From Amazon.com

To help you start your PSP collection, we've created this special bundle, which includes the Intec "Dock It" docking station, Sandisk 256 MB Memory Stick, and Wipeout Pure game in addition to the Sony PSP value pack which comes with the AC adapter, battery pack, 32 MB Memory Stick Duo, earbud headphones with remote control, soft case, hand strap, and of course the PSP system.

The era of no-compromises handheld gaming has arrived. Get ready for immersive, 3D gaming on a console that is poised to change the way we think about portable devices. With wireless internet, video and digital music playback, and incredible data storage and connectivity options, the Sony PSP--or PlayStation Portable--is a complete solution for the mobile digital lifestyle. Sony has hit the mark by combining both horsepower and groundbreaking features into a package that weighs just a hair more than half a pound.

Design
The PSP's exceptional performance comes from a 333 MHz processor that dwarfs the speed of competing handheld consoles. Add this polygon-pushing muscle to 4 MB of fast DRAM and 32 MB of embedded RAM, and you've got a device with graphics rendering capabilities close to that of the PlayStation2. And because no game is complete without audio, the PSP is generously appointed with built-in stereo speakers, as well Dolby Digital 7.1 surround soundcapability. Sony has also pulled out all the stops with the PSP display. The bright, 4.3-inch LCD sports a 16:9 aspect ratio and 480 x 272 pixel resolution--plenty of real estate for heavy gaming action and widescreen-format movies. All of this is powered by a removable, and rechargeable, lithium-ion battery.

Screen machine: The 4.3-inch display sports a 16:9 aspect ratio and 480 x 272 pixel resolution. Movies and games on the go have never been more gorgeous.

From a controls perspective, the PSP is made for gaming. If you're familiar with a PlayStation controller, you'll be a pro at the PSP's controls in no time. Directional buttons, as well as an analog stick are provided. Meanwhile, the familiar left and right shoulder buttons, as well as triangle, circle, cross and square buttons are integrated into the device's slim case. Finally, home, select, and start buttons give you quick access and control over the PSP's important functions.

To have and to hold: The PSP's easy-to-master controls are cleverly integrated into the device's slim profile.

Supported Media
At the heart of the PSP is a new, proprietary media format known as the Universal Media Disc, or UMD. Each UMD can hold 1.8 GB of data, enough room for rich and complex games. UMDs, which are housed in a protective cover, slide into the rear of the PSP. Sony has declared the UMD an open format for developers and media content owners, so movies, music and other media are on the horizon from third parties. Sony has also signed on many popular game developers for the platform, so a deep library of titles is on tap.

While the UMD is great for read-only media such as games and movies, Sony solves the problem of data storage with the addition of a Memory Stick Duo slot. With Memory Stick Duo media, you can store your saved games, downloaded online content, personal video and audio files, and more. When you want access to these files from your PC, simply use the PSP's USB 2.0 port to turn the device into a fastportable media drive. Then, drag and drop files such as your photos, MP3s, and videos onto the PSP, just as you would any other removable storage device. The PSP ships with a 32 MB Memory Stick Duo, and additional media with higher storage capacities are available.

Major media: Sony's PSP-compatible Universal Media Disc (UMD) can hold 1.8 GB of data.

Connectivity
The PSP blows away the competition in the connectivity department. Indeed, the PSP's ability to connect to the internet, and to other PSPs and USB-based peripherals, is a real advantage. At the top of the list is Wifi connectivity, or IEEE 801.11b. Use this wireless internet standard to connect to other gamers around the world for hot multiplayer action--all from your couch, or your local Wifi hotspot. As mentioned, the PSP's USB 2.0 port is great for PC connectivity, but it also opens the PSP up for a whole range of future peripherals. Sony has plans for the PSP in other ways, too; the unit's infrared port speaks of remote control capabilities in the near future.

A Digital Companion
If you haven't already guessed, Sony has positioned the PSP to be much more than a gaming device. Out of the box, the device is ready to serve as a portable video player and photo viewer. By using the new H.264 MPEG-4 video standard, Sony obviously has its eyes on making the PSP a robust video device with support for feature length movies and more.In addition, the PSP offers a great way to transport and share your photos in JPEG format. And let's not forget the music. Load up your favorite MP3-encoded songs onto a Memory Stick Duo and you've got a portable audio powerhouse. The device also supports Sony's ATRACaudio codec, so you can play songs acquired from Sony's Connect Online Music Store. Sony even ships a nifty pair of earbuds--complete with an inline remote control--with the PSP.

What's in the Box
PSP device, AC adapter, battery pack, 32 MB Memory Stick Duo, earbud headphones with remote control, soft case and hand strap. ... Read more

Reviews (519)

Freakin' Sweet
First, this is not a kid's review, I just used this because it was much easier. At first, i was going to buy a Nintendo DS, but then i saw this. The DS cannot compare to the PSP. This system is AWESOME!!! Were do I start. The graphics are by far the best I've seen for a portable system. The lineup for games is basically the PS2 lineup, with future games like 007 from russia with love, Grand Theft Auto Liberty City Stories, Star Wars Battlefront 2, Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire, Madden 2006 And NBA Live 2006. Now that new movie companies are publishing DVD's the movie line up is good too. The MP# feature will be nice too. But i did find a couple of downsides though. first, it did not come with a USB cable, but "supposedly" they already lose about $60 on each. Second, it scratches easy. Third, the battery only last about 5 hours. And lastley, Memory cards are Expensive! But hey, I love my PSP, so If you have the money, go for it.

GODLY GREATNESS!!!!!!!!!!
First of all...This system is god!!!!!!!Im sure thewrte are the wackos that think the Ds os good well i got news for you IT ISNT!!!!!!!!PSP has movies, music, and games and............other suff!!!!it just rocks!and now for some true facts:
PSP is god
DS sucks
end of that.

Really worth the money
This machine is incredible!!I bought mine on June 4days ago at TOYS R US, and even the cashier said it is worth the money.I readthese reviews on the PSP saying there is dead pixels, what a total lie whoever is saying that they do not have a mind.This system does it all.Oh and if you buy it make sure you cherish like if it's your child, never let it out of your sight.PSP is simply beautiful.

PSP- a real gamers review
First of all let me start by saying that most of the reviews on this site are by people who are casual gamers. I personally have been playing games for most of my life and have owned every major console avaliable. The PSP has several major flaws that the competitors do not.

The first flaw i have seen is the games, the launch titles are mainly football and racing games. i myself am not a sport or racing fan and find no interest in these titles. Although if you were would you really like to play 4 different racing games that are really just the same.

The second flaw is the console durability, the console is easily broken, i know you are meant to look after it but for a portable machine it is going to be dropped at some point in the consoles life. It has several manufacturing flaws as well, such as dead pixels, scratched screens, unresponsive buttons, and disc that like to fly out the back of it if the console is manipulated.

The third flaw is the price, it is very expensive for what it does. It can play MP3's and movies which is great but it does at a substandard quality and you need a memory stick in which to store it. It can not play DVD which means you have to buy the UMD which are far more expensive and will only work on the PSP. while you can buy more high quality products such as a portable DVD player and an iPod for around the same price.

So overall there are far better alternatives to what the PSP can do, for example: portable DVD player; MP3 player. Also having owned a Nintendo DS it is a far more innovative product, with the touch screen bringing wider possibilites for the games. Also if you despartly want the graphics of the PSP in a portable console then please wait till the GBA 2 comes out on the market. it will be far better and have the quality of product that we have come to expect from Nintendo.

Thank you for reading my review, and i hope that it has helped you in your choice of handheld consoles for the future.

Nice
one word describes this: nice. as with all other Sony products. Stunningly beautiful graphics on a large (4.3 inches i think) screen, analog, cool looking handheld is amazing. I have one myself. The music and the video just adds to the perfection of the PSP. But, there're some cons. 1st of all I would have to say the games are quite pricey, and that the psp may be a bit heavy for some, and as for the dead pixels, i believe it was the ones for sale in north america that may have them, because i saw 2 that had them, and of course mine doesn't, and also with the battery that doesn't have that long of a life, but.... who would play with a handheld for 4 hours? (thats how long psp battery would last) the verdict: cool looking system with crazy graphics, so get it for sure if money allows, but you may have to charge it often, and watch for the dead pixels. ... Read more

From Amazon.com

To help you start your PSP collection, we've created this special bundle, which includes the Intec "Dock It" docking station, Sandisk 256 MB Memory Stick, and Twisted Metal: Head-On game in addition to the Sony PSP value pack which comes with the AC adapter, battery pack, 32 MB Memory Stick Duo, earbud headphones with remote control, soft case, hand strap, and of course the PSP system.

The era of no-compromises handheld gaming has arrived. Get ready for immersive, 3D gaming on a console that is poised to change the way we think about portable devices. With wireless internet, video and digital music playback, and incredible data storage and connectivity options, the Sony PSP--or PlayStation Portable--is a complete solution for the mobile digital lifestyle. Sony has hit the mark by combining both horsepower and groundbreaking features into a package that weighs just a hair more than half a pound.

Design
The PSP's exceptional performance comes from a 333 MHz processor that dwarfs the speed of competing handheld consoles. Add this polygon-pushing muscle to 4 MB of fast DRAM and 32 MB of embedded RAM, and you've got a device with graphics rendering capabilities close to that of the PlayStation2. And because no game is complete without audio, the PSP is generously appointed with built-in stereo speakers, as well Dolby Digital 7.1 surround soundcapability. Sony has also pulled out all the stops with the PSP display. The bright, 4.3-inch LCD sports a 16:9 aspect ratio and 480 x 272 pixel resolution--plenty of real estate for heavy gaming action and widescreen-format movies. All of this is powered by a removable, and rechargeable, lithium-ion battery.

Screen machine: The 4.3-inch display sports a 16:9 aspect ratio and 480 x 272 pixel resolution. Movies and games on the go have never been more gorgeous.

From a controls perspective, the PSP is made for gaming. If you're familiar with a PlayStation controller, you'll be a pro at the PSP's controls in no time. Directional buttons, as well as an analog stick are provided. Meanwhile, the familiar left and right shoulder buttons, as well as triangle, circle, cross and square buttons are integrated into the device's slim case. Finally, home, select, and start buttons give you quick access and control over the PSP's important functions.

To have and to hold: The PSP's easy-to-master controls are cleverly integrated into the device's slim profile.

Supported Media
At the heart of the PSP is a new, proprietary media format known as the Universal Media Disc, or UMD. Each UMD can hold 1.8 GB of data, enough room for rich and complex games. UMDs, which are housed in a protective cover, slide into the rear of the PSP. Sony has declared the UMD an open format for developers and media content owners, so movies, music and other media are on the horizon from third parties. Sony has also signed on many popular game developers for the platform, so a deep library of titles is on tap.

While the UMD is great for read-only media such as games and movies, Sony solves the problem of data storage with the addition of a Memory Stick Duo slot. With Memory Stick Duo media, you can store your saved games, downloaded online content, personal video and audio files, and more. When you want access to these files from your PC, simply use the PSP's USB 2.0 port to turn the device into a fastportable media drive. Then, drag and drop files such as your photos, MP3s, and videos onto the PSP, just as you would any other removable storage device. The PSP ships with a 32 MB Memory Stick Duo, and additional media with higher storage capacities are available.

Major media: Sony's PSP-compatible Universal Media Disc (UMD) can hold 1.8 GB of data.

Connectivity
The PSP blows away the competition in the connectivity department. Indeed, the PSP's ability to connect to the internet, and to other PSPs and USB-based peripherals, is a real advantage. At the top of the list is Wifi connectivity, or IEEE 801.11b. Use this wireless internet standard to connect to other gamers around the world for hot multiplayer action--all from your couch, or your local Wifi hotspot. As mentioned, the PSP's USB 2.0 port is great for PC connectivity, but it also opens the PSP up for a whole range of future peripherals. Sony has plans for the PSP in other ways, too; the unit's infrared port speaks of remote control capabilities in the near future.

A Digital Companion
If you haven't already guessed, Sony has positioned the PSP to be much more than a gaming device. Out of the box, the device is ready to serve as a portable video player and photo viewer. By using the new H.264 MPEG-4 video standard, Sony obviously has its eyes on making the PSP a robust video device with support for feature length movies and more.In addition, the PSP offers a great way to transport and share your photos in JPEG format. And let's not forget the music. Load up your favorite MP3-encoded songs onto a Memory Stick Duo and you've got a portable audio powerhouse. The device also supports Sony's ATRACaudio codec, so you can play songs acquired from Sony's Connect Online Music Store. Sony even ships a nifty pair of earbuds--complete with an inline remote control-- with the PSP.

What's in the Box
PSP device, AC adapter, battery pack, 32 MB Memory Stick Duo, earbud headphones with remote control, soft case and hand strap. ... Read more

Reviews (519)

Freakin' Sweet
First, this is not a kid's review, I just used this because it was much easier. At first, i was going to buy a Nintendo DS, but then i saw this. The DS cannot compare to the PSP. This system is AWESOME!!! Were do I start. The graphics are by far the best I've seen for a portable system. The lineup for games is basically the PS2 lineup, with future games like 007 from russia with love, Grand Theft Auto Liberty City Stories, Star Wars Battlefront 2, Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire, Madden 2006 And NBA Live 2006. Now that new movie companies are publishing DVD's the movie line up is good too. The MP# feature will be nice too. But i did find a couple of downsides though. first, it did not come with a USB cable, but "supposedly" they already lose about $60 on each. Second, it scratches easy. Third, the battery only last about 5 hours. And lastley, Memory cards are Expensive! But hey, I love my PSP, so If you have the money, go for it.

GODLY GREATNESS!!!!!!!!!!
First of all...This system is god!!!!!!!Im sure thewrte are the wackos that think the Ds os good well i got news for you IT ISNT!!!!!!!!PSP has movies, music, and games and............other suff!!!!it just rocks!and now for some true facts:
PSP is god
DS sucks
end of that.

Really worth the money
This machine is incredible!!I bought mine on June 4days ago at TOYS R US, and even the cashier said it is worth the money.I readthese reviews on the PSP saying there is dead pixels, what a total lie whoever is saying that they do not have a mind.This system does it all.Oh and if you buy it make sure you cherish like if it's your child, never let it out of your sight.PSP is simply beautiful.

PSP- a real gamers review
First of all let me start by saying that most of the reviews on this site are by people who are casual gamers. I personally have been playing games for most of my life and have owned every major console avaliable. The PSP has several major flaws that the competitors do not.

The first flaw i have seen is the games, the launch titles are mainly football and racing games. i myself am not a sport or racing fan and find no interest in these titles. Although if you were would you really like to play 4 different racing games that are really just the same.

The second flaw is the console durability, the console is easily broken, i know you are meant to look after it but for a portable machine it is going to be dropped at some point in the consoles life. It has several manufacturing flaws as well, such as dead pixels, scratched screens, unresponsive buttons, and disc that like to fly out the back of it if the console is manipulated.

The third flaw is the price, it is very expensive for what it does. It can play MP3's and movies which is great but it does at a substandard quality and you need a memory stick in which to store it. It can not play DVD which means you have to buy the UMD which are far more expensive and will only work on the PSP. while you can buy more high quality products such as a portable DVD player and an iPod for around the same price.

So overall there are far better alternatives to what the PSP can do, for example: portable DVD player; MP3 player. Also having owned a Nintendo DS it is a far more innovative product, with the touch screen bringing wider possibilites for the games. Also if you despartly want the graphics of the PSP in a portable console then please wait till the GBA 2 comes out on the market. it will be far better and have the quality of product that we have come to expect from Nintendo.

Thank you for reading my review, and i hope that it has helped you in your choice of handheld consoles for the future.

Nice
one word describes this: nice. as with all other Sony products. Stunningly beautiful graphics on a large (4.3 inches i think) screen, analog, cool looking handheld is amazing. I have one myself. The music and the video just adds to the perfection of the PSP. But, there're some cons. 1st of all I would have to say the games are quite pricey, and that the psp may be a bit heavy for some, and as for the dead pixels, i believe it was the ones for sale in north america that may have them, because i saw 2 that had them, and of course mine doesn't, and also with the battery that doesn't have that long of a life, but.... who would play with a handheld for 4 hours? (thats how long psp battery would last) the verdict: cool looking system with crazy graphics, so get it for sure if money allows, but you may have to charge it often, and watch for the dead pixels. ... Read more

Product Description

The Star Wars Episode III video game features third-person character action gameplay that will deliver the ultimate Jedi action experience as Anakin Skywalker and Obi-Wan Kenobi join forces in fierce battles and heroic lightsaber duels until ones lust for power and the others devotion to duty leads to a final confirmation between good and e ... Read more

Features

• Third person action gameplay consisting of a series of lightsaber battles against a variety of uniquely challenging enemies including droids, humans and Jedi.
• Live the most exciting moments from the movie and follow the films tragic conflict through the perspective of Anakin Skywalker and Obi-Wan Kenobi.
• Master both the light and dark sides of the Force using dozens of different lightsaber attacks and upgradeable combos.
• Devastating Force powers including Force stun, Sith Lightning and Jedi Mind Trick.
• Battle in over 16 levels across four movie worlds including the planet Corusant, the sinkhole planet of Utapau and the volcano world of Mustafar.

Reviews (42)

Short but Sweet
Star Wars Episode 3 may dissapoint some hardcore gamers, but for fans of Star Wars, it will no doubt entertain.

The RotS game is a very fun play. It has a somewhat deep combat system (not as deep as the Lord of the Rings games)The actuall combat moves arent mapped out like in the lord of the rings games, but different combos of buttons will produce different moves.

RotS is a good looking game. Some elements arent particularly great, but it still looks good. The lightsaber animations are phenominal, although the majority of animations arent so hot. The character models are good, the enviroments are ok, some blanness shows here and there, and if there is a big explosion the framerate drops a tad.

Now, while it is a good, even above average, game, I have to say it is one of the shortest games I have ever played. On the hardest difficulty, you can beat it in 5 - 6 hours. The levels were probably drug out as much as possible, but they could have added a space fight level, like in the begining of the movie, or levels that dont revolve around just Anakin and Obi-Wan. Like maybe some clone vs. battledroid levels where you play as Mace Windu, or a level where you play as Yoda and you fight Emporer Palpatine. Additions like this would have added serious time to the game, and a bigger fun factor.

While the games combat has different fight combos, it isnt forced enough. You can get through the game by hack-n-slashing.

Overall, if you are a fan of the movie, you will undoubtably love this great addition.

Concept- Make the ultimate Jedi simulator

Presintation- 8.3- The box art is good, the menues are nice and polished, and there is scenes from the movie woven into the game.

Graphics- 8.0- Overall, very nice. Some good lightsaber animations and some good enviroments, but mostly everything is good to par.

Sound- 9.0- Star Wars games always sound good. My only problem with the sound is almost all the voiceovers during gameplay are almost as bad as in the movie.

Gameplay- 8.1- Combat is fun, could have been deeper, and the force powers are used well. The levels are particularly done well, but are ok. The camera has some problems too.

Playability- 8.4- you can get through the game hack-n-slashing. But it still is good.

Overall- 8.0 - Good game, could have been better (like most Star Wars games) Star Wars fan boys will love it.

Replay Value- 8.5- You probably wont play the single player campaign much after you beat it, but there are so many unlockable levls (including one great level where you play as Yoda) Two player duels with unlockable characters and arenas (including darth vader and ben kenobi in the original Death Star)

"yah its pretty sweet its .........................AWSOME!!"
THIS GAME IS PRETTY SWEET, IT HAS SWEET JEDI COMBOSAND STUNNING KILLS. IT HAS A GOOD STORY PLAY AND THE GRAPHICS ARE GREAT. THE MULTIPLAYER IS AWSOME BECUASE YOU HAVE SO MANY CHARACTERS AND LEVELS. IN CO-OP YOU HAVE LIKE FIVE LEVELS TO PLAY WHICH ISALL RIGHT. THE BONUS LEVELS ARE SWEET BECUASE IN ONE OF THEM YOU COULD PLAY YODA WHICH YOU CAN PULL OFF SOME SWEET MOVES. THIS GAME IS GREAT AND II SUGGEST YOU GET IT.

P.S. "MAY THE FORCE BE WITH YOU

Cool, but no KOTOR.....
This is a really cool game, graphics and all. But, I was expecting it to be a Knights of the Old Republic game--more RPG than an arcade/action type game. So, if your expecting KOTOR #3, forget it. So, as a stand alone Star Wars game, I give it 4 stars. But, because I expected it to actually be KOTOR #3 when I bought it, really overall I'd give it 3 stars.

What have I done?!
OMG!!!This game is way worse then the movie.I mean the deaths aren't even the same!And the actors don't do the voices!The only 3 good things about this are:graphics,action,new ending.Nuf said!

you'd think battling the sith would be tougher!
Star wars episode 3 is a decent game with exceptional graphics, plenty of fighting and a variety of wonderful unlockables, yet the easy gameplay leaves you wanting more. Even at hard mode this game is incredibly easy to beat. It is also pretty short and next time I hope lucasarts produces a challenging jedi game allowing you to play through all 6 episodes. ... Read more

Product Description

You don't have to spend countless hours on a leveling treadmill to get to the interesting parts of the game, because combat is designed to be strategically interesting and challenging right from the beginning. You don't have to spend hours running around the world to prepare for a quest, because Guild Wars allows you to instantly travel to the beginning of any quest that you've previously unlocked. You'll never spend days playing only to discover that choices you made early on have left you with ... Read more

Features

• Built for Competition - After learning the game and building up your first character, you may choose to test your skills in head-to-head competition or guild warfare. The game is designed to reward player skill and teamwork, not time spent playing, so you won't need to spend hundreds of hours leveling up your character to compete.
• The game includes integrated support for guilds, with guild banners and halls, chat rooms and forums. Guilds can challenge other guilds to battle, compete for control of key parts of the world, and be ranked on a worldwide ladder.
• Unique Streaming Technology - ArenaNet's unique streaming technology forever eliminates the concept of patching a game. You don't have to wait a month for the next big patch to experience new content. Instead, the game constantly and intelligently streams new content to your computer in the background while you play. The world can change continually. This allows us to build a much more dynamic game world than any thathas existed before.

Reviews (53)

Guild wars got it RIGHT
My experience with mmorpg's include DAOC, SWG, PS, EQ II and WOW...yes I am a geek. Guild wars got it right

MISSIONS & TRAVELING:
There are missions to do if you choose to, missions basically lead a player from one town to another. The missions use waypoints to make it easy. You can choose to group with henchmen (AI) or other players. It does not take long to form groups, longest I have waited is 3 minutes (no kidding). Traveling from city to city that you have been to is as easy as opening up the map and clicking (no more time sinks).

LOOT:
Loot drops are automatically assigned to each player of a group. There are 3 different types of quality loot: white (least rarest), blue, purple, yellow (most rarest). I am level 15/20 and I have only seen yellow loot drop twice, super sweet stuff. I love searching for loot drops fun :)

PVP:
2 types of pvp arena and capture the flag. Capture the flag is played in groups of 8, 6 teams and is for the level 20s. If you don't want to level a character, just make a level 20, the game allows you to do this to play capture the flag only. U.S, Europe and Korea compete in capture the flag and the winners are announced in system messages. Arena is AWESOME. No need to find a group, just click join and you are randomly grouped with others for a 4-on-4 battle, fun because it is so balanced. Skill is the only thing that matters, did I say super balanced :) I often find myself in 2 hour sessions saying just one more battle and you get experience.

EXTRA:
There is NO monthly fee. The load times of this game are fastest I have ever seen, 1 sec for me. No more time sinks. I should have bought this a long time ago. If your going to buy 1 game for rest of 2005, it should be guild wars.

Game is not for All MMO players
this game is a good game but its not for all MMO playersits mainly for those that get board easily hehe who are low income and also for those that whine about kill steals

I like this game as it is set to where you can do most things solo at a early lvl and later on when you are established in a guild you can play for the higher lvls or just look around for a group granted there is some that rush through and some that dont know what they are doing there are always people like this in games but it is rewarding when you find a group that knows what to do and dont leave anyone behind if possible

i have a lvl 10 elementalist ranger at the moment and i have solowed for the most part with myself or 1 person in game or npc groupof 3 others with myselfthe group max is 4 now i believe i havent done any pvp yet but from the reviews ive read i doubpt i want to there are some invisable walls but you arnt lead down a path all the time you can cut crossed country in alot of areas

Economy is like all other games can be high in areas as people are greedy most of the stuff is found and sold on a auction channel of sorts but most basic thigns are bough from npc's

the avatars in my opinion as a female very beautiful atleast the elementalist but yes as in all games you have scruffy looking fellows too

The bottom line here is what one man's or woman's opinion of a game is not always the opinion you would give a game my advice is try it if ya dont like it sell it used or something like that or see if there is a trial or spend all your time reserching it and let somone else dictate rather you will or wont like a game you will never know till you play it for yourself.

Julie

Beware: MMO-Lite..All that glitter is not Gold
I frankly just burned my $50 bucks with this game. This game is Bad with a Capital 'B'. There is something seriously missing from this game(if you are a Star Wars fan..'the force is unusally weak with this one'). I find it hard to fanthom how so many people are claiming this game to be the next best thing since sliced bread. Trust me its not.
This game doesn't feel like an mmo its mostly a persistent single player online game. One of the main attraction of an mmo is to be able to see other people running around in a persistent world. You can wave them, help them out, have a chit-chat or maybe even duke it out if they are hostile to you. There is no such aspect to this game. Every mission is 'instanced'; its just you or your guild or AI henchman(AI lacks and they feel like 'npc's too). You dont get to see anyone else.
They are invisible walls in this game everywhere. Unlike many other mmo's you just can't walk over to where you please like in a real persistent world. Instead you are forced to follow and play along a path chosen for you. For e.g...you are going on the road and there is a nice water-fall you see some distance away. So you decide to walk down the hill and check it out. Surprise...there is a invisible wall blocking your way. You have to stay on the road..it was all just a illusion or some cosmetic matte painting. This cuts down the real virtual world factor right there and than. Your only chance of seeing a group of people is in the cities and the way the game is setup you wont be spending much time in cities anyway.The city further lack the community feeling with no inns, housing or gathering places everyone just stands in the middle of the town.
As far as rpg element is concerned, the classes and their powers are poorly setup. Only 8 of your skills can be used at any time. I want to be able to use more than 8 skills sometimes. Combining two clases is a good idea but the 8 skills limitation further cuts down the charm of this aspect.
There is no player run economy as to speak...you sell stuff to npc's ho hum. Player run economy is an absolute must in my view for an mmo to get some sense of realism.
PVP is where this game really falls apart. This mmo strong point was its 'pvp aspect'; however this is where it fails the most. Instead of providing a real war like feeling that is so well done in 'World of warcraft' this game throws you in team based instanced arenas. Just imagine playing a online fps like 'Unreal tournament' or 'Counter-strike' with fantasty characters as well as weapons and you will get the complete picture. Dont expect to be the ubber champ if you haven't first played the pve aspect of the game lvl 20 + and unlocked specials skills. Because you get the standard Lvl 20 template for those classes if you decide to just go pvp but not the special skills that you can unlock if you had tried the pve aspect first. Some of those pve learned special skills are clearly superior to the standard pvp template and players already know this aspect and have learned to exploit it. So it means that whether you want to do pve or not you will have to if you want to be really good in pvp and reaching to lvl 20 is still a time-intensive pve grind. Now i come to my biggest complaint when it comes to pvp. So many people are touting strategy and true skill-based pvp in this game. Well the truth is far from it. Unless you have established guild with people you know you will be thrown into random 4 man teams with each player specilizing in certain skills like 1 is ranger, 1 is tank etc.. You are forced to group to pvp whether you like it or not, forget about any sniper or solo support role. Not to my surprise this random team of unknown people falls apart rather quickly. Most of the teams i have played in like to just rush in or charge without any ryhme or reason and resulting mayhem causes utter confusion with the victor being a warior or someone who can mash buttons the fastest. Or everyone just go into different directions once they get into arena and you are pretty much on your own and good luck here if you a pure ranger. There is no strategy atall that i have seen any team discuss or even apply so far. Another huge pitfall is those invisible walls blocking you from striking at the opposing player. If say you are on a hill and you see the opposing players down below. Well you think that you have a strategic advantage here dont you escpecially if you are a full fledge Ranger/elementalist. Surprise...you just cant attack them in most cases because of those invisible cost-cutting walls and have to run down the long winding preset path to get them and in the meantime giving your position away. So forget about launching a surprise attack on anyone in most cases which is one of the major forte of true pvp. You will see many more pitfalls especially the feeling that there is no real war going on in this game. There is really no gain or charm from pvp except just for the thrill of doing pvp. You character dont gain anything. PVP should be a integral part of the game rpg aspect not some side wrestling match.
Last but not least, the character creation is worst of any recent mmo's I have played so far. Some of characters look like misfits out of a bad Gothic heavy metal group...just have a look at the game 'Necromancer'. Others look like drag queens(sorry not to offend anyone its just a quip). Ontop of it you just have few templates and cosmetic choices to apply. As a result most people end up looking much the same with a real bad wadrobe case. And dont get me started at the Warior template. Supposedly the warrior is the start all and end all class. What we get is an over-weight and bald extra reject from the Gladiator movie.
This is the end of my rant. If you look at my other reviews I give credit where its due and discredit where it is also due. This game is far from what some people are making it to be. There is a reason this game is not charging you a monthly fee and it shows. Read all the reviews and make a educated guess its just that there are far better 'real mmo's' out there too. Dont let fanboy's or overly exicited people mislead you. This game tries to do a lot of things all at the same time while cutting costs but in the end ends up doing nothing well. No-monthly fee here is a double-edged sword here. I for one will throw this game into my garbage can and they can forget me ever getting buying their other expansions. I got suckered once because of all hoop laa that surrounds this game...but no more.

Some aspects are very good, others need some work.
The first thing that should be stated forthright about this game is that it shouldn't be classified as a massive multiplayer online (MMO) game.Much of the game takes place in private zones that approximately 8 people can access at a single time.There are towns and outposts that can harbor many more players, but these are merely gathering areas to form groups for your private instanced area; the vast majority of this game takes place in very small groups that do not interact with anybody else.In nearly all other MMO games, you're interacting with a large number of people all the time.I suppose there are perks to having your own private area to share with a few other people, but I found much of the playable areas depressingly lonely since there is little, if any player-player interaction.

The game is divided up into two spheres: Player-Versus-Environment, and Player-Versus-Player, with specialized characters devoted to each.Player-versus-environment characters can explore the world AND engage in player-versus-player combat, but player-versus-player characters are restricted to just that: player-versus-player combat.As you progress through the main storyline and other side-quests with your player-versus-environment characters, the skills and items that you discover will be unlocked for any future player-versus-player character you create.If you haven't unlocked any items and skills and would still like to enjoy player-versus-player combat right off the bat, the game comes with several pre-made characters you can use solely for player-versus-player combat.There are six classes of players: warriors, rangers, monks, mesmers, necromancers, and elementalists.Each character has a primary profession and a secondary profession, allowing for interesting combinations of characters such as a player that is primarily a necromancer, but can swing a sword almost as good as a warrior.Some skill combinations don't really work too well, but the fact that there are a potential of 30 different classes combinations is pretty refreshing.In addition, even if you're the same primary and secondary profession as another character, you most likely have a different set of skills, of which you're only allowed to have 8 equipped at one time).This also aids in helping your character feel truly unique.

The main storyline is very good, and I enjoyed progressing through each quest as more of the main story was revealed.When you play through the main storyline, your character and whoever you're partnering up with, be it other human players or computer controlled "bots", are the focus of the quest, and your actions in the storyline make it seem like you're actually doing super-human deeds instead of some trivial task like delivering a package.It is your character that saves entire cities from certain doom, it is your character that holds off armies of undead as they march towards your location; nothing you do is trivial.

But once the main storyline is over, all you're left with is player-versus-player combat, which I personally did not enjoy.There are many strong strategies that people have already figured out for player-versus-player combat, so some battles are more luck than skill.Whenever I played in the player-versus-player arenas, I got the feeling that I was just playing some glorified first person shooter like Unreal Tournament, but with swords and spells.You can go back and try to unlock more items and spells, but this gets very boring and tedious quickly.I tried to play through the main storyline with a different type of character, but didn't find it as enjoyable or engaging as the first run through.

However the main thing makes this game unbearable isn't so much the game mechanics as it is the people who play Guild Wars.There is no community, and you will never see the same person more than one time.Also, in a game that requires a lot of team play and coordination, there is an overabundance of people who simply don't care for tactics and are bound to get your character killed with their carelessness.

The best part of Guild Wars is the fact that there is no monthly fee, and the steaming content that updates as you play.I'm sure ArenaNet will be able to do some interesting things with their streaming content system, but there really wasn't enough substance in the game to keep me hooked for long after I finished the main quest.The player-versus-player combat did not appeal to me, however if you believe that you'll like it, you'll most likely enjoy Guild Wars.If you're going to try this game, I strongly recommend you do so with a group of people that you already know, as there is no player community to speak of.

Better than any MMO EVER!
I've played almost every mmo out there and this game is definately a step above. I thought since there was no monthly fee that there would be a huge lack of content but boy was I wrong!!! I have played it since release and there is so much to do and so many styles of play that I feel I will never grow tired of it. I've cancelled all my monthly fee games to play this one and I haven't regreted it since! ... Read more

Amazon.com

The Sims was one of the most popular games ever made. In it, players micromanage the lives of a family of virtual people, or Sims, and influence their paths toward success or something akin to a nervous breakdown. Its open-ended blend of cartoonish behavior and everyday living is unique in an art form otherwise obsessed with carnage and sports. With The Sims 2, longtime fans now have a deeper game with lots of ways to customize and share their experiences. The game will also attract first-timers because the goal-oriented gameplay and the luridly fun starter families make it easier to get into the action right out of the box.

Now Sims are born with the traits of their parents, families grow, and Sims grow old.

The People in Your Neighborhood
The game starts at the neighborhood level. Here you can create a housing development from scratch or start with one of three premade neighborhoods, each with its own theme. From there, you'll settle on a house and a family of Sims to control.

Create your own Sim (above) or your own house (below) from scratch with advanced tools.

Aside from the basic needs carried over from the previous game, Sims now have aspirations, wants, and fears. The wants and fears are the day-to-day things that occupy their minds, like wanting to see friends or get married and fearing death or being rejected for a kiss. Satisfy their wants, and they become more efficient at completing tasks you assign them. Realize their fears, and Sims become lethargic, cranky, and unresponsive to your commands. Aspirations are the big-picture things, like raising a family, becoming wealthy, and gaining knowledge. Succeed here and you'll be able to buy odd gifts for your Sim to improve his or her life, like a money tree that pays dividends or a "fountain of youth" water cooler.

What Else Is New?
Of course, you wouldn't be able to juggle all that if it weren't for the improved "Free Will" option, which makes it easier for Sims to fulfill their basic needs. The artificial intelligence of the game is noticeably improved; they won't turn on radios just as a family member is going to bed but, strangely, they do occasionally put their dishes on the floor.

Another big change in the series is the concept of the lifespan. Now Sims are born with the traits of their parents, families grow, and Sims grow old. Not only does this go hand in hand with aspirations (growing up is the first aspiration that a baby Sim will have), it provides a limited time with which your Sims can achieve their goals.

The Universal Control Panel helps you manage your Sim family.

A Family Affair
The Sims 2 not only lets you create just about any type of Sim in any type of family, build elaborate houses, and even create a neighborhood from scratch, but it also allows you to start the game in medias res, with premade households. These families all have backstories that are smart spoofs of soap-opera plots--lots of scheming, romance, ghosts, and family fighting. Parents of teens shouldn't worry, though, because nudity is tastefully blurred out and "woo-hoo" between Sims takes place completely under the covers. The ESRB has given this a Teen rating. If The Sims 2 were a film, it would likely land between PG and PG-13.

The makers have included some nice tools to help share the universe you've created. For example, you can capture in-game stills and video to show friends the private moments, family interactions, and house parties of your Sims. You can even package a household to share as a blog or an album on a special Web site.

The Sims 2 is for patient gamers. Like life itself, the game is filled with mundane details, like getting ready for work and doing dishes. The game also demands a level of creativity from its players that the run-and-gun game genres wouldn't know what to do with. But those who stick with it will be rewarded with an absorbing, amusing diversion and a virtual family history that they've created themselves. --Porter B. Hall

Set Up a Sims 2 Machinima Studio
Amazon.com contributor Porter Hall reveals how you can make movies using the Sims as your actors. See his guide to setting up a Sims 2 Machinima Studio. ... Read more

Features

• Build dream homes and design neighborhoods with new building options
• Lifestyle simulation where you manage your Sim's dreams and fears over a lifetime
• Mix Sim genes and see physical and personality traits through the generations
• Control the camera and capture the action into mini movies
• Generate unique Sims with the new Create-A-Sim feature

Reviews (6)

The Sims2 for Windows
Hi, I have the sims2 game. My friend and I really enjoy playing it! It is so much fun. People just need to try it out and see if they like it!

The Sims 2
Yes, I am a Mac user, and yes, I can't wait until May 30th!!
I have played The Sims 2 before, and it is SO COOL!! I love to go to the park, stand under the trees. It feels like you're right there with them!
I may not have to wait, though, if I get the Windows computer I've been wanting so badly. And if I don't get that computer, then I'll just get this on May 30th. Oh, lucky me.
Well, anyway, I've always liked building the houses, and now I can make so many changes (especially when I do the cheat -- hee hee!)
All my friends like The Sims, especially me. So I root the sequel on!

-- Nina S.

The Sims 2 for Mac - Why the Wait?
I've waited since the slightest infromation of the Sims 2 to get it, with much impatience. And now, I find out that it's not coming out for Macs until May 30th? I really, can't wait this long. All of my friends have it and I just watch them play it in raging jealousy. So not fair. I wish Maxis would have waited until May 30th to release the Sims 2 for Mac and PC, then I wouldn't have to watch all of my friends play it and brag and stuff. I played it at my friends house, and I was glued to the screen until I had to go home! I can't...wait...until...May...30th. I'll be so mad if Maxis pushes it later for Macs like they did for PC!!

finally...
Well I'm really excited that they're coming out with sims 2, but does it have to be in may? the 30th? But luckily I'm getting a new computer, so I really don't have to wait. But its a really good game, and you guys should enjoy it.

Super game
Sims 2 is the best game I've played. Now you can actually choose the color of your Sim's eyes and hair, choose what type of cheeks, eyebrows, nose, chin, lips (ect) you want!!! And this time, Sims actually GROW UP!! It's much more reallistic than the other Sims. May 30th is waited with impatience.... ... Read more

Product Description

LEGO: Star Wars ... Read more

Reviews (46)

Great game, one of the best PS2 games for young kids!
I play this with my 6 year old all the time. He loves it. It looks great and the gameplay is great. Not too hard and you really have to play as a team to progress. He can also make progess with his buddies also.

BTW, re: the review ofA. Sybilrud below. I am playing this on one of the original PS2 machines and it works perfectly.

Legos with a Jedi Twist
When I first heard about this game I was a bit hesitant to get it because it looked like it appealed to a younger audience. My best friend suggested I buy this game so I took his advice. When I first started playing it I was hooked.

I think that fans of old school Star Wars (IV-VI) will enjoy this game as well because you can actually kill Jar Jar Binks.

I'm currently playing Episode Two, but you can play them in any order you wish.

I'm hoping that they continue the series and make a Lego Star Wars based on Episodes IV-VI.

Will not work on older model PS2s!!!!
I actually haven't played this game before because I only got "disk error: can not read disk" messages upon isserting the disk.When I brought it back to the playstation store in San Francisco, they told me that since the game is made on CDrom's instead of DVDroms (like most games) it will not play on the older style PS2's.Only the new slim models have the ability to play CDrom titles.
Note: the game box says nothing about this.

Other than that major issue, I've heard it's a great game.:o(

Star Wars fans, check this one out!
While 'Lego Star Wars' may appear to be a kid's game, it's sill lots of fun for the older gamer.With so many unlockable characters, hints, and cheats, this game is great for Star Wars fans of any age group!

In this game, you'll play through various parts of Episodes III, and III, from your landing on Naboo, to escaping the droid factory, and reliving the final duel between Anakin and Obi-Wan.If you haven't seen 'Revenge of the Sith' yet, don't worry about the game spoiling too much for you.I played the game before watching the movie, and I was not disappointed with that arrangement.

Even though this game is rated "E" for everyone, and it is pretty easy throughout, some of the younger players may have difficulty in various sections, especially the levels where you're piloting a vehicle.In fact, some of the older players may have a heck of a time with the podracing level.Don't be surprised if your little gamer at home asks for assistance in some points.And when it comes to achieving "True Jedi" status (finding a certain number of "Lego studs" in each level), or finding all of the Minikit fragments, the little ones will more than likely need a little bit of help.However, this brings us to a great aspect of the game...

When any game is in progress, all one has to do is press the start button on Player 2's contraller to join in.Press start again and choose "Drop Out' to exit.This provides a great way for parents to help their young ones through tight spots and some of the harder puzzles (albiet none are REALLY hard).However, I would not recommend this tactic for the vehicle levels, because if one of you crashes, you both start over.

Using the Force to manipulate Lego blocks to build bridges, platforms, etc., is perhaps the most entertaining aspect of the game.Not only that, but there are special objects only a Sith Lord (i.e. Darth Maul) can use.Be sure to use your unlocked baddies in Free Play mode.

That said, Free Play mode is what really makes this game great.Playing through any and all the levels (minus the vehicle levels) with any and all the characters you've made available is loads of fun.Nothing like making Darth Maul face himself at the end of Episode I!With over 30 characters available, you have quite a few to choose from.Each character has certain abilities you will need to fully complete each level (finding all of the Minikit pieces, especially).This adds more gameplay time to an other wise relatively short game.

The graphics, while not the best the PS2 can dish out, are still superb when it comes to showing us the Star Wars universe in Lego form.The music and sound effects, thanks to Skywalker Sound, come right out of the movies into the game.Even the Droideka's (destroyer droid's) blasters sound movie-accurate, not to mention the lightsabers!The music does cut out sometimes, but not frequently, and not enough to really bother you.

The only major problem I had with this game is the lack of camera control.The awkward, and sometimes jerky, camera angles make many of the jumps and obstacles both difficult and frustrating.You'll jump straight towards a ledge only to find out you missed by a mile.The right analog stick is unassigned to any action, which could have been used to help the player control the camera.While it will definitely aggrivate you when you try to jump from platform to platform and repeatedly fall and miss, you just come to accept it.Hopefully they will fix it if they do make a sequel ("To be continued..." is said when you beat the level behind the door marked "?".)

If you or your little gamer aren't fans of Star Wars, this game will probably be no more than a pleasant little distraction; a good way to kill a few hours.But if you ARE a fan, then this game is worth buying, even for the older fans.It might seem a little "kidified" to you, but you can tell LucasArts and Eidos took this game seriously.

I anxiously await a sequel with Episodes IV, V, and VI, and if you play this game, you'll understand why!

Lego Star Wars
Star Wars is good because it's just like the movies. It has episode 1,2, and 3. One of the minuses is you have to figure out what to do and that's sort of hard. Overall it's a great game to play. Try it!!!!!! ... Read more

Features

• Increase rank and unlock awards; voice-over IP (VOIP) supported
• War simulation, online multiplayer action with 64 players on the PC
• Battle as U.S., Chinese, or Middle East Coalition troops
• 30+ land, sea, and air vehicles; choose from a variety of solider classes
• New state-of-the-art weapon systems, including heat seeking missiles

Product Description

This title is now shipping and will not be received any earlier than the street date of 05/01/05.Emerald takes place over land and sea and pits you against the Team Aqua and Team Magma from Saphire and Ruby. This time around, Pokemon will show off their moves prior to battle, perhaps as a sort of taunt. Nintendo also added some new options to the game. A new Battle Frontier area has you play through seven big battles. The Battle Dome places you in a tour ... Read more

Features

• For use on the GameBoy Advance or the GameBoy DS

Reviews (24)

Pokemon Emerald
Pokemon Emerald is pretty fun, but when you beat the game, there's not much more to do. It has some strategy involved, so that makes it kind of educational, but not really. I also never see a Game Boy Advance game break, so that makes it durable. So overall, it's a great game. The free tin is good, too.

David
NJ
10 years old

wow wow wow wow wow
for all you pokemon lovers out there this is the altemate thing for you.

Awesome!, even with the knowledge of Ruby and Sapphire!
Hi, I am really excited about this game it just brings the Hoenn region to life and installs new tactics for creating as better gameplay experience. I plasyed this at one of the game stores and have not yet bought it yet, but that game has moved to the top of my list for games to buy!

Sincerely, Terrence mcgee

This game..is awesome! Much better than Ruby and Sapphire!
This game is much more funner and challenging. After you defeat the elite four, you can go to the Battle Frontier. The Battle Frontier is absolutley awesome! Over all, I will give this game a 9.3 outta 10! Thank you nintendo for making this game so much better! For those who don't have the game, you will love it! It's much more advanced than boring old Ruby or Sapphire. IT'S much more FUNNER! And it's only a measily little price of 35 bucks. That's a pretty good deal! So get the game today! It's AWESOME!!!!

Very Few Flaws
This game, overall, was very good. I believe that even those who have Ruby or Sapphire would like this game. One reason is the new Battle Frontier. this leaves you a major challenge once the core of the game has been completed. There are also many plot changes that make this game, overall, a good buy. ... Read more

Product Description

The system is powered by a rechargeable Lithium-Ion battery good for about 10 hours of game play and takes only three hours to recharge. Amazingly, the battery life increases to approximately 18 hours of continuous play when the Front Light Screen is turned off. All current and future Game Boy Advance games are compatible with the new system. And, similarly, Game Boy Advance SP is backward compatible, allowing use with virtually all games and accessories previously released in the Game Boy l ... Read more

Features

• Screen: 2.9" Reflective TFT Color LCD
• Display Size: 1.61" x 2.41"
• Resolution: 240 x 160 pixels
• Color: Simultaneously display more than 32,000 colors.
• CPU: 32-bit RISC-CPU with embedded memory.

Reviews (85)

this thing is outdated, but it's still fun
the GBA SP was a success for nintendo (they rock!!!!) as GBA WAS getting pretty old. this IS A GREAT HANDHELD, but DS IS BETTER. this sysytem plays any GBA, GB, AND GBC games. it also has a light up screen which is great for playing late into the night. so for those of youwho still have a game boy or game boy color, you're missing out on all the fun! and the price is 80 bucks, so go out and buy one NOW!!!!!!!! WELL? WHAT ARE YOU WAITING FOR!?!?!?!?!? GOGOGOGOGOGOGOGOGOGOGOGOGOGOGO AAND BUY IT.... NO, I MEAN NOW!!!!!!!!!! NOW WHY ARE YOU STILL READIN THIS?!GO AND BUY IT!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! THIS IIS YOUR FINAL WARNING! GO AND BUY IT NOW! .....3....2....1......0....UHOH, TIMES UP! YOU.....ARE.....DEAD!!!!!!!!!!!

Really Cool!
I love this version,Orange and Green. They have never done that in gaming. The graphics are alot better. The Cartidges are smaller(duh everyone knows that). But I perfer the DS. Finnaly, An actullal GameBoy with lightup screen. The controls are in the right place,fold up. It's just not as fun as other systems. It plays GBA,Game Boy Color and even Game Boy. I have a Red one of these. But the Green/Orange idea is one of the best ideas since the DS came out. It's 20.00$ cheaper so buy one now to enjoy the gameplay.

THIS ROCKS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
This is a must-have. I got one in Easter (2003?).
HITS/MISSES
+ built-in light, with a button to control it.
+ rechargable
+ charge indicator[it disappears when it's charged]
- when using the GBA-GCN link cable, it covers the charger socket
OVERALL:*********

Greatest Invention Ever! By Maggie
Ever since I played my friends Gameboy, I wanted one. I saved up money to buy it. Then for my birthday I unrapped a present and it was a Gameboy! I immideatly began playing it! It was soooo cool. The graphics are crystal clear. Perfesct size. Plus it's got really cool games you can buy. There are some games that you can't buy for Playststion, Xbox, or Gamecube. I love it. I definitly don't regret putting it on my birthday wish list!!!!!!

Excellent Game System For The Money.
I'm a 35 year old man and -- I admit it -- I bought this thing for myself.Once you've made the initial investment in the hardware, the games cartridges themselves are relatively inexpensive(...) making it a good system for the casual video-gamer (like me) or the serious hobbyist.

Game cartridges are also within the monetary grasp of many older children's allowances, so a GameBoy Advance could be used to teach children discipline with money.In other words, buy your kid(s) the hardware (and at least one game) to start with and then let them purchase other software when their funds permit.And, of course, game cartridges make inexpensive presents when birthdays or holidays come around.

As for me, game play is very enjoyableand I'm thoroughly impressed with the graphics considering the screen size and pixel depth available to the system. (Currently I'm playing my first two cartridges: Spider-Man 2 and Star Wars III: Revenge Of The Sith.)

Overall, for young or old, the GameBoy Advance is a great system (even surpassing its gimmicky touch-screen sibling, the Nintendo DS).The only thing an adult player has to consider is that the majority of games are marketed mostly to those in their early teens and younger.Other than that, its excellent.To top it all off, a GameBoy Advance can also play movies and TV shows with GameBoy Advance Video cartridges.

In short, if you're looking for an affordable expandable video game system, either for you or for your children, get this. ... Read more

Features

• Discover an immersive storyline filled with twists and turns
• Take part in fast-paced and lawless driving
• Experience all-new action that continues the hit Grand Theft Auto series
• Encounter new thrills and wicked speeds that are just up the road
• Traverse the state of San Andreas and take down anyone that gets in your way

Reviews (2)

Another brilliant installment in the series
I've been hooked on the GTA series for years, and while I haven't finished the game yet, so far, I can say this is the best one yet. Unless it really tanks in the end (which I seriously doubt), this is quite simply one of the best games I've played in a very long time.

While the exclusivity contract Rockstar has with PS2 may be torturous for us PC snobs, (as the PS2 people get to play months before we do), this actually works out, because it gives RS time to iron out the bugs and glitches, and what we end up with is a rock solid program with none of the usual technical issues so common with PC game releases.

The game adds a pseudo role playing element, as your character (CJ) can now improve in a number of skills (driving, flying, boating, various weapons, etc). At the same time, RS didn't over complicate the system. Skill progression is an automaticfunction of simply using the skills. It's very nicely done.

The missions are a blast, and even better integrated into the overall environment than in VC (for example, in VC you collected "packages" for no apparent reason, while here you are spraying gang tags, which is the same exact idea, but makes a whole lot more sense giving the world you are playing in).

Be warned, if you just play through the story line (doing the missions given to you by the game), you will only see half the game (or less). The side missions and odd jobs are, in my opinion, what really makes this series shine. They are both fun and rewarding (extra skills, weapons, money, and so on). In fact, strategically doing side missions can turn a story line mission from nearly impossible to fairly easy (as you'll have better weapons/skills/cars to work with). You won't see every side mission in the game without some sort of strategy guide, but even should you forgo a guide, there are enough side missions that you'll run into a lot of them just in the normal course of exploring the game.

My one minor quibble with the game is the music. I loved the radio stations in VC. But here there are only 2 or 3 I can listen to without them driving me nuts. I get that RS is trying to keep with the time period (early 90's), but I could have used a little less gansta rap and a little more alternative. If you're one of those that stores music on their computer, you can have the game play your own custom song list, so it's not such a big deal in any event.

The best within the systems
This is a great game. I got it for PS2 when it first came out last year an I loved it, but I couldn't wait for the PC release. I picked up today an I was hooked all over again. This is such a great series. ... Read more

Product Description

On his return to the neighborhood, a couple of corrupt cops frame him for homicide. CJ is forced on a journey that takes him across the entire state of San Andreas, to save his family and to take control of the streets.Liberty City. Vice City. Now San Andreas, a new chapter in the legendary series. ... Read more

Features

• Steal all-new vehicles, including bicycles
• Improved fighting elements -- smoother hand-to-hand combat, plus the ability to hold a weapon in each hand
• New graphic elements as cars get dirty and even rust, the longer you drive them
• Drive through the largest GTA environment ever -- The game has three cities players can explore, for a gaming area 5 times larger than Vice City
• Recruit new characters into a street gang and take over by leading drive-by shootings against rivals

Reviews (3)

They still have the nerve to charge $50???
Look, San Andreas is a great game, no question.If you get any GTA game, get this one - it's truly HUGE and it truly has it all - "it" being your basic carjackings, your hood tagging, your drive-bys, your pimping, your stealth B&E missions, basically every form of sociopathy known to man - in its best incarnation yet.

The problem is that RockStar is still trying to wring $50 out of this re-release on a dying platform, this late in the game.I mean, are you serious.I have this title on PS2, and I WOULD get it for XBox too just cuz I know the graphics probably knock it out of the park - but come on.Wasn't even the GTA3/Vice City double pack like $30 when it first came out?

So, screw it.I'll stick with my low-res, high-loading-time, feature-poor PS2 version till they come out with their next-gen installment.

So much to do, so much time.
GTA San Andreas is a big improvement over the past GTA games in the series! There are just so many things to do. My personal favorite is the co-op mode. I also like customizing my ride, doing drive-bys (in cars and helicopters), jumping off of a building and parachuting, plus the simple goodness of shooting the hell outta whoever you want. Also the Xbox version has smoother graphics than the PS2 version and you can add your own custom soundtracks to the game. Overall, the Xbox Version of GTA San Andreas is much better than ANY other game of the GTA series, even the PS2 version of San Andreas. Buy NOW! (P.S. I'm not a kid, I just lost my password.)

Fuego from Daygo's review
This game is the best GTA game Thell' probobly ever come out with, everything in it is crazy!! It takes place in Southern Califas where I live, they got lowriders, Mexicans, guns, crime, everything you'd see down here!! ... Read more

Reviews (24)

Pokemon Emerald
Pokemon Emerald is pretty fun, but when you beat the game, there's not much more to do. It has some strategy involved, so that makes it kind of educational, but not really. I also never see a Game Boy Advance game break, so that makes it durable. So overall, it's a great game. The free tin is good, too.

David
NJ
10 years old

wow wow wow wow wow
for all you pokemon lovers out there this is the altemate thing for you.

Awesome!, even with the knowledge of Ruby and Sapphire!
Hi, I am really excited about this game it just brings the Hoenn region to life and installs new tactics for creating as better gameplay experience. I plasyed this at one of the game stores and have not yet bought it yet, but that game has moved to the top of my list for games to buy!

Sincerely, Terrence mcgee

This game..is awesome! Much better than Ruby and Sapphire!
This game is much more funner and challenging. After you defeat the elite four, you can go to the Battle Frontier. The Battle Frontier is absolutley awesome! Over all, I will give this game a 9.3 outta 10! Thank you nintendo for making this game so much better! For those who don't have the game, you will love it! It's much more advanced than boring old Ruby or Sapphire. IT'S much more FUNNER! And it's only a measily little price of 35 bucks. That's a pretty good deal! So get the game today! It's AWESOME!!!!

Very Few Flaws
This game, overall, was very good. I believe that even those who have Ruby or Sapphire would like this game. One reason is the new Battle Frontier. this leaves you a major challenge once the core of the game has been completed. There are also many plot changes that make this game, overall, a good buy. ... Read more

Product Description

Forza Motorsport revs up Xbox gamers who are passionate about cars and racing. Forza Motorsport is the ultimate car-lover s playground letting gamers buy sell trade tune modify and race their customized car collection. On the track players experience an impressively accurate simulation putting their performance-tuned creations to the test against the best the online world has to offer on Xbox Live.-- SPECIFICATIONs ---------------ESRB Rating : RP for Rating PendingGenre/Category : ActionSystem : Microsoft XboxNumber of Players : On-Line Compatible : majescogames.com ... Read more

Features

• Make every car yours: Collect models from more than 60 top car manufacturers, including Mazda, Nissan, Mercedes-Benz, Honda, Chevrolet, Ferrari, Porsche, BMW, and Dodge. Trick out sport compacts with real-world body kits, rims, spoilers, decals, side skirts, fender flares, and hood scoops. Add motorsport decals and team paint-schemes to supercars, GT racers, and exotics. Transform production cars into racetrack monsters.
• Tune it up: Take your car to the garage and install alternative engines, suspension kits, bolt-on superchargers, brakes, rims, racing slicks, and more. Fine-tune gear ratios, fuel-mapping, forced-induction pressure, tire temperature and pressure, and ignition timing for the ultimate setup.
• Experience the most technically advanced driving simulation on Xbox: Top automotive engineers teamed with experienced programmers to create an advanced physics engine for Forza Motorsport, designed to simulates authentic car performance. Cars incur damage and wear, which affects car performance. Advanced tire and suspension models respond to heat and pressure changes as well as weight transfer and aerodynamic load.
• Drive in gorgeous track environments: From the famously challenging Nurburgring Nordschleife to the spectator-lined streets of Rio de Janeiro, race on meticulously designed tracks with an incredible sense of speed and realism.
• Check out the revolutionary A.I. Drivatar technology: Train your own A.I. Drivatars to use the same racing techniques you do, so they can race for you in competitions or train new drivers on your team. Drivatar technology is the foundation of the human-like A.I. in Forza Motorsport.

Reviews (28)

Awesome Game!
Especially if you have a HDTV Ready television, oh man the graphics on this baby rocks!
-Over 200 Cars
-Online play is the greatest!
-Career mode is fun.
-Accurate car handling
-Car damange, fun with top-of-the-line cars!
-Just addicting overall...

kreepy fun!
Upsides:
Nearly endless playability
Real Damage
Great car list
Xbox