Review of Just Dance Kids

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List Price: $19.99
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Great fun for kids of all ages (yes, even toddlers!) and grownups too. Great variety of songs, both older and current. Easy to follow. 3 levels to choose from: younger kids, older kids and all of the songs together. The lyrics are printed at the bottom of the screen so you can sing along. So, so, so much fun...haven't had this much fun with a Wii game ever. Great exercise too. A whole roomful of people can dance together. You don't have to hold the Wiimote while dancing. Great workout! I'm feeling it.

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I was so excited for my kids to get this game. They have Just Dance 1 and 2 and LOVE THEM. So, I assumed they would love this one too, especially my 4 yr old. My biggest complaint is the choreography. If I choose the Macarena, I expect to actually do the Macarena dance not some oddly choreographed version. And come on the chicken dance is a classic don't mess with it. Some of the dance moves are the same, but most are totally different than the real songs! We are huge Wiggles fans, but none of the dances are the actual dances! My kids were so aggravated because they were ready to point their fingers and do the twist! They know those dances like nobodys business. After 3 songs that they thought they would know the moves to, they gave up. Whoever decided to re-choreograph the dances to the songs made a big mistake. Maybe my kids will give it another chance, but more than likely this one will be traded in for a different game :(

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Detection is quite like Just Dance & 2, more kid friendly, moves OK. YMCA doesn't have the YMCA moves in it; the Chicken Dance doesn't have the Chicken Dance; the Macarena song doesn't have the Macarena moves in it (each one has about half of what you would expect YMCA has Y and M and then ???). I believe the technical term is "What gives?"

Honest reviews on Just Dance Kids

I bought this game for my kids (6 and 9). They enjoyed the original Just Dance, but I thought this might be a little more fun for our younger one. They both ended up having a lot of fun with it. Even our 1 year old was enjoying some of the songs. It goes from songs like the ABCs to Funkytown. The only thing I don't like is having kids singing many of the tracks instead of the originals. They do have some original singers like The Wiggles, and Yo Gabba Gabba. This game wasn't that fun for adults, but it still will give you a pretty good work out.

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We played this game yesterday at a friend's house with a group of 5 kids who ranged in age from 3-12. They all had a great time and burned off a lot of energy! The gameplay was easy, the team play mode was great, and the kids had lots of silly fun. It was my first time playing one of the Just Dance games, and I will definitely be purchasing the other Just Dance games for me and my older kids, because we would prefer the songs by the real artists. For people with younger kids, this game is fantastic fun.

Buy CSI: Deadly Intent - Xbox 360

Customer Ratings:

I played through Hard Evidence I have a review up about that and when I saw this came out, I had to play it. Mostly for the achievements, but I also enjoy the whodunit type of games. (A side note, little factoid: This game is actually longer than Halo:ODST and Modern Warfare 2's single campaigns combined!)

Anyway, if you didn't play the first CSI you will be at a distinct disadvantage in this game. They don't even try to train you on what you need to know to case a scene. There are hints and tips, plus the occasional email from your partner to guide you. But in the first game, every time you needed to use a tool, it told you exactly what that tool was and what it did, so you knew without the game having to tell you what it was for. This time around it throws you in the thick of things with little warning about it. Just be aware that it seems tailor made for those who played Hard Evidence. If you did, you'll immediately recognize just about all of the various tools from before. One small difference is that you can only pick from four tools when ever you find a piece of evidence it's always one of the four, but you can't just pick random tools like hard Evidence. You also don't have to worry about the tweezers; they're done automatically.

My main complaint about Hard Evidence was that the cases revealed anything but "hard evidence", instead resorting to what was essentially bullying the suspect into confessing and then making an arrest based on the confession rather than proving beyond any reasonable doubt that the person was guilty of the crime. The irony is that Deadly Intent has actually fixed this quite well. This time, you'll be working so much on the evidence that there will never be doubt about who's the guilty party. In fact, when you interrogate them, you'll be presenting said evidence to them at that time. You also are required to submit evidence at the time you ask for a warrant ( they still require you to go all the way back to Brass for a warrant, unfortunately ). In short, you'll never feel as though you did a plain Jane job, and every loose end will feel quite solidly tied up.

Deadly Intent attempts to spice things up by adding little variations in the gameplay. These run the gamut from the occasional colleague asking you for assistance reviewing evidence on other cases (which you get rewarded for), to different ratings for Cunning, Skill, and Thoroughness. Depending on how you interrogate and question suspects and witnesses, you'll score high or low in each ranking. In my experience it seems to be nearly impossible to score 100% in every category on one case for some reason; maybe there's something I'm missing, but I've tried everything and just cannot seem to do it. It's frustrating, because while I can always get 100% Thoroughness (which was difficult on Hard Evidence), I can never get a high Skill rating even though I can crack DNA or fingerprints or whatever with quite good accuracy. No way to tell what they're using to measure these.

That's not to say the game doesn't have issues. First, I could swear these graphics are actually worse than Hard Evidence. I don't still have HE otherwise I would verify that, but feet in particular look absolutely horrid. Second, again, no CSI theme song. It boggles my mind why this is not being put in the game. Third, no Grissom meaning no more bug collecting for bonuses. But disregarding all of that there is one constant irritant in the game the controls. Oh my, the controls. I know there's something funky with the 360 controller analogs, because in FPSs I frequently find the reticule moving in one direction even though I'm not pressing anything. But it's subtle and easily stopped. I also never have a time when my actual character is moving in a given direction without my controlling them. IN Deadly Intent it's like it's hypersensitive to the analogs; the arrow moves at even the slightest twitch, plus the right analog controls left and right direction just like the left analog and the D-pad. If the left analog is being triggered (not by you, just randomly), and you try to move the right, the camera goes haywire and you feel out of control. Same with the left analog vs. the D-pad normally the D-pad would let you navigate from button to button, but it gets overridden by the left and right analogs. Also, there are times when you need to analyze a piece of evidence so small that you really need to move slowly and carefully across the surface and cannot, because you can't slow down the arrow tracking. A setting to slow the arrow down would have been helpful, as well as one to enable or disable certain buttons so that you didn't get these issues. There is one case in particular where you have to scan one small region of a large surface and trust me it was ABSOLUTELY frustrating.

So...do I recommend it? I do if (and ONLY if):

You played the first and liked it, and want to do more of the same;

You want essentially easy Achievement points;

You like the show and the characters; and/or

You've got nothing better to play.

That's not to say it's a terrible game. For the price it's decent. But it fixed a lot of things from Hard Evidence and made other things worse. Keep that in mind as you make your decision. You could probably beat it in a rental period.

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This one's actually worse than the last game, "Hard Evidence". Of course, the show got worse with age, why not the game. Seriously, this can be fun, but it is more like a budget game rather than one based on a very popular tv show.

Great idea, poorly executed.

Moving the courser in the delicate manner required is next to impossible. It's jumpy and sometimes takes off on it's own. Sucky control.

The video is terrible in the sense that it is always way too dark. My settings are turned as bright as I can get and still there is way too many dark corners in the game where you can't see the clues. You have to just move the courser over the dark areas waiting to see the toolbox pop up Very poor graphics!

Great idea and fun that you can play with others. But so very poorly executed.

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This game is a lot of fun, and it has good replay value to try to get a perfect score! The only thing I didn't really care for was the pixel hunting involved on getting evidence on some of the pieces. Other than that, lots of CSI-based mystery!CSI: Deadly Intent

Honest reviews on CSI: Deadly Intent - Xbox 360

Its alot better than the previous game, not as many glitches, easier to find things etc.

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I wasn't really into CSI until I played this game. now I love the show. best game ever I highly recommend this game

Buy PS3 Gran Turismo 5 XL Edition

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List Price: $19.99
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I bought the XL edition, having owned both GT3 and GT4 and having never played GT5. The game is as fun and challenging as I expected and there is a huge variety of tracks and cars and events. The game itself is good and the only complaint that I have would be the load times, which are frequent and long enough to really distract from the game itself.

As far as the XL edition specifically is concerned, it probably wasn't the best choice for me. It was nice that all of the game updates were included etc etc and most of the XL content is great but the fact that so many good cars were included right at the beginning of the game actually kind of ruined the game for me. I instantly took the Red Bull prototype car (by far the fastest in the game and worth about 20 million credits) and began destroying races in it. I quickly collected millions of dollars, which allowed me to purchase awesome cars for the races which the redbull car couldn't enter.

I say this kind of ruined the game because Gran Turismo, at it's core, has always derived it's pleasure from pain. The pain of being dominated in races because you have neither enough credits nor enough talent to win this race or that. This experience in frustration always challenged me to rise above and save money to upgrade my car and do license tests to improve my skills etc. until I finally, after pouring so much into the game, had the satisfaction of winning that event. Having really fast cars for free has taken most of that experience away. Races are easy when your car can lap the fastest opponent (despite crashing several times). This reduces the need for driving skill and really lowers the overall satisfaction of the game. So, what I've had to do is start trying to find the worst car that I can for each race or series and try to win with that. It brings some of the satisfaction back, but the experience still lacks the underdog feeling that I always got from starting out on the rock bottom and clawing my way to the top.

Overall, the game is great despite inordinately long load times, but if you are like me and always liked GT because of the work involved in mastering it, the XL edition might not be the best choice.

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This game was built for a steering wheel! The sense of driving is incredible. A whole lot of subtle details are included. The patches that are in this go a long way to make the game feel more complete than it used to. The graphics have far less glitches. The sense of speed is spot on. They've improved the driving on the different sets of tires. Each one presents its challenges. And the biggest thing that made the game are the seasonal events (you have to have an internet connection).

When the game was released, basically you either won by a mile or you lost very badly. There was little in between. The seasonal events have really improved on this. Rewarding you for using underpowered cars. which is important because there's a whole lot of cars that you wouldn't want to use in gran turismo because they are so low powered.

When they released it, it was obvious they were going for "we'll do all the cars on the planet!!" and included vans and all kind of stuff. Then very quickly budget and timne constraints caught up with them. So you have a strange selection. Luckily the high powered cars you select are all fantastic. This is because every car handles differently on the steering wheel. Some of my favorites are the ferari 458, the maserati gran turismo, mini cooper, the mercedes 300sl, and number 1 is the tvr speed 6. My word.

Every car handles differently and handles beautifully. The game has that magic especially if you play on low spec'd sport tires. Struggling to maintain control of your car you have to carefully maintain throttle and braking taking into account slopes and elevations on a track, slippery sections. Incredible. You steer into a tough curve and let go of the throttle, big mistake, the physics kick in and your car understeers. Your car over steers twisting the steering wheel out of your hands, big mistake, grab onto that sucker and counter steer yanking the car into the right position! You went over a slight hill and the rear wheel lost traction, you felt it in the steering wheel (how?!?)

The premium cars are gorgeous and handle fantastic. The standard cars finally have a (sort of) interior which made me race in them. They also handled quite well. The premium cars are where it's at. Simply gorgeous. Racing in the interior cockpit is really something. I wish I had a 3dtv , because I can already tell how amazing it's going to be.

This game is sheer magic. But, and here's the big deal, be prepared to spend a lot (and I mean a lot!) of time before it becomes fun. It really becomes fun when you have most of the cars and are good enough when you race the cars for fun to try them out, not when you are trying to win the races for money. So I would say at least 1 to two weeks before the game gets fun. Damage doesn't turn on until you get to aroudn level 30 which is sad because it's great and reflects in the steering wheel. It's a hard game and the seasonal events are way it's at. Enjoy it. Get yourself a steering wheel. You will feel everything from bumps to traction loss to the steering wheel reacting realistically. I drove this game and I got better at driving my real car. The traction was that good!

Most games I buy, I barely play past a cursory playthrough. I haven't put this one down. All the other ones, NFS shift, Split second, etc are distant seconds to this gem. The realism makes you almost grimace when you play arcade racers. Only Dirt could hold a candle to the physics, and even then just barely :). If you are willing to invest the time and money this game is exactly what you need.

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This is an awesome game, even without the xl edition. When you get the XL edition and you get all the updates, go to the store and enter your redeem code. When you do, it ill only show 3 things. I saw this and thought"this isn't what I bought!" Do not fear! install those three things and load up the game. From the main menu you should be able to go to the far right and hit Downloadable Content. Click on that and all of your promised stuff will be there, including the Red Bull X2011 prototype.

Honest reviews on PS3 Gran Turismo 5 XL Edition

Just received the game. Some people were warning that the download code will expire, or has expired March 2013. The code I have has expiration date at March 31 2015.

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I have played every Gran Turismo game, and GT 5 XL Edition should've been better than it is. My favorite was GT 3. The menus in GT 5 are just flat out ridiculous to navigate, and it's like one big jumbled mess. The graphics are nice and I can't complain there. The download times took me about 2 hours to complete. Yes, it's a long time, but it wasn't a big deal to me. It also seems like there were more races/courses in the previous GT games than this one. It just feels like there is alot missing with GT 5 and nothing ever makes you say "wow". Everything you do seems to take longer than it should or that it was easier in the past GT games. Plus, I have 20/15 vision and a 50" plasma TV, and the font is really small and hard to read.

There are A spec races and B spec races. The A spec races YOU are actually the one racing the car, while the B spec races, you are actually the CREW CHIEF and are instructing your driver how to race. YOU DON'T RACE B SPEC RACES!!! In the B spec races (which is half the game) you are literally telling your driver to increase their pace, decrease their pace, maintain their pace, pit, pass the car in front, or nothing at all. That's it!!! For half the game you are literally watching your driver race.

With the cars included in the DLC, you can choose the Red Bull Prototype (which is the best car in the game at 1600+HP), start a B spec race, and then.....go do laundry, vacuum, do the dishes, dust, clean your car, eat something, take the dog out, run to the store, do whatever you want to do, and then come back 20/30/40 minutes later to watch your driver finish the race and come in first. Then repeat for the next race. That is honestly how I completed the B spec races. I actually didn't mind the B spec races, because after completing these races, you do win money and cars that you can use for the A spec races (which are the races that you actually drive the cars and not your driver). Plus, I got work done around the house which pleased my wife. So I was killing two birds with one stone! LOL!

Something else I didn't care for, was that in previous GT games, you could sell the cars you win. In GT 5, I would guess maybe 75%-80% of the cars I won I could not sell? It says it will remove it from my garage, but I cannot sell it. I don't know if removing from my garage permanently removes it from my game, but I'd rather keep it than find out I lost it. Plus, because of all of the DLC cars in my garage, I have completed probably 60%-70% of this game, and only purchased about 10 cars. I have about 90-100 cars in my garage, and I do have about 7 million dollars burning a hole in my GT wallet, but there really hasn't been a need to buy better cars. You either get the best cars with the DLC, or wind up winning them.

Overall, for $20, I have certainly been entertained for hours upon hours, and it is worth it. I think this game could have and should have been soo much better based on the previous GT games. But, if you have enjoyed the past GT games, I would have to recommend this one especially at this price. It's not a bad game, and there are hours of gameplay, but it could've been better. I'm not disappointed with GT 5 XL, and I will buy GT 6. But for $20, why not!?!?!

Cheap Turtle Beach Call of Duty: Black Ops II KILO Limited Edition Stereo

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List Price: $79.99
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I just got this headset today, so everything i am saying is just my first impression. Maybe in the future i will get used to these things. First, the earcups are very hard, and don't go over your ears. I am used to the x12 headset where they go nicely over your ears. Second, the part where you change the game and chat volume is huge! This is also compared to the x12 headset, but the picture on amazon is very deceiving. There isn't much noise cancellation with the headset, but since i'm waiting for Black Ops 2 to come out, i have not yet heard the sound quality on the headset. Now for the cosmetic stuff. The earcups feel very cheap, and they flop around very easily. The wire connecting the two ears is very noticeable and you can see the glue keeping it together. Overall, if your getting this for the cushons or the looks, perhaps this isnt the headset for you. P.S. the cloth wires are badass, so not everything is displeasing....

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EDIT... Okay, so its been a day since i wrote this review. I decided to take them out of the box to try the sound and to really feel em on my head. I have to say, the sound quality is much better than the x12s. i own the x12, x11, and z2. And another thing. in the review i said that the cushons didn't fit around my head properly and they were hard to the touch, now, as i write this, i'm wearing the headset and i am noticing that they actually do fit perfectly around my ears. With the x12's, the earcups were really big so there was a lot of room in my ear area, with these, they just fit around my ears and the noise cancellation with music is much better than what i previously stated.

Pros: Ears are surprisingly comfortable after a day of hate.

Sound quality is amazing compared to the headsets i stated before.

Braided wire is amazing looking and feels quite durable.

Color scheme is cool, and reminds me of Halloween, a Halloween that Sandy has ruined for me lol.

Says Black Ops 2 on top of the headset.

The volume can go quite high if you want to have ear surgery.

Only has a Usb plug and a headphone plug, unlike the x12 that needs a usb, headphone, and microphone plug.

Cons:

Earcups feel hollow and made with cheap plastic.

They feel flimsy even though im sure they wont snap on me.

Braided wire is a bit heavy, so i rest it on my lap.

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Wonderful product. Got this as a gift. They loved it. The sound was execellent. Can hear game and players. My son likes this product alot.

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We purchased this as a Christmas gift December 2012. Around April 2013 the unit failed. It was hardly used. We contacted them and they said 30 day warranty! We paid $122.99 for this "Special Blacks Ops ii" unit. We will never support Turtle Beach. If Turtle Beach cares they will exchange it for my child. Do the right thing Turtle Beach. We cant afford to buy another.

Honest reviews on Turtle Beach Call of Duty: Black Ops II KILO Limited Edition Stereo

My boyfriend is the type of guy that "has it all" so for the holiday season, i was stumped when it came to getting him a gift--especially after his parents were giving him a gaming gift certificate! So while i was looking for the game his that recently has peaked his interest, i noticed this little number and i was stoked! He had broken his last turtle beach head phones and was currently gaming with a headset that only had one functioning ear phone. After reading the reviews, i was a bit skeptical about the material and durability of this headset. I considered the item time and again until i finally purchased it on a whim! Once he opened his gift, i could see his excitement and gratitude etched along his face; he fessed up to it being his favorite christmas gift. At that moment, i knew i had gotten him the perfect gift. He loves the quality of the head set, the color and the material were just exquisite! I would highly recommend this product to anyone seeking the ultimate headset with enough extension cord to play across a mid sized room. You will be satisfied with the sound quality and the amazing features featured in this head set! Not to mention it arrived promptly at my doorstep with the packaging box also in great condition.

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Broke in 2 months. Have to wiggle wire to get it to work. Has a lot os static in the sound.

Buy Driver San Francisco - Xbox 360

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List Price: $59.99
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Driver: San Francisco is not just "yet another" Driver title to tack onto the legacy of the first two games. The developers said that they wanted to go back to the drawing board and figure out what made Driver 1 so good and why Driv3r and Driver: Parallel lines was so bad. They figured it out.

I don't have to really talk about the good and bad because there's just not much bad to the game at all. But let's break it down:

Ghostly "Shift" mode

--------------------

The biggest change of the game is the ability to alter your mental perception from one driver in a car to another driver in another car. I thought that I'd hate this shifting experience, but it really works and adds something new to the game.

When you're in a tough chase or see a car that has the right speed or maneuverability, you can simply jam the A button and pick another car to drive.

Although I still like the original Driver better because you had to haul and make few to no mistakes to get away from the cops, the shifting ability still adds so much to the gameplay that I am forced to love it. And you can still drive hard to get away from the cops (or the bad guys) when you want to -and sometimes the game makes you.

The Physics

-----------

I really liked the physics of the first Driver game whereas many people didn't. This game sits somewhere between realistic and Need for Speed. You can get in a 200 mph front-end collision and be just fine. Your car will take a lot of damage, but the damage doesn't appear to take its toll on your car as much as you might think it should.

That said, you can still feel the rubber hitting the road. And when you get air, the car feels like you might think it should.

The Story and Its Presentation

------------------------------

The story is presented in full-screen video between levels and in little dialog segments while playing. But they have done an outstanding job on the graphics, facial expression, character animation and voice acting.

You'll be drawn into the story of a drug/crime lord from Driver 1 (he may be in some of the other Driver games, too -I'm not 100% sure). But you won't need any Driver 1 playtime to understand everything because of how it's all set up. You'll see strong emotional responses from the 3D models that will suck you in and relate with the characters as much as you might a decent RPG. More than you'd expect in a driving game.

Just Playing

------------

Some people just want a driving game. You can skip through the story elements and just follow the on-screen objectives. Or you can play one of several (it must be 20 or 30) other modes, both single and multiplayer.

Graphics

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The cars are realistic. The people on the streets look decent. The buildings look pretty good. What I love is that the motion blur is perfect. Not too much, not too little. Some games, you can't tell what's going on from all the blur. And in other games, it doesn't feel like you're really going fast. Driver SF pulls it off nicely.

Sound and Music

---------------

The car sounds are quite good. The rumbling and roaring of the engines rarely becomes monotonous or annoying. That must have taken a miracle from their sound department. The music is often catchy or fun or simply takes a back-seat while the game's intense action pulls you in. You'll recognize a lot of the songs.

Quick Moral Note

----------------

You play a good guy in this game. There are lots of shades of gray going on, but you're overall a good guy. So if you don't like to play games where you're killing cops and junk, don't worry about it here. Your goal is to lose the cops because they don't know you are a cop.

Overall Feel

------------

You may feel like me to start with: unable to drive. But with just a tiny bit of practice and just a little time, you'll have the game mastered enough to have an insanely fun time. I picked it up quicker than the first Driver game because the controls make more sense to me. Everything feels like it belongs where it is.

Final Judgment: A-grade Game!

Finally, Driver fans will get a game worth playing.

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This game is so much fun and pulse pounding that it makes me sweat everytime I get into the action. Let's just say I haven't experienced this type of a rush in racing games since Burnout Revenge circa '06. So it's been a long time for me, I typically avoid racing games. This game absolutely lives up to its hype. I love everything about it. The story is awesome, however it seems like it gets off track just a little bit with the quirky side missions. Don't get me wrong they are fun but I cannot seem to tie them into the main story...anyway, that doesn't take away from any fun the game has to offer. I put about 3 hours into this game thus far and I'm in Chapter 2 right now. So far I am really enjoying myself. NOTE if you are a hardcore racer, then you may think this game is kinda corny. I played NFS Hot Pursuit and I had fun, but this game seems to be more of my speed. I like Driver San Francisco because it's Story Mode is cool, I think Driving/Racing games are cool as long as they have some decent story that I can follow. All and all, I highly recommend this game if you are a casual racing fan, but If you are hardcore with it, they I recommend you wait until a more hardcore racer comes out. Thanks

Ps. The cars are licensed so they look great, so far I've upgraded with prizes to a Dodge Challenger SRT-8 and boy does it move!!!!

Best Deals for Driver San Francisco - Xbox 360

I'll admit right at the top, I have been a fan of the Driver series since the first one. After the disappointing Driv3r, I abandoned the series. I've been wanting a Driver game for awhile now that got that feeling of the original back. This game does it.

Gameplay:

I played the demo and was a little concerned about the controls. Once I played the actual game, the concerns disappeared. The cars all handle differently, some better than others. Some of the initial cars were pretty stiff in the handling department, but once I got into a Lamborghini, the handling was superb. Flying through the streets of San Francisco felt awesome, especially at 200+ m.p.h.

This game is pretty laid-back. You can take it at about any pace. Don't feel like doing story missions? Just drive around the city, play the dares, finish challenges, etc. You can play this game at your own pace.

The "Shift" mechanic is actually pretty cool. It is worked well into the story too. Some of the funnest moments I had were when I was chasing down some street racers, I would shift into a large semi-truck, park it perpendicular to the freeway, then watch as all the street racers smashed in to it totaling their cars.

Graphics:

The graphics were about on par with anything else this generation. The best effects happened when you're speeding along at 150+ m.p.h. the blur effect really gives this game a sense of speed. I didn't notice anything really out of the ordinary such as graphical glitches.

Cutscenes come in two shapes, rendered CG and using the in-game engine. Sometime conversations will happen while you're driving and you'll see two characters conversing, one on each upper corner of your screen.

San Francisco looks great, from right down on the street to when you're looking over the entire city while in shift.

Sound:

Lots of music, but to be honest I never really heard anything that caught my ear. The soundtrack was pretty forgettable.

Dialogue is cheesy but it works. It gives this game a goofy, but good personality.

Other Notes:

This game features a ton of licensed cars, not generic ripoffs like GTA.

I 100% completed the single player and it was not very difficult, but I thought it struck a fine balance of fun and difficulty.

I didn't play the multiplayer so I cannot comment on how that is.

This game plays like an arcade game, not a simulation. Sim-fans look elsewhere.

Summary:

This game won't appeal to everybody. If you enjoy car chases, fun but not-to-hard challenges, a laid-back gaming experience, this game is for you.

This game is worthy of the Driver name and made me remember the good times I had with Driver 1 & 2.

This game is a ton of fun and I really enjoyed it.

Try out the demo on XBL!

Honest reviews on Driver San Francisco - Xbox 360

I got this game because Zero Punctuation gave it an uncharacteristically positive review, plus it was based in San Francisco & I'm from the area. It sounded like a lot of fun to be able to take the same streets at top speed.

The game feels like an alternate version of Grand Theft Auto that concentrates on driving missions. Controls are basically the same, the emphasis on mayhem is the same, the cliched movie-style plot is the same. However the whole device of being able to take over people's cars on a split second notice (through astral projection) is such an out-there idea that works so well. It's not like stealing a car in Grand Theft Auto for instance in car chases you can momentarily commandeer passing cars and send them suicidally careening into police cars. Also it makes it easy to do absurd stunts like fly down the wrong way of the freeway, with no real in-game penalty. And if you're just playing a short game, it's easy to "hop" into some random race or challenge or just free-form driving.

So if I found that very fun, there were some glaring problems. First of all...unlike earlier versions of Driver, the game isn't based off a real map. There's a lot of hills, it's near the ocean, and there's a dozen or so city landmarks, but it's not San Francisco. Nor does it really have a San Francisco sort of feel to it for instance it will tell you what neighborhood you're in, but the look of the area doesn't resemble the real neighborhood at all. I can imagine this being totally unimportant to a lot of players, but personally I wanted to fly down Mission and maybe run over a hipster or two. The buildings felt a little like painted blocks and devoid of character, and furthermore car crashes weren't handled very well. So I was expecting the game to have a lot more character than it actually had. Additionally, the AI kind of sucks, which is particularly frustrating when you jump out of a car and then jump back in two seconds later, only to find the computer AI has decided to back up and head the opposite direction for no good reason.

Find helpful customer reviews and review ratings for Driver San Francisco - Xbox 360

I wasn't sure what to expect with yet another story-driven driving game but this title brings a ton of adrenaline with it. I didn't stop playing this one until I had beaten it.

The big gameplay mechanic of this game is the ability to "shift" out of your car and become the driver of another car. Another way of thinking of this is you are an agent out of the Matrix, being able to assume control over any random person at any time (but in this case, just drivers of cars). Someone getting away and you can't catch up? Shift out of your car and put yourself in the driver's seat in another car a mile down the road in oncoming traffic, then slam head on into your target! Did they get away? Do it again!

Are you being chased by a huge pack of bad guys? Shift out, find a nearby diesel rig and take over it, drive towards your car (which is on autopilot at this point), hit the emergency brakes and slide the rig out to create a wall for all the cars to crash into, ensuring your getaway.

There are a few different types of mini games you can involve yourself in, including assuming control of cop cars and taking out bad guys within a time limit. If you've done cop missions in the Grand Theft Auto series, this is similar, just more fun.

The scenery is varied; you can race on windy mountain roads, corner your way through a downtown environment, hit the freeways for maximum speed, and it's all presented in a smooth, elegant fashion.

The story itself is rather basic and serves to just set up the set pieces and get out of the way, which is all it needs to do.

Kudos to the developers for this one, they hit a home run. Outside of the simulation mastery that is the Forza Motorsport series, this driving game offers great arcade-style action that is pretty simple to pick up and play.

Nintendo Wii U Console - 32GB Black Deluxe Set Reviews

Customer Ratings:
List Price: $349.99
Sale Price: $339.99
Today's Bonus: 3% Off

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.

-----------------

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!

PS3 500 GB Grand Theft Auto V Bundle Review

Customer Ratings:
List Price: $269.99
Sale Price: $269.00
Today's Bonus: $0.99 Off

This will be a lengthy and detailed review written (primarily about the system itself) in the form of a Q&A to help make it easier to find whatever topic or question you might be interested in knowing about this product rather than having to read the whole thing. My purpose of being so detailed is simply to help YOU, the customer, make an informed decision before purchasing this product.

Q. What's in the box?

A. Here is everything that is included inside the box (listed in bullet points for viewing convenience):

1 Playstation 3 (Black) "Super Slim" system with 500 GB of Hard Drive space

1 physical copy of the newly released game "Grand Theft Auto V"

1 Playstation 3 Dualshock Wireless Controller (Black)

1 Playstation 3 USB mini cable charging chord (to recharge the controller)

1 power chord to plug into the Playstation 3 (allowing you to turn on the console)

1 set of composite cables (the red, yellow, and white chords for non HD picture)

1 30 day free trial of the Playstation Plus membership service

**This does not come with an HDMI cable.

**This does not come with an Ethernet chord that some of the original "Fat" models were boxed with.

Q. What inputs come with the system?

A. Here is every input/output/slot/whatever the system utilizes (listed in bullet points for viewing convenience):

1 Ethernet Back

1 HDMI out Back

1 Digital out (optical) Back

1 AV Multi out Back

1 AC in Back

2 Hi-Speed USB (USB 2.0) Front

Q. I'm into "techno terms." What are some of the specs involved with this system?

A. I'll just cover a summary of some of the essential basics of the hardware involved (if you want to really dissect things, a simple Google search would do you a lot of good). Basically, this system comes with:

500 GB Hard Drive

Cell Broadband Engine CPU

RSX GPU

Bluetooth 2.0 (for use with headsets, wireless keyboards, and other accessories)

Blu-Ray Disc Drive (used to play Blu-Ray movies and can also play DVDs as well)

**The system consumes about 190W of power

**The picture resolution ranges from 480i 1080p

**The system is also capable of being used as a 3D Blu-Ray player. You'll need a 3D TV for this to work.

Q. I've never owned a Playstation 3 before, yet why should I buy this system when the Playstation 4 is coming out November 15?

A. That is a very good question. Yes, this bundle is being released rather late into the Playstation 3's lifespan. Yet that doesn't mean the system doesn't still warrant a purchase. For starters, if you do hold out for a Playstation 4, unfortunately (for now at least), the Playstation 4 will not be backwards compatible. I say "for now at least" because eventually Sony plans on using an extensive cloud-based service to download PS3, PS2, and PS1 titles digitally onto the system. Keeping that in mind, Microsoft announced that they plan to keep the Xbox 360 supported for at least another three years, and while Sony hasn't made any similar announcement, I can't imagine Sony would be too far behind when it comes to continuing support of the Playstation 3.

That being said, if you've never owned a Playstation 3 before, you will have access to a whole library of games out for the system (which continue to decrease in price as the months go by) both via physical copy and digital download through the Playstation Store. Among these are such award winning exclusives such as "The Last Of Us," the "Uncharted" series, the "God of War" series, the "Ratchet and Clank" series, and so much more (let's not forget about the non-exclusive titles). Not to mention there are plenty of excellent games that are still being developed and are to be released for the system (games like Gran Turismo 6, Batman: Arkham Origins (not an exclusive), BEYOND: Two Souls, and Final Fantasy XIII-3 (not an exclusive)). Also there are plenty of "indie" games and "PSN titles" available to download digitally from the Playstation Store (games like "Journey," "Fat Princess," the "PixelJunk" series, and the list goes on).

You can also use the Playstation 3 to access plenty of apps such as Netflix, Amazon Video, Hulu Plus, Crackle, and more! Not to mention you can upload pictures, music, and videos onto the Hard Drive. Some games even allow you to play your own uploaded music in the background while playing the game itself (though not all of them do that). With 500GB of space, you will have plenty of room to download a vast array of digital content (whether it be movies or games). You can also backup your files by plugging in an External Hard Drave through the USB slots located on the front of the system.

I know I may sound a bit "preachy," yet I'm simply trying to make a case for those who may have never owned a Playstation 3 before. If you already own the system, then clearly there is no need to purchase this. Unless you're like me of course...my Slim (purchased on release day in 2009) finally got the YLOD (yellow light of death) after years of HEAVY use and so I needed another one. I was already going to get GTAV anyway so for me this bundle made sense. I installed a 500GB Hard Drive into my old system and used up 480GB of it...and it is filled with a lot of games that I still have yet to touch, so for my instance, there is a means to justify rebuying one. I know I know..."cool story, bro."

Q. That's nice and all, but I need more convincing. What else can you say about this bundle?

A. Let's look at some numbers, shall we? This bundle is currently listed on Amazon for $269.99. How does that compare with other bundles/units? Well as far as 500GB consoles go, the only other one that comes close is the one that's just the system itself (which is currently priced at $269.95). As for the other 500 GB bundles? Well they range from $286.58-398.99 (at least at "new" prices). You could always go the "used" route, yet as far as I'm concerned buying a used console comes with risks.

Q. I don't really need 500GB of space on my Hard Drive. Are there any other alternatives?

A. The cheapest unit listed "new" on Amazon right now is the 12GB Playstation 3, which is priced at $199.99. The bad thing about this one though is that it doesn't have an actual Hard Drive. You could also go with some of the 250GB bundles such as the "Uncharted 3" bundle listed at $249.96 or the Sports Champions and Eye Pet Move Bundle priced at $276.94 (not bad if you don't already own a Playstation Move setup and are interested in that sort of motion control thing). I could sit here and talk numbers all day, though it wouldn't matter since prices are sure to fluctuate. By the time you read this these values might be inaccurate.

Q. I've seen the specs, you've listed some reasons for purchase, and you've shown me the numbers. What about GTAV? Can you tell me anything about the game?

A. This section will likely be updated as I go along playing through the game, however I can say that GTAV is the fifth entry in a series of games created by the developers at Rockstar Games. The genre one might consider this game to be is commonly referred to as a "sandbox game" where the player can go around and virtually do whatever they want (though obviously there are some limitations). If it's anything like the last entry (GTAIV), there will be plenty of guns, action, pixelated ladies, trash talk, a great story, and most importantly, lots of fun. This game has earned a reputation for being the most expensive game developed, costing the studio around $265,000,000 to create. It's safe to say that the developers have put a lot of faith, time, and effort into this product.

I might also add that there WILL be a multiplayer mode however it will be released (likely as some sort of patch) for free at a later date (rumored sometime in October). So don't think you have a defective copy without any multiplayer mode, it will be released soon enough.

As stated earlier, as far as the GTA V portion of this review goes, I will be updating it as I continue through my playthrough. However my review focuses mainly on the system and if you are really in an urgent dire need to know more about GTAV, then I'd suggest checking the product page for the game itself.

I do apologize for writing a novel here, yet I hope that this information helps you out in some way. Feel free to leave some questions or comments and I will get back to them as soon as possible.

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This is my 1st and probably only video review I'll ever make. Mainly did it just to show the unboxing so you can see what all you're getting in it.

I didn't mention this in the video, but if you ordered this bundle, the promotional code to get your atomic blimp WILL NOT be inside the game case. You should have already received an email from Amazon and your promotional code should be in that email. Only people who ordered the standalone game get the code inside the game case.

Other than that, this bundle is amazing. I'm not entirely sure how much a regular 500gb super slim PS3 is, but I bet you're saving a lot of money getting this bundle compared to getting the two (PS3 and GTA V) separately. Oh and plus you get a free month of PS Plus so yea. If you're like me and you've had your PS3 for years and it's about time for an upgrade, or if you're new to the PS3, this is where you should start.

Also, this IS worth getting even if you plan on upgrading to next gen consoles. There are still lots of games to play currently on the PS3 plus future titles that will be coming out only on PS3 and not PS4. I plan on playing my PS3 for years to come, even when I get my PS4. I was just pointing this out for the people saying it's not worth getting a PS3/Xbox360 atm since next gen is just around the corner.

But yes, this PS3 is awesome. I had to do a data transfer from my old PS3 (the one in the vid) to this one, and it took a while, but it was worth it. Oh, I haven't even talked about the game itself yet. GTA V is amazing. Although I did want a new PS3, GTA V was easily the deciding factor in why I chose to get this bundle.

I own and have played GTA IV, and I did like it. GTA V is just such a massive upgrade from GTA IV. So much more to do, many places to explore. Three main characters which you can switch to at any time as long as you're not in a mission. Each character has a specific power that only they can use. Also, you get to go open-world pretty quickly into the game which is good. What I mean by that is, usually in a GTA game, there's a certain amount of time at the very beginning where you have to play the story before you're allowed to go wherever you want and do whatever you want.

Graphically it looks better than GTA IV, and it's just so much more vast. GTA V is on a whole nother level than all the previous GTA games. Also they finally fixed the driving mechanics in V compared to IV. That was such a pain. One wrong touch of the analog stick won't make you go spinning out of control anymore. Also, my friend let me try his Pulse GTA V elite headset that is speciically tailored to the PS3 version of GTA V. If only I had an extra $180 to spend. Those headsets makes the gameplay feel so much more immersive.

I'm reviewing more of the bundle itself rather than the game. You should check out one of the other reviews or just look at the reviews in the actual GTA V section on Amazon if you want a review that's more about the game itelf. (just the standalone game reviews and not the reviews for this bundle).

Overall, I give this bundle and the game GTA V both 5/5 stars. Honestly, I think this game deserves all the hype it's been getting. Especially after playing it hands on. Unless you're not into sandbox games or you're turned off by some of the vulgarity that is constant across most GTA games, you should definitely pick this up. Unless you're one of those people waiting for a PC/next-gen version to be released.

Anyways, Can't wait to spend countless hours doing random stuff on GTA V. Don't even get me started on multiplayer. Hope this helps!

Best Deals for PS3 500 GB Grand Theft Auto V Bundle

Ok so Ive been a PC gamer all my life.. The though of a console would give me a feeling of being "tied down" to a platform and certain specs that came with it. As a PC gamer you can update your rig, and push the boundaries of graphics on any game. Here is where the problem lies. The greatest game of all times GTA 5 being released and its not being released on PC first instead consoles. So I took the leap of faith and purchased myself this PS3 Console bundle with a copy of GTA-5. To say the latest, I could not be any more happier. PS3 is a great system, ultra fast, instant responses, and for $269 this deal is a steal!!! The game just itself is $59 with tax your well into $65-68 so when you look at it this way your getting a 500 GIGS PS3 with a wireless controller for $199 bucks.. In order for me to max this game out on my PC if/and when it comes out i would probably have to spend $200-300 on a new graphics card itself and here with this bundle I got the game, the system, and everything to have fun right in the box for as much as a standard graphics card cots for PC. Setup was a breeze, and before you know it I was smiling like a kid while jetting down Los Santos... and I got 3 other games on the way (Uncharted2,3 and the Last of Us!) I could not be any more happier!!! I feel I will be spending a lot of my fall/winter months with my new found love... in Summary I LOVE MY PS3! and my GTA5!! This bundle is the shiet! YEEEEHAA!!

Honest reviews on PS3 500 GB Grand Theft Auto V Bundle

This is by far the best deal on a PS3 EVER. You're getting a very decent 500GB HD along with this year's most anticipated game: GTA5. So I'm basically paying for the 12GB $199 model and getting a 500GB HD upgrade for $10 along with this year's most anticipated game. Awesome

!

Even though the PS4 is around the corner, the PS3 still has a LOT going for it for the next couple of years with at least 5 highly anticipated EXCLUSIVE titles coming before the end of the year (Beyond: Two Souls, Puppeteer, rain, FFX HD and Gran Turismo 6). Swallow that Xbox fanboys!

I have absolute no rush in getting a next gen system for the foreseeable future as I will wait for them to work out the bugs, lower the prices and release slimmer more efficient versions so I'm counting on my buddy PS3 for plenty of good times for the next 2-3 years at least! Plus, my PS+ subscription is good through 2015 and they will keep supporting the PS3 with free excellent games from its already outstanding gaming library. If you ask me, NOW is the best time EVER to get a PS3. See you online!

Find helpful customer reviews and review ratings for PS3 500 GB Grand Theft Auto V Bundle

If you're in the market for a PS3 system, as of this writing in September 2013 this 500 GB GTA V bundle is the one to get.

From a value perspective this is a fantastic deal as the current base model PS3 is priced at $199 with a paltry 12 GB of hard drive storage. With this GTA-V bundle system you are paying $70 extra for a 500 GB hard drive, a free copy of GTA-V (priced at $60 and unlikely to be discounted anytime soon) and 1 free month of Playstation Plus. With my free month of PS+ activated I immediately downloaded FREE digital versions of 'Xcom Enemy Unknown,' 'Uncharted 3,' 'Saints Row 3,' and 'Machinarium.' Keep in mind that there were a good variety of other free PS+ games available but for now I was more than content with my initial batch of downloads which provided an added layer of immense value on top of an already generously priced bundle package.

Previously I've owned an 80gb PS3 Phat and after years of dedicated service that system was getting long in the tooth and the fan would screech at unbearably loud levels after gaming or watching blu-rays for 10 minutes so an upgrade was definitely in order as I expect to keep playing my PS3 for at least several years due to the backlog of physical games I have yet to complete as well as the monthly offerings from PS+. If you're upgrading from an OG Phat to these new super-slim models here are some of the major differences you'll notice:

+The new systems run super quiet. There is almost no discernible fan noise even after 6 hour+ gaming sessions.

+You will, however, hear disc access noise. Unlike the old ps3's the super slim uses cheaper manual slide out access panels to insert/remove discs so when the disc spins you will notice the noise. With that said, its not unbearable just noticeable but this tradeoff is completely reasonable in exchange for the near silent fan noise.

+System is compact and light. The old PS3's are heavy with a big footprint. These super-slims live up their billing and are light and much easier to transport or move around.

If you're in the market for a copy of GTA-V and in need of a new PS3 (or considering upgrading from your old version) this system bundle is certainly the way to go.

Fable III Limited Collector's Edition -Xbox 360 Reviews

Customer Ratings:

If you want to see what exactly you get in the collector's edition with your own two eyes, then check out this video review!

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Fable III is a great game. It's playable, and enjoyable, and I recommend it to anyone who enjoys Fable or even just a good story. But it just doesn't quite hold a candle to its predecessor. It pains me to say so, because I am a long-standing fan of Peter Molyneux, but the best way I can think of to describe Fable III is that it is Fable II with its heart cut out.

I could go on for pages about everything that falls short of the mark in Fable III, but I think it can all be summed up very succinctly: if you enjoyed engaging the world in Fable II, doing things like making all of Bowerstone fall in love with you, buying every piece of property in Albion, dressing a certain way to get a certain reaction from townsfolk, and buying specific food, alcohol, or luxury items to use or give as gifts, do not expect the same experience from Fable III. The game has been streamlined to the point where using the context-sensitive menu is a requirement, not a luxury.

You can still purchase property, but upkeep costs, while realistic, make being a magnate more trouble than it is really worth. You can no longer select which expressions you wish to use to impress people. Eventually, whole towns will fall in love with you, but it's a function of the backend of the game, not your specific actions toward them. Categories of items have been collapsed into single generic items. There is no way to see your inventory except by selling it. The quest log is buried and almost unnavigable, and overflowing with `relationship quests' that you don't even have to accept before they show up in the log.

There are good points, of course the new Albion is huge, and you can really feel the difference in size between Fable II and Fable III. It's fun to walk through the kingdom and play `find the landmark' many of them have changed almost beyond recognition. An old `friend' has built his new mansion in a place that is almost certain to infuriate series fans.

Fast travel is a necessity, now, where in Fable II I often found myself forgetting it was an option and walking. Of course, the combination of this new, larger Albion and the general loss of world detail I've described is that the world feels kind of empty. This isn't helped by the fact that the townsfolk algorithm has changed and you may now find yourself leaving a conversation and crossing a bridge only to find the person you just finished conversing with already on the other side.

The breadcrumb trail is also now a requirement I didn't use it at all in Fable II but I just don't see how you'd manage without it in Fable III. You'd certainly do a lot of stumbling around. Quest text is minimal and location descriptions are vague.

The story is very good, although I found myself wanting to see more familiar faces. Despite being the son or daughter of your character from Fable II, the cast is 99% fresh. I did notice that the alchemist from Bowerstone Market was still named Gary, but that may have been a fluke.

Perhaps most damningly, despite the direct lineage of the games and the main characters, there is no way to import data from Fable II into Fable III. No matter what choices your father or mother made, they have had no effect on Albion 50 years hence. This, to me, is a bigger blunder as the locked camera angle in Fable II multiplayer. How could a series so focused on individualized experience miss this?

For a certain kind of gamer, this game would be a five. For most, it would probably be a four. For me, unfortunately, it's a three. What I've always loved about Molyneux's games is the personalization of the experience, and it feels like the only thing left to personalize in Fable III is your hero's appearance. That's done really well, but I expected more.

Best Deals for Fable III Limited Collector's Edition -Xbox 360

I'm not going really review the game-play of Fable 3. I figured you can find that anywhere, on other reviews, IGN, etc. I'm just going to concentrate on the general packaging, and DLC items which I don't think anyone has covered.

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LIMITED COLLECTOR'S EDITION BOX

The package came in perfect condition from Amazon, nothing was damaged.

The package itself came in a "book" which holds the game, and has a compartment at the bottom of the case. The inside is lined with red velvet, which feels nice and makes it look "rich".

The compartment holds a coin engraved with a "good" and a "bad" side. A Fable deck of cards is located right next to the coin. The coin is has a decent weight, and not made out of cheap plastic material. I don't intend to open the pack of cards, so I can't comment on that. The book has a strap of magnet, which hold the book closed. Overall, it's a very nice quality item.

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DLC FOR ALL NEW BOXES

The game box has 2 DLC cards inside for anyone who buy the game new. 1 card is for the highlander clothing set, and tattoo. The other one is for Raise Dead Potion, Slow Time Potion, and a Red Setter Dog Skin. Of course, there's also a manual and the game CD, too.

The Potions aren't really special, since I was able to find many more slow time potions while I was playing. I used the raise dead potion by mistake... but it wasn't all that great either. I spawned 2 dead bugs that helped me fight, which ended up dying pretty quick. I also preferred the default Collie dog skin over the Red Setter.

So, if you don't buy the game new... don't worry, it's nothing really special. But it's free, so it's great.

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FREE DLC FOR EVERYONE

Make sure you go online to the Fable 3 in the Market Place using your Xbox Live. Then click on the Download section. There you can download a free weapons DLC, which you get to use early in your game, so it's a great starter DLC.

Don't buy the Dog Outfit... it's not worth the money, it's just a gimmick.

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THE GAME

The graphic is using the same engine as Fable 2, so the quality is the same as Fable 2, but it looks a lot more massive. The world is noticeably larger.

There's no menu now. Instead of a menu, you instantly is teleported back to your Sanctuary. In your Sanctuary, you can change your outfit, your setting, teleport to other locations, etc. Your outfit is displayed on a manikin, which you can see what it will look like before putting it on.

The voice acting is superb, there's not a lot of reading. It seems everything is a voice over. Even when you find books, it will instantly voice over a summary of the book. Which I think is a great addition to the game.

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CONCLUSION

For some reason, I got a headache from playing the game. The motion sickness type headache. I guess it's because I haven't played a console game for awhile, but I have had it before and eventually I got used to it. Just a warning to the people who hadn't played a console game for a bit, be prepared not to be able to play for a long haul.

Overall, I love the game! There's so much to do, and I think it's a big improvement over Fable 2.

Highly recommended!

Honest reviews on Fable III Limited Collector's Edition -Xbox 360

There are plenty of reviews on the game of Fable, so I'll stick to a review about the Limited Collector's edition. As a huge Fable fanatic, I could not resist purchasing this over the standard set.

Unfortunately, I was disappointed. The collector's edition comes with a coin, cards, and in game DLC. The in game DLC is not very big -a few potions and some dog changing stuff. The rest of the game is exactly the same. The coin is kinda cool, but I never really use it. I guess I used it to decide whether my first character would be good or evil, but I ended up restarting one of the other side.

The cards are pretty cool. They feel nice and of good quality. I have not gotten a chance to use them in a poker setting, but they still were cool to have.

Overall, worth extra money for the collector's edition? Not really.

Find helpful customer reviews and review ratings for Fable III Limited Collector's Edition -Xbox 360

Fable 2 was pretty fun, but a little annoying the menus and maps were pretty awful: nothing in any particular order, no way to relate to where you were out in the field. Lionhead sought to do something about these quibles... by making them prettier and more immersive in Fable 3, but not by solving the problems. Didn't even give 'em a looksie!

Then they thought they'd do the same to the leveling system. It is far more prettier when you level up, and the level up "menu" is pretty immersive, but by making all the experience you earn in the field generic rather than ability linked, they've taken what little depth they had in the series in the first place.

Which, strangely, seems to be exactly what they were going for. For all their blathering about choices and promises, this game really doesn't give you many. Whereas before, you used to have to choose exactly which expression was appropriate for the situation, the game chooses for you you merely get to choose whether you want to be naughty or nice. Lots of stuff like that.

I also feel the need to point out that, even with this "special" edition, you're gonna feel a little cheated. For all the little extra things you get for "free", you'll find an equal amount of dlc you have to pay for, right from the get-go. Things like costumes for your character. Sure, you don't need them, but when it's obvious they've left empty spaces in your inventory menu for them ahead of time? Yeah... That smacks of crass commercialism...

Which is not to say that I didn't have a fun time playing this game, all the wit and charm of the previous entries were there, as well as many of the same voice samples... If you liked them, you'll like this. Just don't expect to be amazed this time, and don't be surprised if you feel like you've been here before...