Buy Perixx MX-3000B, Programmable Gaming Laser Mouse - Avago 8200dpi

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List Price: $49.90
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Today's Bonus: 36% Off

PROS:

Appearance:

-The general appearance of the mouse itself is very good; it definitely looks quality. The LED lights look pretty awesome. The 3D "bumpy" paint on the mouse is well done and doesn't look cheap at all. It's so realistic that when I opened the box and exposed the mouse my brother said "it has a defect, they made it bumpy."

-The box is nice, has a magnetic cover in front which one can lift to see the mouse

-The metallic weights and box also look nice, although I won't be seeing much of them

-The wire is braided black and blue and goes well with the blue dpi lights

Functionality:

-Tracking is excellent and works well on all surfaces I tried (including carpet/rug)

-The pads/feet on the mouse are smooth and result in little friction when using the mouse

-Ergonomics are pretty good; it is not evident from the pictures but the sides of the mouse are coated with a matte-like finish--not quite rubber, but still enough for a decent grip when using the mouse. The shape of the mouse fits the hand relatively well, and works for both palm and claw grips.

-The clickers are solid and click with the perfect amount of finger pressure

-The mouse wheel is quiet and turns with the perfect amount of pressure

-The mouse works (LEDs, all buttons, etc) right after it's plugged it in; the CD only has to be installed to program the mouse with other functions

CONS:

Appearance:

NONE

Functionality:

-MAJOR!!!: The software is good, but it doesn't adjust DPI all the way to 8200; it stops at 5000.

In the software, there are three ways to change DPI: a slider bar, clicking the up and down arrows next to the DPI text box, and manually entering the DPI in said text box. The slider bar is buggy (doesn't point to the DPI it's supposed to) and only lands on 500/1000/1500/2000/3000/4000/5000 DPI, the up and down arrows only bring the DPI to those same numbers, and manually entering the DPI I want only changes the DPI to the numbers above. It was a bummer that I couldn't manually enter the 800 DPI I'm used to for some games (if you look at the product description on the Perixx site, the DPI for the MX3000 reads 500-8200 rather than #/#/#/#/#/#/# like it does for its other mice, making me believe that I could adjust it to a specified amount I wanted), but at the very least, this mouse should perform at the advertised DPI range. Upon further inspection, I realized that the 500/1000/1500/2000/3000/4000/5000 DPI range is for the MX2000, so it appears that Perixx recycled some of their older-model software for this mouse. Hopefully a software patch can be released so customers can play at advertised DPI levels. I'm not taking off a star for this, but you may be bothered by the current range.

-DPI +/button has awkward positioning. Also, I noticed that it doesn't seem to perfectly fit in its slot, because when I press +DPI and then -DPI right after, the button clicks twice--once (minor) when it goes to the middle, and another when it goes to the minus side. The mouse only registers the second click though, so it's not terrible, just an annoyance. Note that this doesn't happen when going from to +. I'm not sure if this is a defect with my particular mouse or all of them.

-The middle mouse wheel is a bit difficult to click, but I'm adjusting to this

OTHER:

-Though not necessarily apparent, the shape of this mouse is for right-handers only

-The LED DPI indicators are always blue, regardless of what color the side LEDs are set. The scroll wheel does not light up, as a couple of the pictures may make it seem; rather, the inside of the mouse lights up to color the side LED lights, and a bit of this light leaks through the wheel hole.

-The wheel does not scroll side-to-side

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This mouse fits really well with my hand and grip. I like the button placements. My only major gripe, is it tracks movement even when its lifted off the mousepad more than a 1/2 inch. I play with fairly low sensitivity so I pickup and move the mouse some for larger movements and it is tracking my backswipe unless I excessively lift it off the mat.

Update: I contacted perixx and they said would pass this info along to their design team to improve it. I ended up returning this mouse and buying a Razer Deathadder which has a setting for mouse lift right in the software. Really like it so far.

Update 2: Perixx responded saying their future mice will have a 2mm liftoff.

Best Deals for Perixx MX-3000B, Programmable Gaming Laser Mouse - Avago 8200dpi

I got this mouse to replace my WOW mouse. I like how you can program it. you can Chang the DPI to make the mouse faster or slower.

Honest reviews on Perixx MX-3000B, Programmable Gaming Laser Mouse - Avago 8200dpi

I haven't tried the CD to change the colors and all that other fun stuff, but the mouse has been working great for me so far.

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great gaming mouse for first time buyer still figuring out all the bells and whistles no issues great software for the computer to setup the mouse

Buy Aliens Vs. Predator: Extinction

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Aliens vs Predator Extinction is a StarCraft style game pitting the human marines against the classic sci-fi monsters Aliens and Predators. Three separate campaigns await!

There are 7 missions per group, and 20 maps that you explore. Sometimes you are the marines, trying to defend your base against the onslaught of nasties. Sometimes you are the aliens, carefully tending to your nest of eggs and developing a new queen. Each group has its own growth trees, its advancements and goals.

The graphics are good but not excellent. The maps are sometimes quite on the plain side endless caves, endless jungles. The sound is reasonably good and does give you a spooky feeling sometimes, worrying what might be around the next corner.

None of the groups are easy to play, and the game is definitely not an arcade-style shoot-em-up. You have to lay down a well thought out strategy, using each of your unit types to its best advantage, if you're going to win. Anyone who has seen the movies knows that whatever side you're on, there are usually overwhelming odds stacked up against you that usually leave only one man standing. The game is no exception. Don't expect an easy mow-down-the-enemy game. Whichever side you play, you're going to have to play WELL to move along.

I realize that plots are usually rather transparent in these games, but I do still like them. I was disappointed with the plot and cutscenes in here you get a brief 'do this' description in the beginning and if you win, you win. I would really have loved some cinematics to show what was happening and to give you a sense of satisfaction when you win the game. To just have it say "OK, campaign done." wasn't very much fun after many hours of playing.

Probably the most disappointing part was the complete lack of multiplay. We often have friends over the house to play games with us, and this one was a sit-and-watch game only. You can't multiplay in the same house. You can't multiplay over XBox Live. And since there are only 7 missions per group, once you finish those missions, the game is completely over. That's rather short for us we enjoy games that we play for months and months, unlocking new features and missions and playing multiplay. To have a game that just ends after a week of play seems rather short.

A great game for a sci-fi and StarCraft style strategy fan, but be ready to sell it back to the game store for their used shelves when you're done.

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First let me start off by saying I absolutely love the Aliens vs. Predator franchise. Its probably one of the best ideas that had ever been conceived. Pitting two of the most popular movie monsters of all time against one another in a fight to the death...what could be more fun? Well, unlike the other Aliens vs.Predator games, AvP:Extinction breaks the First Person Shooter criteria and comes in with a Real-Time Strategy game. Its a nice attempt, but ultimately flawed.

The graphics in the game are sub-par...as far as a strategy game goes they're decent, but just very average...clearly nowhere near the caliber of Warcraft III or Command and Conquer: Generals. However, examining the creatures up close yields further distortions in graphics. Some of the aliens look ridiculous, and the Predators look just plain silly. The design is very cartoonish, just like Aliens vs. Predator 2 for the PC, which many people complained about. The environments are also very drab and dull...nothing really stands out. Some of the jungle environments are nice, but most of the environments, such as interior settings and caves, are just lifeless and boring.

The game itself is very simplistic. While creating endless droves of Aliens is alot of fun, the whole game just lacks substance. Aliens use the Queen to lay eggs, and drag back hosts that they killed (or more likely, just invaded and nearly wiped out your colony the moment the mission started). The Queen is basically the epicenter of the hive...you purchase all upgrades by selecting her, and using 'currency' earned by killing your enemies, you can upgrade your aliens. The basic Alien species are there: the warrior, the drone, the dog alien from Alien 3, the praetorian introduced in the AvP games, and new Aliens called 'Ravagers', which are huge, monstrous aliens with blades for hands that rend and maim opponents. The 'Carrier' is a large Alien that allows facehuggers to attach to its dorsal spines and leap out at enemies as you go. Nice ideas, though the creatures themselves look uninspired. All the aliens have unique abilities, and playing as them was an overall fine experience, but the game is just not executed well.

As for Predators, you are very limited in forces, which is understandable considering how powerful they are. The only building they have is the 'Shrine', where upgrades can be purchased and new Predators summoned. All the Predators have unique abilities and weapons, though some of them look uterly ridiculous...one Predator has a scythe, and it just doesn't go well with the whole Predator look. Cloaking is utterly useless, since it seems that everyone and everything can see you regardless. Predators earn curency by killing, as well as taking trophy skulls of their enemies.

Marines are simple enough to use, though difficult to play. The 'CommTech' is used to purchase upgrades and summon more units from the dropship. If the commtech is killed, you're out of luck. Some of the humans are immensely powerful, which throws the balance of the game off alot. The marines don't have any structures of any kind, just one landing beacon where the drop ship lands. Marines earn currency by fixing 'Atmos' which generate steady income. They must be defended, since Aliens and Predators will try to destroy these every chance they get.

The game is unbeleivably difficult...it should be the Aliens that come in countless swarms...not marines and Predators. The final Alien mission is infuriating...the moment the mission starts out, you are attacked by all three sides (Marine, Predator, Mutant Aliens) and they don't attack each other...they attack you. Some of the earliest Predator missions open up right into the middle of a fire fight...the Predators should be able to decimate marines but the endless swarm of marines and their incredibly strong fire power are too much. The game can end before you even get out of the starting area. As for marines...forget it. Aliens and Predators swarm you so much you won't even know whats going on half the time.

Overall, the game's biggest fault is that it was designed narrowly...with the consoles in mind. All the races, while characteristically different, are fundamentally the same. None have any structures, other than the main population center (Queen, Shrine, Landing Beacon). The game is somewhat unbalanced, with some units just being far too powerful. The idea of Alien procreation is good and is probably one of the best aspects of the game, but this game is just far too basic of an RTS. Perhaps its biggest fault is the complete lack of Multi-player and custom missions. Once you beat the game, that's it. You're done. There is nothing else to do, unless you want to try for a 'medal' by fulfilling all mission requirements in a certain amount of time. The game is virtually devoid of extras, and there are no ending cinematics...when you beat a campaign...that's it...you're just done. You won. Nothing else. There is no downloadable content or anything else...this is strictly a one-player strategy game that, once beaten, has absolutely nothing else going for it. This was a decent attempt to expand the Aliens vs. Predator franchise into a new game genre...but it fails. Perhaps they should've paid more attention to existing strategy games...its utter lack of options and extras throws this game back almost ten years...compared to other RTS games, it is basic and completely mediocre. The game was fun, but it took only about 2 or 3 days to complete, and playing it anymore beyond that became pointless, because there was nothing else to do.

This just further proves that RTS games belong on PCs, not consoles. Had this game been released for the PC, with multi-player options, extra content, and a better game engine overall, then this would have been a winner. As it stands, it was a decent but failed attempt.

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Okay, I am kind of hesitant playing a strategy game without a mouse, but this game's system is actually really easy to learn and use. All three species very, which keeps you hooked after the first few missions. I would like to say that since each side varies so much, that each side would be really different to play, but it isn't so. You still need large numbers to accomplish much in this game. The upgrades are nice and inventive, and the Predators ripping the heads off of their kills is priceless! The sound effect for that particular event is great.

I did like the soundtrack, even though there was very few background tracks total.

Over all, the game is very hard. But it does have it's perks, and if you can't afford a computer and still love strategy games, this one will definetly fill your plate.

Honest reviews on Aliens Vs. Predator: Extinction

I had this game years ago an loved it but lost it. I saw it in amazon an knew i had to get it again. Graphics arent the best but especially if you have hd its still really good an easy to learn with constant fighting.

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Kids liked it. Didn't hold their attentioni very long unfortunately. They go back to it every now and then. Gives them a change.

POWER A FUS1ON Tournament Controller for PS3 Reviews

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List Price: $79.99
Sale Price: $67.99
Today's Bonus: 15% Off

I bought this controller because I highly prefer the 360's controller design, but currently only own a PS3. I read reviews for the 360 version and how many actually liked that version more than the official 360 controller, so I figured I should give it a shot. I am incredibly glad that I did. Don't be mistaken, this controller does have a couple of faults (which I will address later), but I can't express highly enough that they do not outweigh the benefits it provides, especially if you want a 360 controller design on the PS3. Many places on the internet you'll see reviews that mention the crazy high quality of the packaging, this is incredibly true. I've noticed since using this controller that I am playing first person games like Modern Warfare 3 with better precision and slightly superior end results as well.

The analog sticks on this controller are very nice, they have a wider base and end, but they also offer less resistance than either the 360 or PS3 controller. I think this adds to the precision your thumbs can aim with. I also enjoy the fact that it came with a separate pair of grips, I've used the rubber ones since I opened it. The only fault I feel that this controller has is the fact that it's wired (though the cable is incredibly long and durably braided). I think that being wired is actually a benefit as well though, because it feels more responsive than a Dualshock.

Now, onto the pleasant surprise of this controller, along with my PS3 I also own a gaming PC which I have hooked up most often to a 50 inch television. This controller is plug and play with Windows 8. As soon as you plug it in Windows finds the drivers for "Wired Tournament Controller for PS3". If you couple this with a key mapping program like Joy to Key or Xpadder, you can emulate keystrokes seamlessly. If you use a 360 controller emulator (like this tocaedit) you can even directly emulate a 360 controller in games which support it. In the end, I highly prefer this controller to any I have ever used, even though the price was steep. I just hope that the build quality is as good as it feels. Overall this is a fantastic product that I cannot suggest enough if you are willing to spend the money.

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I want to start off by saying I just can't stand the PS3 Dual Shock controller anymore. The reason being is that my thumbs are HUGE. When Im playing BF3 I constantly keep hitting the D pad and instead of shooting the person I like either throw an ammo crate at them or health pack or switch to rpg. And when im playing NHL 13 EASHL with my friends I hit the D pad as well, changing the plays which causes my firiends to yell at me lol. I am a huge fan of the xbox controller. The controller layout is better than any controller. That being said I wanted a new controller for my PS3 that has a similar layout to the xbox controller. I researched different ones making sure I read about dead zones and stumbled upon this one. Aside from the fancy design, this controller was a perfect match to the xbox controller. I don't mind it being a wired controller because I don't have to worry about charging the dam thing all the time. It has a pretty nice long cord that is threaded. I really like how it has LED lights in the thumb stick area that you can change colors. Theres like no deadzone. Only problem is that of course with most games, I don't know why they don't change this but you can't switch the L1/L2 and R1/R2. I really hope in the future every shooter game does this.

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Has a nice carry case. Thick braided wire. I've been using for 2 months now. It comes with 2 sets of handle grips, which I think it should just have the rubberized one. I wore a small hole in the center of the L stick (Fingernail), but it doesn't seem to get any bigger just worn in. Overall It's the best controller for non cheaters.

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I bought this on a recommendation from a pro gamer based on its durability and responsiveness. I've had it for over a month and love it!! I have a ps3 so it took a bit to get use to the xbox layout. Don't think i can use anything else now. Don't really care about the fancy lights but extra grips are definitely a super plus. Buttons and sticks are super sensitive. I'm really happy with this purchase.

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I had to use tennis tape to make the grips fatter, but, after that, this controller is perfect for me. It does nothing to increase your BO2 score. No mods here. The buttons are much more durable than the dualshock model and the actual triggers feel a lot better to me. Truthfully, you could buy the cheaper Power A controller that doesn't light up, and you'll have all of the benefits of this one. Still, I use it all the time, and love it.

Reviews of XBOX 360 Bulk Hardware Lot for XBOX 360 X-Clamp Replacement RROD

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List Price: $9.99
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Today's Bonus: 30% Off

These washers fit well for doing the X-Clamp mod on your Xbox 360. I'm a bit disappointed that they are the exact same dimensions as M5 washers that I paid a fraction of the price for, though.

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Cheap Monster Garage - Xbox

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List Price: $19.99
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Today's Bonus: 5% Off

very limited game play opportunity. maybe it's just me, but i never thought of this show as an opportunity for a video game. how exciting is removing a bolt for an entire minute (with a little graphic on the side showing how far out of the car it has traveled)??

just like the show, you have a set number of days and set number of tasks (buying or cannibalizing and installing parts with a budget) to complete the build. you control 3 team members plus jesse james. unlike the show, you just rip the car apart and put the new parts on before the days run out. just as a guage of interest, my kids spent 10 minutes on this game and spent the rest of the day playing "need for speed 2 undeground". i would not recommend this game at all. it's very poorly done.

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One of the best build-em, chop-em, design-em, race-em games available. It really is alot like the TV show!!!!

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This game is Pretty easy and fun...if u like to rebuild cars this game is for u!!!!

Buy Xbox 360 Special Forces Headset

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List Price: $29.99
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People online can't understand what is being said and they compared it to speaking underwater. Don't waste your money on this headset. Even the basic one that Xbox puts out is better.

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Looks cool. The mic sounds are very muffled. I bought a few different headsets, this was the worst of the bunch. I tested them all by sending a voice message from one LIVE account to another. I really wanted to like this one since I like the idea of a throat mic and a simple ear bud, but this particular headset was a disappointment. Not usable. Not recommended.

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it looks cool but sounds really bad. it was discribed as a fuzzy robot voice. strait out of the package. very disapointing! got here fast enough though.

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Serves the purpose of a head set but that huge ear piece defeats the purpose of concealing. Overall Pretty good I guess.

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I had the cod mw2 throat communicator, which is by far my favorite mic for my 360. My gf, calling herself "cleaning", dropped it in a bucket of water. So I decided to find a replacement mic w the same style, came across this one and gave this mic a try. When I put on the mic, the ends of the mic were uncomfortable and could only bare the uncomfort for an hour. The ear piece was uncomfortable as well. I'm not a fan of earbuds anyway, so these were unbearable. The functioning of the mic was pretty well for about 2 weeks, then it started to have a hard time picking up sounds and eventually died. If you're looking for something short term and uncomfortable, this is your mic.

Best LEGO Lord of the Rings - Xbox 360 Deals

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List Price: $39.99
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Today's Bonus: 56% Off

I never played any of the LEGO games before this, but always thought they looked like fun. They already have LEGO Star Wars, Harry Potter, Indiana Jones, and Pirates of the Caribbean, so I wondered when they were going to make LEGO Lord of the Rings. Being a HUGE LOTR fan, I had to get this.

For the first 2 or 3 hours, I was a little disappointed. I think my expectations were too high due to all the hype. Some previews were saying things like "this isn't just the best LEGO game, it may be the best LOTR game" and how it was going to be open world. One person called it "Skyrim for kids". It's not the best LOTR game...it's too condensed and too simple, and it really isn't what I consider "open world". Yes you can explore off the path and you can revisit locations as you wish, but you can't go too far and you can't for example take a different route to get to Mordor than they took in the book/movies. Some areas are fairly big while others are really small. Rivendell is pretty big, while Bree is like 4 or 5 houses, then when you leave you literally turn a corner, go over a hill, and there's Weathertop.

Once I got about 5 hours in though, I cast aside my preconceived expectations and began just having a blast. The cutscenes are HILARIOUS. I've laughed out loud so many times. It's a really fun game, and addicting. I like how you actually get to play as Isildur and fight Sauron at the beginning, and fight Saruman and the balrog as Gandalf, and get to play as FREAKING TREEBEARD and just step on orcs, and as Faramir and try to take down the oliphaunts! It covers the entire story and lets you play most of the memorable scenes. The fighting is a bit on the easy side (it's kind of like Fable 2 & 3 where you can't really "die", you just lose some money every time, which could have been used for buying new and better equipment), but there are puzzles that have had me stumped. It doesn't hold your hand and show you what to do.

As of this review I'm only halfway through The Two Towers, but seeing as how I haven't been able to find many reviews online I wanted to let people know how it is. If you're a fan, get it. It's a really good game and does the source material justice. There are little easter eggs in there that only big fans would get, like how Tom Bombadil is an unlockable character, and Peter Jackson makes a cameo in Bree (eating a carrot). I'm 30-years-old btw so you don't have to be a kid to enjoy this. Just don't expect "Skyrim for kids" or "the best LOTR game ever", but it's way better than most of the tie-in games that have been coming out in the last few years. I give it a 4/5.

UPDATE: I've now finished the Story Mode. It will take you about 9-12 hours depending on if you try to collect everything, but after you finish it tells you that you're only about 30% done with the game. Now you begin Free Play Mode and can now roam freely around Middle Earth collecting things and doing sidequests. There's also at least one bonus level (that I've discovered so far) that may be the best thing in the whole game...You get to play as Sauron, and the entire map of Middle Earth is now built out of LEGOs, not just the people. It's a lot smaller than in the Story Mode though. You go around with your mace and smash Minas Tirith, Edoras, Rivendell, Lothlorian, Bree, and Hobbiton into little LEGO bricks. The Mouth of Sauron follows you around as your companion. You can send the LEGO villagers flying with your mace...and there are sheep that you can ride around on as you spread your fear. So much fun. Anyway, it's a short game, but fun. The most open area in the game is Rohan/Gondor which is all one field but much too small for Rohan AND Gondor. You can see every landmark (Edoras, Helm's Deep, Isengard, Minas Tirith, and Mordor) on the horizon no matter where you're standing.

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As a grown man in my 20's, I bought this game because I wanted something lighthearted and entertaining to play. I truly love LOTR, still own my Legos from childhood, and own several other Lego inspired video games and this game is already my favorite Lego game. For parents considering purchasing this game, be mindful that the game is intended for children 10 and up. There isn't anything vulgar or too mature for younger children, but I would say that some of the puzzles and objectives may be too advanced for a younger child to figure out on their own. However, if you willing to try the game for yourself, this could be a fun bonding experience.

What you need to know about this game:

1) Prepare to collect studs. Lego games consist of destroying objects throughout the environment to collect studs (think coins) that can be used to purchase additional characters, items (weapons, tools, etc), and unlocks that make the game easier (stud multipliers, quest finders, etc.) These characters and items can the be used during free play to access areas that were not accessible during the main narrative. Ultimately, this system adds a lot of replay value to the game, although it can be frustrating at times because it is sometimes unclear as to what character and item you need to access these areas. There is often a bit of trial and error.

2) Don't skip the cutscences. Even if you know the LOTR by heart and have seen the movies, it really is worth watching these scenes. It is nice that the the producers used the actual voices and dialogue from the films to bring this game to life, but what is particularly great about these scenes are the creative liberties they take. I couldn't help but laugh when the rings being depicted are bigger than the Lego characters' hands or to see Legolas comb Gimli's beard when he wasn't looking. Sure these things are highly ridiculous and inaccurate, but that is part of the fun of this game. Just enjoy it for what it is.

3) You can co-op with a friend, sibling, or spouse. My fiancee and I decided to join forces on this quest and really has been fun for both of us. The nice thing about working with someone else is that we can collect studs and find hidden items much faster because the environments are really large (arguably larger than any other environment in the Lego universe). The other thing about co-oping is that if we both want to go off an explore separate portions of the environments, the screen will go from a full screen (as long as we are close together) to a split screen. This is a good feature because you are not tethered to partner the whole time.

Drawbacks to the game:

1) During co-op, sometimes you'll actually damage your partner as you attack approaching enemies. There is no life penalty for "killing" your partner, but before they respawn, they drop a lot of studs you have collected that will need to be quickly recollected before they disappear. If you trying to reach "True Adventure status" on each level (basically collect enough studs to completely fill a gauge at the top of the screen) this can be problematic.

2) Split-screen can sometimes make it difficult platforming (jumping from one object to the next) because it can be hard to gauge distance and direction. If you fall off the map, you lose some studs. Although, there is an option where you can change split-screen to vertical cut through out the game which could make things easier.

3) The instruction manual for the game (provided in the game case) provides bare minimal explanation of the features of gameplay. Luckily, there are in-game instructions that appear at that bottom of the screen and statues that tell you where hidden items can be found. However, figuring out how to buy items, where to buy items, and how to get to where you need to go next can still be difficult if you haven't played a Lego game before. When stuck, you can always look up how to complete objectives online.

With all that being said, if you are a LOTR purist, then this game may not be up to your standards because it does not depict every nuisance and detail from Tolkien's tale, but if you can accept the game for what is designed to be--an entertaining way to re-experience Middle Earth--then this game is quite fun and worth owning. I am certainly glad I purchased it and I hope others will be too!

Best Deals for LEGO Lord of the Rings - Xbox 360

This is a great game for anybody despite the whole LEGO feel. I'm in my 20s and I'm enjoying the game all the same. It tells the LOTR story that we all love with the dialogue from the movies and the music and all. It has a cool open world aspect where you can explore zones and do quests that I've not seen in a LEGO game before. If you enjoyed other LEGO games or are a LOTR fan you will undoubtedly enjoy this one too. Check it out.

Honest reviews on LEGO Lord of the Rings - Xbox 360

Lego has come so far with these games since they were first introduced. This one has full voice acting, great music, quests, and follows the movies very well. Great fun for the family, had my 6yr old playing with me no problem. Get it, its that good.

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I am a huge fan of LOTR so I was over the moon when this product was announced. However, I have to say that it lacks the simplicity of previous games such as Lego Batman. The open world concept is a bit challenging when you take in the epic story and characters. Essentially you play through the entire story in story mode, and then you may replay parts of the story in Free Play mode. That does feel odd since you are essentially taking other characters where they wouldn't have been in the books. But if you are enormously attached to the books, this game may bother you as it had to make changes in order to accommodate two players at all times. In order to have two players, new characters are introduced or characters may appear earlier than they would have otherwise. The story follows the movie closely, with identical voice acting.

Two of the standout parts of the game are the Ent battle, and when Sam saves Frodo in the orc castle. I enjoyed the novelty of the first, and the puzzles and humor of the latter. The game is rife with humor, a lego trademark. The earlier parts of the game are more of a visual delight, with the elf settlements and Hobbiton. I enjoyed the game much more in this earlier part, then when the landscape became pretty much the same later on. But then, Fellowship of the Ring is my favorite book of the three.

Following Golem through the swamps is one of the most annoying sections of the game, along with some of the battles (the oliphants!). Sometimes it felt like every battle was also a puzzle. Some of these are easier if you have two players, as when you play single-player, the second "player" doesn't play very effectively.

The interface is more challenging than previous games, since now you have inventory. It isn't always obvious how to access your inventory. There are many characters to choose from, and buy, but it's not always easy to figure out how to swap characters. Sometimes the character you swap goes into the player 2 spot. Some puzzles are extraordinarily annoying (certain jumping sequences especially) in a way that I don't recall from previous Lego games. And every major story scene had some annoying battle where you had to do a certain sequence of movements. After the first runthrough, one has no desire to repeat these experiences, especially if many minutes were spent trying to figure out what to do while being killed by a troll repeatedly. Once you know how to do it, there's no challenge it's just rote repetition. Ironically, it's more of a challenge than some previous lego games where battle is just button-mashing, but sometimes when a girl comes home from work, she just wants to button-mash and beat up bad guys.

The game does have lots of tips to help you on your way. There are infinite ways to achieve things. Again, this goes to the lack of simplicity that made previous Lego titles so great. The concept is that in addition to each of the characters having special powers you can also craft and acquire items that give you the ability to do things.

Definitely this game will reach a more adult audience than lego Batman, with the scope of the story and the depth of the horror. Lego of course makes it lighter and less violent than the original. I think that's why Lego chose to make the game more complex, complicated, and wide-ranging.

Overall, I will give the game three stars because unlike Lego Batman, I do not wish to replay every scene to get the maximum score and items. The massive scale and number of things to do overwhelms me, and I actually dread my son asking us to play it again. It just doesn't have the fun factor. We played Lego Batman for months. I don't see the point of playing this game for months. It's too big to appreciate the small victories along the way. it's too difficult to figure out how to replay previous levels. Overall, I just had trouble making the adjustment. Although I do play complex games on my own (like Assassin's Creed, Dragon Age, etc), when I want to play a game with my child, I don't want it to be hard for ME to figure out, because that makes it less fun for both of us.

Logitech WingMan Formula Force GP Wheel with Pedals Review

Customer Ratings:

The product arrived in 2 days in good order. It is a good quality wheel with a good feel. The pedals are large enough and well spaced. The wheel comes with an installation CD and a bundled game. The biggest problem I had was during installation. At one point it asks for you to insert the Windows '98 CD into the drive. My Dell computer did not include this CD so I was stuck without a necessary driver. After some time searching the internet, I was able to get the driver and complete the installation. Once over this hurdle, everything went well. The wheel is easy to set up and it works with all the games I have tried. The 6 buttons are easy to program for shifting gears, lights, horn or whatever you wish. By the end of the day the whole family was engrossed in Need For Speed High Stakes. The force feedback experienced with most games is amazing! You will feel bumps and turns and other cars hitting you. One thing to note is that if you have a heavy foot, the pedals may slide away from you, even on carpet. I have not used other force feedback wheels but I could definitely recommend this one an excellent option!

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The Formula Force GP wheel is a very comfortable, responsive USB steering wheel. I've been running it with Windows 2000, and have had not a bit of trouble with it, in fact, it has added a significant amount of fun and realism to my driving games. This, added to the low price (compared to other wheels) I paid ($49, after rebates) has made the wheel one of the best additions I have made to my computer.

Likes: 1. The rubberized red pads and cut-outs make the wheel much, much nicer than the all-plastic wheels out there 2. The wheel mounts easily and positively to your desk, and doesn't take up too much room 3. Force feedback effects are good 4. Wingman configuration program provides good configurability and control of the wheel 5. Great plug and play USB installation

Gripes: 1. The wheel is too small 2. The pedal base is too light, and should be further secured to prevent sliding 3. Odd noises from the wheel in use (when not drowned out by the game audio)

Overall, a great value and a very good wheel. This should tide me over until I can pony up the money for a better, metal wheel and pedal set (if EVER).

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Okay, I'm in my mid 50s and copy of Need For Speed jumped off the shelf into my cart the last time I went shopping. I installed the game and played it for awhile, first using the keyboard (can't be done), and then using a flight yoke I have. That was okay, but braking and accelerating was difficult, and I was all over the place as the yoke just didn't cut it.

Anyway, I was now addicted to this stupid game, so I searched Amazon.com for a "real" steering wheel. After checking the customer reviews I settled on this one. I don't plan on using it all the time, so I didn't want to spend a fortune, and for a few extra bucks the force-feedback feature seemed like it would be fun. It is.

The unit installed easily in Win 98, but I have to agree with another reviewer that the wiring on this thing is nuts. The pedals are already on the floor, so why not attach all the cables to that, then run one cable to the wheel? Also, the USB cable from the wheel to the computer isn't very long. I'll probably pick up an extension, and you may need one, too.

I had no problems with the pedals moving around, as some others said, but I have this really cheap carpeting in my office that I think helped. Also, the wheel clamps securely to just about any desk, but if you have a slide out keyboard drawer, like I do, you may have problems. Many games require use of the keyboard, and I can't pull mine out when the wheel is attached. I had to move the keyboard out of the drawer to get to it.

As for play: The wheel makes driving games a lot more fun. It has a good feel to it, the feedback isn't bad, but like another reviewer admitted I'm also spoiled. I have a Porsche 911, and this wheel and a game can't come close. I can tell when I'm off the road, and I can tell when I've hit something, and there's even some road feel (when I drive over cobblestones the whole desk shakes), but it's not even close to the real thing. Not that I would know what it feels like to hit a lot of trees, fences, and other cars. We're simply talking road feel here.

Still, it's a lot of bang for the buck, and they even give you a free game with it. You'd think they'd give you something that would really show off the wheel, but they don't. However, for [the price]the combination of the wheel and the game is a damn good deal. Even better when you discover that older versions of Need For Speed, and similar programs, are really cheap.

I should admit that I have not compared this wheel to any others. The four star rating is based on the four star grin on my face, and the fact that I felt it was a bargain. At least if it winds up on a shelf after awhile I won't glance over at it thinking about all the money I wasted.

Oh, yeah. I ordered this from Amazon with the free shipping option and it arrived in only two days! That kind of service is hard to beat.

Honest reviews on Logitech WingMan Formula Force GP Wheel with Pedals

I ordered the Logitech Wingman Formula Force GP w/ foot pedals on a late Sunday afternoon, using the super saver free shipping. I believe Amazon reports that the free shipping takes 7 9 days to be delivered? Tuesday afternoon at 4pm, almost exactly 48 hours later, the wheel was at my house! It arrived in a brand new, excellent, unscathed condition.

I took the wheel out and mounted it to the lip of my computer desk using the two screw down plastic clamps provided underneath the wheel. I thought the clamps looked flimsy, and would probably break easily! However, I have been playing for days now and the wheel is completely stable and does not move nor suffer from "plastic flex"! Just make sure you do _not_ overtighten them when you screw them down! Just get them secure, they WILL hold if you do it properly. I find the wheel to be the perfect size for my desk, I can keep it attached and use my keyboard and mouse without any problems at all.

Next, I positioned the foot pedals on the floor. My desk has a bottom board, and I put the foot pedals up against it so they won't slide. They have a jack similar to a telephone, and it plugs directly into the righthand side of the wheel. The A/C adapter plugs in next to the phone-jack type port for the pedals, and is very lightweight!

Then, I started up my computer and installed the software. You put the disk in, and it comes up with a menu that lets you install it. If you already have another Logitech device, such as a Wingman joystick, then you don't need to install the software! It uses the same stuff! Once the software is installed, you simply plug the USB connector into your computer, and POOF! The system will immediately make any changes it has to, and you can start using your wheel! I would strongly suggest a calibration before use.

The wheel and pedals are very durable, and work flawlessly. The paddle shifters are easy to reach and use! I find the best game to use this wheel with is Need for Speed: Underground. They make a great combo.

It takes a slight breaking in period to get used to using a wheel. While it makes the game very realistic, remember that it is still up to the game programmers to provide good game physics for using it! I've also played with a Microsoft Force Feedback wheel at a friend's house, and I like this Logitech a lot better!

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I used a Wingman Formula Force for about 4 years, and it was a superb wheel that excelled in every game I used it with. These included the Need for Speed series (particularly Porsche Unleahsed) and the Colin McRae Rally series. When the potentiometers in the pedals began to behave erratically causing sudden and unpredictable changes in the amount of throttle pedal that the wheel would indicate, I attempted to replace it.

Unfortunately, the Formula Force is no longer available, being replaced instead by the Formula Force GP. The Formula Force GP (which was shipped to me by mistake by a vendor claiming to sell the original Formula Force) is a much cheaper wheel, and it shows in every aspect of its performance.

For one, the wheel uses a gear driven system instead of a cable driven system, and this limits the responsiveness of the wheel when continuously varying biasing force is needed, for instance, when the force on the wheel is intended to communicate the slip angle of the front wheels.

In addition, the gear-driven system produces a lot of inertia in the wheel and that inertia interferes with the feedback coming through the wheel. It also causes the wheel to have a perceived resisting feedback, even when the wheel should not be resisting your motion.

The pedals are adequate and have a good, progressive response, but they lack any grip surface on the bottom, or sufficient space on the side to use your left foot to brace the base of the pedals in position (both features on the original Formula Force). If you are using them on a surface other than carpet, they will tend to slip away from you.

The wheel provides two "paddles" and four buttons, the same as the previous model Formula Force, but the "paddles" are actually small buttons on the back of the wheel that are much harder to reach when quick reflexes are desired, or if you are attempting to operate the paddles while the wheel is turned significantly. Also, two of the four buttons are positioned at an angle that is awkward for your thumbs to reach.

In short, this is a passable wheel and pedal set, and for the money, may not be a bad choice. However, compared to the original Formula Force wheel from Logitech which it replaces, this wheel is a serious disappointment. If you can find an original Formula Force, or a Formula Force Momo from Logitech, they are better constructed and better performing products.

Assassin's Creed III Limited Edition -Xbox 360 Review

Customer Ratings:
List Price: $119.99
Sale Price: $109.49
Today's Bonus: 9% Off

I've been waiting for this game since Assassin's Creed 2. I have never been able to purchase a special edition of any of the "Creeds" so when I saw this I knew I had to have it. So...let's get into this.

This is a very nice Assassin's Creed 3 limited edition (there are others available in different countries). One thing that surprised me was the size of the Connor statue! It's really big! The details are also very nice. It is definitely NOT flimzy in any way and you can tell that a lot of time and effort was put into making this. It's not just a little toy that comes with the game. Everything from the rock he's standing on to the top of his hood looks stunning.

The flag is absolutley amazing as well. It is made out of a very fine material (I have no idea what) that makes it feel like it's worth something. If you're an Assassin's Creed fan and a history buff than this flag is just that much more awesome!

Now, George Washington's notebook is an interesting little booklet with details of a fictional past but they made it very nice looking, the handwriting in the notebook and the way Washington speaks makes this believable. There are different sketches of characters from the game in it and it just gives you a look at some of the art concepts.

Finally we have the belt buckle...not really sure what to say about this one. It's really nice and well made but...it's a belt buckle. Let's just say if they didn't add it in the Limited Edition you probably wouldn't miss it too much (unless you happen to collect belt buckles). It doesn't really add too much for me but it certainly does not take away from this Edition.

As for the game itself I have only been able to play it for a few hours (Superstorm Sandy decided to knock my power out) but what I have played is just breath-taking. The graphics are incredible. The game-play is nice and smooth. I have heard that there are glitches but I haven't experience any yet (and what game doesn't have glitches?). So far this game has lived up to it's hype for me and I'm sure it has for many other gamers.

So to keep things short and to the point let's just say that I really look forward to jumping into the American Revolution this weekend!

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For this review, I am going to section it out and talk about each piece that comes with the Limited Edition, that way you can get a good feel for each piece that you get.

The game: It is an absolutely stunning setting that you are immediately dropped into. They really captured the look & feel of what it must of been like in the Colonies at the time. From the comments the citizenry make towards you, the attitudes of the soldiers instantly capture your imagination. The scenery is meticulously detailed. Ubisoft really went all out by looking at maps of the locations from the time period and built the world around them and brought them to life.

The enemy AI is very good, but not excellent...There will be times you wonder why they didn't see you, while others you will wonder how they saw you...overall however, it is very good and above standard compared to other games that are currently out. The combat system is very fluid & not sluggish and the controls in general are very easy to learn & use.

Buckle: Very well polished & sturdy...I was glad to see how solid it was and that it wasn't just a piece of tin. On the face, it is the design of the Assasin's Creed logo with III to signify the installment. Overall a very solid addition to the Limited Edition. My only wonder is how exactly it relates to the game itself...It really feels as though it was "tossed in".

American Flag: One of the highlights of the limited edition really. When I saw this was in the limited edition, I really didn't know what to think as to what the quality of it would be. When I got it in hand however, I was very impressed. The stitching is very high quality and I was pleasantly surprised by the quality of the fabric. It is a very beautiful rendition of the flag and I like how they included the crest of Assassin's Creed in the middle of the 13 stars. It really captured the heritage of the flag, while incorporating the Assassin's Creed theme. It measures 24" x 48".

Washington's Journal: Very meticulously done. The pages & cover look aged as if they had just been discovered and opened for the first time in over 200 years. One of the best parts of this limited edition for sure. It really is one of those things that show the developers (Ubisoft) really tried to capture the era.

Connor Statue: The main addition to the limited edition. The statue of Connor (designed by Alex Ross) is absolutely amazing. It comes with weaponry for you to arm Connor while he stands poised on a cliff top with an American Flag waving behind him. Absolutely superbly done. Whether you are an American or not, you can truly feel the patriotic energy from it. It measures 9.44" tall.

I can't believe I almost passed up on this and was very glad that I did not. I could not recommend this more. Very powerful limited edition. A lot of games really leave you feeling with a feeling of being jipped , but with this, you definitely are left feeling that you got a piece of history, along with a great game.

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It seemed really slow at first, but a lot of games are like that to ensure that you learn the controls. You'll play as a guy named Haytham in the beginning, and it's kind of boring with him. But when you get to the character of Conner, it becomes more fun. I live in a household with 2 Xbox's and my other half is a lot farther than I am in the game. I'm jealous about that but anyway... I see him having these Navel battles and it looks freaking awesome!!! On the Ocean with waves, stormy weather, trying to shot cannons at other ships. It looks amazing! Also, he'll be playing and I'll be looking up online to see if the characters he's with are going to die in the Boston Massacre or something. I love all the history in this game. It inspires me to find out more. Okay, back to me playing the game. I'll be playing it and the next thing I know a few hours have gone by. You can really get lost in it. There's so much to do, so many places to explore.

I wish you could save in the middle of doing objectives. There could be 3 or 4 things you have to do to get 100% on an objective, but then you screw up halfway through and have to start over. You could say that's part of the challenge though, if you want a perfect game. You don't have to do it over.

Honest reviews on Assassin's Creed III Limited Edition -Xbox 360

The game itself is 3 stars, but the collectors edtion is great, the action figure is a must for every AC collectors, and the other items are realy cool.

I loved this package.

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I put off buying this for a while because i wanted to get Brotherhood/Revelations so i could complete the set and play it in order. while i was doing this the game dropped by 20$ where i normally would of bought it while limited edition kept its price to the most part. I regret nothing!

I knew I liked the limited edition statue because a friend owned it and it looked very nice on his shelf, but it still exceeded my expectations when mine arrived and i got a closer look. The quality of it is much better then the other experience i had with my other limited edition statue, Which i thought Malgus was nice when i pulled him out of the box, but sitting next to Conner, he is put to shame. The Detail put into Conner is outstanding.

On to the flag, I didn't see it in friend's house and I know why now. It's quite a bit larger then i anticipated. my original plan was to hang it where i use to keep another hanging poster which is at a angle in the corner of my room, over my desk. It is a bit too big for that though. Other then size challenging my original plans for it, it is of rather authentic quality to other American flags which paired with its size makes it seem almost a shame that you can't buy these stand alone to start displaying them outside instead of a real flag.

Last part of it, the belt buckle and the journal. The journal is a nice addition but pales in comparison to the Statue and flag. The belt buckle is a belt buckle, which I've never given using a belt buckle much thought, but from what I can tell this is a nice belt buckle and certainly less is not more when it comes to Limited Edition packages, so I am pleased with it.

Shipping wise i ordered it from Just4games. which gave me trouble with my P.O. Box, Canceling my first order and making me order it again, which i ordered exact same way as first time using P.O. Box in line one of address and Street address in line 2, but it shipped the second time which made me wonder why it was declined first time. Though a very good thing about it was the ETA was off and it actually arrived to the P.O. Box a day earlier then the ETA predicted it would arrive.

Buy USB Charging Cable for Microsoft Xbox 360 / Xbox 360 Slim Wireless

Customer Ratings:

It is exactly what is says it is. It will charge your controller and best of all its quite inexpensive!

the problem is that the wire is quite Short (6 feet I believe).

If you are getting this charger for PC gaming and plan to use your WIRELESS XBOX controller BE AWARE! This WILL NOT send any information through the usb cable. Therefore, without a wireless xbox receiver for PC, it will not work.

It CAN charge your controller, but it cannot be used to for wired gaming on PC with a wireless controller.

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Exactly what I was looking for. Absolutely no problems whatsoever. Works on standard controllers. I wish it was a little longer, but it is precisely as long as the description says it is.

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I purchased this a month ago and held of reviewing just in case it broke right away as some of the other reviewers had happen. So far, it is works great. I am guessing with this item it is hit or miss. I am very happy with this purchase since it was way cheaper than the official ones. No complaints here.

Update (3/29/12): I bought these back in January and it is almost April, I have not had any problems yet, so I am very pleased with this purchase so far.

Update (12/7/12): It's been a whole year (minus one week) and I am still using this to connect my controllers. I have noticed that my rechargable batteriers (2 sets) have not been able to hold a charge any more. I am not sure if this is a result of the cable or if both of the batteries are bad now. I am to connect and play with not battery without any problem though.

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The USB charging cable keeps my controller powered. I do hear a buzzing sound in my turtle beach headset when I have it plugged in. Sometimes when I am using the charging cable and the turtle beach headset, my mic goes crazy and it makes a loud noise that only others can hear until I unplug them both.

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I got this last week, and worked for that week. As you can tell from the title it broke on me, but I am buying two more. I don't want to seem like a hypocrite, but not spending 15 dollars for the battery pack and cable.

Review of Universal 150-Watt Gaming Inverter - PlayStation 2

Customer Ratings:

I got this because i needed it for my dad's suv. Every year we go on a few long trip vacations that take a long time to get to. I needed something to do in the car, so i wanted to bring my PS2. This Game inverter is awesome. Nothing bad has ever happened to it before. It goes on as long as you want it to. (It would be best if you had a built in DVD player in your car like i do) As i said before, there couldn't be a better game inverter. It works perfectly.

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So far this product has been working well.

It does require some space for the heat to blow out, and the fan seem to constantly run.

But, the 12-volt pass through works even if the inverter is off, which is great.

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The item that was offered for sale is not the item I receivied, so I'm not to happy but I kept it so I dont have to go through the hassel of sending back the item.

Best Turtle Beach Ear Force® Audio Adapter Cable for Xbox 360® Deals

Customer Ratings:

After purchasing this: Gen RCA Audio Cable Adapter for XBOX 360 + Slim and it failing to work, I went straight to Best Buy and spent $17.99 on this one. Works perfectly the first time.

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For some reason, the adapter makes the turtle beaches right side of the headset silent as if there is no audio.

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This product does exactly what it's supposed to, so, I'm very happy with it's performance. It fixed my problem well.

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Perfect fit on my Xbox, what more can I say? Turtle Beach produces a great product! I like the optical output, as it makes playing any game come alive on my LG Sound Bar!

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Horrible static and audio clipping noises.

I thought turtle beech was suppsed to be a good brand.

Don't waist tour money !!!

Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 3 Hardened Edition Reviews

Customer Ratings:
List Price: $99.99
Sale Price: $84.99
Today's Bonus: 15% Off

Another November, and another Call of Duty is upon us. Thousands of gamers lined up nationwide to be the first to buy the game, pop it in, and play all night long, racing to be the first to prestige (I was not one of them this year, but not by choice!).

SINGLEPLAYER

Modern Warfare 3 picks up right where Modern Warfare 2 left off. That being the case, it might not be a bad idea to play through that campaign again (or at least the last three or four acts) so you can refresh yourself as to where it all left off over two years ago.

Coming in at just about five hours, MW3's campaign is short, even by COD standards, but it packs a punch. Without any spoilers, there are a lot of explosions, set-pieces, emotional moments, and as much drama as you'd find in a Hollywood blockbuster. Real life, this is not, but it is exciting and compelling, especially as you reach the end. While five hours may be short for some, I'm not particularly upset by it. Any longer, and it may have become sensory overload, considering how tightly packed and well paced it is. If you played and enjoyed Modern Warfare 1 and 2's single player campaigns, you will enjoy this one too.

SPEC OPS

Spec Ops is similar to both the Zombie mode from the Treyarch Call of Duty games (like Black Ops), as well as Horde mode from the Gears of War series. While I didn't put as much time into it as I should have for a comprehensive review, it's a fun mode for people who want to explore the multiplayer maps with a friend and to see how long they can stay alive.

MULTIPLAYER

Ah yes, the reason most people play Call of Duty nowadays. A lot of "haters" will tell you that MW3's multiplayer is exactly the same as that of MW2. In some ways, it is. The engine is the same, graphics are slightly upgraded, and the mechanics and "feel" of the game are relatively the same. If you've logged hundreds of hours into previous games, you'll feel at home here. There are some changes to the general game play. Weapon switching is slower and feels more realistic (there is now a perk that makes it go faster). Grenades seem to have a larger destruction radius. There were multiple times when I got out of the way of a grenade indicator and still died.

The major additions to multiplayer are the addition of point streaks, strike packages, and a new, fun game mode.

Point Streaks

Up until now, the COD series has set itself apart by the use of kill streaks. You were rewarded for racking up a certain number of kills without dying. This led to a lot of questionable play in objective based games like Domination and Demolition, where instead of going for the objectives, certain players just hung back and racked up kill streaks selfishly. It almost felt like you would be punished for going for an objective.

Now in MW3, kill streaks have become point streaks. You earn points by getting kills as always, but also by capturing Domination points, HQ's, planting bombs, getting assists, etc... Now people can play the objective and still be rewarded for it, which is wonderful, and long overdue.

Strike Packages

Up until Black Ops, there was one kill streak list that you had to choose from. MW3 now has three different "packages" to use, "Assault," "Support," and "Specialist." Assault is for offensive minded players, with rewards that punish the other team. Support is for objective-minded players that like to support their team mates. The main difference between these two is that the Assault streaks reset upon death, and the Support streaks do not. If you choose UAV (4 points) Advanced UAV (12 points) and EMP (18 points), your streak will not reset until you've attained your EMP, after you get 18 total points. It is an interesting concept, and helps players who may not be good at racking up point streaks reach higher level rewards.

Specialist is the third, and is completely different. In specialist, you continually unlock perks that you would normally choose as part of your load out, and they will then be unlocked until the next time you die. It's not a mode I have spent much time with, but I feel it is most appropriate for strategic players.

Kill Confirmed

The main new game mode here is called Kill Confirmed. You will find this similar to Team Deathmatch, but each time a player dies, a dog tag will hover above their body. Someone on your team has to capture that dog tag for the kill to count. If the enemy team captures the dog tag, the kill does not count and no points are rewarded. This is a very fun mode, and a good addition to the series.

PROBLEMS

Like most Call of Duty games, MW3 is rife with problems, which explains my four star rating. A couple issues currently (as of 11/9/11)

1. VoIP is broken

Despite myself and the people I play with all having quality headsets, we can rarely, if ever hear each other. I'm not sure what is causing this, but it seems to be a pretty common complaint among the community.

2. The Party System

For some reason, a full party of six cannot seem to find a game. The only way we were able to find games is if we broke up into groups of five. This was very bizarre, and I don't think it's ever been a problem in a COD game. I certainly hope they fix it though, so there can be true 6 v. 6 clan battles.

3. Call of Duty Elite

One of the most hyped, advertised, and talked about feature of Modern Warfare 3 was Call of Duty Elite. It was supposed to be an online hub where you could connect with friends, check stats, complete challenges, watch videos, etc...

It isn't working as of this afternoon. People paid $49.99 for the paid version (less if you got the Hardened edition), and there was a Beta period, so there is absolutely no reason why this shouldn't have been up and running on launch day. I only took one star away because it will most likely be fixed soon, or there will be a lot of angry people out there that paid good money for a completely broken service.

Simply put, it's Call of Duty: Modern Warfare as you would expect it. People who love it will continue to love it, and people who hate it will continue to hate it. There's really nothing here that will convert anyone, I don't think. However, they did address and satisfy a lot of complaints through the addition of point streaks and strike packages.

UPDATE: 11/15/11: There was a patch that hit for this game a couple of days ago. I'm not sure what the patch was designed to do, but it seemed to fix a lot of issues related to matchmaking and joining matches with a full party. A full party of six can now find a match without much trouble.

VoIP is slightly improved as well, but it's still a struggle to hear most of your team mates.

Elite is still broken, as well. I can occasionally log on to it, but it is extremely slow and unresponsive. It's not even that taxing of a layout, either. There are no fancy graphics, flash, or other things. It's mostly text based, but there is a lot of text and a lot of information going in and out of it. It still boggles my mind though that they WEREN'T ready for this much volume.

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Everyone knows about this game but I will say that I love the new Survival mode and multi-player game modes.

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Great game. Bought this version for the Elite membership but I feel all PS3 users were mislead by Activision about the Elite membership. We don't get the DLC we were promised before everyone. It seems Activision and Microsoft have an agreement that any new game updates go to the Xbox360 first and then a month later PS3 and PC's get it. Overall game is good but Elite is still worthless.

Honest reviews on Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 3 Hardened Edition

This hardened edition is the s*** and love the neat notebook and stuff. I also like the box some much that I display it.

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the best thing about it. its comes with a year of elite so all the map were free if you get the Hardened Edition