and progress as you like. Build exactly the character you want by creating a detailed avatar, nurturing the right stats, and customizing your skills and equipment.

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Devil May Cry 3: Dante's Awakening Review

Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)I must say Devil May Cry 3 is an incredibly awesome game. I loved the original DMC immensely, and like a ton of other people, I was very disappointed with the sequel. This game lives up to the original, and expands upon it in every way.

DMC3 is a prequel to the series and focuses on the relationship between Dante and Vergil. The game actually has story behind it, unlike the other two games that felt like they had a little story tacked on. The cut-scenes are great, and everything's still over-the-top and cheesy, but in a good way. With the new Style moves, the game has depth beyond button-smashing; it even encourages it with Combo style points that are awarded for your flashiness on screen, and are decreased as you use the same move over and over, much like in the Tony Hawk games.

This game is extremely difficult. The PS2's Ninja Gaiden. The American "Normal" mode, which is the only difficulty mode available in the beginning, is the Japanese "Hard" mode. After you get your butt kicked a few times, the "Easy" mode becomes unlocked, which isn't that much easier. Trust, this game is freakin' hard. Your skill, reflexes, and brain will definitely be up to the test with this one.

The graphics are completely redone and it shows. Nice graphics and special effects, and the levels are greatly detailed and the gothic theme is superb. On the sound front, the music really pumps you up and puts you in the midst of the action. Sound effects fit the bill, especially melee clings and clangs.

Replay value for this game is pretty good, since with the different Styles (with two unlockables), you can play through completely different every time. The multiple difficulty levels also add to the replay, along with secret missions and weapons. Seriously, this game is going to eat up a lot of your time, and you're going to love it.

Overall, this is an extremely fun game, and I'm glad Capcom did the series right with this one. If you like action games, pick it up. But if you get frustrated easily, skip it since you'll be dying. A lot.

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Product Description:
Devil May Cry 3 brings a new story element to the usual upgrades & improvements that come with gaming sequels. In this prequel set 20 years before the first Devil May Cry games, you become Dante - a half-demon who loves his job as a warrior. Jump off walls, fly through the air and shoot as you go flying through enemies. Focus your demonic powers to perform outstanding attacks and remarkable maneuvers.

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Tenchu: Fatal Shadows Review

Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)If you are fan of the series then it's worth buying.
If you have never played the series before, play the original Tenchu for PS1 before playing any of the others in the series. If you are however considering THIS game and have never played the series before, play Tenchu Wrath of Heaven which should be at great discount now.

Pros:
- Game still gets adrenaline going.
- Fans of Tenchu series will like this as an add-on for the series.
- Story appears to be told from 2 points of view like in the film Rashomon.
- In easy level, if you die you can continue immediately where you left off.
- AI does appear slightly improved. E.g. In a botched stealth kill I landed in front of the enemy and got my throat slit and died instantly. Bosses appear to be more difficult too. You can't simply stand and block indefinitely anymore, they have special moves to counter blocks.
- I played this game initially in the most difficult level thinking it would be a breeze after having played all the other Tenchus. Nope. Had to go back down to Easy level to survive.

Cons:
- Non fans will find this game dated- especially having played Metal Gear Solid and Splinter Cell. Just remember that the original Tenchu came out roughly at the same time as Metal Gear so it is one of the pioneers in the field- which is why it has such a strong, but niche, following.
- Camera is still as difficult as previous Tenchus- but fans will have no problems. Non fans will probably want to throw their controller at the screen.
- Models of characters seem rather chunky even for PS2.

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Product Description:
Tenchu: Fatal Shadows revives the classic stealth action of Tehcnu with incredible new graphics, gameplay and an intense new storyline. The deadly ninja called Ayame travelled the land in search of her mentor when she stumbles across a small village that's been slaughtered. The only suvivor is another ninja girl named Rin, and together they'll use their talents to find the reason for this hideous crime.

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Line of Sight: Vietnam Review

Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)Like a cat-and-mouse game but a highly exciting one, this is a very good game of stealth and that is the reason why I give it 5 stars. The game plan is simple: you get your orders, you go to your target and eliminate them, and proceed to the extraction point. Pretty easy Huh? Well, that's where the excitement rides because that's about the only linear part of the game.
Instead, there are many ways to defeat your enemy. You can circle them and take them out the guards one at a time as you go to the "center." Or You can head straight to your target and engage in a close quarter combat.
You gotta know when to be a "ghost" so quiet you can by-pass the enemy unnoticed. You gotta know when to be noisy they all come running up to you so that you can ambush them from a well-concealed point. The night missions were especially cool! You use night vision scope and watch your enemies in graveyard green!
The music is one of the most fitting out there in this type of game: it lends a scary, hair-raising experience because as you go through the jungle you don't know where your enemies are. The music is really good. The graphics are good, too. I like the idea that I can control my spotter, say to position him in one place so that when I explore an area, he can cover me. There is one mission where he saved my life as the VCs where approaching from behind! The game has got some weird behavior like enemy corpses floating perfectly hoirizontal instead of lying at an angle along the slope. It's also noticeable that the landscape are quite alike in all missions: ridges and ravines and valleys. But they're detailed. Hey, even the grass sways by the wind! If you're wounded you can't run fast but have to stop to catch your breath. The extraction points are the places where heavy enemy attacks often take place and you need to know how to strategically place your squad to survive.
All in all, the game is very good for it's graphics, music, detail, and most of all- stealth. You're in a jungle with no way out but your extraction point, you often don't know where your enemies are until they start shooting, you gotta think twice before crossing an open field or ravine because of a super accurate sniper somewhere out there! Your only other health options are the medipaks from your enemies, you match your fire power with stealth so you can get back home alive. I like it and highly recommend it for those who want a very good, scary cat-and-mouse game!

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Product Description:
Line of Sight: Vietnam traces the career of a deadly U.S. Army sniper in Vietnam!

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