While Rockstar is mostly known for the Grand Theft Auto series, they've done another game series that immediately grabbed my attention. As a fan of the Western genre of film I had always wondered what it would be like to run through the American Old West gunslinging in the most dangerous saloons this side of the Mississippi.
Bringing the same scale to Red Dead Redemption as was featured in Grand Theft Auto IV gives the player the ability to run endless missions on the Frontier. Instead of cars and cityscape the player is given a thoroughbred of their choosing to travel across the harsh Western landscape. The game implements several core themes from the Western genre, undoubtedly inspired by some of the great films of the time period. From setting up camp to rest for the night on a long journey, to being able to take stagecoaches from town to town.
As usual Rockstar brings the story. The plot of Red Dead Redemption is an intricately weaved tale of exacting revenge. You get to choose the alliances you form and the rivals you make. During this epic journey to the stunning conclusion of the game, John Marston, the tough sun of a gun you play as, does anything and everything he can to put zeros behind his bankroll.
One of the most fun aspects to the game is the showdowns. At any random point during the game a local rummy may call your reputation into question, at which point you will be able to decline or oblige him to a duel. However, if you do decide to accept his challenge, you'd better make sure you're ready.
Overall the story is filled with deep character development and more twists than a pretzel, which makes it one of the best in the medium. At the time of it's release the graphics were at the top notch, for this generation of PS3 games it is still considered to be graphically superior. The sound effects and music were all taken straight out of an old Western, so they are as authentic as can be. All the dialogue and voice acting is perfectly done and up to par with what you might expect from Rockstar. Finally to match, the gameplay is so silky it allows you to seamlessly go from a trot on horseback to intense combat in the blink of an eye.
Showing posts with label xbox a new generation. Show all posts
Showing posts with label xbox a new generation. Show all posts
Saturday, February 7, 2015
Sunday, February 1, 2015
Reviews of Halo Reach - Legendary Edition
Customer Ratings: 
List Price: $149.99
Sale Price: $139.54
Today's Bonus: 7% Off

Let's face it: even as collector's editions go the one for Halo Reach is unusually expensive. It's easily twice the price of those I've seen for other games. Yet this is honestly the first time I've ever felt that a game's special edition was well worth the money. No matter how impressive the Legendary Edition might look in the pictures, seeing the real thing in person is simply astonishing. Bungie went all out when it came to this product.
First is the size. It's huge. The whole box is about 14" x 15" x 12". That may not sound like a lot on paper and that is possibly the problem. I've seen frag box computers that are smaller. The weight is equally impressive; I was astonished when the UPS driver handed it to me. A friend of mine sent his wife to pick up his pre-order through a local retailer today and warned her ahead of time that she wasn't going to be prepared for how big it was. A few minutes later she called him -shocked by the size, despite his warning.
Once you actually open the box, though, is when the real magic begins. Yes, the figurine/statuette is big and beautiful but in some ways it's eclipsed by the little details tucked away everywhere. There are "hand written" notes from the person who tracked down these artifacts and shipped them to you. There's a notebook bound with heavy string that contains pages upon pages of research notes. ID cards, data cards, an embroidered Noble Team service patch, maps, biometric data -you name it, this package has it. You really feel like you're poring over a slice of history. (A second friend received his copy at work today. All afternoon he had people coming to his desk to enviously take a look at the package's contents.)
As for the game, it's every bit as fun as can be expected from previous games -this, coming from a person who usually shies away from first-person shooters. In many ways it's also a lot more open. As an example, at one point I accidentally got split off from the friends I was playing with. Not sure how to catch up with them again I struck out in a direction that seemed promising. It actually led me to a Covenant outpost where I started picking off the enemy, clearing out the building with such tactics as happily firing into it with a rocket launcher that I'd found. After about 15 minutes of that, the storyline led my friends back around to where I was and all hell broke loose. Sure, I'd missed a bit of what they were doing but I also made a big difference at a key point.
I also have to say that the graphics are astonishing. The new engine truly outdoes itself. There are times when the Xbox can't quite meet its demands, leading to a briefly stuttering frame rate but this is easily overlooked. The world is just too beautiful and epic-feeling to nitpick. Especially since I've often seen worse issues in games that didn't begin to compare visually.
If you can still find a Legendary or Limited edition of Reach, by all means get it. I can't imagine anyone regretting this purchase.
-Comes in a large printed cardboard box, styled like in-game crates.
-Right on top is a hand-written note (actually printed), which seems to be a message between in-universe characters regarding the shipping of this crate, and you're down the rabbit hole.
-Right below the note is a guide to assembling a few bits on your Noble Team Statue, and instructions on how to remove the statue from the box without damaging it.
-There's a large and incredibly detailed statue of Noble Team included, which is absolutely breath-taking.
-And you get the whole Collector's edition of the game.
Inside the Collector's Edition:
-The game, in a normal Xbox 360 game case.
-A journal, ostensibly from the character Dr. Hallsey, who is central in the Halo series' plot. This book is absolutely gorgeous. The spine is sewn, and the book has a magnetic clasp. The pages are filled with intricate insights into the Halo universe, and there's a pocket in back stuffed with additional materials. Some of the additional materials include a real cloth Noble Team iron-on patch, and a map of Planet Reach with annotations as to major story points.
When you finally fire up the game:
-Reach's singleplayer campaign is incredible. Every mission is something new, from outright slugfest going toe-to-toe with the Covenant, to driving missions, to new space combat missions. Everything is wonderfully presented and fun. You can also play Campaign in 4-player co-op.
-Firefight mode, wherein you face wave after wave of increasingly difficult enemies. This mode is loaded with customizable options, and can be played over Xbox Live like all the other modes.
-Multiplayer, which includes everything from ranked deathmatch playlists to king of the hill games to capture the flag to who even knows what? Bungie rotates these lists frequently, so things are always fresh.
-Forge 2.0, the highly improved map editor that was so flexible in Halo 3 that players invented whole new gametypessome of which became standardized for Halo: Reach (such as Zombie/Infection). Forge has improved massively, and the possibilities are endless.
And that's not all!
-A new Armory system allows you to gain credits with everything you do, from playing Campaign to online multiplayer. Spend your credits to unlock visual flair for your Spartan (cosmetic only), and even different voices for your character to use in Firefight mode. The most expensive items will reward the stalwart player who keeps coming back.
In short, there is a LOT of content in the Halo: Reach Legendary edition. The price at launch was absolutely worth it. The Noble Team statue is a centerpiece in my Halo collection now, right beside the SPARTAN helmet from the Halo 3 Legendary Edition. The game itself is rocking fun, and an incredibly appropriate farewell to the series since Bungie has sworn this is their last Halo title (at least for now). There's so much extra content that this space is too short to cover it all. If you are a Halo fan, this is the ultimate edition of Bungie's ultimate game.
GOOD:
Tried and true (Halo) FPS experience that many other games have copied over the years.
Great Co-op Gameplay allows up to four players to go through the entire game from start to end.
Great graphics which look way better than that of Halo 3 and ODST; also there are a lots of new animations for the characters as well as tons of new unique enemy voice work to boot.
Vehicle and turret shooting are the same as ever (for a Halo game); which is good; but the nice addition here is the new helicopter type of vehicle and even a small section of the game where you can control a space fighter.
Armor Abilities really help out and give you a new edge in combat. Also you have a night vision mode which works and looks like the one from Call of Duty: Modern Warfare.
Intense multiplayer versus action either by yourself on a team; the mode has plenty of different options to choose from. This is a pretty good upgraded version of the famed Halo 3 multiplayer that now has new maps, modes, abilities, and graphics for you to enjoy.
Fire Fight mode allows up to four players to fight waves of enemies on unique maps (based on those in the campaign) using team work and skill.
BAD:
Some slight lag and slight blurring at the more intensive moments in the game (with lots of things happening all at once).
Can't play Forge maps in Fire Fight mode.
IF IT FITS YOUR TASTE:
A Sci-Fi First Person Shooter with quick pacing and intense fire fights. Note: that unlike Call of Duty: Modern Warfare this is a sci-fi First Person Shooter and as such your guns must first break an enemy's energy shield before you can really hurt them also everyone is wearing battle armor so you'll still need lots of shots to kill an opponent. The thing to do here is make your shots count more so you will need to do overall less of them to an opponent; example use energy type guns to break an enemy's energy shield and always try to do head shots to your enemy for extra damage. Coming at an enemy guns blazing and either not using the right guns and/or not aiming well will only get you killed pretty quickly.
Gameplay wise this plays pretty much like Halo 3 but with the life bar from Halo 3: ODST. The missions themselves are pretty fun and take the best bits from Halo 3 and ODST into new experiences.
The campaign levels can be played by either yourself or with up to four other players cooperatively at one time on any stage.
The Story is an overall a combat story going from mission to mission with nothing really tying into the overall Halo lore until the last chapter.
Intense multiplayer action online through Xbox Live with matches as small as one on one and as big as 16 players (and even offline without using Xbox Live using either spilt screen, or system link). Halo Reach is set up similar to that of Halo 3 but with some new modes and all new maps. But much like Halo 3 in the sense that you're given a rank when you play multiplayer (this rank can go up or down at any time) this rank is representative of your skill and your matched with others of your skill type, that way new unskilled players and hardcore veterans will not often play against one another, unless they make a special match themselves that ignores rank.
An all new Fire Fight mode (Fire Fight was originally in Halo 3: ODST), Fire Fight which plays similar to Hoard Mode in Gears of War 2 is a mode where either by yourself or with up to four other players cooperatively can play a stage about the size of a multiplayer stage and you fight against enemies that are found in the games story campaign levels in waves. You get points and an overall score on your performance for these stages.
There is no Master Chief in the game as well (the famed character from Halo's 1 through 3). Instead you play an assortment of different SPARTANS who were on the planet Reach when it was attacked. As far as the overall Halo story goes, your team is made up of SPARTAN IIIs (with one SPARTAN II). SPARTAN IIIs are cheaper to produce and have a bit less overall combat ability then the famed SPARTAN IIs (Master Chief is a SPARTAN II). Luckily for your team they have been given all sorts of prototype armor and weapons normally left only for the SPARTAN II's to have (note not even the Master Chief had a chance to get this stuff yet).
NO FLOOD, it should be noted this Halo title has no FLOOD aliens within it (if you've played Halo's 1 through 3 you'll know what I am talking about).
Forge World works like a much upgraded version of Halo 3's Forge mode is a mode that lets you make and edit your own map and build your very own maps from the ground up but adding/placing walls, ramps, towers, ect you can add or take away any and all of the objects, weapons, vehicles, spawning points and flag zones. This is all done in real time in one huge worlds (and not separate maps like in Halo 3) and you can even invite your friends into this mode while you're making the map(s) or just goofing off.
Theater Mode works just like in Halo 3 it is a video editor that lets you record and play back any and all matches from Campaign, Multiplayer, and Fire Fight, and even Forge World from the point of view of any player that was there in either first person or third person (you can even swap to a in a orbit-cam where the camera circles around the player) all of this in real time. You can also pause the video/action at anytime and still look around as a camera as well as well as fast forward and rewind the events as they unfold. BUT don't forget you must save your videos before you turn off the game or you will lose the ability to save those matches. Also note that while viewing these "videos" you can take a picture or record a snippet of footage at any time and save it to your Xbox 360 and have your friends check them out later on your profile.
GAME IT'S MOST ASSOCATED TOO:
Halo 3: ODST (Xbox 360)
Halo 3 (Xbox 360)
Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 2 (Xbox 360/PS3/PC)
ADDITIONAL NOTES:
There is three small cameos from characters from previous halo games, honestly the cameos are very small and are not earth shattering to the games over all story.
Don't put down that controller once you beat the game as there is a surprise post credits.
People who pre-ordered this game either at Amazon.com or Gamestop got a preorder code for some extra armor parts for their characters.
The Limited edition comes with a download code for more extra armor parts for your character as well as a Halo Reach patch and a mini book with some back story on the game from the point of view of one of the stories characters.
The Legendary edition comes with everything found in the limited edition plus even more download codes for more extra armor parts for your character (like giving you a avatar a flaming helmet much like the Bungie staff had in Halo 3's multiplayer) as well as a small figure set of the games main characters design by Todd Mcfarlane of Spawn fame.
Halo Reach Legendary Edition has surpassed all standards. :) So worth the cash... Especially for fans :)
Also, to comment on the PRICE. When you have marketing/packaging that is this customized, this themed, its going to cost. Period. There's no way to get around it. If you just look at whats in the box, and think simple packaging.. you have no idea about all the work that had to go on behind the scenes, to pull this together. Logistics.. That stuff cost money, big time. Don't buy it unless your a hardcore fan. Because there is no denying to lay down a 150 dollars.. that's a decent amount of money.
Really, if your a solid fan of the Halo games, if you've been with them from the begging, this is a set to buy.
Admittingly, I didn't buy the Halo 3, limited edition. I didn't feel it was worth it. I bought #2 Limited edition, though. But this set, is definitely worth it to me.
I don't regret the purchase one bit.
Honestly I could go into a lot of depth, about the intricacies of the packaging, but I would just be repeating everything else everyone else said, and same goes for the game, so I am going to be vague.
The game is very enjoyable, mainly firefight co-op. Especially infection. That' cracks me up.
The online is a blast.
Now the story is good, compared to the other games. You really feel for some of the characters. But its not a story I think.. that any of the Halo fans are going to be used to. You'll see why when you play through campaign.
One of the biggest things I love about this game, is the Customizable armor. It rocks. I love this feature the most. Really adds individuality to your character online. But the credits are tight.. It really takes a lot of grinding to earn the credits needed for armor upgrades.
Daily and Weekly challenges help boost this though. Sucks I have to do these though just to get more credits. Luckily so far I have been able to accomplish most challenges.
Now one thing that did bother me. IS there still lacking on the emblems you can concoct. Your still limited it seems, to pretty much what was in ODST. There seem to be a few new ones.. but it really needs expanded on. And you can't rotate them or do any real editing to them...
List Price: $149.99
Sale Price: $139.54
Today's Bonus: 7% Off
Let's face it: even as collector's editions go the one for Halo Reach is unusually expensive. It's easily twice the price of those I've seen for other games. Yet this is honestly the first time I've ever felt that a game's special edition was well worth the money. No matter how impressive the Legendary Edition might look in the pictures, seeing the real thing in person is simply astonishing. Bungie went all out when it came to this product.
First is the size. It's huge. The whole box is about 14" x 15" x 12". That may not sound like a lot on paper and that is possibly the problem. I've seen frag box computers that are smaller. The weight is equally impressive; I was astonished when the UPS driver handed it to me. A friend of mine sent his wife to pick up his pre-order through a local retailer today and warned her ahead of time that she wasn't going to be prepared for how big it was. A few minutes later she called him -shocked by the size, despite his warning.
Once you actually open the box, though, is when the real magic begins. Yes, the figurine/statuette is big and beautiful but in some ways it's eclipsed by the little details tucked away everywhere. There are "hand written" notes from the person who tracked down these artifacts and shipped them to you. There's a notebook bound with heavy string that contains pages upon pages of research notes. ID cards, data cards, an embroidered Noble Team service patch, maps, biometric data -you name it, this package has it. You really feel like you're poring over a slice of history. (A second friend received his copy at work today. All afternoon he had people coming to his desk to enviously take a look at the package's contents.)
As for the game, it's every bit as fun as can be expected from previous games -this, coming from a person who usually shies away from first-person shooters. In many ways it's also a lot more open. As an example, at one point I accidentally got split off from the friends I was playing with. Not sure how to catch up with them again I struck out in a direction that seemed promising. It actually led me to a Covenant outpost where I started picking off the enemy, clearing out the building with such tactics as happily firing into it with a rocket launcher that I'd found. After about 15 minutes of that, the storyline led my friends back around to where I was and all hell broke loose. Sure, I'd missed a bit of what they were doing but I also made a big difference at a key point.
I also have to say that the graphics are astonishing. The new engine truly outdoes itself. There are times when the Xbox can't quite meet its demands, leading to a briefly stuttering frame rate but this is easily overlooked. The world is just too beautiful and epic-feeling to nitpick. Especially since I've often seen worse issues in games that didn't begin to compare visually.
If you can still find a Legendary or Limited edition of Reach, by all means get it. I can't imagine anyone regretting this purchase.
Click Here For Most Helpful Customer Reviews >>
Writing a review for the Legendary Edition of Halo: Reach is difficult, because there's a lot to talk about. Here's a quick rundown of everything that you get, in terms of packaging:-Comes in a large printed cardboard box, styled like in-game crates.
-Right on top is a hand-written note (actually printed), which seems to be a message between in-universe characters regarding the shipping of this crate, and you're down the rabbit hole.
-Right below the note is a guide to assembling a few bits on your Noble Team Statue, and instructions on how to remove the statue from the box without damaging it.
-There's a large and incredibly detailed statue of Noble Team included, which is absolutely breath-taking.
-And you get the whole Collector's edition of the game.
Inside the Collector's Edition:
-The game, in a normal Xbox 360 game case.
-A journal, ostensibly from the character Dr. Hallsey, who is central in the Halo series' plot. This book is absolutely gorgeous. The spine is sewn, and the book has a magnetic clasp. The pages are filled with intricate insights into the Halo universe, and there's a pocket in back stuffed with additional materials. Some of the additional materials include a real cloth Noble Team iron-on patch, and a map of Planet Reach with annotations as to major story points.
When you finally fire up the game:
-Reach's singleplayer campaign is incredible. Every mission is something new, from outright slugfest going toe-to-toe with the Covenant, to driving missions, to new space combat missions. Everything is wonderfully presented and fun. You can also play Campaign in 4-player co-op.
-Firefight mode, wherein you face wave after wave of increasingly difficult enemies. This mode is loaded with customizable options, and can be played over Xbox Live like all the other modes.
-Multiplayer, which includes everything from ranked deathmatch playlists to king of the hill games to capture the flag to who even knows what? Bungie rotates these lists frequently, so things are always fresh.
-Forge 2.0, the highly improved map editor that was so flexible in Halo 3 that players invented whole new gametypessome of which became standardized for Halo: Reach (such as Zombie/Infection). Forge has improved massively, and the possibilities are endless.
And that's not all!
-A new Armory system allows you to gain credits with everything you do, from playing Campaign to online multiplayer. Spend your credits to unlock visual flair for your Spartan (cosmetic only), and even different voices for your character to use in Firefight mode. The most expensive items will reward the stalwart player who keeps coming back.
In short, there is a LOT of content in the Halo: Reach Legendary edition. The price at launch was absolutely worth it. The Noble Team statue is a centerpiece in my Halo collection now, right beside the SPARTAN helmet from the Halo 3 Legendary Edition. The game itself is rocking fun, and an incredibly appropriate farewell to the series since Bungie has sworn this is their last Halo title (at least for now). There's so much extra content that this space is too short to cover it all. If you are a Halo fan, this is the ultimate edition of Bungie's ultimate game.
Best Deals for Halo Reach - Legendary Edition
Halo: Reach Circa 2010GOOD:
Tried and true (Halo) FPS experience that many other games have copied over the years.
Great Co-op Gameplay allows up to four players to go through the entire game from start to end.
Great graphics which look way better than that of Halo 3 and ODST; also there are a lots of new animations for the characters as well as tons of new unique enemy voice work to boot.
Vehicle and turret shooting are the same as ever (for a Halo game); which is good; but the nice addition here is the new helicopter type of vehicle and even a small section of the game where you can control a space fighter.
Armor Abilities really help out and give you a new edge in combat. Also you have a night vision mode which works and looks like the one from Call of Duty: Modern Warfare.
Intense multiplayer versus action either by yourself on a team; the mode has plenty of different options to choose from. This is a pretty good upgraded version of the famed Halo 3 multiplayer that now has new maps, modes, abilities, and graphics for you to enjoy.
Fire Fight mode allows up to four players to fight waves of enemies on unique maps (based on those in the campaign) using team work and skill.
BAD:
Some slight lag and slight blurring at the more intensive moments in the game (with lots of things happening all at once).
Can't play Forge maps in Fire Fight mode.
IF IT FITS YOUR TASTE:
A Sci-Fi First Person Shooter with quick pacing and intense fire fights. Note: that unlike Call of Duty: Modern Warfare this is a sci-fi First Person Shooter and as such your guns must first break an enemy's energy shield before you can really hurt them also everyone is wearing battle armor so you'll still need lots of shots to kill an opponent. The thing to do here is make your shots count more so you will need to do overall less of them to an opponent; example use energy type guns to break an enemy's energy shield and always try to do head shots to your enemy for extra damage. Coming at an enemy guns blazing and either not using the right guns and/or not aiming well will only get you killed pretty quickly.
Gameplay wise this plays pretty much like Halo 3 but with the life bar from Halo 3: ODST. The missions themselves are pretty fun and take the best bits from Halo 3 and ODST into new experiences.
The campaign levels can be played by either yourself or with up to four other players cooperatively at one time on any stage.
The Story is an overall a combat story going from mission to mission with nothing really tying into the overall Halo lore until the last chapter.
Intense multiplayer action online through Xbox Live with matches as small as one on one and as big as 16 players (and even offline without using Xbox Live using either spilt screen, or system link). Halo Reach is set up similar to that of Halo 3 but with some new modes and all new maps. But much like Halo 3 in the sense that you're given a rank when you play multiplayer (this rank can go up or down at any time) this rank is representative of your skill and your matched with others of your skill type, that way new unskilled players and hardcore veterans will not often play against one another, unless they make a special match themselves that ignores rank.
An all new Fire Fight mode (Fire Fight was originally in Halo 3: ODST), Fire Fight which plays similar to Hoard Mode in Gears of War 2 is a mode where either by yourself or with up to four other players cooperatively can play a stage about the size of a multiplayer stage and you fight against enemies that are found in the games story campaign levels in waves. You get points and an overall score on your performance for these stages.
There is no Master Chief in the game as well (the famed character from Halo's 1 through 3). Instead you play an assortment of different SPARTANS who were on the planet Reach when it was attacked. As far as the overall Halo story goes, your team is made up of SPARTAN IIIs (with one SPARTAN II). SPARTAN IIIs are cheaper to produce and have a bit less overall combat ability then the famed SPARTAN IIs (Master Chief is a SPARTAN II). Luckily for your team they have been given all sorts of prototype armor and weapons normally left only for the SPARTAN II's to have (note not even the Master Chief had a chance to get this stuff yet).
NO FLOOD, it should be noted this Halo title has no FLOOD aliens within it (if you've played Halo's 1 through 3 you'll know what I am talking about).
Forge World works like a much upgraded version of Halo 3's Forge mode is a mode that lets you make and edit your own map and build your very own maps from the ground up but adding/placing walls, ramps, towers, ect you can add or take away any and all of the objects, weapons, vehicles, spawning points and flag zones. This is all done in real time in one huge worlds (and not separate maps like in Halo 3) and you can even invite your friends into this mode while you're making the map(s) or just goofing off.
Theater Mode works just like in Halo 3 it is a video editor that lets you record and play back any and all matches from Campaign, Multiplayer, and Fire Fight, and even Forge World from the point of view of any player that was there in either first person or third person (you can even swap to a in a orbit-cam where the camera circles around the player) all of this in real time. You can also pause the video/action at anytime and still look around as a camera as well as well as fast forward and rewind the events as they unfold. BUT don't forget you must save your videos before you turn off the game or you will lose the ability to save those matches. Also note that while viewing these "videos" you can take a picture or record a snippet of footage at any time and save it to your Xbox 360 and have your friends check them out later on your profile.
GAME IT'S MOST ASSOCATED TOO:
Halo 3: ODST (Xbox 360)
Halo 3 (Xbox 360)
Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 2 (Xbox 360/PS3/PC)
ADDITIONAL NOTES:
There is three small cameos from characters from previous halo games, honestly the cameos are very small and are not earth shattering to the games over all story.
Don't put down that controller once you beat the game as there is a surprise post credits.
People who pre-ordered this game either at Amazon.com or Gamestop got a preorder code for some extra armor parts for their characters.
The Limited edition comes with a download code for more extra armor parts for your character as well as a Halo Reach patch and a mini book with some back story on the game from the point of view of one of the stories characters.
The Legendary edition comes with everything found in the limited edition plus even more download codes for more extra armor parts for your character (like giving you a avatar a flaming helmet much like the Bungie staff had in Halo 3's multiplayer) as well as a small figure set of the games main characters design by Todd Mcfarlane of Spawn fame.
Honest reviews on Halo Reach - Legendary Edition
I rarely write reviews but i was impressed enough with the product when it arrived that I decided that it was time to give it a good review as well. No matter how much the reviews prepare you for a big box, you never really realize how big the entire box it till it arrives. The details on the box to the figurines are immaculately amazing and impressive.The details in the Limited Edition journal is amazing. There are pullouts, maps, patches, and other goodies hidden in it. I haven't gone through it slowly so I can't really list out what is inside. I guess i feel like it is worth it because i got this for the retail price of the original game when this was on discount on Amazon so I definitely got it on a bargain. However, even with the price increase, the contents of this edition make it worth the full price. It is worth mentioning that it has been a long time since i've seen a Limited Edition Video Game with such good reviews. For example: Splinter Cell: Conviction had faulty USB with cheaply printed material. Dead Space 2's model weapon was cheaply assembled and lacked detail. Black Ops Prestige Edition has a remote control car that has a badly angled camera that makes it difficult to drive. Arkham Asylum Limited Edition had a sad looking Batarang.Halo Reach Legendary Edition has surpassed all standards. :) So worth the cash... Especially for fans :)
Find helpful customer reviews and review ratings for Halo Reach - Legendary Edition
Was this worth the money? Yes. Not only are you getting a piece of Video game history when you buy this. But your getting a HUGE monument of Noble Team. It is very large. It easily takes up half the box. The marketing, with the hand written notes, and the back story is all very sweet.Also, to comment on the PRICE. When you have marketing/packaging that is this customized, this themed, its going to cost. Period. There's no way to get around it. If you just look at whats in the box, and think simple packaging.. you have no idea about all the work that had to go on behind the scenes, to pull this together. Logistics.. That stuff cost money, big time. Don't buy it unless your a hardcore fan. Because there is no denying to lay down a 150 dollars.. that's a decent amount of money.
Really, if your a solid fan of the Halo games, if you've been with them from the begging, this is a set to buy.
Admittingly, I didn't buy the Halo 3, limited edition. I didn't feel it was worth it. I bought #2 Limited edition, though. But this set, is definitely worth it to me.
I don't regret the purchase one bit.
Honestly I could go into a lot of depth, about the intricacies of the packaging, but I would just be repeating everything else everyone else said, and same goes for the game, so I am going to be vague.
The game is very enjoyable, mainly firefight co-op. Especially infection. That' cracks me up.
The online is a blast.
Now the story is good, compared to the other games. You really feel for some of the characters. But its not a story I think.. that any of the Halo fans are going to be used to. You'll see why when you play through campaign.
One of the biggest things I love about this game, is the Customizable armor. It rocks. I love this feature the most. Really adds individuality to your character online. But the credits are tight.. It really takes a lot of grinding to earn the credits needed for armor upgrades.
Daily and Weekly challenges help boost this though. Sucks I have to do these though just to get more credits. Luckily so far I have been able to accomplish most challenges.
Now one thing that did bother me. IS there still lacking on the emblems you can concoct. Your still limited it seems, to pretty much what was in ODST. There seem to be a few new ones.. but it really needs expanded on. And you can't rotate them or do any real editing to them...
Sunday, January 18, 2015
Replacement PC Wireless Gaming Reveiver For XBOX 360 Console Review
The driver installation for this device is unorthodox. Even though this is technically a Microsoft product, you will have to find the correct divers on the microsoft website, and do some adjustments in the device manager in order to get Windows to recognize it.
after all that trouble, it works like a dream.
after all that trouble, it works like a dream.
Click Here For Most Helpful Customer Reviews >>
The title says it, doesn't work on PC? I have one from Microsoft now and it works fine. Two moreBest Deals for Replacement PC Wireless Gaming Reveiver For XBOX 360 Console
Could swear I already wrote a review for this, but whatever. I've had this for just shy of a year now, and it works perfectly. My roommate and I have used it to play far too many hours of Skyrim on the PC and never had any problems, so if you're looking for an inexpensive Xbox Controller receiver this is something I would highly recommend.Honest reviews on Replacement PC Wireless Gaming Reveiver For XBOX 360 Console
it arrived very fast, before the estimated date of arrival. So far my son says it works perfect for him.Find helpful customer reviews and review ratings for Replacement PC Wireless Gaming Reveiver For XBOX 360 Console
Don't buy this, it keeps on disconnecting on me and won't sync with the new xbox controllers (ones with the turnable d-pad) BUYERS BEWARE!Tuesday, November 11, 2014
HDE USB Hard Disk Data Transfer Cable for Xbox 360 Slim Review
Customer Ratings: 
List Price: $15.99
Sale Price: $5.37
Today's Bonus: 66% Off

This product is meant to be used on PC. I tried to transfer data from my old Xbox hard drive to the new one using an Xbox 360 slim. I did not receive any pop-up message when I connected the transfer cable. Thus, I had no way of transferring data to my new hard drive. Just to be sure, I went to the xbox storage menu (system). The transfer cable showed up as a usb (no id or text beside it, just a picture of a grey usb). The only way to get it to work was to configure the device as a compatible xbox 360 usb using the "Configure Now" option. DON'T DO THIS, IT WILL FORMAT YOUR HARD DRIVE LEAVING YOU WITH AN UNDETECTABLE HARD DRIVE. THE HARD DRIVE WILL NO LONGER WORK AS AN OFFICIAL XBOX 360 HARD DRIVE. IT WILL ONLY BE DETECTED THROUGH THE USE OF THIS TRANSFER CABLE. THIS WILL ONLY GIVE YOU UP TO 32GB OF STORAGE WHEN YOU COULD HAVE UP TO 320GB INSTEAD. Although this device isn't meant to be used as a transfer cable on an xbox 360, you can use this cable to connect internal laptop hard drives (2.5 inch drives)externally. Basically, you can use an old internal hard drive as an external portable hard drive. Just format your old drive and it will show up like any other external WD HDD. Overall, this product will not transfer data between hard drives on your xbox. But the product is good at completing other tasks. There might be a way to transfer data between hard drives using a third party program like Xplorer 360 (its free). You will need a specific Xplorer 360 application for your hard drive. There is an Xplorer 360 320gb version along with 20gb, 60gb, 120gb, and 250gb versions. I would need Xplorer360 320GB edition for my 320GB (not an official microsoft product) hard drive. I haven't tried this method but I believe it could work. Its too late for me to try this method because I already used the "Configure Now" option on my 320GB hard drive. After formating my useless drive on my PC using the transfer cable, my 320GB drive is just another internal/external drive that can't be used on an xbox. Btw, I tried HDDHACKR. Its not compatible with my Samsung/Seagate hard drive because HDDHACKR only supports WD HDDs (mostly Scorpio versions). After a few hours of browsing and searching, I couldn't find a solution to fix my hard drive. There isn't a safe and effective way of hacking a Samsung/Seagate hard drive to work on an xbox 360/xbox 360 slim. I know i went off topic but I just wanted to warn you and let you know about what problems you might have encountered. Sorry for the long review, I hope I helped or prevented something... :)Works for all hard drives xbox 360 and computer hard drives. I haven't found any problems with this data transfer cable.
List Price: $15.99
Sale Price: $5.37
Today's Bonus: 66% Off
This product is meant to be used on PC. I tried to transfer data from my old Xbox hard drive to the new one using an Xbox 360 slim. I did not receive any pop-up message when I connected the transfer cable. Thus, I had no way of transferring data to my new hard drive. Just to be sure, I went to the xbox storage menu (system). The transfer cable showed up as a usb (no id or text beside it, just a picture of a grey usb). The only way to get it to work was to configure the device as a compatible xbox 360 usb using the "Configure Now" option. DON'T DO THIS, IT WILL FORMAT YOUR HARD DRIVE LEAVING YOU WITH AN UNDETECTABLE HARD DRIVE. THE HARD DRIVE WILL NO LONGER WORK AS AN OFFICIAL XBOX 360 HARD DRIVE. IT WILL ONLY BE DETECTED THROUGH THE USE OF THIS TRANSFER CABLE. THIS WILL ONLY GIVE YOU UP TO 32GB OF STORAGE WHEN YOU COULD HAVE UP TO 320GB INSTEAD. Although this device isn't meant to be used as a transfer cable on an xbox 360, you can use this cable to connect internal laptop hard drives (2.5 inch drives)externally. Basically, you can use an old internal hard drive as an external portable hard drive. Just format your old drive and it will show up like any other external WD HDD. Overall, this product will not transfer data between hard drives on your xbox. But the product is good at completing other tasks. There might be a way to transfer data between hard drives using a third party program like Xplorer 360 (its free). You will need a specific Xplorer 360 application for your hard drive. There is an Xplorer 360 320gb version along with 20gb, 60gb, 120gb, and 250gb versions. I would need Xplorer360 320GB edition for my 320GB (not an official microsoft product) hard drive. I haven't tried this method but I believe it could work. Its too late for me to try this method because I already used the "Configure Now" option on my 320GB hard drive. After formating my useless drive on my PC using the transfer cable, my 320GB drive is just another internal/external drive that can't be used on an xbox. Btw, I tried HDDHACKR. Its not compatible with my Samsung/Seagate hard drive because HDDHACKR only supports WD HDDs (mostly Scorpio versions). After a few hours of browsing and searching, I couldn't find a solution to fix my hard drive. There isn't a safe and effective way of hacking a Samsung/Seagate hard drive to work on an xbox 360/xbox 360 slim. I know i went off topic but I just wanted to warn you and let you know about what problems you might have encountered. Sorry for the long review, I hope I helped or prevented something... :)Works for all hard drives xbox 360 and computer hard drives. I haven't found any problems with this data transfer cable.
Discount XBOX 360/PC VGA Switch
I was looking forward to this for my computer and xbox, but within a week it stopped working for no obvious reason. I wouldn't recommend buying it unless it is very much on sale.
Click Here For Most Helpful Customer Reviews >>
Brought this VGA switcher not bad.But go for a hmdi switcher for high definition picture.I didn't know VGA is a old.Hdmi is the way to go today.Best Deals for XBOX 360/PC VGA Switch
Happy to be the first review for this Product. After Researching for over 3 days on an item that would let me connect my Xbox 360 and my computer to the same monitor i came across 2 products that said they could fulfill what i was looking for. I went with the first option which was a kvm switch kit that bragged about how good it was and had good reviews. After it arrived i go to hook it up but to no surprise it failed me and didn't work the slightest bit. Outraged i immediately ordered this product By Mayflash. I was a little Sketched out considering they are from china and their website looks like a cheap ign.com knockoff but to my surprise it works AMAZINGLY. I am ecstatic this was the best choice by far it has a good durable feel and a 6 year old could hook this thing up. There is 1 downfall that i was disappointed about and that is the VGA cable they supply. My advise TRASH IT luckly the kvm P.O.S i purchased came with 3 VGA cables so i was set so you might wanna run to the store and buy your own. I give it 5 out of 5 stars it really does the trick ;).Sunday, October 5, 2014
Buy Rampage: Total Destruction - Nintendo Wii
Customer Ratings: 
List Price: $19.99
Sale Price: $18.99
Today's Bonus: 5% Off

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.
Not only was this game a lot of fun, it was also half the price of the other games available for the Wii.
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.
Same old arcade game of getting shot and eating and distroying everything but now with the Wii remote you SMASH and SWIPE and DESTROY!
List Price: $19.99
Sale Price: $18.99
Today's Bonus: 5% Off
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.
Click Here For Most Helpful Customer Reviews >>
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.
Best Deals for Rampage: Total Destruction - Nintendo Wii
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.
Honest reviews on Rampage: Total Destruction - Nintendo Wii
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!
Find helpful customer reviews and review ratings for Rampage: Total Destruction - Nintendo Wii
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.Sunday, August 17, 2014
NFL® Seattle Seahawks - Blast White Vinyl Skin for Microsoft Xbox Reviews
Customer Ratings: 
List Price: $34.99
Sale Price: $22.49
Today's Bonus: 36% Off

This is great! Got this for a gift for my husband. He was absolutely shocked to see this! It looks amazing on his xbox!! True fit.i got this for my hubby since he gets all his xmas gifts early and he wanted to put it on as soon as i walked in the door. he looked like a 5 year old kid with a new toy! i never seen him so happy to get something he never knew about until it was being shipped. he loves it and to this day he wants more.
List Price: $34.99
Sale Price: $22.49
Today's Bonus: 36% Off
This is great! Got this for a gift for my husband. He was absolutely shocked to see this! It looks amazing on his xbox!! True fit.i got this for my hubby since he gets all his xmas gifts early and he wanted to put it on as soon as i walked in the door. he looked like a 5 year old kid with a new toy! i never seen him so happy to get something he never knew about until it was being shipped. he loves it and to this day he wants more.
Monday, July 7, 2014
Buy Dino Crisis 2
I recently purchased Dino Crisis 2 and beat it. My official judgement for the game is simple, it is a must have. I gave it five stars. Graphics are excelent, plotline is good but a times will make you turn heads. A great game all around.
You control two dynamic characters, Dylan Morton a TRAT special task force member with a confusing role. Regina returns for this mission. If you are into games where things just jump out at you unexpectedly, Dino Crisis 2 is the game for you, because it is packed with much heart-pounding action and intensity. Within thirty minutes of play, I had already blasted about twenty maybe thirty dinos and came in contact with about four species.
I hope I was able to help you in your decision to buy this outstanding game.
Well, Dino Crisis 2 breaks the mold of the Resident Evil game play style and implements a tremendously addicting new way to kill dino's! More of an arcade tomb raider shooter, DC2 really brings home the feeling of "walking with dinosaur's". There are more than 10 different types of dino's, most of them very familiar (some are from Jurassic Park).
Game play is very easy (I've only played the normal difficulty so far), yet extremely entertaining. Each dead dinosaur is worth a number of "points". Kill a few dino's in a row and build up combo points. Kill a dino when it's attacking and receive a counter multiplier. All the points you collect are used to buy better weapons, ammo, tools, and health items. Since your able to hold two weapons at a time in DC2, getting better weapons with more points is a very important part of the game.
Overall, DC2 is far better than the original Dino Crisis, yet creates a new type of survival horror, "Blast-A-Dino" Horror.
DC2 is survival horror but not exactly. What do I mean? Dino Crisis 2 takes the Resident Evil formula, throws it into the blender along with some new elements to create a game that feels like a whole new experience. Instead of the walking around picking up bullets, new guns and what ever, you now buy them! Yes buy them, but not exactly with money, you use your Extinction Points which are picked up by killing dinosaurs. Smaller dinos are worth anywhere from 100-600 points and at times more. The larger dinosaurs will grant you 2500+ points for your shopping needs. You buy equipment, med-kits, and back-up weapons from a computer like gismo which can be found slapped on walls. Accessing this little computer, will open up a menu that will ask you to Save or Shop. When you shop you can even upgrade your current weapon by adding more ammo to it by buying a new cartridge that can hold more bullets or flame power. If you are running low on ammo then you can also stop by one of the computerized shops to charge your weapon back to full power. Another new feature added in Dino Crisis 2 is the Combo System. The Combo System works like this; when you kill a dinosaur and then kill another one while the point score number is still showing then you will get a combo for that. If you have multiple enemies on the screen then use something that will hit at least two enemies at once, or just try to kill enemies as fast as possible. Every time you enter a new door your statistics and final score will show for what you had for that particular area, and if you are skilled enough and don't get harmed once you can earn an extra 2000 points.
Dino Crisis 2 starts out with what may be the best intro video that a game has seen, I won't get into it, I want to leave that for you to see. You start out as Regina and Dylan, the two main characters of the game. They arrive at the jungle via time-machine only to find out that the amount of dinos that inhabit in their is far too much for the troops to take care of. After some awesome sequences, the game sets you up as Dylan, a T.R.A.T trooper who is equipped with a blade that can be used for slashing away vines that have grown on a locked door. Dylan's main weapon is a shotgun with 200 bullets of ammo. As you walk around the game will waste no time throwing velociraptors at you, they will surround you so you better use the R2 button [to do a 180 degree spin] effectively. After Regina will take over because of an emergency that happens just a few minutes after you pick up the control of Dylan. She is equipped with a Handgun and a Stun Gun that can be used to zap electronically locked doors so they would open. A map is another inclusion that can be used to our advantage, blue marks mean open doors, red marks mean closed doors and an "S" stands for a shop. The map will pin-point your location and really help you out throughout the game, this is a very useful feature. Dino Crisis 2 can only be described as the best survival horror game that Capcom or any other company has made, and yes that is including Resident Evil: Code Veronica, it's that good!
The voice acting between RE1 and RE2 was a dramatic leap in both timing and quality, and the same can be said for Dino Crisis and Dino Crisis 2. The voice acting is superb, with excellent quality, voice comprehension and best of all near perfect timing. The screaming of the dinosaurs is the one thing that makes the sound such a killer (sorry about the pun), the T-Rex will scream so loud that it will actually move you backward. Background music also accompanies you when you are battling of dinosaurs, and best of all you can hear the dinos in the bushes as they are trying to attack you.
Controlling your characters is exactly like Resident Evil games. Nothing can be really said about the control except that you can side-step and do a few new things.
This game is awesome, it is highly recommended in every department
9.6 / 10
You control two dynamic characters, Dylan Morton a TRAT special task force member with a confusing role. Regina returns for this mission. If you are into games where things just jump out at you unexpectedly, Dino Crisis 2 is the game for you, because it is packed with much heart-pounding action and intensity. Within thirty minutes of play, I had already blasted about twenty maybe thirty dinos and came in contact with about four species.
I hope I was able to help you in your decision to buy this outstanding game.
Click Here For Most Helpful Customer Reviews >>
As far as Im concerned this is way way better than the first Even though this is not a survival-horror (I dont see how it could be). This game would fit in the action/adventure. You get lotz of sweet weapons like the 9MM,Heavy Machine Gun,Shotgun,and the cool Rocket Launcher and(my personal favorite) the almighty Anti Tank Rifle.Ragina also gets a preety awesome missle pod. There are way more dinosaures than you can shake a leg at. On every screen there has to be atleast 2 dinos if not 3 or 4. There are about 20 dinos on here for every single dino on dino crisis 1. There are also lots of different dinos like the swimming thingers that live in the water,the Flying thingers, Ovi Raptors,Allasaures and of course the main dinos the Raptors. Even our old buddy the T-Rex is back and there is an even LARGER dino that the T-Rex fears. Every time you kill a dino you get points called extinct points that you can use to buy tools, gunns, ammo and recovery items. The replay value is great because after you beat the game you get the extra crisis mode where you get to buy dinos and battle them with a friend and every time you beat the game you get a new dino.There is also anouther mode you unlock called the dino colliseum.I recommend this game to everyone,though some of the horror-survival lovers will be a bit dissapointed...Buy it!!!!Best Deals for Dino Crisis 2
Dino Crisis, the original, was an o.k. Resident Evil style game with dino's thrown in for fun.Well, Dino Crisis 2 breaks the mold of the Resident Evil game play style and implements a tremendously addicting new way to kill dino's! More of an arcade tomb raider shooter, DC2 really brings home the feeling of "walking with dinosaur's". There are more than 10 different types of dino's, most of them very familiar (some are from Jurassic Park).
Game play is very easy (I've only played the normal difficulty so far), yet extremely entertaining. Each dead dinosaur is worth a number of "points". Kill a few dino's in a row and build up combo points. Kill a dino when it's attacking and receive a counter multiplier. All the points you collect are used to buy better weapons, ammo, tools, and health items. Since your able to hold two weapons at a time in DC2, getting better weapons with more points is a very important part of the game.
Overall, DC2 is far better than the original Dino Crisis, yet creates a new type of survival horror, "Blast-A-Dino" Horror.
Honest reviews on Dino Crisis 2
We all thought that Resident Evil: Nemesis was really as good as it gets for the survival horror series, the pre-renders, the character detail, and even the CGs were beautiful. Dino Crisis 2 takes all of that and makes it better. As usual just like any survival horror game, DC2 uses the pre-rendered backgrounds instead of real-time environments. The pre-renders look just slightly better than any RE game out there, and improving upon pre-renders is a pretty tough task. The I haven't seen many CGs, but the intro CG isn't as clean as those found in Nemesis. Though when I first took a glance at Dino Crisis 2, I noticed that the character detail was significantly improved. The body structures are far smoother than any game out there right now, the hands, legs and the head are all jointed to the body seamlessly. There is absolutely no polygonal clipping, everything is smoothed out properly and Capcom gave the game that little extra to please gamers like me. Dino Crisis 2 also displays three to four dinosaurs on one screen with absolutely no slow-down. The visual detail in each dinosaur is extremely realistic, I have never seen enemies as detailed as those velociraptors or that incredibly huge one-eyed Tyrannosaurus Rex, folks mark my words these are the best visuals of all the survival horror games (excluding Code Veronica). Overall I am deeply impressed with the graphics that DC2 boasts, this is without a doubt one of the best looking PS games of the year.DC2 is survival horror but not exactly. What do I mean? Dino Crisis 2 takes the Resident Evil formula, throws it into the blender along with some new elements to create a game that feels like a whole new experience. Instead of the walking around picking up bullets, new guns and what ever, you now buy them! Yes buy them, but not exactly with money, you use your Extinction Points which are picked up by killing dinosaurs. Smaller dinos are worth anywhere from 100-600 points and at times more. The larger dinosaurs will grant you 2500+ points for your shopping needs. You buy equipment, med-kits, and back-up weapons from a computer like gismo which can be found slapped on walls. Accessing this little computer, will open up a menu that will ask you to Save or Shop. When you shop you can even upgrade your current weapon by adding more ammo to it by buying a new cartridge that can hold more bullets or flame power. If you are running low on ammo then you can also stop by one of the computerized shops to charge your weapon back to full power. Another new feature added in Dino Crisis 2 is the Combo System. The Combo System works like this; when you kill a dinosaur and then kill another one while the point score number is still showing then you will get a combo for that. If you have multiple enemies on the screen then use something that will hit at least two enemies at once, or just try to kill enemies as fast as possible. Every time you enter a new door your statistics and final score will show for what you had for that particular area, and if you are skilled enough and don't get harmed once you can earn an extra 2000 points.
Dino Crisis 2 starts out with what may be the best intro video that a game has seen, I won't get into it, I want to leave that for you to see. You start out as Regina and Dylan, the two main characters of the game. They arrive at the jungle via time-machine only to find out that the amount of dinos that inhabit in their is far too much for the troops to take care of. After some awesome sequences, the game sets you up as Dylan, a T.R.A.T trooper who is equipped with a blade that can be used for slashing away vines that have grown on a locked door. Dylan's main weapon is a shotgun with 200 bullets of ammo. As you walk around the game will waste no time throwing velociraptors at you, they will surround you so you better use the R2 button [to do a 180 degree spin] effectively. After Regina will take over because of an emergency that happens just a few minutes after you pick up the control of Dylan. She is equipped with a Handgun and a Stun Gun that can be used to zap electronically locked doors so they would open. A map is another inclusion that can be used to our advantage, blue marks mean open doors, red marks mean closed doors and an "S" stands for a shop. The map will pin-point your location and really help you out throughout the game, this is a very useful feature. Dino Crisis 2 can only be described as the best survival horror game that Capcom or any other company has made, and yes that is including Resident Evil: Code Veronica, it's that good!
The voice acting between RE1 and RE2 was a dramatic leap in both timing and quality, and the same can be said for Dino Crisis and Dino Crisis 2. The voice acting is superb, with excellent quality, voice comprehension and best of all near perfect timing. The screaming of the dinosaurs is the one thing that makes the sound such a killer (sorry about the pun), the T-Rex will scream so loud that it will actually move you backward. Background music also accompanies you when you are battling of dinosaurs, and best of all you can hear the dinos in the bushes as they are trying to attack you.
Controlling your characters is exactly like Resident Evil games. Nothing can be really said about the control except that you can side-step and do a few new things.
This game is awesome, it is highly recommended in every department
9.6 / 10
Find helpful customer reviews and review ratings for Dino Crisis 2
Dino Crisis 2 picks up a year after Dino Crisis. There are all new characters, and of course Regina from the old game. You are playing as Dylan and Regina, who seem to be sent as mercenaries to rescue the survivors of the Third Energy incident, and they also have to find information on the Third Energy project; but they soon realize that they'll have to fight for survival as well. Instead of being like the traditional Capcom Horror Survival, it's more of a Adventure title, they've also turned it into a combat game. There are bosses, mini bosses, and the more you go head to head with the dinos, the better score you will have. You also need to pick up Extiction Points (these are from killing the dinosaurs) to gain ammo and other supplies through the game. Another objective is to find all 11 Dino Files, which are each placed somewhere throughout the game. It's not scary and doesn't make you sit on the edge of your seat like the Resident Evil series and the first Dino Crisis. The graphics are very nicely done, the movies are improved, the sound is better, and the story line is definately interesting down to the suprising end. A good video game, you may not want to buy it, but it is a very good one to rent.Sunday, June 29, 2014
Reviews of Skylanders Spyro's Adventure Flameslinger
Customer Ratings: 
List Price: $8.99
Sale Price: $7.98
Today's Bonus: 11% Off

When I was looking at a fire element Skylander I considered Eruptor because he looked much cooler than Flameslinger. I decided to get Flameslinger because of his speed burst power that leaves a trail of fire behind him. Having played him for quite a while, I'm really glad I got him. The flaming arrows are a great ranged weapon. The flaming speed run is really cool too. He can make a line of fire and shoot from behind it doing extra damage. I think Eruptor's toy figure looks cooler, but in the game Flameslinger is cool combination of speed and firepower. Remember, only fire elemental Skylanders can kill zombies!
As for Flameslinger this guy is pretty cool. His arrows when leveled up have a charged attack that causes a trail of fire to follow them just like his flame run and the Flame run when charged can cause a massive explosion of fire if a circle is formed around an enemy. He is very efficient but weak against multiple opponents. Still a good addition especially if you have a stealth elf.
A great addition to my collection. definitely a must have character.
Charge attack is awesome if powered up correctly.
-I picked the option to create a circle and engulf the enemy in a very powerful inferno.
List Price: $8.99
Sale Price: $7.98
Today's Bonus: 11% Off
When I was looking at a fire element Skylander I considered Eruptor because he looked much cooler than Flameslinger. I decided to get Flameslinger because of his speed burst power that leaves a trail of fire behind him. Having played him for quite a while, I'm really glad I got him. The flaming arrows are a great ranged weapon. The flaming speed run is really cool too. He can make a line of fire and shoot from behind it doing extra damage. I think Eruptor's toy figure looks cooler, but in the game Flameslinger is cool combination of speed and firepower. Remember, only fire elemental Skylanders can kill zombies!
Click Here For Most Helpful Customer Reviews >>
Flameslinger is an awesome addition to to the game. Though he is weak right out of the box and can't do very well if swarmed by lots of bad guys, he becomes AWESOME when leveled up and upgraded. I would recommend him as a great addition to your Skylanders collection.Best Deals for Skylanders Spyro's Adventure Flameslinger
Every seller here is price gouging you. Your better off waiting until the initial popularity dies down and buying them for the original $7.97 price at wal-mart and various other places like Best buy or Target. Even Toys R' Us is only $9.99 every one of these retailers are rip off artists looking to steal your money. Even Drill Sergeant and Whirlwind are going to be released at the end of this month as part of a 3 pack in the states so they are no longer exclusive. So don't pay these prices. Boycott Amazon's price gouging and just be patient.As for Flameslinger this guy is pretty cool. His arrows when leveled up have a charged attack that causes a trail of fire to follow them just like his flame run and the Flame run when charged can cause a massive explosion of fire if a circle is formed around an enemy. He is very efficient but weak against multiple opponents. Still a good addition especially if you have a stealth elf.
Honest reviews on Skylanders Spyro's Adventure Flameslinger
I love this character. he shoots multiple arrows at once.A great addition to my collection. definitely a must have character.
Find helpful customer reviews and review ratings for Skylanders Spyro's Adventure Flameslinger
Long range attacks are slow but powerful.Charge attack is awesome if powered up correctly.
-I picked the option to create a circle and engulf the enemy in a very powerful inferno.
Thursday, June 26, 2014
No One Lives Forever Reviews
Put simply, this game rocks. It's funny, it's challenging, and most importantly, it's... fun! You play as Cate Archer, an ex-thief turned operative when she steals the watch of a spy who gives her a bright future in light of her talents. The graphics of this game rival those of MGS2 and DMC, and maybe even better. The main reason for this is the texturing and the colorful locales that this game is set in. I have played the PC version, and I can tell you that the screenshots of the PS2 version are much better than what I have played on the PC. There are also 4 PS2-exclusive levels in which you get to play Archer back when she was a spy, and you have to go stealing people's wallets and whatnot. On to the funny part. If you listen to your surroundings before you go in guns blasting, you will find that most of the people will not just be standing around waiting for you to show up, they will be talking about all types of subjects, such as marital problems and shortcomings. The enemies themselves are as smart as you would expect from an international terrorist group. If they find themselves overpowered, they run for cover and call for reinforcements, or if there is no line of escape, they find cover behind objects or other people. If, however, they have you overpowered, then they will advance relentlessly until they kill you, or until you outsmart them by throwing explosive lipstick at them. Yes, explosive lipstick. You also have a mechanical poodle that distracts guard dogs, a berette that can be used to pick locks, and a lighter that can be used to melt locks that can't be picked. You also have sunglasses equiped with a camera and mine detector. You will travel all around the world, from the Caribbean to the Swiss Alps, from a sinking ship to falling from an airplane at 30,000 feet...without a parachute. In other words, you will never get bored by staying in the same setting. Also, there are tons of levels: around 15 settings, made up of 2-5 levels each. That translates into a HUGE amount of levels. The story is also no letdown. You will be literally sitting on the edge of your seat at every twist and turn, and the story is told through colorful characters with excellent voice acting. Another important aspect of the game is the multiplayer experience, and you should expect this to be excellent. Also, you must not forget the amount of nubile female vixens that will rock your world.
The final verdict: If you have a PS2, get this game. If you don't, get a PS2.
A. Good plot. The plot flows so much better than most shooting games and is rather thick. There is much dialogue between missions but it is all worthwhile and well-done.
B. Great Voices and Characters. This probably makes the game! The characters have advanced relationships with each other. Cate (the main character) is constantly scrutinized by one of her advisors and will always give him an attitude! The voices are very crisp and easy to hear.
C. New Ideas. In this game, you do things that most games would not even try to do! I mean, you shoot people parachuting out of an airplane as you fall thousands of feet! You also are a thief in one part and sneak around the cops to steal wallets.
D. Emotional. The game will get you nervious at times and its very undercover. For example, when stealing a purse, you may get realized and someone will run to the police. While they are going, you must run out of sight! Afterwards, he will investigate the scene including the area around it for you, even looking in every corner! Ingenious!
Now, there are some downsides but they aren't nearly as bad as you may think:
1. Graphics. They aren't the best on the system by far but aren't the worst either. I would say they are acceptable.
2. Controls. They do take time to get used to, but once you do, they become second nature.
Overall, a different kind of shooter and one worthwhile to try or buy!
With all of that in mind, this game should play like a James Bond game, and in fact it does, it even plays just as well as the recently made "Agent Under Fire", an official James Bond game. The graphics (while not the best the studio could have made) are acceptable, the characters are funny, there is the same sense of dark humor and action. The only three small problem are:
1. the weapons. If you're caught while having to change weapons, or reload a clip while in a gunfight and you don't hide first, you might as well consider yourself as dead, because they just gang up on you.
2. Another small problem is the L-3 directional button. Under most circumstances it's okay, but if you get a little jumpy, you can find yourself turned around, and that could be bad when you're trying to avoid a camera or spotlight.
3. In one or two occasions, you find yourself thrown into a situation without a clue as to what to do. Like the freefall level, you KNOW you're supposed to get to the guy below you to get his chute. But how? Okay, it's easy once you figure it out, you uh, swim. BUT, even that's hard to do when you have several other guys protecting their buddy below you.
Anyway, enough of the negatives, the positives are, if you line yourself up right, with the proper weapon, you can shoot two or even three guys with one shot, and can get them to shoot each other.
Oh, and before I forget, don't disregard the conversations you hear the characters having, while it may seem like idle chat most of the time (on a few occasions it is), there may be something useful within the conversation that you can put to use, sometimes right away, sometimes at a later level so listen in when you can.
Anyhow, I reccomend this game to anyone who is into the Bond movies, shoting games, or just all out action, but I do put a caution on this game for anyone under 13, because of the mild language and violence.
The final verdict: If you have a PS2, get this game. If you don't, get a PS2.
Click Here For Most Helpful Customer Reviews >>
To be honest, I love this game. If you ask me, it's worth every penny of the low price $29.99. Let me explain: First of all, most reviews you will read of this game are WRONG! Gamespot.com gave "No One Lives Forever" a 4.3/10. That's just wrong. Let me tell you why I love this game:A. Good plot. The plot flows so much better than most shooting games and is rather thick. There is much dialogue between missions but it is all worthwhile and well-done.
B. Great Voices and Characters. This probably makes the game! The characters have advanced relationships with each other. Cate (the main character) is constantly scrutinized by one of her advisors and will always give him an attitude! The voices are very crisp and easy to hear.
C. New Ideas. In this game, you do things that most games would not even try to do! I mean, you shoot people parachuting out of an airplane as you fall thousands of feet! You also are a thief in one part and sneak around the cops to steal wallets.
D. Emotional. The game will get you nervious at times and its very undercover. For example, when stealing a purse, you may get realized and someone will run to the police. While they are going, you must run out of sight! Afterwards, he will investigate the scene including the area around it for you, even looking in every corner! Ingenious!
Now, there are some downsides but they aren't nearly as bad as you may think:
1. Graphics. They aren't the best on the system by far but aren't the worst either. I would say they are acceptable.
2. Controls. They do take time to get used to, but once you do, they become second nature.
Overall, a different kind of shooter and one worthwhile to try or buy!
Best Deals for No One Lives Forever
Does that line ring a bell? Well for those of us who are fans of the James Bond series, it should, as it's a tip of the hat to James' famous pick-up line in the movies, in fact even the title itself is borrowed from one of the James Garner novels "Nobody Lives Forever".With all of that in mind, this game should play like a James Bond game, and in fact it does, it even plays just as well as the recently made "Agent Under Fire", an official James Bond game. The graphics (while not the best the studio could have made) are acceptable, the characters are funny, there is the same sense of dark humor and action. The only three small problem are:
1. the weapons. If you're caught while having to change weapons, or reload a clip while in a gunfight and you don't hide first, you might as well consider yourself as dead, because they just gang up on you.
2. Another small problem is the L-3 directional button. Under most circumstances it's okay, but if you get a little jumpy, you can find yourself turned around, and that could be bad when you're trying to avoid a camera or spotlight.
3. In one or two occasions, you find yourself thrown into a situation without a clue as to what to do. Like the freefall level, you KNOW you're supposed to get to the guy below you to get his chute. But how? Okay, it's easy once you figure it out, you uh, swim. BUT, even that's hard to do when you have several other guys protecting their buddy below you.
Anyway, enough of the negatives, the positives are, if you line yourself up right, with the proper weapon, you can shoot two or even three guys with one shot, and can get them to shoot each other.
Oh, and before I forget, don't disregard the conversations you hear the characters having, while it may seem like idle chat most of the time (on a few occasions it is), there may be something useful within the conversation that you can put to use, sometimes right away, sometimes at a later level so listen in when you can.
Anyhow, I reccomend this game to anyone who is into the Bond movies, shoting games, or just all out action, but I do put a caution on this game for anyone under 13, because of the mild language and violence.
Honest reviews on No One Lives Forever
based on the 60s you play as a spy whpo used to be a robber go through hundreds of levels with crossbows,revelvers,mechineguns, pendartan,handguns with silencer ferther in the level and of couse the robot poodle play on a ship,airplane, in building and the streetsFind helpful customer reviews and review ratings for No One Lives Forever
Although the loading times are a little slow this game is still very entertaining. The dialog between the guards when Cate is sneaking up on them is funny. The switching between weapons in a tight situation can be a little rough but all in all the game is fun and there are alot of areas to explore. Try it out you have nothing to loose.Tuesday, June 3, 2014
Cheap NBA 2K10 - Xbox 360
Customer Ratings: 
List Price: $29.99
Sale Price: $9.75
Today's Bonus: 67% Off

Well I waited awhile to review this game until I got a real feel for it.
I must say it took me about a week to really appreciate the subtle changes that 2k10 has made.
1) The oops off the glass to a team mate or to yourself is a plus... and the Put back Slams are nuts.
2) The ratings of team are no longer high so there is no 1 dominant team, every team can be a threat.
3) Smoother Online play.
4) Improved defense... and the stamina meter makes is so people can't run around all day with KOBE, LEBRON and D WADE all game like in 2k9.
5) Smarter AI this year it actually feels like you're playing a real person... The computer ain't dumb no more they'll make the extra pass to the open man or make you pay for a blown defensive cover.
6) My player mode gives the game more playability no longer just a season or online game and it actually improves your basketball IQ for playing in Crews mode or Team Matches.
7) Being able to use your created player online is also a plus .
8) The dribbling is crazy you can literally break defenders down, make them slip trip and everything else and it looks real not all arcadish.
Cons:
1) GLITCHES... you got a fast break going in for the stuff and your dude takes the slowest 2 steps to the basket in the world... Not all the time but it takes away from the smoothness of the game.
2) There are other delays here in there sometime the Ref and the Person taking the ball out tend to play Catch back in forth for like 30 of 40 seconds.. whats that all about. And there are a few other things that can affect game play here and there.
All in all I like this game it just feels more real to me than other B-Ball games. In my opinion it provides for the most realistic NBA experience. The game play is spot on. All though there are Glitches they are not a deal breaker plus 2K is releasing a PATCH for it soon so this game will be the Premiere game it is always been.
My biggest complaint is that the game doesn't have great responsiveness with the controls. Everything works alright (the dunking is not really all that an amazing feature), but when you press buttons on the controller it's like you're making plans for the future. You hit the button to juke out with your player, run to the board, time the layout just right, except by the time you're done your player on the screen has just started to make his juke move. T-T-T-Today Junior! It makes the game feel awkward and I wish 2k sports would have it worked out by now.
If you need to play Xbox basketball there aren't many options. Maybe that's why this game is so uncompetitive.
THE GOOD:
The new NBA Today feature that gives a breakdown of each day's real NBA games and their results.
The graphics are better than last year, but the difference isn't as profound and jaw dropping as in years past. Nonetheless, players do look more realistic.
The commentary by Marv Albert and Clark Kellogg is the best of any sports game I've played. While a lot of it is recycled from past years' versions, there is a surprising amount of new stuff (if you're familiar with the NCAA Football franchise from EA Sports then you know how annoying it can be to have the same commentary every year, especially when it doesn't add anything to the gaming experience). The banter between Albert and Kellogg is very believable and it doesn't sound like they are acting.
2K has done a total overhaul on the in game menus. This is going to be a matter of personal taste, but I like the way these look.
By far the best change is the addition of the "My Player" mode. It allows you to create a player of any position who has a specific set of strengths and weaknesses. Here is the general synopsis:
You start out playing in a summer league and try to make it to an NBA training camp. If you get an invite to training camp then you try to avoid getting cut. If you do you head to the D-League, if not then you play in the NBA. Along the way you earn skill points used to improve any aspect of your game from mental toughness to scoring from the post.
In each game you are assessed a "Teammate grade" for what you do on the court. Taking good shots, setting good picks, rebounds, assists, getting good position on your defender, running a fast break correctly and a number of other things will raise your teammate grade. Turnovers, excessively calling for a pass, letting your match up (the man you guard) score, taking bad shots and not staying with your match up will lower your teammate grade. Before each game you are given three challenges to complete during the game. For each one you complete successfully you get additional skill points. For example, you might be asked to hold your match up to 51% shooting from the field, make 4 baskets in the paint, and finish with a teammate grade of B+.
The My Player mode is a lot of fun if you can get past the idea of only being one player on a team. You have to work to get open and its not a good idea to shoot the ball every time you touch it. If you stick with it then you will enjoy this game mode. It is a good addition to this franchise, but it certainly isn't enough to carry the game. Which brings me to...
THE BAD:
The online play, or should I say the lack thereof. A quick history lesson: 2K8 had a great online feature complete with leagues, quick games against any random person who was online and ready to play, and game lounges for all different skill levels. After such a great and expansive online option the previous year, 2K9, for some inexplicable reason, did not have game lounges. This meant who you played and how good he or she was was totally random. A beginner playing an expert meant the beginner left feeling frustrated and discouraged and the expert got to pad their stats. Not to mention connecting to an online game was unacceptably difficult. In my experience, over 3 out of every 4 attempted online games wouldn't be able to connect in the first place. It was very frustrating.
Well, that was nothing compared to the problems 2K10 has. The main reason I play sports games is to play online. I have owned this game for over a week and I still have not been able to connect to an online game. I have tried every day and every single time it reports a connection error and refers me to a website that offers no help and a FAQ that is blank. I have heard a rumor that 2K is planning on releasing a patch to fix the online problems but I am not holding out much hope; they did the same thing last year and it didn't help.
The gameplay is almost the exact same as last year. The look is a bit different, but the first time I played it I dominated my opponent because it is essentially the same game I've been playing since October of last year.
It is unbelievably easy to score inside. Playing as the Hornets, I was able to have Chris Paul post up Kevin Garnett on several occasions and only get blocked once. I had Mike Bibby dunk on Tim Duncan. My jaw dropped as the laws of physics were suspended when Allen Iverson went for a layup and the ball traveled through that's right...THROUGH the arm of Shaq as he made a futile attempt to swat the layup into the next zip code.
In the game manual it claims that you can control the different dunks the players do. It could be user error, but I haven't been able to make it work. I have talked to others who have complained about this too.
The shot stick is counter-intuitive and largely unnecessary. It has been a feature in the 2K series for a while now and I know they are trying to answer NBA Live's manual dribble moves but not all of the shots work and the one's that do are confusing and take practice to get down. When you're in the middle of a game and you are driving to the basket, you don't want to think about which direction to point the shot stick. It would be better to hold the shoot button and then use the movement stick to control how the player releases the shot. To me that seems like the more natural way to play.
IN CONCLUSION
2K has a great tradition of producing top of the line basketball games. While this newest version certainly isn't a bad game, the game makers left way too much room for improvement. It is a disappointment mainly because I expect better from this franchise, especially considering this is its 10 year anniversary. Instead of taking time to innovate the gameplay itself, the makers of 2k10 spent most of their time and energy on aesthetic details like the menus and commentary. With the exception of the My Player mode, this game is no more than a brightly decorated version of 2k9.
List Price: $29.99
Sale Price: $9.75
Today's Bonus: 67% Off
Well I waited awhile to review this game until I got a real feel for it.
I must say it took me about a week to really appreciate the subtle changes that 2k10 has made.
1) The oops off the glass to a team mate or to yourself is a plus... and the Put back Slams are nuts.
2) The ratings of team are no longer high so there is no 1 dominant team, every team can be a threat.
3) Smoother Online play.
4) Improved defense... and the stamina meter makes is so people can't run around all day with KOBE, LEBRON and D WADE all game like in 2k9.
5) Smarter AI this year it actually feels like you're playing a real person... The computer ain't dumb no more they'll make the extra pass to the open man or make you pay for a blown defensive cover.
6) My player mode gives the game more playability no longer just a season or online game and it actually improves your basketball IQ for playing in Crews mode or Team Matches.
7) Being able to use your created player online is also a plus .
8) The dribbling is crazy you can literally break defenders down, make them slip trip and everything else and it looks real not all arcadish.
Cons:
1) GLITCHES... you got a fast break going in for the stuff and your dude takes the slowest 2 steps to the basket in the world... Not all the time but it takes away from the smoothness of the game.
2) There are other delays here in there sometime the Ref and the Person taking the ball out tend to play Catch back in forth for like 30 of 40 seconds.. whats that all about. And there are a few other things that can affect game play here and there.
All in all I like this game it just feels more real to me than other B-Ball games. In my opinion it provides for the most realistic NBA experience. The game play is spot on. All though there are Glitches they are not a deal breaker plus 2K is releasing a PATCH for it soon so this game will be the Premiere game it is always been.
Click Here For Most Helpful Customer Reviews >>
It feels like basketball is the red headed stepchild sport to video game makers. 2k10 continues the disappointment. The graphics are improved, as they are every year (although the players do have a weird chunky look to their bodies sometimes, but no biggie), but the fun of playing hasn't changed much. Scoring is a little broken toward the inside and the defense is still no good. There's just no realness or enjoyment to running your defensive looks.My biggest complaint is that the game doesn't have great responsiveness with the controls. Everything works alright (the dunking is not really all that an amazing feature), but when you press buttons on the controller it's like you're making plans for the future. You hit the button to juke out with your player, run to the board, time the layout just right, except by the time you're done your player on the screen has just started to make his juke move. T-T-T-Today Junior! It makes the game feel awkward and I wish 2k sports would have it worked out by now.
If you need to play Xbox basketball there aren't many options. Maybe that's why this game is so uncompetitive.
Best Deals for NBA 2K10 - Xbox 360
I've been playing the 2k series for years, and while 8 wasn't a giant leap forward, and 9 had some issues, nba 2k10 is just a bad video game. It's created more problems without solving old ones. A few nice features like association mode or the gimmicky myplayer mode don't fix this game's glaring problems. First, online play is terribleif you need confirmation, just check out any number of other reviews. It was released broken and hasn't been fixed. Second, the AI is still awful. The four guys you are not controlling regularly blow assignments, don't challenge shots, never play passing lanes or go for the ball: some of this can be fixed with sliders but the default settings are flat out broken. The controls are also awful: players you control act on a delay (that increases in online play) so that often you make an open pass to a guy running towards the basket and he will patiently wait for the opposing player to catch up before making a move. Defense is unintuitive and needs to be re-built, period. It's actually gotten worse than it was 2 years ago. The most inexcusable thing is the lageven in offline modes lag creeps in, taking an already frustrating game and making it ten times worse. 2K needs to stop focusing on slightly improved graphics and re-recording audio and actually fix what's wrong with this series. Right now it's a basketball simulator that doesn't accurately simulate basketball AND isn't fun to play.Honest reviews on NBA 2K10 - Xbox 360
For a long time I was a devout NBA Live player. A few years ago the franchise went stale and little was changed or improved upon from year to year. That was when I switched over to the 2K franchise. Every year I found myself getting excited for October because that's when the much anticipated new version of the 2K series is. It pains me to say it, but it appears that 2K has fallen into the same slump that Live was in a few years ago. Other than minor improvements on a few mundane details, this is the same game as 2K9.THE GOOD:
The new NBA Today feature that gives a breakdown of each day's real NBA games and their results.
The graphics are better than last year, but the difference isn't as profound and jaw dropping as in years past. Nonetheless, players do look more realistic.
The commentary by Marv Albert and Clark Kellogg is the best of any sports game I've played. While a lot of it is recycled from past years' versions, there is a surprising amount of new stuff (if you're familiar with the NCAA Football franchise from EA Sports then you know how annoying it can be to have the same commentary every year, especially when it doesn't add anything to the gaming experience). The banter between Albert and Kellogg is very believable and it doesn't sound like they are acting.
2K has done a total overhaul on the in game menus. This is going to be a matter of personal taste, but I like the way these look.
By far the best change is the addition of the "My Player" mode. It allows you to create a player of any position who has a specific set of strengths and weaknesses. Here is the general synopsis:
You start out playing in a summer league and try to make it to an NBA training camp. If you get an invite to training camp then you try to avoid getting cut. If you do you head to the D-League, if not then you play in the NBA. Along the way you earn skill points used to improve any aspect of your game from mental toughness to scoring from the post.
In each game you are assessed a "Teammate grade" for what you do on the court. Taking good shots, setting good picks, rebounds, assists, getting good position on your defender, running a fast break correctly and a number of other things will raise your teammate grade. Turnovers, excessively calling for a pass, letting your match up (the man you guard) score, taking bad shots and not staying with your match up will lower your teammate grade. Before each game you are given three challenges to complete during the game. For each one you complete successfully you get additional skill points. For example, you might be asked to hold your match up to 51% shooting from the field, make 4 baskets in the paint, and finish with a teammate grade of B+.
The My Player mode is a lot of fun if you can get past the idea of only being one player on a team. You have to work to get open and its not a good idea to shoot the ball every time you touch it. If you stick with it then you will enjoy this game mode. It is a good addition to this franchise, but it certainly isn't enough to carry the game. Which brings me to...
THE BAD:
The online play, or should I say the lack thereof. A quick history lesson: 2K8 had a great online feature complete with leagues, quick games against any random person who was online and ready to play, and game lounges for all different skill levels. After such a great and expansive online option the previous year, 2K9, for some inexplicable reason, did not have game lounges. This meant who you played and how good he or she was was totally random. A beginner playing an expert meant the beginner left feeling frustrated and discouraged and the expert got to pad their stats. Not to mention connecting to an online game was unacceptably difficult. In my experience, over 3 out of every 4 attempted online games wouldn't be able to connect in the first place. It was very frustrating.
Well, that was nothing compared to the problems 2K10 has. The main reason I play sports games is to play online. I have owned this game for over a week and I still have not been able to connect to an online game. I have tried every day and every single time it reports a connection error and refers me to a website that offers no help and a FAQ that is blank. I have heard a rumor that 2K is planning on releasing a patch to fix the online problems but I am not holding out much hope; they did the same thing last year and it didn't help.
The gameplay is almost the exact same as last year. The look is a bit different, but the first time I played it I dominated my opponent because it is essentially the same game I've been playing since October of last year.
It is unbelievably easy to score inside. Playing as the Hornets, I was able to have Chris Paul post up Kevin Garnett on several occasions and only get blocked once. I had Mike Bibby dunk on Tim Duncan. My jaw dropped as the laws of physics were suspended when Allen Iverson went for a layup and the ball traveled through that's right...THROUGH the arm of Shaq as he made a futile attempt to swat the layup into the next zip code.
In the game manual it claims that you can control the different dunks the players do. It could be user error, but I haven't been able to make it work. I have talked to others who have complained about this too.
The shot stick is counter-intuitive and largely unnecessary. It has been a feature in the 2K series for a while now and I know they are trying to answer NBA Live's manual dribble moves but not all of the shots work and the one's that do are confusing and take practice to get down. When you're in the middle of a game and you are driving to the basket, you don't want to think about which direction to point the shot stick. It would be better to hold the shoot button and then use the movement stick to control how the player releases the shot. To me that seems like the more natural way to play.
IN CONCLUSION
2K has a great tradition of producing top of the line basketball games. While this newest version certainly isn't a bad game, the game makers left way too much room for improvement. It is a disappointment mainly because I expect better from this franchise, especially considering this is its 10 year anniversary. Instead of taking time to innovate the gameplay itself, the makers of 2k10 spent most of their time and energy on aesthetic details like the menus and commentary. With the exception of the My Player mode, this game is no more than a brightly decorated version of 2k9.
Find helpful customer reviews and review ratings for NBA 2K10 - Xbox 360
So I bought this awhile ago, and it took too long for me to review. Overall 2K10 was a solid addition to the franchise. Graphics were crisp and game play felt nice, I simply am not good at this game though haha. Online features were nice, but I felt it lagged a bit, perhpas my connection speed. Season and Franchise modes were the same ol thing as previous installments and don't offer much fun. This is a game to brush up on alone and then school friends when they come over.Sunday, May 11, 2014
Super Street Fighter IV FightPad - Ken - Xbox 360 Review
So to start off, let me say that this is an awesome controller. Playing SSF4 on the pc with this is soo much better than using the wired xbox controller, but, my particular controller decided to stop registering almost any control input at all, and when it did register the action stuck so character would constantly move the left or right etc. I am going to check to see if there is a waranty or something for this but let me make it clear that there was no man-handling of this product at all, i just unplugged it from my computer one morning and the next time i plugged it in i get this issue. Like i said in the begining this is an awesome product when you dont get the defective garbage...
F.E.A.R. 3 - Xbox 360 Review
Customer Ratings: 
List Price: $19.99
Sale Price: $14.99
Today's Bonus: 25% Off

This game is solid gold as far as I am concerned. In co-op it is so fun and team work is a must. There thrill, gore, and fun at every turn you make. Very dark game with loads of action. Playing as the ghost was the most fun I have had with any video game in a long time taking over bodies and frying the enemies. Games story line is dark and unique aswell which adds to its appeal. Definitely not for kids though...
-About 8 hours for the main campaign to unlock other character to play the story again with other gameplay, powers and alternative ending, 16 hours total.
-The whole game is a coop experience, campaign and multiplayer modes
-Character level progress, campaign and multiplayer modes works together to reach your goals and be stronger
-About 50 different Combat Challenges to accomplish
-Multiplayer modes are unique and fast action to enjoy with friends, you can play alone too fighting "bots".
Above all you will find a creepy mood, great graphics and action. For me is awesome game.
Okay, the storyline was pretty funny and worthy of a Saturday cartoon, but it was interesting.
Fear 2 (minus that awful, AWFUL psychic...ghost rape ending) was fun and a bit freaky. I even didn't mind the easy mecha of destruction scenes.
But Fear 3...why is it that horror games are turning into generic action shooters?
If I want a shooter I'll play Serious Sam.
You mainly fight army men, who unlike the pervious games are as thick as bricks. I had them run past me on several occassions.
The "scary" moments are few and far between, taking a Darkwatch route to find corpses as easter eggs.
Granted, one level was interesting but short for some reason.
I got as far as looking up at the sky in an airport level to see a black hole. The sky was red and the earth trembled whenever Alma decided to have labour pains. I'd never seen such a boring, obvious example of "being in womb" before.
Rent the game, and play with a friend. Otherwise you'll get bored. Fast.
If you've played the expansion pack for F.E.A.R. 2, then you will be familiar with Point Man, who is one of the two characters you can play as. The other is Paxton Fettel, cannibal psycho psychic dude who has been a series staple from the very beginning. Between the two of you, assuming that you're playing with someone else of course, you will team up to dish out some serious harm to your enemies. So much in fact that you're certain to attain a certain euphoria as you zip through levels decimating your enemies. And decimate them you do. There's something inherently satisfying about psychically suspending some dude in the air while your partner unloads a clip into him at close range, making him jiggle like some marionette. Or you can just make them explode outright in a fine mist of blood and gore. Point Man plays like a standard run and gun super soldier but Paxton adds a certain flair to the proceedings that makes things that much more fun. In the end, the game trades in it's well worn scare tactics for some solid co-op gameplay and it's a worthwhile trade.
The game also offers some online multiplayer modes, the best of which in my humble opinion being the "F***ing Run" mode that puts you and three others in front of a wall of smoke that kills anyone who can't manage to stay ahead of it. It's incredibly intense and a lot of fun if you can find people online to play along with you.
I like this game very much and it offers a significant amount of replay value for your dollar, which is one of the best compliments you can pay a game of this type. I would recommend this to fans of the series looking for a change of pace and to those looking for some good two man gameplay. Look elsewhere for scares or you'll be sorely disappointed.
List Price: $19.99
Sale Price: $14.99
Today's Bonus: 25% Off
This game is solid gold as far as I am concerned. In co-op it is so fun and team work is a must. There thrill, gore, and fun at every turn you make. Very dark game with loads of action. Playing as the ghost was the most fun I have had with any video game in a long time taking over bodies and frying the enemies. Games story line is dark and unique aswell which adds to its appeal. Definitely not for kids though...
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Why I think is a great game:-About 8 hours for the main campaign to unlock other character to play the story again with other gameplay, powers and alternative ending, 16 hours total.
-The whole game is a coop experience, campaign and multiplayer modes
-Character level progress, campaign and multiplayer modes works together to reach your goals and be stronger
-About 50 different Combat Challenges to accomplish
-Multiplayer modes are unique and fast action to enjoy with friends, you can play alone too fighting "bots".
Above all you will find a creepy mood, great graphics and action. For me is awesome game.
Best Deals for F.E.A.R. 3 - Xbox 360
This is a very good game. Great survival horror action game. I enjoyed playing it. So why did I give it four stars? Don't get me wrong, I highly recommend this, but I think you'd best try Fear 2 first. First off to get the story of course, and two is that this game is almost the same as Fear 2 except for the characters and storyline. Same graphics, controls, ect. If you enjoyed Fear 2, pick this up immediatly, you will not regret it. If you didn't like Fear 2, there's not much here for you.Honest reviews on F.E.A.R. 3 - Xbox 360
I've loved the Fear series.Okay, the storyline was pretty funny and worthy of a Saturday cartoon, but it was interesting.
Fear 2 (minus that awful, AWFUL psychic...ghost rape ending) was fun and a bit freaky. I even didn't mind the easy mecha of destruction scenes.
But Fear 3...why is it that horror games are turning into generic action shooters?
If I want a shooter I'll play Serious Sam.
You mainly fight army men, who unlike the pervious games are as thick as bricks. I had them run past me on several occassions.
The "scary" moments are few and far between, taking a Darkwatch route to find corpses as easter eggs.
Granted, one level was interesting but short for some reason.
I got as far as looking up at the sky in an airport level to see a black hole. The sky was red and the earth trembled whenever Alma decided to have labour pains. I'd never seen such a boring, obvious example of "being in womb" before.
Rent the game, and play with a friend. Otherwise you'll get bored. Fast.
Find helpful customer reviews and review ratings for F.E.A.R. 3 - Xbox 360
I think at this point, the mythology of the F.E.A.R. games has collapsed in on itself. The story has evolved into something nonsensical and this third chapter has lost any, if not all of the frights that the first one managed to gather. Does this make F.E.A.R. 3 a bad game? No, in fact it's far from being a bad game. I'd actually say that this is one of the best two-player co-op games you can currently get your hands on and it shouldn't be missed for those who enjoy progressing through a solid campaign experience with a buddy.If you've played the expansion pack for F.E.A.R. 2, then you will be familiar with Point Man, who is one of the two characters you can play as. The other is Paxton Fettel, cannibal psycho psychic dude who has been a series staple from the very beginning. Between the two of you, assuming that you're playing with someone else of course, you will team up to dish out some serious harm to your enemies. So much in fact that you're certain to attain a certain euphoria as you zip through levels decimating your enemies. And decimate them you do. There's something inherently satisfying about psychically suspending some dude in the air while your partner unloads a clip into him at close range, making him jiggle like some marionette. Or you can just make them explode outright in a fine mist of blood and gore. Point Man plays like a standard run and gun super soldier but Paxton adds a certain flair to the proceedings that makes things that much more fun. In the end, the game trades in it's well worn scare tactics for some solid co-op gameplay and it's a worthwhile trade.
The game also offers some online multiplayer modes, the best of which in my humble opinion being the "F***ing Run" mode that puts you and three others in front of a wall of smoke that kills anyone who can't manage to stay ahead of it. It's incredibly intense and a lot of fun if you can find people online to play along with you.
I like this game very much and it offers a significant amount of replay value for your dollar, which is one of the best compliments you can pay a game of this type. I would recommend this to fans of the series looking for a change of pace and to those looking for some good two man gameplay. Look elsewhere for scares or you'll be sorely disappointed.
Thursday, May 8, 2014
Reviews of Saint's Row: The Third - Xbox 360
Customer Ratings: 
List Price: $29.99
Sale Price: $19.42
Today's Bonus: 35% Off

The best way to describe the Saint's Row series is if the developer's took a look at GTA: San Andreas and said "okay, that's great, but let's try for 40% more wacky" and each iteration thereafter was just that much more absurd than the last. This is a good thing. GTAIV went the more serious route with a deep, compelling crime drama and a protagonist battling his inner demons... Saint's Row had you go into ragdoll mode to commit insurance fraud. It's a nice duality for this console generation.
Anyway, enough history as I'm sure since you're onto the third edition that you have some idea what the game is about. If you enjoyed Saint's Row 2, you're going to enjoy this game. There are some really, really weird new weapons (anything having to do with Professor Genki really), a new city to wander around, a lot more character customization, and just a lot of silly crap.
The actual gameplay itself is an upgrade to Saint's Row 2. Everything feels pretty tight, the vehicles and targeting systems are good, no complaints there really. The city itself looks great, it's big with a lot of varying areas and a lot of mayhem to be had, that's for sure. The soundtrack is a little over the top, it kind of makes me feel like I'm in an 80's action montage half the time... which is a good thing.
A big standout to me is the new upgrade system. You're able to accumulate an empire as you snag properties and can use the cash to buy health upgrades, weapon upgrades, clothes, etc. The initial character model creation has a ton of variation as well. Definitely a good move on the developer's part there.
The story itself is pretty good. It's not longer a three part thing where you go after each gang individually, it's more of a cohesive thing that goes throughout the game. If you feel like ignoring it, of course, go nuts. That's what sandbox games are all about!
I have two gripes though: the character models aren't as crisp as they could be. For the amount of customization available they could have made them look a little better. They're not bad... just not great either. In addition, they took out a few of the more interesting side missions from the last game (Fuzz and the Sanitation Truck one stand out to me) and kept the more mundane ones (Escort. Always with the pimps & hoes).
Regardless, the game is a lot of crazy. It's fun to screw around with for ten minutes or a few hours. If you're a fan of the series, definitely worth picking up.
Overall Rating : 4 out of 5 Stars
The game, while targeted at "adult" males, is a lot of fun if you don't get bogged down the the details of killing hundreds of law enforcement officers and hookers. The game is meant to just be fun, not commentary on modern society or a discussion on politics. Start blasting everything, exploring the city, and grabbing some cash.
Graphics: 5 out of 5 stars
The graphics are great, with a lot of detail down to litter on the streets, various people walking down the street, and a random selection of vehicles traveling down the roads for you to admire and steal. There is also a great deal of detail allowed on your character, including clothes you can select, tattoo variants, etc.
Missions: 4 out of 5 stars
The missions span a wide range of types, from robbing banks to attacking other gangs scattered throughout the city. There are side missions called in via cell phone, as well as trouble you can get into while you explore the city on foot, in a car, on a motorcycle, in an airplane stolen from the airport, or even via helicopter.
Characters: 4 our of 5 stars
The character is customized by you at the start of the campaign, so almost anything goes. You will also be allowed to change the clothes, add tattoos, change the voice, talk to pedestrians, etc. Very detailed and amusing to listen to the variety and it might even teach you new profanity or insults.
** Warning: this game is truly intended for a mature audience, so do not allow your youngster to plan this game if they can't handle sex, drugs, nudity, violence, explosions, marketing of adult products and services, and other mature themes. This game really pushes the envelope on mature material, so don't think that the other mature games weren't so bad so this one might be OK. It ain't OK, and might scar the little ones. **
Yes, there is cursing, guns, violence, assassinations, theft but it's all in fun. It's a game. It's a game for adults. So if you're thinking about getting this for your kid, make sure it's something you don't mind them seeing and hearing.
I don't play many games because I usually get stuck in places. I have various games where I'm stuck in certain places and can't get passed them. I recently played L.A. Noire and this reminded me of that in the fact that if you can't do a particular "mini game" you can exit out of that particular area and move on to something else.
I've stayed up so late playing this the two times I've turned it on and I feel like there is so much content that it will take a long time to even get through the game. It's open world so I can drive around the streets forever just exploring and checking out different areas. There are hidden objects all around that you can find and explore. For instance, you make money having your photo taken by photographers on the side of the road. You can also search for hidden nude dolls for achievements.
I think because I'm not well versed in games it takes me a few tries to get a challenge done but I'm still having so much fun that I don't mind. It is a little difficult for me in some areas. That's to be expected of my though.
I love this game. As soon as I figured heard I could customize my character I was sold. I love customizations. I love being able to be a chick. I usually look for that in a game. My husband always asks if I'd like a particular game and my first question is always "Can I be a chick?"
For a non-gamer I love this game. I don't know if it's up to par with other types of games that are like this. (Are there other games like this?) I'm having so much fun. Where does the time go when I'm playing this?
Don't get me wrong, I love the Saints Row franchise, but SR:TT left out the little details that made previous Saints Rows games EPIC. I will state 11 reasons I feel 'personally' about what Volition messed up on. Now remember, this is my opinion and don't flame my review with 8 year old comments. Let's keep this post professional please.
Let's start.
Reason number one. Customization was cut back, by alot.
With Saints Row 2 clothing, you could
-layer your clothing
-choose multiple rings
-choose multiple necklaces
-add symbols to your clothing
-change your clothing material
-change the design of your clothing (i.e. striped/plad/checkered)
With Saints Row the third, you have none of those options, and all outfits are preset and premade.
Reason number two. Cars are made of plastic.
When I saw the new car damage, I was excited. It looked a little more realistic.
However, when I got ingame my excitement dropped completely.
Apparently the cars in the game weigh nearly nothing, and the actual crashing leaves alot to be desired.
When you hit a car, it goes flying. Up, forward, backward, it's bound to go way farther than a real car would.
Reason number three. Weapon customization was lazy and very overhyped.
The weapon customization has to be the worst, and most limiting weapon customization i've ever seen.
I hated Fable 3. (Loved the other 2). But I would actually say that Fable 3's idiotic hero weapon customization was better than SRTT.
When you customize a weapon, you have 4 upgrades to it. These upgrades add scopes, stocks, foregrips, etc.
However, they cannot be reversed. In any way.
So once you buy that new shotgun with flaming rounds, you are stuck blowing up everything like a retard for your entire game.
Or if you buy dual wielding pistols, you will never be allowed to return back to single wielding.
What is made even worse, is that the flashlight is out of your control, and the scopes do not even work. (except the AR-55 which is just the default sniper scope)
Volition, if you are going to add weapon customization, at least do it right. Don't do it halfway and just throw it in.
Unlike 70% of other players, I will NOT settle for half-ass. I pay for this game, I pay for DLC's. I, as well as everyone else, deserve better.
Reason number 4. The RC gun is useless.
The RC gun was one of my biggest hypes about the game.
I love playing co-op, and I wanted to have a blast with my friends with the new weapons, ESPECIALLY the RC gun.
Sadly, the RC gun has a range of about 30 yds. And this cannot be upgraded, or affected with a cheat.
It is a pointless and useless weapon, and a huge let down.
Not just the range is terrible. For some reason the button you use to to detonate a controlled car, is also the button that forces you to jump out of a car.
So when my friend is driving me around while I rc a helicopter, I am forced out of his car when i try to detonate mine.
Why was that overlooked?
Reason number 5. Loss of side missions.
There are still some side activities. But for some reason, firefighter missions, and ambulance missions were removed completely.
I don't know about everyone else, but I enjoy replay value. Alot.
When you remove side missions that were fun in the last game, you drop alot of replay value.
Replay value is what sells your DLC's..why you would want to lower it is beyond me.
Reason number 6. Lack of immersion features.
When I say this I mean
-food
-drinks
-blunts
-beer
-props around the world that could be picked up
-for some reason every free roam decides the option to sit on chairs is just too hard to add. (even though the npcs can do it just fine)
Things like this also increase replay value for me.
I play a game to do exactly what I want in a different world.
When you remove things that were enjoyable from the last game, you screw immersion completely.
There is no reason why the grenade slots couldn't ALSO hold food/drinks.
And why exactly was there any reason to remove the option to pick up props around Steelport? The giant mutants can do it.
(Just another example of a game where the NPCS can do more than the player can. Pro.)
Reason number 7. Non multiplayer cheats.
Really? Just really Volition?
Why in the world would you take an amazing cheat like zombies, or bloody mess, and then make it single player?
I could be running around the town in a trench coat with my buddy taking down zombies, but for SOME reason, you decided multiplayer shouldn't have zombies?
I'm sorry, but that is just stupid. Incredibly stupid. Unimaginably stupid.
Tell me why I would purchase a dlc for cheats (yeah they have a paid dlc for some cheats) when i can't be sure they work in multiplayer?
Reason number 8. Loss of usefull phone operations.
Example. Calling a taxi to take you around town.
Who exactly was that option hurting in saints row 2?
No one. I loved it. It could be used in multiplayer, single player, and was wonderful to have around.
But once again, some random reason caused it to be removed.
Great.
Reason number 9. The overexaggeration.
This may be a smaller reason. But it's still one that irritates me.
The stores have gigantic shiny billboards, the police have unrealistic vehicles, and the purple dildo (which was soooo researched when created) is completely useless.
I understand you are trying to stray away from gta realism.
I completely understand that. You are supposed to be what GTA wasn't.
But was a slight bit of realism too much to ask?
This game is so silly and exaggerated it makes me sick sometimes.
Reason number 10. Removal of enterable stores.
Gas stations. Kwiki marts. Removed.
You can purchase these random properties all over the map.
But for some reason all of those gas stations and stores that were enterable, have been removed.
Why? Once again, I just don't know.
Reason number 11. Removal of cutscene/mission replay.
In SRTT especially, I would have loved to replay some of the missions.
Deckers missions would have been a blast to redo.
But for some unnapparant reason that was removed as well.
This, plus the removal of side activities and immersion, brings the replay value much lower.
11 reasons. I believe they were backed up enough to be real reasons this game was a let down.
Volition these can be fixed. With a patch, a dlc, anything.
All i'm asking is that you attempt to fix a few.
You TOOK OUT things from saints row. Something NO game company should ever do.
You half-assed some of this things in this game. Once again something no company should ever do.
Please, fix some of these.
Oh, don't forget to check out Terminator's review. It's another honest opinion from a fan of the franchise.
*UPDATE! Open your wallets guys, look at all this new DLC that should already be in the game:
Co-Op Pack
Sometimes all it takes is a friend at your back to help you through the toughest situations. With the Co-Op Pack you can do just that. Play entirely through Saints Row: The Third with your co-op partner and together help the Saints climb once more to the top.
Bloodsucker Pack
Keep the cash flowin' with the Bloodsucker Pack. You'll earn respect and get cash bonuses but it doesn't stop there! You also get payments, money drop, and the ability to regain health through your human shields with The Dracula skill.
Explosive Combat Pack
Throw on your combat gear and add a weapon to your arsenal with the Explosive Combat Pack. The M2 Grenade Launcher sends a plethora of mass explosions right at your enemy, and the Future Soldier Outfit is perfect for any battle.
Invincible Pack
More cheats than you'll know what to do with. Never worry about dying or running out of ammo! Experience the thrill of Zero Gravity and unlock the Get Down Cheat that makes you ultra limber. Super Saints gives you better guns and better health while Ultimate Clip ensures that you're always ready to fire. Get Infinite Mass for your vehicle plus Super Explosions and you'll be ready for anything!
Season Pass
Get 15% off on future DLCs! And get the ultimate collection of goods for Nyte Blayde fans for free! Look just like a Nyte Blayde star with exact replicas of the Altar Boy and Bloody Cannoness Outfits. Experience the excitement of Nyte Blayde's adventures as you get behind the wheel of the Nyte Blayde Mobile vehicle. The top off your full Nyte Blayde experience by zipping around town on the Bloody Cannoness Bike!
Shark Attack Pack
Add to your wardrobe and weapon cache with the Shark Attack Pack. The Shark-O-Matic shoots out a steady stream of slimy fish guts, attracting whatever may lurk under the streets of Steelport. And if that isn't enough, the Shark Bite Hat allows you to experience the feeling of being caught in the jaws of a great white.
Special Ops Vehicle Pack
A collection of fully equipped military vehicles for your garage. The Saints VTOL features jet and hover modes making airborne attacks easy and stylish. The Saints Tank and Saints MRAP are the ultimate in armored warfare, showing your opponents the Saints aren't to be messed with.
Steelport Gangs Pack
Get some new gangwear for your wardrobe with six new outfits. Disguise yourself as a Morningstar Solider or blend in with the Luchador Specialist crowd. You can even try out the Decker cyberpunk style and get in touch with your inner techno-goth!
Unlockable Pack
The Unlockable Pack gives access to all unlockable items, upgrades and bonuses that weren't chosen during normal gameplay. Now you can have it all!
Warrior Pack
The Warrior Pack adds four combat-ready outfits to your wardrobe. Antiques never go out of style with the Knight of Steelport Armor, or go for something a little more revealing with the Warrior Princess outfit. Bring out your inner samurai with the Kabuki Warrior Outfit or choose the Intergalactic Warrior Outfit for an out of this world look.
Z Style Pack
Live the high life of Zimos himself by adding a weapon to your arsenal and an outfit to your wardrobe with the Z Style Pack. You won't go unnoticed in the bold and pimpalicious outfit good enough to be called The "Z". Arm yourself with the super flashy Bling Shotgun and your bullets won't be the only thing that makes an impact.
****UPDATE OF DLC.
I paid 20 dollars for a so-called season pass. Worst mistake in my video game history. The 3 DLC's are the most half-assed pieces of garbage I've ever played. I don't like calling them DLC's. All of them are literally 4/5 missions long.
I thought Gangsters in Outer Space would have a deep meaningful storyline... nope. It's just a stupid corrupt director, that obsesses over you and ignores the lesser female co-star. The story is NOT about space, in fact it's about you helping the co-star grow a spine. All the alien weapons featured in the DLC, you don't even get! Wow thanks Volition... thanks alot.
The Trouble with Clones is even worse. Johnny is cloned into a mutant creature and the whole DLC you have to chase and find him. Awesome... right? Nope, you get these amazing superhero powers, super sprint, fireball attack and mega jump. Please tell me you get these powers outside the DLC? Not a chance.
I can't remember the name of the other DLC, but it's garbage, it just adds side missions. Not even complete missions!
What happened Volition? Where are all the old amazing games at? Red Faction (a first person masterpiece changed into a 3rd person super hero like shooter) Saints Row (an amazing 3rd person open world game, watered down and crapped on) and what ever happened to destroy all humans? That game was great!
AVOID the DLC, dont make my mistake. It's garbage much like Volition. THQ should be ashamed of publishing this game. I'm terribly pissed at what DLC is these days.
Picking up a while after "Saint's Row 2", "The Third" finds the Third Street Saints transformed into a brand, one that is slapped on everything from bobbleheads to energy drinks. Every single one of their exploits is a media circus, and the first mission of the game takes place during a particularly crazy heist. This heist involved breaking into a bank, shooting up droves of SWAT members and gangbangers, getting a vault airlifted from the bank, and riding on said vault while shooting off assailants. This is only the first mission, mind you, and it's a great taste of what's to come later on in the game.
Not to go into specifics, but one thing leads to another, and before you know it, your custom character is in a new city, forced to reboot the Saints from the ground up in a new locale. But as luck would have it, you've happened to royally irritate three very intimidating gangs, and all of them want you and the Saints gone. It's either you or them, and as the protagonist, it's fairly obvious how everything's going to go down.
The game takes off to an exhilarating start, featuring some of the most insane missions you've ever experienced in a game, film, or anything else for that matter. One such mission has you skydiving from an airplane into a penthouse, shooting up waves of gang members, and hurling grenades to dislodge barracades, all while Kanye West's "Power" blasts in the background. It's a rip-roaring good time, and many of the early missions have the same thrilling tone to them.
Which makes perhaps the game's only shortcoming more anger-inducing: the poor pacing of missions after the first act. Volition pulls a very cruel bait-and-switch on players, after packing every mission in the first parts of the game with over-the-top action. Once you've gotten into a groove, though, the game starts throwing on seemingly meaningless side activities on you at such a quick rate that it starts to feel like the formulaic sandbox game the first entry was. While none of these missions are particularly bad (Professor Genki's Super Ethical Reality Climax is a brutal reality show that is a blast to play through), many feel like they were best left being optional. I would even go so far as to say that some side-activities from the other entries should have been eliminated altogether, such as the intensely dull Snatch and Trafficking.
Speaking of those last two activities, they are perhaps two of the most demonstrative of the game's rare but frustrating glitches. NPCs that you're supposed to be protecting will often do the most counter-intuitive of things, such as run straight into enemy fire when they're supposed to be escaping, or simply standing around like a statue while you're getting torn apart by enemy fire. These don't happen all the time, but after a while, it starts to become noticeable that allied NPC AI could have used some last-minute fine-tuning. Other notable (but incredibly rare) bugs include enemies that will occasionally disappear into a wall and getting trapped in ragdoll form underneath certain objects. The latter is remedied by an instant respawn, but one would figure that Volition could fix a glitch that has been in the game since it's inception instead of making a quick fix like that.
Which isn't to say that the overall gameplay is bad at all. In fact, it's one of the more standout features this time around. Gunplay has finally been perfected, able to balance the freedom allowed in sandbox games and the precision shooting offered by third-person shooters. Being chased on foot through the streets by a car or helicopter is no problem, as the player seamlessly shifts between vaulting over obstacles while whipping around to pull off quick, precise headshots to their assailants. Other aspects, such as the driving and boating mechanics, work in a similar fashion to their predecessors in Saint's Row 2, with one exception: flying. Vastly improved from the last entry, flying around feels like a fully-fleshed idea instead of an exciting concept. Flight sim-esque controls allow more complex flying maneuvers to be pulled off with ease, which makes flying a more viable way to travel Steelport.
And you'll be doing a lot of travelling, because "The Third" has the most robust and exciting city I've experienced in a game of this type. This is due in no small part to the outrageous amount of customization and overpowered weaponry. Ever wanted to be a skydiving mascot wielding a bat fashioned out of a dildo? How about a punk rocker with duel pistols that shoot infinite explosive ammo, or a streaker with a penchant for jumping into cars "Dukes of Hazzard"-style and propelling your crotch into people's faces while tackling them? In this game, all of these unique possibilities are a few of the hundreds of realities you can make happen. Volition deserves a round of applause for delivering such an insanely fun overworld to explore and/or ravage, with plenty of side-missions to complete and real estate to purchase.
They also deserve praise for the sheer variety story missions pack in. Outside of the utterly disappointing manditory side-mission portions, players will experience virtually every trope from contemporary games in the campaign. I won't be the guy who spoils things, but let's just say that zombies, luchadore gangsters, pimps with autotuned voiceboxes, and trips into a Tron-style motorcycle ride are among the highlights of the game. I cannot think of another game with such sheer variety in it's narrative, with the possible exception of 2008's bland but amusing "Eat Lead: The Return of Matt Hazard." This game will routinely have players in stitches with the zaniness of the situations and the wry humor characters shoot back and forth at each other like verbal gunfights.
"Saint's Row: The Third" is the start of a new direction for Volition's fantastic franchise. While not perfect, it establishes it's identity and severs ties with it's GTA Clone past, which is a hard feat that other open-world crime games have stumbled at and failed to accomplish. Offensive, loud and outrageous, this game is one that will stick with you, for better or worse, and suck you into it's grasp without letting you go. While it certainly is not the best game I've played this year, it may very well be the most consistently entertaining.
Plot: B+
Gameplay:B+
Graphics: B+
Sound: B+
Overall: B+ (9.0)
List Price: $29.99
Sale Price: $19.42
Today's Bonus: 35% Off
The best way to describe the Saint's Row series is if the developer's took a look at GTA: San Andreas and said "okay, that's great, but let's try for 40% more wacky" and each iteration thereafter was just that much more absurd than the last. This is a good thing. GTAIV went the more serious route with a deep, compelling crime drama and a protagonist battling his inner demons... Saint's Row had you go into ragdoll mode to commit insurance fraud. It's a nice duality for this console generation.
Anyway, enough history as I'm sure since you're onto the third edition that you have some idea what the game is about. If you enjoyed Saint's Row 2, you're going to enjoy this game. There are some really, really weird new weapons (anything having to do with Professor Genki really), a new city to wander around, a lot more character customization, and just a lot of silly crap.
The actual gameplay itself is an upgrade to Saint's Row 2. Everything feels pretty tight, the vehicles and targeting systems are good, no complaints there really. The city itself looks great, it's big with a lot of varying areas and a lot of mayhem to be had, that's for sure. The soundtrack is a little over the top, it kind of makes me feel like I'm in an 80's action montage half the time... which is a good thing.
A big standout to me is the new upgrade system. You're able to accumulate an empire as you snag properties and can use the cash to buy health upgrades, weapon upgrades, clothes, etc. The initial character model creation has a ton of variation as well. Definitely a good move on the developer's part there.
The story itself is pretty good. It's not longer a three part thing where you go after each gang individually, it's more of a cohesive thing that goes throughout the game. If you feel like ignoring it, of course, go nuts. That's what sandbox games are all about!
I have two gripes though: the character models aren't as crisp as they could be. For the amount of customization available they could have made them look a little better. They're not bad... just not great either. In addition, they took out a few of the more interesting side missions from the last game (Fuzz and the Sanitation Truck one stand out to me) and kept the more mundane ones (Escort. Always with the pimps & hoes).
Regardless, the game is a lot of crazy. It's fun to screw around with for ten minutes or a few hours. If you're a fan of the series, definitely worth picking up.
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This game is a lot of fun, no complicated setup or long hours of training to get good at playing. You'll have fun from the moment the game begins.Overall Rating : 4 out of 5 Stars
The game, while targeted at "adult" males, is a lot of fun if you don't get bogged down the the details of killing hundreds of law enforcement officers and hookers. The game is meant to just be fun, not commentary on modern society or a discussion on politics. Start blasting everything, exploring the city, and grabbing some cash.
Graphics: 5 out of 5 stars
The graphics are great, with a lot of detail down to litter on the streets, various people walking down the street, and a random selection of vehicles traveling down the roads for you to admire and steal. There is also a great deal of detail allowed on your character, including clothes you can select, tattoo variants, etc.
Missions: 4 out of 5 stars
The missions span a wide range of types, from robbing banks to attacking other gangs scattered throughout the city. There are side missions called in via cell phone, as well as trouble you can get into while you explore the city on foot, in a car, on a motorcycle, in an airplane stolen from the airport, or even via helicopter.
Characters: 4 our of 5 stars
The character is customized by you at the start of the campaign, so almost anything goes. You will also be allowed to change the clothes, add tattoos, change the voice, talk to pedestrians, etc. Very detailed and amusing to listen to the variety and it might even teach you new profanity or insults.
** Warning: this game is truly intended for a mature audience, so do not allow your youngster to plan this game if they can't handle sex, drugs, nudity, violence, explosions, marketing of adult products and services, and other mature themes. This game really pushes the envelope on mature material, so don't think that the other mature games weren't so bad so this one might be OK. It ain't OK, and might scar the little ones. **
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I'd like to start this review stating that I am not a gamer. So if your looking for comparisons to other games this might not be the review for you. That being said. I (beeping) love this game.Yes, there is cursing, guns, violence, assassinations, theft but it's all in fun. It's a game. It's a game for adults. So if you're thinking about getting this for your kid, make sure it's something you don't mind them seeing and hearing.
I don't play many games because I usually get stuck in places. I have various games where I'm stuck in certain places and can't get passed them. I recently played L.A. Noire and this reminded me of that in the fact that if you can't do a particular "mini game" you can exit out of that particular area and move on to something else.
I've stayed up so late playing this the two times I've turned it on and I feel like there is so much content that it will take a long time to even get through the game. It's open world so I can drive around the streets forever just exploring and checking out different areas. There are hidden objects all around that you can find and explore. For instance, you make money having your photo taken by photographers on the side of the road. You can also search for hidden nude dolls for achievements.
I think because I'm not well versed in games it takes me a few tries to get a challenge done but I'm still having so much fun that I don't mind. It is a little difficult for me in some areas. That's to be expected of my though.
I love this game. As soon as I figured heard I could customize my character I was sold. I love customizations. I love being able to be a chick. I usually look for that in a game. My husband always asks if I'd like a particular game and my first question is always "Can I be a chick?"
For a non-gamer I love this game. I don't know if it's up to par with other types of games that are like this. (Are there other games like this?) I'm having so much fun. Where does the time go when I'm playing this?
Honest reviews on Saint's Row: The Third - Xbox 360
Ok, first off this was originally a post to the official Saints Row website.Don't get me wrong, I love the Saints Row franchise, but SR:TT left out the little details that made previous Saints Rows games EPIC. I will state 11 reasons I feel 'personally' about what Volition messed up on. Now remember, this is my opinion and don't flame my review with 8 year old comments. Let's keep this post professional please.
Let's start.
Reason number one. Customization was cut back, by alot.
With Saints Row 2 clothing, you could
-layer your clothing
-choose multiple rings
-choose multiple necklaces
-add symbols to your clothing
-change your clothing material
-change the design of your clothing (i.e. striped/plad/checkered)
With Saints Row the third, you have none of those options, and all outfits are preset and premade.
Reason number two. Cars are made of plastic.
When I saw the new car damage, I was excited. It looked a little more realistic.
However, when I got ingame my excitement dropped completely.
Apparently the cars in the game weigh nearly nothing, and the actual crashing leaves alot to be desired.
When you hit a car, it goes flying. Up, forward, backward, it's bound to go way farther than a real car would.
Reason number three. Weapon customization was lazy and very overhyped.
The weapon customization has to be the worst, and most limiting weapon customization i've ever seen.
I hated Fable 3. (Loved the other 2). But I would actually say that Fable 3's idiotic hero weapon customization was better than SRTT.
When you customize a weapon, you have 4 upgrades to it. These upgrades add scopes, stocks, foregrips, etc.
However, they cannot be reversed. In any way.
So once you buy that new shotgun with flaming rounds, you are stuck blowing up everything like a retard for your entire game.
Or if you buy dual wielding pistols, you will never be allowed to return back to single wielding.
What is made even worse, is that the flashlight is out of your control, and the scopes do not even work. (except the AR-55 which is just the default sniper scope)
Volition, if you are going to add weapon customization, at least do it right. Don't do it halfway and just throw it in.
Unlike 70% of other players, I will NOT settle for half-ass. I pay for this game, I pay for DLC's. I, as well as everyone else, deserve better.
Reason number 4. The RC gun is useless.
The RC gun was one of my biggest hypes about the game.
I love playing co-op, and I wanted to have a blast with my friends with the new weapons, ESPECIALLY the RC gun.
Sadly, the RC gun has a range of about 30 yds. And this cannot be upgraded, or affected with a cheat.
It is a pointless and useless weapon, and a huge let down.
Not just the range is terrible. For some reason the button you use to to detonate a controlled car, is also the button that forces you to jump out of a car.
So when my friend is driving me around while I rc a helicopter, I am forced out of his car when i try to detonate mine.
Why was that overlooked?
Reason number 5. Loss of side missions.
There are still some side activities. But for some reason, firefighter missions, and ambulance missions were removed completely.
I don't know about everyone else, but I enjoy replay value. Alot.
When you remove side missions that were fun in the last game, you drop alot of replay value.
Replay value is what sells your DLC's..why you would want to lower it is beyond me.
Reason number 6. Lack of immersion features.
When I say this I mean
-food
-drinks
-blunts
-beer
-props around the world that could be picked up
-for some reason every free roam decides the option to sit on chairs is just too hard to add. (even though the npcs can do it just fine)
Things like this also increase replay value for me.
I play a game to do exactly what I want in a different world.
When you remove things that were enjoyable from the last game, you screw immersion completely.
There is no reason why the grenade slots couldn't ALSO hold food/drinks.
And why exactly was there any reason to remove the option to pick up props around Steelport? The giant mutants can do it.
(Just another example of a game where the NPCS can do more than the player can. Pro.)
Reason number 7. Non multiplayer cheats.
Really? Just really Volition?
Why in the world would you take an amazing cheat like zombies, or bloody mess, and then make it single player?
I could be running around the town in a trench coat with my buddy taking down zombies, but for SOME reason, you decided multiplayer shouldn't have zombies?
I'm sorry, but that is just stupid. Incredibly stupid. Unimaginably stupid.
Tell me why I would purchase a dlc for cheats (yeah they have a paid dlc for some cheats) when i can't be sure they work in multiplayer?
Reason number 8. Loss of usefull phone operations.
Example. Calling a taxi to take you around town.
Who exactly was that option hurting in saints row 2?
No one. I loved it. It could be used in multiplayer, single player, and was wonderful to have around.
But once again, some random reason caused it to be removed.
Great.
Reason number 9. The overexaggeration.
This may be a smaller reason. But it's still one that irritates me.
The stores have gigantic shiny billboards, the police have unrealistic vehicles, and the purple dildo (which was soooo researched when created) is completely useless.
I understand you are trying to stray away from gta realism.
I completely understand that. You are supposed to be what GTA wasn't.
But was a slight bit of realism too much to ask?
This game is so silly and exaggerated it makes me sick sometimes.
Reason number 10. Removal of enterable stores.
Gas stations. Kwiki marts. Removed.
You can purchase these random properties all over the map.
But for some reason all of those gas stations and stores that were enterable, have been removed.
Why? Once again, I just don't know.
Reason number 11. Removal of cutscene/mission replay.
In SRTT especially, I would have loved to replay some of the missions.
Deckers missions would have been a blast to redo.
But for some unnapparant reason that was removed as well.
This, plus the removal of side activities and immersion, brings the replay value much lower.
11 reasons. I believe they were backed up enough to be real reasons this game was a let down.
Volition these can be fixed. With a patch, a dlc, anything.
All i'm asking is that you attempt to fix a few.
You TOOK OUT things from saints row. Something NO game company should ever do.
You half-assed some of this things in this game. Once again something no company should ever do.
Please, fix some of these.
Oh, don't forget to check out Terminator's review. It's another honest opinion from a fan of the franchise.
*UPDATE! Open your wallets guys, look at all this new DLC that should already be in the game:
Co-Op Pack
Sometimes all it takes is a friend at your back to help you through the toughest situations. With the Co-Op Pack you can do just that. Play entirely through Saints Row: The Third with your co-op partner and together help the Saints climb once more to the top.
Bloodsucker Pack
Keep the cash flowin' with the Bloodsucker Pack. You'll earn respect and get cash bonuses but it doesn't stop there! You also get payments, money drop, and the ability to regain health through your human shields with The Dracula skill.
Explosive Combat Pack
Throw on your combat gear and add a weapon to your arsenal with the Explosive Combat Pack. The M2 Grenade Launcher sends a plethora of mass explosions right at your enemy, and the Future Soldier Outfit is perfect for any battle.
Invincible Pack
More cheats than you'll know what to do with. Never worry about dying or running out of ammo! Experience the thrill of Zero Gravity and unlock the Get Down Cheat that makes you ultra limber. Super Saints gives you better guns and better health while Ultimate Clip ensures that you're always ready to fire. Get Infinite Mass for your vehicle plus Super Explosions and you'll be ready for anything!
Season Pass
Get 15% off on future DLCs! And get the ultimate collection of goods for Nyte Blayde fans for free! Look just like a Nyte Blayde star with exact replicas of the Altar Boy and Bloody Cannoness Outfits. Experience the excitement of Nyte Blayde's adventures as you get behind the wheel of the Nyte Blayde Mobile vehicle. The top off your full Nyte Blayde experience by zipping around town on the Bloody Cannoness Bike!
Shark Attack Pack
Add to your wardrobe and weapon cache with the Shark Attack Pack. The Shark-O-Matic shoots out a steady stream of slimy fish guts, attracting whatever may lurk under the streets of Steelport. And if that isn't enough, the Shark Bite Hat allows you to experience the feeling of being caught in the jaws of a great white.
Special Ops Vehicle Pack
A collection of fully equipped military vehicles for your garage. The Saints VTOL features jet and hover modes making airborne attacks easy and stylish. The Saints Tank and Saints MRAP are the ultimate in armored warfare, showing your opponents the Saints aren't to be messed with.
Steelport Gangs Pack
Get some new gangwear for your wardrobe with six new outfits. Disguise yourself as a Morningstar Solider or blend in with the Luchador Specialist crowd. You can even try out the Decker cyberpunk style and get in touch with your inner techno-goth!
Unlockable Pack
The Unlockable Pack gives access to all unlockable items, upgrades and bonuses that weren't chosen during normal gameplay. Now you can have it all!
Warrior Pack
The Warrior Pack adds four combat-ready outfits to your wardrobe. Antiques never go out of style with the Knight of Steelport Armor, or go for something a little more revealing with the Warrior Princess outfit. Bring out your inner samurai with the Kabuki Warrior Outfit or choose the Intergalactic Warrior Outfit for an out of this world look.
Z Style Pack
Live the high life of Zimos himself by adding a weapon to your arsenal and an outfit to your wardrobe with the Z Style Pack. You won't go unnoticed in the bold and pimpalicious outfit good enough to be called The "Z". Arm yourself with the super flashy Bling Shotgun and your bullets won't be the only thing that makes an impact.
****UPDATE OF DLC.
I paid 20 dollars for a so-called season pass. Worst mistake in my video game history. The 3 DLC's are the most half-assed pieces of garbage I've ever played. I don't like calling them DLC's. All of them are literally 4/5 missions long.
I thought Gangsters in Outer Space would have a deep meaningful storyline... nope. It's just a stupid corrupt director, that obsesses over you and ignores the lesser female co-star. The story is NOT about space, in fact it's about you helping the co-star grow a spine. All the alien weapons featured in the DLC, you don't even get! Wow thanks Volition... thanks alot.
The Trouble with Clones is even worse. Johnny is cloned into a mutant creature and the whole DLC you have to chase and find him. Awesome... right? Nope, you get these amazing superhero powers, super sprint, fireball attack and mega jump. Please tell me you get these powers outside the DLC? Not a chance.
I can't remember the name of the other DLC, but it's garbage, it just adds side missions. Not even complete missions!
What happened Volition? Where are all the old amazing games at? Red Faction (a first person masterpiece changed into a 3rd person super hero like shooter) Saints Row (an amazing 3rd person open world game, watered down and crapped on) and what ever happened to destroy all humans? That game was great!
AVOID the DLC, dont make my mistake. It's garbage much like Volition. THQ should be ashamed of publishing this game. I'm terribly pissed at what DLC is these days.
Find helpful customer reviews and review ratings for Saint's Row: The Third - Xbox 360
The Saint's Row series has always had a special place in my heart. So many hours of my childhood were wasted taking turns with my best friend acting a fool in the initial entry, and countless nights devoid of rest were spent pimping my character and buying up property in 2008's excellent sequel. Starting off as a Grand Theft Auto clone and soon forming it's own unique voice in the industry, Volition's franchise has morphed into a carnival of everything you've ever wanted to do in a game, but were too afraid to say aloud. With "Saint's Row: The Third", all of these things have crashed to form what may be the craziest game you'll play all year.Picking up a while after "Saint's Row 2", "The Third" finds the Third Street Saints transformed into a brand, one that is slapped on everything from bobbleheads to energy drinks. Every single one of their exploits is a media circus, and the first mission of the game takes place during a particularly crazy heist. This heist involved breaking into a bank, shooting up droves of SWAT members and gangbangers, getting a vault airlifted from the bank, and riding on said vault while shooting off assailants. This is only the first mission, mind you, and it's a great taste of what's to come later on in the game.
Not to go into specifics, but one thing leads to another, and before you know it, your custom character is in a new city, forced to reboot the Saints from the ground up in a new locale. But as luck would have it, you've happened to royally irritate three very intimidating gangs, and all of them want you and the Saints gone. It's either you or them, and as the protagonist, it's fairly obvious how everything's going to go down.
The game takes off to an exhilarating start, featuring some of the most insane missions you've ever experienced in a game, film, or anything else for that matter. One such mission has you skydiving from an airplane into a penthouse, shooting up waves of gang members, and hurling grenades to dislodge barracades, all while Kanye West's "Power" blasts in the background. It's a rip-roaring good time, and many of the early missions have the same thrilling tone to them.
Which makes perhaps the game's only shortcoming more anger-inducing: the poor pacing of missions after the first act. Volition pulls a very cruel bait-and-switch on players, after packing every mission in the first parts of the game with over-the-top action. Once you've gotten into a groove, though, the game starts throwing on seemingly meaningless side activities on you at such a quick rate that it starts to feel like the formulaic sandbox game the first entry was. While none of these missions are particularly bad (Professor Genki's Super Ethical Reality Climax is a brutal reality show that is a blast to play through), many feel like they were best left being optional. I would even go so far as to say that some side-activities from the other entries should have been eliminated altogether, such as the intensely dull Snatch and Trafficking.
Speaking of those last two activities, they are perhaps two of the most demonstrative of the game's rare but frustrating glitches. NPCs that you're supposed to be protecting will often do the most counter-intuitive of things, such as run straight into enemy fire when they're supposed to be escaping, or simply standing around like a statue while you're getting torn apart by enemy fire. These don't happen all the time, but after a while, it starts to become noticeable that allied NPC AI could have used some last-minute fine-tuning. Other notable (but incredibly rare) bugs include enemies that will occasionally disappear into a wall and getting trapped in ragdoll form underneath certain objects. The latter is remedied by an instant respawn, but one would figure that Volition could fix a glitch that has been in the game since it's inception instead of making a quick fix like that.
Which isn't to say that the overall gameplay is bad at all. In fact, it's one of the more standout features this time around. Gunplay has finally been perfected, able to balance the freedom allowed in sandbox games and the precision shooting offered by third-person shooters. Being chased on foot through the streets by a car or helicopter is no problem, as the player seamlessly shifts between vaulting over obstacles while whipping around to pull off quick, precise headshots to their assailants. Other aspects, such as the driving and boating mechanics, work in a similar fashion to their predecessors in Saint's Row 2, with one exception: flying. Vastly improved from the last entry, flying around feels like a fully-fleshed idea instead of an exciting concept. Flight sim-esque controls allow more complex flying maneuvers to be pulled off with ease, which makes flying a more viable way to travel Steelport.
And you'll be doing a lot of travelling, because "The Third" has the most robust and exciting city I've experienced in a game of this type. This is due in no small part to the outrageous amount of customization and overpowered weaponry. Ever wanted to be a skydiving mascot wielding a bat fashioned out of a dildo? How about a punk rocker with duel pistols that shoot infinite explosive ammo, or a streaker with a penchant for jumping into cars "Dukes of Hazzard"-style and propelling your crotch into people's faces while tackling them? In this game, all of these unique possibilities are a few of the hundreds of realities you can make happen. Volition deserves a round of applause for delivering such an insanely fun overworld to explore and/or ravage, with plenty of side-missions to complete and real estate to purchase.
They also deserve praise for the sheer variety story missions pack in. Outside of the utterly disappointing manditory side-mission portions, players will experience virtually every trope from contemporary games in the campaign. I won't be the guy who spoils things, but let's just say that zombies, luchadore gangsters, pimps with autotuned voiceboxes, and trips into a Tron-style motorcycle ride are among the highlights of the game. I cannot think of another game with such sheer variety in it's narrative, with the possible exception of 2008's bland but amusing "Eat Lead: The Return of Matt Hazard." This game will routinely have players in stitches with the zaniness of the situations and the wry humor characters shoot back and forth at each other like verbal gunfights.
"Saint's Row: The Third" is the start of a new direction for Volition's fantastic franchise. While not perfect, it establishes it's identity and severs ties with it's GTA Clone past, which is a hard feat that other open-world crime games have stumbled at and failed to accomplish. Offensive, loud and outrageous, this game is one that will stick with you, for better or worse, and suck you into it's grasp without letting you go. While it certainly is not the best game I've played this year, it may very well be the most consistently entertaining.
Plot: B+
Gameplay:B+
Graphics: B+
Sound: B+
Overall: B+ (9.0)
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