Film critics weren't slow to proclaim that director M. Night Shyamalan had finally been deprived of his last bit of ability, when they first laid eyes and ears on this summer's live action movie - The Last Airbender - a big screen flick based on Nickelodeon's immensely popular TV-show.
Opinions that were completely ignored by the cinema going public, and the movie quickly revealed itself as one of the largest box-office successes this year. A fact that must've given publisher THQ reason to breathe a sigh of relief, as the company had game adaptations lined up for release alongside the movie, including one for Nintendo DS.
Somewhat like the movies
The Last Airbender game promises to let fans relive the movie, and while many cinema critics would cringe at the thought alone; the DS title does a decent job, and quite pleasantly transfers the film's manuscript onto Nintendo's handheld. The overall story arc is faithfully captured and the movie's emotional tone is deftly delivered via beautifully hand drawn cut scenes, albeit somewhat toned down in intensity more suitably for younger viewers.
If it isn't broken, don't fix it
Developer Halfbrick Studios has created a title placed firmly in the action adventure segment. The game draws heavily on classics like Zelda, while not totally living up to its design templates lofty qualities. But you'll be treated to a balanced and well executed mix of combat, exploration and puzzle solving, as you take on the roles as the boy-avatar Aang and his nemesis Prince Zuko in THQ's surprisingly generous Nintendo DS title.
That's 'Airbender' not 'Wind Waker' to you!
Aang's ability as a wielder of wind is used to present players with plenty of well constructed puzzles, which require both quick fingers and consideration, sprinkled with more proven "move crate from A to B" tasks. You'll have to conquer many labyrinthine agility courses, but the game caters elegantly to a younger audience by a combination of handholding and subtle guidance. The game provides plenty of not to taxing - but still entertaining - combat, where players get to duke it out against sword wielding guards and magicians from the Fire Nation.
Control is executed almost entirely via the touch screen, another inspiration from the DS Zelda titles. The game handles very well, and controlling Aang, as he takes to the skies using his trusty kite, is surprisingly hassle-free using the DS stylus only.
Does it bend?
You should expect to be able to wring some 6-7 hours of game play of out The Last Airbender, and the game keeps things fresh and interesting throughout, even with a limit set of building blocks.
The Last Airbender makes good use of the DS hardware, with good character work and nicely created and varied scenery. Tiresome slowdown hinders the proceeding a bit from time to time, most notably during combat. Sound effects are functional, while music is well composed but uneven in sound quality.
Prime directive - bend
The Last Airbender sits perfectly with fans of the movie and younger players - due to its solid craftsmanship, entertaining and accessible gameplay. Mature players might want consider this one twice, as the title is almost too easy, but parents looking for their kid's next Nintendo DS game should take a good look at The Last Airbender.
Verdict: Get it! (Verdict list: 'Get it!', 'Rent' or 'Never mind')
For in-game screenshots and more handheld game reviews, news and articles visit: Burning Thumbs.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Tommy_A.
Saturday, August 21, 2010
The Easiest Way to Set Up Xbox 360 Live
Setting up Xbox Live is a very easy process that anyone can do. First, you will need a Membership Card. They can be bought from local retailers such as Walmart. They are sold by 1 month, 3 month and 12 month. 1 month is about $7 USD. 12 months is about $60 USD prices may differ slightly. You will need a internet connection of at least 2 MBPS. It can be wired or wireless. You should have at least 3 bars if its a wireless connection.
From here you have 2 choices.
1. You can go to Xboxlive.com and make an account there.
2. You can make one on your Xbox. After you make a new profile on your Xbox, it will give you the option to make it a live account.
There are 2 types of Live. Silver and Gold. Silver is basically just for communicating with friends and downloading. Gold is for that too, and playing online, streaming Netflix, Xbox live parties and video chat, Facebook, Twitter, Last.FM, Early access to game demos and discounts.
Xbox Live Silver is free. The Xbox Live Gold prices have been already mentioned.
Xbox live can be used to play many games online such as: Modern Warfare 2, Gears of War and many more.
You will be able to use your Xbox for movies, games, instant messaging, calling and many more features.
If this did not complete all your questions, I can be contacted on my Student Loan Consolidation website. Just click the Contact tab and you will find all the information to ask questions.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Josh_MacDonald
From here you have 2 choices.
1. You can go to Xboxlive.com and make an account there.
2. You can make one on your Xbox. After you make a new profile on your Xbox, it will give you the option to make it a live account.
There are 2 types of Live. Silver and Gold. Silver is basically just for communicating with friends and downloading. Gold is for that too, and playing online, streaming Netflix, Xbox live parties and video chat, Facebook, Twitter, Last.FM, Early access to game demos and discounts.
Xbox Live Silver is free. The Xbox Live Gold prices have been already mentioned.
Xbox live can be used to play many games online such as: Modern Warfare 2, Gears of War and many more.
You will be able to use your Xbox for movies, games, instant messaging, calling and many more features.
If this did not complete all your questions, I can be contacted on my Student Loan Consolidation website. Just click the Contact tab and you will find all the information to ask questions.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Josh_MacDonald
First Ten Review - Super Street Fighter 4
The time has come again, a time for Hadoukens and hairbuns, a time for pile-drivers and final boss punishment. This time however, things seem a little familiar. Welcome to Super Street Fighter 4. Super is an expansion to the original Street Fighter 4 from a few years back, but has enough changed in order to justify another purchase, even at budget price? We've got ten minutes to find out!
Upon booting the game from the Xbox dashboard, the colorful Capcom logo displays, along with the ESRB rating. Immediately after, we're treated to a grand opening cinematic in the bold, inky art style of the original Street fighter 4. The trailer is well-made and features some of the new characters including Cody, Ibuki, and Juri, and best of all, no Indestructible in sight. The title screen appears and is both fairly similar to, but less static than the original's title screen, thanks to some smoke moving stylistically across the screen. Let's get this game started.
Unfortunately, like many games of late, we're first scanned to see if we own any DLC, upon leaving the title screen. Why this can't be done under-the-hood, I just don't know. Fortunately, a few seconds later greets the player with a fantastic set of art-heavy menus, with animated transitions even! wow! Much more impressive than the original's generic setup.
After investigating the multiplayer menu, it's clear that not a great deal has changed in this section. There are now endless battles that function as a never ending arcade-line match. There's a new team-battle, which seems silly in design, for whichever team has the better single player will most likely win regardless of any of the other team's players...The omission of a player match option is a little sad, as I would appreciate the ability to get my crank kicked without scaring up my record.
Jumping into Arcade mode, we can see that there are a bounty of new characters, and everyone is unlocked from the get-go this time. A very welcome feature, though I wonder if this will come at the expense of good unlockables when I finally do defeat Seth. I'll select Juri, since she seems to be the poster-child of this new title. Players can now choose between one of two ultra moves as well--a nice strategic touch. After the familiar pre-match intro and a predictably craptastic anime slideshow intro, along with a bit more loading than was in the original game, we're into the match. Juri is apparently an evil, flaunting Korean woman, based on her intro animation--a quality animation in line with the rest of the street fighter cast from the original. Unfortunately, my opponent Abel is sporting the same intro animation he had from the first game, a very disappointing prospect, for we can now assume that all other animations will also be the same for all the original characters.
Now into the match, it seems that the solid fighting engine from the original has remained almost completely unchanged. It is obvious that this update was all about the content and not about reshaping an excellent fighting foundation. Juri is a very fun character to use, with a flying kick much akin to Cammy's cannon spike, which can also be made into a several-hit combo just by mashing the kick button. She also has a nice crowd-breaker attack that could only be described as a cartwheel of death. I wish I could power through arcade mode, but time's running out and there's a bit more to see.
Five Minutes Remaining
Back on the main menu lies a few more options, like challenge, which leads to several mini-games like car crusher and barrel breaker, along with a trial mode which runs you through each of a characters combos. I've never been a fan of the latter mode, and the mini-games are only good as a joke--And like a joke, they're only funny once.
Besides training mode, there is very little else here. You've got a standard Arcade mode, standard training mode, standard online mode, and an underwhelming challenge mode. Did I miss something?
Final Minute MarkUp
Are you thinking of purchasing Super Street Fighter 4? If you are, it is actually a very simple decision. Let's break it down a little. The modes are still bare-boned, standard affairs. The mini-games were a waste of development time, the online isn't even up to the early-generation Dead or Alive 4, and...there's little else to speak of, but hey! The menus are awesome! The decision to purchase Super Street Fighter 4 comes solely down to whether you want to pay a budget price to receive ten new characters...and get rid of indestructible. The characters are of fairly good quality as far as I can tell--Juri being one of the highlights. Unfortunately, eight of the characters exist in other Capcom fighting games, and only two are completely new, but hey, this is budget priced. In the end, it comes down to your appreciation of the fighting engine the game is built on, and the gaming mileage you'll get out of new characters. If you already own the original, and If you're dying for more Street Fighter content, there are far worse purchases you could make. If you never owned the original, drop a thirty, tape your knuckles, and hit the streets--You won't regret it.
Recommended: For the fans and newcomers.
http://WWW.GamesOpinion.com
Austin Yarger
http://www.GamesOpinion.com
Austin is a Senior attending Clarkston High School located within Michigan's Oakland county.
He currently focuses on Computer Sciences and the Literary Arts.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Austin_Yarger
Upon booting the game from the Xbox dashboard, the colorful Capcom logo displays, along with the ESRB rating. Immediately after, we're treated to a grand opening cinematic in the bold, inky art style of the original Street fighter 4. The trailer is well-made and features some of the new characters including Cody, Ibuki, and Juri, and best of all, no Indestructible in sight. The title screen appears and is both fairly similar to, but less static than the original's title screen, thanks to some smoke moving stylistically across the screen. Let's get this game started.
Unfortunately, like many games of late, we're first scanned to see if we own any DLC, upon leaving the title screen. Why this can't be done under-the-hood, I just don't know. Fortunately, a few seconds later greets the player with a fantastic set of art-heavy menus, with animated transitions even! wow! Much more impressive than the original's generic setup.
After investigating the multiplayer menu, it's clear that not a great deal has changed in this section. There are now endless battles that function as a never ending arcade-line match. There's a new team-battle, which seems silly in design, for whichever team has the better single player will most likely win regardless of any of the other team's players...The omission of a player match option is a little sad, as I would appreciate the ability to get my crank kicked without scaring up my record.
Jumping into Arcade mode, we can see that there are a bounty of new characters, and everyone is unlocked from the get-go this time. A very welcome feature, though I wonder if this will come at the expense of good unlockables when I finally do defeat Seth. I'll select Juri, since she seems to be the poster-child of this new title. Players can now choose between one of two ultra moves as well--a nice strategic touch. After the familiar pre-match intro and a predictably craptastic anime slideshow intro, along with a bit more loading than was in the original game, we're into the match. Juri is apparently an evil, flaunting Korean woman, based on her intro animation--a quality animation in line with the rest of the street fighter cast from the original. Unfortunately, my opponent Abel is sporting the same intro animation he had from the first game, a very disappointing prospect, for we can now assume that all other animations will also be the same for all the original characters.
Now into the match, it seems that the solid fighting engine from the original has remained almost completely unchanged. It is obvious that this update was all about the content and not about reshaping an excellent fighting foundation. Juri is a very fun character to use, with a flying kick much akin to Cammy's cannon spike, which can also be made into a several-hit combo just by mashing the kick button. She also has a nice crowd-breaker attack that could only be described as a cartwheel of death. I wish I could power through arcade mode, but time's running out and there's a bit more to see.
Five Minutes Remaining
Back on the main menu lies a few more options, like challenge, which leads to several mini-games like car crusher and barrel breaker, along with a trial mode which runs you through each of a characters combos. I've never been a fan of the latter mode, and the mini-games are only good as a joke--And like a joke, they're only funny once.
Besides training mode, there is very little else here. You've got a standard Arcade mode, standard training mode, standard online mode, and an underwhelming challenge mode. Did I miss something?
Final Minute MarkUp
Are you thinking of purchasing Super Street Fighter 4? If you are, it is actually a very simple decision. Let's break it down a little. The modes are still bare-boned, standard affairs. The mini-games were a waste of development time, the online isn't even up to the early-generation Dead or Alive 4, and...there's little else to speak of, but hey! The menus are awesome! The decision to purchase Super Street Fighter 4 comes solely down to whether you want to pay a budget price to receive ten new characters...and get rid of indestructible. The characters are of fairly good quality as far as I can tell--Juri being one of the highlights. Unfortunately, eight of the characters exist in other Capcom fighting games, and only two are completely new, but hey, this is budget priced. In the end, it comes down to your appreciation of the fighting engine the game is built on, and the gaming mileage you'll get out of new characters. If you already own the original, and If you're dying for more Street Fighter content, there are far worse purchases you could make. If you never owned the original, drop a thirty, tape your knuckles, and hit the streets--You won't regret it.
Recommended: For the fans and newcomers.
http://WWW.GamesOpinion.com
Austin Yarger
http://www.GamesOpinion.com
Austin is a Senior attending Clarkston High School located within Michigan's Oakland county.
He currently focuses on Computer Sciences and the Literary Arts.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Austin_Yarger
Widgets Odyssey 2 - Review PlayStation Portable (PSP, PlayStation Minis)
When I took a look at Frima Studio's Widgets Odyssey for PSP earlier this summer, I came away less than impressed. The company had spun an action puzzle game, which - disregarding high production values - simply wasn't able to deliver an entertaining game experience, despite the title being an affordable digital release on Sony's PlayStation Minis platform.
Frima Studio has now released the promised second part in the series, and so it's time to evaluate if Widgets Odyssey 2 can hold up to scrutiny better than it's younger sibling.
In last episode of 'Robots On The Run'
Widgets Odyssey 2 sees the completion of the mad dash for escape that the robotic fugitives Spad, Cosmo, Bruce, Helmut and Monk started in the first game. The five chums are desperately making their run from the evil galactic overlord Yagor and his mad robotic army set on destruction. The final chapter's script is filled with gags and humour in spades and Frima Studio continues to impress with well composed cutscenes, the price bracket taken into consideration.
Second time is the charm
Widgets Odyssey 2 stays true to the ideas from the first game, and successfully remedies most of the failings quite successfully. The five robots must once more avoid acid pools, execute difficult jumps across frail platforms, annihilate dangerous robotic adversaries, and solve small puzzles on their way to sweet freedom.
Where the Widgets' first outing was full of promise, the game didn't come through, and was plagued with uninspired levels, short playtime and lack of real challenge - most of which is now history. The designers at Frima Studio increased the difficulty level, added a few twists with better puzzles and new game elements. Levels are larger, demand more skill to conquer and are much more varied. The company even managed to include some rewarding mini games, most noteworthy a fun little rhythm challenge and a shoot-em-up section that's actually quite fun.
Short but sweet
Odyssey 2 adds a bit of length compared to previously, but still falls short of 2 hours in total. Still, Spad and co. delivers far better entertainment that before, but be aware that the title offers little replay incentive.
Not only beautiful on the outside
Having taken care of the game play department, Widgets Odyssey 2's good looks are even more appreciated. Scenery is detailed, beautifully crafted 2D affairs, characters oozes charm and the cutscenes steals the show with their bright, cartoon antics. Sound effects are rudimentary and the very limited soundtrack tends to grate quite fast.
Vindicated
Even taking the limited duration into account, Widgets Odyssey 2 is a far better proposition than its predecessor. You get more fun, content and excitement this time around, and fans of quirky action puzzlers can safely pick this one up for a Sunday afternoon on the couch with your PSP.
Verdict: Get it! (Verdict list: 'Get it!', 'Borrow' or 'Never mind')
For in-game screenshots and additional portable game reviews, please check: WO 2 review.
More reviews and news from the handheld video game scene at Burning Thumbs.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Tommy_A.
Frima Studio has now released the promised second part in the series, and so it's time to evaluate if Widgets Odyssey 2 can hold up to scrutiny better than it's younger sibling.
In last episode of 'Robots On The Run'
Widgets Odyssey 2 sees the completion of the mad dash for escape that the robotic fugitives Spad, Cosmo, Bruce, Helmut and Monk started in the first game. The five chums are desperately making their run from the evil galactic overlord Yagor and his mad robotic army set on destruction. The final chapter's script is filled with gags and humour in spades and Frima Studio continues to impress with well composed cutscenes, the price bracket taken into consideration.
Second time is the charm
Widgets Odyssey 2 stays true to the ideas from the first game, and successfully remedies most of the failings quite successfully. The five robots must once more avoid acid pools, execute difficult jumps across frail platforms, annihilate dangerous robotic adversaries, and solve small puzzles on their way to sweet freedom.
Where the Widgets' first outing was full of promise, the game didn't come through, and was plagued with uninspired levels, short playtime and lack of real challenge - most of which is now history. The designers at Frima Studio increased the difficulty level, added a few twists with better puzzles and new game elements. Levels are larger, demand more skill to conquer and are much more varied. The company even managed to include some rewarding mini games, most noteworthy a fun little rhythm challenge and a shoot-em-up section that's actually quite fun.
Short but sweet
Odyssey 2 adds a bit of length compared to previously, but still falls short of 2 hours in total. Still, Spad and co. delivers far better entertainment that before, but be aware that the title offers little replay incentive.
Not only beautiful on the outside
Having taken care of the game play department, Widgets Odyssey 2's good looks are even more appreciated. Scenery is detailed, beautifully crafted 2D affairs, characters oozes charm and the cutscenes steals the show with their bright, cartoon antics. Sound effects are rudimentary and the very limited soundtrack tends to grate quite fast.
Vindicated
Even taking the limited duration into account, Widgets Odyssey 2 is a far better proposition than its predecessor. You get more fun, content and excitement this time around, and fans of quirky action puzzlers can safely pick this one up for a Sunday afternoon on the couch with your PSP.
Verdict: Get it! (Verdict list: 'Get it!', 'Borrow' or 'Never mind')
For in-game screenshots and additional portable game reviews, please check: WO 2 review.
More reviews and news from the handheld video game scene at Burning Thumbs.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Tommy_A.
NCAA Football 2011
EA Sports has long been a leader in the sports video game market and NCAA College Football 2011 is no different. It has definitely upgraded over last years version and is a must have if you enjoy College Football. We will discuss some of the new features and why we think it is one of the best games on the market.
NCAA 2011 has some great new features such as the blocking of the lineman and tight ends. If you have good lineman and you have numbers on that side of the field then most of the time you will be able to run that side fairly easily. I really love when your guards are pulling on a pitch out or counter and they kick there guy out fairly easily and make a huge hole for the running back.
Another nice feature in College Football 2011 is the receivers and how they handle themselves. In the past the receivers would not hardly challenge for the ball. In this years game they will go and get the ball and battle with the defender to make a play. Its really nice to have this option when you are going for a first down or close to the end zone you can actually depend on your receivers a little more.
These are just a few of the noticeable features of NCAA Football 2011 that make it a great College Football Game. The Overall Gameplay is awesome and these extra features really make it a must have. Check out our PlayStation 3 websites below for more help and reviews.
PlayStation 3 Games Coming Soon http://playstation3gamescomingsoon.blogspot.com/
PlayStation 3 Problems Guide: http://playstation3problems2.blogspot.com/
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Chad_Creel
NCAA 2011 has some great new features such as the blocking of the lineman and tight ends. If you have good lineman and you have numbers on that side of the field then most of the time you will be able to run that side fairly easily. I really love when your guards are pulling on a pitch out or counter and they kick there guy out fairly easily and make a huge hole for the running back.
Another nice feature in College Football 2011 is the receivers and how they handle themselves. In the past the receivers would not hardly challenge for the ball. In this years game they will go and get the ball and battle with the defender to make a play. Its really nice to have this option when you are going for a first down or close to the end zone you can actually depend on your receivers a little more.
These are just a few of the noticeable features of NCAA Football 2011 that make it a great College Football Game. The Overall Gameplay is awesome and these extra features really make it a must have. Check out our PlayStation 3 websites below for more help and reviews.
PlayStation 3 Games Coming Soon http://playstation3gamescomingsoon.blogspot.com/
PlayStation 3 Problems Guide: http://playstation3problems2.blogspot.com/
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Chad_Creel
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