Cheap NBA Live 14 - Xbox One

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On a scale of 1-10, I'd give NBA Live 14 a 7. This game is not nearly as bad as everyone is making it out to be. There is room for improvement, but I think the core game is a good one.

The first thing a sports simulation needs to get right, in my opinion, is making you feel like you're part of the league. I don't mean there needs to be a good rising star mode where you put yourself in the game; I've never like those modes. What I'm talking about is your team fitting in statistically with the rest of the players and teams. If a game can't do that, then it's failing at a basic level. NBA Live 14 is perfect in this regard. After 10 games, my Cavaliers are a middling team that doesn't really stand out in any area... at the same time, I'm not a bottom dweller in any statistical category either. The one category that I was falling behind in, assists, is something I've been able to correct as I've learned the nuances of the gameplay.

On the subject of gameplay, this is a very competent simulation of basketball. Is it perfect? No, but the harsh criticism it is receiving is undeserved. The defenders and offensive players do not simply stand around. Players who move off the ball in real life move off the ball in this game. Defenders react to your movements and have their own strategies for keeping you away from the hoop. Strategies I've tried with success include driving to the hoop and then kicking out to a shooter who has intelligently moved into a spot up position, pick and rolls used to gain extra assists and using picks to get my own shots. I've been getting the fundamentals down and haven't really gone into preset plays other than to see that they do not have overlays over the court.

Some criticism that has been aimed at this game include saying your shots get blocked too frequently, the shooting is difficult, the free throw shooting is difficult. The only time I've been blocked, literally, is when I'm trying to force a shot. Otherwise, I have used pump fakes, step backs or picks to create space for my shots. If I've tried to force my way inside or shoot as time was running out, yes, I've been blocked. Each shooter seems to have their own shot animation, so it does take a couple of attempts to get it down with certain players, but, as in real life, the general rule of thumb is to release the shot at the highest point of the players jump. With this strategy, my team is shooting in the low 40s from 2 and 3 point range. Foul shooting is essentially the same except the players aren't jumping and you have to follow their arms to know when to release... It is basically the highest point of the shooting motion. As a team, I am shooting mid 70s from the free throw line. Looking at the real NBA stats for the Cavs this year, they shoot 42% from 2, 34% from 3 and 76% from the line. NBA Live 14 is about dead on accurate using that as a comparison. I must say that Kyrie Irving has my lowest shooting percentages from 2 and 3 point range, but that is because I use him in isolation and he's the one who usually has the ball when I'm forcing the issue as time winds down. Those who've had their shots created for them by Kyrie's penetration have the higher shooting percentages. My strategy to raise Kyrie's shooting percentages have been to force less shots, create for others and take his shots as they come to him. In my last two games his assists are up and his shot percentage has been around 50% while only losing a point or 2 off his average.

Bugs. The only bugs I've encountered are the crowd sound cutting out in the daily challenges and a computer controlled opponent standing still until the shot clock expired. The sound has only cut out once on me and the player standing still has only happened on two possessions in roughly 12 games played.

Graphics. Player faces are a slight letdown. I haven't seen a character model that looks nothing like the real life person, but they all do seem kind of off. They could be more realistic and the eyes need some work. Those who say the game isn't detailed must not play long enough for the players to start sweating or look at the models up close. This game has the most accurate player tattoos I've ever seen. Arenas are very accurate, right down to having different lighting in different venues. The Knicks Arena is lit much differently than that of the Thunder.

In conclusion, everything I've said here points to this being a realistic simulation. I think it's a solid 7. Areas I'd like to see improved are transitional animations, I think plays should overlay the court like they do in Madden, I think some players should have a quicker first step and I think the player faces should be more realistic. Do that and I'd rate the game in the mid 8s. To get into the 9s, the series needs a revolutionary feature, but I don't know what that would be. Maybe player creation that allowed you to use EA's Gameface tech and the ability to create your own plays for starters.

...

It's worth mentioning that I did play the demo before opening the copy I had already purchased just in case it was as bad as people were saying. I was very excited when I started playing the demo and couldn't wait to put my copy in and get started. I also got Forza 5 and Madden at launch and I've played this the most by far.

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This game is better than everyone says. I read the reviews and I ended up originally buying NBA 2K instead. I was amazed by the graphics. There were several things I was tired of with 2K but I sucked it up to get the overall good experience.

I watched a gameplay video and it actually looked really good.

Then it hit me. This game only looks good when you actually know HOW TO PLAY.

In most reviews you see people getting blocked in the post, because the reviewers didn't even bother learning how to play in the post. They didn't even use the proper controls to back down. Once I learned the controls I started scoring half my points DOMINATING with Demarcus Cousins like in real life.

I was tired of NBA 2K being super fast. The game is WAY faster than real life. This game has a good game speed to me.

Everyone acted like the commentary was horrible, but so far I've enjoyed it. NBA 2K's commentary always repeated the same thing over and over to me. So while they filled all of the "gaps" they filled it with the same thing I heard last game. Hearing new commentators is very refreshing to me.

The flaws:

Yes, when the ball bounces off of the hoop it looks funny. Some passing animations are a little funny too. Some of these things look like they were fixed with Live's original update.

While some people claim the AI will stand there and not even shoot, I haven't seen that. Again, possibly that was without the update EA pushed out.

Also as you know, the graphics on this game are subpar. NBA 2K14 has MUCH better graphics overall. However, the graphics are not HALF AS BAD as they say. On my TV NBA Live looks very good. The player models may not look "next gen" but they are definitely an upgrade over the PS3 or the 360. The court looks great, and the net looks great.

But EA has promised to push BIG updates to improve graphics AND animations. Those are the games two major issues.

I think the game is playable now and very enjoyable. It will only improve with the updates.

So if you love NBA 2K and have no issues, I wouldn't recommend getting Live, you will probably be disapointed.

But if your like me, and you got tired of:

Not having control of your player (in 2K people spam the steal button, and you lose control of your player often)

Repetitive Commentary

And if you miss the "feel" of live from the old days. This is a good game to get.

It's still a little stiff and has work to do. But it will get there. I was confident enough to sell my NBA 2K game and buy Live.

In reality it may be a 4 star game, but these 1 star reviewers who just bash and go play 2K give awful reviews, they need to be balanced out.

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This game isn't fun. The shooting stinks. There is no practice options or some thing like street ball to learn each players shot. I was a huge NBA Live fan and this was a huge let down. If i was you i would just go with 2k14 hopefully 2k15 will be better then this game.

Honest reviews on NBA Live 14 - Xbox One

All I can say is wow. EA had 3 years to readjust it's self knowing it had a tough competition taking on 2K and this is what they created? This game would be mediocre at best on the original XBOX. The graphics are just plain choppy and ugly. Also the gameplay mechanics are atrocious. Don't even bother backing down in the post, you will always get blocked. I kind of had a feeling this game would be bad since in the previous months there has been no actual gameplay footage shown and they did not let any review sites get there hand on this. EA is trying to dupe you all in to thinking this is gold. Do yourself a favor and don't support this crap and get NBA 2K14

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Not as bad as everyone says it is but I guess it depends the individual. True the graphics aren't up to par with 2k but I value gameplay over seeing a guys sweat and stuff. Just hope EA keeps their end with the updates. Suggest playing demo before purchasing though.

Cheap Rogue Trooper - Xbox

Customer Ratings:

Yes, the original Xbox is on the way out. Yes, there are better shooters out there. Yes, the game is kinda short. But this game is really fun! I almost didn't play the game because of the snobby reviews that say there's nothing new here. Yeah, if you're comparing it to Gears of War! I was able to immerse myself in a fantasy world for a few days and had a blast doing it. Rogue Trooper controls are good and is definitely better than a lot of the shooters to come out on Xbox. Any shooter fan is missing out on a fun ride. Pick it up cheap. You won't regret it.

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It is one of the few games that reinspires the shooter genre. It is deep and innovative and is definitely fun to play. The thing I love the most is hiding behind cover and throwing a grenade.

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-Super Fun!

-Decent Graphics (Especially for it's day)

-Good Storyline

-VERY Well Rounded (Mainly in third person, but has a few missions with mounted turrets and cannons) AND Has a great balance of Sniper/Stealth and Rambo all out war!

In fact this is very much a "Rambo" game, the main character Rogue is the last of his kind and becomes the Rogue Trooper of the once great military....or something like that.

I LOVE THIS GAME and suggest anyone looking for something different or just a fun game should BUY THIS GAME!

P.S. I Have yet to try out the split screen multiplayer

Honest reviews on Rogue Trooper - Xbox

As shooters are a pretty packed genre, new franchises die by popular ones such as Halo. Standing out requires creative aspirations and a solid shooting mechanic. Thankfully, Rogue Trooper possesses both.

The story is enthralling. Despite its slight cheesiness, the plot strikes a chord of originality with an ability to keep you interested through numerous well-done cutscenes. Voice-acting is also top-notch, even with the odd awkward one-liner. Plus, knowledge of the 2000 A.D. comic book of the same name isn't required for your enjoyment.

The gameplay is refreshing, even if the situations they put you in might not be. However, the way you can deal with these encounters are. Your dead buddies ingrained in your helmet, backpack, and gun offer you tips and cool abilities. You can project a hologram to distract enemy troops, set up a gun emplacement then flank to the side and activate it to create a crossfire, lay proximity mines then attract unsuspecting guards, and a number of other methods. The game also employs a neat cover system that lets you peek out and fire some well-placed bullets, toss a grenade, or just spray blind fire. Despite it not being released yet (at the time), Gears of War seems to have inspired this mechanic.

This is just the tip of the iceberg in terms of cool ideas (or even cool 'borrowed' ideas). Your backpack can manufacture 'salvage points' into ammunition, medi-paks, and upgrades. To salvage, all you need to do is press 'A' next to a dead enemy, and he'll disappear. This will let you know which enemies you've yet to salvage. Speaking of your backpack, Bagman (as he is called) can also heal you in the midst of a fight by simply pressing right on the D-Pad. He also automatically reloads your weapon when you need it. The animations for these actions are incredibly smooth and cool-looking, as are most of Rogue's in-game dives, rolls, and cover moves.

One of the coolest parts of the game are the stealth kills. You can silently take down an enemy by sneaking up behind him and pushing 'A'. Rogue will execute a number of animations at random, and they are all fun to watch (the coolest one being where Rogue cuts off the soldier's oxygen tube and strangles him with it (hmm, now that's overkill)).

The graphics are simply average--nothing to get excited about here, but it does have some impressive looking vistas and backdrops. A nice touch is how smoke and blood puffs, err, puff out of an enemy's body when shot. This makes your shooting satisfying.

The cooperative multiplayer is fun, especially Stronghold, in which you must frantically defend a GI from waves of enemies. The other mode is Progressive, tasking you with objectives while making your way through resistance, much like the main game. Some sort of versus mode is sorely lacking, however, and it would have added even more replay value.

Pros

+ Creative abilities

+ Interesting story

+ Brilliant (if copied) cover system

+ Cooperative multiplayer

Cons

Average visuals

No multiplayer versus modes

Controls can be a bit unwieldy at times

Bottom Line: At only $13.98, this game is a good buy.

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at begining I felt like I was playing halo but it wehnd down after 1 hour playing. still a good fps .but not that good as halo.

Buy Uncharted 3: Drake's Deception - Playstation 3

Customer Ratings:

Greatness is a word I want to stress regarding this game. Drake's Fortune was great fun, a welcome departure from the end of the world/futuristic shooters predominating at the time. Among Thieves was the ultimate sequel and built wonderfully on all aspects of the first. Drake's Deception, the third entry in the series, is something else altogether. This game sets a new precedent for how inclusive and engaging video games can be. There will be some who won't feel so strongly but most anybody who loved the first two is going to LOVE this.

>Graphics 5/5 As always, fantastic! They have managed to improve on the sequel. While the game still looks the same overall it is the details that ND continues to add that makes each game an improvement over the previous one. This entry specifically seems to push the already present cinematic feel as evidenced brilliantly by its opening scene and chapter as well as numerous times during the game in cutscenes and gameplay.

They show off their abilities by purposely trying to show us different settings than the previous games. The London Underground is wonderfully designed, the Colombia streets are populated and lively, a temple found in Syria has a wonderfully cinematic design, etc. They also show off their ability to render fire, sand, some excitingly trippy hallucination style sequences where everything is warped, and a fantastic (if slightly out of place in the overarching story) swaying environment on a ship. Another nice touch is some levels occurring during day and others at night.

Character acting has again improved as much between this and the last game as the last game did over the original. Faces are fuller and more expressive (Chloe's face is major evidence of this). This game looks so good family members will stop to see what I am watching and so entertaining they then wind up sitting down to watch me play.

>Gameplay 4.5/5 Drake's Deception has everything you loved about the first two games, only more finessed and perfected. Enemies are now slightly smarter and diverge on your position quicker (though in some ways I'd argue this makes them easier to take down, no more pin downs). The weapons system has been updated and tweaked (anyone who played the beta knows aiming is more particular, but you quickly adapt). Drake now grabs weapons automatically when out of ammo, another nice added detail.

The best new feature seems to be the updated brawling system. In what reminds me of the recent Batman Arkham games, Nate can now evade, counter and take on multiple opponents. It's all great fun and plays well. The ability to dive underwater becomes well utilized in later chapters. The new ability to ride a horse is simple but works well, think of the jet ski from the first game only updated, you sort of just steer and shoot. Another nifty new detail is the ability to throw back grenades, though you have to time it well.

Having finished the game I will say objectively that any faults to be found are in gameplay pacing/mechanics. All games I've experienced have a sometimes clumsy quality to gameplay. On occasion you press a button and it doesn't do what you want, that's just part of gaming. In Uncharted this manifests itself when sometimes trying to reach for a specific ledge, it can look like Drake is doing calisthenics.

The other issue is more subjective but this game seems to have less prolonged gun fights (which I always enjoyed) and more of the game plays itself in a sense. Another reviewer said it best noting that the game holds the players hand more this go around (press square now, circle now, etc), this may please some but will definitely aggravate others looking for more challenge. Though this may be due to my having a better handle on the gameplay by this third installment it would still be nice if some new/larger challenges were added to compensate for those who have learned from the previous entries.

>The story 5/5 I won't give anything away but well crafted stories are a key reason for the popularity of this franchise, this entry doesn't disappoint in that regard. The actors perform great as always, so many nuances brought to the characters. This game takes the world of the previous games and expands on it. If the second game was a continuation of the story from the first then this game is an opening up of the characters, their world and the story being told.

A wonderful backstory for Nate and Sully is crafted and played out and a flashback of sorts is handled in a respectful way when it could've felt cheap or forced. There is a very Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade feeling here. This game has the mix of action, humor and romance that previous games had with strong emphasis on emotion in some key scenes (and for those concerned I felt Elena and Chloe's respective returns were well handled and logical continuations).

Another possible criticism though, the villain in this entry is formidable and compelling but when you finally reach the ending I don't feel she is as well utilized a final boss as either Navaro or Lazarvic. The villains overall are also not well explained, not that they have to be, some mystery is always nice, but how this one guy appears and vanishes almost magically at several points I'll never know. Then there is no real boss showdown. There is also a character, Charlie, who is fun but severly underdeveloped and largely used only for story purposes. These don't detract from the game at large but I mention them as I hope they aren't issues that will magnify as further installments are released.

>Online Content 5/5It was adding the online content to the sequel that propelled this series to a new status within the gaming world and here it looks like they aim to keep that status. So far it looks like all the fun of the Beta without most of the bugs or any of the restraints. Everything seems to run smoother and it feels more like playing Uncharted 2's online content, though perhaps this is because I'm more used to the updated mechanics after playing the full campaign? Anyway, you get more customization, more options, more everything.

>Conclusion > Game of the year? You better believe it. Certainly if you are new to PS3 or debating the commitment this game makes it well worth it. You don't have to have played the first two for this to be enjoyable (though I suggest both based on their own merits and to make this story even more enjoyable). While some game studios dream in the recesses of their mind only to wake and find it vanity, Naughty Dog are dreamers of the day. They act their dreams with open eyes to make it possible, and in making Drake's Deception, this they did.

The game is 22 chapters of greatness and should be a good 8-10 hours on the main story depending on player ability. Then there is the treasure hunting/trophies and acclaimed multiplayer to ensure you get well worth the $60 price tag. Overall I'd say this game could be critically rated at the worst 4.5/5 but as a fan I'll say anyone else who enjoys these games is going to rate it 5/5, no doubt.

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Greatness from small beginnings is the phrase that starts out this story.

Uncharted 3 takes us to a whole new world of treasure hunting like never before. In this game, not only do you play as Drake, but as a young (child version) Drake as well. The story jumps back in time through out the game, where we learn how Drake and Sully met and become friends. A new woman is brought into the picture. This time, she's a former love interest of Sully and not Drake.

Rather than starting out the game in the middle of nowhere like Uncharted 2, this time you're in the heart of Europe in a British pub. But just as in past games, you are quickly jumping from location to location throughout the world. Each scene remarkably done and visually stunning.

On thing I really like that's different in the Uncharted 2 storyline is this time there's less issues with your team mates turning on you. In Uncharted 2, people on your team were often taking off, and you lost your allies as quickly as they joined you. In Uncharted 3, your team of 4 sticks with you and works together. Your not getting abandoned because you partner ran off with the bad guys, even if they were just pretending to be on their side.

The story is just as compelling as it has always been. Uncharted 3 plays out like a blockbuster movie, only you get to control the moves. Climbing, running, fighting and shooting your way through everything you can imagine, Uncharted 3 has managed to even out do their last game. As usual, while playing you also look for treasures throughout the game to collect. You have your journal again to help you solve puzzles as well.

Online game play is set up by using a pass code that's included in the games case. Once set up, you have game play options such as:

Team Deathmatch

Plunder

Team Objective

Three Team Deathmatch

Free-for-All

Hardcore

Co-op Arena

Co-op Hunter Arena

Co-op Adventure

The online game play benefited quite a bit from the open beta testing. The online matches are smoother and have less issues than there were months ago when they first opened the testing. I played quite a bit during that first month and can definitely see much more fluidity in the online game play movement versus how it was during beta.

This is not a game you will want to rush through. There is so much to see, treasure to collect and story behind it all.

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Uncharted 2 ended up being a smash hit. Perhaps one of the best video games sequels ever produced. It was better than the first game in almost every conceivable way. It's hard to imagine any follow up to Uncharted 2 being half as good but rest assured, Uncharted 3 is just as good as it's predecessor. If you played the first two games and enjoyed them then you simply have to play Uncharted 3.

The story in Uncharted 3 is a bit more rich and defined than the first two games. Nathan Drake is back and this time he's searching for the Atlantis of the Sands. It has something to do with the ring he inherited from Frances Drake. But a woman by the name of Katherine Marlowe believes that ring is hers and it ultimately holds the key to finding this lost city. On paper Uncharted 3 sounds pretty basic, but watching the story in action showcases a strong character driven narrative. In particular players will learn more about the dynamic between Nathan Drake and Sully. The cast is remarkable and charming. And we learn about them not just through the cutscenes but how they interact with one another during some of the moments in between the actual cutscenes. The dialog and banter between them is charming, humorous and sometimes even heartfelt. There are also moments that can, and often do, feel as though they've been ripped from a summer blockbuster. Though some of it is definitely over the top, the character driven nature of the story is what ultimately makes it so good. Like the first two there is a distinct human element at play that makes the simple situation an interesting one.

The cutscenes are aided by extremely good direction and motion capture as well. The characters feel human. But more than that, Uncharted 3 is simply a beautiful game. The environments the game takes place in are detailed and the animations are smooth. The Uncharted games in general are some of the prettiest you'll ever see. But it isn't just that they're visually astounding, it's that their detailed and encompassing. The environments come alive. Other details also stand out a lot. Water or sand is amazing and the way the physics work is also amazing. If there's one thing we can clearly say about Naughty Dog, it's that they'll never skimp on the presentation of a game. The voice acting is equally as good and charming. Some of the best you'll hear in the industry. As you play and watch the characters interact and hear their voices it's hard not to love them. You'll be drawn into their personal hell and anguish, but also their joy. It's all great on the eyes and ears.

Gameplay wise, Uncharted 3 hasn't changed too terribly from the first two. There is a good amount of gunplay, platforming and puzzle solving throughout the adventure and the game does a very good job of balancing them all and pacing things along. The gunplay in and of itself hasn't changed much. You'll find yourself charging from one firefight to the next, taking down the bad guys and picking up their weapons or replenishing your own supply of ammo. You'll also take cover to avoid fire and pop up to shoot when the time is right. You can also enter melee combat which is fun as well given how much it has improved over time.

The platforming sections are generally among the easiest to acquaint yourself with. You'll find yourself scaling walls or jumping from ledges or hanging off objects all in an attempt to keep yourself from falling too far. Despite all the detail, the path is usually laid out for you. This is also true throughout the entire game. You'll rarely get lost or not know where to go next. You'll also rarely find yourself backtracking as a result. Aside from a few of the hidden treasures off the beaten path, there's no reason to really deviate from your destination. And if something should happen where you find yourself stuck, the game will point you in the right direction. The puzzles are pretty creative and simple. You won't find yourself stuck for too long, given that the game will provide hints thanks to a journal that Nate carries around with him.

The game handles all of this well, rarely keeping you in any given situation for long. What is more amusing is how much adventure is truly packed into this game. The second game, in particular, had amazing moments: A helicopter chase across rooftops, an amazing train sequence, a game of cat and mouse with a large tank and a jeep chase were just some of the second game's highlights. Uncharted 3 does a little more. Without spoiling anything, you'll find some of these moments leaving you quite breathless at the spectacle. It's not the situations themselves that are amazing as it is how the game presents them. You'll even find yourself scaling and shooting at enemies firing from above and watching as they tumble forward and fall past you. It's amazing stuff.

Without a doubt the biggest overhaul is multiplayer. Before the versus primarily had you on teams but here you can do a free for all or three teams against each other at the same time. You still have other modes such as the co-op survival mode or a variation of capture the flag. You also still have tons of different boosters to equip. But you can also enter matches with temporary boosters (called kickbacks) which you can get by earning a certain number of medals. They're not permanent but they help for those who may need that small boost. Likewise, for those who want a truly hardcore experience you can always go onto the hardcore battle arena. The maps are also ingeniously designed. Not only are your opponents people you have to look out for, but so are some of the environmental effects. In one level a sand storm rolls in, for instance.

The most rewarding is the co-op experience. Sure you can still go into an arena and do a survival mode and whatnot, but there's actually a co-op campaign here as well. And it's a full blown story campaign, complete with cutscenes and everything. You can team up with two friends and go at it. It's remarkably satisfying and pretty addictive.

Uncharted 3 isn't perfect by any means. Like the first two before it, there's a lot of precision in playing. For example how the game times some of its jumps when say... platforms are falling from beneath you. Or cutscenes that run seamlessly into gameplay. If you're not on the ball you may find yourself retrying certain segments constantly. Some moments can feel like a trial and error practice simply because you don't know WHERE to go immediately and thus you fail until you figure it out. Since Uncharted 3, like the previous two, is very straightforward and linear you generally only have one option out of a situation. If you don't find it fast enough in some of the more time sensitive moments you're done for. In other situations your timing may be off by just a second. Uncharted has always been somewhat of a challenge but most of it comes from the first hand experience. When you play through a second time things tend to flow more seamlessly when you know exactly where you're going and what you're doing. The good news is that checkpoints are everywhere. If you end up failing a platforming section or a gun fight you usually tend to start right next to it. So the game won't punish you too badly.

Uncharted 3 is a great follow up to Uncharted 2. Whether or not the game is better is up for debate. The multiplayer suite certainly is, but for some fans who were truly blown away by Uncharted 2, they have to face the fact that the third game isn't exactly the same leap forward that the second one was. You've got new weapons, a revamped melee system and you can now toss grenades back to your enemies... but for the most part Uncharted 2 didn't have much that needed fixing to begin with. It was a near perfect game, addressing each and every issue the first game had. With not much to address there isn't much for Uncharted 3 to really improve upon. Or add, for that matter. In seems the only part that Naughty Dog strived for more with was the story. And they succeeded. You certainly get a much more emotionally involved story but the gameplay is primarily the same thing here. If you've enjoyed the gameplay of the series thus far, there's no reason not to jump into this one. The story and characters alone make this a must play for Uncharted fans.

Honest reviews on Uncharted 3: Drake's Deception - Playstation 3

Uncharted 3 is a solid, well-put-together first-party AAA PS3 title. However, I don't feel it's as good as Uncharted 2. That's not an entirely fair comparison, since Uncharted 2 was a masterpiece, one of the best games ever produced from a design, pacing and story standpoint.

The third Uncharted was really very fun, and one can tell the game design was absolutely top-notch. Really interesting and varied environments, can't-put-controller-down pace it's all there. But it just failed to draw me in. Whereas Uncharted 2 had me on the edge of my seat most of the game (especially with Elena's story near the end), 3 was very good but a little predictable. I didn't really care for most of the game what happened to Sully, and frankly the small plot twists were far from unexpected.

This type of game needs, I think, solid character relationships to draw you in. Elena Drake is a great relationship: an on-again off-again attraction of opposites. Once I had extended playtime with her by my side, I was really interested / attracted to her character. Sully? It's whatever. Somehow the character feels a bit too one-dimensional. To me, Kid Drake is a very bad design call the sort of hokey thing a AAA title really doesn't need to have.

And Uncharted 2 was HARD. If you cranked it up to Crushing there were some parts that were nearly impossible. Even on Normal the campaign was tough and long. Uncharted 3 feels a bit short by comparison, and really quite easy overall. Only two or three times did I feel really frustrated in an encounter / gunfight.

I also thought the Tibetan / mountain art style trumped the desert. Guess that's a matter of personal preference, but it does seem as if Naughty Dog had a lot more time to flesh out the art and level design in the 3 years between Uncharted 1 and 2 than in the one and a half between 2 and 3.

Definitely a great game, probably 8.5 / 10 I think, but not a must play game of the generation.

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I have noticed anyone saying anything bad about this game is called an "xbox fanboy" or the reviewer gets insulted.

Everyone has the right to their opinion and I happen to agree with the negative reviews about this "game".

This game was recommended to me by a friend and I had never played any of the Uncharted games before, but this game just seemed like very bland and repetitive gameplay. The chases especially drove me crazy after a while, it was like enough already.

New age games have all kinds of cut-scenes and very deep storylines, but its like you watch a little and you need to play through a little bit just to get to the next part so as opposed to it being like interactive it's much more one dimensional. This is the same type of complaint from everyone who gives this game negative reviews because it's true. The difference is some people enjoy this type of gameplay, I like many others personally do not.

The story is very good and so are the scenes and at points I found myself wanting to fast forward the gameplay just to watch the rest of it as I couldn't care less about playing it and in fact preferred not to as the gameplay was not that fun and seemed more like an interruption to me.

With a story like this and the way its setup the gameplay really is not necessary.

This game is very reminiscent of Tomb Raider with the puzzles and adventure and everything which is great, although I find it to be much slower paced and I found the gameplay is too forced and as I already mentioned feels almost unnecessary. There is no strategy involved or skill really you just need to make your way through to get to the next scene.

In any regard this game is certainly not worth 1 star like others have given it, but I just found it very slow and boring to play, but the story and cut-scenes are very good and anyone who likes a game like this will certainly love it, but if you are into more fast-paced arcade style games this is definitely not the game for you.

Discount Xbox Controller S

Customer Ratings:

Okay, I was just joking -the original Xbox controller didn't weigh as much as an 800 pound bear. But seriously: IT WAS HUGE. Not for me, mind you, but for almost everyone else I knew, the first Xbox controller was at least a few sizes too large. It hindered the way they, amoung thousands of others, played. If someone's playing badly because of the controller then something is wrong.

Thankfully Microsoft noticed this and created a smaller, lighter, more easily handled controller for those of us who needed it. The Controller S, as it is called has a more even button layout and the A, B, X and Y buttons are not slanted, but have the traditional shape of raised domes. The black and white buttons were moved to below the A, B, X and Y buttons so as to be made easier to reach. However, I personally had more problem pressing these buttons on this model than on the other one. Anywho, the Start and Select/Back buttons were relocated to the left side of the left analog stick. These buttons probably should have stayed where they were or moved to a more convenient spot, like above the Xbox logo.

In any case, this is a massive improvement for the Xbox controller. I suggest that you buy at least two of these controllers, (even if you like the other one better), just in case your friends, etc. want to use them [which they will].

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Some people think the problems with the American Xbox controller have been overly exaggerated. But the truth is, if there weren't major problems with the controller, Microsoft wouldn't have taken the time and resources to bring the Japanese controller to the States. So now, the Xbox Controller S has made it to the States. Does it have what it takes to be a vast improvement over its American counterpart? Sadly, no. While it does improve upon some areas of the original controller, it falls incredibly short in others.

First, the improvements. The size of the controller has been reduced, which is good news for all those people who complained about the American controller's large size. The triggers feel a lot more comfortable and responsive, and the D-pad actually feels better and more usable. But the biggest improvement has to be the face buttons. On the original controller, the colored face buttons were in an awkward, bunched-together set up that made it difficult to find the right button without looking right at the controller. With the Xbox Controller S, the set up is more natural, making it easier to find the right button. The buttons are also more much flatter, which means gamers no longer have to press horrible oval-shaped buttons.

But then there are the flaws. The first is the Xbox logo. Why Microsoft puts that enormous logo there is beyond me. Do they really think we'll forget which gaming system we're playing and need to remind us with a big, round logo that actually makes the Xbox Controller S look even uglier than the first controller? Because of the placement of the logo, the Start and Select buttons were moves to under the first analog stick, which makes it somewhat awkward for most people to press them with their left hand. But the biggest flaw is undoubtedly the black and white buttons. In the American controller, they were placed above the face buttons; they took some getting used to, but were accessible. With the Xbox Controller S, they are placed below the face buttons in a sloppy configuration, and just trying to press these buttons is a pain because they are set deeper in the controller than the face buttons.

With this said, which controller is better? American or Japanese? Truth be told, neither is better than the other. Actually, each controller has its advantages over the other in certain games. For example, the D-pad on the Controller S makes "Tony Hawk's Pro Skater 3" and "Dead or Alive 3" much easier to play, but the analog sticks on the American controller work a lot better on "Halo" and "Project Gotham Racing". If only Microsoft would take these controllers' strengths and place them in a hybrid controller, then they would have the ultimate controller.

Make no mistake, the Controller S isn't terrible; however, it's also not the saving grace controller that everyone wants it to be. It has its strengths and weaknesses, just like the American controller, and it'll hopefully point Microsoft in the right direction for a third and perfect controller for the Xbox.

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Thank you Microsoft! You see? Companies can listen! XBox has been slowly improving since launch. Its games are getting much better, and the controllers have as well. I'm actually beginning to enjoy this machine. While the button placement is not as convenient as the PS 2 Dual Shock, or as comfortable as the GameCube controller, this controller is much less awkward than the original XBox controller. It could still be better, the black and white buttons are not in a place that make them easy to get to, but the other buttons are not as close together, and the button shape make them easier to know what button you're hitting, thus avoiding hitting the wrong button by accident, which happens to me a lot of the regular controller.

Aside from the placement of the black and white buttons one more complaint I have, I can get new Nintendo made GameCube controllers for much less than the Microsoft controllers are going for. If Microsoft could lower the price on these I'd buy three more.

Honest reviews on Xbox Controller S

When I got my Xbox a month or so ago, one of the downfalls of the system was the controller. I am sure many of you agree with me, but in many ways it suffered the flaws of being too big, heavy, and cumbersome. Not only was it tiring on the wrists, but the D-Pad was oddly shaped causing awkwardness in games that used it.

Knowing that Microsoft offered another type of controller (Controller S), I immediatly headed down to the store to grab one as a replacement for the pack in. Let me tell you... it was one of the smartest decisions I could have made with my new system.

With the old clunky original controller out of the way, I tested out the Controller S with both NFL 2K2 and Morrowind. Relaxing. Easier to use. Perfect is all I can say in a nutshell. Ideal for handsizes big and small.

Give the Controller S a try. Your hands will love you for it!

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Remember the Sega Genesis? Remember the first time you got to use Sega's 6-button controller? It was great! A sleek, smaller design that got rid of the bulk and wasted space of the original, while also slimming the buttons down as well as adding a second row of face buttons. It was a tremendous improvement that was very welcome at the time.

Now fast-forward to present day: Microsoft, less than a year after the debut of its wonder-machine, has decided (at the bequest of dissatisfied gamers everywhere) to make the controller originally designed for the overseas Japanese market available in the USA. Enter the "Controller S," a smaller model designed to solve the often cumbersome limitations of the original. And it succeeds, albeit not 100%.

Many people cited the controller as one of the bigger drawbacks to the Microsoft XBox: it was too big, the buttons weren't user-friendly, there was a lot of wasted space (hello, logo!) and people really didn't know what to make of those pesky white & black buttons. The Controller S aims to solve these problems, and does so in most areas. The controller is smaller now, thus decreasing reaction time, the analog sticks are now identical and seemingly a bit tighter with less movement area, the gigantic clear dome logo has been replaced by a smaller button-sized logo, and the Back & Start buttons have been relocated to the left side underneath the left analog.

Obviously the biggest (and best) change is the new "standard" placement of the face buttons. They are now North/South/East/West and also flat and circular, instead of teardrop shaped. This makes finding & utilizing them much easier and intuitive. BUT, we still haven't mentioned the B&W buttons yet, and that's where the design fails yet again. Microsoft acquiesced to the positioning of the main face buttons, and should have just place the Black & White buttons in the same pattern as the C & Z buttons on the old Sega Genesis 6-button controller. But, instead of having them in the awkward yet usable spot of the original XBox controller, they are now recessed and completely below the face buttons. This all but forces the player to use the heel of their thumb to press the B&W buttons, whilst the main portion of the thumb performs the usual face button duty. This isn't impossible, but it's even more awkward and counter-intuitive than the previous awkward & counter-intuitive setup.

No bones about it, the Controller S is the better controller. The new design facilitates faster and more accurate control, which is especially helpful in sports games. I noticed the difference in NCAA 2003 the minute I played using the Controller S. Though others maintain that the slower, more deliberate nature of the original is helpful in games like Halo or Star Wars Starfighter, I tend to disagree but your mileage may vary. So check it out and see how much more precise your gaming experience can be with the superior XBox Controller S.

Army Men - Sarge's Heroes 2 Review

Customer Ratings:

If you have played the original Army Men: Sarge's Heroes, you will probably like this one. Although it is relatively the same, this one seemed somewhat easier than the original. The levels continue to get harder as they come along, but most don't seem to offer the same challenge. I have had it for less than a week and am three levels away from beating it. If you are an experienced player and are looking for a game that will take a long time to beat, this isn't the game for you.

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An altruism is that sequels are usually second rate. Fortunately, this isn't true with this game. First of all, the cartridge is green (as in Army men green) which always adds a little something out of the ordinary much like the gold Zelda carts. The game play is relatively easy once you get used to the controls. The graphics are pretty good though not up to the standards of other games such as Super Mario or Pilot Wings but certainly not bad. The sound is very good. Finally, the game is just plain fun to play. It reminds me of all the times I used to play with plastic soldiers except these move and fire. Which is, of course, the whole idea. Great game, buy it! That's an order!!

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Sarge's Heroes 2 is an improvement over the original Army Men: Sarge's Heroes. The graphics are better and the 1 player game is better, at least I thought, than the original.

In the 1 player game, you play in missions and complete objectives in different environments ranging from a toy store, a pinball machine, a refrigerator, to a freezer and a train set. The missions have you switching between playing as Sarge or Vikki and along the way you are assisted by different members of the team as you battle your way up to Plastro!

The multiplaye is an improvement with new battlefields and more characters to play as ranging from Grimm to Brigette Bleeu.

If you enjoyed the original game, then you will love this. Rent it or buy it its up to you, and if you did enjoy the original, I strongly recommend that you buy it.

Honest reviews on Army Men - Sarge's Heroes 2

this is the best N64 game created! so much fun and some intersting twists in it too. better then the first! more levels in our world then theres! if you have a N64 get this game!

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I love the smell of burnt TAN plastic in the morning. This game is the best. because I put in cheat codes it makes the game better. I just love the sound of all the weapons kicking TAN butt. This game is the best game ever.

NFL® Chicago Bears Distressed Vinyl Skin for 1 Microsoft Xbox 360 Review

Customer Ratings:
List Price: $19.99
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Really easy to put on, looks great. Took a little long to get, but not bad. Just remember THIS IS A STICKER, NOT A CASE

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I thought that this would be a little better quality. Shipping time was great, but it's really nothing more than a sticker . As a gift I expected a bit more but, the bears fan was happy.

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Friend is a Bears fan, and from Chi town so I figured this would be good. And it was, he loves it!

Cheap Xbox Industries Carrying Case

Customer Ratings:

Alright, this was well worth the $10 I spent. I actually use it to hold my 360(it fits). I was able to fit everything but my games in this thing. If you want a cheap case, this is where you should look!

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I normally buy these bags for my gaming accessories. Recently I purchased an Xbox 360 and I debated with the 360's messenger bag since it cost 50 dollars. I went for this older Xbox bag and bought it through Target.com for $9.99. It is unfortunately out of stock now or I would pick up another one. I am currently using it to store four 360 controllers and they fit very well and organized with room for another 4 controllers or so. I am happy with the design and style of the bag. It has a lot of room in it for gaming accessories and keeps my controllers clean and dust free. The front zipper pocket is fairly roomy as well and I have 2 360 headsets in there.

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My son goes back and forth to his grandparents house and loves to use this case to carry his Xbox and accessories. No room for games but they are better suited in something else anyway. Plenty of room for all cords and at least 3 controllers. Very protective as well!

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I bought this used and whoever had it took very good care of, my son was happy to get it since he and his buddies go to each others homes and play games, it seems to protect it very well.

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The Xbox Bag is in good condition there are only two things wrong eith in on the rear of the bag there are white lines (looks Like paint) and its missing a handle for the ziiper but besides the my item is in good shape.

Reviews of Bionic Commando - Xbox 360 (Game)

Customer Ratings:

I had been anticipating this release for quite some time. I saw a gameplay trailer for it almost two years ago and had been waiting anxiously for it ever since. I'm not disappointed, but some gamers might be.

There's a lot of ground to cover, so I'll try to be succinct.

Unfortunately, if you're not into this game for the nostalgia factor then you're probably going to grow tired of it somewhat quickly after you complete the story mode once or twice. The multiplayer may grab your fancy and keep you coming back, but if you're a CoD or GoW or Halo (later referred to as "The Big 3" in this same review) online player than likely you will find yourself putting your "drug of choice" back in when you need an MP fix.

If you played the original Bionic Commando for the Nintendo Entertainment System this game will have lots of retro flare for you (the Title screen music is the original title music from the NES game redone on piano) and many references to the 1988 game. For those of you who never played it, you're still in for a fun 3rd Person action/adventure/shooter.

I myself am the type to flip through the game manual for a few minutes before I take the game itself for a spin. And at first glance I have to admit I thought the controls would be rather complicated, but I was wrong. Most actions in the game are simple and can be completed with one or two button presses. Use of the Grappling arm (that pretty much IS Bionic Commando) is extremely simple, and fun as well. Some swinging tricks take a little getting used to, but anyone who's played a Spider Man game on 360 will likely have no trouble at all adapting. But fear not if you haven't, it still really simple to get the hang of.

The game looks impressive. The colors are vivid, the shading is nice, and water and shadow effects are pulled off nicely. Sometimes it looks a bit fuzzy, but I blame that on my TV. The levels/areas themselves, unfortunately, feel somewhat restrictive, and life-threatening radiation often prevents you from swinging to an enticing perch.

When it comes to achievements, Bionic Commando is probably a pretty easy completion (1000/1000 GS) for most avid gamers. The achievements are based around the game's Challenges, which require you to perform certain actions throughout the game and reward you with weapon and armor upgrades. Most challenges are relatively simple, but progress in difficulty throughout the game.

The weapons in the game are diverse and fun to use. Enemies die with satisfying replicated agony, and Spencer (your character) makes many little wise-cracks and quips throughout the game. Sure, it's nothing original in that respect but always amusing when done well. I think it was done well in this case.

Unfortunately, the game doesn't really offer much in the way of replay value. There are 3 difficulty levels, and many collectibles stashed throughout the games areas. There are achievements in the game centered around finding all of the collectibles and completing all of the challenges, but you must find/complete them all in one play-through to unlock the completion achievement. That is really the only replay value I see in the game for those just looking for something new to play.

The multiplayer is nothing new or innovative when it comes to game-type selection. Deathmatch, Team Deathmatch, and Capture the Flag are available. But, if you're looking for something a little different than the aforementioned "Big 3" than this might grab your attention for a while. The grappling hook can make battles very interesting.

So, if you really liked the original 1988 NES release of Bionic Commando, you're going to like this game as a matter of principle alone when it comes to content and story. The gameplay mechanics and vivid scenery will keep you playing. There's even and old friend or two who pop up to say Hi.

If you never even knew there was a 1988 NES Bionic Commando until you read this review, you still may enjoy this game if you like 3rd person action/adventure/shooter games with a few unique mechanics and quippy dialog.

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Bionic Commando would've been good....if:

-There weren't COMPLETELY random toxic areas to limit your exploration and to punish you for no apparent reason.

-You didn't pretty much die every time you fell into water. (Seriously,in some places it's maybe a foot deep-just stand up for goodnessake!)

-The controls weren't so completely unforgiving at times when you need them to be accommodating.

-Swinging from floating mine to floating mine was actually nuanced and smooth instead of insanely aggravating because of poor attach detection and doofus swing mechanics.

-You didn't have to re-play huge chunks of the game over and over again because the save spots were in such stupid and unintuitive places.

-If the story was little more than truly ignore-worthy.

-The main character was less of a tool-shed.

Of course it really would've sucked if not for:

-Really great graphics.

-Fun grappling mechanics.

-Decent combat.

-Taking enemies out by throwing cars and debris with your mechanical arm (One of the game's ONLY saving graces)

-A couple of cool bosses and some really great larger enemies.

I wanted to like this game. I really did. There are some really great moments in it, but man it was hard to get through with all of the frustration. A poorly designed game, with deeply flawed controls a good experience does not make. Play something fun instead.

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It was a well put together game, I couldn't put it down. The story line about spencer's wife was a little far fetched. And I had expected more in the ending then there was. The bionic swing was probably my favorite thing in the game. My fav weapon, throwing stuff at my targets. The thing I would change would be the story line about the wife. (My wife is still confused about it). Look forward to a second one (Hint hint)

Honest reviews on Bionic Commando - Xbox 360 (Game)

I've heard a lot of negative things about this game so I avoided it forever, but I couldn't pass it up for 2 Dollars. I actually enjoyed myself playing this game. Maybe most people were upset because they paid full price for the game, and I understand that completely. I would have been angry as well. The game is pretty shallow gameplay wise and the voice acting is god awful.

Other than that though it's pretty fun swinging around the levels spider-man style. Too bad the swinging mechanic isn't too polished or I may have given it a high rating.

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I loved this game. I think a lot of people that gave this game negative reviews just did not get it.

I found the controls as good, if not better, than most Spider-Man games. And it is like playing Spider-Man with a weapon arsenal. It's just awesome to fling yourself off a high rise, falling, then at the last moment hitting your grappling arm to a light pole swinging up in the air, taking out your gun, firing at you enemies below, then before you even hit the ground throw your arm again into an enemy, fling him in the air and empty the last of your rounds into him.

There are great moments like this throughout the game. The environments are wonderfully built around the grappling mechanic, and surprisingly diverse, from destroyed cityscapes, to jungles, to vast underground caverns.

The one downside is the story. Utterly ridiculous.

Review of Forza Motorsport 3 - Xbox 360

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It's often said the the third time's the charm, and in the case of Forza Motorsport 3, that couldn't be more true. FM3 manages to improve upon it's predecessors in almost every imaginable way. If you've played Forza Motorsport 2, you're probably aware that the game wasn't designed with casual gamers in mind. FM3 changes this, and finally brings the franchise to a level that it has appeal not only as an uber-realistic racing simulator, but also as an entertaining racing game that just about anyone can pick up and enjoy. The addition of autobraking and rewind undoubtedly make things easier on newcomers, while the tweaked physics engine and ramped-up AI will give even the most die-hard Forza fanatics a run for their money. With over 400+ cars and 100+ tracks, one would be hard-pressed to get bored with this game.

Without a doubt, the two most significant improvements are the graphics and the new "Storefront". Forza Motorsport 3 displays in a native 720p (upscaled to 1080p by the console) running at 60 fps. This translates to a rich, detailed, and smooth-flowing picture that makes you feel like you're actually racing in Le Mans. To further immerse gamers, Turn 10 added a true in-cockpit view that was rendered to be a perfect likeness of the real life car. The environment and tracks weren't spared from this graphic overhaul either, and I often found myself going on free rides just to scope out the scenery and enjoy the ride.

Glossy graphics aside, the "meat" of the game is still incredibly satisfying. Those who were avid players of FM2 can testify to the integral part that online activities played. Don't worry, as Turn 10 was obviously aware this and made sure to spice things up just for you. Painting cars, applying vinyls and decals, and selling customized cars in FM3 couldn't be easier. In fact, this practice is encouraged with the addition of the new "Storefront". Players now have the ability to sell not only liveries for cars, but also tuning configurations. Making a name for yourself as an artist in Forza Motorsport 3 is a definite goal for some, but even those who lack the finesse required to create liveries can benefit from the changes.

Overall, this game not only meets all expectations set forth by hardcore FM2, but exceeds them. Those of you who are looking for a fun and relaxed racing game won't be disappointed though, as Forza Motorsport 3 was also designed with you in mind. I would, without a doubt, recommend the purchase of this game. The only downside is that the game comes with two disks (and a total of 1.9 GB of data) and necessitates the use of a hard drive if you plan on adding the bonus content (100+ cars and 3 environments).

-

(UPDATE November 4, 2009) Numerous reviews have been posted addressing the shortcomings concerning the online multiplayer mode. They are correct. Turn 10 absolutely perfected the single player aspect of this game with "Season Mode" but, upon playing a few hours in the online multiplayer mode (which, due to all the waiting, is only two or three races) a glaring flaw reveals itselfTurn 10's "reset" of the new matchmaking system sucks. A lot. Gone are the days of creating your own custom party. Gone are the days of racing sub-A class cars. Gone are the glory days of online multiplayer.

While this may not be a huge deal to me (I mostly play single-player anyways), it's definitely a problem that NEEDS to be addressed. I've also noticed some problems in single player mode..

* Some in-car views aren't interactive, or don't render correctly.

* While the sound of cars has been vastly improved, there are still some problems. It seems that the exhaust note is based solely on displacement of the engine. A Camaro shouldn't sound like a Murcielago.

* Uploading the "Movies" doesn't work unless they're shot in low-res. 720p videos just don't upload.

* The "Performance Index" is broken. A Dodge Ram with a PI of 700 should, logically, perform on par with a Lamborghini Reventon with a PI of 700, right? Well, that's not how it works. I don't know how the PI is calculated, but it's not right.

* The resolution of Photomode leaves alot to be desired. While it's understandable that there needs to be a limit on file size to relieve strain on Turn 10's servers, I feel that the quality of the pictures doesn't do the game justice.

* Everything sold in the Storefront has a price cap of 10,000 credits. While this is just temporary, it's a huge disincentive at to spend hours upon hours perfecting a quality livery to be sold.

* The AI occasionally does stupid things. Though it's rare, I've seen opponents slam on their brakes for no reason when they're in the lead, slam into walls, or just stop driving. I don't know if these are just glitches, or the AI trying to be "more human". Whatever the cause, it's not right.

MY ratings so far-

[*****] Single Player Mode

[****_] Soundtrack

[*****] Visuals

[****_] Multiplayer (Split-screen)

[*____] Multiplayer (Xbox Live)

[***__] Fit and finish (Ready to be released?)

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First, let's get this clear...I am not a die hard racing gamer. I don't have that much time. I wish I did but I don't. I have long said that the ideal game experience provided for two kinds of gamers. The game should provide that hard-earned sense of accomplishment for those fortunate to have the skills and time to earn their way to the top. More power to them. But hang on. I still spent $60 for this game and I should have a way to get access to all it offers too (or at least most of it). I want a game provides for both.

Sure, there needs to be a way to tell whether someone earned it or just switched it on. But don't force me to spend hour-after-hour trying to earn level after level. I don't have that much time to devote to a game. I know that some would say that if I don't have the time, I shouldn't buy the game. But I think there are many people like me so it should be a win-win.

This is why I like this game so much. It lets me enjoy the fun of just jumping in some really cool cars and taking laps around really cool tracks. It has assists that allow me to enjoy the limited time I have with the game to the max.

And for those that might not consider this, it puts this game in the reach of my son, who is developmentally disadvantaged. It allows us to enjoy it together.

Let's see great car selection, great track, great flexibility in how to configure it to play all add up to a great game.

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I'll start by saying that I have never played this or Forza 2 online. My online experience is limited to Call of Duty. If you're looking for a review of the controversial multiplayer mode, there are plenty of good ones from other gamers.

That said, in single player mode this game is amazing. Not perfect, but very, very good. I absolutely loved Forza 2, so I was concerned that Turn 10 might alter the new game in ways that would be frustrating. Well, they did...but they made up for it (mostly) with lots of great new features. I am a hard-core driving simulator enthusiast; except on the most frustrating factory stock races, I play everything with the AI difficulty on "hard," stability control off, and manual transmission mode. Despite this, Turn 10 has provided options to make the game EVEN HARDER or considerably easier. In fact, this is one of the biggest new feature sets, which allows a player with just about any level of experience to set the game up to their liking. While I won't use things like "autobraking" or the recommended racing line, I don't have to.

Of course, Forza is all about cars, and Forza 3 delivers tons of them. Counting the DLC, which keeps coming out, there are well over 400. Chances are, unless you are a huge fan of Japanese "kei" cars or obscure pre-war European roadsters from long-disbanded manufacturers, you will find your favorite automobile in this game. (Gran Turismo should cover you in the cases I mentioned).

Forza 3 also improves upon Forza 2 with its selection of tracks. The classics are still here (including my favorite Maple Valley) and with lots of new details thanks to the improved graphics, but new tracks debut as well, including the beautiful and extensive Amalfi Coast and the fictional series of Spanish tracks billed as "Camino Viejo de Montserrat." Additionally, the gorgeous Fujimi Kaido from Forza 1 makes a reappearance.

Forza 2 had tons of customization, and Forza 3 has even more. While everything is just about the same, there are a few new things you can do such as adding oil coolers. On the other hand, it has also been simplified a bit; you can't choose what brand of tires you install, for example.

Gameplay is just as good as before, with an improved physics engine that allows rollovers. The graphics are phenomenal, each car is exquisitely detailed, and there is a full cockpit view from which you can drive. If you are an extreme hard-core racer, you can even choose to drive with a button for the clutch. This is beyond me because in real life I use feet to operate the gas, brake, and clutch while my hands can concentrate on steering and shifting. Doing it all with my hands is too confusing.

Now, the negatives. No game is perfect, and Forza 3 has its share of flaws. The first thing that annoyed me was the "race announcer." He won't shut up. His bass-rich, nostalgic easy-listening voice can be heard any time you try to enter a car into a race for which it doesn't qualify (which I often do in order to quickly see which ones I own that DO qualify).

Another big problem is the acquisition of cars. In Forza 2, you got cars for leveling up via XP, and you received a car for each race series you won. In Forza 3, you do get cars for leveling up, but you stop leveling up about 1/4 of the way through the game; meanwhile, winning race series only gives you money...not enough money. I decided that I wanted to own all the cars in the game, since I did pay real money for this opportunity to virtually drive them, and so with 3/4 of the races completed, I tallied up the cars remaining and found I still needed $110,000,000 to buy them all. Considering that a typical, mid-length race at my advanced level of difficulty only nets about $18,000, that was going to take a while. Part of this is due to a single vintage Ferrari priced at $20,000,000. The cars are just too expensive. It's my own fault for wanting them all, but hey, I should be able to do that.

In their attempt to make the game appeal to a wider range of players, Turn 10 also added some unnecessary drama. There is an entirely repetitive animation at the beginning of each race depicting your car rolling up to the line and revving its engine. While they do stick to realism here (old cars with soft suspension will bounce when they stop at the line), the revving is tacky, and more critically, it removes your opportunity to bring your RPMs to the correct level for a good launch. A successful launch off the line is often the key to getting ahead of rivals who may be hard to pass elsewhere. Forza 3 made this impossible, which is extremely ridiculous considering that an all-new race type is drag racing. The launch is the MOST critical part of a drag race!!

The rewind feature has drawn some criticism from die-hard gamers, but I think it's good. You really don't have to use it, but I certainly have. It's easier than restarting a race (which takes a long while) and in long, tedious races it can save you a ton of headaches. However, it doesn't always work. Seriously. Sometimes, when you need it most, it just isn't an option. The most notable time for me was in the third-to-last lap of an endurance race. At the end of the long straight, I got incredibly distracted by something else (perhaps my own thoughts) and failed to brake. Instead of immediately braking and swerving when I realized this, I moved my hand so that I could hit the rewind button. It did nothing, and by the time I figured that out and got back to the brakes, my car had covered the sand beyond the track and smacked the wall, wrecking its front. Fortunately, the engine was OK, and I still won the race, but it's good to know you can't always rely on the rewind button.

The addition of lousy in-game music is simply a waste of disc space (which is an issue, since you have to install almost 2GB of data on your hard drive in order to play all of the game).

Overall, Forza 3 makes some great improvements (rollovers, more cars, awesome graphics, new tracks) over its predecessor, but it is not perfect. However, it does allow novice and experienced racers alike to jump in and play, and completing the game will take hundreds of hours, making it just as much of a total immersive long-haul experience as its prior installments.

Honest reviews on Forza Motorsport 3 - Xbox 360

This is by far the most technically accurate driving simulator I've played. I bought it primarily for the chance to drive the Circuit de la Sarthe and drive the Audi R10 TDI and although I've not yet gotten the R10 yet, the Circuit de la Sarthe is pure virtual bliss! The single player experience is one of the best I've played of any racing game and the seasons and tracks and available cars make for hours of fun.

The variety of vehicles is varied enough to keep anyone engaged and the ability to nearly infinitely customize not only the mechanics of the cars but the actual set ups as well in terms of suspension tuning, spoilers, tires, etc. In addition, the in-depth ability to customize the looks of the cars is awesome!

But, it's not all fun and games on the Circuit de la Sarthe... I am EXTREMELY annoyed with the lack of ability to create one car design/paint scheme and apply it to multiple cars. This is disastrous! Why spend all the time to create a great design for a car and only be able to apply it to that specific car???? Ideally, you could create a great paint/graphics scheme and apply to any car... it might need to be tweaked for that car but at least the basics would be there. The second disappointment is the multiplayer experience... you cannot play this with a friend on your own xbox... the only multiplayer is via xbox live which, in my opinion, is great for Halo, GRAW, etc., but mediocre at best for racing games...

If not for the disappointing multiplayer and the car design limitations I would absolutely have rated this a 5.

Can't wait to get my R10 TDI!!!

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After a short 2 year development Forza returns with some impressive changes: a new physics system, about double the tracks, 100 more cars, improved graphics and additions to the difficulty and the storefront. Note that this is a review of only the single player part of the game.

Short Review

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Gameplay 8/10 New physics engine adds life to the races, tires play a larger role, weight is much more noticeable and the game is generally more realistic

Graphics 8/10 astonishing detail, interior view, beautiful new tracks set in the mountains, mirroring and reflections are a step up; but maybe not as good as GT5

Features 8/10 a few new difficulty settings (autobrake, manual w/clutch) more car classes, racing season added, auto upgrade feature, loads of new camera angles for replay; ability to buy tuning setups and create art for the vinyl

Races and Tracks 7/10 new, real tracks add to the simulation and much more variation between tracks, but somewhat redundant racing in the event list, far too many "repeat races" and low level races

Cars 9/10 realism trumps any racing game I've played if not any video game I've played, the look, the feel and the tuning of these cars makes this a true simulator

Sound 9/10 engine sounds are very accurate from the four cylinders to the V-12 engines, each has a distinctive note, superchargers and turbos can be heard as well as crashes and tires gripping, very believable

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Gameplay 8 of 10

Let me begin by saying that the racing in Forza 3 is not so much revolutionary as it is evolutionary; as you might expect with two games on the same console. The physics worked well for Forza 2 and they've added realism here as opposed to reinventing the wheel, no pun intended. You do essentially the same thing as you would have done in Forza 2. The racing hasn't changed. The cars and tracks have.

There are a few essential things that have been changed which directly effect gameplay in Forza 3. Not the least of which is the rewind button (or whatever it is being called). It is exactly what you think you can rewind the race many times throughout the race in five second intervals. It's very handy if you happen to be racing an endurance race and you accidentally forget to make a turn on the last lap. The second major piece of the change in gameplay is the physics system. As you might guess, it's improved. Cars now have the ability to flip over completely (multiple times even), driving is much more dependent on weight, tires can lose grip while the car shifts from side to side or on sharp turns and racing seems to be based much more on the tuning of the suspension.

I've heard complaints about cars being able to flip on the game. First, if you don't believe a car will flip at even low speeds go on your favorite video website and search for car accidents. Secondly, the driving elements in determining if a car will flip are: mass (really rotational inertia) and velocity. Put those together and you get momentum. There are many other forces in play for sure, but can be considered negligible. In other words, a heavy thing going fast gives high momentum and energy and the energy HAS to go somewhere. If it happens to run into another relatively heavy thing going fast, the cars could flip. And if flipping is possible, everything else is just not as difficult to believe.

The physics system is amazing, but it was already really good for Forza 2. It's been said that with all the assists off, even the slow cars are fun to drive because you really notice the difference between them. This is true to a certain extent, but I'd have to disagree with the idea that the slow cars are fun. I found much of the early races in the Event List to be repetitive and more like driving on a highway.

The AI is pretty impressive. I honestly can't say just how good they are because I normally am far ahead of the pack by the end of the first lap. But, they certainly do react to you. If you try to take the inside corner, sometimes they'll cut you off or sometimes they won't if it could cause an accident. If you try to hit them or make them spin out, the AI will fight back and adjust to stay straight. They're pretty good at it. And when you play on hard, they'll manage to complete perfect laps while avoiding you. If you own the game and aren't getting enough of a challenge, turn off just the ABS, use manual shifting and put the opponent difficulty on hard. You won't believe how much skill it takes to manage braking while at high speeds without an anti-lock brake system.

Graphics: 8 of 10

Visuals are considerably improved in pretty much every aspect. I will admit however, you really do need to own an HDTV to notice a substantial difference. Instead of describing the cars, I'll explain the differences between the two games. In Forza 2 the cars were all dimensionally correct; details down to the brake calipers and slotted rotors were shown; cars had a reflective quality where you could see the sky in the paint. But generally they looked too "CGI-ish." In Forza 3 Turn 10 went to mind-boggling levels of clarity and detail. Now there is a new view inside the car where the interior can be seen in great detail; the headlight show clear 3-D aspects.

The headlights, in fact reflect light differently than the metal which is just like a real car. In fact if you're really observant you can see the design on the tire sidewall. Paint looks like real car paint as the sheen changes depending on where you see it from. Chrome just looks amazing, it's hard to even describe how close to reality they came on this. This is the first game I've ever played that I think even I could confuse with reality if just taking a glance at it. The new tracks are gorgeous, especially "Camino Viejo De Montserratt," which is a track set on the side of a mountain overlooking a serene lake. The artists even took the time to put in small outcroppings of grass sticking up from the ground. One of the most unbelievable parts about the visuals is that the game runs at 60 frames per second which gives an ultra smooth animation to the action.

To the dissenters of the graphics, I won't discredit your opinion because it's all subjective. However, if you don't see a noticeable change, I'd recommend playing it on a proper HDTV with an HD connection. I'm doubtful the game will strike you as impressive if you're running it with anything less than component cables. And if that doesn't work, you might need glasses.

Features: 7 of 10

The number of features has gone up to a certain extent. Something new on the difficulty setting called an autobrake allows even the most casual or driving challenged people to be competitive. Another really interesting part of the difficulty is the manual with clutch shifting arrangement, which is on the advanced racer end of the spectrum. Just like in a real car you need to let off the gas, press in the clutch and then get the revs to match the next gear. Sounds difficult on a game controller doesn't it? It is. Unfortunately it's almost useless without a racing wheel that has a clutch because you can easily ruin your powertrain by not shifting properly. It doesn't get much more realistic than this.

The player's storefront is a really nice aspect of the game. Gamers can take photos of their car, videos of races and even create art to sell for credits. Advanced racers can help out others by selling their tuning setups for certain cars. All of the features from Forza 2 are here with quite a few new ones. What impresses me most is that the game caters to essentially all types of racers. If you're more of an arcade racer, turn on autobrake and the full racing line and just gas it. If you're a super serious simulator, turn off all the assists and you really get to feel the essence of the car, the weight, the acceleration.

Another of the less looked upon parts is the presentation. It is a lot cleaner looking and is somewhat easier to use. The appearance and even the sounds resemble Gran Turismo 4's interface. Another feature for the more casual racing enthusiast allows a class upgrade or downgrade. Here's how it works: let's say you want to enter a class B race and your car is an class E; you can have the automated Forza 3 tuner to pick out all your parts and bring it up to the class you need so that it is competitive (which of course costs money) or you can have it downgrade your car so you can race in one of the more restrictive races. It is a pretty ingenious idea. Instead of spending 5-10 minutes picking out parts and then maybe another hour tuning your car, you can just race right away. This is another one of those things that I don't use myself, but would be great for many.

Races and Tracks 7 of 10

Unfortunately this is the Achilles' heel of the game and was with Forza 2. Turn 10 did a wonderful job trying to integrate as many types of cars as possible in so that you not only get a feel for the slower cars first, but so that the vast majority of the cars in the game are used. The setup is very similar to Forza 2, however the hitch is the restrictions put on the races. Many of the lower class races have restrictions such as "only stock" or car must be F class or less than 200 hp for example.

One of the earlier races is a Yaris race. For those who don't know what a Yaris is; it's a very small Japanese economy car. I don't know about anybody else, but I don't consider this a race car or even a sports car. In fact there are at least 10-15 cars I think shouldn't be in the game. And if you want to totally finish the game, you or your hired driver will have to race at least six races in this car. Another problem is there is just flat out too many low class and "repeat" races. There must be 15 events (sets of races) which include F class cars or F class Euro cars. This makes the beginning of the game incredibly boring. And if you're a little OCD like me, you'll want to finish the earlier parts of the game first. I don't care how you spin it. F class cars are boring to drive.

New tracks and track setups have really added more intrigue to the game. Now there are about 20 track locations and each location has multiple track maps making for around 100 different tracks. They've also added ¼, ½ and 1 mile drag strips and a ton of new speed rings. Most of the old tracks are back with a few new ones Motegi, Sedona, Rally Di Positano, Amalfi Coast. There is still no Monaco Gran Prix, which is the one I was hoping for. And as I had feared, they removed even more of the imaginary tracks that were really fun to drive. Overall, I think the tracks have improved but with the downside of losing some of the fun-to-drive fake locations.

Cars 9 of 10

The cars in Forza 3 are by far the most realistic entity I've yet seen in a game; from the graphics to the tiny little details these are a marvel of computer programming and dedication to accuracy. Each car is so close to the actual car in so many ways. Light cars brake more easily. Rear wheel drive cars spin out. But each spins out in a different way. A muscle car loses complete control, whereas a Maza Miata ® will spin out usually at a really high speed. No two cars are alike literally.

You might notice when your car rolls up to the start line at the beginning of the race that the front end dips just a tad because of the forward momentum. Every minute detail of a car was enlisted into the game. A lot of these things many will never notice, but the people at Turn 10 took the time to bring a level of authenticity I've not seen before in a game.

My only issue with the cars is: I'm pretty sure there was some "quid pro quo" going on with the car manufacturers. In other words, after talking with the car manufacturers there was most likely some conversations that went like this "we'll let you use car X if you agree to also put in car Y." Because of this, in the game there are boring economy cars which don't even belong in a racing simulator much less be given the honor of having their own race.

Sound 9 of 10

Considering this games focuses on ultra-realism, sounds definitely need to be accurate and they really are spot on with this game. Most of the cars sound very similar to their real life counterpart. They managed to get a true V8 sound and not just one version. Anybody who knows anything about V8s is that no two sound alike. A BMW V8 from their E92 M3 will not sound like a 426 Hemi on a Challenger. Six cylinder engines sound very good from what I can surmise. Even the four cylinders have a different tone for each car. This just harkens back to the idea of no two cars being the same, even from the same manufacturer. Tire squeals, crashes, blow off valves, superchargers and even shifting noises are all present in Forza 3. If you listen really carefully, you can hear the click of the gear lever changing gears, which shows an incredible attention to detail. The sounds from the game are realistic, seem accurate and take you one step closer to being on the track.

In conclusion, this game is the best racing simulator out right now and is possibly the most realistic game I've ever played. Unfortunately, that means it isn't necessarily the most fun I've had in a game. But if you're a car enthusiast or a racing fan, I doubt you'll be disappointed. Forza doesn't just do cars well; it does just about everything well which is why I'd rate it a 9 out of 10 overall.

Buy Stealth 8 Mode Rapid Fire Wireless Controller for Xbox 360 By Mods

Customer Ratings:

This product was well worth the money. The controller looks just like any other (no special buttons or extra garbage to futz with). It comes with 8 modes that generally affect the right trigger, but I think 1 or 2 modes affect both. It is very simple to use. Press the sync button and the 4th led will flash to tell you what mode you're on. You can quickly disable/standby the rapid fire mode by pressing the left trigger and then the sync button. Plus, the company offers a lifetime warranty on their products. I haven't played CoD5 online, so I cannot comment on what others are saying, but it has been a great controller for me so far!

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I got this half expecting it to not work as it was said to. BOY WAS I SURPRISED! it not only works for the games it says but for every game ever! It simply has 6 different types or rapid fire. I used it for left for dead and with duel pistols you basicly have unlimited ammo for soemthign that shoots like an UZI! and for and gam that has a gun that overheats if you shoot it for too long you jsut set it on 5 rounds bust mode and your gun will never overheat! There is literally no game this woudl not be good for except maybe a football or racing game!

My only complaints are very trivial but you may want to know them anyway.

There are no marking of any kind defining it as different from another white xbox controller. The pictures show buttons on the back to activate turbo function but its all done simply with the sync button! very cool but i lose track in my mess of controllers!

Another thing is that its hard to switch quickly from mode 1 all the way back to mode 0 (regular operating mode) which sucks when you get a needler in halo and its completely useless as a rapid fire weapon so you have to switch or just not pick it up. You have to "scroll throug" the other modes requiring one second for each mode before it moves on. This is rearely a problem for any game other than a game with weapons that charge up using the triggers. I am trying to convince my brother to get one because we play allot of co-op.

One thing is that i never use this online although i tried it once and it works the smae but it takes the fun away from it and makes it too easy to get kills and i dont play that way. but its up to your descretion.

happy gaming!!

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I recently bought a controller for me and my dad, and it works pretty well on MW2 because that's all we really play, The FAL is a beast and the FAMAS is pretty good in free for all.

Now that I have a mod I can actually notice a lot of the people that use them aswell.

All in all this is a pretty good controller and it's worth the money. :)

Honest reviews on Stealth 8 Mode Rapid Fire Wireless Controller for Xbox 360 By Mods

I ordered this for my ten year old son. Came with a one page cheat sheet on how to activate the modes. He read the sheet once and has been using it every since with no problems.

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When I ordered this controller I was expecting it to have negative results based on the reviews other people had left but man was I surprised. First off the controller it self was in brand new condition and the modes of rapid fire was fantastic. The controller works with no flaws what's so ever and is great for the asking price, This controller works great on the new black ops 2 game as well and I highly recommend this controller to all video game consumers.