Buy Mad Catz Xbox 360 Controller (Black)

Customer Ratings:

A review of a controller is a funny thing. To a certain extent it comes down to "do the buttons work, yes or no?" :-) And obviously this third party Madcatz controller's durability over time as compared to the official Xbox controller can't be quickly compared. But I will say this I bought it for use on a Windows 7 running laptop (because playing Batman Arkham Asylum with a keyboard and mouse isn't quite the same) and was worried it would not work since there was nothing specific about it being for use on a computer and no driver disk. It linked up and the laptop installed it no problem. It works flawlessly. The button layout works well as do the analog sticks. I suppose overall all I can say is that I'm happy with the purchase at this time.

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This controller is very good and functions exactly the same as a regular Xbox 360 controller. I used it to play Saints Row 2 since the controls for PC are terrible. I also used it with Beat Hazard, an indie game on Steam. It seems to be durable enough. It hooks up with USB, and is plug and play. No need to install any drivers or discs or batteries or anything like that. You can also use it on a normal Xbox 360. My only complaint is that the analog sticks do not have the rubber bumps on them like a regular 360 controller. But it's no big deal since those rub off eventually anyway.

**Use the controller as a mouse download a free program called 7plus. It will enable you to use the controller like a mouse, with right click/left click functionality, etc. 7plus also has a bunch of good hotkeys that some of you may find useful.

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My grandson sent me Lego Star Wars for the PC for my birthday so that the next time we we visited, he and I could play it together. I realized very quickly that it would be no fun to play from the keyboard, so I did some research and found that the Xbox 360 game pad would work on a PC and work with this game. The Mad Catz version of the game pad came with the adapter included and at a very good price on Amazon. I checked reviews on it and found them to be generally positive, so I bought two of them for the game. The only real knock I read on the game pad was its construction, which was described as flimsy. In my evaluation, if this is flimsy, the original must be built like a tank. As for the playability, I have found it very responsive and easy to use on this game. I have not used it with anything else, but I would give it high marks overall.

Honest reviews on Mad Catz Xbox 360 Controller (Black)

So far, I've had no problems with this controller. It's been working amazingly well.

Of course, I've read reviews where they said that along the lines of owning it, in a few months the thumbstick will be acting weird.

I play a lot of first person shooter, and obviously since it's a different type of controller, you have to get used to the sensitivity or change the sensitivity on your gameplay.

I don't rough up my controller so much so I know that this'll last me awhile.

I used to have a Microsoft controller that needed to be re-calibrated (is that what you call it? o.o) and I was still able to play it, just had to know how. So if this ever did that, I'd still be able to use it.

It's a cheap controller and if you don't have heavy or big hands to where you use the controller brutally, I'd say this is great for you.

Get this if:

-You know that it won't last you that long, a few months to a year

-You're a light user

-Don't mind the start and select buttons being on the top

-If you have small hands like I do

-Am on a budget and don't mind replacing it in a few months to a year

-Don't mind it being a wired controller (Hey no replacing batteries right?)

Dont get this if:

-You're a constant first person shooter who roughs up his controller

-Have big hands

-Mind the start and select buttons being on top

-Doesn't want to replace the controller in a few months to a year

-Have a couple of ten's more to spend on a controller that'll last you longer

-Don't like wires.

Of course, all controllers have their life span. This one's just shorter than the Microsoft ones.

For me Microsoft ones don't last too long either, a year to 2 years is a pretty good life span and this controller may be half the life span but for this much money. It's still a good deal. I only got this for around $12 bucks, so $24 bucks for two controllers that'll last 2 years is still cheaper than $40 to $60 bucks for a Microsoft controller that'll last 2 years too. :]

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After a month of usuage, the analog stick is stuck on the down position. the stick itself is neutral but whenever i move it, even just slightly, the movements on screen moves down. i checked the calibration setting on the pc and even then, it still moves down.

i knew i should have spent the extra 10 bucks to buy the official microsoft pad. i felt duped after purchasing their great TE fight stick. never again madcatz (unless they're fight sticks)

RED TIGER Xbox 360 Modded Controller (Rapid Fire) COD Black Ops Reviews

Customer Ratings:

this item is pretty good but you should get the fastest shipping possible

because i had to wait 10 days for it to come and i could not wait i still have not received it but if you have please tell me if it comes with a mode manual

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Review of Command & Conquer: Red Alert 3: Uprising

Customer Ratings:

I bought this game to take the edge off during finals week. I love the Red Alert series and this was a very fun find. The graphics are still pretty decent a few years on, music and sound is great and gameplay is superb. There are three parts:

1) Single-Player Campaign

You have your standard 4-mission campaign for each of the 3 armies. A bonus campaign in which you control only Yuriko (the Japanese commando version of Tanya) is also short but substantially fun and fresh.

2) Skirmish Mode

Just your basic custom-map, custom-army, custom-computer-players battlefield

3) Commander's Challenge

THIS IS IT!!! In this mode, you are taken through 50 extremely UNIQUE and challenging Skirmish battles with your army of choice, trying to beat first the scenario and unlock new units, and then improve on your time. If you are competitive, you will spend close to 50 hours beating it. If you love RTS and cannot get bored, you will spend almost 100 hours beating all the Challenges in record time. Very fun.

Pros excellent single player options, long life, good price

Cons no multiplayer, low replay value once you beat it

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One of the things that I enjoy about playing the Red Alert games is building a massive force that I can use to destroy my enemies. To me, that is the best feature of any RTS game, especially the Red Alert franchise. RA3 Uprising from my perspective was a huge disappointment. First there really isn't much of a storyline. It seems like the RA 3 creators decided to put together a number of concepts that they couldn't use in RA 3 with Uprising.

In addition, there are way too many covert ops missions. I don't mind one or two missions where I have a few units and spies and I need to accomplish an objective, but to make an entire mission out this is just beyond frustrating. I completed the first 3 Soviet Missions and the first 3 Allies Missions then I just decided I've had enough covert ops missions. I easily got tired of the game because it wasn't giving me what I wanted, which is more opportunities to build a massive force to destroy.

I hate to say it but I can't recommend this game even for the die hard RA fan. It's just not as fun as the previous RA games.

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The game has great add ons and expansions but with the multiplayer being taken away the game kind of stinks and the super short campaigns suck

Honest reviews on Command & Conquer: Red Alert 3: Uprising

First, I love this series. I love these kind of games. However, someone at EA must have been beaten as a child and wanted the rest of us to suffer.

Reasons why this game needs 6 months more in development.

1. The computer is NOT effected by the FOW, (fog of war). It seems like it plays at trying to make you believe it can't see you, but it can. (i.e. hide something out in a corner of the map, away from everything. Without a scout or any hint of something "finding" you. The computer will head right to you.

2. This game should have been called Exploit Rampage, or Super Bum Rush.... There was obviously hundreds of hours put into thinking up all the different vehicles and characters...Buuuuut the only way to win many of the battles is to use exploits. Forget studying all the details about what shoots how far, and balancing your air and cav to achieve the right force balance. Screw it, just hover cheap ERS air units over your targets and let them shoot them down and they will become the most powerful bombs in the game. Or just bum rush you opponent with a Dojo and flood the computers base with tank busters. Nice to know all the work on those beautiful stats and details went to waste.

3. BUGS...enormous numbers of console locking bugs. On multiple occasions I have been ready to deal the killing blow, but guess what. I can't... why?... don't know. push the button and NOTHING....

4. the computers AI is smart... your troops are not. 9 times out of 10 you send a troop to do something and it will take the longest route or the route that will get it killed. I've seen engineers circle an oil well TWICE before it finally tried to capture it. Your troops will always, ALWAYS shoot at the least important target. They with ALWAYS shoot at the thing not shooting at them (unless that thing is the only thing in the area). They will NEVER shoot at the thing shooting them. (unless again there is only one thing in the area)

5. The computer can execute millions of commands before you can even think about what you want to do. AND it does. Most of the time its like playing against 50 other players.

6. You cant take any of the new units back to the old game...FAIL...

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Not working in WIN8!!!

If you are using that, DO NOT BUY THIS!!

I've tried many ways, all of them are not working

Xbox 360 Wireless Gaming Receiver for Windows Review

Customer Ratings:
List Price: $19.99
Sale Price: $14.99
Today's Bonus: 25% Off

I was pretty angry when I discovered that this thing is NOT the genuine article but rather a Chinese third-party device. However, my controller connects to it and stays connected without any problems.

Here's how to set it up:

1. Go to Device Manager

2. Select the "Unknown Device"

3. Choose to update the driver under the Driver tab

4. Choose the 'Browse for a driver' (not the exact words but close)

5. Tell it that you want to pick from the list of device drivers

6. Choose the "Microsoft Common Controller for Windows Class" option

7. Pick the Xbox 360 Wireless Receiver

8. Enjoy

This is how I set it up under Windows 7 x64. Other versions of Windows may differ. So far I haven't experienced any problems or issues. Both Devil May Cry 4 and Grand Theft Auto IV, along with all of my emulators work superbly with it.

However, I do plan on getting the real deal. I don't trust this thing to keep working very long.

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As you can see from the other reviews, this device works very well for some, and not so well for others. Putting aside the interference problem with other 2.4ghz devices such as mice (2.4ghz wireless routers will NOT give you problems), I believe there is a single solution to almost everyone's problem, which I will outline below.

After installing the device & software, I couldn't get my black wireless xbox360 elite controller to sync with the receiver. The ring light on the controller would rotate while trying to connect to the receiver. The light on the receiver would blink attempting to locate the controller. After a few seconds, the ring on the controller would stop rotating, and start blinking. A connection could not be made.

After some research, I found the solution. The issue is with USB power. The receiver needs A LOT of it. If you have other devices on your USB, especially high powered USB keyboards or mice, the receiver might not work. Try removing all USB devices and rebooting your PC with only a PS/2 mouse and keyboard connected. The receiver and controller should sync up immediately, even before you finish booting into windows. This fixed my problem.

If this is your problem, there are two solutions. 1) a USB PCI interface card, or 2) an externally powered USB hub (NOT BUS POWERED). I believe the receiver needs a lot of power because its capable of syncing to four separate devices. The USB on most motherboards simply isn't strong enough. Hope this helps.

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If you have already bought this item skip to `The work around' to get the device to work

My Story:

I purchased this item because my original Microsoft receiver stopped working after the manufacturer's warranty time of 90 days. The device simply was not working one morning. So I searched online for a replacement and thought I was getting the original Microsoft Xbox 360 receiver because it was advertised that way. (at that time this item was called a "Microsoft Gaming Receiver for Windows" but since has had to change the name because of my warnings and letters) Unfortunately the product did not work right off so I had to contact Microsoft gaming for support. Then after trial and error we discovered that Microsoft did not produce this rip off of their product.

Also Microsoft doesn't print the Words "Xbox 360" on the front of the real product,rather they print "Microsoft." On the back the words Microsoft there will be an 'R' in a circle and behind the words Xbox 360 will be a small 'TM.' This product came with a receiver and packaging that looks VERY similar to the real one but it is not. The genuine item is pictured by other buyers, but they are not what you will get. And that is also not what the advertiser is showing in their sell photo, as noted by the words "XBOX 360" printed on the advertiser's sales photo, so the seller is NOT advertising the item to be by Microsoft anymore. So please post a positive vote for my pictures in the item's gallery to have them posted first and more people don't buy this item with that expectation.)

So that's the bad news, but there is good news too........

The good news is, that this product does still work. I have now had mine for way longer than the original Microsoft version, and it still works with everyday usage. (Originally ordered in Feb. 2010 and it is now July 2010)

However the installation was not as simple as the real one. They send the receiver with a driver disk that doesn't work at all with common Operating Systems or OS.

The work around:

Is to use your common driver by Microsoft already installed on your Windows or Vista Disk Drivers area and install the driver manually. Unfortunately this also means you have to reinstall the driver each time you unplug it.

Go to:

Start Menu and open Control panel

Then open

'Hardware and Sound' from control panel for Windows users

for vista users

select 'Additional options'

then from the left hand side open 'Hardware and Sound'.

Then open Device Manager for windows or Vista

Then click on the "Unknown Driver"

Then click on search for additional options and manually install the driver yourself

Then select the 'Microsoft Common Controller for Windows class'

Then it will give a list of drivers for you...... pick the one from Feb of 2007 and install that one.

Then you are good to go and able to play the games you want using your Xbox360 controller.

I completely give this product a SOLID 3.

********

Update 6/17/13:

Originally I rated this item at 2. For a few reasons..... 1) I was lied to about the item being from Microsoft. 2) I couldn't get the item to work with the drive disk they sent with it and had to find my own work around.

However, I still have the item plugged in to my computer and use it almost daily without any other flaws. 3 and a half years later!! While the product was 'sold' to me under false pretenses, it 'does' what Microsoft couldn't, and worked/s longer than 4 months. Not to mention that Amazon is no longer allowing the item to be advertised as a Microsoft item, and it is now being sold as the knock off it truly is........So for that I upgraded the rating to a 3.

However, had I been sold the item as it is currently being advertised.... I would have rated it a solid 4 with the only flaw being that I had to find out how to make it work myself.

Honest reviews on Xbox 360 Wireless Gaming Receiver for Windows

First off, the receiver and controller/accessories connect very easily and work great. No issues with lag or bad connections.

The downfall here is that unless your game can specifically be setup to map controls to a gamepad/joystick, you're out of luck (kinda). Microsoft doesn't include any mapping software at all, which really doesn't make a lot of sense, since so few PC games would be naturally compatible with the remote.

Luckily, there is a great piece of software called Pinnacle game profiler. It allows you to specifically map each button to a movement/function in any game (customizable by game). You get a free 30 day trial ($20 after that), but it's worth the money. After spending about 15 minutes setting this up, it works great. I have tested it out on Half-Life 2, F.E.A.R. and Call of Duty 2 with no issues.

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As of this writing, the best value for this device is yet to come. Xbox 360 owners will enjoy being able to reuse all types of Xbox 360 wireless controllers on their PC games, but there are two major hangups that will have to be corrected with time.

1) It has been reported this item does not work with Vista yet. I can't comment on this.

2) The "Games for Windows" brand is just getting off the ground. As this brand evolves, each game with this logo on the box will support this controller natively. There won't be any need for mapping software. That means, for old games... you'll have to find something to map the controller.

If you are interested in XNA, get this. XNA (nutshell) is MSFT's platform for future game development, and it includes tools hobbyists can use to make games at home and play them on Windows or their Xbox 360. That makes this item a must-have if you plan to join XNA Creators Club and deploy your games onto your Xbox 360.

Still, the potential of this is really yet to be realized. XNA is in its fledgling state, even though to this point it has to be considered a success. "Games for Windows" has just a couple of titles on the shelf as of this writing, but is intended to explode by the end of the year. It might be that if you're willing to pony up for the Xbox 360 Wireless Headset and Racing Wheel, you may get more value out of this and you can use those items on your PC.

When I compared buying a wired controller versus buying this (I already had two wireless controllers), this is obviously the better value. Just consider the facts above, and look at how things have changed since this writing, and decide for yourself.

Review of Zuma's Revenge! with Bejeweled 3 and Feeding Frenzy 2 - Xbox 360

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List Price: $19.99
Sale Price: $12.99
Today's Bonus: 35% Off

My Wife loves the Zuma's Revenge and the Bejeweled 3, not sure if she plays the Feeding Frenzy 2 or not.

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Bought this for Bejewled 3 which is a favorite game of mine. Our Playstation 3 was on the fritz so I bought this to use on our xBox 360 to get me by lol. My kids were happy to see their fave games, Zuma and the fish game as they call it, were included just like on our other disc.

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I purchase this game for my 6 yrs old son. He liked playing it as long as his older brother plays with him. I received my

item quickly. I would recommend seller.

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She loves the 3 different games and the different levels and story modes to get all the you need to complete this game.

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These games are relatively old, but my wife and I still like playing them. Not much else to say about it though.

Discount D-Pad Bullet Button Nickel+Brass for XBOX 360 Controller w/ Torx L

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List Price: $19.99
Sale Price: $12.99
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great product works great and looks even better. shipping was good i just wish the price was lower but i still love them

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I got this with the 9mm luger BAXY buttons and they look great together. It hasn't shown any signs of wearing down so I'm feeling good about this purchase.

Remington Super Slam Hunting North America - Nintendo Wii Review

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The co-op alone makes this game worth the money! Now my buddies and I can hunt without risking our lives outdoors or in bars! There are lots weapons to choose from, but my favorite is the Magnum Research Mountain Eagle, especially when dealing with buffalo or bears. Watch out for Wolves though, as they tend to swarm, hand-guns are the way to go for those.

The four player vs is fun when people come over, or to play one with the right hand and one with the left. There's also tons of achievements and online leader-boards. Check for my name at the top!

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I can remember many times when I'd go to an arcade, or a resturaunt, and I would ask for quarters and spend them all on the deer hunter games (considering I am one myself) which had the orange shotgun where all the deer ran across the screen, you killed some, then you turned around behind you, and there they went again. Well, thats how this game is, the arcade style deer hunting game.

A lot of buyers out there may turn this game down, because they turn to cabelas, but lets look at the facts here. Cabelas dangerous hunts is having an increasing decline in good gaming, and the newest one isnt all that great. It has a mode which is similar to this game, but you have to beat the incredibly challenging campaign in it to unlock it.

Still though, why buy this game? Well, its graphics are smooth. Its not incredibly beautiful, but it doesnt look like crap either. Its very simple, and they didnt try to cram some crappy story line in it, all you do is have to focus and kill animals. Bear, Cougar, and Wolf are in this game as the dangerous animals. Theres a large variety of animals to kill, in 6 regions across North America. You finish one locations tournaments, then move to the next.

This game is fairly easy, all you have to do is shoot animals and get rewarded. Theres lot of gun options, a trophy room, and theres a multiplayer mode where you can team up with a buddy and shoot at animals (this game can support up to 4 players!) or have a competition in Vs. mode. You can post your scores online too.

In all, this game is DEFINATELY worth buying, and it has a very reasonable price.

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This game is so much fun for the entire family! The co-op is really great! I highly suggest this game for any avid hunter!

Honest reviews on Remington Super Slam Hunting North America - Nintendo Wii

This game is arcade style, meaning you are getting more or less mobbed by animals the whole time -it is not a hunting simulator. The multiplayer is simultaneous, with up to 4 players. Each player uses the same screen and competes/cooperates for targets. Players can be put on teams and have their scores summed, so, for example, 3 inexperienced players can play against 1 more experienced player.

The controller configuration can only be changed when in multiplayer mode for some reason. The default configuration is to use the B button for the trigger and A for reload, so this is what it will be when in single player.

I bought this to play with my 7 year old after playing the Big Buck Hunter arcade game. This is a very similar game and fits the bill.

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I bought the game for my fiancee for Christmas, though I never played shooting games before, now both of us are having so much fun with this game! Kudos!!

Buy Rampage: Total Destruction - Nintendo Wii

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List Price: $19.99
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This game has been quite a fun play but it is hard (read: impossible) to control your character without the nunchuk, even though the game says that it can support using only the wii remote without the nunchuk. I think that without a nunchuk the characters movement is controlled by how you tilt the wii remote and when you're smacking it up and down to smash buildings there's a bit of additional movement there, so the monsters end up getting stuck in the corners and all that "fun" stuff. Once I got the nunchuk hooked up, everything was great and I started having lots of fun playing the game.

The gameplay is fun, probably not as fun as the original, but then I'm not 12 anymore either. There are quite a few "unlockables" that will keep you busy for awhile.

Graphics fine, nothing amazing it'd be nice if they had done them slightly better, but nonetheless it didn't detract from the overall game experience.

I think that this is a very fun game, especially if you have multiple players it's fun to watch people play it too.

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I bought this game for my son to go with his new Wii. At first we tried playing with just the Wii-mote. It was difficult to get my monster to go where I wanted him to go. The we plugged in the nunchuk and the real fun began. Like in the original game, the monsters can climb buildings, jump, smash things, grab objects and people out of windows for a health boosting snack and pound away on each other. This was one of my favorite arcade games and with the motion sensing remote, the Wii has brought the arcade into my living room.

Not only was this game a lot of fun, it was also half the price of the other games available for the Wii.

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Okay, lets get one thing out of the way right now. This is not a terribly engaging game and there's nothing overly impressive about it. You smash things, you eat people--that's about it. There is a little, but not much, variety throughout the game, and for the most part gameplay consists of just destroying various cities (which are, of course, different, but not overly so).

That having been said, this is quite an entertaining game. It's not something I'd play for hours on end and certainly more fun with another person, but it's great for releasing that pent-up aggression. And let's face it--part of the appeal of the Rampage franchise was always just the notion that you got to BE one of those huge monsters attacking a city.

The controls are adequate but not spectacular, though it's fun to swing the Wii remote around as you destroy helicopters and throw oil tankers into the side of buildings. I definitely wouldn't recommend it without the nunchuck, though--it's tough to control a monster's movement with the remote alone. There is kind of a weak story (with a very entertaining clip at the beginning) and objectives you have to meet in each city to beef up the gameplay a little, but mostly the game is just about breaking stuff. There are many new monsters to unlock as well, and I really enjoyed playings some of the new ones (read: giant chicken).

This game also has the classic Rampage and Rampage World Tour versions with it, so be prepared for a little nostalgia trip if you were into those games as well. In my opinion this is what a Wii game should be--a lot of fun without a huge time commitment or an overly detailed storyline.

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Who doesn't love smashing cities and eating people and kicking cars?

Same old arcade game of getting shot and eating and distroying everything but now with the Wii remote you SMASH and SWIPE and DESTROY!

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This is a fun game. The real problem with it is in its ultra-repetitive nature. Crush buildings, then go and crush buildings, then after that, find some buildings to crush. For 20 bucks its plenty fun, but if i had paid the typical $50 price tag of wii games, id have been a sad panda.

Review of Xbox 360 20GB Hard Drive

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I used to have a xbox pro with a 60 gb hard drive that came with it. my stuff was stolen last year. all i had left was one game and a controller. i had decided to start playing that darn thing again and needed a cheap hard drive. it came within 4 days and it works great!

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This is awesome I mean it's

Lik any other harddrive but worked perfectly wen I got it but they glitched the order I guess and gave me a 60GB!!!!! Maybe the same will

Happen to you....

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I needed a replacement hard drive for an xbox 360 I acquired from a friend. This product came through fairly quickly and works very well. I'm sure there are bigger HDs available that'll be cheaper / GB however I don't tend to save a lot of data like music and movies on my console, so this is good enough for me.

Honest reviews on Xbox 360 20GB Hard Drive

Ordered this for my xbox 360 and it works great. I have had no problems with it at all. Well worth the price I payed for it, and it was a lot cheaper than any other similar product I've looked at

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Needed it as I got an xbox 360 with no drive, and wanted to play original xbox games as well. You need a drive to do this. It came quickly and works flawlessly so far.

Motocross Maniac Reviews

Customer Ratings:

this game is so fun, you could play it all day and not get tired, even after you memorize the levels you can race against the computer and he is HARD to beat!! you think you're so far ahead and then outta nowhere there he is. it's also cool that you can choose what level you want to start on because there's no save feature so you can save in your mind what level you were on and then just go from there next time you want to play, that is innovative

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This game is all kinds of fun packed into a little package. I use to play the hell out of this game when I was a boy while riding the bus to school. I still get a kick out of it, very addictive!

Cheap Tom Clancy's Splinter Cell Pandora Tomorrow - Xbox

Customer Ratings:

Now -thisis a game that can give Metal Gear Solid a run for its money. Both of Pandora Tomorrow's single or multiplayer modes are amazing by themselves, and taken together this game is one of the best -everin this generation, on any console. Stop reading and buy it!

SINGLE PLAYER:

The cutscenes are better than Rainbow Six 3, and the missions are SOOOO cool. Wait until you see Sam crawling under a train going 120 mph, or infiltrate a guerrilla camp in the jungle during broad daylight. There aren't any generic alleys like in the first game, ALL of the missions take place in exotic locations like Jerusalem or Indonesia. The plot has some cool twists that I won't give away, but they even managed to work the multiplayer mode into the plot. Graphics are such a huge improvement, the whole games looks like some high-budget James Bond movie. The production values are astronomical. Other observations:

-Controls are tigher, gadgets are easier to access when you need them.

-You actually have a use for Sam's cool acrobatic moves in this game.

-Plenty of ways to approach any situation. Nothing is linear, play the way you want.

-Lighting is more useful, you can visual tell what places will or won't hide you.

-A quick flash of the stealth meter tells you if a body is in a good hiding spot.

MULTIPLAYER:

One-of-a-Kind. Four players max. Spies vs. Mercenaries, each team has radically different strengths & weaknesses that play off each other very well. Mercs can use the inplace security systems and set their own traps, plus they are armed to the teeth, but they are blind compared to the spies; Spies hide in the ceilings and air ducts, places the mercs can't go, and have lots of diversion gear from the single player game, but they are physically weak. The emphasis is on stealth and outwitting your opponent, not action. There are lots of environmental details you can use to your advantage. Some other observations:

-Two-on-a-team makes for very close, intense teamwork. Best game to make friends with.

-Spies play in 3rd-person, Mercs in 1st person. It's not a gimmick, it's an inspiration, and it works perfectly.

-Huge maps give you that scary "somethings out there" feeling, a la "Predator"

-Lots of variety on each map because they are so large and complex.

-You need 1 game/Xbox/TV per player. No split screen.

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Lets face it the first Splinter cell was a third person romp that proved to be the best stealth game in its genre. When i got the first game i played it non stop and before long it was over. For some reason i've never went back to it. It hasn't drawn me in again like it did the first time. When i heard about SC:PT i had mixed views expecting without doubt a MGS type sequel, (very dissapointing in other words), although the more i found out about it the more i was impressed. Firstly theres the new abilities such as moving side to side while doing the splits and jumping(higher) from the splits position. This was one of the coolest things about the first game but did'nt really have very much potential as the levels were not constructed with this in mind. However in PT the levels are a lot more diverse, meaning you may be able to use this to get to a higher vantage point over the enemy such as a ledge (about two stories high), giving you a more non-linear path. Another cool move is hanging from pipes. You can do this in the original splinter cell. But now you can let go with your hands and be hanging upside down meaning you can target enemies better. The new weapons include booby traps such as trip wires which you can employ to lose that annoying guard! Theres also motion sensors and a few new grenades. While the singleplayer will be great, there will also be multiplayer which will be an extra appeal for anyone not wanting to spend their hard earned cash. In MP you can control either the spies or the guards, there are three types of game mode For the spies it usually involves retrieving or destroying certain objects and obviously the guards job is to stop them. Basically the spies are the same Sam Fisher you play in the game, whereas the guards are all-new playable characters (in MP only)in the game and use a first person view. Spies can have (like Sam) night and thermal vision whereas the guards have electronic tracking vision (meaning they can track electronic devices used by spies) and motion tracking vision meaning they can track any movement in air turbulence you have to see it to believe it, The Movement tracking vision uses a red screen similar to the (bad) Thermal vision in MGS. Suddenly a small square can be seen on the screen focusing onto an object (ala Terminator). Inside the square theres the normal colour. The squares getting bigger and bigger and then the figure takes shape and you realise its a spy darting towards you at speed of light. Its all so smooth and extremly satisfying to watch.The Multiplayer aspect should be enough to keep Live players up until the early hours and warrant buying the Xbox version as the Ps2 version isn't due to July and will look like a Nes compared to the Xbox lighting and effects as well as draw distance anyhow, if you like the first game and crave somemore, or are looking for a stealth/action game keep your eyes peeled for this. This is the definitive stealth game for any system and no xbox owner can go without it.

Best Deals for Tom Clancy's Splinter Cell Pandora Tomorrow - Xbox

Sam Fisher is back in the suspenseful sequel Pandora Tomorrow. Improved maneuverability and options are only slightly marred by the modification of the original game engine. Overall, I'm rating this one 3.75 stars. If you enjoyed the original, odds are you will love this game (as I do), but with some qualms. I played it on Normal difficulty, and beat it within about 12 hours (total) playing time.

As another reviewer previously noted, the departure of the Montreal team detracts from the originality and continuity of the original Splinter Cell. The story arc is fairly broad and impressive in its scope, yet does not connect together as well as the original. There are a few grammatical errors in the HUD display--which leads me to believe this game was somewhat rushed into the pressing stage. Also, the sense of immediacy is lost except for the final mission in LAX--which is one of the most intense levels of any game I have ever played.

New maneuvers include the Swat turn, which allows Sam to deftly and silently maneuver between doorways and windows without being detected. This is an amazing feature that helps you on more than one occassion. The jump/split is back with a slight modification for narrower spaces. All in all, the stealth system has been improved quite well. However, you lose the option of switching your rifle into single-shot mode when you're not sniping, this annoyed me.

Michael Ironside is back as Sam, and overall the voice talent is pretty darn good. Sound effects are excellent. A few places feel as if the actors were working with lackluster copy and making up for the writer's mistakes.

The shadow engine has been improved and the interactive environments are well rendered. The game looks just as beautiful as the original and the variety of environments are splendid.

With all this praise, what didn't I like about the game? That I beat it in less than 20 hours of play time on "Normal". Also, I did not like how "generic" the opponents of this game were. It would have been nice if they had integrated more of a natural cultural environment in with the different locales. Like a reviewer before me, I believe this lack of originality and inventiveness comes from leaving the Montreal team out of the project. Save points are fairly well constructed, with a few exceptions, where if you blow it...you will have to go back and re-do lots of menial tasks that take a lot of play time to accomplish. Also, the cinematics (while beautifully rendered) get to be a little buggy with the 'in between missions' screens. When I beat the game, the credits rolled, then the mission summary came up AFTER this. Maybe I'm missing something, but this was an example of how disjointed/jarring it can be.

As I do not have Xbox Live, I will not review the multiplayer aspect. I tried the training version, and it seemed OK...a bit like counter-strike/unreal tournament.

So, in summary, if you enjoyed the first Splinter Cell, you will probably like or love this one. However, it does play like a hybrid of Metal Gear and Splinter Cell--which isn't always a bad thing. I hope for the next version they bring back the Montreal team. Still, I recommend you try this one out. Enjoy, gamers!

Honest reviews on Tom Clancy's Splinter Cell Pandora Tomorrow - Xbox

If you even began to think that the original Splinter Cell was good you will cry with joy when you play Splinter Cell: Pandorra Tommorrow. There are multiple ways of completing each and every level. Instead of using shadows for cover it is more based on using camoflauge, much more believable. The camera work which I would have given an A+ to in the first Splinter Cell, is even more improved. The sillouettes which Playstation missed out on in the first Splinter Cell have been completely reborn, it is a beautiful thing. Civilians are almost everywhere and you can interact with them, because you are in more public places this is good. The first one which used a few gadgets, whew! The gadgets are much cooler My new dream job is to be a Splinter Cell, If you play this game you'll ask for an SC20K, a pistol, and some lock picks for Christmas, I can just picture you wearing those tights.

You WILL LOVE it, trust me!

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The original Splinter Cell games ranks as one of my most favorite games for the XBox. However, in this one, UbiSoft moved the developer to Shanghai and thus removing the intellect and creativity of the Montreal team -and removing the inspiration from the original game. The alarm system now mirrors the alarm system in Metal Gear Solid almost to a tee. Next, the graphics remained the same with significant clipping still of dead bodies. Third, the game has generally become too dark or too bright. Additionally, the automatic "auto" of the SC-20 (when not in scope mode) has to the incredibly stupid addition in the game. I liked the original when you could change whether to have single shot or automatic fire for the gun. Lastly, the supporting characters (e.g., guards) are so bland. I thought Ubisoft was going to include actual native-speak like in SOCOM 2.

Now to the good stuff --

There were several inspirational things in the game. First, Sam will encounter an area which he must hide in the light which is a change. Next, the train portion has to be the most enjoyable section of the entire game (although short-lived). Third, the overarching storyline involving biological weapons being deployed in the United States is particularly disturbing. Additionally, when Sam enters LAX Airport and the discussion between Lambert and Sam about LAX has to be the most freakish level in the entire game. Lastly, the inclusion of the SWAT turn has to be the best change for Sam Fisher in the game. It is invaluable.

Overall, this game should be considered as partial sequel. However, it was a disappointment overall compared to the original. Please bring the back the original Montreal team for the next one. PLEASE.

Reviews of Ferrari Universal 5-in-1 Challenge Wheel

Customer Ratings:

I purchased this for my 11 year old daughter, as she wanted a "real" racing wheel with pedals for the Wii. It was easy to set up (just plug it in) and, it worked right away. After launching Mario Kart Wii with the wii remote, the Thrustmaster wheel functions like an additional wii remote for choosing characters and races. The pedals work for acceleration and braking, and, I find that the racing wheel has a nice feel to it. It can be set to one of two sensitivity settings.

I also found a sheet showing the button presets for Mario Kart on the Thrustmater support website. For instance, the brake pedal also functions as a drift button. My daughter loves it. She races with my 14 year old son, who uses the Wii wheel that came with the game. But they both prefer using the Thrustmaster racing wheel, as it is easier to use and more "fun," than the standard Wii wheel.

NOTE: Check the Thrustmaster website: go to "Tech Support--Downloads--Game Settings" for the list of compatible games for this wheel.

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I ordered this last week for playing GRID on my PS3. When I took it out of the box, I was a little worried because the wheel is so small compared to one I had for my Xbox. But after clamping it to a table and firing up GRID, my worries are gone. The choice I had was between this wheel for $30 or a Logitech wheel for $150. I'm not sure what a $150 wheel does for you but this one works well with my PS3, will work with my Wii, and makes playing GRID much more fun.

Best Deals for Ferrari Universal 5-in-1 Challenge Wheel

Exactly what I was looking for! An arcade style wheel with pedals for my Gamecube racing games to use on my Nintendo Wii. I love the realistic feel of racing, and the Gamecube racing selection. I wanted to find a way to play those games as I would if they were Wii games. And this is it!

It also works with Mario Kart for Wii really well! (This is the only Wii game that it's currently compatible with at this time, because the game allows use of the Gamecube controller.)

Works well straight out of the box. I was able to plug it in, and start playing right away. It does take just a moment to learn where the correct buttons are, like with Mario Kart for example.

I was very impressed with way the controls handled and responded. Not too loose but just right. It was much easier to use then the Gamecube controller on games like Burnout, where you need quick, accurate response, without over-correcting. PC wheels I have used in the past seemed to have you all over the place, and were too responsive, with no tension. This wheel has the perfect balance. It also seems sturdy enough to last for a while.

The size wasn't bad and I found it quite comfortable. It's not the size of a full sized wheel, but it certainly wasn't an inconvenience. I actually liked the smaller size, it felt easier to use. Close to the size of the Wii wheel, so it felt familiar.

It will add a new dimension to your Gamecube racing games, and open up some more fun options for those of us that have Wii, but have limited racing selection.

Honest reviews on Ferrari Universal 5-in-1 Challenge Wheel

I just wanted to make sure everyone saw that! I did NOT see it in the description... maybe I Missed it, I dont know.

But I got it so my husband can play his beloved "Dirt to daytona" On the ps3 (it is a ps2 game in our house) And it does NOT work.. says it right in the booklet that came with the steering wheel.

But it works great on the PC (He played one of the 18 Wheels of steel games) & it works great on the PS3 as long as it is a Ps3 game lol.

We have not tried it on the wii or gamecube yet.

Over all it is a great wheel.

His only complaints (besides the obvious) is :

it is a little small

The pedals are close together

the buttons are not marked.

But he says it is a great birthday present & overall he is happy with it!

Hope this helps someone!!

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I purchased this wheel cuz the description stated it worked with all game platforms and I have a Wii. When I received it and read the instructions this wheel only will work with downloaded virtual games for the Wii with use of the classic controller. Needless to say I sent it back.

Buy FIFA Soccer 11 - Xbox 360

Customer Ratings:
List Price: $24.99
Sale Price: $17.80
Today's Bonus: 29% Off

I played FIFA 10 a lot and pre-ordered FIFA 11 to make sure that I would receive the game on its release date. I have already played dozens of matches in several different game modes and completed over 40% of the virtual pro accomplishments. Here's my take on FIFA 11:

NEW FEATURES:

Manager Mode and Be A Pro Seasons Mode from FIFA 10 have been combined into a new mode called Career Mode. Now you can choose to be the manager, to be a player, or to be a player/manager. This mode is simpler than last year's Manager Mode. Some of the features such as players scouting and stadium upgrades have been removed. In my opinion this takes away from the game's depth. I used to enjoy just playing as the manager and simming matches, but I don't think it will be as satisfying in FIFA 10.

Be a goalkeeper. Goalkeepers are now playable characters both offline and online. This adds a little more variety to the game, although playing against the computer can be fairly dull because the AI rarely threatens your net. In offline games, FIFA 11's solution to the boredom problem is to give you a little bit of control over the computer players on your team. You can follow them with an overhead ball camera and tell them where and when to pass. As for the online play, goalkeepers are both a blessing and a curse. A good goalie can help your team win, but a bad one can easily ruin your game by intentionally allowing the other team to score.

Personality +. Players now look and move more realistically, although this only really applies to big stars on major teams. All of the players on a team like Chelsea or Real Madrid look pretty authentic, but if you drop down to a lower league like MLS, you will find that there isn't nearly as much attention to detail. Players who would never attempt difficult skill moves in real life will be doing fancy tricks and step-overs.

GAMEPLAY:

The actual game is fun to play. The controls are very good and responsive. The players move around fluidly. Shooting is fairly precise, although the chip shot is practically worthless now due to complaints about the ease of chipping the keeper in FIFA 10. Goalie control is simple and intuitve. Passing is pretty easy once you get a feel for the system. The defensive AI is much tougher than in FIFA 10. They are better at tackling and much better at reading passing lines and intercepting the ball. On the other hand, the offensive AI is still completely terrible. The computer is awful at making runs, which results in lots of low-scoring games. Even on the high difficulties, it is easy to prevent the computer from scoring because they hold to the ball too long and they always try to do the same thing on offense: run along the wings and try to cross it in for a header. If you can stop that, they probably won't score. This makes defense too easy and it also makes offense too hard because your bone-headed AI teammates will rarely make smart runs or passes that help you score. Instead you pretty much have to do it all yourself. On a positive note, there are hundreds of teams to choose from. Some people have complained about the national teams, but all of the big ones are in there and even some small ones like Slovenia.

VIRTUAL PRO:

Like FIFA 10, FIFA 11 lets you create your own virtual pro for use in offline and online matches. This was one of my favorite features in last year's game and the virtual pro system has been streamlined a little bit for 2011. You can improve your player by achieving certain goals such as scoring 10 goals in your career. This year there are more accomplishments than in FIFA 10 and the system used to track your progress towards the accomplishments is a little more organized. Also, there is more customizability with your pro's attributes and position. For example, if you choose to make him a forward, you can make him a "finisher," "target man," or "creator." All three options will have a different effect on his attributes. This allows for greater flexibility and strategy. However, you can switch positions at any time between matches, so nothing you choose is permanent.

ONLINE:

This is the biggest problem with FIFA 11. As of right now, there are numerous bugs and glitches in the online play. The Pro Club system is particularly bad. Screens freeze while searching or loading matches. Players lag out in the middle of matches. Math histories sometimes disappear, erasing the result. It seems like EA did not even bother to test these modes because they have not been working very well. There is no excuse for a rich company like EA to release a major franchise game like FIFA in an unfinished state. Many people who bought the game feel outraged about this. My guess is that EA will probably fix these problems eventually, but right now the online modes do not all work smoothly.

OVERALL:

This is a fun game. Right now I'm rating it 3 stars because EA released it with broken online modes. However, if I EA can fix these problems then this game will improve to 4.5 stars in my estimation. The actual gameplay is pretty fun. The only major problem is with the online lag and bugs. For FIFA 12 I hope that EA will improve the computer AI because the CPU players are utterly inept at manufacturing offense and threatening the goal.

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I am mainly interested in the Manager mode, so here are some quick observations:

Can play Manager mode as a Manager and player, as a player only or as a Manager only. You will need to play on Professional or higher, if you want to make it to the Leaderboards.

Manager mode is simplified quite a bit, but menus are much more cumbersome. Instead of simply playing the games, you now have a calendar mode, similar to the one in Forza 3. To get to the game, you have to let each day pass (smart way to hide the longer loading times). Maybe I'll get used to these menus, but for now, they seem too complicated.

Transfers: You have now a menu to sort by any criteria you want. You can find many top players from Day 1 (unlike Fifa 10), but you will no longer afford them easily. In Fifa 10, you would make an offer slightly higher and the deal would almost always get through. In Fifa 11, if the player plays in the main 11 team, many times you would need to make his club a top offer (up to twice the asking transfer price). Once the club agrees, the negotiation with the player is a separate step. Fabregas would have to wait I don't have enough money yet.

Some things seem to be out (or buried in some obscure menus???)no Scouting, Stadium Improvements, etc. Lots of options are in though how to set up the team, what strategies to use, etc. Some were already available in Fifa 10, but Fifa 11 gives us even more.

Gameplay: AI plays slightly better defense, long passes work better, dribbling is better. Shooting is not as spectacular as it was in Fifa 10, but maybe closer to reality. For a pure fun game, you may want to keep Fifa 10 around, because Fifa 11 is more tactical and scoring is not as easy as before.

Multiplayer: you will need to activate a unique code that comes with the game. If you buy a used game, double check with the seller to be sure they didn't use the code.

Graphics: seems to be the same engine, but the players definitely look better than in Fifa 10.

Bottom line different game from Fifa 10, but still fun. Should you buy this over Fifa 10? Fifa 10 is a pure fun, more arcade type of game. Fifa 11 is more of a sim and is more tactical. Both are great games and different enough to be worth owning.

Updated Feb 19th: I am removing one star from the rating, because as of mid-February, the rosters didn't get updated with the January transfers. In Manager mode, the game claims it checks for latest teams, yet still the old teams show up. Torres is still with Liverpool, Pienaar is not with Spurs, Dzeko is not under Man City, Suarez not with Liverpool, etc. This detracts from the game experience. For a game called Fifa 11, they should have 2011 teams. I will update rating if game gets patched.

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the game is good and i feel it is the best soccer game out but it has it's problems. the bigest problem i have with the game is how unrealistic some of the gameplay is. for example it is so easy to score of crosses just cross the ball in and you got a great chance to score. also its way to easy to score goals and make passes and like alot of EA sports games it has alot of glitches and game freezes also beware if you buy the game used you will need to buy a online pass just to play online pass cost 10 dollars having said that i still preffer this over pro evo 2011

Honest reviews on FIFA Soccer 11 - Xbox 360

I have been playing FIFA for years now and have been thoroughly enjoying it all these years. I got this game on a release date delivery ( just like the years before). I play strictly offline and on Manager mode mostly. I have played through over 2 seasons now and here is my feedback on what i think of the game.

gameplay ai has gotten tougher, but sometimes you feel like the referee is working against you. free kicks are awarded to cpu on a 10 to 1 ratio. you find yourself playing conservative football for 90mins only to find that the ai gets in on a cheap header through a fk awarded in the 91st min.. manual passing seems to have gotten better and i thoroughly enjoy it. pressure from the cpu defenders seems to be excessive and they are on your face. you have 30 different skill moves to make but they wont leave space to do anything. most of the time the second you get the ball they are on your back or face to push you and get it away.. overall i feel that improvements were made but excessive agressive ai doesnt always feel realistic.

manager mode replaced by career mode with options to play as a player, manager & player manager. i have played as a manager, although the game doesnt crash like the previous years here are my gripes.. found a simple bug on a calendar, one would think after aug 12 would come sep 12 .. not in fifa aug 2012 is followed by sep 2011 and then oct 2011.. this is pretty basic and should not be seen in a title like fifa.. it takes a ton of time to simulate the days that you dont have a match and its boring to sit and watch it move through day after day..

graphics same as last year

sound same as last year no change..

i dont use the creation center, virtual pro and online so i wont write about it here..

having said all that i keep playing this stupid thing over and over again.. its frustrating when you get scored on in the 89th min.. but may because i have played the football games through years or lack of a better choice this disk still sits on my xbox and gets played every night.. i have not played the PES series for years now and i am not sure if i will be satisfied making the switch this year.. but for now i am hoping they would release a patch or 2 fix the obvious bugs.

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I decided to wait a while before writing this review, knowing that by the time the review was written most of the people who wanted to buy this game had probably already done so. Still, I thought writing a review was important because I've reached the point where I have taken this game out of my Xbox and I'm no longer going to play it.

The first thing I noticed was how good the graphics are -it's really an incredible game to look at. Player faces are great, the stadiums which are included are great-looking, it really looks very, very good. Now the bad.

I spent most of my time playing this on career mode at the professional difficulty level. Here are some of the interesting things you'll notice (suffer through?) during game play:

Somehow defenders can come from behind a player sprinting with the ball in the other direction and steal the ball without any kind of slide and calmly head the other direction. As soon as they make contact, they have the ball. This makes break-away goals next to impossible, even with the fastest players in possession.

It's nearly impossible to score from the middle of the field due to the defenses habit of gang defending. As soon as I have the ball anywhere near the front of goal, at least two defenders will converge and steal the ball. Meanwhile, I can be practically attached to players all over the field without stealing it from them. I have given up a ton of goals where my defender was in the perfect position but it didn't matter. Extremely frustrating.

Heading the ball is a mystery to me. Because I can't score from the middle of the field, I decided to focus on crosses. Thing is, it seems to be random whether my player wins the cross and even more random whether the ball is on target. I have tried aiming everywhere, and the ball will still go into the crowd half the time. That's when I win it. My son counted in one game and I lost 12 headers in a row. Player skill level doesn't matter.

If you play career mode with MLS teams, there is no off-season transfer window because the game strictly adheres to European transfer rules. So the only time you can purchase/sell players in an MLS season is during the summer transfer window. And if you want to improve your team, it's best to buy players from your current league or a lower-tier league because no upper-tier player will play for your team, no matter how much you offer.

Turn off hand balls. You'll concede penalties in nearly every game otherwise. It's hard enough to play against better teams with just the fouls that are called when you're lucky enough to steal the ball.

This review is long enough so I've just included the things I found most frustrating. I could probably write a book. It's unfortunate to say but with each version of this game the graphics get better while the gameplay gets worse. I'm not sure what they can do to improve things, but EA needs to take a fresh look at this franchise.

Discount Dragon Age: Origins Collector's Edition -Xbox 360

Customer Ratings:

I think most gamers are already aware of BioWare's pedigree, and they have stated that Dragon Age is the "spiritual successor to Baldur's Gate." Myself, the only thing I was worried about was EA's heavy hand in BW's back pocket, fortunately, this definitely does NOT seem to be the case.

Dragon Age: Origins is a very well thought out and then realized fantasy world. You start by making a choice... male or female and then one of five different races (there are actually only three races, but elves and dwarves come in two different varieties each), one of three different classes (warrior, mage, or rogue) that will eventually branch off into one of four different specialties. Each choice has it's "Origins" in the form of a specific story line unique to each race with each class, obviously, taking a different approach to that story. I first played the human noble origin, and am now on the elves, then I'll do the dwarves... I'll take the race that I like playing the best and that will be my main character. (Seeming as there's an achievement for each Origin, it's rewarding to take this approach as well).

The graphics are incredible and the sound is just as incredible, I'm not actually sure that there is a way to play this game and *not* get immersed, no lost, in it. I also like the controller scheme, it proved to be very intuitive once I spent a few minutes with it. There's only one action button (A) the other three are skill or talent specific with (RT) acting as a shift so you can get 2 sets of three commands (all mapable on the fly). On the other side (LT) pulls up a radial menu that lets you access most of your different commands similar to how Mass Effect used radial menu's but this one is staked, after you select from the main tree you get a second radial to pick your specific action, and just like ME the radial menu pauses the game. I will do a full review when I get done with my first playthrough.

What I wanted to comment specificaly on was the collector's edition. Is the CE worth the extra money? To me it absolutely was. It's all packaged really nice in a metal case with a map and an extra DVD with a lot of content. On the DVD besides the gratuitous "Making of..." videos, game art, and other comentaries there is also a video strategy guide --by the lead designer at BioWare-and it's really informative. Besides giving some sage advise on different character builds and play styles he also drops some hints as to where to find some of the most powerful items in the game for each class. My favorite part of the Collector's Edition, however, is the extra in-game content. For opting with the CE you get 3 special items: a book, a staff, and a helmet (all heavily enchanted, of course), and you also get the 'Blood Dragon' armor that will also be useable in Mass Effect 2 (how cool is that?) and it tops off with the 'Stone Prisoner' quest please note that this quest is available for purchase seperately as DLC on BioWare's server, but it's not cheap. All in all I am very happy with the CE and I would recommend it over the standard version any day.

**edit 11/15/2009**

I have finished every origin plot line and opted for a female human rogue for my first playthrough. I'm maybe 1/3 of the way through it, I don't have a lot of time to play right now and when I do play I'm trying to cover all ground possible before I move on. I don't want to get too specific in case of spoilers, but I will say the only thing that I can find to complain about so far is a slight lack of depth as far as tactics that are offered and too many talents available compared to how many points you get to spend on them. I will say that BioWare has a good amount of possible tactics to apply to whichever character, BUT in order to get enough slots to make it really worthwhile you have to spend your talent points on tactics.

Personally, I am currently of the mind that there are way too many skills and talents and not enough points available to even end up with 1/3 of them by the end of leveling (it appears there is a level 20 cap *3.15*>there is no cap, level 20 is considered the first mature character level* but skills and talents could still use some an update). Then they make it not just individual talents to focus on, but in trees of four this makes for some hard decisions when you level. This is a detraction for me because I'll end up micro-analyzing which skill/talent I should get instead of playing the game! Mages have it worst. They have a considerably larger spell tree than the warrior or rogue have for skill trees. Being that this is the only thing I have found thus far to have a serious gripe about I still contend that this is by far one of the better games to come along in a while.

**edited 03.15.10**

I have finished a thorough playthrough on the X360 and am about 1/3 through a PC playthrough. I maintain most of my original enthusiasm for this title. If I could revote I would make it a 4-star rating, but this is still a very solid addition to the rpg game realm. There is some definite shortcomings with the whole "tactics" style gameplay, which is almost surprising considering how much Bioware seems to have put into it but its there. Mainly, as far as tactics go there's really only one option and that's have your warriors charge in and take'em downand leave spellcasters in the rear of the battlefield. You **as in the character you're controlling** can attempt to flank, but that's about it. Sadly there's no attempt at a stealthier style of gameplay and combat. Even so, battles can stil be enjoyable but it definitely leaves a hole in the combat system. My main complaint about DA:O is that **everything** is scripted, just try to surprise attack any enemy -can-not be done. This is because combat is only initiated through the conversation options; unless its an attack on the map screen while traveling. You can't just attack somebody because you want to and this is almost unforgivable. Hopefully with the sequel to this they will change that. Currently I am waiting to play Awakenings and Return to Ostagar, I decided to wait to play RtO until Awakenings came out and I'm sure I'll enjoy it. I have enjoyed this title mostly, except for the combat hangups which I really hope they fix.

Bethesda's current stance is that they have become a publishing house and wont be making games anymore Fallout's next game has gone to another designer (Obsidian) and there is reportedly *not* going to be an Elder Scrolls 5 (I was completely floored by this). This is going to leave a huge gap in the fantasy rpg genre which Dragon Age could definitely make a grab for the gold at, but for me they really need to re-address their whole combat system to allow you to attack or not when you want to and have better control of your party and actually have some tactical options: flanking, 2nd wave, surprise attacks, etc. Without a new TES I will definitely be paying attention to what Bioware does with this title.

**edited 05.23.10**

***CHANGED 5STAR RATING TO 4STAR RATING***

^^^^Great news about the previous comment block^^^^ Pete Hines and Todd Howard were being misquoted (check out the forums at Bethsoft if you're interested), there will definitely be a TESV by Bethesda Game Studios they are just not even going to speculate on its arrival or any multi-player games.

I definitely want to see where Bioware takes Dragon-Age though what they did with Mass Effect was simply incredible and revolutionary (I am not aware of any other sequel that lets you port your previous character into it). I am thoroughly intrigued by Morrigan (voice acting by Claudia Black definitely sends it over the top) and what it seems like she's up to, in fact the whole plot of the DA story rests on her lovely shoulders now IMO.

Return to Ostagar was OK, but definitely *not* worth the wait it was originally slated for a "just in time for the holidays" late Nov./early Dec.'09 release date. It doesn't seem like enemies scale with player progression either. I blazed through Ostagar with a level 23 rogue and darkspawn were bouncing off me, I guess after defeating the arch-demon on hardest very little else will seem challenging.

I am about 1/2 way through Awakenings with mixed-emotions, not that anything about it has been bad -I just can't seem to 'get into it' as much as I did with Origins, although there's a new *play as the darkspawn* (can't remember what they named it) mod out now so maybe I can get back into it.

**edit 05.23.10** addendum to the addendum, changed star rating (was 5, now 4)

**edit 03.15.10** final review addendum

**edit 11.21.09** grammatical correction

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Deluxe edition stuff at the very end.

If you don't want to read my retarded ode to Bioware, please skip ahead to where it says, "Actual Review!".

Ah, Bioware. You're like an old girlfriend. The one who defined love for me (1). Then you hurt me (2). I still loved you, but I didn't understand; why did you have to do that?

You went your way and I went mine. Eventually I learned to forget. I met new people; sometimes I'd fall in love, but it was never quite the same (3).

We'd see each other every couple years, and we'd have a lot of fun for a night or two (4). But other times I thought to myself, "What are you doing with your life? We could be happy together! Why are you doing this? (5). After these ultimately disappointing hookups I'd always dig up our old photos and go through them (6). I'm not ashamed to say I cried a little.

You always told me you were searching for something. Learning who you were, and how to be.

Then, one day in early November, you called me. You said, "I know now; I know who I am. I know where I belong: with you." And then you came back home to me.

Then it all became so clear; you HAD been learning. It was the old you, but a new version! Everything past was prologue to this; the version of you I always knew was there. I just needed to have faith, and you'd see it too, and we could get back what we had, what we'd always known was us.

I love you Bioware. I realize now I've always loved you. Thank you for being in my life.

Answer Key!

1. Baldur's Gate I and II, the infinity engine that led to Icewind Dale, Fallout, and Planescape

2. Neverwinter Nights

3. The Elder Scrolls, Neverwinter Nights 2, FFX, FFXII

4. KOTOR, Mass Effect

5. Jade Empire, Sonic RPG

6. all those replays of BGII

ACTUAL REVIEW!

This is the best cRPG experience I've had in ten years. It becomes very clear within the first few minutes of your Origin story that you're experiencing gaming history. Not the revolutionary, innovative, awesome new mechanic kind of gaming history. This is analogous to a new album from your favorite artist that's been doing experimental side-projects for the last few years, and now comes out with a solid, deep, meaningful effort in a well-established form.

All the old ingredients are here: rich, meaningful character relationships; deep, tactically challenging combat; well written, thought-provoking dialogue trees. In short, everything you knew Bioware was capable of, but hasn't been fully present in any of their games since BGII.

Don't get me wrong; I've liked almost all of their games since then (Jade Empire and the Sonic RPG being the exceptions). It's just that none have fully satisfied me, or they've left me with the nagging feeling that something's just not quite right (re: KOTOR and Mass Effect feel slightly underdone).

This game is an instant classic, from a master of the genre. It's the kind of game that will be added to the roster of eminently replayable games (BGII, Fallout 1+2, Morrowind, Final Fantasy [pick your favorite], etc.). It's as good as or better than all of those.

Now, those of you that have NOT played Baldur's Gate, Fallout, Icewind Dale, NWN2, beware.

As evidenced by the very few negative reviews, the ad campaign for this game is not very representative of the content. This is a true western RPG, especially if you're getting it on the PC. Combat is challenging on every difficulty mode but easy.

IT IS BY NO MEANS a hack-and-slash or action RPG!!!

I still recommend it, but be prepared to open your mind to a new experience.

For those of you trying to decide on which version to get, here are some things:

If you played and loved Baldur's Gate, and got it because you bought into the "spiritual successor to Baldur's Gate" thing, get it for the PC, no question.

On the console, the camera is locked in behind the character in the style of Knights of the Old Republic or Mass Effect. This is fine for those who fell in love with Bioware since their console years began, but not if you want to play it for full tactical enjoyment.

Also, if you have a capable PC, the graphics are far superior to the consoles, which is often the case.

360 vs. PS3?

PS3 looks better, 360 moves smoother. 6 of 1.

Don't hesitate. Buy this game.

Learn it,

Live it,

Love it:

Bioware is Back.

P.S. For those of you getting the Deluxe Edition, the added content is completely worth it. You don't have to feel cheated; they did it right. Worth every last penny.

Best Deals for Dragon Age: Origins Collector's Edition -Xbox 360

This was a Christmas present for my dad. He and I have been huge fans of Bioware ever since Knights Of The Old Republic came out in 2003. This is one of his favorite games. He has played and beaten it at least five times, with no signs of boredom. I've also played it a bit. In my opinion, it's pretty good. I believe he is extremely happy with this purchase!

Honest reviews on Dragon Age: Origins Collector's Edition -Xbox 360

It was everything i could ever want in the collectors edition and this came with everything and in perfect condition.

Find helpful customer reviews and review ratings for Dragon Age: Origins Collector's Edition -Xbox 360

I'm not going to lie, I ONLY got the collectors edition on this because I knew it came with an add on for Mass Effect and yes, I'm a mass effect whore. I loved that game, and to be fair, I was really happy with this one too. I won't go on a giant rant about my hatred for the second, but just for this game, I was really enjoying it. I loved the characters (most of them), I loved the story. I LOVED the random conversations based on your party. The combat was fun, and in general there was always something pulling me to complete the game. I'm not a game critic, so I won't leave you an 8 million line post n the pros and cons of this game, yelling at the developers for this or that. I'm just going to say, it was a very enjoyable game and I did play it more than once, which is really saying something for a game nowadays.