Pinball Hall of Fame includes 10 classic Williams' pinball tables from the '70s, '80s and '90s! Features unlockable bonus extra game features that the player can earn throughout the game, editable table controls such as Tilt, custom pinballs, more balls per play, table art gallery, 4-player multiplayer mode and much more!
Customer Review: ABSOLUTELY amazing !!! You get more than what you pay for !!!
Being a 1980-1990's pinball aficionado, I've played them all in the arcades. Quarter after quarter, replay after replay... I pride myself having spent many hours on pinball for mere dollars. I've spent a good deal of my college years making my entertainment value stretch.
However, the main thing lacking in home-versions of pinball games (either on computer platform or gaming consoles) is the "pinball wizard" feeling from merely pushing buttons and watching the balls bounce in uncontrollable patterns.
"Pinball Hall of Fame: The Williams Collection" is hands-down an exception to the disappointment I'm used to. Far superior to any pinball simulator I've EVER played, this adaptation is so close to the real thing, it's incredible. The biggest drawback from many home-version pinball games is the upright "flippers-at-your-hands" feeling. Astoundingly, with Pinball HOF, I get the feeling that I'm at a real arcade as I "bump" the machines using my Wii remotes.
Equally unbelievable and impressive are the accurate depictions of the graphics and sounds from EACH machine. SVG Distribution did such a fantastic job recreating the Wii version that it's hard to differentiate the software from the original machine. The older machines (i.e. Jive Time) have that classic relaxed pinball-saloon feel to them; however, the newer machines (i.e. Funhouse, Whirlwind, Taxi) give you the sensation of nudging the ball with your body movements. I don't know if what I'm trying to say is clear, but to pinball enthusiasts, you'll know what I mean by moving the ball "not with the flippers, but your body."
If SVG were to release another Pinball Hall of Fame (Gottlieb? Stern?), I'd buy it in a heartbeat. Unfortunately, pinball is undergoing a demise in popularity these days. I don't know why. A pinball wizard could be easily entertained for long periods of time dropping only a few coins. Hmmm... must be today's economy that's driving pinball production down.
Anyway, I can't say enough good things about this game. It has been keeping me entertained to the point that I haven't even played Super Mario Kart yet, a game that I bought the same day as Pinball HOF. That's my $.02... which will only buy .08 gallons of gas.
Customer Review: Perfect for gift giving
I got this for my guy but now I'm playing it all the time. OMG, its just like the real thing but better! This is a must for all game lovers. So much better than I thought it was going to be.
Pinball Hall of Fame: The Williams Collection
Friday, October 3, 2008
Civilization IV: Beyond The Sword will deliver new themes never seen in Civilization, many recommended by the fans. The expansion will focus on the late-game time periods after the invention of gunpowder and will deliver 12 challenging and decidedly different scenarios, ten new civilizations, 16 new leaders, five new wonders, and a variety of new units. Five new wonders - The Statue of Zeus, Cristo Redentor, Shwedagon Paya, the Mausoleum of Maussollos, and the Moai Statues Earn a diplomatic victory and unlock the United Nations - then create new resolutions to expand your diplomatic options Advanced Starts let players buy an empire's components & begin play in a later part of the game -- experience new features of the expansion in a shorter time Enhanced AI is tougher to beat on the higher levels, and expanded its strategies for achieving victory
Customer Review: As Close to Perfect as a Game Can Get
A great game gets even better. Add to it the fact that you can mod-out features many features you don't like with very basic knowledge of XML, and that the developers actually provide C++ source code for the game so that professional programmers can rewrite the game themselves, and you have a recipe for the best. Even my non-gamer friends have fallen in love with it, especially girlfriend types once they realize you can play cooperative team games on a LAN.
One word of warning: this game is hard at first, especially if you have never played anything similar. It does get easier, though.
Customer Review: A major update, could be called Civ 4.5
This is not a mere expansion pack but a major update to a fun but flawed game. It is simply much more polished and better thought out than the original. It also comes with tons of great mods. Overall the value is excellent. My only complaint is that the difficulty level seems to have gone up a notch as well, but maybe I am just not very good at this game.
Sid Meiers Civilization IV Beyond the Sword
Thursday, October 2, 2008
Bored, bored, bored. That's how young Keith feels about being stranded at the time-worn Mountain View Inn with his parents. Then he meets Ralph, an equally stir-crazy mouse who quickly befriends Keith and begs to ride Keith's toy motorcycle. Soon Ralph masters the tiny two-wheeler and "rrroom-zzzooms" through the hotel hallways, dodging four-legged predators, adults, and the occasional vacuum; he even risks his furry skin to help Keith recover from a high fever. Based on Beverly Cleary's famous children's novel of the same name, this 42-minute video combines live-action talent (including Ray Walston as the wise bellhop) and award-winning stop-motion animation. While the dated look of the TV movie may not appeal to kids who prefer the heart-pumping action of computer-generated favorites such as Small Soldiers, its tame plot and relatively slow pace make The Mouse and the Motorcycle a healthy choice for families with 3- to 7-year-olds. Followed by an even popular sequel, Runaway Ralph. --Liane Thomas
Customer Review: Fantastic for kids -- and probably adults too!
I watched this movie many times as a kid (for some reason, it was on early Saturday mornings a bunch of times), and I *loved* it. I just remembered it now for some reason, and had to look it up! It's a classic, and I highly recommend it.
Customer Review: Mouse and the Motorcycle
I saw this movie as a child in the ABC Specials too... now my 7 year old just finished reading the book and when I told him I saw the movie he couldn't wait to see it too! We looked all over for the DVD since I do not own a VCR but we can not find it on DVD anywhere, he was disappointed but i don't want to buy a VCR just for this one movie! If anyone knows if there is a DVD version out there let us know!!!! Please.
The Mouse and the Motorcycle
Wednesday, October 1, 2008
Rayman Raving Rabbids brings you back to the world of Rayman, just as it's being threatened by demonic rabbits! With the help of magical creatures, Rayman must battle to save his world from the bunnies. It's a great way for Rayman to punch his way onto a next-gen platforms!
Customer Review: Fun game full of imagination
My kids LOVE this game! It is full of funny little things to do, like shooting toilet plungers, throwing cows and that kind of stuff - who comes up with this stuff (very funny). It is a game that is for any age, the younger ones get a kick out of seeing what they have to do and the older ones have a challenge trying to get through everything. I wasn't sure what I would think of this game but my girls (8 and 14) really enjoy it..
Customer Review: I can't believe how much fun this game is!!!
when the wii first came out, it was awesome, playing wii sports was very fun but, well after a while it gets burried, but then came rayman raving rabbids, it is I think the reason the wii exists, it is crazy as you couldn't imagine, the games make no sense at all!!! it has no logic, what they ask you to do in the minigames is totally "out of order" I mean, "rabbids can't close the bathroom doors" you have to close the doors for them, and the doors just won't stop opening!
I tell you this game is crazy, from beginning to end, you won't regret it
Rayman Raving Rabbids
Tuesday, September 30, 2008
SimCity 4 Deluxe Edition turns you into a citizen, a criminal, an architect, a mayor, even a god -- bringing you deeper into SimLife than ever! As you create railways, ferries, plan out streets, you also get to use that transportation in a series of great new driving missions
Customer Review: Sim City has come a LOOOONG way!
My first SimCity came free with a computer I had purchased in the 90's. It was fun... but WOW! The graphics on this and the options are amazing. My 10 year old loves this game. Some days he builds cities, others he builds islands with volcano's and releases God's fury on them... lightning, eruptions, meteors, robots, dinosaurs... lots of fun!
Customer Review: Simulation for hours and hours
This game has lots of options in order to build a city. It isn't easy though to make it grow as you must keep an eye to the funds available.
It is nice to connect different cities and create a metropolitan area. This takes out the restriction for building large cities.
The rush hour expansion lets you to explore the city at a ground level. This makes perfect sense as it emphasizes on how the transportation system you build for the city affects the traffic and therefore the well-being of the citizens.
This game provides fun for hours and hours as you learn how to balance the sims' satisfaction and the budget.
On the system requirements, it is good to know that the game doesn't demand high specs.
SimCity 4 Deluxe Edition
Monday, September 29, 2008
Create universal wonder in Spore, an exciting new simulation game that lets you develop your own personal universe. Work your way through five evolutionary phases, including Cell, Creature, Tribe, Civilization and Space, that offer unique challenges, thrills and goals. For example, you can start in Cell and nurture one species from a simple aquatic organism all the way until it becomes a sentient life form. Or you can jump right in and begin building tribes and civilizations on multiple planets. What you do with your universe is totally up to you.
The powerful creation tools of Spore are easy to use, allowing you to effortlessly design every aspect of your universe. Creatures, vehicles, building and even starships are all within your grasp. While Spore is a single-player game, your creations and other players' creations are automatically shared between your galaxy and theirs, offering a nearly limitless number of worlds to visit and enjoy. You can also go online to view the incredible things other players have made and can even pull those items into your universe. Spore gives you the chance to make worlds and beings that evolve, grow and delight you every step of the way.
SPORE CREATURE CREATOR
TAKE YOUR SPORE ONLINE
Minimum System Requirements
- PC Minimum - Windows XP/Vista
- 6 GB Hard Drive Space
- 2.0 GHz P4 processor or equivalent
- 768 MB RAM
- 128 MB Video Card with support for Pixel Shader 2.0
- Mac Minimum - Mac OS X 10.5.3 Leopard or higher
- 4.7GB Hard Drive Space
- Intel Core Duo Processor
- 1024 MB RAM
- ATI X1600 or NVidia 7300 GT with 128 MB of Video RAM, or Intel Integrated GMA X3100
Customer Review: Multiple Installs and Gameplay Issues
Spore is an innovative game from the creator of the Sims, which lets you take a creature right from the one-celled amoeba type stage all the way through space flight. It has great potential, but also can be very frustrating.
First, a word about the copy protection scheme. There have been literally thousands of anti-Spore reviews posted on a number of websites solely ranting about the copy protection scheme. Many good gaming companies have gone under because of piracy, so I certainly understand that software should never be stolen. Piracy damages a creator's ability to pay their rent. That being said, Spore went overboard. You can literally only install the game 3 times before having to talk to the Spore company to ask for permission to install it again. I get a new PC every year, and usually I install games on my PC and laptop to test on both platforms. This would mean after a year I would be stuck.
It gets better than that, though. When installing Spore on my laptop, my built in anti-virus software saw Spore's attempt to install its copy protection software, thought it was a virus and silently blocked it. This meant Spore finished installing and didn't work. I hunted around but finally just de-installed it and reinstalled it. This meant I already "lost one install" because of that. Even so, the anti-virus software kicked in again and I had to manually go in and fix some links and add some files before it would run properly. I can't imagine most average gamers doing this just to get their game to run.
So finally I had Spore installed. Now to start playing! In cell mode I wanted to be an herbivore. Big mistake. While there are lots of enemies around to eat if you're a carnivore, and an omnivore can eat anything, a poor herbivore can only eat plants. Once those plants are gone, you're pretty much doomed. Everything wants to eat you. I found out quickly through trial and error that an omnivore was your best bet. A few "upgrades" later, and I was moving on to creature mode.
In creature mode you take your same basic cell shape and move up onto land. Again, it became apparent through several replayings that plant eaters had a rough life. You want to be an omnivore so you can eat your enemies when you find them - and also fall back on plants if you're surrounded by things too tough to attack.
On you go through the higher levels, and the game morphs along to let you build tribes, gather food, get space flight. At each level you switch to a new set of skills and have to learn new gameplay.
I really love the idea - but I wish the game carried more over from level to level. When you go from cell to creature level, you are left with a bunch of "useless body parts". You need to in essence completely redesign your creature for the new challenges.
Also I wish the game did not seem to heavily biased towards omnivore. Maybe they are trying to teach us a lesson here :) It is only through an equal balance of aggression and pacifism that you can survive.
I definitely find this game to be a time sink, and can lose myself in it for hours. However, compared with other games I play, the time does not pass in a "stress release" fashion. For example if I play Halo or Age of Empires or StarCraft or other games I get caught up in them, have a lot of fun and feel quite happy when I'm over. Most of the time when I'm playing Spore I'm feeling frustrated with the enemies, stressed about finding more food, and annoyed that my people are off migrating or being attacked by wild animals and needing help. It's a "demanding" game. I love challenges and tough opponents - but it shouldn't be stress inducing.
I'll give the game a 3/5. It is certainly fun in a way, and I give it a ton of credit for being innovative. However, the evolutions could have been handled far better, the balance on each particular level could have been much more even, and that copy protection scheme is just awful. I only have Spore installed on my laptop and this is the first time I've ever had to do that - do a single-system install because I am afraid of running out of reinstall options once I switch machines. I shouldn't be in that situation with a game I paid for.
Customer Review: The game plays fine, DRM does not break the gameplay
I'm not one to join in on an internet argument, but I felt that I had to speak up about this. The whole issue of DRM is an important one, but as long as it doesn't interfere with the game itself, I generally don't have a problem with it.
Not that long ago, there was anti-pirating software that actually made the games run slower, but now, EA has opted to go with limiting the amount of installs before you have to call them. I am not one of those that constantly breaks a computer down and reinstalls things every weekend. I plan on installing Spore maybe ONCE. So, I don't personally have an issue with the 3 install limit.
Some have said that the game crashed their system; I think that there's no PC game sold today that carry with it the possibility of crashing a PC, that's just a problem inherent with PC gaming. That being said, the Spore Creature Creator crashed my PC a few times, but with an update of the sound card, it was smooth sailing. I have yet to have a problem with the full Spore game. As long as your hardware drivers are up-to-date, then you should be fine.
The game itself is fun. Not the greatest game ever made, or even the greatest game Will Wright has ever made, but it's certainly not bad and worthy of a least a PC Game of the Year nomination. All of those nerds that give this game a 1 star based SOLELY ON DRM are stupid. I can understand knocking a point or so because of the DRM issue, but the GAME ITSELF IS FINE.
5.1 Game Console Adapter Convert Rca Plugs To A Single 1/8
The Logitech 5.1 Game Console Adapter allows you to connect your PlayStation 2 or Xbox video game console to a set of Logitech 5.1 multimedia speakers for awesome, multi-channel sound and intense realism.
Customer Review: Works well
Does just what it is supposed to do. Puts out stereo instead of 5.1 sound though.
Customer Review: A simple adapter that does its job
This is a very simple adapter that takes a pair of male left / right RCA cables and splits them into 3 center / sub, left/right, and rear left/rear right 1/8 outputs. The adapter does not require an external power supply.
The adapter does its job and seems well constructed. I haven't had any problems.
Please note that this includes an adapter only; no RCA or 1/8 cables are included.
Some Logitech speakers systems include this product so if you're ordering this with a speaker system, you should check to see if this purchase is necessary.
The purpose of this is to take something that's designed to talk to a stereo system via RCA and convert it into an input source for low end 5.1 PC speakers. For example, I have my Xbox 360 taking its RCA output, putting it through this device and outputting to a Creative Inspire T6100 5.1 Surround Sound Speaker System.
The 5.1 is simulated with this system but it's better than not using your rear speakers at all. If this is a problem, you should probably be thinking about optical connections and a THX certified speaker system.
5.1 Game Console Adapter Convert Rca Plugs To A Single 1/8
Sunday, September 28, 2008
Elevate your skills with the revolutionary Microsoft SideWinder Mouse designed to provide you with unprecedented performance, handling, and adaptability. Customize your mouse with every game you play using advanced software and adjustable accessories. Use the first ever LCD display on a gaming mouse for macro recording and DPI settings to reduce on-screen interference during gameplay.
Customer Review: Great Mouse 4.5 out 5
Ive done a lot research and trial and error with other mice, and this is the one that fit my hand and budget. I was a little skeptical at first thinking that Microsoft made a peace of crap and slapped their name on it but the mouse really performs. Prior to this I was using the Razer Diamond Back, and the right click had died on that one so I purchased the Razer (Lechnis?) and found that it was just to small and the left side buttons were to awkward to push consistently, and the right side buttons were next to impossible to use.
When I first used the Sidewinder I was instantly at home with its Ergos, it fit very well in my hand (big mitts) and the side buttons were very accesable. Being built with stainless steel components I have doubts in its ability to take a punishment. The weight system is very nice as well allowing for lots of customization in weight distribution.
I didn't give it a perfect 5 because of the mouse feet. They have 3 different types of mouse feet that claim to have different menueverability along the mouse pad surface but they all seemed very much the same with a very plastic like feel. They also seemed to collect depris easily. However if you can keep them clean the feet aren't really a problem.
Customer Review: Sturdy, solid software, for big hands, a winner!
I have pretty big hands, and the Logitech mice have always been great for me in most respects, except that I *never* used the DPI switching on the fly. I would like to remap those keys to a 'cruise up' and 'cruise down', which worked really well.
The problem is, that occasionally the mouse would 'reset' itself to a lower DPI, and I'd be mid-game trying to get it back. I'd have to go map the key to "increase sensitivity", then go back into the game and play again. It was truly annoying, and it is the single reason I won't buy another Logitech mouse.
I saw Microsoft's Sidewinder mouse and I took a chance on it -- it looked reasonable, and being the owner of several Microsoft Keyboards over the years, I don't have any problem with their hardware quality. This mouse is no exception.
The plastic may seem flimsy, but feeling the scroll wheel tells you the internals of it are reasonably well made. It has solid mouse buttons and they are comfortable for a larger hand like mine (it's not a HUGE hand, but big). The macro keys are something I rarely use because if you play competitively, you have to take out the 'cheats' in games. But all in all, it's a really great mouse.
The SOFTWARE. It's great. The scroll wheel (if you use it in applications rather than games) can increase scrolling speed the faster you scroll with the software. It's quite brilliant. The detents in the scroll make it exceptionally good for gaming, as you know if you switch weapons easily -- you feel it in the wheel. My hand has never accidentally hit the DPI switch -- not once. And if your hand does, it's a quick switch back and you can view the LCD to tell you exactly what you're sitting at as well.
All in all, if you're tired of Logitech's poor software and key remapping, you have large hands, and you want a good gaming mouse -- this is the one for you. Again, I never switch DPI on ANY mouse I've ever owned (and I've owned a lot) so if you play like that... you'll find the Sidewinder a welcome choice.
By the way, the Sidewinder X5 is not worth it -- this mouse has more features and seems better to me, so save your $30 or whatever and buy this mouse. Amazon shipping and support never fails me.
Microsoft SideWinder Gaming Mouse
Comes with Mario Kart with Wii Wheel and Wii Dance Dance Revolution Video game with Dance Pad. Wii system is not included. Wii system is sold seperately. Wiimote is not included. Wiimote is sold seperately. For the Wii System.
* Brand new DDR game designed exclusively for the Nintendo Wii, bundle includes a dance pad!
* 4 players simultaneous play turns any house into the hottest party
* All-new soundtrack includes licensed smash-hits from the last 4 decades
* Use the Nintendo Wii Remote and Nunchuck while dancing for greater total body interaction
* Swing the Nintendo Wii controller to send obstructions to your opponents
The global dancing phenomenon gets even more physical with an entirely new game designed for the Nintendo Wii. Dance Dance Revolution Hottest Party enhances the series' trademark interactive gameplay by combining the physically engaging, innovative and easy-to-pick-up-and-play mechanics of the Nintendo Wii platform. 4 player multiplayer, Nintendo Wii Remote and Nunchuck support, smash hits taken from the last 4 decades of music, entirely new modes and more.
Wii Wheel
Wii Wheel Included!
Wario on Race Track
New Intense Tracks and Tricks
View larger.
Cool Car Designs
Cool new car designs
View larger.
Mario and his friends are back and ready to race once again in Mario Kart Wii! Experience new tracks, enhanced Wii graphics, extraordinary gameplay and much more! Place first in Grand Prix circuits or clear skill-based missions to open up increasingly difficult and thrilling circuits. Players can have multiplayer races on any open courses or battle in arenas. Also included with Mario Kart Wii is the Wii Wheel! Now you can feel like your Mario and steering to avoid obstacles and doing incredible stunts - in the safety of your home of course.
Mario Kart with Wheel/Dance
