Nintendo Wii U Console - 32GB Black Deluxe Set Reviews

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Great News. Today (4/30/2013) Nintendo released an update that resolved a lot of the problems that the Wii U had. My personal favorite is that you can now download and install games in the background and fully automatically. Yes, it should have been like that since the beginning. Three cheers! I've updated my review to reflect this new information.

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Original review (edited due to improvements by Nintendo):

I remember that Nintendo came under a lot of criticism for not having an HD version of the Wii. HD was around when the first Wii came out, and a lot of people were a bit skeptical that they stuck to the lower resolution. As HD became common, Nintendo told fans that they had to do something "more" than just come out with an HD version of the Wii.

Well, thats just what Nintendo did. The Wii U is more than "just Wii HD". But Nintendo hasn't changed the Wii experience very much. You still use Wii remotes every time you play. The Wii U is not "completely different" like the Wii was when it came out. The Wii U is the Wii's younger, smarter brother. And if you liked the Wii, you'll like the Wii U.

The 3 main features of the Wii U are:

1) Its HD, which brings it (finally) up to speed with the Xbox and Playstation ... and everything else out there.

2) The Wii U has a single video controller. The video controller opens up new game experiences. Whoever is playing on the video controller sees something different than the other players. For generations people have wanted multiplayer games that didn't use a "split TV screen", and the Wii U gives you that in one console. This is a really big deal. The video controller is also a touchscreen which you use to flick something at the screen, or move things on screen. The new video controller allows for new control options ... just like the "Wii balance board" allowed Nintendo to sell yoga and ski games.

3) Videos, videos, videos. Netflix, youtube, TiVo, amazon instant video. It will keep track of the TV shows you want to watch, and when they will be on. You'll also be able to use the Wii U as a social outlet to chat about TV shows and movies. Nintendo calls this Wii TVii, and it would be a revolution in TV watching... if only all the features were available now. So you can use the Wii U as a control for all your Video experiences with your TV. The video controller will act like "PIP Picture in Picture in the palm of your hand". I use the Wii U with Amazon Video to watch movies for free, and the Wii remote lets me see information about the movie on IMDB WHILE the movie is playing. For sports, you'll be able to watch instant replays on the small screen... while the rest of your buddies continue to watch the big game on the main screen. So its going to be a remote controller on steroids. To be honest, this is going to be a really big big deal but since not all the features roll until "later" I can't give the WIi U a star for it yet. Maybe it will change your life, maybe not. Time will tell.

And that concludes the main appeal of the Wii U. We finally get HD, the video controller adds a new dimension to the usual Wii gaming, and it also serves as a "TV command center".

FAQ:::Some people have asked me about the Wii U, and the short answers are:

1) No, you don't have to own a Wii to have a Wii U.

2) You can only use ONE video controller with your Wii U. All other players use the old Wii remote.

3) 5 people can play at once, making it even more of a "game party" console than before.

4) You can't play DVDs or Blu Ray discs. Blue Ray is Sony Playstation territory, as you probably know.

5) You can surf the internet on it (why would you want to? I don't know)

6) Should I get the deluxe? Probably. You get 32gb of memory, which will become more important the longer you have the console, and the more you do with it. You get the Nintendo Land game. You get the cradle for charging the video gamepad. And until 2014 they will give you a store credit of 10% every time you make a purchase of digital content (games). If you buy digital content regularly, you might "earn back" the extra $50 you pay for the deluxe Wii U. (I tried this yesterday, read below for more info on the credit)

NintendoLAND:

Nintendo Land has a nice set of games that introduce you to life with the video controller:

1) Some of the games are a lot of fun. The most popular minigames in our house are the game where one player pretends to be a ghost and scares other players. This is accomplished by having two screens, the ghost can see everyone, but nobody else knows where the ghost is. This is always a howling good time at our house. The Mario hide and seek works the same way and is also popular with us. (update: after a month of play, the Kids now play Zelda and Metroid the most)

2) Some of the games would be worth about $1 in an "app store". (race game, balloon game, and yoshi game: I'm talking to you!)

3) Some games have more than one control scheme. The Pikmin game is enjoyed by my 4 year old because he can use a stylus to direct "Captain Olimar" instead of the joysticks/d-pads. He just points at what he wants to do. So for the first time even my youngest can join in on at least some of the action.

4) Metroid and Zelda show off what the Wii U can do for multiplayer combat/FPS. In Metroid, the player with the video controller operates a "helicopter" while everyone else are "ground troops". The two screens allow for different perspectives in battle.

NintendoLand has satisfied my kids for a whole month, but its really starting to wear off now. NintendoLand is particularly good if you have a lot of friends come over to your house. But, its just a variety game and not very deep. You'll probably want to buy another game shortly after buying the Wii U. (PS I bought Trine2 from the Nintendo eShop for $20, but, I think it was worth about $10.)

Other games: since I wrote my original review, I have bought a lot of other wii U games. However, I'm generally disappointed in the use of the video controller. In many games, the video controller either shows you a map of the area, or, shows a version of whats on the big TV screen. Party games, like the Rabbids game and Nintendo Land, make the best use of the video controller. Single player games tend to make the worst use of it. I don't have all the games for the Wii U, but, thats been my general experience.

The Wii U has a host of "lesser" features:

1) A person can play the Wii U without having the TV on. Expect a smack on your head if you want to play ZombiU while your wife watches a movie.

2) Its backwards compatible with all older Wii games (but maybe not dance pads!), which is nice if you bought Zelda Skyward Sword this summer.

3) Just as with the old Wii, you can download games from the Nintendo store. If you buy online content for your iPhone, Xbox, or PS3, you know that this is a big deal. I used to buy songs for guitar hero to add to the songs that came in the box. If you buy this DELUXE version, you get a 10% credit back for all online purchases, see more about this credit in "The Bad" below.

4) The Wii U video controller is like a universal remote. You can turn on your TV and change the volume from the gamepad which is a convenience.

5) Most of the old Wii hardware is compatible too, which is nice, EXCEPT that round "gamecube style" connector is not present on the Wii U. Games that use a mat like "outdoor challenge" and "Dance Dance Revolution" become history in your house.

6) There is a big, easy to find "download again" button for all digital content, so if your Wii U got fried by a power surge you wouldn't lose your purchases. That's always nice.

The bad:

1) The menus aren't intuitive. There are two menus... the Wii U menu and the Home menu. The Home menu is found by pressing the Home button. Note that now that downloads are automatic, the unintuitive menus aren't so bad. But they still seem redundant.

2) Transferring data from the Wii to the Wii U should be easier. In particular I didn't like that when I imported my Miis, I had to do a separate step on the Wii U before I could actually use them in the games. The day I got it the patch took way too long to download and install, and after I transferred my data from my Wii I felt like I had spent 2 hours on the whole thing. But, since then, there has been no problem.

3) Freezing. I did have a problem with NintendoLand locking up, but, that went away after one day. This will be something they fix and becomes a thing of the past. I wouldn't sweat it.

4) Long updates. I feel that the time that it takes to download stuff and install it has improved over time.

5) Installing downloaded content. I wrote a long rant about how annoying this was, but as of the most recent update you can buy items in the store and they download and install automatically, as they should.

6) Digital Content 10% back has a $50 minimum, and I feel that its high. For every $50 in digital content you get a $5 credit. If you spend $65 on digital content, then you still get $5, until you spend another $35 to get it to $100. You go to a separate website using your computer, and log in, and then copy the code onto a piece of paper. Then you go to your wii u and put in the code. I've become accustomed to the process and I've decided its not very restrictive, but I still wish that credits just "appeared" in your account 24-48 hours later. The codes are good until 2015. The codes remain on that website even after you've used them, they don't disappear. When you add the codes to the eShop there is no expiration date.

Ok now that I'm done complaining...

Your decision matrix:

1) If you still like playing on your Wii, and you have the money to spend, buy a Wii U and sell your Wii. You'll enjoy it.

2) If you are considering between an Xbox+Kinect and a Wii U, I think its a tough call. I really like the "second screen" gaming, it really opens up a lot of possibilities. But most of the wii U stuff looks really juvenile. The kid down the street told me he still wanted an Xbox because the Xbox has games for teenagers. I said "whatev."

3) As a side note, every kid who has seen and played our Wii U in the last two weeks has put this as the top item on the Christmas list. Its the "next big thing" for them and you can be sure that the little things that I complain about in this review won't matter to them. Not at all.

Games: Nintendo now has decent amount of digital content to buy online. I paid .35 for "kirby's great adventure" or something like that. Its a grainy looking old game, but it was only thirty five cents. Nintendo has started offering games at the $2, $5, and $8 price points as well. I'm VERY pleased to see this, because I want to be able to log into the shop and grab a game for cheap when I want to.

I rate this item 3 stars out of 5 because three stars means "it's ok". Nintendo has made a lot of improvements in 6 months, and while they have fixed most of the problems with the system, I find myself reluctant to raise the review to 4 stars until some more exclusive games are released. Pikmin 3 has been delayed until August, for example.

1 month UPDATE:

We've become "heavy users" of the Wii U. My wife, who always preferred the Kinect, has started to warm up to the Wii U. But I think its because my son is converting her, I sure couldn't.

Big negative: CRADLE and battery have limitations: The battery on the video controller can't hold up to extended play. I picked up one of these cables: Global Game Gear GGG0040 Deluxe Split Extension Cable for Wii U Video Controller which resolved my problems. Now its easier to keep the video controller charged. I've removed my rant about the video controller battery not lasting.

DOWNLOADS: I removed my rant about problems with downloads because its been fixed.

The Wii U is getting better. I think it may turn into my favorite console of all time, if they can just get some good exclusive games out, and improve the use of the video controller in those games. I really don't want another game where the Wii U video controller shows a map. Gimmie a break.

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If you are giving this Wii-U as a childrens' gift, PLEASE do yourself a favor and hook the system up and do the downloads/updates before you wrap it up. I am a grown man, but still grew impatient waiting for the Wii-U to become playable. A child waiting to play this is unbearable! This was a gift for my young son, although I must admit that I've played it just as much as he has.

Best Deals for Nintendo Wii U Console - 32GB Black Deluxe Set

Having been a student for many years, the Wii U is the first console that I've ever pre-ordered. Now I've got a job that has something resembling a salary. Having gotten so many years of fun and excitement out of my first-gen Wii, I decided to roll the dice on the Wii U by pre-ordering the 32 GB black deluxe set. So far, I'm glad that I did. This is a review of the Deluxe set that I've ordered specifically, however you can compare the two sets and fill in the blanks concerning what you may be missing with the basic set

What is (and isn't) included:

The black deluxe set comes with (almost) everything that you need to get started. It comes with the black console, power brick, sensor bar, HDMI cable (if you need component you'll have to pick it up separately), stand, tablet, tablet charger and dock, a plastic stand for the tablet, and the packaged-in game NintendoLand. What the game does not come with is one or more wii remotes. If you already have a Wii, you'll be able to use your current remotes. If you don't have wii motion plus enabled remotes, you will need to pick up a set of wii motion plus dongles in order to use them (at least for the game I've tried, which I will get into later).

Setup:

Set up is pretty easy, although you may have to wait a bit (at least close to release day). Setting up the tablet controller, wires, internet, etc. was a breeze. Internet setup was standard. The system recognized the HDMI connection and selected the correct resolution and aspect ratio immediately. Yes, you now have the ability to play the new Wii games in HD like the rest of the world ; ) I understand the cost reasons related to the SD choice on the Wii, but for most Nintendo fans these days I suspect that the upgrade is going to be a nice change of pace.

Before playing any games I can tell that I'm going to like the tablet a bit. Even during set-up you can tell that the tablet is well integrated with the overall use of the system. At times the tablet display mirrors the TV content, and at others you see something different on the tablet screen while you are working. The resolution, colors, and refresh rate of the tablet are all rather pleasing on the eyes. The screen is touch sensitive, allowing you to interact with the tablet and games with both a press of the screen and the press of a button. Hidden away in the back is a stylus, which is a nice touch. I like being able to keep the screen clean while I'm playing with it.

One word of warning: You may want to bring a book along (at least at first)--the initial setup required two downloads to be made over the internet. The first was for the system itself, and the second was after I inserted the first game. The tablet showed the progress bar while the initial update was downloading, and it took at least 15 minutes for me to see any real progress. I switched to another activity for a while and eventually came back when the tablet alerted me that the download was finished. This is most likely going to be an early adopter problem--I suspect since today is the release date that Nintendo's servers are getting slammed.

Once setup is complete you're greeted by the Wii U main screen. While the 3D organization is different from the Wii, you should figure out navigation fairly quickly. One of the options is a standard Wii view, which appears to give you access to the original Wii OS for navigation and applications (very cool, I look forward to figuring out how to port over my apps and data from my old Wii).

Just like the original Wii, you create Mii avatars. This time you can use the tablet controller's built-in camera to create them for you. After selecting hair and eye color, you can snap a shot of yourself. The system configures several miis for you to choose from. It automatically recognized my glasses, and gave me an option to add my full beard to my mii (making avatar selection much quicker than before).

If you choose, you can also set up the tablet as a RF remote that controls all of the other devices in your media center. This is a nice feature, and is quick to configure. I selected my TV brand (Vizio), and the first remote configuration that I tried worked right out of the box.

In order to use many of the Wii U's features you'll need to create an ID for the new Nintendo Network. This in turn requires you to configure (among other things) a unique ID (that it says you cannot change), regional info, birthdate, etc. If you are uncomfortable providing this information you may have to limit the features that you're able to use. Personally, I don't care so it isn't a problem (they don't need phone, SSN, or anything that I felt was terribly invasive).

NintendoLand & first impressions of gaming experience:

The packaged-in disc for NintendoLand seems to serve the same purpose as Wii Sports did for the original Wii--to demonstrate how to use the features of the new system and show the user how to use the system's hardware and software. While Sports was ultimately very simplistic in graphics and purpose, it ended up being a lot of fun for most Wii users. Despite its relative simplicity, NintendoLand has a very similar feel, and it may be enjoyable for some time to come.

In NintendoLand you are greeted by Monita, a floating screen with a single arm. Monita shows you around the NintendoLand system, and introduces you to the tablet's controls as well as the mini games that are available to you. Mini games include fan favorites such as Metroid, Link, Mario, Yoshi, Pikmin, and several others. Despite the fact that I've already picked up two other games (which I will review later) my wife and I have been playing NintendoLand for several hours. It is a lot of fun. The interaction with the wii plus remote and nun chuck are (not surprisingly) very similar to the predecessor system, so I'm not going to go to deep into those features here.

The tablet provides a real gem here. Various games have different requirements--at least one tablet, at least one remote, just remotes, remotes and tablet, etc. Multiplayer games that include both remote and tablet (for at least two users, of course) are a lot of fun. No longer are you restricted to just one view on the TV or a split-screened view used in previous systems. Now one user can use the TV as a primary display while the other user can use the mobile screen of the tablet as well as the larger display of their TV. Simply put, the table offers exactly what you would expect--a combination of the benefits of a handheld with the benefits of a full console experience. It is simultaneously interesting and difficult to describe without trying it.

I've got to say, NintendoLand's combination of remote and tablet make me excited for future games. I have a feeling that we're just scratching the surface of what the combo can do. Hopefully game makers use their imagination and provide a new and unique gaming experience the same way that the Wii remotes changed the way that we view console I/O in the previous generation.

As a whole, NintendoLand is a great game offering firsts person shooter, puzzles, and more.

As a media center:

One of the things that Nintendo seems to be trying to do with the new system is tie together the media center the same way that the Wii did seemingly by accident. The tablet serves as a remote for your devices, the system gives you the ability to play games, and the system also comes preloaded with the biggest streaming players: Amazon, Netflix, and Hulu. I have currently tested the Netflix application and it seems to work quite well. Otherwise, they do exactly what you would expect. As a streaming player, the Wii U works just fine and the tablet controller (again) makes for a great remote.

Overall:

If my 5 star rating doesn't speak for itself, I am definitely excited by the prospects of this new system. As far as I can tell with my initial interactions, Nintendo may have hit another home run. This last statement is worth qualifying, because as far as I can see all of the potential of the predecessor is here--it will just be a matter of Nintendo and other game makers living up to that promise. I can't wait to see what else the WIi U has in store for the future. (Especially the not-yet-deployed TVii feature.)

Honest reviews on Nintendo Wii U Console - 32GB Black Deluxe Set

At least that's what I would have called it lol. So while I'm downloading the extensive (or at least time-consuming) updates for the Wii U I thought I'd offer my first impressions and some general advice for potential buyers. I've seen a lot of complaints about early adopters annoyed that they can't play a game 5 minutes after unpacking their system, but this being Nintendo's first committed effort into things like Gamertags and full-HD current-generation downloadable content I'm willing to be very patient.

I picked the system up for exactly the MSRP on a whim at a store that got a couple as I was passing through with some friends, but I've actually played a few games already in some stores around the area so I'm not just guessing about gameplay or the tablet. Also if it matters to anyone, I've owned every Nintendo system but not since the Super Nintendo have I gotten one less than 2 years old. I own a 360/PS3 and enjoy both so no "Fanboy Bias" here.

I use a simple + and system. More +'s mean the positive is important to me, more -'s mean more negative. So 5 +'s is a major selling point to me, while one doesn't affect me much but might affect someone else.

General Hardware:

+++++ System is very stylish, quiet, and simple.

+++++ Wii Games, Wii Motion Plus and Accessories are compatible saving lots of money

+++++ Graphics are finally breathtaking on a Nintendo console

+++ 4 USB Ports, 1 SD card port for Wii games/saves and hard drive expansion up to 2TB

++ 2 AC adapters and HDMI cable for both bundles cuts Nintendo's profits but they made the right decision for consumers

---- Nintendo STILL does not include ability to play DVD/Blu-Ray 12 years after the PS2 first launched.

- System is still a shiny surface and is a fingerprint and dust magnet. Especially annoying in US Navy room inspections lol.

Moving Wii saves and game data takes several extra unnecessary steps.

Wii Points can be transferred, but only for Wii purchases, not converted to currency in the Wii U/3DS eShop.

It's getting more and more expensive to throw your controller during a tantrum.

Deluxe vs. Basic Model:

I would recommend the Deluxe model hands-down, there are too many extras that will save you money.

+++++ Nintendo Deluxe Points Rewards means you'll be saving about 10% on ALL purchases from the digital store.

+++ Cradle makes charging the tablet simple and protects it

++ Nintendo Land is really fun and shows off a lot of what the system can do

++ 32GB makes downloading multiple games possible even without a USB hard drive

+ Wii U stand is simple and fits snugly, making the system look great

- Could have included a headset or headphones for the Tablet despite it having its own mic

Tablet stand feels cheap and unnecessary, the Cradle could easily perform double-duty and had a little more invested in it

I would have liked the option of either color (or a dozen colors) for each bundle

I'd rather have a Pro Controller or Black Ops 2 than Nintendo Land and I'm guessing most core gamers from 360/PS3 feel the same way

Tablet:

+++++ For $300-$350 you get a system with 6x the processing speed of the PS3 and a freaking tablet lol

+++++ The tablet can be a game-changer for browsing the web, controlling your TV, and communicating with friends.

++++ Screen looks and feels great and is much bigger than I thought at 6.3"

++++ Buttons are smartly placed and ergonomic for many hand sizes

++ Additional features and inputs allow for growth and expansion in the device

+ Tilting the gyroscope features while playing a console video game has the same Fun-In-A-Completely-New-Way feel as the original Wii

+ Joysticks are clickable so porting over 360/PS3 games won't result in the loss of functional play.

---- There's no plan at this time for more than one tablet per Wii U to be possible. This could be due to keeping up with demand.

-- The screen is lower refresh/resolution than an iPad or 5-star tablet and takes some getting used to, I had a small headache after the first hour and rarely get them.

-- After browsing the eShop and playing Nintendo Land I realized I hadn't actually looked at my TV for about an hour. This is interesting but potentially gimmicky.

eShop

*The new eShop uses real currency instead of the Wii Points, and Wii Cards can't be converted into money like X-Box cards*

+++++ Many games are day-one digital releases. NSMB 2, ZombiU, Assassin's Creed 3, Darksiders 2 and others are available.

++++ Early Deluxe adopters will receive a 10% discount in the eShop through mid-2014 when linking a Nintendo Club account.

+++ Purchased titles can be downloaded any number of times if you're short on space.

++ Nintendo didn't demand any unnecessary information for me to create an account, demonstrating they respect privacy as much as I do.

---- Triple-A launch titles like Mass Effect 3: SE, Arkham City: Armored and CoD: Black Ops 2 are NOT available online (yet?)

---- Nintendo is notoriously slow to lower their first-party games and will not update digital prices to reflect the age of certain games.

-- In other words, expect games like Super Mario Bros. to stay above 50 dollars for several years.

Launch Titles:

+++++ New Super Mario Bros. Wii 2, Batman: Arkham City Armored Edition, Assassin's Creed 3

++++ Call of Duty: Black Ops 2, Mass Effect 3: Special Edition, Tekken Tag Tournament 2 (Wii costumes and Mushroom Mode!)

+++ Darksiders II, ZombiU, Sonic All-Stars Racing

++ Nintendo Land, Just Dance 4, Scibblenauts, Ninja Gaiden

Sports: Madden, FIFA, NBA 2k13

Overall I'm very impressed with the device. I was skeptical when I heard the name Wii U and pictured trying to play a video game on something like an iPad, and even moreso when I saw the system looks like a longer Wii, but what's going to make me fall in love with this console is the ability to control my games anyway I want. The tablet feels fantastic, the new Pro Controller finally brings Nintendo into the fold with games like Call of Duty, and it's refreshing (and great for the environment ha) that all those Wii Motion Pluses aren't going to sit in a box and never be used again. Backward compatibility and the ability to move Wii Shop Purchases over is a bonus because without an account system I didn't think that would be possible.

I can't say enough about the implications and potential of the tablet on console gaming. Imagine a Zelda game being developed from the ground up right now (maybe an Ocarina of Time remake?) to be released around 2014 where your item screen or map is on the tablet with Link firing arrows riding Epona while you tilt the controller's gyroscope to steer and aim at targets. Or a Metal Gear game where your codec is always open. Or a Final Fantasy RPG that literally has nothing but cinema-quality action on the main screen with battle info and subtitles on the tablet.

Or planting a sentry gun in Call of Duty and being able to glance down and see what it sees in case you want to switch to gun down some enemies quickly. Or aiming a shell in Mario Kart without guessing. Or for you younger gamers, getting to a critical cut scene when your parents want to watch something else on the TV and being able to keep playing your game on the tablet with the same stellar quality and no graphical letdown.

The Wii proved that there was an interest and a new experience to be had in motion gaming, and the Wii U builds on that. There will be failures as some companies port over gimmick touchscreen features in hardly-used menus or mini-games. And there will be games that miss because they try to do too much or rely too heavily on the tablet just like the Wii Remote/Nunchuck. The tablet is a device that can be used to help engage more senses than ever before, but that doesn't mean it always needs to be the main focus or even turned on. I learned that lesson after playing Nintendo Land for twenty minutes.

A lot of people will consider the battle of the next generation of systems as each of the companies fight for position and have their own challenges. Sony has more quality exclusives than X-Box and used sheer graphical force to overpower the Wii but isn't as financially secure as they used to be. Microsoft has the least innovation but hit a homerun with X-Box Live and tailoring their entire console around internet play, friends and accessibility of entertainment and social networking. Nintendo has the most interesting ideas but still doesn't seem to understand how important online play is to the "core gamer audience" they need to bring big developers back.

Will Valve, EA, UbiSoft or Activision partner with someone? And no one can decide if Apple is going to make a move, or if Apple already made their move with the iPad and casual market and just didn't bother telling anybody. Ultimately for me, if a console delivers a new, innovative experience then it's worth checking out. How innovative that experience is and what games are available depends on my investment.

I didn't buy a Wii until late 2010 when I was sure there were at least 15-20 great games that were completely different from anything on the PS3/360. I got a Wii U as soon as I saw one available because right now I'm watching HD video and controlling it with my tablet with headphones plugged into it while downloading Super Mario for the first time in HD (although, ironically, 2D ha.)

I'm going to update and edit this review later on to clean it up and take a lot of unncessary opinion out. BTW, the Wii U comes with a Wii sensor bar so you don't need to buy that separately if you never had a Wii. For now I'll simply say if you're on the fence, I was too. I let my Wii U box sit unopened for almost a week debating whether to keep it, sell it for a profit, or sell it at cost to a family member to give as a gift to a child. Today I opened the box, and clearly if I regretted it this would have been a much shorter and angrier review ;)

By the way, it amazes me how few people had any idea the Wii U was coming or what the heck it is. Some think it's the same system in HD, some think it's literally just a tablet accessory for the Wii. Nintendo needs to hit the Super Bowl with some ads or something before their true post-launch lineup lands in spring. Finally here is some basic opinion and info about the tablet.

There's a female-adapter on the back that looks like it will be used for some sort of tripod add-on later, or to tether two tablets or even something to communicate directly with the system. There's an NFC (near-field communications) area that I've heard will be used to write and store simple data like accepting payments, applying gift cards or those ridiculous Skylander things you see everywhere but have no clue what they are.

There is a volume slider on the top with a headphone jack. The sticks aren't as firm as I'd like but they do feel durable and better than the Classic Pro Controller. There is an adapter on the bottom that will probably have something like a Super Nunchuck later on. You can use the camera to take pictures of yourself and upload it into games or let the system create a Mii similar to your features. The L/R and ZL/ZR buttons feel great. The D-Pad feels slightly too far from the left outside of the tablet and too big but this may be a good thing.

Pretty soon someone is going to have to question whether we even need D-pads anymore or if another set of 4-buttons or third joystick resembling the 8-sided Classic controller joystick is the way to go. Because the only thing I could see using a D-pad for is a fighting game and you wouldn't do that seriously on the tablet anyway. I have a Sony HDTV and the tablet found the code and started controlling it before I was even connected to the internet, very cool. There are two open tab slots on the bottom that help it seat perfectly into the cradle.

Find helpful customer reviews and review ratings for Nintendo Wii U Console - 32GB Black Deluxe Set

No need to be skeptical about this console, once you get the gamepad in your hands and start playing, all your skepticism will go away. I love how the Wii U plays and feels, the gamepad is super lightweight so don't worry about it being too heavy for anyone to use. I have a 4 year old son that absolutely loves this system! Can't tear him away from it, which is the only drawback. The system also has the capability to transfer game play to the gamepad and allow the TV to be freed up, imagine that! Your kid is playing a game that just can't be turned off or he or she will lose their progress and at the same time you would like to watch TV. Your kid can simply take the gamepad to another room and continue playing the game while you watch TV. In addition the gamepad is extremely durable and seems unbreakable. My kids have dropped it, stepped on it and thrown it and not even a scratch. Absolutely Awesome system!

Most of the bad reviews out there are by so called 'hardcore' gamers who just love to put down Nintendo, so you can't listen to 99 percent of them, and the 1 percent of them, want a system that would cost you hundreds more to purchase. The Wii U is a powerhouse and a next gen Nintendo System. It also brings that fun Nintendo experience, hands down, like no other system can.

Currently Target is having an an awesome sale on the white system!

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Customer Ratings:

This adapter works perfectly with my Windows XP computer. You just plug it in. You don't need to install any drivers or anything. You do have do press and hold down the Start button while pressing the A button on the controller for 3 seconds to make the joystick work in analog mode. The instructions for this are on the back of the package.

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I am a Sega Saturn controller fans and use it for all of my fighting games. I have been looking for a good Saga Saturn controller converter for my PC & Playstaton 3 games and I finally found one. This controller is extremely well constructed and my Saturn controller (both type 1 & 2) works well on Windows XP, Windows 7, and my Playstation 3. I am not sure why some reviewer say it does not work on PS3 but I have no problem whatsoever with this converter with my PS3. It works with the manual and with all of my PSN and PS3 games like SF4, Marvel vs Capcom, SF x Tekken, DC vs Mortal Kobat, etc. I would have to say it is one of the most well-built converters I have used so far. Highly recommended for all the Sega Saturn Controller fans who want to use their Saturn controller for PC or PS3 games.

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Just got it, seems pretty good. No noticeable input delay. Worked with my Saturn arcade stick (Hori FightingStick SS), but despite having analog compatibility for PSX/N64 controllers, it doesn't seem to work with my analog Saturn pad, the NiGHTS 3D controller. Unfortunate since that's what I was planning to use to play Phantasy Star Online 2 on my PC etc, but seems pretty decent, all around.

Honest reviews on Sega Saturn - N64 - PS2 Controller Adapter for PC USB

Bought this with a used Saturn pad, and it's a fantastic setup for retro games, especially fighters and shooters. I love the option of holding start+A for 3+ seconds on the Saturn pad to switch the D-pad from the point of view hats to the X/Y axis. Once more used Saturn pads are available, I plan on buying another one of these babies to play old games on my PC. I tried my PS2 controller as well and it works great, but it was only a quick test since I bought this as a Saturn pad adapter. I'm very surprised by the lack of input lag; highly recommended.

No other game pad beats the Saturn pad in terms of precision(especially the diagonals) and how tight and responsive the D-pad and buttons are. No problem with pressing, say, right and accidentally jumping in a fighting game like when I use a 360 pad. I'm VERY happy the Sega Saturn slot was included.

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I wanted to use a Saturn controller for my preference in a great d-pad, and also have the option to comfortably play N64 emulation as my console is packed in storage, and also a PS2 controller when I want dual analog control. My only complaint would be the lack of instruction, however what is provided is able to be easily applied and deduced to what application you use.

Best Grandia III - PlayStation 2 Deals

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Grandia fans will be happy to see this title, but those new to the series may not get as into this game as others. While the heart of Grandia lies within the battle system, which is still incredible, the other elements have suffered a little over the years. With Grandia III it's no different. It is a very good game, but the RPG veteran will notice that there are a couple of key elements missing.

Yuki dreams of one day becoming a pilot like his hero Sky Captain Schmidt. He's finally made a plane that he's sure can carry him off Titalos Island. Upon trying to leave, he doesn't realize his mother has hopped aboard the plane, taking the plane over its weight limit. Eventually the plane goes down near a girl named Alfina who is the last of the "Communicators". A race that stay in contact with a Guardian Glyph and relay the information to the rest of the world. Alfina's brother, however, has different plans, and would rather take over the world. It's your job, of course, to stop him.

The story isn't really thrilling, but the characters will make up for that. Some of the dialogue is badly written, but for the most part, the characters begin to take on a personality and you fall in love with them. Especially with how they interact over scenes when they're at dinner.

Grandia veterans will recognize the battle system instantly. After nearly ten years, the battle system is still complex, fresh and very original. When you enter battle there will be a circle gauge in the corner. This is the IP gauge. Your characters and enemies move along this gauge. You'll select a command and watch them play out in real time. Each character and enemy will go into action. If you attack an enemy while they're in action you'll delay their attack. It is even possible to cancel it all together. The enemy can also do the same to you.

The battle system, as I said, is complex, and still holds up. There is still no battle system quite like it. Unfortunately, it's an easy battle system to take advantage of. And this isn't the first time Grandia has suffered from this. If you keep canceling enemies, you'll find that many battles you'll take absolutely no damage. Bosses, however, can be pretty challenging. Especially because they have multiple parts. Boss battles are particularly long and satisfying.

Another reason for the ease of Grandia is simply because you can always see the enemies HP and what attack they plan on using and who they plan to attack. In other words, the game begs for you to take advantage. It's all a matter of canceling the attacks. However, this makes so that Grandia's battle system really does focus on strategy. For as easy as it is to take advantage of the battle system, it's just as easy to lose control if you're unfamiliar with it.

Each character also has a set of special moves to use. And as they continue to use them they'll get more skills availible to them. There are also skill books and Mana Eggs for you to equip to give you modifiers and spells. Mana Eggs allow you to cast various spells while skill books will give you abilities, such as being able to defend against poison or do more damage to a certain type of enemy.

However, there are a few things that are glaring in Grandia III. It isn't just the storyline that erks me (especially when compared to Grandia II and the first one), but the lack of sidequests and the game is short. There are not enough secrets and mini-games, which ultimately lowers the replay value of this game. Sometimes it's nice to take a break from the quest. This also means the game is very linear. It also could've been longer.

That shouldn't suggest Grandia III is bad. It's not. But it makes it so that only hard-core RPGers and Grandia devotees will want to play it. If battling and having fun is your thing, by all means, play Grandia III. But if secrets and goodies is your thing, Grandia III probably isn't for you.

The visual look of Grandia III isn't bad. It's rather good. Each character is detailed and the enviroments are pretty. It's great that there is no slow down in this one, as it isn't a port. There are times, however, when the graphics look outdated. Still, it's a beautiful game. And it doesn't sound so bad either. The voice acting is pretty good, and the background music serves its purpose as well.

Overall, Grandia III is a pretty good game. As long as you're not expecting a lot you'll enjoy it. While there are a few glaring things, I have to say the game is fun. The battle system makes it so that one actually wants to battle as opposed to avoiding them. For the die-hard RPGer and Grandia fan, this is gold. If you're expecting a lot from a game, however, look elsewhere.

The Good

+Stylish Graphics

+Incredible battle system makes the game really fun

+While the story is nothing special, the characters really do help move it along nicely.

The Bad

-The story is too simple... especially for Grandia

-No side quests and very little secrets

-It's too short

A good game, but definitely for a selective crowd.

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Hello Amazon shoppers, Amir0x from Hangar-G3 here.

When you think of Grandia, you automatically think of the battle system. The reason for this is simple: it's the one thing that sets the series apart. It's furious, fast, and strategic. And it leaves you wishing more RPGs did something like this. As long as this aspect of Grandia is in place, you're guaranteed a great experience.

And Grandia III does not disappoint. Additions, such as Aerial Combos, add to the fantastic system and provide all the frenetic action the franchise is known for. In this way, it is not only a return to form but it is superior to its predecessors.

Visually as well, the game seriously pushes PS2 far beyond what you'd expect. Spectacular spell effects, robust character models, vibrant towns... all of it is a testament to the talent of the development team. The incredible scenery and artistic direction compliment a rock solid engine.

On the minus side, the soundtrack is a bit of a downer. None of it is particularly inspired, which is surprising considering how great Noriyuki Idaware's previous works were. None of the tracks really stay in your memory for long, which is generally one of the first signs that it's not leaving any lasting impact. Finally, the storyline is really not up to the standards of the rest of the games. The relationships between Yuki and the rest of the cast (with the exception of his mother) all fall into the cliche, one-dimensional range. The motivations of who you ultimately end up fighting all fall flat.

But at the core of this game is a battle system that simply cannot be beat in the RPG world. Emphasizing this over the story might be difficult for some players, but if you do you'll find a rewarding experience that anyone can enjoy.

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I'm sure you're one of the Grandia fans from PS2 days and look forward to the same great experience. I doubt you'll be disappointed, and hope my review will cover all the bases so you know what type of games Grandia III is.

First of all, this game had all the hype it needed. There weren't any commercials or anything that made the game seem better then it is. This game brought back feelings of playing the first Grandia (PSX) as well as Lunar: Silver Star Story on the Sega CD. The first 5 hours spent playing this game I was blown away and remembered how fun the battle system was. It's been a while since I played an EXTREMELY good non-Square-enix game. You see...t.his game is made by Game Arts. Thank them for the Lunar series as well as Grandia on the original PlayStation. Even though most people are buying this to pass time til' Kingdom Hearts II, this game really IS worth buying. However, the game is very cutscene drivin' which so far, doesn't bother me at all. The cut-scenes are very well done with a great GRANDIA feeling. Not at all like Xenosaga, which was coldi in its portrayal of the characters. This game has spirit and life; you'll enjoy the plot advancement as well as getting to know your party of heroes.

It's games like this, that really make me wonder what else Square-enix can throw at us. It's going to get better and better each game. (Again, GameArts made this game but S-E was the publisher). I think Final Fantasy XII could be a revolutionary step between action and role-playing games that will bring in more fans. Star Ocean wasn't good enough. Neither is Tales of Legendia. Grandia III has the idea, but I believe FFXII will be _the_ game, but G3 will help you pass the time well.

Sadly the game only last about 30 hours...over two discs...short indeed, but last about as long as the story is going to hold it. There are not any side-quests really or anything extra to unlock. Very straight-forward game, but that doesn't mean it won't hold your attention.

Grandia III has finally brought back whats good in the series after Grandia Xtreme and the PS2 Grandia 2 port. This game has really brought me back to the series and has shown me that when square enix wants to they can breath life into a seies that was thought to be dead. grandia 1 and grandia 2 for the dreamcast were amazing games. but the recent ps2 efforts were not very good. Grandia III does face some problems story wise(it gets worse in the second disk), but players should not play the game for the story, but rather for the battles. They have now added a new way to equipt skills and magic along with a brand new system which allows arial attacks. the graphics are probably the crispist on the playstation 2 (sorry final fantasy). So where the story drops the game play makes up for it.

The music could be better, but the battles have a thrilling drive that makes you want to fight. Not run from battles, but get into them. Speaking of which, you won't have to waste time building levels, unless you don't have a hang of the battle system.

I'll leave the story for you to find out. It's an adventure that's not as up to par as previous games, but nevertheless it has Game Arts written all over it. Pick up this game for a rental if you doubt you'll want to own it. I'm proud to have bought this and will play it over a few months down the line with no less enthusiasm. Now if only they would begin work on LUNAR 3... maybe someday.

Honest reviews on Grandia III - PlayStation 2

I was really surprised the day I heard this long thought dead series was rising from the ashes once again. After playing Xtreme I was hoping for much more, and that's exactly what I got.

Grandia III is just like the other Grandia's that come before it. An epic journey where friendships are made and love is found. With a new unique battle system (like an improved Star Ocean 3), you travel with Yuki and friends around the world in a neat plane. I was excited when I found out I could take to the skies... However the skies are limited. Access to new and outside places that aren't on the linear gamepath go nowhere. One of the serious cons of this 2 disc game. Adding an addicting card game does not also cover up the lack of side quests in this game as well. The leveling system however was competely fun for me and a total blast with the new fighting system installed. Definitely tides me over till games other games are hitting the market.

I definitely enjoyed the unique background and the chemistry between most of the characters. The dubbing wasn't even that bad. I was pretty surprised overall with how enjoyable this game was.

I only gave it a 4 out of 5 due to it's few but minor flaws. I would recommend this to anyone who is out for another quick smash and grab.

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Having picked up this title on, essentially, the understanding that it has the same, highly entertaining battle system as Grandia II, it's safe to say I wasn't disappointed on that count. It even embellishes and adds a couple of nice touches.

Unfortunately, that's pretty much where the fun stops. Mediocre voice acting, bland characters, a small world and a story that's difficult to care about all combine to form a thoroughly lackluster title.

But still a better buy than FFX.

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controller was broken returned and ordered another but the same problem The fire button on the back would get stuck and not work.Would rather get a xbox 360 controller.

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My husband really enjoys this Dallas cowboys controller even though it isn't wireless. All of our other controllers are wireless and still he prefers this one because he loves the cowboys so much! Great deal for making a Football Fan happy!

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my husband couln't belevie that i brought this controller for what i got it for. I caught him looking for the paper work trying to see if i really did.. It's our secret... lol

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I am very disappointed with your product. I bought this controller a little over a month ago, and it no longer works. If this is the kind of service that I get from Amazon.com, then I will no longer shop here.

Review of The Legend of Zelda: The Wind Waker HD

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The Legend of Zelda is my favorite series in all of gaming, a lifelong hobby of mine and a favorite pastime in and of itself, and The Wind Waker just happens to be my favorite entry in that series. When I first glimpsed the screenshots Nintendo revealed of this remake, I literally danced for joy all the way to my bedroom to wake my wife with the blessed news. I just couldn't contain my excitement, and now that I finally have Wind Waker HD in my possession, it's nearly everything I could have hoped for from one of my personal favorite and most influential video games of all time. Although I was pretty skeptical it could be *that* much of an upgrade when I first bought it, Nintendo really went all-out here, way beyond my expectations. Before you read this review any further, I need to insert this disclaimer: this review will be quite long (hopefully in an informative-from-a-superfan sort of way) and (mostly) full of gushing praise from a lifelong gamer who is super passionate about The Wind Waker. If long, detailed reviews are not your thing, then skip this one. You've been warned.

For fans of Wind Waker who already know how amazing the core game is and just want to know what Nintendo upgraded and how this remake works out, skip the next two paragraphs. I bought the downloadable eshop version two weeks ago, and have become intimately acquainted with this remake by now, and I've played the original more times than I care to count. That been said, I think I'm more than capable of judging this version fairly.

*What's So Great About The Wind Waker?*

If you're unfamiliar with the game at all, you might wonder why I love Wind Waker so much. Well, it'd take a full-on dissertation to cover all that and I want this to mainly be about the remake itself, so I'll try to sum up my feelings quickly. It's true that pretty much every game in the Zelda series does a wonderful job capturing the epic tale of the "hero's journey." However, few Zelda games, and hardly any other games in general for that matter, have managed to capture the genuine and amazing feelings of discovery, exploration, and adventure like The Wind Waker did, at least for me anyway (Disclaimer: I love all Zelda games and am not bashing *insert your favorite Zelda title here* with that statement by any means. It's all subjective, right?). The timeless graphical style is so vibrantly colorful and imagination fueled/fueling, complimented very well by its timeless sound design and stirring, iconic musical score from Koji Kondo. The surprisingly mature, deep, and impactful narrative is juxtaposed beautifully against the colorful "Toon" aesthetics. The entire cast of characters is lovable and unique because of the fantastic writing and localization. The graphical style helped in this area as well, as the cartoon/anime style made for beautifully expressive characters (I personally find character expressions in WW to be preferable to the prevalent motion capturing and photo-realism you see in games these days. I like video games that don't always try to be interactive movies like so many modern "games" these days do. In my opinion, that approach ditches what makes video games such a unique, magical medium). In my opinion, The Wind Waker also features the most deep/interesting/engaging/sympathetic depiction of the series' mainstay villain, Ganondorf/Ganon. Even to this day, the brand new oceanic setting and nautical theme makes the game feel so fresh in comparison with other entries in the series. Every race and island feels genuinely real and likable, giving an amazing sense of connection to the world despite its gargantuan size, which in turn makes the quest feel all the more urgent. When it comes to gameplay, the established LoZ mechanics were more refined than ever, and the new gameplay mechanics fit the series perfectly. The swordplay is still among the best of any traditional 3D Zelda game to date, in my opinion. It all just screams top-notch, timeless masterpiece for me. The game literally changed my tastes and gaming horizons forever when I first played it all those years ago, and my love for it has only deepened with time. To see it get a genuine HD remake treatment is an absolute dream-come-true for me.

The original was not a perfect game though and I readily admit that. The game has a few noticeable flaws that keep it from the status of perfection that masterpieces such as Link's Awakening, Ocarina of Time, A Link to the Past, and (arguably) Twilight Princess have attained. No, the original was not quite perfect, but WW got so much right, it still ranks as my favorite Zelda entry. I have so many fond memories of playing it when I was younger; my baby sister used to love sitting at my feet and just watching me play, unable to read yet so I would read the words to her with the best acting ability I could muster (Grandma was read with my best sweet ol' granny voice, for example, lol). I've played this game so many times since then, it's the definition of a seminal game for me. Thankfully, this remake fixes almost all of the issues that weighed the original down, which I'll get to later. With WWHD, now I do consider it a flawless masterpiece, like the aforementioned legendary Zelda classics.

*A Review of The Wind Waker HD as a Remake*

That's enough about my nostalgic rambling though. This is a review of Wind Waker HD after all, so the real question is, how does this game fare with regards to the remake treatment it received? To put it simply, fantastic, amazing, utterly beautiful. It feels like a brand new game again.

The first thing you'll notice when starting up the game is its revamped graphics. The original Wind Waker's graphical style may have been hugely controversial when it was first announced, but the Toon design eventually won most fans over and actually lives on as one of its most timeless aspects. Seriously, the original Gamecube game still looks gorgeous compared to its contemporaries and it is because of this that I was kind of shocked when WWHD was announced (I readily admit that other Zelda titles, even ones newer than WW, seem to beg for a remake treatment more, but I'm not complaining). Still, Nintendo managed to find several ways to visually enhance Toon Link's world. It's all cel shaded still, and most 3D models seem to have little change, aside from much softer, more realistic shadows and edges on them. All textures have been redone completely and look fantastic in HD! Colors are far more vibrant than ever before and the range of colors has increased dramatically. The most noticeable graphical addition here are some very impressive enhanced lighting and shading effects. Because of all these new upgrades to the visuals, the majestic atmosphere of an endless deep blue ocean or encountering a thunderstorm at sunset while at sea (one of my favorite memories of the original) is simply unmatched. Seriously, take a look at the moon at night and marvel at how the world seems to be bathed in that lunar light, or the forbidden fortress with its incredibly thick level of atmosphere, or heck, even just soaking in the sun with the salty sea air breezing by. It's unbelievably gorgeous and immersive. The lighting shines through even in small moments, such as when weapons clash and sparks fly or when an opened treasure chest lets out a heavenly light. It's just awesome. Memorable locales and events (and anyone who has played the original knows this game has many of them) all have new life breathed into them because of the awesome new updated presentation. Some events have been really enhanced to new levels. Watching the game play out almost feels as if Pixar made a Zelda movie. Seriously, fantastic job here!

Contrary to my expectations, Nintendo made substantial upgrades to WW's formula in other ways too. Even the basic gameplay mechanics have been improved. The overall experience feels much smoother and more refined than the original. For example. the grappling hook item now wraps around your target much faster. Also, you don't have to come to a complete stop to switch your direction while swinging with the hook; you can just naturally change direction in mid-swing. These tweaks make using the grappling hook much more enjoyable and streamlined. Text scrolls much faster now in conversations than in the original. The Wind Waker itself is always mapped to "up" on the d-pad making it much more convenient to use. Little tweaks like this are everywhere in WWHD. These little gameplay refinements add up very quickly, and the overall experience is all the better for it. Controls feel more responsive, movement feels smoother, and everything just feels refined to perfection. Add this to the graphical improvements and new features exclusive to this version, and you get what feels like a brand new game. It's hard to explain, but you'll see what I mean when you play it for yourself. Some new ideas are neat and fit in with the classic experience very well too. One example of this is that you can now enter a basic first-person view and actually walk around and use some items like the boomerang or bow in this perspective. Don't expect an experience like Skyrim, but it is a pretty cool addition.

As far as new, system specific features goes, the Wii-U's signature hallmark, the gamepad, is utilized very well. Off-TV play works like a charm. Being able to relax in bed and enjoy the game is a very welcome addition. The touch screen is also used to good effect, making inventory management, accessing items like the hook or canon while at sea, or looking at the map of the great sea without having to pause the game a breeze. It makes for a smoother, more seamless experience. Being able to direct Link's use of the Wind Waker baton using touch controls feels natural. You can use the gamepad's gyroscopic feature to better aim things like your bow, picto-box, telescope, you name it, and it all feels fantastic. It's games like this that really show the potential and unique benefits of the gamepad. The Wii-U's button layout also makes the game better, as you now have many more buttons to map items to compared to the GameCube original. If you don't want to use the gamepad, you have the option to switch control to the Pro Controller for a more traditional experience. I think it's very nice that they put in that choice for players.

Another Wii-U feature that has been integrated really well is Miiverse. The original Wind Waker allowed you to connect your Gameboy Advance to your GameCube to access some unique but nonessential features involving Tingle and even a little co-op mode of sorts. That has all been taken out and replaced with the Tingle Bottle. This is where Miiverse comes in. At any time, you can take the bottle out and use the gamepad to type a message, draw a picture, or even take a photo with the in-game pictograph, put it in the bottle, and hurl it into the sea. Then, somewhere else in the real world, another player may see your glittering bottle washed up on a beach in their game. They can pick it up and see whatever message you put in the bottle. It's such a neat feature, and it fits right in with the rest of the themes of adventure on the high seas so prevalent in the game. Seriously, just the concept of a message in a bottle is so magical by itself, and using that as the Miiverse feature in WWHD feels like a perfect match. Awesome.

Remember how I mentioned the original Wind Waker had some caveats earlier? Most of them have been fixed in this remake! A bit into the game, you gain the ability to speed up sailing to a massive degree, via a "red sail" upgrade purchasable at the in-game auction house. You don't even need wind in the direction you're going to get this super speed. This update erases any frustration from getting from one locale to another using the "slow" sailing of the original almost entirely (Many people complain about the sailing in the original, but I personally loved the sailing a lot and think complaining about is missing the point, but oh well. The fast sailing feature here is a welcome addition, at any rate). The non-confrontational, easier difficulty of the original has been "fixed" via a much more challenging "hero mode" option similar to the one found in Skyward Sword, where enemies do double damage and the only method of healing Link is through potions. Even better, this more difficult mode is available right off the bat without having to play the whole game first! Best of all, they addressed my biggest gripe about the original: the infamous, horrendous Tri-Force piece fetch quest that all but ruined the otherwise perfect pace of the original. They fixed this by making it MUCH more streamlined and actually engaging, and that's awesome! Thank you so much for listening to fans and fixing these issues Aonuma-San. You're the best!

As much as this remake enhances the original WW's magic in many ways, it is, once again, not quite *all* I had hoped for. I really wish they had gone all-out in every aspect since this is a home console remake. They did nothing to add any substantial new content. Just one new dungeon would have made me so happy, and it's not unheard of for Nintendo to do this with enhanced Zelda titles (Link's Awakening DX comes to mind), but no. I know Aonuma wanted to keep the core experience intact here, and much of the original WW's cut content ended up in later Zelda games, but still, it's a slight shame. Ah well, at least the core game is such a masterpiece. Also, Koji Kondo's soundtrack for this game is one of my favorites of any video game ever. Yet, not much work was done to enhance it for this remake beyond some remastering of the original tunes. To be fair, some tunes do come across as a lot beefier and sound amazing, but not all. It would have been awesome to get Skyward Sword quality orchestration of at least some of this iconic soundtrack, but alas. Finally, and this is an admittedly nit-picky gripe, you can't invert the Y-axis of the second analog stick while in normal view. You can only invert right/left and you can invert the Y-axis of first-person view, but not the general Y-axis? Talk about jarring and difficult to get used to, at least for me anyway (I'm one of those guys who likes inverted controls). Why not put that option in for players, huh?! As you can tell by my score, these issues didn't keep me from loving the game, but I still feel they must be said. It's only fair for me to voice some criticism, right? I don't want you to think I'm completely blinded by bias, after all.

I understand some don't like reading long reviews, but if any remake deserved an in-depth analysis, it's this one. I'm so glad Nintendo decided to remake and enhance it to the degree that they did. Few games have made the huge impact on me the way that Wind Waker has. It's so surreal to think that when I first played it, I was just a kid not much older than Link is in this game, so young and naive. Now I'm an older (but still young) man with his own family and yet I feel the same childlike excitement when I play The Wind Waker HD, having gone though my own journey in life (with a lot left to go, hopefully :P). Everything about WWHD, the characters, the settings, the story, just the overall experience, it all just feels so familiar and yet brand new and magical again. It's a beautiful and surreal thing. Thank you so much Nintendo, for giving me the definitive version of one of my most beloved games of all time. The Wind Waker was always a flawed gem, but this remake has made it into a virtually caveat-free masterpiece and can now stand tall and proud among other flawless Zelda games. Not only that, but it stands tall among all video games, period. It really feels like a modern masterpiece, despite the fact that the core here is over a decade old, in much the same way playing other fantastic remakes like Halo Anniversary, Klonoa, and Ocarina of Time 3D feels. All great remakes, and WWHD fits in that high-quality group perfectly.

To you readers who stuck with this review until now, I hope my sappiness and wordiness hasn't been too annoying. I sincerely hoped to be helpful to all of you out there wondering if you should get this. Most "remakes" these days end up being incredibly lazy ports with no real effort put into the rerelease beyond upscaling resolution and no more. WWHD is so much grander and better than 95% of today's "remakes," remasters, and rereleases, it's not even funny. Trust me, I went into this remake with a huge amount of skepticism that they could really improve this game, and I really did wonder if the changes could justify buying it again, but I did anyway and boy am I glad I did! I say it's absolutely worth it. This is, without a doubt, the definitive version of a true classic and revitalizes it to the point where it feels brand new again. Go out and buy it immediately, and enjoy one of the greatest Legends of Zelda that has ever been told. Buy it, prepare for the adventure of your life, and go discover, and save, a vast, beautiful new world.

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I'm not going to give a lengthy review full of minute details, spoilers and pros and cons. This game is fun, pure and simple. It is hard enough to be a challenge, yet simple enough to encourage continued playing. It is appropriate for children; no close-up exploding headshots with exotic weapons or multiplayer battlefield death arenas that seem to be popular nowadays. I've had this game for 4 hours now. It is already much better than twilight princess or skyward sword. Sometimes, simpler is better.

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One of the most amazing things about Wind Waker HD is how well it holds up today. The gameplay is fine-tuned to near perfection, showcasing some of the best sword combat in the series. Focusing on horizontal and vertical attacks, combined with dodge and parry, taking down foes is easy and fun. Dungeons are littered with clever puzzles that were fun to rediscover. The intricacy of their design has always been one of the highlights of the series. Bosses are also a highlight, sticking with the traditional Zelda formula, each one is dispensed cleverly by the dungeon's obtained item, and each one is bigger, and more impressive than the last.

The opening few hours definitely feel like an extended tutorial, but that is pretty standard with Zelda games. Anyone coming in fresh should note that until Dragon Roost Island is introduced, and sailing begins, it definitely takes some time to get moving.

When Wind Waker was originally released, it had a few drawbacks that players to this daystill can't get over. The biggest is the massive fetch quest at the end of the game that forces Link to find eight treasure charts throughout the world. Not only that, but he then had to pay Tingle (the charming side character in the game) 398 rupees to decipher each one. It took way too long, and actually prevented me from finishing the game initially. With Wind Waker HD this has been remedied. Five of the eight pieces are found without maps, which speed up the process substantially, and makes the endgame portion much more bearable.

The other drawback to the original was the sailing. While it starts out novel and fun, it quickly becomes tiresome due to the fact that Link has to play a magical tune on his Wind Waker to change the direction of the wind. In this version however, I purchased a new item immediately after the first dungeon called the Swift Sail. This allows Link to changed direction without the Wind Waker, and also increases the speed of travel by a noticeable margin. This makes travelling around the world of Hyrule much, much quicker.

The rest of the changes are less impactful, but still extremely helpful. Little tweaks like a larger wallet from the outset made opening chests and cutting bushes early on more useful. The Wind Waker is now mapped to the d-pad, making it take up one less space on my items bar. Inventory management is also now done on the gamepad, granted I wasn't playing with the Pro Controller. This makes swapping out what I need quicker, and more efficient, and of course the map can be accessed from the gamepad as well. Almost every gripe about the original has been fixed or tweaked, making this feel like much more than a visual upgrade.

I don't think I have to mention also just how massive this game is. For anyone who has never played Wind Waker, there is a glorious amount of content here just waiting to be discovered. Those that are returning for a second dose will be thrilled with the improvements, making it worth returning, especially after all of these years. For anyone that owns a Wii U this game is a must-have. This is much more than just a visual upgrade, this new version brings back one of the last great Zelda games to not focus on motion control. The art style may be polarizing, but the gameplay is undeniable. This is one of the most memorable experiences in the history of gaming, and it is a shame if anyone misses out on it.

Honest reviews on The Legend of Zelda: The Wind Waker HD

So many reviews here focussed on comparisons with the original version, I thought someone needed to pipe in who'd never played it before.

At first glance this is a surprisingly charming game (and that's from someone, who tends to ignore the text and story). As you get more involved, you'll discover what an incredibly vast, rich game it is. The sheer amount of content is almost overwhelming. But for me the real enjoyment comes from the endlessly clever puzzles/mysteries and villains built into the game. The dungeons are the a wonderful mixture of brain and braun challenges in a graphically rich environment.

Controls: Part of the joy of play comes from being rewarded with new tools/weapons as you progress. Most are really fun to play with. However, I personally found a few very awkward: arrows especially at least till I switched to using GamePad's gyroscope controls. I still find trying to manipulate the canon very difficult. But I don't feel comfortable deducting a star here, since this could be user error. I much prefer the motion controls as in the Wii Zelda's but I think I'm in the minority here

Graphics: INMO This is strictly a matter of personal taste. If you like hyper-real blood-dripping graphics this game is NOT for you. I actually prefer the cartoonish characters and the artistically stunning interiors.

Overall, I think this is a fabulous game, lots of play for your bucks, and there's really nothing comparable (short of the best of Zelda games) on the market.

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This game is a classic remade with HD visuals. It's heartwarming adventure brings out the inner child in you. For a classic remake its such a fresh distraction from all the fps(which I do play)and open world sand-box games that are just flooding the market. I'm not going to go into a lot of details and just keep it brief. If you're not close-minded and insecure about your maturity then get or at least rent this game, and then get it cause it is beautiful. It's just a simple delight and joy to play.

Discount Serious Sam 3: BFE

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I can't tell you how happy I am that there is another Serious Sam game. While I appreciate the other styles of games, there is nothing as satisfying as sitting down to a run and gun shooter. Why don't more companies make these kind of games anymore? When I get home, stressed from work, playing a little Sam does the trick. Seriously, its pure adrenaline fun. Enjoy!

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I love this game. It has the same non-stop action as the previous titles but with much better graphics. Co-op is a lot of fun if you can get other friends to get it.

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I am a bit biased but love what Croteam has done with Serious Sam 3. Classic Serious Sam feel with new, modern tweaks here and there to keep it fresh and fun. Highly recommended for action junkies.

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I've been FPS gaming since the first Doom and Heretic. It seems that now for a game to succeed, it has to push the envelope in every way. The new merging of FPS and RPG modes makes me long for the golden days of brainless fun. This game fills that void and then some. It's not really THAT brainless either. When your confronted by hoards of baddies, you need a strategy or your gonna get creamed. The graphics and background music blend perfectly. Personally, after a bad day at the office, sometimes I don't want to think too much. This game allows you to forget your bad day by just trying to survive the frenetic game play. It does get really hard at times but those are few and far between. You can't beat the price too.

Just turn down the lights, turn up the sound, and have a good time.

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Just like the title says this game is fast paced run and gun, lots of ammo, lots of guns, lots of monsters,aliens whatever you want to call them. The gameplay is more like a the old-golden age of FPS in the late 90s and early 2000s (If you like modern warfare type shooters or BF3 type games this might not be your cup of tea if you liked doom, quake or duke nukem or something from the older days then it might be). You run over guns and ammo to pick them up you can manually reload now which is a new feature or you can just it let auto reload like in the old series sam games. The game had very little bugs and glitches for me either I did not notice them or they did not appear I played it solo and co-op online(twice) it worked fine(This game co-op with 16 is a blast). Also expect to die alot and just keep charging monsters like no tomorrow if you love action, gore and badly written but stupidly funny bad jokes and one liners then you wil like this game. The Graphics are good too using the new serious engine so it looks smooth.

Best Shattered Union - Xbox Deals

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Shattered Union takes place in the not so distant future where a mishap has allowed the most unpopular president in the history of the United States to remain in office for a second term with no election taking place.

Washington DC is nuked... the entire governing body of the US is wiped out, chaos ensues. States secede from the Union and form their own governments. Europe, feeling the effects of the economy collapsing in the US sends a force of EU "Peacekeepers" to restore order. And so... the battlefield is set, the US is at War with itself for the second time in history.

It's up to you to restore peace and order, to unite the country once again. Seven different factions are at your disposal to accomplish this task.

Pacifica

The California Commonwealth

The Great Plains Federation

The New England Alliance

The Confederacy

The Republic of Texas

European Union

Each faction is comprised of their own strengths and weaknesses, but are very similar in terms of battle units. Which are a virtual smorgasbord of units based on real life American military vehicles as well as some fictional units to keep things exciting. Abrams super tanks, Bradley's, Apache Gunships and Stealth Bombers are all yours to command. Each faction also has their own variation on a super tank. A massive tank unit that is generally the most powerful unit on the field. It's basically the Chuck Norris of tanks.

Beyond that, each faction has their own set of special weapons or tactics that can be unleashed on the field of battle. These range from troop buffs to laser guided tomahawk missile strikes as well as nuclear attacks and other things that are best discovered on your own. These special tactics become available only when you have a certain political reputation, be it evil or be it for the greater good.

The actual battles are played out like any hex based strategy game. You take turns moving your units in a turn based fashion that will instantly be familiar to any Advanced Wars Vet, as well as anyone familiar with the excellent Panzer General series. The battle system is pretty straightforward. The unit with the most destructive power will do the most damage. So if you take a Humvee heads up with a tank... the Humvee is going to be demolished in a timely manner.

Each unit has its own set of attributes that rate it's strength against each unit type, its defense, fuel, movement, sight and weapon range. Generally there is a ying to every yang. For example, to take out a tank, you'll want to use aircraft units. To take out aircraft you will want to use anit-aircraft units... etc. The trick is finding out the best method to deliver the greatest amount of pain and destruction, while taking a small amount of it yourself. You'll also want to keep a close eye on your fuel supply, as there are no supply units in this game and running out of fuel is quite common for the rolling battle fortress tanks. You can't kick any butt if you can't get there. Strategic movement and troop placement are very vital in this game.

In-between battles you will be presented with a tactical map screen of the United States. The map displays each factions current progress. There is not a lot to do here. You can buy and repair units or you can attack a neighboring state. You can do both of these in one turn as well. Each state has its own resources. Money, Oil, Tank Factories, population etc. When you control a state you will reap the benefits. Take Texas and its oil and your units will have more fuel during battles. Take a state with high cash flow and you will earn more money per turn. Take a state with Tank Factories and the price to build tanks will go down. You get the picture.. so it's important to take states strategically and to keep track of your supplies and resources.

All of your units are available in all of your territories that you control. So there is no need to micro-manage your units and place them in different states. This is very helpful and eliminates a lot of nonsense. The rule is that you can use each of your units once per battle period. So, say for example, you attack someone with half of your units. You then will have half of your units remaining if someone else attacks you. But if you attack someone all-out, you will be left defenseless if someone attacks you on their turn. So It's always a good idea to keep some in reserve for defense.

The story is delivered via news broadcasts in-game and are entertaining, but sadly, they're few and far between.

The graphics are well done, nothing spectacular here, but there are some nice details. Zoom in and you can see skyscrapers in the small city hexes. When a tank drives across the landscape you'll see treadmarks streak across the screen. Bridges and highway overpasses, interstates, great lakes, and rolling hillsides. You'll have to pay attention to the smaller details to really appreciate the graphic engine.

Each unit is comprised of a fully 3d model and are well done with small details shining through. The battle animations are second to none and occur in real time with real time damage. It's always nice to sit back and watch your super tank unleash hell on a smaller unit and then watch as it bursts into flames and finally explodes. I get a genuine feeling of satisfaction out of it.

The sound effects are excellent. You'll hear engines roar, and cannons will BOOM! and ring true. Each unit has unique sounds and weapons and it's a pleasure to hear them all.

Music is ambient and fits the mood of the game well. I don't think anything ever sounded out of place.

All in all, Shattered Union is a well thought out game and is easy to pick up and play, even for newbs to the genre. But to master it.. well that is a more difficult task

For me personally, there is nothing better than sitting down with a quality strategy game and having a cold drink to waste the day away, and this game is one of the best for doing just that.

4 out of 5 stars

-Luke

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I just found this game on amazon and recently began playing on my Xbox 360 (You need the latest firmware update over xbox live) the gameplay is great and the story line is fun I hope the make a modern version of the game like Endwar. On a side note the resolution is only 480P so on an HD tv the picture will be smaller than your used too but still playable. Great game to pick up if you have a 360 and like strategy!

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I played the story line once and it was fun. Now I just do the arcade mode (skirmish) when I want to roll around blow stuff up. Fun time killer. Not incredibly hard. Then again I'm of an AF Ops Intel background so I know what to take out to give me the upper hand, lol. (Hint: target air defenses then bomb with impunity.) I load up on bombers heavy armor and Artillery, use Helo's to open up the battlespace and clear the fog of war, and have fun.

Graphics are decent, sound is good. The aspect that makes the game fun to play over and over are the special weapons you gain after X ammount of turns. Each faction has different capabilities. And in Skirmish mode you can toggle them to either low collateral damage or high collateral damage weapons. High Collateral examples are (but not limited too) Napalm, carpet bombing, Artillery barrages, and a Nuke. Low collateral are precision weapons, electronic attack, cruise missiles, etc.

This game won't keep you riveted for days on end, but makes for a fun few hours spent waging war from time to time.

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A turn-based strategy game for the Xbox console! If you are the sort that loves Panzer General, then you will love this game.

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This is similar to the game "Super Conflict" I used to play on Super Nintendo. Aaaahhh... I love the smell of nostalgia in the morning.

Review of Lucha Libre Heroes Del Ring - Xbox 360

Customer Ratings:
List Price: $19.99
Sale Price: $10.21
Today's Bonus: 49% Off

This is a great start for what I hope is a new series of wrestling games. Although it's very limited in match types and features, the inside the ring action is really fun.

Pros:

* Controls like the old WCW vs NWO Revenge games:

Weak grapple then the face buttons for moves or Strong grapple then the face buttons for moves.

* It's not a huge reversal fest like TNA Impact

* The wrestlers themselves look very cool and move really nice in the ring.

* Suicide dives out of the ring are awesome

* Submissions are easy to execute and understand

* 30ish fighters to use

Cons:

* Very bare bones: no title defense in exhibition

* No titles worn to the ring during quick ring entrances

* Super limited match types

* Only 4 Creation slots

People seem to be comparing this to TNA Impact but it's almost nothing like it. The in ring action is way more smooth and more "No Mercy" like. If you are a hard core wrestling game fan like me, you might like it. Just don't expect crazy amounts of polish and options.

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I bought this game along with Smackdown vs. RAW 2011 as an early CHristmas gift to myself because it was something different. Never before has there been an exclusive lucha libre wrestling game. Here's hoping it won't be the last.

Despite the very basic control system, this game is a blast. After playing through both the Tenicos and Rudos story lines and unlocking most of the characters. I decided to go back and complete some of the X-Box Achievements. I actually like how only most of the characters are unlocked after completing both story lines, because it gives the player a reason to go back and get some of the achievements. In fact, I JUST got the "Espectro the King" achievement Friday night. Look it up. :) The achievements give HofTR good replay value.

The CAW creation mode is very basic as far as the move sets go, but creating the look far surpasses my expectations given the limited motifs and things. You can edit everything, including every part of the mask including the eyes, nose, ears, mouth, and the top of the head. The outfit creation is also very basic, but the motifs are cool.

The roster is full of well-known wrestlers, if you watch AAA and CMLL wrestling like myself. There are a few stars in this game that made it in the States: Psychosis, Konnan, Silver King, El Mesias (Judas Mesias from TNA), and of course everyone's favorite the cult icon La Parka. I did a lot of research on some of the Mexican wrestlers on YouTube just so I could see them in action, and sometimes I do watch CMLL wrestling on TV.

All in all, Lucha Libre AAA: Heroes of the Ring is a good game. I recommend it if you are a hardcore wrestling fan. What some of the reviewers fail to understand about this game is that it is the firs of its type. I am not saying that AAA Lucha LIbre cannot be improved on. Indeed it should be and probably will be. For a first attempt, though, it's not bad. There could be such things as title defenses, a few different match types, and definitely a change in the moveset roster. But give this game a few days to get used to and you'll see its potential.

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I have a limited amount of knowledge with most of these wrestlers in the game, I know a few from the states during WCW and ECW stints. Such as Konnan, La Parka, Psychosis, and my personal favorite, Vampiro.

The controls are fairly simple and are usually compared to the old wcw/nwo games on N64. They can be a little cumbersome mind you, and are most definitely slow and not lucha like for the most part. The graphics are nice but not outstanding, and the sound is good but the announcers just act way too goofy and call things that aren't even happening. ex. I made my character stand still for five minutes to gain an achievement, and the whole time the announcers talked about what a great match that was happening, perhaps they were watching something else? =).

The story mode doesn't change much depending on your Rudo (Bad Guy) or Técnico (Good Guy) alliance. It's a quick story mode clocking in at about an hour and change for each run through. The length of the game is expanded upon by trying to gain achievements, or unlock more luchadores. Some you gain by playing the story mode, others by pulling through in different matches or the like.

Sadly there is no title mode, the tournament mode (king of kings) can only be played on normal which gets to be extremely difficult against the last competitor as the game reverses every move you throw at it, and the Hair vs Mask match is a cool idea, but is only playable online... In the end the matches lack diversity, no cages, minimal weapons, no hair vs mask (only online), no american tag matches, no royal rumbles...etc

I enjoy the cheesy Lucha flair, and the matches are fun but not as fast paced at one would think they should be for a Lucha game. A wrestling fan will probably like it, but a mainstream person who enjoys the polish of WWE games will likely turn up their noses at it, and they'd be right to, to a degree.

On a final note the create a lucha option is decent and I had some fun picking different masks and tattoos for each wrestler. However it is pretty limited, and could use a nice DLC to add more options, and wrestlers, and match types.

Game-play: C(a solid game, but lacks polish and any matches besides the norm which greatly reduces this grade)

Graphics: B (The wrestlers and audience look nice.)

Sound: C(The noises are decent, the announcers are bad and don't usually coincide with the match.)

Fun: B (It should hold a wrestling fan's interest, at least for a little while)

Difficulty: B (can be difficult on normal during the King of Kings tourney, frustrating at times)

Overall: C (Would have gotten a much higher grade had it brought more matches to the table. Decent otherwise and I have enjoyed my time with it thus far.)

Honest reviews on Lucha Libre Heroes Del Ring - Xbox 360

What I love about this game is that it plays so much like the NWO/WCW games back on the N64. I loved how simple the controls were with those games and how it was focused more on the visceral action and the sometimes chaotic aspects of professional wrestling. Lucha Libre totally captures the spirit of those early games.

The controls are extremely simple you use the trigger buttons for weak/strong grapples in conjunction with specific moves mapped to the A/B/X/Y buttons (that you can choose from a long list when you create your wrestler). You use the left bumper to dash and right bumper for counters. You use the left stick to move, right stick to change directions and the d-pad for taunts. The control scheme is VERY simple and easy to pick up and most importantly feels very logical. Again it's much like what made the old NWO/WCW games so much fun and easy to pick up and play with friends for hours on end.

The game has several modes. I personally just flew through both story modes (one you play as the hero, the other as the heel) and they were fun, albeit not particularly different besides just who you fight. The storylines are not that deep and that's why I docked one star. However, the fighting engine is well designed, based on a tried and true proven forumla. You will especially love this game if you're familiar with the world of Lucha Libre.

The create-a-wrestler function is decent. You can pick from a nice list of different motifs and masks. The moves list is also very comprehensive, though I wish they had a few more options in certain instances. However, given the fast pace of this game (very similar to that of NWO/WCW), it's not that big of a deal to me. Some of the moves are hilarious to watch, especially when your wrestler is doing things like running full speed and flying out of a ring onto your unsuspecting opponent.

This is definitely a good pick up and play game for wrestling lovers and non-hardcore fans alike.

PROS:

Easy to pick up and play

Intuitive and easy to use control scheme

Decent lineup of wrestlers

Decent create-a-wrestler function

Great game for the low price

CONS:

Far too easy to breeze through career mode (took me about 1.5 hours)

Needs some more moves

Not much in the way of storyline or plot

Net net this is definitely a good buy especially at the low price point

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This is the second copy i have bought. The wrestlers are fun and interesting and the two storylines are good. the controls are a bit spotty at times.Theres not enough match variety.The commentary is dull and repetitive. So while it is fun it could have been much better.