Editorial Review

Though it looks like a toy, don't be fooled: the Nintendo GameCube is a powerful video game console that rightly deserves its place among the other next-generation game systems. In fact, its playful, appealing design and small size (the unit is a not-quite-cubed 6 inches) aren't the only features that set it apart from the others.

For starters, Nintendo has quite clearly made this a game-only machine. It doesn't try to play your CD collection, run your movies, read your e-mail, or store your MP3 files. The company has concentrated its efforts on games. All the prelaunch titles we've seen play smoothly, with bright, fast graphics and great sound. Nintendo says its engineers have removed traditional bottlenecks that have, in the past, slowed down processing. New components designed by IBM and MoSys, as well as a large-capacity secondary memory cache, keep instructions moving through the system's microprocessor (MPU) at peak levels. In English: the GameCube is optimized to push speed up while pushing costs down; hence its position at the lower end of the price spectrum.

The GameCube is the first Nintendo video game system to use a disc-based medium rather than cartridges for its games. Moving the software to disc media generally means lower development costs for the publishers, which, in turn, trickles down to the consumer not only in price, but also in availability and quality, as it's then easier to try out untested game ideas (Pikmin, anyone?). While most other systems likewise have their games stored on discs, the GameCube's 3-inch format is smaller than everyone else's, and is so designed to fit in a shirt pocket as much as to deter would-be software pirates.

Of course, the main advantage of the GameCube is that it's the home field of one of the world's premier game designers: Nintendo. While powerhouses Electronic Arts and Sega make games for all systems (including this one), you can play Nintendo games only on a Nintendo system. And Nintendo, you might recall, has been hitting them out of the park since it started with Donkey Kong. In fact, here's a roll call of characters and series you won't find on the other consoles: Mario, Legend of Zelda, Perfect Dark, Metroid, Kirby, and, of course, Pokémon. A few names that the GameCube will share with the other guys: Madden, Tony Hawk, Sonic, Batman, and Star Wars.

The system also comes with four built-in controller ports, so you can easily plug in extra controllers and let friends join in for the multiplayer games--it's even got a built-in handle so you can easily move it to a friend's house. It comes with two memory card slots for saving your progress through games, and there's the capacity for future expansion into the world of online gaming.

In short, the GameCube isn't an all-in-one entertainment system, and neither is it the most powerful of the modern video game consoles. But for video game enthusiasts who want to stick with their favorite characters, its value cannot be beat. --Porter B. Hall

Unit Specifications

• MPU (Microprocessor Unit): 485 MHz custom IBM PowerPC Gekko
• Graphics Processor: 162 MHz custom ATI/Nintendo Flipper
• Texture-Read Bandwidth: 10.4 GB per second (peak)
• Main Memory Bandwidth: 2.6 GB per second (peak)
• Pixel Depth: 24-bit color, 24-bit Z buffer
• Sound Processor: 81 MHz custom Macronix 16-bit DSP
• Sound Performance: 64 simultaneous channels, ADPCM encoding
• Polygon Performance: 6 to 12 million polygons per second (peak)
• System Memory: 40 MB
• Main Memory: 24 MB MoSys 1T-SRAM
• Disc Drive: 128 ms CAV (Constant Angular Velocity) system
• Data Transfer Speed: 16 Mbps to 25 Mbps
• Media: 3-inch, 1.5 GB capacity disc
• Controller Ports: Four
• Memory Card Slots: Two
• Audio-Video Output: Analog and digital
• Dimensions: 4.3 by 5.9 by 6.3 inches (height by width by depth)

Reviews (483)

Fanboys, get some perspective.
Some of these reviews...Seriously.

Just because you like one console, doesn't mean you have to hate the others. Play what all consoles have to offer, you don't have to be a fanboy to one system...

Anyway, I bought my Gamecube on release, along with Smash Bros Melee. Now, I am a huge Nintendo fan, but I also own an Xbox so rest assured, I play games, not the consoles they come on. I don't care what game the console is on, it's the games that count.

Whilst the 'Cubes selection of games isn't as vast as the PS2s, the quality is a lot higher. Games like Mario, Zelda, Metroid Prime, Smash Bros cannot be matched, and can only be bought for the Nintendo Gamecube. This is main reason to buy a 'Cube, Nintendo games. There are other fantastic games available only to the 'Cube too, like Tales of Symphonia, and Viewtiful Joe.

If you are a casual gamer, get a PS2. The 'Cube has a lot of games for the more pro gamer; don't be fooled by the "child" like graphics, Nintendo games are all about gameplay.
Still put off by the child like graphics? Check out Metroid Prime: Echoes and Resident Evil 4, exclusive to 'Cube.

Finaly, anyone concerned about graphic power of Gamecube, it is much prettier graphically then the PS2. Resident Evil 4 has the best graphics of any console game made, even surpasing games of Xbox, which is more powerful.

So, to sum up, the 'Cube is a powerful console, with a great selection of exclusive games and a controller that is confortable to hold. If you don't play games that often, you might be better with a PlayStation 2, but if you consider yourself a pro gamer, check out the Nintendo Gamecube.
You won't regret it =)

this sucks!
the gamecube sucks,theres a lot of stupid babie games.like mario or donkey kong! they should really call it the gaycube,theres no dvd players netheir.this is for retards who think e-rated games are cool.the gaycube disks are small so babies can hold them.nintendo keeps making kiddie games,always about gay mario or donkey kong.if you want to buy a console buy the xbox or the ps2.the xbox's graphics are very cool,and u can play cool games like halo2 or gta,and the xbox has xbox live,the ps2 is ok.the gamecube is gay

awesome
people say it is full of kiddy games. it isn't. in fact its got the most crulest games in the world like re4. get it now ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Video Games    2. Gamecube (Game Cube, Game-cube)    3. Consoles    4. Bundles   

Reviews (20)

The 2nd best RPG!!!!
Jade Empire is an excellent game, period.It's not perfect, but what game is?Well, KOTOR came pretty close to perfect...so due to it's similarities and since many people played that game (either loving it or hating it) I think it is a good reference point for Jade Empire.

STORY -As usual with Bioware, the game is driven strongly by a great story and very interesting characters.From a young girl possessed by two different demons and a mysterious and feisty woman in black, to a huge axe wielding mercenary who only wants to drink and fight.The plot is filled with myth, magic, spirits,demons and a share of comedy.It has elements of classic kung fu movies which you will immediately recognize.The only downside to the story is that it's not that surprising.I think the plot twist KOTOR had will be very hard to beat...and Jade Empire has it's share of surprises, but nothing you can't see coming.I won't reveal the plot twist, but I think the impact of KOTOR's plot twist was that it involved the player's character directly, while Jade Empire's twist centers around an NPC.This is not necesseraly bad, since it serves the plot perfectly and ties up the story nicely...but the impact is not as strong.Regardless, Jade Empire's story and characters are by far it's strongest points.

GAMEPLAY - A lot of people complained about KOTOR's turn based system, so did I when I started the game.To fix that, Jade Empire's combat system is real time. This was done no doubt to try and get more people to play the game, not only RPG fans, and since it is a kung fu game it makes sense.The combat system is essentially a rock-scissor-paper game.The downside....it's too simple!Action gamers will not get as excited with the fighting system due to it's simplicity and RPG fans will miss the strategy behind the turn based system.Add the fact that the standard difficulty level is not too tough and you end up with a pretty easy game to beat.There's no real leveling-up, all this does is increase your health, chi and focus bars more, and improve your styles, which by the way you can get along with just two of them really.I beat the game with the first weapon style I got and the first martial style.The inventory is also trimmed down a lot to gems.While in KOTOR you had to customize your inventory for different fights or situations, adding to the strategy, here you can get along just fine with whatever it is you're carrying.In summary, the gameplay seems to be "RPG-Light" to try and get more people to play it, but it may be just a bit too simple.The moral aspect of it has no influence either.While in KOTOR being dark side or light side had meant different quests, different powers, etc. in Jade Empire it has really no influence during the game, probably just for the ending.Does the gameplay make the game less enjoyable...not really, but it is I think it's weakest point.

GRAPHICS AND SOUND - No complaints here.Graphics are awesome, the music great, and the voice over is good as well.The loading times are still long though.

OVERALL -As said at the beginning, the game is great...although I personally enjoyed KOTOR more.This one is also shorter which is a shame because it is good enough to make you want to keep playing it.Story, characters, graphics and sound are great while gameplay is good, but a bit trimmed down.That's why I think it's the second best RPG...KOTOR still being the best.

A Martial Odyssey

After creating the 2003 game of the year, what would you expect from Bioware? Well it's not what I saw coming, passing up the chance to make the sequel to KOTOR they decided to finally make a game that they've imagined for nearly a decade, an RPG in an ancient-China like land with plenty of kung-fu elements.

Jade Empire is not your standard RPG, it's far from it, but with it's improvements on the genre it very well may become the standard. The first noticeable difference in the gameplay is the innovative fighting style allowing you to fight in real time, but it's a change for the better. It's truly new feel is based around the d-pad, setting a different fighting style to each direction so that while in battle it is simple to change between them. This allows for many moves with various twists making it easier to navigate attacks. Bioware was correct in saying that for the player to be a kung-fu master they must feel like one as well, this is what the system of fighting does over a turn-based so common to RPGs.

I will not ruin the story, but it leads for action-packed sequences that will have you on the edge of your seat. You will easily find your self immersed in the story of this world. If you have played "Knight's of the Old Republic" you will know that Bioware's storytelling is top-notch and they only improve with Jade Empire's plot. The scenes have been pondered and perfected, the mythology is in-depth and brings an incredible realism to the world, and the architecture and newly-developed language are the icing on the cake.

On your quest there is plenty of customization available, mini quests to go upon, and lands to explore, all the while your choices having consequences leading you down the path of The Open Palm or The Closed Fist. You also constantly upgrade your character with the experience you gain over time, mastering different ways of fighting.

I have not enjoyed a game this much in a long while, and even if your are not a fan of the RPG genre this game can draw you in. It is an almost certain for RPG of the Year and a definite contender for Game of the Year.

Bioware's attention to detail, the over 320 minor characters have full voice-overs, and superb gameplay earn Jade Empire
A Bliss of 9

In The Fashion of KOTOR
I believe this game is alot better than the resent KOTOR II. The graphics are pretty decent. However there are flaws to this game but they are very few. I wonder if Bioware had done KOTORII, it would've been alot better. The story to this game seems like a Star Wars rip off but a well done rip off. The graphics are pretty impressive and the gameplay is solid in and real time. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Video Games    2. Xbox (x box)    3. Microsoft    4. Action    5. Adventure   

Features

• Action RPG: Wield your blade and cast powerful spells in this action-packed, hack n slash RPG exclusively for the PSP handheld system.
• Epic Adventure: Create a unique hero and set out into the wilds of Unataca to battle powerful creatures, save your city of Aven from imminent extinction and unravel the mysteries of a looming peril.
• Wireless Multiplayer Game Play: A wireless multiplayer mode features gameplay through the PSP handheld systems wireless feature. Connect directly other PSP handheld systems for the ultimate in hack n slash action with no wires!
• Four Playable Character Classes: Select from four unique character classes including an ancient order of valiant Knights, a foundation of brilliant Alchemists, an order of noble Druids, and a race of feral hunters known as the Berserker. Each character class has unique fighting abilities or magical spells.
• Beautiful 3D Environments: Battle through more than 100 diverse levels that come alive with brilliant 3Dgraphics, stunning lighting, dynamic visual effects and highly-detailed player characters and monsters.

Reviews (22)

Maybe a little repetetive...
This is definitely a fun game. While Ridge Racers, the other big launch title, only lasts for a week or so, I find myself still trying to get to the end of this game after a month and a half. It gets a little repetetive, with all the X-button pushing, but it's fun and all the items make it interesting. The plot really stinks at first, but if you stick with it, it gets better. Also, load times are very long, but you can get over that pretty quickly. Definitely worth the buy; you'll invest plenty of time in it.

Hack n' Slash Adventures!
The character enhancement tree is amazing, I love how it varies for each of the character classes. The weapons and armor also vary through the different classes, and can be customized in many ways. The jewelry adds a nice touch for increasing for Strength, Dexterity, Stamina, and Intelligence. Your character can be customized in many ways such as hair stlye, and colour. The skin tone can also be changed. The thing that isn't great is there is no gender change, but covering up the distinguishing male and female marks can be covered up by armor. This game have very many missions which are easy to follow, but challenging to complete. This game will kepp you playing for hours on end!

5 Stars From the_truth!

Untold Hours Spent Playing This Game!!!
Absolutely Frakkin' Awesome!!!

I have never before played a portable game that was as good or better than a PC game. Now I have. ... Read more

Features

• Sequential stick shifter, wheel-mounted paddle shifters, and a full set of PlayStation® buttons give you all the control you need
• Comfortable, full rubber wheel realistically turns 2-1/2 times lock-to-lock. See a list of games that support 900 Degree Steering mode.
• Automatically switches to 200 Degree Steering compatibility mode to work with other racing games
• State-of-the-art force feedback technology lets you feel all the action
• Textured floorboard features responsive gas and brake pedals and exclusive no-slip carpet grip system

Reviews (38)

Very Nice
I bought this wheel a couple of months ago.I have to say that I really like it.I don't believe that it made me any better at gran turismo, but it makes a lot of the races more fun.I mostly enjoy using it when I'm confident that I'll win a race.It's also fun when I feel like I want to be "really into" the race.

The force feedback is great.The feel of the wheel is great.The pedals are a little close together and I wish the pedal base was a bit heavier, but no biggie.I tend to hold the base still with my left foot, while using it with my right.I love the fact that the controls are also on the wheel so I don't have to pick up my control pad for certain things.Overall, this has to be the best wheel on the market and great fun for the hardcore gamer.

Nice wheel with unique multiturn feature
Being a gadget lover, I decided to upgrade my Logitech Formula Force GP wheel to the well-reviewed Driving Force Pro. The bottom line is that the DFP is indeed a big step up, with 900 degree steering support, additional side shifter and better feedback effects. It also feels more rugged, though it is still all plastic.

This wheel is marketed as a Playstation2 accessory, but it does work under Windows, and that is half the reason I bought it. Just install the Logitech drivers and plug it in, no special tricks required. Currently I don't know of any Windows games which support 900 degree steering, but hopefully we'll see some eventually. For now, the DFP is working great for Richard Burns Rally in 200 degree mode. It still provides better feel (and more buttons) than the good old FFGP. It's also great with Gran Turismo 4 and Need for Speed 2: Underground on the PS2, which both support 900 degree steering.

Unfortunately, the DFP still suffers from a mediocre clamping system--not that this is the only wheel to be so afflicted. The clamps don't open quite as wide as I would like either, which made it hard to attach to my desk. As others have recommended, I suggest a using a TV tray.

If you are in the market for your first wheel, this is a very good choice, especially if you want something that works for Windows and the PS2. If you already have a wheel you like, this would only be worth the upgrade if you are a real driving nut.

By the way, this would have been a 5-star review if the DFP had a clutch pedal.

Very good.
I had borrowed a Logitech WingMan Formula Force GP from a friend to see if I like it. One week later I was looking for the best. I now have the Logitech Driving Force Pro. It is very nice. It feels better in your hand and all the controls that are on the controllers are there. The gear knob is place close to the wheel so that your hand can easily change the gear with out leaving the wheel. If you don't like that, you have the paddles under the wheel. The foot peddles are nice and the pad grips to the rug very good.

The only thing that I thing should have been done is to place a colour band around the top of the steering wheel. This allows you to check that your wheel is centre when wrapping with the 900 degrees turning during a rally. I sometimes get lost and have to look down to see which way it is pointing.

VERY VERY GOOD!!
... Read more

Subjects:  1. PS2 (PSX2)    2. Sony Playstation (Play station) 2    3. Playstation2 (Play station2)    4. Controller    5. Game Controllers (Controller, Joystick, Joysticks)    6. Game Controllers (Controller, Steering Wheel, Wheels)    7. Video Games   

Features

• Wireless Multiplayer Races: Compete head-to-head in 8-player multiplayer races through the PSP wireless connectivity feature. Multiplayer races require every player to have the Ridge Racer game inserted into their PSP system.
• Unprecedented Visual Quality: Experience DVD quality video in the 16:9 widescreen format, and enjoy more clean edged designs and richer colors on the high quality PSP system's liquid crystal screen.
• Robust Vehicle and Course Selections: Featuring 58 new vehicles, upgrades and 24 courses- the largest number of courses in the series! Classic courses from previous Ridge Racer titles return with entirely updated graphics leveraging the awesome processing power of the PSP.
• New "World Tour" Mode: In the newly added World Tour Mode, players challenge the vast number of courses from the first Ridge Racer introduced in 1993, to the latest in the Ridge Racer world.
• Special Features: Race faster than ever utilizing nitrous! Drift to fill thenew "Nitro Gauge" then boost ahead to burn the competetion. Conquer the World Tour Mode to unlock cars, courses, new tours, and more!

Reviews (23)

Tremendous game
This is obviously a tremendous "Ridge Racer" game in all-time period.Although PSP is much smaller than PS2, it has the good graphics that every people want.The game itself is good and exciting.It provides all the circuits that I played before from 12 years ago in 1993 to 2000 (10/26/2000).For the circuits, I still like the short circuit from Ridge Racer 1 because "it never gets old."Sounds true, huh?So, no matter what, this is the game, baby!! :)

A little warning
I rate how much I like video games by how much I enjoy it and by how long it takes to win. Ridge Racer is addicting, and I spent plenty of time on it, but found that I'd unlocked all the tours in less than five days. It's hard to win all the tours, though, so that might keep me occupied for a while. Still, many would find it discouraging to go around the same track over and over and over. If you can rent it or borrow it from a friend, do so. If you can only buy it, go for it, but be ready to want to trade it in after a few weeks.

Stunning
I made an impulsive decision yesterday by buying the PSP. Just in case you didn't know, I'm from Singapore, and Sony only officially launched the"ultimate portable gaming console" at this part of the world yesterday. I walked past the shop, took a look at the demo, and took out my credit card.

Going home together with me is the inaugural title for the PSP, the racing classic Ridge Racer. I've played the game on my wife's colleague's parallel-imported PSP some months ago, and was pretty impressed by the look of things. But it was only when I had the time to finally take on the game on a more prolonged duration, that I fully appreciate the beauty of it. And it is, as I mentioned, just beautiful.

The thing that immediately captures your attention is obviously the graphics. Fantastic is an understatement when it comes to how good Ridge Racer looks. Even when you're primarily focused on the road while racing, you can't help but notice the amazingly detailed background. For one, your races will take you thought different hours of the day, which means you'll come across the brightness of the day, as well as the cosiness of sunset. During different courses, you may also notice an airplane flying above you; or see yourself driving past an awe-inspiring lake; or a crowd of spectators cheering you on... you get the idea.

The graphics also put a lot of emphasis on speed. So when you're bursting down the road at 240km/h in a tunnel, you'll find the background fading away in a blur to create a sense of speed. The best part, however, is that the frame rate never seems to skip a beat despite the extensive graphics. Having the screen freezing for moments while I go side-by-side with a rival car in other racing games (such as Burnout) on the PS2 is definitely not a problem for the PSP and Ridge Racer.

You've a few options to approach the game, while single events like Single Race and Time Attack may be a good training ground for newbies, you'd expect to spend most of your time unlocking new tracks and cars in the World Tour mode. The earlier tours are relatively easy to pass, but from what I heard, it just get tougher as it goes, so expect to redo races a lot of times as you progress. Oh, and did I mention you can have a wireless racing session with your friends if they also own the PSP?

The controls are relatively standard. You've the X button for acceleration, and Square Button for brakes. If you're using the manual gear, the Triangle button shifts a gear up, and the Circle Button shifts a gear down. The "L" button switches between first and third person view, and the "R" button activates the nitro you earn while doing power drifts during corners. Oh, and you also control the direction using the D-Pad, but I'm sure you already know that. The controls make reduce the need for any tedious learning curve, and make sure that you can start right away to do the thing that you bought the game. That is, to play!

Now, the next big thing for this game. The audios. If you're played earlier renditions of Ridge Racer, you should have knowledge of how cool the soundtrack, er, sounds. You get some rehashed tracks, as well as new tracks that really make it a joy to listen while you take on the competition. You'll also get to select from different playlists, so you're by no means stuck with what you don't like. An archive is also available for you to listen to remixes of old Ridge Racer tracks. Now, for the nostalgic fan, this is really a cool idea.

On the whole, Ridge Racer is a testament to how good a game can be on the PSP. If you're not a Ridge Racer fan, you may not enjoy it as much as those who're. Still, you can't deny that the graphics and audios in this game are worth another look. It's a pity that the sound couldn't do better, due to the limitations of the console itself. Listening to music on the PSP without earphones is like listening to a badly tuned FM receiver in my opinion, but then again, earphones are provided! Anyhow, I'd highly recommend Ridge Racer for fans of the racing genre, if only just to enjoy the beauty of the game's aesthetics. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Video Games    2. PS2 (PSX2)    3. Sony Playstation (Play station) 2    4. Playstation2 (Play station2)    5. Racing    6. Flying   

Editorial Review

Sam Fisher is back for more espionage and intrigue in Splinter Cell: Chaos Theory. All the nail biting about whether to go in "hot" with guns blazing, or to use stealth is back in this new version, plus some amazing improvements. Chaos Theory ups the ante with vastly improved graphics, totally open level design, and coop gameplay.

Fresh from the East Timor operations, Fisher is now put on the front lines of information warfare. The year is 2008 and the world is suffering from citywide blackouts, stock exchange sabotage, and electronic hijacking of national defense systems. The stakes are high and Fisher, as the NSA's most elite black-ops agent, is inserted in operations to aggressively gather intelligence. A wide range of missions call on a lethal mixture of weapons and close range combat. While Chaos Theory demands the same agility and athleticism required in previous Splinter Cell incarnations, some new weapons, gadgets and moves are available, such as the prototype Land Warrior rifle, and the stealthy, but oh-so-deadly inverted neck break.

In addition to an improved graphics engine, physics are enhanced, too. Enhancements like rag doll physics, particle effects, and realistic interaction with the environment make the Splinter Cell experience more immersive than ever.Just as judging your environment was crucial in past Splinter Cell games, Chaos Theory demands that you understand the delicate balance between light and shadow to stay alive.

Chaos Theory offers great replayability in single player mode, thanks to its vast, open level design. There's always more than one way to achieve your objectives. At the beginning of each mission you are given your objectives, but you must choose how to go about completing them. Decisions about stealth versus conflict are yours to make, too. Should you enter a mission with non-lethal weaponry, a host of guns and ammo, or a little bit of both? You decide.

The Splinter Cell franchise is known for its tense, stealth-driven multi-player modes, and Chaos Theory is no exception. This version adds unique cooperative modes where you and your teammates must complete infiltration missions. Try to keep each other alive. Try to thrive in the dark and strike when the moment is right. ... Read more

Features

• EXCLUSIVE CLOSE RANGE KILLS: From knife attacks to athletics hand to hand kills such as inverted neck breaks, dramatic ledge throws, .
• CO-OP STEALTH: Play multiplayer with a friend and coordinate your infiltration in an all new multiplayer challenge
• REAL WEAPONS OF TOMORROW: The most complete arsenal of weapons and gadgets from the knife to the experimental Land Warrior System.
• AMAZING REPLAYABILITY: Totally open level design with multi-paths and optional secondary objectives.
• ULTIMATE CHALLENGE: Intelligent enemies making your mission more risky as you have to get closer to them...

Reviews (50)

suck
thisgamesssssssssssssuuuuuuuuuuuuccccccccccckkkkkkks my freindteddylovesitbutitsbadto the bone

Just About a Perfect Game
The Splinter Cell series has been truly amazing, and with #3 they have perfected it. The AI is great, the graphics are stunning, and gameplay is simply fun.

First, if you've never played the Splinter Cell theory, you really have to see these graphics. Curtains ripple in the wind. Candlelight gleams faintly. Streetlights fall through blinds in rippled patterns. It is gorgeous to watch.

The plot feels very real and current. You're a lone spy, sent in to get information and extract hostages. You learn more as you go through the game, finding out who to trust and who not to trust.

All the latest gadgets and techniques are here. You have to use your heat vision, night vision, electronic vision to scan for danger. You have a wireless device to scan laptops from nearby. You can shimmy along pipes, hang by your knees and grab people beneath you. You can slit holes in fabric curtains and grab people through them. You really begin to forget that this is "just" a game.

The enemies have become quite intelligent. If you turn off lights, they wonder who did that. If you open doors that should have been closed, they notice. You really couldn't ask for much more.

But then, it gets even better. The missions offer a number of ways to solve them. There isn't just "one path". And multiplayer is truly phenomonal. You could play multiplayer every day for months and never get bored.

Of course, it needs to be pointed out that, while you can aim for stealth as much as you wish, this is a game involving violence. You are snapping the necks of guards, watching hostages be killed in nasty ways, and generally dealing with adult dangers. This isn't a game for pre-teens.

But that being said, the game is amazingly immersive and does reward you for taking the stealthy way through the course. You get far more points for sneaking in and out of the enemy base, vs doing a Rambo and blasting away everything in sight.

Highly recommended!

Tom Clancy and Ubisoft did it again!
There is not enough you can say about this game. If you've seen the previews, then I should stop there, because the graphics are the best I've ever seen. Great reflections, lighting, and overall effect. And the animation is very smooth and realistic. The sound and music are exelent as in any Splinter Cell game. But they managed to surpass that of it's predacessors. The music is very cool and fits well. The gunshots, water, running all sounded so real. The gameplay is much less linear now. The game is built around playing it your way. You can shoot your way through, go stealth, ot's awesome. The replayablity is improved as well. I'm on my third time through. You can snap people's neck from pipes, and you get a knife, which can be used to cut throats, cut material, and bypass curcuts. The multyplayer has returned and is better then ever. As a merc this time, you can get an SMG, assualt rifle, or shotgun. You also get tons more devices as a merc and spy. Like a camo suit for spies and poisen mines for mercs. That is only small compared to what you get altogether. The new maps are also great fun, and they've got some old maps to. The plot is much better. I won't say anything, but there are a few plot twiwsts. The A.I. is the best I've ever encountered. The guards will shine their flashlights where you were and where they think you are. They'll talk to each other to find you. And this time they don't forget abount you. They won't stop for a good while.I'll break down everything here:

GRAPHICS: 10 OUT OF 10

GAMEPLAY: 10 OUT OF 10

PLOT: 9 OUT OF 10

A.I.: 10 OUT OF 10

MULTYPLAYER: 10 OUT OF 10

REPLAYABILITY: 9 OUT OF 10

SOUND: 10 OUT OF 10

Over all, the best game I've ever played. I urge you to get it ASAP. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Video Games    2. Xbox (x box)    3. Microsoft    4. Action    5. Adventure   

Editorial Review

Nothing soothes a baby into slumber like music. Now baby canhave a CD player right in the crib. This battery-operated CD playerattaches securely to a crib rail and also has a soft-glow night-lightthat can be turned on or off, making it easy to check on baby duringthe night. This small streamlined-looking unit has a child-resistantcover to keep control buttons out of reach of curious hands. Withstandard CD player controls, high-clarity speakers, and an automaticshutoff, this CD player makes it possible to play your favorite CDselections in the nursery--at bedtime, naptime, or anytime. This playermay also be used as a tabletop unit once baby outgrows the crib.Although this is a great product concept, many users have found that itis quite impractical, as the slightest brush against the CD player orbump in the crib causes the CD to skip. Requires two C batteries (notincluded). --Deb Oroszlan ... Read more

Features

• Child-resistant cover
• Table-top design
• Battery operated (2 C batteries)
• Soft-glow crib light
• Attaches to crib rail

Reviews (167)

lovin' it
I have twin boys and a small nursery.There isn't much place to put a boombox but on the floor.After weeks of tripping over the boombox - and after one of my sons learned how to open the CD part of it - I finally decided to get this little CD player.It is *perfect* for what I need it for.

I love that:
- it clips to the crib
- it shuts off after the CD is through (or can be programmed for an amount of time to play)
- it has a little light (that shuts off after 5 minutes)
- it cannot be opened by a baby
- it is small and unobtrusive
- it is white and therefore blends in with my nursery (my boombox is black and all the other options I looked at were either black or some sort of bright/garish color)

I don't have any problem at all with:skipping, opening the battery compartment, babies taking the unit off the crib, not enough volume (I don't want it loud enough that I can hear it outside the nursery, I want it soft enough for them to go to sleep to).A lot of people here have complained about the battery compartment, but I just don't see the problem with it.If you have many baby toys that need batteries then you are probably used to needing a screwdriver for most of them - it keeps the baby from being able to open the battery compartment.

This is the only product like this that I have been able to find.It is absolutely perfect for my needs and a great addition to my nursery.

Buy a cheap cd boom box instead!!
Not loud enough!Shuts off after cd is played, I wanted a repeat button.CD skips alot, light is too dim.The positive point is that it clips nicely to the crib.

Not Worth Your Money
I thought this was going to be a great item compared to the older version which only played nature sounds.I liked that I could either play music or my own nature cds.However, my 12 month old figured out how to move the player back and forth on the crib rail and eventually how to remove the player from the rail.This allowed him to remove it and stand on it in his crib or to throw it out onto the floor.I found it amazing that the player did not lock into place and therefore caused a safety hazard.I would not recommend this item to anyone.I would suggest investing your money into a small cd/radio for the dresser top. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Sleep Soothers    2. Learning    3. Nursery    4. Nursery Decor   

Features

• It knows what you're thinking!
• Innovative "Artificial Intelligence" game with an exciting new design
• The classic game of 20 Questions captured for the first time in a portable format
• If it reads your mind within 20 questions it wins, if not, you win!
• Can you fool 20Q?

Reviews (78)

Out of this world fun!
When I tested this at the store, I was instantly convinced to bring it home and share with everyone in the family.Everyone was amazed, you can see very surprised facial expressions from most of them, and spooked expressions from others thinking it was possessed (reallly funny!).My Mom began referring to it as "he" instead of an "it" - - it's a very smart little computer. It exactly guessed a carburator, urethra, star, it called love an "emotion", rainbow and on and on.I would say it gets it right 99% of the time. Highly recommend this.

Great machine
A fun, easy to use game that will keep you occupied for hours. A great gift idea or to use at your home/office, this machine asks 20 questions to narrow your choices and is also good for parties. Highly recommend.

very good
this toy is very cool
i just got it yesterday
it is cheap(as in prices)
it is very educational that i brought it to school and my teacher loved it
if you dont have it get it ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Games    2. Board Games    3. Trivia   

Features

• Play the most memorable and exciting scenes from Episode I: The Phantom Menace, Episode II Attack of the Clones and the forthcoming Episode III Revenge of the Sith.
• Choose from over 30 of your favorite Star Wars characters, ranging from the legendary Jedi Knight, Obi-wan Kenobi, to everyones favorite Wookiee, Chewbacca, to the evil villains of Revenge of the Sith. Every character has unique weapons and abilities--which provides for a different gameplay experience every time
• Use 'The Force' to manipulate environments and objects in order to solve puzzles
• Massive array of vehicles including Naboo fighters, pod racers, speeder bikes, and yet-to-be-unveiled vehicles from Episode III Revenge of the Sith
• Two-player 'drop in, drop out' mode

Reviews (4)

Too short and gets old FAST
I'll make this short, I BEAT THIS GAME THE SAME DAY I GOT IT. It barley covers episodes I, II and III, note how on the description it says that the game covers the most exciting and memorable scenes from all three movies? WELL THAT'S ALL THEY GIVE YOU! The day after i got it it was still kinda fun but then i played it a little more and it just got plain BORING.DON'T make the same mistake I did. I would rather save my money and buy actual legos or a different game.

Legos Rock
I love this game and can't put it down. It's great that you don't really kill people, they just fall down into Lego bricks. My mom has even tried to play this game. I like using the Force the best. It's cool to switch back and forth between Anikin and R2D2 in the beginning. I haven't gotten through the whole thing yet but it's kind of challenging because there's no talking to give you hints or anything.

Very good game
A very good game. not as good as Pokemon but still very good. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Video Games    2. Nintendo Game Boy Advance (Gameboy)    3. GBA    4. Star Wars (Starwars)    5. Action    6. Adventure   

Editorial Review

It may not be a splashy leap forward, but Rockstar Games' Grand Theft Auto: San Andreas in its own deep, dark way does just as much to move and revolutionize video games as its two predecessors, Grand Theft Auto III and Grand Theft Auto: Vice City. As in previous installments, here you play as a thug with problems you must steal and shoot your way out of, but the problems this time are disconcertingly more realistic. You play as Carl Johnson, known on the street as CJ, a likeable criminal type who has just returned to his hometown, Los Santos (a fictionalized Los Angeles), to find that his mother has been murdered and that the police have framed him for another murder. Reunions with his friends and a troubled relationship with his brother set off a sprawling, complex plot line, taking place at first in the immediate Los Santos area but eventually spilling into San Fierro (based on San Francisco) and Las Venturas (Las Vegas).

You play as Carl Johnson, known on the street as CJ.

This is an honest effort to create an engaging story about sympathetic characters caught up in a brutal environment that is on par with a movie or novel.

Gaming Gangsters

Where Vice City took its cues, with tongue firmly in cheek, from the 1980s television series Miami Vice, San Andreas is a sincere homage to early 1990s innercity gangster films like Menace 2 Society and Boyz ‘N the Hood. This is an honest effort to create an engaging story about sympathetic characters caught up in a brutal environment that is on par with a movie or novel. If that effort hits a few flat notes (you would have to be totally desensitized not to wonder if it's OK to make entertainment out of driveby shootings), it may also mark the first step toward video games growing up.The first thing that fans of earlier GTA games will notice is the range of action is much wider now: Along with shooting, running, and driving, there's now swimming, eating, working out, shopping, and, yes, getting a haircut. All this means the game has a fairly steep learning curve. But, though the pick-up-and-play appeal of Grand Theft Auto III may be long gone, your access to the action becomes fairly transparent after a little practice. My only serious complaint is that, with the controller now crowded with such previously unheard-of functions like "Gang Active" and "Talk Positive," you can drive only with the left analog stick. A minor point, but it makes cars a lot more difficult to handle.

Bicycles take on a surprisingly central role.

Vehicular Variety

It would be hard to surpass the variety of automobiles available in earlier games, and San Andreas wisely does not for the most part try to compete on that score. Instead, it's bicycles of all things that steal the show. The bikes' speed and flexibility are perfect for many of the missions, and there is something about cruising through the streets and basketball courts on a BMX that just feels right. If you play far enough into the game, you will also be rewarded with the chance to fly a number of aircraft, and flying is something Rockstar makes a greater effort to get right this time (welcome news for anyone who struggled with the planes and ‘copters of the earlier games).

Lackluster Graphics--but a Real Feel

Graphics--never a huge priority for Rockstar--actually take a step backward from the luscious, tropical look of Vice City. Textures are rendered with only a cursory attention to detail, and contours are often blocky. It scarcely matters, though, because no matter how San Andreas looks, it feels real. This is due in no small part to voice work by an all-star cast including Samuel L. Jackson, Ice T, James Woods, Peter Fonda, and Outkast's Big Boy and a stellar soundtrack with tunes by Soundgarden, 2Pac, Public Enemy, and even a few country classics from the likes of Willie Nelson. But it's not just realistic, San Andreas is also vast, encompassing three big urban centers and huge swaths of rural land (complete with shotgun-toting farmers) between them. This vastness does mean, however, that there can be a lot of tedious driving to get to the missions, which, along with some awkward sequencing of the cut scenes (they are in places stacked one on top of the other), means that there is a bit too much downtime.But never mind the quibbles. Ladies and gentlemen, we have another classic on our hands. --David Stoesz

Pros:

• Astonishingly vast game space
• Vivid character development
• Complex, engaging plot
• Enormous range of available actions

Cons:

• Occasionally awkward game design
• You can no longer steer cars with the directional buttons
• Steep learning curve

What's Your Strategy?
Get mission strategies and detailed maps to achieve every objective with the Grand Theft Auto: San Andreas Official Strategy Guide.

... Read more

Features

• Set in Los Santos, San Andreas, plagued by gang violence, corruption, and drugs
• Carl Johnson's mother has been murdered and family has fallen apart
• Carl is framed for homicide by two corrupt cops
• He must journey across San Andreas to take control of the streets
• The next chapter in the legendary Grand Theft Auto series

Reviews (772)

Gets boring after a while
When i got the game, it was awesome. After like two months it got boring because I beat all the missions and the side missions don't help me anymore. I suggest you do the side missions first (cop, firetruck, ambulance, etc) and don't use cheats to have fun with the game.

Another Great game for a excellent Franchise
San Andreas is a great improvment over the previous games GTA 3 and Vice city. With more play time, better aiming and RPG elements this game sets itself apart from other third person shoters. As before the open ended missions give alot of fun but shortly get old. That being said the graphics are old but they pale in comparison to some other PS2 games.One last not this game is rated "M" for a reason. There is as somepeople believe,not myself,to much cursing.Also,the game is sufficated with adult material,again some people don't like this. However I very greatly enjoyed this game.

The Award goes to GTA san adreas
the Award goes to GTA San Adreas
This game is about a man who left his family for few years. When he got back, his mom had died. His family said everything that happened was his fault, even his mom death. Some of his best friends became his enemy. My favorite part in the game is the end. When he killed is best and killed the officers that make his hood breakup.
The thingI like about this game was the gun and cars. They were perfect and each car speed limit was great. This game started great. Cj was getting off the plane and got blackmailed by an officer. Another interesting thing about this game was the map.Tthe map shows all the area of your mission and make it easier to get to your destination .This game had a lot of surprises, for example jet packs. I think it was a great idea putting jet packs, because it makes the shooting mission easier. Before this game came out, I always logge on Ebgames to see the case and the photo.
I recommend this game to people who like action games and movie. But not kids under 13 years.
... Read more

Subjects:  1. Video Games    2. PS2 (PSX2)    3. Sony Playstation (Play station) 2    4. Playstation2 (Play station2)    5. Action    6. Adventure    7. Racing    8. Flying    9. Great Deals (Outlet store)   

Editorial Review

Early Adopters Pick: March 2003. As theworld's smallest video-game platform, the Game Boy Advance SP is also the first to use a built-in rechargeable battery.

Many decried the original Game Boy Advance's reflective LCD screen and its reliance on external light sources. The Game Boy Advance SP's main feature--optional backlighting--fixes this complaint nicely, but it's the wealth of other features that makes this system so surprisingly good.

At first look, you might think the SP is a sleek travel alarm clock. When closed, it's just as tall and deep as the original GBA, but only half as wide. Due to its clamshell design, the screen is always protected from everyday scratches. A small button in the center of the console turns on the backlighting element for use in low-light situations, like in a moving car.

The SP comes with a well-designed power adapter that recharges a built-in battery; its prongs fold in for easier storage. Our informal tests found that it takes about four hours to fully charge (you can even play it while it's plugged in and charging), and the battery lasts about 11 hours with the backlighting constantly on--your results may vary. Using the backlighting less often will conserve battery power.

Withseparately sold cables , you can connect the Game Boy Advance SP to other GBAsfor multiplayer gaming (above) or to theNintendo GameCube (below) to access secret levels, exchange data, or use other specialfeatures that vary from game to game.

The quality of the backlighting is very good. It's bright and clear when looking directly at it, but degraded from other angles. This is only a problem for friends who are watching the screen from over your shoulder.

But size, power, and affordability do not come without trade offs. There's no headphone jack here, though Nintendo promises an adapter. The system isn't very loud at its highest volume, and the sound can be turned down to socially acceptable levels. The L and R shoulder buttons are a fraction of the size they were on the GBA, and thus are harder to hit. Also, the reduced size of the SP is slightly less comfortable for adult hands than the GBA, but perhaps more comfortable for smaller hands. The cartridge port placement on the lower part of the console is fine for GBA games, since they are flush with the console body, but older Game Boy Color carts will stick out in a way that takes some getting used to.

Open it up and the hinge will seek out a preferred, pre-set angle (about 150 degrees), though you can open it a bit wider or narrower for your own comfort. The hinge stands up well to lateral pressure, and over all, the SP seems just as rugged as its predecessor--which has proven to be very rugged, indeed. --Porter B. Hall

Unit Specifications

• CPU: 32-Bit ARM with embedded memory
• Memory: 32 KB with 96 KB VRAM (in CPU), 256 KB WRAM (external of CPU)
• Screen: 2.9-inch reflective TFT color LCD
• Display Size: 1.6 by 2.4 inches (40.8 by 61.2 mm)
• Resolution: 240 x 160 pixels in a wide-screen aspect ratio
• Colors: 511 simultaneous colors from a palette of 32,768
• Software: Fully compatible with Game Boy and Game Boy Color game paks
• Light Source: Front light integrated with LCD
• Size (closed): 3.3 by 3.23 by .96 inch
• Weight: Approximately 5 ounces
• Power Supply: Rechargeable lithium-ion battery
• Battery Life: 10 hours continuous play with light on; 18 hours with light off; 3 hours recharging

Features

• 32-bit RISC CPU
• Backward-compatible--plays all Game Boy, Game Boy Color, and Game Boy Advance games
• Onyx handheld video game console
• Clamshell design with built-in lighting
• Rechargeable lithium-ion battery offers 10-18 hours of continuous play (included)

Reviews (43)

The 100% Better Version of GBA
The SP is a small step for gamers but a giant leap for Nintendo. The convience, fun, and portability of the GBA just got better. The SP is smaller, easier on the hands, and has an illuminator behind the screen so you can actually see the game you're playing. Also the SP doesn't switch games so you can still get the GBA Games for it.

Great things do come in small packages
I just purchased the GBASP, and while I have not played at great length, I must say that initially, I am blown away! I was attracted to it not only by the compact size and small screen, but the exceptional low price as well. It will be great to take my gaming habit wherever I want to go. In addition, it is not loaded with bells and whistles like it's newer brother, the DS, and is simple to use. I know of a few people whose only system is the Gameboy, so if you want something simple and portable, this is for you!
the SP is very easy and fun to operate. In addition, the endless list of games will keep you busy for a long, long time.
While everyone seems to be raving over the DS, I'm having a great time with the SP.

Tip. Be sure to get a carrying case, as if you put it in your pockets, lint, dust, etc. will get into the system.

Handheld Ecstasy
The Game Boy SP is the greatest thing I have ever held in my hands that was not distilled in Scotland.

I've never owned a Game Boy before this; my sister has had an original Game Boy for a good while, but I've had nothing in between. I hear the GBA was terrible without a light, and certainly this looks beautiful with its light; I actually like playing it in the dark, since I can see the excellent graphics so well. The rechargeable battery is sheer genius and lasts a good long time, even with the light on.

This thing is tiny and there's no problem carrying it around, but it manages to pack enough power to play some great games - Metroid Fusion is particularly pretty. The Super Mario Advance rereleases are a great idea, since those are some of the best games Nintendo has made; I bought Yoshi's Island, as it is clearly the best of the group (see my review). If you want to play the old Game Boy games, you can't get a DS, since that's only compatible with GBA games, whereas this will play anything from Super Mario Land (giggle, don't laugh) on up.

I would like to address problems people have had with this that have no merit before I get to the legitimate problems that caused me to rate this lower than five stars. The battery pack recharges five hundred times before you need to buy a new one. That's roughly five thousand hours of playing time. If wearing the battery pack out is a serious concern to you, get the following: a. a job; b. a girlfriend; c. a life. If you can play this enough hours out of the day to worry yourself that the battery might go bad, you need to step outside maybe once a month, at least to buy groceries.

It's true that older Game Boy games stick out of this since they longer than GBA games and the slot isn't designed for them, but you'd have to be a bigtime neurotic to care about this. When you're playing the game, you can't even see the cartridge, and if you're holding the system right up against your chest, you're a freak.

Real problems? As has been mentioned, the system is so small that you have to handcuff yourself to play it. Over extended periods of continuous play this can be very painful. Also, the system requires a headphone adapter, and can't simply accept standard headphones without this extra. I don't use headphones anyway, but this is certainly a disadvantage to the system.

My major beef is the control scheme, since the buttons are too close together and it's painful to play for very long, but I still give it an excellent four-star rating. For pure fun this is perfect. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Video Games    2. Nintendo Game Boy Advance (Gameboy)    3. GBA    4. Consoles   

Features

• Bust blocks, groove through puzzles, and jam wirelessly with friends. Stack em right and youll unlock lush looks and buttery beats. Want to be lumines? Just let the music guide you.
• "Advance through 24 action-packed levels, each with its own musical theme and sound effects.
• 4 gameplay modes including single-player and multiplayer ensure varied and lengthy gameplay. Time attacks, duels, and puzzle challenges await!
• Unlock new customizable skins and avatars as you progress. Flaunt your progress in multiplayer mode; push your opponent right off the screen.
• Challenge yourself, or go head to head with an opponent via wireless multiplayer functionality.

Reviews (26)

New twist on tetris
I've seen a few variations of Tetris since it was first released.. well the first version I ever saw was on an Apple IIc that was a pirated and completely in russian.

Lumines is pretty simple, form 4 small blocks of the same color into a square by shifting, sliding and spinning 4 block combos that drop from the sky.Make high score, start over. You could add on that you can also play head to head with other PSP players or try a few of the other modes with specialized goals.
For some reason I get drawn into a cycle of playing one game after another cause I messed up just a little bit on the last one and could have done better.

Each time you last out a level (timed, so your not penalized by making bonus points like you did in tetris), you open up a new "skin" with a different song and visual background/blocks.

This was the third game i've bought for my psp so far and it is the most addictive.Even though its not as flashy or involved as some of the other titles, its definately packed with fun.

Tetris wishes it was as cool as Lumines
Okay so a lot of other reviews will focus on things like the amazing music, flashy graphics, rotating skins, and so forth.But the fun of Lumines is mostly in gameplay, which requires a lot more skill than tetris ever did.

Everybody's going to compare this game to Tetris because it has four-part pieces that fall onto the screen where you place the pieces in order to get points and clear blocks.Let me be clear in saying that this is ALL they have in common.Clearing lines in tetris is easy, and the only skill involved is being able to move the piece fast enough before it falls.

Lumines is a whole new kind of game.Each piece is a 2x2 block where each little block is one of two colors.Your goal is to make squares of 2x2 blocks that are the same color.This sounds easy enough, but it isn't, always.Not only can you make blocks of 2x2, but these blocks can overlap each other, so a block of 3x2 works, or any other combination of shapes where the 2x2 blocks can be found.This means there's a lot of strategy in laying down a block in order to maximize the number of cubes it makes.

What's also innovative about this game is the "timeline" which scrolls across the screen, clearing the cubes you've made.That's right, a cube doesn't disappear as soon as you've made it.. it takes a few seconds, which allows you to stack multiple pieces together to form more and more overlapping cubes before the timeline swipes them away.but if you don't do it quick enough, you'll only get part of your cube cleared and be left with the rest.

The skill and strategy involved with dropping each piece in the right place at the right time is immense, and takes far more brainpower than tetris ever could.That's what makes this game so fun.

Another little feature I will mention about the skins, some of them seem designed specifically to be harder to see, so that placing the blocks isn't as easy as it was with other skins.On other levels the timeline will move slower or faster, further changing the dynamics of the game (you'd think a slower timeline would let you create more blocks, but if you've got a full screen it can be a nightmare waiting for your screen to open up).

I should point out that there are a few annoying bugs in Lumines that, for instance, won't save your scores all the time.The instructions are also pretty unclear about the details of the vs. modes, where you can attack your opponent (which moves the border of your screen over one, giving you more room to work and your opponent less), but they don't tell you exactly how to attack.Finally from what i've read, you cannot score higher than 999,999 which is a bit ridiculous for a system of this level. Hopefully someday there will be a Lumines 2 that fixes these problems, but in the meantime this game is good enough for me.

Perpetual Harmony
Tetris quite frankly bores me.It dominated a large sum of my time and now I dread its remade counterparts.Why do I enjoy Lumines?It breaks out of the norm so many block puzzle-games take.A new perspective and enjoyable mix-up of gameplay makes it a favorite for the PSP, although I would not go as far as calling the game revolutionary or mind-blowing.

If you've played "Rez" or any other games set to music and beats you already know how these games strike an incredibly fun chord, and why they are must buys.But if not the I'll let you in on the twist, with each stage clear new eye-candy appears in the background and a tune begins.With the beat of the song a timer swipes across the screen stack as many of the square style blocks before the time between beats is over and rack up combos.Then watch to your amusement as your towers fall causing chain-reactions multiplying in more blocks made, and a higher score.

I admit to playing the game in a trance-like state watching the blocks flow and hearing the music blend to find myself going on half an hour of play without noticing.Unlocking new songs, and backgrounds give just enough initiative to keep playing you up into the night.

Overall Lumines is fun but not my pick over a console game with more of a story.It's perfect for a portable platform and a great game for the PSP.
A Bliss of 7 ... Read more

Editorial Review

Halo 2 is one of those rare video games that garnishes attention from regular folk who wouldn't know which direction to point a game controller. With more than 1.5 million pre-orders and a massive release party in Times Square, the game enjoys the sort of buzz, and sales, generally reserved for boy wizards. But does it merit the hype?

Opening Scene

Halo 2 opens with a cut scene in the Covenant Holy City of High Charity. Much has happened since Master Chief (that's you) created so much havoc for the Covenant in the first Halo, and the Arbiter has much atoning to do for his failures. This first cut scene is long, but the lush graphics, orchestral sound, and polished voice talent for both this and other cut scenes as well as the game itself put most animated television shows to shame.

Much has happened since Master Chief created so much havoc for the Covenant in the first Halo, and the Arbiter has much atoning to do.

In the end, though, Halo 2 is unabashedly a first-person shooter. It has a Mature rating and is not meant for kids. Gameplay is constant and intense. No sooner is one bunch of aliens taken care of than another descends. The controls are identical to the first game so those familiar with it will be up and blasting in no time. And the sound and graphics have been beefed up so that Halo 2 is undoubtedly one of the most beautiful console games available.

Opening Fire

Most of the weapons from the first game return, although strangely the MA5B Assault Rifle (the default weapon in the first game) is not available. There is a single melee weapon known as the Covenant Sword, but the controls for it are the same as that for all the shooter weapons, making it difficult to direct. Also, for a new twist, you can hold two of the smaller guns at the same time and shoot double-fisted.

As for vehicles, the old favorites are back and joined by a few new, mostly Covenant wheeled monsters. Some improvements have been made to the AI so that the nonplayer characters can drive without running into too many obstacles while you man the turret. This improved AI also has enemies ducking for cover, and the banter from both the Marines and the bad guys has undergone massive improvements so that it no longer sounds quite so repetitive.

On Your Own

The most significant change in the single-player game is with Master Chief's much-touted defensive suit. At the beginning of the game, he is told that the suit has been upgraded, but it's really undergone a severe downgrade. In Halo 2, the player has only one lifeline. Unlike in the first game, there is basically no defensive shield on the suit, making gameplay tougher. It can often take multiple--sometimes a maddening number--attempts to make it through thorny parts of the game.

Or with a Friend

Finally, no review of a Halo game is complete without mentioning multiplayer. One of the main reasons to buy Halo 2 is the ability to play through Xbox Live, a feature not included in the first game, which was among the original releases for the Xbox. Multiplayer for Halo 2 uses all of the same weapons and vehicles as in the single-player game, and the types of games available in Halo (King of the Hill, Slayer, Capture the Flag) return with a host of new maps. Multiplayer Halo 2 offers customizable profiles, control layout, and screens as well as a voice proximity feature, where you can talk with other players via an Xbox Communicator so that those closer to you sound louder than those farther away. Players can also create both permanent clans and temporary parties in the Xbox Live world. Undoubtedly, this multiplayer feature alone ensures that Halo 2 will remain a top-selling game for years to come. --David Morel

Pros:

• Lush graphics and orchestral sound
• Constant, thumping shoot-'em-up action
• Multiplayer available through Xbox live

Cons:

• Suit downgrade makes single-player often overly difficult
• Get ready for some bleary-eyed mornings

... Read more

Features

• Covenant forces attack Earth, another Halo ring comes into play, and the Master Chief takes the battle to the Covenant
• New vehicles and weapons, destructible environments, low gravity, online play, Human vs. Covenant multiplayer battles, improved AI, and more
• Better control: sprint at twice normal speed, peek around corners, chain melee attacks into devastating combos
• Completely rewritten graphics engine allows previously unimaginable complexity anddetail

Reviews (532)

Excellent sequel with few very small issues
For the first few years in the xbox's life, I was the most anti-xbox person among my friends.That all changed the summer of '04 when I played Halo for the first time.It was a blast, and gave me that rush that only a few games have.

So here we are with the sequel to the game that made an xbox worth owning in the first place.Halo 2 isn't a great game; it's an excellent game.With perhaps the most perfect fps controls ever, killer graphics and replayability that shoots through the roof, Halo 2 is the new killer app.

First of all, if you played Halo, do yourself a favor and play this game on at LEAST the normal difficulty.To get the full experience out of this game I would really recommend playing through on Legendary.Trust me on this.When you finish the game you will release the biggest sigh of relief since beating Ninja Gaiden.

**SPOILER ALERT**

Many people knock the single player game, and this is MOSTLY (not always) for two reasons:
1)For part of the game you play as a covenant elite, and
2)The ending is one hell of a cliffhanger, I guarantee it will illicit a "WTF!?" from nearly everyone.

**END OF SPOILERS**

I personally don't mind those two aspects of the game.Once some people get past that, it's hard to deny that the single player game is fun.With the addition of dual weilding, boarding, more interactive enviroments and an increase in the number of enemies you'll face, Halo 2's single player game is a beast on its own.The lush graphics and rich colors will leave you in awe, and if you pair it with a 5.1 surround sound system, you're in for a real treat.There are a few minor problems with the game, such as glitches in a couple of cut scenes, but the end product easily overshadows this.But the fun doesn't end there...

For those with xbox live (or with friends, for that matter), multiplayer will give you hours upon hours of fun.I personally prefer 8-16 player team system link games, but xbox live is fun, too.There are so many game variants, and I don't think I've played all of them yet.And with the addition of 9 new maps available to everyone sometime in June, the life of this game just got a shot in the arm.With the single player, this makes Halo 2 the new killer app for xbox, and will probably remain the most popular until we see xbox 360 later this year.

...you're entitled to your opinion.
Halo 2 was a good game, exceptional by my standards, sure it was a hassle getting through the level with the lack of defenses... but geez...

I personally liked this game for these reasons
-Good gameplay, remniscent of Halo TwT
-Solid sound and graphics
-Good story

My gripes...
-Semi-repetitive gameplay
-Dual weilding clutters up the m***********g screen!
-The health system is harder to deal with... TwT but that's okay, Masta Chief's still gangsta...

P.-Friggin-S.- Samwise, you're entitled to your opinion, albeit a very idiotic one... but your misconception of us being "retards" is based off of non-concrete evidence and your lack of tolerance for other people's opinions. I understand that you believe we are, but seriously, go back to lonely nights with vaseline, kleenex and a copy of "The Rocky Horror Picture Show", because with an attitude like that, you obviously have no friends, life, or parents to teach you manners that and you apparently need a girlfriend. Same goes to anyone else who rags a game and can't do any better. So to all of you I'd like to say you're not worth being called retarded because poor Terry Schiavo doesn't deserve to be associated with people unable to do stuff with a fully functioning brain, so shut up, and don't blow my Xbox high!

lol did he say fable and halo stinks?!
Thie game is a must it has a good soundtrack cinemas and gameplay it will keep you buisy just playing levels to mess around with the vehicles the only things bad about the game is they changed the asult rife model (i like the original assult rife better) and they made it so you play as a elite all else is fine halo 3 is going to be at e3 so all u xbox live players out there get the multi player expansion pack for 20 dollars (you need halo 2 to play) i think microsoft will make new features such as peaking around corners and new viechles dont think hallo series will end this franchies will be a very long and popular series.

spoiler alert








people are saying the story for halo 3 is master chief travels back in the past to kill the people or aliens that made halo but that would stink cuz it would be like pong a never ending battle so master chief will destroy it aliens will destroy master chief! and all those game he said stunk is NOT TRUE KOTOR IS FOR EVEN STAR WARS HATERS!it a very good game that has multiple paths and it is a hack and slash not turned based

GET THE FIRST BEFORE THE SECOND YOU WILL NOT REGRET IT! ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Video Games    2. Xbox (x box)    3. Microsoft    4. Action    5. Adventure  &n