SynopsisOne's a flawed mercenary, the other's a medicated psychopath. Pair them together and there's bound to be friction. In Kane & Lynch: Dead Men, follow the lives of these unlikely partners who must rely on each other to survive and save the ones they love. Can they put their hatred for each other aside to achieve a greater good?Accompany this brutal duo through destructible environments filled with fluid, high-definition graphics. Lead a team of criminal mercenaries that protect you by drawing fire, providing cover and unleashing weapons on the enemy. Emerge in realistic locations, such as crowded nightclubs and quiet banks, filled with artificial intelligence characters. Disturb the peace with powerful weapons in intense third-person battles. Whether you're rappelling from a building or firing from a moving vehicle, you must use your skill and strategy to complete each objective. Go it alone by assuming the role of Kane, choose between Kane and Lynch in Co-op mode or take part in innovative online gameplay.
This reviewer is a member of the Best Buy Tech Insider Network Program. This invitation-only program provides BestBuy.com reviewers with manufacturer-supplied products for the purpose of writing honest, unbiased and usage-based reviews. Outside of receiving products to test and review, Best Buy Tech Insider Network Reviewers are not compensated in any other way.
'Kane and Lynch: Dead Men' had a lot of hype that preceeded its release, and for the most part, it fizzled upon release. The game acts as a spiritual successor to 'Freedom Fighters,' and while your squads aren't quite as initially as large as those found in that game, they're more effective at following your orders than the nameless grunts you previously recruited. The presentation of the game - from the moment it's turned on to the end of the final level - is nearly flawless, and evokes comparisons to the best Michael Mann action flicks. I pushed through the game as quickly as I could, riveted by the actions of the titular characters.
The problems with the gameplay itself are noticeable, but not game breaking. The cover system could've taken a hint from other games (like 'Army of Two' for example) and required a button to initiate, rather than just positioning yourself next to it. And while it's very well presented, graphically, it looks simple - as if it were an upscaled PS2 game. This doesn't detract from the game, but it isn't able to compete with other games on the system, like 'Uncharted' or 'Ratchet and Clank,' or more combat oriented games like 'Call of Duty 4.'
It's fun, and it's worth playing, but it is relatively short. The multiplayer mode is unique and worth playing the game for by itself. Overall, an enjoyable and rewarding experience, if imperfect.
What's great about it: Great presentation; squad based mechanics work well; good selection of weapons
What's not so great: Graphics aren't on par with other current games; Cover system could've used better implementation
Learn more about Lair. (Flash demo) SynopsisEndless conflicts and natural disasters have turned the world into a bloodbath of lies and betrayal. You are Rohn, a warrior who soars atop a battle-trained dragon through violent aerial combat. Under your guidance, your reptilian mount scorches and claws enemies with deadly precision. You have the talents needed to defeat legions of opponents, but do you have the courage to save two civilizations?Lair immerses you in a living, breathing world of incredible beasts, a deep storyline and thrilling gameplay. Fight through vast battles in the air and on the ground and face off against armies of thousands. Change the complexity of the action with your ferocious dragon and set the ground ablaze with waves of flame. With stunning visuals, intense audio and exhilarating mission-based gameplay, Lair will test your warrior skills as you engage onslaughts of vicious enemies.
This reviewer is a member of the Best Buy Tech Insider Network Program. This invitation-only program provides BestBuy.com reviewers with manufacturer-supplied products for the purpose of writing honest, unbiased and usage-based reviews. Outside of receiving products to test and review, Best Buy Tech Insider Network Reviewers are not compensated in any other way.
It received a lot of hype prior to its debut, and it certainly looked impressive from the trailers, but the game itself fails to deliver in almost every regard.
I wanted to like this game. I wanted to relive the days I spent playing 'Panzer Dragoon' on my Saturn, but 'Lair' is no "Panzer Dragoon.' Slow, unforgiving controls, boring level design, and far, FAR too many cut scenes take away any joy I could've had playing this game.
On a positive note, the graphics are quite impressive, as is the animation for the dragons in combat. The music is well composed, and fits the tone of the battles very well. It's just that other part - the game itself - that fails to impress or entertain.
What's great about it: Impressive graphics and animation, decent story and voicework
What's not so great: Sluggish, unresponsive controls, short levels and game overall, too much time watching cut scenes instead of playing
Ratchet & Clank Future: Tools of Destruction brings back our heroes in a brand new series for the PS3. This time Ratchet & Clank must embark on an galactic adventure to unravel the mystery of Ratchet's origin. This epic adventure will introduce new characters, new weapons, and all-new worlds for Ratchet & Clank to explore.
This reviewer is a member of the Best Buy Tech Insider Network Program. This invitation-only program provides BestBuy.com reviewers with manufacturer-supplied products for the purpose of writing honest, unbiased and usage-based reviews. Outside of receiving products to test and review, Best Buy Tech Insider Network Reviewers are not compensated in any other way.
Since Naughty Dog left Crash bandicoot years back, the PlayStation brand lacked an all ages mascot whose personality was eclipsed only by the quality of their games. Ratchet and Clank fit that bill.
Now, with their debut on PS3, it's even easier to see why developer Insomniac is being recognized as one of the premiere developers in the industry. 'Ratchet and Clank Future' is fun from start to finish, and anyone who enjoys a good game will certainly get into it.
The focus of the series has always been the weapons Ratchet uses, and this game does not disappoint. Its variety of weapons, and the uniqueness of each one, points to the desire of Insomniac to deliever a great experience for the gamer.
As far as the graphics and the animation are concerned, it's top notch. It's similar to watching a Disney/Pixar movie while you're playing because of the seemlessness of the graphics.
A great experience for gamers of any age.
What's great about it: Gorgeous graphics and animation, engaging story, fantastic weapon design and implementation
Learn more about Uncharted: Drake's Fortune. (Flash demo) SynopsisEmbark on a journey of danger and suspense in Uncharted: Drake's Fortune. In this pulse-pounding adventure, you assume the role of Nathan Drake, a modern-day fortune hunter. After discovering a 400-year-old clue in the coffin of Sir Francis Drake, you set out in search of the fabled treasure of El Dorado. Your travels lead you to a forgotten island in the Pacific Ocean, where you end up stranded and hunted by ruthless mercenaries. Can you and your companions survive to tell the world of a treasure no one knew existed?Use maps and ancient artifacts to explore the strange, unfamiliar island. As you make your way through exotic locations, such as living jungles and 400-year-old ruins, you'll uncover clues that reveal the mystery behind the elusive treasure. Use guns to blow away the mercenaries and take advantage of the environment to shield yourself from their weapons. Intense hand-to-hand fighting and high-speed chases in moving vehicles add to the excitement.
This reviewer is a member of the Best Buy Tech Insider Network Program. This invitation-only program provides BestBuy.com reviewers with manufacturer-supplied products for the purpose of writing honest, unbiased and usage-based reviews. Outside of receiving products to test and review, Best Buy Tech Insider Network Reviewers are not compensated in any other way.
It took some time, but the PS3 is beginning to produce some real contenders in their exclusive game lineup. Uncharted is one of the latest and possibly best examples of this trend.
The best way to describe the gameplay is 'Gears of War' (without its repetitiveness) meets 'Tomb Raider' (without its unforgiving platforming). It's fast and frantic, full of puzzles, gunfights, and a number of cinematic action sequences.
The story and the voicework are worth playing the game for alone. There's a lot to like about Nathan and his cohorts, and the acting behind these characters is as deep as anything you'd see in a Hollywood production.
This is one of the 5 Games you must own if you have a PS3 (Warhawk and Rachet and Clank Future: Tools of Destruction being a few of the others)!
What's great about it: Amazing graphics and effects, great hand to hand and gun combat systems, great script and voice work
This reviewer is a member of the Best Buy Tech Insider Network Program. This invitation-only program provides BestBuy.com reviewers with manufacturer-supplied products for the purpose of writing honest, unbiased and usage-based reviews. Outside of receiving products to test and review, Best Buy Tech Insider Network Reviewers are not compensated in any other way.
A pitiful excuse for a romantic comedy, if you can call anything that has no usuable jokes throught its running time a 'comedy.'
Perhaps I'm biased against Dane Cook, but I don't find anything he does or anything he says funny in the least. His 'jokes' in this movie involve little more than repeating the same line over and over again - to no comedic effect.
Jessica Simpson needs acting lessons. She might become a decent actress one day, but today is not that day, and tomorrow isn't looking too bright either.
If you feel the urge to waste a few dollars on something that you'll never receive any pleasure from, buy 'Employee of the Month.' If you want to spend money on a genuinely entertaining movie that features Mr. Cook (albeit in a significantly reduced role) in a service industry role, buy 'Waiting,' and thank me after.
What's great about it: Again, Jessica Simpson beauty is worth looking at.
What's not so great: Dull performances from everyone (Ms. Simpson included) push this disaster where it belongs - the discount bin.
Learn more about Gears of War. (Flash demo) SynopsisIn a frightening future, humanity faces a new enemy of warlike creatures that have risen from the depths of the earth. As the Locust Horde marches forth, you'll take on the role of Marcus Fenix, a former war hero with his own internal demons to contend with. As he faces his most dangerous enemy yet, he must learn to lay his past to rest and lead a troop of soldiers to victory. In this epic tale of blood and glory, the fate of humankind rests on his shoulders alone. With realistic environments rendered in stunning detail, you will be immersed in a living, dynamic world governed by the laws of physics. Utilize the game's interactive environment to turn ordinary objects and natural elements into tools of war. Wield a massive arsenal of weapons designed to give you the power you need to succeed against your foes. Advanced artificial intelligence means the soldiers you command are nearly indistinguishable from human players. Multiplayer options abound via Xbox Live capabilities that help you take your online gameplay to the next level.
This reviewer is a member of the Best Buy Tech Insider Network Program. This invitation-only program provides BestBuy.com reviewers with manufacturer-supplied products for the purpose of writing honest, unbiased and usage-based reviews. Outside of receiving products to test and review, Best Buy Tech Insider Network Reviewers are not compensated in any other way.
While the package is certainly pretty - arguably better than anything else on the market (besides Uncharted for PS3) - the game itself is flawed, rewarding players for simply repeating the same, tired formula level after level, never offering any real variety to the gameplay. The story and character design are among the most generic available, and none of the characters has any real personality in their voice acting or in their animation (never once did they move in a human fashion). After it's beaten, the multiplayer is enjoyable for a week or so. You'll be fortunate to play this one again after it's completed.
What's great about it: Amazing visuals and special effects, decent multiplayer
What's not so great: Monotonous gameplay, short campaign, no replay value
Learn more about Assassin's Creed. (Flash demo) SynopsisYour name is Altair, and you are a deadly assassin living in the year 1191 AD. The Third Crusade is tearing the Holy Land apart, and you must take it upon yourself to become an agent of change and put a stop to the war. Your mastery of the skills, tactics and weapons of the world's most secret clan of warriors makes you the ideal person to defeat both sides of the conflict. Plan your attacks, strike without mercy and do whatever it takes to achieve your objectives.Assassin's Creed thrusts you into a living, breathing world in which your decisions and actions all have consequences. Relive the epic spectacle of the Crusades as you explore the Holy Land in the 12th century, complete with lifelike graphics loaded with subtle details and nuances. The intense action features fluid and precise animations as you do battle using a variety of medieval weapons. With an incredible blend of technology, emotion, violence and chaos, Assassin's Creed gives you the chance to shape events during a pivotal moment in human history.
This reviewer is a member of the Best Buy Tech Insider Network Program. This invitation-only program provides BestBuy.com reviewers with manufacturer-supplied products for the purpose of writing honest, unbiased and usage-based reviews. Outside of receiving products to test and review, Best Buy Tech Insider Network Reviewers are not compensated in any other way.
The worst 60 dollars you will spend on any system. Slow, shallow, repetitive gameplay, coupled with the WORST plot twist in recent memory and an entirely unrewarding ending. If you've played the first ten minutes of the game, you may as well have played the other 15 hours. One button fight mechanics reduce the game the the use of half the triggers available on the controller. Don't waste the money.
Learn more about NBA 08. (Flash demo) SynopsisNothing compares to the feeling of heading out of the tunnel onto the beautiful hardwood floors of a packed NBA arena. Now you can experience that same feeling as you take control of the NBA team of your choice in NBA 08. To win in this league you'll need more than just good shooters ~ it will take an entire team effort, proven strategies, talented players and above all experience on and off the court.NBA 08 features an all-new progression system that rewards players for game exploration and advancement. Complete tasks and goals to earn experience points that can be used to customize characters with fresh gear and unlockable game content. Show off customized players and gain access to streaming NBA video, player-created pages and improved leaderboards via new online features. Enhanced gameplay and Artificial Intelligence elements supply authentic offensive and defensive positioning, so players can space themselves correctly for more realistic shots and reactions. Expanded SIXAXIS functionality delivers deeper control options that range from specific dribbles to offensive and defensive moves.
This reviewer is a member of the Best Buy Tech Insider Network Program. This invitation-only program provides BestBuy.com reviewers with manufacturer-supplied products for the purpose of writing honest, unbiased and usage-based reviews. Outside of receiving products to test and review, Best Buy Tech Insider Network Reviewers are not compensated in any other way.
The Covenant rules the Earth ~ the Flood has been unleashed ~ and the fate of life everywhere hangs in the balance. Master Chief, a genetically engineered super soldier, is the last chance for humanity's survival. Stowed away on a Forerunner ship, he rushes back to Earth to defeat the Covenant once and for all. Hopelessly outnumbered, his outlook is bleak. But when you are bred for battle, you fight past the breaking point and bow to no one. It's all been building to this ~ a desperate, final war that leads to a soul-shattering climax of epic proportions. Help this incredible hero stop the Covenant, destroy the Flood and save the lives of every person on the planet.The third chapter in the critically acclaimed franchise features insane battles with an arsenal of alien and human weaponry. Discover all-new armaments and characters as you fight to the finish. You can even play online with Xbox Live and battle in pulse-pounding multiplayer action. Next-generation graphics and technological advances, such as enhanced artificial intelligence and a beefed-up real-time lighting engine, make Halo 3 shine with stunning realism.
This reviewer is a member of the Best Buy Tech Insider Network Program. This invitation-only program provides BestBuy.com reviewers with manufacturer-supplied products for the purpose of writing honest, unbiased and usage-based reviews. Outside of receiving products to test and review, Best Buy Tech Insider Network Reviewers are not compensated in any other way.
If you like Halo 2, you'll like this game, as it's essentially nothing but the same thing with a new paint job. There are better FPS games out there - obviously, games that didn't get the hype this did - but they're worth it.
What's great about it: Great graphics and lighting effects
What's not so great: Repetitive gameplay, uninteresting story, offers nothing new to the FPS genre