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- Review count52
- Helpfulness votes124
- First reviewOctober 18, 2007
- Last reviewMarch 2, 2017
- Featured reviews0
- Average rating3.8
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- First answerDecember 19, 2014
- Last answerDecember 19, 2014
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Customer Rating
4
Fantastic image quality despite aspect changes
on December 19, 2008
Posted by: vespa55
from Hercules, CA
First of all, if you enjoyed The Dark Knight in theaters, this Blu-Ray version of the movie will definitely disappoint (this is all pending a nice 1080p HDTV and BD player - all which is needed for a fantastic experience). The detail and presentation of the movie is so crisp and sharp, I would say that it was a good transfer translation from film to Blu-Ray disc. The one GRIPE I have of the Blu-Ray version of The Dark Knight is this: the aspect ratio CHANGES from letterbox to full screen HD throughout the movie. It's probably the most talked about gripe of this Blu-Ray version I've ever read about. The regular DVD version of this movie has consistent aspect ratio while the Blu-Ray version "flip flops" from letterbox to full screen. It's annoying but not enough to make me not want to buy this for my home entertainment system. Definitely a must-have for Blu-Ray enthusiasts!
What's great about it: Presenation is crisp, very sharp, and a great way to boost the hype of Blu-Ray discs
What's not so great: Blu-Ray version of The Dark Knight has a changing aspect ratio. It flips from letterbox to full HD screen throughout!!!
I would recommend this to a friend!
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Continents erupt in flames and hails of gunfire as war breaks out on an unprecedented scale. This is World War II, where a massive conflict rages on two fronts: Europe and the South Pacific. Answer your nation's call and travel to distant lands where you'll take part in devastating battles that gripped a generation and laid the foundation for the world as we know it today. Do you have the courage, the cunning and the commitment to fulfill your duties and see the war through to its harrowing end?Prepare for global conflict presented in all its terrible grit and immediacy. In Call of Duty: World at War, you assume the role of a U.S. Marine or a Russian soldier in the waning days of the Second World War. Travel to the far reaches of the conflict, from war-plagued Berlin to the dense jungles of the Pacific theater, as you confront enemies who refuse to contemplate surrender or retreat and who fight all the more desperately ~ and more dangerously ~ knowing the end is near. Employ the weapons at your disposal, including a flamethrower and other new infantry and vehicle-based weapons, and fight to complete your mission as battles explode around you with all the terrible chaos of real war.
Customer Rating
5
Excellent shooter. Not nearly good as COD4 though
on December 2, 2008
Posted by: vespa55
from Hercules, CA
I was hesitant about buying COD World at War because COD4 was so excellent. I didn't understand the concept of going back to weaponry used over 60 years ago when the weaponry used in COD4 was so awesome. Nonetheless, the solo campaign mode for COD World at War is excellent. It DOES takes some time figuring out which person to be shooting. I couldn't tell if I was shooting a teammate or an enemy! There is even one instance where you're asked to blow up enemy tanks. The only problem is that the enemy tanks look so similar to the Allies' Sherman Tanks! Even though the weaponry is all outdated (gosh, COD4 was so awesome, but anyways) but still makes for a very pleasant shooter. The flamethrower is one of my favorites. Activision sure didn't skimp on the graphics and presentation as well. You're really in for a treat the second you insert the disc and play the game. Definitely a keeper (even though Call of Duty 4 is still the best in the COD series).
What's great about it: Presentation is excellent as always. Missions are interesting and surprise ambushes always catch you off guard
What's not so great: It takes some getting used figuring out which guys are the bad guys and which guys are on your side
I would recommend this to a friend!
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Gears of War 2 picks up six months after the events of Gears of War. The Limited Edition includes a collectible steel book DVD case, "Beneath the Surface: An Inside Look at Gears of War 2," a 48-page hardbound book, a bonus DVD including exclusive making-of-the-game video footage, an exclusive gold-plated Lancer Assault Rifle available during online play.
Customer Rating
3
Same formula, better graphics, short campaign mode
on November 17, 2008
Posted by: vespa55
from Hercules, CA
Bottom line, the game is very fun. I do admit that this was more of a segue to a part 3 because it was SO short (the campaign mode) and the game's ending just leaves you with more questions rather than answers. The developers of Gears 2 did the same thing that the developers of Halo 3 did, they focused more on the online multi-player aspect of the game. There's a drawback to that because not everyone is a fan of online competition. So you're left with the solo campaign mode and it has been said before with the other reviews I've read, you can beat this game at Normal difficulty in less than a day (probably less than 8hrs of actual play time needed). It's so short. At times, it just felt like move 50ft, duck and cover and shoot, move another 50ft, duck and cover and shoot, control a vehicle, a few creatures, hop on a crane or chopper every now and then, complete. It's almost a shame. I thought the game wasn't over after I finished off the last part of the game. I saw credits rolling and was immediately disappointed. The online multi-player aspect of the game is just as good as Halo 3's and Call of Duty 4's. But I was looking for a bit more in the solo campaign mode. There were just too many questions in the storyline left unanswered. Hence, I await Gears of War 3.
What's great about it: Co-op and multi-player has definitely improved over Gears 1
What's not so great: A lot of emphasis went on to the multi-player online aspect of the game. The campaign mode is SO short
I would recommend this to a friend!
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Learn more about Fallout 3. (Flash demo) SynopsisIn the 200 years since the global atomic war of 2077, the surviving residents of the Capital Wasteland (formerly known as Washington, D.C.) have holed up in Vault 101, enjoying a life free from the dangers beyond. In the Vault, you are protected from the Giant Insects, Raiders, Slavers and Super Mutants that prowl the Capital Wasteland. But now your father has defied the Overseer and left the Vault for reasons you don't know. You must find him and discover the truth before it is too late.Fallout 3 immerses you in an environment where the great monuments of the United States lie in ruin and danger lurks around every corner. Super-deluxe HD graphics render the Wasteland in eye-popping detail, from the danger-filled offices and Metro tunnels of D.C. to the rotten flesh of a mutant's face. Choose from dozens of unique skills and perks to customize your character. Experience the post-apocalyptic world from either a 1st-person or 3rd-person perspective with the touch of a button. Inflict death and destruction through the Vault-Tec Assisted Targeting System, which allows you to pause time in combat, aim for specific body parts on your target and queue up attacks. In Fallout 3, you make the decisions that define you and that change the world.
Posted by: vespa55
from Hercules, CA
You would think the developers over at Bethesda would fix this glitch. For such an amazing game, the glitch of "getting stuck" has not been fixed. All versions (PC, PS3 and 360) have this problem. I caught myself saving almost every 5 minutes to failsafe against this glitch. You'll find yourself stuck at a random part of an area and will be UNABLE to jump/crouch/move out of that area. Your only option is to reset the game (making all progress you made without a save --- lost). Overall, the game is beautiful. The V.A.T.S. system is great if you want a nice visual presentation of how you kill/destroy a victim. I found just aiming and shooting to be more effective than hitting the right bumper to use the V.A.T.S. If you loved Oblivion, you'll love this game. Same premise but you're using guns and technology instead of swords and magic. Your decision making in conversations actually make a difference down the road in your future quests. Overall, the "stuck" glitch is a major problem and I hope a downloadable patch comes through soon. Very graphic and gory when it comes to violence, especially when you use the V.A.T.S. system. I think that little extra option for gameplay was put in so that people would not get the wrong idea that this was an RPG mixed in as a first-person shooter as well. Definitely well written game.
What's great about it: If you liked Oblivion, you'll like Fallout 3. Almost the same premise but you use guns and technology instead
What's not so great: You WILL get stuck. You will often catch yourself falling in a corner and you can't jump out of it.
I would recommend this to a friend!
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Learn more about Infinite Undiscovery. (Flash demo) SynopsisA land in the grip of an evil Order cries out for a hero. What they have instead is Capell. Mistaken for a renowned hero, Capell finds himself thrust into the middle of a savage conflict. Now he must rely on his 17 companions to help him travel the length and breadth of the land on a quest to sever the chains that bind the moon to the world. Only by shattering the chains can the terrible Order of Chains be defeated. Along the way, he and his companions will find themselves struggling to survive against an opponent more powerful than they are. But as Capell will soon find out, not all battles are won by force.Featuring an incredible 30-hour storyline co-written by Record of Lodoss War creator Ryo Mizuno, Infinite Undiscovery is a thrilling RPG designed to make full use of the power of Xbox 360. Experience the excitement as up to 12 characters engage in battle at once, all in real time. But take caution, because leaping into a fight is not always the best course — a series of "situational battles" will challenge your ability to think strategically and evaluate the most effective action to take. Act in haste, and you may find you've acted unwisely. As you struggle against the rule of the Order of Chains, your decisions can help Capell become the hero he was meant to be.
Customer Rating
5
Definitely One of the Best Underrated RPG
on September 28, 2008
Posted by: vespa55
from Hercules, CA
I didn't even know much about Infinite Undiscovery. All the hype was taken from other games but I'm glad someone told me that there's an RPG out there that you can play on the 360 that is intriguing and quite entertaining. I will admit, it takes time for this game to take off. You often wonder if this game is a slow button-masher type game disguised as an RPG, but when you move along down the lines, more strategy is involved and you can't just go in button mashing and attacking blindly. A real good RPG feel to the game is integrated in real time. The game reminds me of Lost Odyssey minus the turn-based fighting. The fighting is in real time. You can't just switch equipment in the middle of the battle without losing health points or getting attacked. I never understood the logic of having "cute annoying kids" in RPGs or Anime-based games. There are 2 10-yr olds in the game who actually are a part of your team. I'll leave it at that. It takes a while to get used to the terminologies such as lunaglyph, or aristo, etc. etc. I often felt tempted to buy the strategy guide, but that would just take the fun out of the game. Anyway, not much marketing for this game may have been a disservice to Infinite Undiscovery. It's definitely a great RPG game. The story is typical good vs. evil (not even close to Oblivion or Mass Effect standards), but nonetheless, this game is interesting enough to keep you plugged in for HOURS. Lots of fun!
What's great about it: Game gradually introduces you to it's menu system and character building schematics
What's not so great: Endless walking in this game. No real map to go by. You'll spend hours trying to find the next town for the next quest
I would recommend this to a friend!
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Learn more about Star Wars: The Force Unleashed. (Flash demo) SynopsisIn a galaxy far, far away, the legend of an iconic villain grows ~ and you are at his right hand. Darth Vader's plan to exterminate all the Jedi has been set into action, and as the Sith Lord's Secret Apprentice, your actions will be crucial in ensuring his quest is a success. Unleash the powers of the Force as you scour the galaxy for remaining Jedi, and prepare to confront decisions that will affect not just your destiny, but that of the entire universe.In Star Wars: The Force Unleashed, you'll explore the era between Episode III: Revenge of the Sith and Episode IV: A New Hope as you toil as Darth Vader's Secret Apprentice, assisting him in his quest to rid the universe of Jedi. Wield four core Force powers as you execute amazing, never-before-seen combos that let you not just Force grip enemies, but Force grip them in midair, zap them with lightning, then drop them and make them explode like bombs. With the debut of Digital Molecular Matter from Pixelux and NaturalMotion Ltd.'s euphoria behavioral simulation engine, you'll experience both environmental objects and interactive characters that move and behave just like they would in real life, from wood that breaks and splinters like actual wood to characters that think and act adaptively just like real human beings.
Posted by: vespa55
from Hercules, CA
When I opened up my copy and played about 2 hours worth of this game, I was starting to notice the many many glitches in this game. It was cool to start off the game by using Darth Vader, but after that, you'll start noticing the average graphics presentation of the game. The cut scenes are not fluent in motion either. I was surprised how poorly the voice acting synced with the actual characters' lips. And if you notice, the characters walk very awkwardly in this game during the cutscenes. The graphics look so average on even a 1080p scale, it's quite disappointing. At times, the characters are not fully complete, just a collection of awkwardly looking polygons. The fighting scheme and premise reminds me so much of Dark Forces, it's almost a let down. The boss fights are so so. It almost seemed like the demo version looked more graphically pleasing than the actual game. It's above average at best, but it wasn't worth the hype in my opinion.
What's great about it: If you're a Star Wars fan, this is a must have
What's not so great: Glitchy graphics, voice acting not in sync with characters, choppy movement
No, I would not recommend this to a friend.
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SynopsisReturn to witness the epic struggle between the spirit sword, Soul Calibur, and the cursed sword, Soul Edge, in Soul Calibur IV. Warriors from far reaches of the galaxy battle to control the powerful swords and use them for their own goals. Should these fighters succeed, they will face the ultimate judgment. The ongoing story continues with new revelations, exciting new gameplay features and stunning visuals. And perhaps most exciting of all, a character from the Star Wars universe will also make an appearance.Beloved Star Wars legend Jedi Master Yoda appears as a guest character in the Xbox 360 version of Soul Calibur IV. In addition to that thrilling fact, you'll also discover expanded customization options that let you bestow your character with a personalized look and specific abilities. And, for the first time, you'll be able to take both customized characters and original favorites online to challenge an entire world of fans. Completely reinvented but with the same intensity you've come to know, Soul Calibur IV provides an adventure that never disappoints.
Posted by: vespa55
from Hercules, CA
I thought this was going to be another fancy Street Fighter 2 type of fighting game, and it's more than that. It's a beautiful fighter game in which you don't really have to memorize a bunch of button combinations to pull off punishing attacks. The soul gage is great to make opponents play fair (instead of blocking all the time). It's not for everyone. If you're tired of the Mortal Kombat/Street Fighter/Virtua Fighter type games, you will not enjoy this game. It's fast, combo-packed and very pleasing to the eyes graphics-wise. The story mode is pathetic and the CPU usually fights "cheaply" - but aside from that, using Yoda and The Apprentice adds beautiful Star Wars flavor to this game.
What's great about it: Very quick and fluent action. Graphics are beautiful
What's not so great: Story mode is very disappointing. You can't use Vader yet.
I would recommend this to a friend!
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Return to Liberty City and the cruel streets in this second take of Grand Theft Auto IV. Customizable cars let you design Niko Bellic's ride as he travels the city in search of his fortune and an escape from his past. Intricate maps and the hottest music available on the stereo make Grand Theft Auto IV a wild adventure.
Posted by: vespa55
from Hercules, CA
With all the hype that this game has brought about, I have to admit, this was a step back from what Vice City and San Andreas brought to the plate. The missions can really get repetitive. Really, it's drive from 1 dot on your GPS to pickup somebody, drop him/her off and cover him/her, kill the enemies, drive him/her back - get paid. It gets all too repetitive. Even the so-called main storyline missions are too predictable. Go from 1 dot on your GPS to another to "take care" of this that or the other, drive all the way back (sometimes you even have to steal a cop car) and get paid. It's just way too juvenile and predictable. There isn't as much miscellaneous things to do as there was in San Andreas and Vice City. As for graphics, for a next-gen game - it's subpar at best. Most of the characters still have that cartoonish quality to them and motion blur seems to be the key to smoothing out the graphics. The storyline can be humorous, but it's all over the place. After finishing probably 60% of the game, I got incredibly bored and just put it on my shelf. It wasn't exactly all the hype I thought it would be. I had more fun playing Oblivion than I did playing GTA 4.
What's great about it: Same formula from past GTA titles
What's not so great: No flying, no character customizations, redundant missions
No, I would not recommend this to a friend.
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Learn more about Skate - Xbox 360. (Flash demo) SynopsisPerform mind-blowing tricks that truly capture the flavor and passion of Skateboarding. Set in the boarding mecca of San Vanelona, Skate provides a virtual stage for you to show off your own killer tricks and individual style. You decide how your Skater looks, feels and rides, so you can achieve a completely unique personality. Once you've created your character, an open progression plan lets you choose how you want to roll.No matter what crazy moves you try, the intuitive Flickit dual analog control system makes every movement feel authentic. Ride around town with the sickest Skaters on the planet, such as Danny Way, Mark Gonzales and others. Design your own tricks, string them in a row and, if you're good enough, all your hard work will pay off with coverage of your talents in Thrasher or The Skateboard Mag. Prove that it's not all hype by capturing your sick in-game moves and editing the footage to create your own Skate video.
Customer Rating
4
Fantastic skate game (that is non-Hawk based)
on April 13, 2008
Posted by: vespa55
from Hercules, CA
I actually really enjoyed this game. The goals are actually too specific at times, sometimes, the goals to achieve are downright TOO difficult. But overall, it's a fantastic game. You really don't even have to go through the campaign/career mode to have fun with this game. Freeskate mode is fantastic enough to enjoy this game. The load times were what killed me. For a 360 game, the load times were slow. It kinda put a kink on the fun, but overall, it's a great skateboard game.
What's great about it: Control setup is actually user friendly in regards to pulling off tricks
What's not so great: Load times can be painful
I would recommend this to a friend!
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Learn more about darkSector - Xbox 360. (Flash demo) SynopsisGive "survival of the fittest" a new meaning with the next evolution of action gaming in darkSector. You'll assume the role of Hayden Tenno, a covert operative sent on a deadly assassination mission to the Eastern European city of Lasria. Lasria holds a dark secret that has survived the Cold War and it's up to Hayden to discover what it is by any means necessary. After being attacked by a ruthless enemy, Hayden is infected with the Technocyte Virus. Sporting inhuman abilities, Hayden is left with no choice but to abandon his image as a killer and evolve into a super-human hero.This rugged and fast-paced thriller forces you to battle evolved enemies with incredible powers that push you to the limit. The riveting 3rd-person shooter action of darkSector features the evolution of its main character, Hayden Tenno, from killer to hero, and has been designed specifically for next-generation gaming. Use the deadly bladed glaive to punish enemies with your devastating powers that become stronger as the game continues. The over-the-shoulder viewpoint keeps you constantly immersed in the story without wasting time focusing on gameplay management. Test your skills online in 10-person multiplayer battles that include a number of chaotic modes. In the daunting Infection mode, one player assumes the role of a fully evolved Hayden while the other players take the role of human soldiers who try to eliminate Hayden and take his place. The team-based Epidemic mode sees two teams, both with Hayden as their leader, battling it out for supremacy. Use voice chat to communicate with your teammates for an in-depth multiplayer experience. The world is evolving ~ will you change with it or be left in the dust?
Posted by: vespa55
from Hercules, CA
I read the reviews before I got this game. All this comparison of this game to Gears of War and Resident Evil 4 is not to be ignored, but when you ignore all that - the game is actually really fun. If it weren't for the glaive weapon that you use in this game, the game would probably just be another typical first person shooter. But it's the glaive that holds this game together. Graphics and gruesome action and kills is fantastic. Yes, this game is called DARK Sector for a reason. It gets so annoyingly dark (it's just as bad as Condemned 2's darkness) that it makes you wonder if this was just to make things easier for the game developers to skimp out on details. But overall, lots of action and I don't see myself getting tired of using the glaive anytime soon. Fantastic game. The STORY is very poor. I have yet to figure out the logic of the story. Oh well, not every game is perfect. This game is great overall.
What's great about it: Usage of the glaive is very addicting. Graphic and gruesome action
What's not so great: Storytelling is pathetic, almost as bad as Timeshift's story
I would recommend this to a friend!
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Learn more about the New WindowsStore your music, movies and games on this CyberPowerPC Gamer Xtreme GXI5200B desktop's generous 2TB hard drive, which offers ample space for your digital media. The double-layer DVD~RW/CD-RW drive lets you create personalized CDs and DVDs.
What power supply is in this computer?
How many watts is the power supply?
600W
11 years, 5 months ago
by
vespa55
South San Francisco, CA
Learn more about the New WindowsStore your music, movies and games on this CyberPowerPC Gamer Xtreme GXI5200B desktop's generous 2TB hard drive, which offers ample space for your digital media. The double-layer DVD~RW/CD-RW drive lets you create personalized CDs and DVDs.
Which motherboard is in this pc?
It's your basic LGA 1150 Motherboard (by Gigabyte).
11 years, 5 months ago
by
vespa55
South San Francisco, CA