Game Reviews Play Station

The PlayStation 3 Saga: Information you Should be Aware Of

How do you define entertainment in the 21st century?

Gone are the days when operas, theatrical plays, and circus events were the most popular forms of entertainment. With the evolution and rapid development of technology nowadays, entertainment is now on its interactive form.

Kids and adults alike find themselves enjoying the benefits of technology, especially on the entertainment industry. Animated and digital films as well as high-technology gadgets replaced traditional forms of entertainment. The impact of technology to the entertainment industry is evident such that it produced one of the most popular machinery of all time, especially to the younger generations of our society?the video game console.

Almost every ordinary American household owns at least a video game console. Since the Magnavox Odyssey era, video game consoles proved its worth to be one of the most popular forms of entertainment, especially to the younger generations of our society. The interesting storyline behind every game as well as the animation features are regarded to be one of the contributing factors to the success of video game consoles in the entertainment industry.

Thus, it is not surprising that video game consoles reached its seventh generation, which began in the last quarter of 2005 with the release of Microsoft Corporation's Xbox 360. Thanks to the Big 3 of video gaming industry (Sony, Microsoft, and Nintendo), video game consoles are evolving fast, resulting to the production of advanced and more powerful video game consoles.

Among the members of the seventh generation of video game consoles is Sony's PlayStation 3, which is scheduled to be released on different dates in major countries around the world. Its initial release was announced to be on November 11, 2006 in Japan, November 17 of the same year in Canada and United States, and March 2007 in Australasia and Europe.

The third member of Sony's PlayStation series, PS3 was officially unveiled to the public during the E3 Conference on May 16, 2005. The release will involve the shipment of two configurations, as detailed in the Sony press release. The premium version of the PS3 contains an internal 60 GB hard drive, multiple flash memory card reader, wireless internet connectivity, and a brighter cosmetic silver-colored trim. On the other hand, the alternative configuration of the console comes with an internal 20 GB hard drive (which is upgradeable), yet without wireless internet connectivity as well as a memory card reader.

According to the information announced on the PS3 press release, the video game console will have a series of title launches for its game, which are as follows:

- Madden NFL 2007;
- Full Auto 2: Battle Lines;
- Genji: Days of the Blade;
- College Hoops 2007;
- Mobile Suit Gundam: Crossfire;
- Need for Speed: Carbon;
- Ridge Racer 7;
- Sonic the Hedgehog;
- Tiger Woods PGA Tour 2007; and
- Tony Hawk's Project 8.

There are also title launches for other genres of PS3 games, such as for role playing (Final Fantasy XIII), action (Metal Gear Solid 4: Guns of the Patriots), racing (Gran Turismo HD), and fighting (Virtua Fighter 5). All of these games are scheduled to be released within the last quarter of 2006 and the first half of 2007.

If you are interested to know more facts about the PlayStation 3, related information is readily available in Sony's official website as well as video game console reviews. Read such information about this latest offering from Sony and be one of the interactive entertainment aficionados.

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five games in one box, The Orange Box

Product Features

* Characters - Advanced facial animation system delivers the most sophisticated in-game characters ever seen. With 40 distinct facial muscles, human characters convey the full array of human emotion, and respond to the player with fluidity and intelligence
* Physics - From pebbles to water to 2-ton trucks respond as expected, as they obey the laws of mass, friction, gravity, and buoyancy
* Graphics - Source's shader-based renderer, like the one used at Pixar to create movies such as Toy Story and Monster's, Inc., creates the most beautiful and realistic environments ever seen in a video game.
* AI - Neither friends nor enemies charge blindly into the fray. They can assess threats, navigate tricky terrain, and fashion weapons from whatever is at hand


Product Description
Amazon.com
The Orange Box delivers five innovative games from Valve, creators of the Half-Life franchise, in one box. The Orange Box includes Half-Life 2: Episode Two, PortalTM, and Team Fortress 2 in addition to full versions of the award-winning Half-Life 2 and Half-Life 2: Episode One for an engrossing first-person action experience.

Features:

* Five Games, One Box: The Orange Box is the ultimate collection of innovative action games for the console, and an amazing introduction to the Half-Life series for console gamers.
* Epic Storyline: Half-Life 2: Episode Two takes you deeper into one of the best-known stories in gaming, following the desperate struggle of Gordon Freeman against the mysterious Combine. In this episode, you must leave the confines of City 17 for the first time and face even greater dangers beyond the city walls.
* Redefining Action: Portal delivers an innovative new action gaming experience. Arming you with a portal gun that lets you create portals from one location to another with the press of a button, Portal will forever change the way that you interact with your environment.
* World-Class Multiplayer: Team Fortress 2 is the sequel to granddaddy of role-based multiplayer action games. Featuring nine distinct roles Heavy, Spy, Scout, Demoman, Engineer, Medic, Sniper, Soldier, and Pyro Team Fortress 2 is one of this year’s most anticipated multiplayer games for any platform.

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this is the new game, The Legend of Zelda: Phantom Hourglass

Product Features

* The stylus makes controlling Link easier than ever. Tap on the screen to make Link move, or sweep the stylus around him to swing the sword.
* Players can even draw a path for his boomerang and send it flying into hard-to-reach targets.
* Players can stash the map on the top screen for quick reference or drop it to the touch screen to make notes, study enemies, or chart a path for their boat to follow while they man the cannons.
* Compete with a friend over a local wireless connection - Guide Link through special dungeons to capture the Triforce or command the forces that oppose him.


Product Description
Product Description
The Legend of Zelda: Wind Waker closed with Link and Tetra setting sail for waters unknown... but their story was just beginning, and it continues on the Nintendo DS. When a mysterious fog waylays their band of pirates and leaves Link alone on a strange island, an all-new adventure begins! ** Get in touch! All game control is via the Touch Screen, and the stylus makes controlling Link more natural than ever. Touch the screen to guide Link through the world, or sweep the stylus around him to swing his sword. You can even make notes on your map, chart routes for your boat, or draw paths for your boomerang! ** Adventure time! With Tetra missing, Link must enlist the aid of several fairies as he explores dangerous wilds, uncharted seas, and baffling dungeons. As he does, he meets an array of fascinating characters, hunts for powerful weapons, and collects sand for a mysterious artifact called the Phantom Hourglass. Over time, it will enable him to progress deeper and deeper into the ultimate dungeon. ** Link with a pal! Compete with a friend over local wireless or Nintendo WFC as you guide Link through special battle stages to capture Force Gems or command the forces that oppose him!

Product Description
The epic story of The Legend of Zelda: The Wind Waker continues as Link finds himself lost in a new adventure. Link and Tetra, the leader of a band of pirates, discover a ghost ship in dense fog. Link falls into the ocean when Tetra gets into trouble, and he wakes up alone on the shore of a mysterious island. Throughout the game, Link collects sand for his Phantom Hourglass, which allows him to explore deeper and deeper into a time-limited dungeon in his quest to find Tetra. Featuring intuitive touch-screen controls and innovative puzzles, The Legend of Zelda: Phantom Hourglass offers new challenges for fans of the series and an easy-to-grasp introduction for gamers new to The Legend of Zelda. The robust single-player adventure will have Zelda veterans and newcomers alike engrossed by the story as they move through the game with the stylus. A special two-player battle mode lets players connect locally or via Nintendo Wi-Fi Connection. One player controls Link as he tries to gather as many Force Gems as possible, while the other player manages the enemies who pursue Link. The replayability of these winner-take-all matches is virtually endless.

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Sid Meiers Civilization IV Beyond the Sword

Product Features

* 10 new civilizations
* 12 new scenarios
* 78 new units and 64 new buildings
* 16 new leaders
* 5 new technologies


Product Description
Product Description
The massive Civilization IV universe is about to become more epic with this 2nd expansion pack to the 2005 Game of the Year. The biggest Civ expansion set ever, Civilization IV: Beyond the Sword focuses on the “late game” time periods after the invention of gunpowder and will deliver 12 unique and challenging scenarios created by the development team at Firaxis as well as some esteemed members of the Civ Community.

Product Description
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

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Pokemon Diamond

Product Features

* Worldwide battles and trading using WiFi.
* Real-time clock feature changes the time of day based on the DS clock. The Pokemon you can catch vary based on the region and the time of day. Also, certain Pokemon moves' power changes based on time.
* More elaborate Pokemon Contests. Players can use the accessories and dress up their Pokemon. Players make "Poffin" out of Berries to raise their Pokemon's contest stats.
* New dual-type Pokemon, new/altered moves, and new special abilities add to the already deep strategy of Pokemon battling.
* 3-D enviornments and updated graphics.


Product Description

Amazon.com
Pokemon Diamond is a traditional Pokemon RPG that takes place in a region called Sinnoh.

In the Sinnoh region, there are two Pokemon that symbolize the region. They appear in the Sinnoh reigon's myths and old folklore. One is called Dialga, and is said to have the power to control time. The other is called Palkia, who is said to have the ability to distort space. The sinister organization called Team Galaxy is trying to rule the region by utilizing these two Pokemon's power. During your adventure to complete your Pokedex and become the Champion, these two Pokemon, and Team Galaxy, will intertwine into the story and lead you on a fantastic journey across the Sinnoh region.

When you set off on your travels, you'll be able to play as either a boy or girl Trainer. You will also utilize the DS's dual slots to transfer Pokemon from the GBA Pokemon games and be able to link up with Pokemon Ranger to access more special content. Pokemon fans have caught glimpses of Mime Jr., Lucario, Munchlax and Weavile in Pokemon movies, and these Pokemon will be debuting in this adventure.

Product Description
Pokémon Diamond takes you into the new Sinnoh region, where two unique Pokemon are symbols. The Dialga and Palkia appear in myths and old folklore; legends say they can control space and time. The sinister organization called Team Galaxy is trying to rule the region by capturing and training thes Pokemon. During your adventure to complete your Pokedex and become Champion, these Pokemon & Team Galaxy will intertwine into the story and lead you on a fantastic journey across the Sinnoh region.

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Medieval II Total War: Kingdoms Expansion Pack

Product Features

* 4 new campaigns-Britannia, Teutonic, Crusades, and New Worlds
* 110 new units, 13 new factions, 9 new agents, 5+ new multiplayer scenarios
* New technology trees governed by religion
* 60+ new territories across four new maps
* 20 new custom maps, 1v1 hottseat multiplayer campaign mode , Control multiple armies in a single battle.


Product Description
Product Description
Medieval II: Total War Kingdoms is the official expansion to last year's award-winning Medieval II Total War, presenting players with all-new territories to explore, troops to command, and enemies to conquer. Kingdoms is the most content rich expansion ever produced for a Total War game, with four new campaigns centered on expanded maps of the British Isles, Teutonic Europe, the Middle East, and the Americas. In Medieval II, players were only given a tantalizing glimpse of South America, but in Kingdoms, vast tracts of land in both North and South America have been opened up for players to conquer. All-new factions from the New World are also now fully playable, including the Aztecs, Apaches, and Mayans. Along with the new maps in Britannia, Teutonic, Crusades, and New World Campaigns, there are 13 new factions to play, over 110 units to control, and 50 building types, adding up to 80 hours of new gameplay. Kingdoms also offers new multiplayer maps and hotseat multiplayer, allowing players to play one-versus-one campaign games on the same computer.

Product Description
Medieval II: Total War Kingdoms expands Medieval II: Total War with all-new territories to explore, troops to command and enemies to conquer. It's the most content-rich expansion ever produced for a Total War game, with four new campaigns centered on the British Isles, Teutonic Europe, the Middle East and the Americas. Vast tracts of land in the New World are now open to players - and you'll be able to fight or play the Aztecs, Apaches, and Mayans. Kingdoms also offers new multiplayer maps and hotseat multiplayer, allowing players to play one-versus-one campaign games on the same computer. 5+ new multiplayer scenarios 60+ new territories across four new maps 20 new custom maps 1v1 hotseat multiplayer campaign mode Control multiple armies in a single battle. Players - 1 or 2-8 over LAN or Online

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Medal of Honor Airborne

Product Features

* PC Games Software; for PC
* Published by Electronic Arts


Product Description
Product Description
In Medal Of Honor: Airborne, you'll step into the boots of Boyd Travers, Private First Class of the 82nd Airborne Division. Engage in battles throughout Europe, from rocky beginnings in Sicily to war-winning triumphs in Germany. Each mission begins behind enemy lines, with an intense and fully interactive airdrop. Your ability to determine your own starting point dramatically changes the way each mission plays out. View the entire operation from the air, and then control your parachute to choose your landing spot. On the ground, gather your senses and assess the terrain. A wide variety of authentic, customizable weapons are at your disposal, each with distinct characteristics. Choose your path in this free roaming FPS environment. Medal of Honor Airborne will also feature exceptionally photo-realistic characters, adding to the intensity of the cinematic, story-driven game.

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Metroid Prime 3: Corruption

Product Features

* First-Person Perfect - Control Samus by moving with the Nunchuk controller and aiming with the Wii Remote controller, allowing for a level of immersion unlike anything they have ever experienced
* Wonderful Weapons - Samus employs well-known power-ups like the Grapple Beam and Morph Ball to survive. Using the Wii Remote and Nunchuk controllers, you will be able to grasp and pull things by using actual arm movements, as well as execute amazing feats like aiming and blasting in midair or at a full run.
* Phazon's Powers - The game also incorporates a new system involving Phazon. If you fill Samus' Phazon supply to a certain level, Samus will temporarily go into hyper mode, a state in which she can pull off incredible feats. On the flip side, if she exceeds the maximum Phazon level, she'll perish.
* For the first time in the Metroid series, Samus' ship will be used in active game play



Product Description
Product Description
You ARE Samus with Wii control! By moving around with the Nunchuk and aiming Samus's gun with the Wii Remote, you'll do more than look through the eyes of Samus—you'll experience a quantum leap in first-person control. Fire on the run, grapple enemies and yank off their shields, or manipulate machinery with movements of the Nunchuk and Wii Remote—it all adds up to a level of immersion only possible on the Nintendo Wii, and the best first-person controls on any platform, period. ** Corruption is everywhere... Dark Samus, Samus's longtime nemesis, is corrupting entire planets by launching enormous seeds called Leviathans into them. Samus must travel to multiple planets—each with unique alien landscapes and dangers—to fight the corruption and track several other bounty hunters, all the while fighting the spreading Phazon that threatens to take over her body completely. As it corrupts her, it also grants her incredible powers... ** Enter Hypermode! Samus will employ a never-before-used device called a Phazon Enhancement Device (P.E.D) that harnesses the Phazon within her and puts her into a state called Hypermode. In Hypermode, Samus can destroy Phazon impediments and annihilate enemies with superpowered weapons...but it drains her health to use it, and she risks utter corruption if she doesn't empty her Phazon meter within a certain time frame. You'll need to carefully balance your need for ultimate power with the inherent danger of corruption.

Product Description
The Galactic Federation's Base Sector Zero is under attack by Space Pirates. As Samus you must boot up the generator to restore the defense systems. But at the end of her path, someone awaits you. If you think you knew what it felt like to be the bounty hunter behind the visor, think again. Take aim at evil with Nintendo's revolutionary controller. You control Samus by moving with the Nunchuk controller and aiming with the pointer, allowing for a level of immersion unlike anything you have ever experienced before. Through the eyes of Samus, you experience a quantum leap in first-person control as you wield the Wii Remote. Samus will employ well-known power-ups like the Grapple Beam and Morph Ball on top of new surprises to help her survive her coming trials.

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BioShock

Product Features

* Biologically mod your body with plasmids - genetic augmentations that empower you with dozens of fantastic abilities
* Take control of your world by hacking devices and systems
* Upgrade your weapons at Fire-For-Effect stations located through Rapture
* Pick up materials in the city to modify them at U-Invent kiosks
* Explore an incredible and unique art deco world hidden deep under the ocean, vividly illustrated with realistic water effects



Product Description
Product Description
BioShock lets you do the impossible as you explore a mysterious underwater city. When your plane crashes, you discover Rapture - an underwater Utopia torn apart by civil war. Caught between powerful forces and hunted down by genetically modified "splicers" and deadly security systems, you have to come to grips with a deadly, mysterious world filled with powerful technology and fascinating characters. As little girls loot the dead, and biologically mutated citizens ambush you at every turn. Now you're trapped, caught in the middle of a genetic war that will challenge both your capacity to survive and your moral allegiance to your own humanity. Make meaningful and mature decisions that culminate in the grand question - do you exploit the innocent survivors of Rapture to save yourself - or risk all to become their savior?

Product Description
BioShock X360

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