Green Day: Rock Band Review

Green Day: Rock Band (for the Wii) is a great supplement to the vastly growing catalog of rhythm games. Harmonix seemed to be toiling in boredom with their early track-packs and their first endeavor to create a “band only” game fell flat with 2008’s Rock Band: AC/DC Track Pack. But then they hit it out of the park with last year’s hot holiday wish list item, The Beatles: Rock Band. Green Day: Rock Band is far and away better than the track-packs they’ve put out but it doesn’t quite exceed past The Beatles in depth or majesty; but that’s OK, it doesn’t have to.

This is a stand alone game, which fans of rhythm games I’m sure are thrilled by as I would imagine we’re all pretty tired of having to buy the newest and coolest peripherals (I myself own 4 guitars). The game play appears to be exactly like Rock Band games of the past; the same five note colors traveling down the same clear neck. Depending on your personal taste this can be either great or pretty boring. The Guitar Hero series allows you to alter the note highway allowing for more variety (aesthetically) in game play whereas the Harmonix games don’t allow any alterations in that arena at all. Now if you don’t care about aesthetics and just want to rock out then this is a minor quibble.

The song selection is fantastic. Green Day has been around since the early 90’s and finally broke through to mainstream audiences with their third LP, “Dookie,” when their song celebrating slacker culture and masturbation, Longview became an instant hit on MTV in 1994. Ever since then they’ve been at the upper echelon’s of pop culture, churning out punk rock records every few years, managing to remain relevant even when their chosen musical form ceased being so. All of the classic anthems fans of come to know and love are here including songs from last year’s smash offering, “21st Century Breakdown.” I would have liked some representation from “Kerplunk!” but again, that’s a minor quibble.

Following the same pattern as The Beatles, players assume the roles of Green Day and follow them from small gigs in The Warehouse all the way to The Fox Theater in Oakland, which unfortunately is the third in three playable venues. This is somewhat of a letdown as one of the staples in Harmonix rhythm games is the virtual touring. That was also one of the nice things about The Beatles. You got to follow their history through historical gigs. Now I’m not comparing The Beatles rich history to Green Day’s but the latter band does have some interesting history and it’s not represented in the game.

The graphics are as good if not better than the older Harmonix offerings. The Green Day avatars are as close to looking like their real life counterparts as one can get with this level of technology. And speaking of technology, just like all of the recent rhythm games, the peripherals are cross compatible with the Guitar Hero series (assuming you have peripherals from Rock Band 2 or after).

All in all if you are a fan of Green Day and/or rhythm games you should enjoy this title. It is a nice stopgap offering on the way to this holiday’s season wish list item, the much-ballyhooed Rock Band 3.

Green Day: Rock Band Feature

• Play as custom 3D characters featuring the likenesses of Green Day members Billie Joe Armstrong, Mike Dirnt and Tré Cool
• Enjoy 47 Green Day songs
• Unlock prizes as you progress through the story
• Sing in three-part vocal harmonies
• Import Green Day DLC onto your Green Day game disc

Green Day: Rock Band Overview

Green Day: Rock Band puts players on stage as multi-platinum selling and Grammy Award winning group Green Day, featuring the band’s most-defining albums and key moments throughout their career to date. Players perform vocals, guitar, bass and drums using award-winning Rock Band technology. 3D visuals and archival material give players a unique view into the music and vision of this pioneering band.

Green Day: Rock Band Specifications

Feel the rush of adrenaline as you take the stage as multi-platinum, Grammy Award-winning group Green Day. Hear the roar of the crowd as you start your set with your band — vocals, guitar, bass and drums coming together to rock this venue. You’re bringing your awesome rock-and-roll fantasy to life.

Rock out on guitar as Billie Joe Armstrong!View larger.

Shred the bass while playing as Mike Dirnt! View larger.

Enjoy 47 Green Day songs. View larger.

Play on memorable Green Day instruments. View larger.

Synopsis Green Day: Rock Band lets you step on stage as a rock star for an immersive gaming experience. Play as custom 3D characters featuring the likenesses of Green Day members Billie Joe Armstrong, Mike Dirnt and Tré Cool as you unleash hot tracks, including American Idiot, Wake Me Up When September Ends, Boulevard of Broken Dreams, Brain Stew, Jaded and Hitchin’ A Ride. Progress through the story to unlock more than 100 collectible images and more than 40 minutes of rare and unreleased. Get your friends in on the action with three-part vocal harmonies in multiplayer mode. Features: Play as custom 3D characters featuring the likenesses of Green Day members Billie Joe Armstrong, Mike Dirnt and Tré Cool Enjoy 47 Green Day songs, including American Idiot, Wake Me Up When September Ends, Boulevard of Broken Dreams, Brain Stew,Jaded and Hitchin’ A Ride Full motion-capture technology creates an authentic performance in a variety of venues Unlock prizes as you progress through the story and history of Green Day Sing in three-part vocal harmonies with other singers in multiplayer mode Gain access to the band’s media vault to unlock more than 100 collectible images, and more than 40 minutes of rare and unreleased video from interviews, outtakes and performances Import Green Day DLC onto your Green Day game disc for added vocal harmonies, unique venue visuals and archival material Compatible with Rock Band and Guitar Hero instruments (not included) Export Green Day songs into your Rock Band song library to be played in either game (charges may apply)

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*** Product Information and Prices Stored: Aug 16, 2010 21:40:10

Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix (Includes Child Movie Ticket) Review

This game is hard for me to review because some elements I love and others I think are sloppy and things I’d rather avoid at all costs. Still, I can’t stop playing this game and having fun and I think most any Harry Potter fan will too.

For the first time we can walk all around Hogwarts and explore it’s every nook and cranny. That’s a huge plus for me as walking around the castle and discovering new things and talking to students really makes the place come alive. I feel like I’m actually there. Thankfully, the castle is jam packed with secrets to uncover to encourage further wandering.

Waving the Wii Remote to perform spells is simple and something I think gamers of all ages can master rather quickly. For example to cast Reparo (to repair broken items) you simply wave your controller in a circular motion. The control scheme further draws gamers into the world and brings it to life. I even found myself saying the spells aloud as I cast them which was quite amusing. Wingardium Leviosa gave me the most headaches as it took time to maneuver items I had levitated.

My problems with the game are mainly mechanical. Ron and Hermonie follow you everywhere and constantly got in my way. To add insult to injury, they constantly remind you to head off to your next task in the story line but with the focus on exploring their constant reminders get very annoying in short order. The story scenes are ok, but they only make the sketchiest effort at representing the story. The game would have been much better without story at all. Also there are a few very difficult mini-games that you have to beat three times in order to get a 100% score in the game. I think mini games should be optional, not required.

The tasks you are given to perform are mostly collecting items but they remain mostly satisfying. I would have liked to see more varied tasks. Some interesting puzzles would have been great. All considered though, this Harry Potter game is the best of the bunch. It could have been much better with just a bit more thought and effort but there’s no doubt it will bring many hours of enjoyment to Harry Potter fans.

Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix (Includes Child Movie Ticket) Feature

• Immerse Yourself in Magic—Interact with magical objects, ghosts and portraits in every room, corridor and courtyard—all faithfully recreated from the movies.
• Perfect Your Wand Work—Cast spells to unleash powerful fifth-year magic.
• Lead Dumbledore’s Army—Recruit fellow students and teach them Defence Against the Dark Arts.
• Relive the Magic of the Movie—…from the Dementor attack in Little Whinging to the epic battles at the Ministry of Magic.
• Unleash Advanced Magic—Play as Sirius and Dumbledore as they fight Lucius, Bellatrix and Voldemort in the Ministry of Magic.

Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix (Includes Child Movie Ticket) Overview

Harry’s fifth year at Hogwarts is shaping up to be his most dangerous yet. Fearing that Hogwarts’ venerable Headmaster, Albus Dumbledore, is lying about the return of Voldemort in order to undermine his power, Minister for Magic Cornelius Fudge appoints a new Defense Against the Dark Arts teacher to keep watch over Dumbledore and the students. But Professor Dolores Umbridge’s ministry-approved course leaves the young wizards woefully unprepared, so Hermione, Ron and Harry form “Dumbledore’s Army” with the goal of preparing themselves and other courageous young wizards for the extraordinary battle that looms against Voldemort and his Death Eaters.

Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix (Includes Child Movie Ticket) Specifications

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Electronic Arts Need for Speed Carbon Wii – 15271 Review

Electronic Arts Need for Speed Carbon Wii – 15271 Feature

Electronic Arts Need for Speed Carbon Wii – 15271 Overview

Electronic Arts Need for Speed Carbon Wii – 15271 Specifications

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*** Product Information and Prices Stored: Mar 21, 2010 10:15:04

Boogie Review

I would have liked better songs but for the game it self its pretty fun… i am throwing a party tonight maybe that will be one that we pick to play

Boogie Feature

• Includes microphone
• Features new versions of tracks made popular by hit bands including The Jackson 5, Kool & The Gang, M.C. Hammer, The Village People, Cyndi Lauper and Britney Spears
• Designed for Wii optimization

Boogie Overview

Boogie Wii Shake It. Sing It. Create It. Get off the couch and play to an all-new beat in this singing and dancing game where you create and customize your very own Boog, and then take the stage to become a star. Use the unique Wii controls and a peripheral microphone to showcase your best singing and dancing moves. Use the fun and intuitive Boogie Video Creator to produce your very own music video, complete with multiple camera angles and cool special effects. With a huge selection of hit songs from over four decades, a variety of lovable characters, and an easy-to-use controller scheme, Boogie is the must-have sing-a-long, dance-a-long party game for players of all ages.

EA Sports Active: Susan G Komen Breast Cancer Awareness Edition Review

This is a great workout. It can be either hard adn challeging or slower and less intense. Great for anyone wanting to lose weight or just shape up.

EA Sports Active: Susan G Komen Breast Cancer Awareness Edition Feature

EA Sports Active: Susan G Komen Breast Cancer Awareness Edition Overview

Developed in collaboration with fitness expert Bob Greene, best known as Oprah’s personal trainer, EA SPORTS Active provides a fun, inexpensive and easy to maintain regimen designed to encourage physical fitness and healthy living. A combination of a wide variety of interactive activities and exercises, linked together into an ever-changing circuit training routine targeting the muscles of the upper and lower body, as well as providing cardio for a healthy heart, it is the perfect exercise option for every member of a modern household. Easy to follow personal trainer. View larger. Strength training via resistance. View larger. Use leg strap for cardio. View larger. Gameplay Designed around the standard Wii Remote/Nunchuck tethered controller configuration, EA SPORTS Active’s interactive fitness program is more focused on physical activities than previous ‘fitness’ titles for the Wii, but still challenges you to have fun while developing a more healthy lifestyle. Separated into the three sections of workout, nutrition, lifestyle, and other activity, the user’s experience begins with a pep talk from Bob Greene which quickly transitions into the beginnings of action as players set up profiles, choose a virtual personal trainer and enter baseline data like age, weight, gender, fitness goals, etc. Although the nutrition, lifestyle, and other activity sections add a holistic element facilitated by a mix of surveys and data input, building fitness through physical activity is the driving force behind EA SPORTS Active and as such the meat of the content resides in the workout section. Here players will find dozens of themed strength training and cardio workouts which can be customized as you choose and linked into circuit traning routines. These routines are introduced and monitored by your personal trainer, and allow for ongoing player motivation via real-time feedback on your workout form, an approximation of calories burned and the ability to adjust levels of exercise intensity. Accessories Although activity in EA SPORTS Active flows exclusively through the combination of the Wii Remote and Nunchuck controllers, it also utilizes a few additional accessories to maximize the functionality of this configuration. The first of these included with the game is the controller leg strap. By attaching this to their upper thigh and then slipping the Nunchuck controller into it, players can utilize the Nunchuck controller’s motion sensing capabilities while it is connected to the Wii Remote to monitor their leg movements. This allows for cardio exercises like jogging and cardio boxing and strength training activities like squats. Also included with the game is a resistance band designed to increase the intensity of a variety of exercises such as bicep curls and shoulder presses and lifts. In addition, although not included, the Wii Balance board is compatible with many EA SPORTS Active workouts, but only as an optional added controller configuration. Key Game Features: Active Fitness Made Fun & Easy – 20 minute circuits feature a variety of familiar activities that target upper body, lower body as well as cardio. Start off with a light jog, followed by bicep curls and get your heart beating with some cardio boxing. Benefit of a Virtual Personal Trainer – Your trainer will be the focal point of the experience guiding you towards your own version of personal achievement. Feedback will be given throughout your workout, keeping you on track to reach your fitness goals. The 30 Day Challenge – Take the 30 Day Challenge and experience tailor made 20 minute workouts to your level of fitness. Circuits will change as you progress each day, and EA SPORTS Active will track calories, intensity and progress throughout your journey. New Way to Play – Slip the Nunchuk into the specially designed leg strap and hold the Wii Remote in your hand to track your movements from both your upper and lower body. A resistance band is also included to increase the intensity of exercises such as bicep curls and shoulder presses. Workout Your Way – Circuits can be customized to your interest and fitness level. Choose your duration, intensity level & set your own goals for calories burned and workout score. Workout with a Friend – Burn calories with a friend as you both workout through routines together in a co-operative mode. Track Your Progress – Expand your Fitness IQ and keep track of your workouts inside and outside of EA Sports Active with the in-game Journal. Wii Balance Board Compatibility – Get more out of your EA SPORTS Active workout using a Wii Balance Board with added functionality for many of exercises. Co-op Multiplayer Mode Along with its single player experience, EA SPORTS Active also features a deep and entertaining two-player cooperative gameplay mode. Designed to tap into the time tested motivational factor of having a workout buddy beside you as crunch through reps and up your personal best, regardless of a player’s current fitness levels or future fitness goals, this mode is sure to enhance the level of fun of players at all levels. Working the triceps. View larger. Co-op gaming with friends. View larger. Feel the burn of cardio boxing. View larger.

EA Sports Active: Susan G Komen Breast Cancer Awareness Edition Specifications

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*** Product Information and Prices Stored: Dec 26, 2009 06:33:11

Boom Blox Bash Party Review

When I first loaded the new Steven Spielberg game “Boom Blox Bash Party” I honestly didn’t think I would like it. It seemed like a bubbly Tetris game and I thought it would be cheesy. I was way wrong; it is a super fun and addicting game! My 11 year old sister and I played it for 2 days straight!

Boom Blox Bash Party is for the Wii is the sequel to Boom Blox and was developed by EA in collaboration with Steven Spielberg. This new party game requires good reflexes, dexterity, problem-solving skills and most of a sense of humor! It is so hard to even describe the game because there are so many mini-games, challenges, and levels – 400 levels to be exact! It took us two days and I don’t even think we played every part of the game! There is a game like Jenga, a game where you throw balls to knock down blocks, and a game where you stack blocks, to name a few. The characters are also part of the game play as you can throw, grab, and launch them!

Another aspect of the game that is available is you can connect your Wii to the Internet and download new levels quickly and easily. You can also design your own levels with the Create Mode and share them with friends or submit them to share with the world! Unfortunately, I haven’t been able to try this feature yet because our wireless connection is not the greatest.

Overall, this game has truly become one of my favorites and it is quite the workout too – both mentally and physically. When you are throwing or launching blocks, you are really swinging your arm and when you are strategizing which block to grab as to not knock down the structure you really have to think! I would highly recommend this as it offers so much for its low price! I also have played it both single and multi player and both ways are just as fun!

Boom Blox Bash Party Feature

• Now the all-new cast of characters are part of the destruction! Throw, grab and launch characters for fun, or use them as part of your strategy.
• All-new explosive puzzle action builds upon your BOOM BLOX favorites while delivering tons of levels to explore, conquer and remix.
• More multiplayer action than ever before. Play crazy new levels with or against friends in cooperative, competitive and the all-new team-based action.
• Beautiful themed worlds take you from mysterious planets to pirate coves and beyond. Battle giant squids or bash alien spaceships as you explore these stunning new environments.
• Download new levels quickly and easily. Design your own levels with the expanded Create Mode and share them with friends or submit them to be shared with the world.

Boom Blox Bash Party Overview

Get ready for even more blox-busting action with BOOM BLOX Bash Party for Wii, the sequel to the critically-acclaimed BOOM BLOX game for Wii. Developed by EA in collaboration with director and producer Steven Spielberg, BOOM BLOX Bash Party takes destruction to new heights, providing the ultimate social gaming experience. BOOM BLOX Bash Party will get your party started with new Versus, Co-op and Team Play challenges – twice as many multiplayer challenges as the original BOOM BLOX. Characters old and new. View larger. Spectacular new worlds. View larger. Three multiplayer modes. View larger. 400 New Blox-Busting Levels. View larger. Gameplay Like the original BOOM BLOX game Bash Party is based around fast-paced gameplay that utilizes players’ reflexes, dexterity, and problem-solving skills. During the action players use the Wii Remote to direct objects and forces toward structures made of blocks in order to knock them over. There is also Jenga like gameplay during which players pull blocks, with the goal of toppling as many of them as possible, but without bringing down the whole structure. In doing this players have to deal with the different types of blocks in play. Some of these include: gem blocks, blocks with point values attached, explosive blocks that detonate on contact, vanishing blocks that disappear when struck, wood blocks, and steel blocks. In addition, as the game progresses strategies may change, meaning that players must be flexible in order to succeed. New Characters and Environments Explore exciting new themed worlds with unique physics and dramatic visuals. Create chaos, watching puzzles and explosions unfold, while drifting under water, or floating in zero gravity. For even more strategic destruction, BOOM BLOX Bash Party also features all-new Blox, tools and characters. Experiment with the explosive and infectious Virus Blox, or the ever-moving Conveyor Blox. Experiment with new shapes like Cylinders and Wedges, or use the new Cannon and Slingshot toys to sling and launch blox. Even the new cast of characters is in on the action. Grab hold of the characters and send them flying. They are just like Blox now, so you can topple, bash and sling them like never before. More Levels Than Ever From the depths of the sea to the far reaches of outer space, BOOM BLOX Bash Party features more than 400 completely new levels. Explore exciting new themed worlds with unique physics and dramatic visuals. Create chaos, watching puzzles and explosions unfold, while drifting under water, or floating in zero gravity. Key Features More Than 400 New Blox-Busting Levels – All-new explosive puzzle action builds upon your BOOM BLOX favorites while delivering tons of levels to explore, conquer and remix. The Ultimate Party Experience – More multiplayer action than ever before. Play crazy new levels with or against friends in cooperative, competitive and the all-new team-based action. Spectacular New Worlds – Beautiful themed worlds take you from mysterious planets to pirate coves and beyond. Battle giant squids or bash alien spaceships as you explore these stunning new environments. New Blox. New Shapes. New Tools – From Cylinders and Paint Blox to the Virus Ball and the Slingshot, you won’t believe all the new ways to create chaos. Wacky New Characters – Now the all-new cast of characters are part of the destruction. Throw, grab and launch characters for fun, or use them as part of your strategy. New Rewards System – Collect Boom Bux throughout the game as you complete levels, then spend them jump ahead unlocking new levels and features you can’t wait to play. Content Available Online – Connect your Wii to the Internet and download new levels quickly and easily. Design your own levels with the expanded Create Mode and share them with friends or submit them to be shared with the world. Take the Fun Online Enhanced capabilities let you download new levels with the press of a button. Simply connect your Wii to the Internet to grab, play and rate new levels from EA and members of the BOOM BLOX Bash Party community. Build your own levels using the game’s easy-to-use Create Mode – the same tool which the BOOM BLOX team used to create the game itself. Collect Boom Bux throughout the game as you complete levels, then spend them and jump ahead unlocking new levels and features you can’t wait to play.

Boom Blox Bash Party Specifications

Boom Blox Bash Party Wii

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*** Product Information and Prices Stored: Dec 10, 2009 06:13:07