Squad Battles: Eagles Strike Review

Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)This is a turn based game that is fun to play though a little lack luster in graphics. Lots of mods are out there online to improve the appearance. John Tiller has some of the best wargames out there if you like detailed, historical, turn based games. This is not as polished as the East Front/West Front game series. However, still lots of fun for anywhere from about an hour to many hours. If you are into RTS games this is not for you.

Click Here to see more reviews about: Squad Battles: Eagles Strike

Product Description:
Squad Battles: Eagles Strike In the summer of 1944, America launched a massive offensive against a Nazi-dominated Europe. This struggle pit Americans against the Germans from the beaches of Normandy to the Ardennes Forest and beyond. Be part of the offensive that crippled the Nazis and brought them to a screeching halt.

Want to read more honest consumer review about Squad Battles: Eagles Strike now ?

Disgaea: Hour of Darkness Review

Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)Most rpg games that I have played always have had a serious tone to them. This is understandable since most rpg games, especially those of the fantasy genre, involved defeating a Dark Lord of some sort and saving the world from destruction. This is not the case with ATLUS' Disgaea: Hour of Darkness. Disgaea is one of the funniest and most irreverent game I have ever played.

For starters, the main character in the game is a teenage demon by the name of Laharl whose sidekick Edna is a young demoness who seems to be constantly ridiculing Laharl and maybe even plotting behind his back. Laharl is clueless and behaves the way he thinks demon lords should behave, Edna and the rest of his courtiers barely give him his due respect and yet they still follow him for some reason. Weird and unusual cast of characters for an rpg.

With Disgaea being an rpg in the same vein as Final Fantasy Tactics and Ogre Battle Tactics, there will be an inordinate amount of jobs you as a player can recruit to join your team. Jobs that can be recruited from can range from stereotypical fantasy fare like wizard, mage, cleric to more out there jobs like being a gunslinger of some type. There is even a a unit character one can recruit that is nothing but demonic servants in the shape of penguins that are called Prinnies and who always say "dood!'.

The levelling system in Disgaea is very extensive. If one had the time and inclination to do so, they can level up every character in their team into the 10000+ level. The same goes for the levels of their items. The good thing about Disgaea is that there are certain levels --- I will leave it up to the new players to figure out which --- that helps immensely in powerleveling a team member in the tens of thousands.

The story for Disgaea is funny and doesn't make sense at times, but I think that may have been a plan of the developers from the beginning. But in the end, the story and its many subplots meld well together and everything starts to make sense. The dialogue ranges from downright funny, some sexual innuendoes thats either very mature or juvenile, and to very poignant and sad. I enjoy the option of keeping the voice-over in its original Japanese voices and using English subtitles. Or one can just go straigh to English voice-overs. More rpg games should make good use of this option. It'll save alot of gamers from having to listen to very bad English dubbing.

The graphics is very simple and some may say dated for a PS2 game. It uses anime-style 2d animations unlike most rpgs that have gone the 3D-animation route. The animation looks very colorful and nice even if it's not 3D. The music ranges from operatic to J-pop in styles. Disgaea is really very simple when it comes to its visuals and audio. It could've been done better, but its a minor quibble when taken in context to the rest of the game.

Disgaea: Hour of Darkness is a fun time of a game and one that doesn't ever get old or boring. For gamers who enjoy powerleveling their characters and who like to micromanage every detail of their gears and abilities, then this is a game for you. I hope ATLUS will continue with the success they had with this game and make an even better follow-up. I highly recommend.

Click Here to see more reviews about: Disgaea: Hour of Darkness

Product Description:
Disgaea: Hour of Darkness takes you into the challenge of a lifetime -- the right to rulethe Netherworld!More than 40 hours of intense gameplay, with multiple endings

Get 39% OFF

Want to read more honest consumer review about Disgaea: Hour of Darkness now ?

Fire Emblem: Radiant Dawn Review

Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)I will be objective and critical in my reviews.

This game is a true sequel to Fire Emblem: Path of Radiance.

-An example of the game. Imagine: your forces (about 18) and your computer ally (about 20) vs. enemy (about 60). you have to defend the castle entrance (you have long range attackers) and the only way for the enemy to go there is through the stairs. You block off both sets of stairs with your strong melee guy with an archer/mage behind for long range support. The enemy is approaching, then both of you are at a stand still, but they attack the one blocking. Your HP is slowly draining from the close and long range attacks by melee, arrows, and/or magic. You need to heal him/her now (or you'll lose that character in the game). If you use a Vulernary (HP potion), you could get attacked by an enemy with 1 hp (which you could have defeated if you attacked instead of healed). If you have a priest heal you, an archer could shoot over your character and hit your priest (who has very low max hp and defense stats). If you attack, you may defeat one more, but what will take it's place? What would happen if I did this, or that, or... What would you do?

PROS:
-Customize the strength, material, weight, and other stats of weapons
-Objectives are interesting and challenging: DEFEND THE CASTLE, ROUT THE ENEMY, DEFEAT THE BOSS, SURVIVE FOR X TURNS, DEFEND "PERSON", AND MORE.
-Story, although not always presented well, is very engaging
-Even just reading the scrolling story is very interesting
-This game is really fun, it's gonna eat up your free time.
-Challenging strategy game. Really makes you think
-If you wanna keep all your characters, you will appreciate the challenge
-About 45 hours of gameplay, not counting the unlockables and how many times you will reset the game because you realize you made a wrong move. (this is a good thing by all means). So this means about 100 hours in real life. Great length and depth.
-Difficulty is appropriate, definitely not too easy and there are MUCH harder levels
-Gameplay is just as it was in FE:POR, it's simple, yet complex and very effective
-The cutscene movies are very well done
-Music is orchestrated, sounds great.
-Gamecube controller compatible

CONS:
-Like I said, about 75% of the cutscenes are scroll and read types
-Not enough movie cutscenes, which make the game seem more sub-par
-I'm NO graphics-nut, I'm a GAMEPLAY-nut, but the developers could have stepped up the graphics to have more detail There's more graphics potential in the Wii than the Gamecube, and they didn't improve other than progressive scan and 16:9 support. I think the developers were just lazy in the graphics area.
-I have to reset the game to go to the main menu from the battlefield, come on, this is just poor development. Disappointing.

FINAL THOUGHTS:
PERSONALLY, I REALLY REALLY REALLY LOVE THIS GAME.
Those reviewers and critics giving this game a bad rating most likely aren't strategy-fans. Not everyone likes strategy games, but those who do should give this game high marks.
-If you like strategy games, I HIGHLY RECOMMEND THIS GAME.
-If you are new to the strategy genre, get the prequel to this game FIRE EMBLEM: PATH OF RADIANCE (ALSO WELL DONE) first.
-If you do not like RPG strategy games, I don't recommend this game because this is a true RPG strategy game.
-If you are a graphics-nut, this game will disappoint you.
-If you are a gameplay-nut, you will really enjoy this game. I did.
-If you liked FIRE EMBLEM: PATH OF RADIANCE, don't hesitate because of the other negative "CRITIC" reviews, it is really, really worth it.

-TO RESPOND TO THE CRASHING INCIDENT IN THE THREE STAR REVIEW: I THINK IT WAS PROBABLY A PROBLEM WITH THAT PARTICULAR PERSON'S WII OR MEMORY CARD BECAUSE MY CLEAR DATA FROM FE:POR TRANSFERED FINE WITH NO CRASHES.

Click Here to see more reviews about: Fire Emblem: Radiant Dawn

Product Description:
Mad King Ashnard. His country of Daein suffers under the rule of the war's victors. Now, a small band of freedom fighters struggle to end the long, dark night of Daein's oppression. Micaiah, Sothe, and a host of others-the infamous "Dawn Brigade"-rally under the banner of Daein's long-lost prince to bring a new day to this ravaged land.
Command the Dawn Brigade and learn the story of their struggle. Then, gain a new perspective by joining Ike and the Greil Mercenaries as they watch Daein's battles spread throughout all of Tellius!
Shape your army to suit your strategy by choosing from dozens of unique characters. Will you use close-range attacks, like the brash Edward's sword, or will you attack from afar using Leonardo's bow or Ilyana's lightning magic?
Build support relationships between your characters-as their relationships grow, so do their strengths as they fight together on the battlefield. Guide your army wisely, because if a character falls on the battlefield, he's lost forever!
The best-selling strategy title makes its Nintendo Wii debut, with 16:9 widescreen support, newly added for the North American version, bringing you a truly epic experience.

Want to read more honest consumer review about Fire Emblem: Radiant Dawn now ?

UBI SOFT Tom Clancy's Rainbow Six Rogue Spear Platinum Wndows Review

Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)Rogue Spear is a fantastic tactical shooter of a unique type. The missions are quick, deadly and unforgiving.If modern-day console shooters are boring you with their unrealism, Rogue Spear may fill the emptiness you're feeling.

Click Here to see more reviews about: UBI SOFT Tom Clancy's Rainbow Six Rogue Spear Platinum Wndows

Product Description:
UbiSoft Tom Clancy's Rainbow Six Rogue Spear Platinum for Windows PC - Rogue Spear straddles the razor's edge separating justice from the dark forces of geopolitical turmoil. It blends spine-tingling tactics and explosive action into intense counter-terrorist warfare. New custom mission feature allows you to choose game type, map and difficulty before playing

Want to read more honest consumer review about UBI SOFT Tom Clancy's Rainbow Six Rogue Spear Platinum Wndows now ?

Tom Clancy's Ghost Recon Island Thunder Review

Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)If you're a fan of the Ghost Recon series of games, the Island Thunder set brings your platoon-based gaming to a hostile Cuba of the future.
There's the great graphics, where each of your friends and enemies look like real people, with proper movements and actions. Your environment is misty, rainy, soggy, with detailed trees and grass. You really feel like you're crawling up the road, watching for that enemy tower.
The sound is also quite good. None of the rock-thumping rambo music here - you listen carefully for where your enemies could be hiding, and watch for signs that an ambush is being laid.
Multiplayer is where this game shines best, though. An assortment of maps, campaign types and of course a wide variety of players means that the game will stay interesting long after you exhaust the built in missions. Downloadable new maps mean that the game can be fun pretty much forever!
A warning to arcade-style button mashers - this isn't a game like Doom where you just hop in and blast away. If you try that, you'll be slain quickly and pretty disappointed. You have to learn how to work with your troops, how to approach silently, how to work out a strategy to take advantage of your strengths. This is a game that involves a lot of patience and coordination. In this game it's not the person with the fastest fingers who wins - it's the person who pays the most attention to what is going on, and plans accordingly.

Click Here to see more reviews about: Tom Clancy's Ghost Recon Island Thunder

Product Description:
Ghost Recon: Island Thunder takes you back into the world's combat zones, with an all-new mission to complete!Xbox Live compatible, for exciting online gameplayBecome swift, silent and deadly, as you face danger on the battlefield, with the deadly Ghost Recon!

Want to read more honest consumer review about Tom Clancy's Ghost Recon Island Thunder now ?

Tom Clancy's Rainbow Six Vegas 2 Review

Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)A fantastic follow-up to the best FPS in history. Halo 3, while it had a fantastic story, just isn't nearly as good as the Rainbow series in terms of gameplay. I'll start with the positives...

The weapons are fantastic. The way they shoot, the way they sound, and the way they look. They added a few new weapons, but I'd have liked to see a lot more. In addition, only being able to put one attachment on is a little silly. If you put high cap magazines on, for example, you can't have a scope. Unrealistic to the point of being silly.

They allow us to once again play cooperatively via split screen, online, or system link. THANK YOU! So few devs are letting co-op play get the attention it deserves, and they wonder why their games don't sell.

The new leveling system is wonderful. In the first game, the only way you could unlock the cool looking gear was to play versus online. And guess what? Not everyone likes to do that. This version allows you to get all the experience either online in versus mode, or playing the Co-op story or terrorist hunt.

Wonderful multiplayer options. You have your story, of course, and terrorist hunt, which gives the game unlimited replayability. The new online modes are cool too, if you're into that.

A few "negatives" for the game. First, the difficulty. Some of the silly reviewers found it so difficult that they gave it only one or two stars. Apparently they felt it was just that bad. The game is certainly more difficult than the first game, it sort of has to be. It had to be balanced to allow multiple human players. So although it may be a bit tough on single player, it is perfect when you have your buddies playing with you.

The player customization feature is nice, but unusually limited. In addition, the facial features like facial hair--all look the same. The pictures look different, but when its mapped onto the actual character, they don't really look any different at all. The goatee version--doesn't even have a goatee, lol. This is a mild complaint, because with camo and gear on your head, you never see the face much.

Not a lot of new weapons. Some people may not like the new "kit" system, but I think its pretty nicely done overall.

In a way it does feel like an expansion, as there aren't a lot of new features, but who cares? The first game was the best ever, and I'm perfectly happy having a bunch of new levels to play. They did add the sprint button, which is nice as well.

The BIG problem with this game was one that they claimed to have fixed after the first game. The spawning problem. For those of you who don't know, it is not uncommon at all for terrorists to appear, as if by magic, right in front of you--or behind you, in a room you had just cleared. Instead of populating the map with terrorists at the beginning, they sprinkle them in throughout--there is really no excuse for this. It is lazy game design and purely irresponsible.

And their idea of "difficulty" levels is just as bad as everyone else's. Instead of the logical thing, throwing more enemies at you, they just take away half of your ammo and reduce the number of respawns. Again, lazy design. I would have liked to change my rating from five stars to only 4, or even 3.5.

Click Here to see more reviews about: Tom Clancy's Rainbow Six Vegas 2

Get 2% OFF

Want to read more honest consumer review about Tom Clancy's Rainbow Six Vegas 2 now ?

UFO: Afterlight Review

Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)OK, this game is GOOD... could be great except it shipped with a lot of bugs that have kept most gamers from playing it.It seems that they're still in a patching phase...
I was lucky.I have Win XP and after getting the newest drivers for my video card I was able to play this game with only a slowdown that occurs because I want to run high end video ;\.I haven't finished it yet, but I've played it enough to give a good review.

It's a tactical rts based on the X-Com genre of games.Characters come with 1 or 2 of 3 possible classes: soldier, scientist, or technician. Your units gain levels in their class when they do something related to that class.Levels mean both basic attribute adjustment and skill points.Skill points allow scientists to research certain tech branches quicker, technicians to produce certain items quicker, soldiers to kill aliens quicker... aaaannnnddd some skills from one class help another class (i.e. a scientist can get medical training and use a medkit in battle while a technician can repair robots and space suits).There's a lot more, but I'll let you discover those yourself.

Back to the tactical.There is an overworld map with territories where you can get resources and place some necessary structures... terraforming, radar, etc.You only have one base, but its enough.This game is real-time, but there is a pause/play control that is of key use during the game.During battle you can have your units pause the game after certain things occur (i.e. they have no 'plan' to do anything, etc).Also in the overworld 'strategic game' after your scientists have finishing researching a technology, when your technicians have finished producing an item, when a unit has finished training or one of your 'class' vehicles has returned to base... you can have the game pause automatically.

Note, in the tactical battle I'd suggest using the 'free' camera mode.Their 'auto' really annoys me.

I think these guys had a great idea, but they released it without enough testing ;\

Check the system requirements if you're thiking of buying and make sure that you update your video drivers if you do buy.Check their support forum as well.Sad to say, but it's likely you'll need it.Also, you will have to install the game under your administrator account. ;\
Good luck.

Click Here to see more reviews about: UFO: Afterlight

Product Description:
The lastest addition to the UFO series with stunning graphics and gameplay.

Get 34% OFF

Want to read more honest consumer review about UFO: Afterlight now ?

Nexus: The Jupiter Incident Review

Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)Nexus:TJI combines the very best aspects of role playing, RTS, and strategy gaming into a uniquely wonderful gaming experience.

Probably the best way to describe Nexus:TJI is 'Babylon 5' meets computer gaming. A mix of Homeworld and Star Fleet Command is another apt analogy. You command anywhere from a single vessel to a sizable fleet in an amazing amalgamation of RTS and tactical gaming. The gameplay, cinematics, and world are similar to the look and feel of `Babylon 5' including the Newtonian-based space combat. Yet it also combines the best aspects of space combat in `Battlestar Galactica' (the new series), `Star Wars', and `Star Trek'. Anyone with an interest in space combat will be very pleased with this game.

The graphics in the game are outstanding. The ship models are very well done but the 'space terrain' you fight in is even better. Asteroids, planets, sun flares and more are marvelously rendered with great lighting and shading. Sound is also well done. The story is solid and interesting and offers more depth if you care to read the diary entries and character bios. Voice acting throughout ranges from good to excellent.

Gameplay starts with bits of the story and a mission briefing. You are then left at the Starmap to outfit your ships, check on crew, read diary entries (more story plot), and generally get yourself ready for action. As an indicator of the overall quality of the game this section is almost a great game in its own right. The Starmap lets you literally explore the Universe like an astronomer. You can browse around solar systems and look at planets and moons. The game begins in our own solar system so you'll have some familiar surroundings from which to start.

Once you leave the Starmap and start your mission the main game begins. The game plays out in real-time but you can pause the game to give orders at any moment. What is so unique is that the game blends three levels of detail into an amazing and seamless whole. At the highest level it is similar to a regular RTS game (without the resource gathering) where you can just command your units as you would in Homeworld. But there is also another deeper level where you can exert direct control of certain units and do things such as launch fighters, assign specific target points, dictate posture, etc. Yet there is a third level to the game where you can dig one step deeper and take very detailed control of certain units and assign energy distribution, repair systems, control detailed movement orders, and much more. Best of all is that you can play the game successfully at the level YOU enjoy most. On occasion you'll need to dig down (or with the larger battles back up) but mostly you can play at the level of detail and control you enjoy. These multiple levels really set the game apart from previous space combat games. You are not stuck at one level but can move up and down in detail as appropriate.

All of the various ship types (fighters, capital ships, alien ships) and actions (boarding actions, energy management, and more) you would expect (and want) in this type of game are present. The ability to pause the real-time action makes Nexus:TJI a great tactical combat game that rewards sound tactics and understanding of your units' strengths and weaknesses and not just an exercise in how fast you can click. The AI is quite good and certainly doesn't do anything overtly foolish. The game's first couple of missions ease you into play and provide tutorial tips along the way. This is almost enough to play the game but you'll be best served spending some time with the well done manual as you it details some wonderful features not discussed in the in-game tips.

The game interface is a study in elegance and efficiency. Most of it is immediately intuitive and the rest easily digested after a read through the manual. There is an incredible amount of information displayed in a clean, useful fashion that greatly adds to the enjoyment and atmosphere of the game. You can easily command your ships, see ship status, and information on enemy ships. Many of your actions can be assigned directly with the interface without the need to hunt around for particular ships in the 3D display.

So far the game has been very stable and runs just fine at high resolution with full effects.

If all of that wasn't enough Nexus: The Jupiter Incident also includes Mod Tools that lets you create not only new missions but whole new ships and solar systems! I have little doubt we will see many player-created missions available on the Web. This feature gives Nexus:TJI incredible play life. Considering the quality and depth of play I suspect we will see some of the best experiences come from Mod created missions. With luck the designers will produce not only expansions but mission and/or world packs as well.

If you have any interest in sci-fi combat games or the space action in movies/series such as `Babylon 5,' `Battlestar Galactica,' `Star Wars,' or `Star Trek' you simply can't miss this game!

Click Here to see more reviews about: Nexus: The Jupiter Incident

Product Description:
Platform:WINDOWS 98/2000/XPPublisher:SIERRAPackaging:DVD STYLE BOXRating:EVERYONEAt the dawn of the 22nd century ambitious mega-corporations monopolize the colonization of the solar system. As Captain Marcus Cromwell you find yourself in the middle of a conflict that could destroy the balance of the universe.Focus on tactics andbat as youmand fleets of capital-class ships. Encounter alien species explore unknown solar systems and discover other phenomena in your struggle to save Earth.FeaturesEpic campaign with spectacular real-time battles in breathtaking motion-picture qualityJump right into the action; takemand of more than 80 weapons and over 80 other devices.Unprecedented fleet customizationTailor and control multiple detailed spaceships; choose from over 40 ship types.Flexible star map system with planet movement based on real physicsZoom in on stunning objects in an expansive fully 3D universe.Multiplayer via Internet and LAN with diverse missions and modesCreate new content with extensive incorporated modding tools. System RequirementsWindows 98/2000/XPIntel Pentium III 1.0 GHz or AMD Athlon 1.0 GHz128 MB RAM1.4 GB free hard disk space4x Speed CD-ROM driveNVIDIA GeForce 2Sound: Windows 98/2000/XPpatible sound cardDirectX version 9.0b64 kbps modem for LAN/Internet play

Get 37% OFF

Want to read more honest consumer review about Nexus: The Jupiter Incident now ?

SWAT 4: Special Weapons and Tactics Review

Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)Despite what some say, SWAT 4 delivers as it is supposed to. If you were a SWAT 3 fan, then say hello to SWAT 4, a more graphically advanced edition with some AWESOME control and a much improved "drop down" command menu, including the ability to command a "red" and "blue" element at different times, or the WHOLE element at once.

The bad guys are smarter, sneak up on you, and change positions. Some give up easily, others run, and others fight back. It's replay value is AWESOME, and Im sure multiplayer is just unreal...I just havent had the time to get to it yet since Im on mission 5 of the single player!!

This is not meant to be a Max Payne or Half Life 2 game, its a stricly "SWAT" oriented game, slow in pace, much like a Splinter Cell. This is NOT a run and gun, its a strategic first person shooter for SWAT series fans.

Be aware that it takes a few minutes to set up the keyboard the way that is most comfortable, and you may change the config a few times in the control panel before you set it for good. Having the controls set up to where you can access all commands easily is key to keeping this game exciting and not annoying!

The system requirements arent too bad...but PCGAMER reccommends a 2.4ghz P4 and a 128mb graphics card. For reference, Im running it on a 3.4ghz Extreme Edition CPU, 1 GB of RAM, an X800 XT 256mb graphics card, and surround sound.

Click Here to see more reviews about: SWAT 4: Special Weapons and Tactics

Product Description:
Looking for a tactical shooter that asks you to do more than charge a building, guns a' blazin'? With a focus on sparing as many lives as possible, SWAT 4 not only raises the stakes, it raises the realism to a new level. Choose your loadout carefully and only go lethal when all else fails and the lives of innocents or a squad member are at stake.
In SWAT 4, you're the leader, nicknamed "Boss," and it's your job to command three other specialists through a variety of missions in every corner of a perilous, crime-infested city. Your special weapons and tactics squad consists of basic specialist types, an Assaulter, a Breacher, a Scout and a Non-lethal Specialist. These specialists can be customized to your tastes, and you can pick weapons that suit your mission objectives and plan. In keeping with SWAT 4's focus on non-lethal, life-preserving engagements, you can choose weapons such as tasers, flashbang grenades, and a bean bag-hurling shotgun. Of course, many situations turn hot, and the baddies you'll face will be well armed, so there is a complete selection of lethal firepower, as well.
Your missions will focus on neutralizing criminal elements and taking as many suspects into custody as possible. How you do that is up to you, but the game demands restraint, stealth and an eye for gaining the tactical advantage over opponents. You'll use items like the "Optiwand" to look around corners and under doors to scout for foes, before rushing in and subduing a suspect with pepper spray, CS gas or, if things turn ugly, live rounds. Be careful, though; killing innocents will end your mission immediately.
As squad leader, you make the ultimate calls about whether to enter rooms, open fire, or retreat. You'll command three other capable comrades with the only goal of keeping people alive. SWAT 4's intuitive command system will have you giving orders and organizing your team effectively in no time. All commands are contextual, meaning the game provides possible options depending on the situation you're in. This allows you to make decisions quickly, because when lives are at stake and the action heats up, one thing you don't have is a lot of time.
The SWAT franchise is well known for great multi-player action, and SWAT 4 is no exception. You can play online in one of three modes, Barricaded Suspects, V.I.P. Escort, or Rapid Deployment. Each mode comes with unique challenges and makes special demands on your powers of cooperation and command. Keep a cool head, and keep the body bags to a minimum.

Want to read more honest consumer review about SWAT 4: Special Weapons and Tactics now ?