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- Review count29
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- First reviewApril 20, 2008
- Last reviewJuly 26, 2017
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Posted by: bmstew
Resetting the legendary James Bond franchise, Casino Royale takes things to a whole new level for a character that desperately needs it. After a few sub-par outings with actor Pierce Brosnan (which were not Brosnan's fault, by the way), Casino Royale comes along to be perhaps the best Bond movie ever. For the first time, we get to see Bond's start: he's just become a double O agent and is on his first assignment. What makes this film so different from the others is that Bond is given a soul; he has a heart. We can see he truly cares for the love interest, Vesper Lynd. What facilitates this is the absolutely outstanding acting job by Daniel Craig. He brings a depth and emotion to the character that not even Sean Connery brought way back when. Not only perhaps the best Bond movie ever, but also the best Bond ever.
The only real flaw I can think of is that maybe the movie runs just a bit too long at about 2:20. But it's a minor complaint, because it sure doesn't feel that long. If you're a fan of films, this is one you should not miss. Bond's back, and he's better than ever!
What's great about it: Fantastic story, great characterization, lets us see Bond's origins
What's not so great: Maybe just a little bit too long
I would recommend this to a friend!
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Brace yourself for a new set of tricks, tracks and ways to race. The included Wii Wheel transforms your Wii Remote into a steering wheel that feels great in your hands, while the Wii Remote and Nunchuk controller supply a classic control style for veterans of this racing series. Either way, you'll be able to perform impressive speed-boosting tricks, such as jumps, flips and wheelies.You can zip through brand-new tracks and arenas, and also tour classic courses from Super Mario Kart, Mario Kart 64, Mario Kart: Super Circuit, Mario Kart: Double Dash and Mario Kart DS. There are even options for trying all-new motorbikes that have their own special tricks and techniques. The action gets fast, furious and funny when you race in Mario Kart Wii.
Posted by: bmstew
Following on the mixed reviews of Double Dash for the Gamecube, Mario Kart Wii goes back to the series' classic formula of one racer per kart. But it's not all a throwback, though; the addition of motorbikes (don't worry, there's really not much of a difference) and tricks give a new flavor to the classic franchise. The game's best feature is the online mode, which Nintendo has finally put some serious investment into: there's hardly ever any wait, and lag is virtually non-existent. The included Wii Wheel is a cute little peripheral that is surprisingly very fun to use and is very responsive. That, and 25 characters to use mean that there's always something new to try.
However, the game is far from perfect. While the rubber band AI (which is when the computer amps up the difficulty whenever you're in the lead, and it lightens up whenever you're back in the pack) has always been a part of the series, it goes a bit too far here, especially on 150CC. On that mode, it is absolutely brutal. It's probably better to just hang back and make a last-second run than to stay in first, which is just asking for trouble. Also, the graphical jump is minimal, as this just looks slightly better than Double Dash.
However, this still is a really fun game, especially online. If you're a fan of fun racing games, this is definitely for you. One of the better games on the Wii this year.
However, the game is far from perfect. While the rubber band AI (which is when the computer amps up the difficulty whenever you're in the lead, and it lightens up whenever you're back in the pack) has always been a part of the series, it goes a bit too far here, especially on 150CC. On that mode, it is absolutely brutal. It's probably better to just hang back and make a last-second run than to stay in first, which is just asking for trouble. Also, the graphical jump is minimal, as this just looks slightly better than Double Dash.
However, this still is a really fun game, especially online. If you're a fan of fun racing games, this is definitely for you. One of the better games on the Wii this year.
What's great about it: Online play is fantastic, new courses are very well designed
What's not so great: Extremely unbalanced on harder modes, rubber band AI gets old fast
I would recommend this to a friend!
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Get your fix of the legendary Metal Gear Solid with The Essential Collection. This jam-packed compilation includes the original Metal Gear Solid for PlayStation as well as the director's cuts of both Metal Gear Solid 2 and Metal Gear Solid 3. From recovering deadly weapons of mass destruction to performing the deadliest covert operations imaginable, it's up to you to save the world.See the adventure that started it all a decade ago in Metal Gear Solid. You must overthrow a terrorist organization using a variety of weapons and stealth. Should you fail, nuclear warheads will launch, meaning lights out for planet Earth. Metal Gear Solid 2 features more than 350 VR missions and more than 150 alternative missions. Metal Gear Solid 3 forces you to outsmart enemies using camouflage, close-quarters combat, stalking, interrogating, climbing and hunting techniques.
Posted by: bmstew
To prepare for the upcoming June release of Metal Gear Solid 4, Konami has released all three of its predecessors in one large, affordable collection. This is, simply put, probably the best bargain in all of gaming. These are three of the greatest games of all time, all in one box. Metal Gear Solid started this portion of the series way back in 1998 on the original PS1. It introduced great gameplay, a deep story, and amazing characters. Both 2 and 3 continued that trend in 2001 and 2004 respectively on the PS2. Snake Eater takes you away from the modern setting and puts you in Russian jungles during the Cold War, and it works to unbelievable effect. It remains, to this day, one of the most emotional and involving games I've ever played.
The only real complaint I could see with any of the games is that the cutscenes do get a little long at some points, especially in Sons of Liberty. However, that is really a minor gripe. If you're yet to experience the greatness of the Metal Gear games, you owe it to yourself as a fan of gaming to go out and get this. It may possibly be the best gaming purchase you ever make.
What's great about it: It's Metal Gear Solid 1, 2, and 3...that's enough for me!
What's not so great: Some cutscenes can be a little lengthy, especially in MGS 2
I would recommend this to a friend!
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Posted by: bmstew
After a strange and wildly popular viral marketing campaign, Cloverfield came out to rave reviews all over. And for good reason. This is a truly exciting, frightening, and at times, disturbing American monster movie that really touches on a lot of emotions. It's well into the movie before you get a clear shot of the monster, and even then, it's a terrifying, huge, menacing beast. As opposed to most monster movies, we're seeing this from the simple person's perspective, much like the 2005 adaptation of War of the Worlds: we have no knowledge of anything that's going on, and only few scarce details gained throughout the movie light our way. A very welcome change.
However, a little bit of backstory may have helped understand the monster a bit more. The movie takes the whole "leave the viewer in the dark" concept a little too far by telling you pretty much nothing. Also, the characters are a little too cookie-cutter for my taste, with some questionable dialogue ("You're like, my main dude!" seriously, that's a line). But overall, this is a great monster movie for a new generation. If you're a fan of action flicks, this is one you shouldn't miss.
What's great about it: Very suspenseful, great action, bucks the trends of most action movies
What's not so great: Camera gets shaky at parts, some more backstory would have helped
I would recommend this to a friend!
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Successful college football teams need strong leaders. Break the huddle for a new season of NCAA Football and see if you have what it takes to lead your team to victory. This year, former Boise State University quarterback Jared Zabransky graces the cover as a prime example of the importance of leadership skills. Guide your squad through summer workouts, a tough regular-season schedule and eventually take your place in the BCS National Championship Game. Does your team have the mental toughness needed to be the best in the nation? It all depends on your ability to lead.In NCAA Football 08, you must take control and make the plays needed for victory. Boost your Skill Performance and improve your overall ratings by performing user-controlled plays that elevate your team's motivational levels. A new recruiting system delves deeper into the process for extra realism. Should injuries decimate your players, you can save their eligibility by declaring them as medical redshirts. Play your way through the Dynasty mode and see if you can maintain excellence over the long haul. Whether you're a Buckeye, Gator, Longhorn, Trojan or a player from some other great school, you'll play out every game of the season with bone-crushing intensity.
Posted by: bmstew
If you've played any other game in the NCAA Football series, then you know what this game is all about. This edition of the franchise uses the same tried-and-true formula, which is both a good and a bad thing. For one thing, you know that you're going to get fun, deep gameplay that really delivers on the greatness of college football. However, you also know exactly what you're going to get, with very little changes made.
The gameplay is pretty good, as some mechanics have been improved. You can finally block kicks and extra points now! However, the game looks the same as the past three games have (but granted this isn't really their fault; I mean, is there anything left to get out of the PS2?). Also, once you get good enough, the game becomes laughably easy.
I know this sounds like I don't really like this game, but it is a quality football game that's easy to recommend. It's not the best of the series (I still think that '04 holds that title), but if you're a football fan, you'll love this game, pure and simple.
What's great about it: Has your usual fun gameplay, it's actually possible to block kicks now!
What's not so great: No real graphical improvement, penalty calls can get a bit sketchy
I would recommend this to a friend!
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Posted by: bmstew
As a huge fan of the original Final Fantasy VII, I found this movie to be very satisfying. It truly is a beautiful film; it has by far some of the best CGI I've ever seen. That CGI is put to its best use in the action scenes, which are fast, frenzied, and full of great fighting "choreography." Any fan of FFVII will love this movie.
But, that is also it's biggest drawback. For those who have never played the original game, they'll have no idea what's going on. Granted there is a short synopsis at the beginning of the film, but it's not much. The story line isn't very clear in the movie anyway, so the lack of background information won't help. Also, the voice acting could use some work in specific areas of the movie. It's not bad overall, but some parts are better than others.
All in all though, this is a fun, short and sweet movie that any fan of action flicks should check out. If nothing else, just watch it for the CGI; it'll be the best you've ever seen.
What's great about it: Great fanservice to fans of the original game, intense action scenes, beautiful film
What's not so great: Story isn't the best, voice acting could use some work in some areas
I would recommend this to a friend!
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SynopsisDarkness casts upon the land of Hyrule, where evil lurks around every corner. The peaceful borderlands are in danger and only the powers of one man/creature can defeat such gloom. Link, a young farm boy, is destined to save the kingdom from such tragedy. After being directed by the mayor to attend the Hyrule Summit, Link sets off for the Twilight Realm. Upon his arrival, he transforms into a wolf and is captured. With the magical help of Midna, a mysterious being, Link is set free and off to battle against foul creatures.Besides his trusty sword and shield, Link fights his opponents on horseback with a bow and arrow. Maze-like puzzles stand between Link and the peace of the land, so wits must be sharp to discover hidden weapons and items. As you ride into combat against challenging enemies, your bravery will be tested and a new legend will be born. Use the power and unique control of the Wii Remote and Nunchuk controller for precise aiming, special sword attacks, shield shoves and even fishing.
Posted by: bmstew
As the Wii's first must-have game, Twilight Princess breaks a lot of new ground for the great Zelda franchise. The story is much more involved and darker than other iterations in the series, something I've always thought that Zelda needed anyway. I'm glad to see Nintendo taking the series in a new, more mature direction story-wise (granted, it's still not on the level of some of your Final Fantasy or Metal Gear games, but it's definitely a start). Couple that with amazing visuals and fantastic, involving dungeons, and you have one of the best Zelda games ever made. For the first time in the series, I forgot that I was just going from point A to point B to get a certain item; the dungeons are that good.
However, the motion control seems very tacked on. It's easy to tell that, at its heart, this is just a Gamecube game that they ported over to the Wii. On the flipside of that, though, aiming the bow and arrow is easier than ever. Another complaint is that the game feels somewhat recycled, as many of the areas feel a little too much like Ocarina of Time. I appreciate the nostalgia factor as much as anyone, but it goes just a bit too far in this game. Still, these complaints shouldn't stop you from playing this game; any fan of Zelda or just Nintendo in general should go out and get this.
What's great about it: Amazing visuals; deep, interesting puzzles; darker story takes the series in a new direction
What's not so great: Motion control seems a little tacked on; seems an awful lot like Ocarina of Time in some places
I would recommend this to a friend!
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Customer Rating
4
A good, but not great, end to a classic trilogy
on April 22, 2008
Posted by: bmstew
Although this film was anticipated perhaps more highly than any other this decade, it was met with lukewarm reviews when it finally hit last May. I can understand where some of these come from, as this is most certainly not the same kind of film that made the first two (especially Spider-Man 2) so great. It's not a bad film per se, and definitely has its merits, but it also has some gaping flaws that stand out very easily.
Certain scenes just don't work at all, and if you've seen the movie, chances are you know exactly what I'm talking about (a jazz club? seriously? c'mon, Sam Raimi!). That, and some of the dialogue seems a little, well, bad. But as I said before, the movie does have bright points. The action scenes and CGI are absolutely amazing. The crane scene and final battle in particular are a sight to behold. The ending (don't worry, I'm not going to spoil it) is very emotional and ties up the entire trilogy quite nicely. It leaves the door open for more films, but you don't feel as though there is unfinished business if there isn't (but trust me, there will be eventually).
Oh, and the villain Venom, who shows up for the third act, is amazing. Kudos to Topher Grace for taking an underwritten role and running with it. He's not quite Doc Ock, but he's not too far behind.
Overall, it's a good movie, but seems to be pretty polarizing. You'll have to see it yourself to get your own opinion on it.
What's great about it: Excellent battle scenes, ending is very moving and emotional, Venom is great
What's not so great: Some actors seem like they're going through the motions, certain scenes just do not work
I would recommend this to a friend!
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They may look cute, but there's nothing nice about the characters in Super Smash Bros. Brawl. This fighting frenzy will have you inflicting painful KO's on familiar opponents you thought were your friends. Take your frustrations out on Link, Mario and other characters from throughout the gaming world. Shoot spaceships out of the sky in the Lylat System from the Star Fox games and deal out killer blows in Rumble Falls based on the look and feel of Donkey Kong: Jungle Beat.Hit opponent after opponent to build up your damage meter, then knock your enemies clear off the screen. Rely on weapons that are silly but very effective, such as banana peels, pitfalls, gooey bombs and many more. Hurl old-school crates and barrels or select from Assist Trophies and Poke Balls to strike fear in the hearts of your foes. Combine Standard, Strong and Smash attacks to bash your way to victory. There are so many ways to smash, you'll get lost in the melees for hours on end.
Posted by: bmstew
The third game in Nintendo's vaunted Smash Bros. series, Brawl brings to the Wii exactly what it did in its first two iterations: fast, frenized, fun gameplay that can last for hours on end. My friends and I have literally spent hours upon hours continuously brawling. With 35 characters (21 initially available) and 41 different stages (not to mention the fact that you can make your own stages!), the gameplay options are virtually limitless. There are countless modes of play, and it's enough to keep even a single player busy for weeks, if not months, on end (see how long it takes you to beat boss battle mode on intense difficulty!)
Unfortunately, the game isn't perfect. The online mode is extremely laggy and slow, and doesn't add to the experience as most players would have hoped. Also, the single player adventure mode, called the Subspace Emissary, is extremely repetitive and long. In short, it's not very fun to play, but you need to play it to beat all of the challenges. All in all, though, these really are minor complaints, as the rest of the game shines enough that it more than makes up for its small shortcomings. If you own a Wii, you should own this game. Period.
What's great about it: Amazing multi-player, enough content to keep you busy for weeks (even by yourself)
What's not so great: Online is extremely laggy, Subspace Emissary is repetitive and not much fun
I would recommend this to a friend!
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