Electronics Gadget Reviews

Rayman Raving Rabbids

Rayman Raving Rabbids is the edgiest and most off-the-wall gaming experience in the history of the Rayman franchise. This new Rayman game features the funniest, zaniest, wackiest antics ever when hordes of nasty bunnies invade Rayman’s world. They enslave him, forcing Rayman to participate in a series of gladiator-like trials. In order to win his freedom, Rayman must entertain and outwit these crazed, out-of-control bunnies.

Beat the bad bunnies and become a superstar!

Unlock mini-games to play with friends. View larger.

Innumerable uses for the Wii Remote allow for creative game modes. View larger.

How many Raving Rabbids can you take out in 30 seconds? View larger.

Multiplayer games are as fast as they are hilarious. View larger.

Welcome to a new generation of Rayman
You’d be hard-pressed to find a game with as much character as Rayman Raving Rabbids. From the creative minigames to the quirks of the bunnies, this game packs an immense amount of entertainment on one disc. It’s rare in games that failing during a competition can bring you as much joy as actually succeeding, but Rayman Raving Rabbids does an admirable job of rewarding your failure with a large dose of comic screams, flying plungers and crossed eyes.

Of course, the point is to succeed and not let the bunnies laugh at your failure. Rayman Raving Rabbids may have a lot of style but it has very little plot. Each level consists of four minigame challenges and one “boss battle,” so to speak. If you complete at least three of the minigames, the main gate opens, allowing you to take on a greater challenge. Once you play a minigame in the Story Mode, you unlock that minigame and can play it at any time and against friends.

Exercise your Wii Remote
Hand it to Ubisoft’s development crew as they really took advantage of the Wii Remote and Nunchuk controllers’ capabilities. Some minigames are as simple as twirling the Wii Remote like a lasso and pushing a button to launch a cow as if you were in a hammer throw competition. Some minigames really test your coordinating, asking you to swing the Nunchuk like a jump rope and flicking the Wii Remote up to make Rayman jump.

Each level has one consistant challege, however: a rhythm game. As a song plays, the bunnies approach a spot on either stage left or right. When they hit that spot, you’ll shake the Nunchuk (if the bunny is on the left) or the Wii Remote when the rabbid hits the mark.

When you take on the boss stages, you’ll find yourself, more often than not, playing a rail shooter. The Wii Remote becomes your light gun, firing plungers at the horde of oncoming rodents. When your plunger supply runs out, shake the Nunchuk to reload. In recent years, the rail shooter (where you don’t control the movement) has been forsaken for the first-person shooter and free movement. The Rayman boss experience will make rail shooter fans rejoice. If other shooters can perform as well as the plunger-fueled firing action of Rayman Raving Rabbids, the genre will come back with a vengeance.

Impressive replay value
There’s extra incentive to play the many minigames of Rayman Raving Rabbids. When you complete a game in Challenge Mode, the game gives you a code that you can enter at the Rayman Web site which basically gives you access to special features on the site.

The minigames of Rayman Raving Rabbids skew toward a younger audience, and at first, an above-average gamer should find the games to be pretty easy. However, once the minigames are unlocked, a big challenge awaits you to get the highest scores and blast your friends in multiplayer challenges. That’s when the real party begins! Rayman delivers exactly what the Wii promises: fun and lots of it. Here’s hoping the bunnies come back for multiple invasions!

User Ratings and Reviews

5 Stars I’ll get you, you rascally rabbid!
This game is a crowd pleaser. It’s so much fun playing this with a group of people or by yourself. You get to be mean to rabbits and do crazy things like milk a cow or race on a bull-hog looking thing. The games seem endless and the fun is non-stop when you’re shooting crazy rabbits with plungers…

5 Stars Great Game, Great price
Got this game for an Easter gift. I heard that this is the best Rayman game.

I even got it for a better price. You can’t help, but laugh. Our friends come over, and want to play this all the time. It is a good party game.

5 Stars Love it!!
We love to play this game as a family. There are some parts that I am good at other my husband and others that only my kids can pass. Favorite game so far.

5 Stars bought it as a gift
Bought it as a gift, the kids enjoyed the game and find it very fun. Great party game for kids of all ages.

4 Stars I like the TV party better
I like the TV party better, but I got this one AFTER that game. This one is the beginning and has the variety and fun. I haven’t been able to “save” if I don’t get through an entire round of challenges so I need to figure that out. I’m partial to being a Rabbid character rather than Rayman (that is the character you are in this game) but overall, for the price, it’s a great deal!

Buy/More Info

Nintendo DS Lite Onyx Black

Lighter, brighter and just as fun as the original Nintendo DS, the Nintendo DS Lite arrives just in time for hungry gamers. It’s smaller than the original DS, with brighter screens and adjustable backlighting. The DS Lite sets itself apart from every other hand-held gaming system on the market with a variety of new features. Center microphone Larger stylus for a better grip Easy-to-reach Start and Select buttons Removable cover keeps the Game Boy Advance cartridge slot clear from dust and debris when not in use Color – Onyx Black

User Ratings and Reviews

5 Stars A Nice Durable System
When I first got this system, I was surprised at how durable it was and how many features it has. It is neat on how it has a touchscreen. This is the first Nintendo product I have owned. I would recommend this system to everyone who is a Nintendo fan.

2 Stars Garbage
This system is garbage. I got it to play Phantasy Star Zero which is probably one of the best games on the Nintendo DS. Everything else is just boring remakes from games on the SNES and N64. Lots of very bad games on this system. I’d rather carry around a laptop than waste my time on the games this thing offers. This is great for kids no doubt but adults no way. If you give this to ignorant old people and they like it then you are disrespecting them with such garbage.

5 Stars Middle Aged Mom loves this!
I just got the Nintendo DS Lite Green Spring bundle for my birthday. My son has had a DS for several years but he rarely lets me play it. I have been wanting one of my own for a while, specifically for the puzzle and mystery type games. First, I have to say, that the Spring Green is so much nicer in person than the pictures here on line. I am so glad I waited to get this color. The case that comes with it is very nice. Fits in my purse and looks very “adult.” It is a very classy bundle. I am just starting to “play” with the Personal Trainer cooking that comes with it. I don’t think I would have bought this item on its own. But the price was right for the bundle and was a very good deal. I have to say, that I actually like the cooking “game.” I am very pleased it came with the bundle.

I also received several puzzle games and Professor Layton and the Curious Village. Again, I am a middle aged mother and I am so pleased to finally have one of my own! They have so many games that are not just for kids! I don’t have to fight over Brain Age anymore! If you are thinking of getting one, don’t wait. Get this one before they run out! This color is hands down the best!

4 Stars DS Lite is a good buy!
I got the DS Lite long after it came out, and I never had the original. So, I won’t be comparing this one to the original DS. Anyway, the DS is a great system, and I’ve thoroughly enjoyed having it, although I have some minor quibbles. Let the review begin!

First off, the DS Lite is well-designed for the most part. It’s sleek, sassy, and attractive. The screens have a built-in brightness adjustment feature, which is nice. Overall, the design is good. I do have one complaint, though. I have the black version and it seems to be a magnet for fingerprints. I don’t know if it’s just the color or the material or what, but I can just wave my hand over it and fingerprints will appear. Oh well, a nice decal will solve that problem!

Now, as much as I love my DS Lite, the fact remains that the PSP has way better graphics. So, the PSP is the more technically impressive machine. However, the DS has a better game library, which is why I chose it. Truth be told, if the PSP had the same game library available, I would have chosen it. Not necessarily because of the graphics (which don’t matter all that much to me), but because of the touch screen. You heard me. I really don’t know how to feel about the touch screen. On the one hand, point-and-click adventures make really good use of the touch screen and are fun to play that way. On the other hand, because a touch screen is available, game developers feel the need to shoehorn in as much touch screen functionality as possible, even when it hurts gameplay. For example, Sonic Chronicles forces you to do everything with the touch screen, including moving your character when it would be so much less tedious to use the d-pad. I suppose that’s the fault of the game developer and not the DS itself, but the PSP won’t suffer from such things since it has no touch screen. Oh well, this argument is kind of pointless, but I thought I’d mention that little quibble anyway.

Overall, I highly recommend getting a DS. It works well, and the game library is great.

5 Stars Fun for even the over 30 crowd!
Love the Brain Age games and Scrabble. Light and very portable. No complaints at all

Buy/More Info

Nintendo DS Lite Cobalt Black

The best-selling video game system in the world has a new cool new color scheme. Like a black T-shirt with a splash of color, the new Cobalt/Black version of the portable Nintendo DS grabs your attention. It looks good whether it’s toted in your school backpack, pulled from your purse or riding with you on a family trip. Cobalt/Black marks the seventh color in the Nintendo DS Lite palette. It joins Polar White, Coral Pink, Onyx, Crimson/Black and the limited-edition Gold and Metallic Rose. Now there’s a Nintendo DS color to complement any outfit.

Nintendo DS Lite revolutionizes the way games are played with ultra-bright dual screens and touch-screen technology. Connect wirelessly to Nintendo Wi-Fi Connection and put your skills to the test against players across the room or across the world. With impressive 3D rendered graphics and ultra-bright screens, Nintendo DS Lite delivers cutting-edge portable games for fans of any genre. With the Nintendo DS Headset, you can talk and chat over Nintendo Wi-Fi Connection or voice command games.

Features

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System
With Nintendo DS Lite, dual screens and touch-screen technology allow you to interact with games like never before. Wireless communication allows you to experience real-time multiplayer gameplay, and the free Nintendo Wi-Fi Connection service allows you to compete against players from around the globe.

Dual Screens:
Two incredibly bright LCD screens offer one of the most groundbreaking gameplay advances ever developed. Each 3-inch screen can reproduce a true 3D view, with impressive 3D renderings that can surpass images displayed on the Nintendo 64.

Nintendo Wi-Fi Connection:
Ready to take on the world? Now, with Nintendo Wi-Fi Connection, you can connect wirelessly, chat and play with Nintendo DS owners across the globe. All you need to play is a Nintendo DS and a Wi-Fi-ready game. There are no subscription fees — the service is free!

Touch Screen Technology:
The lower screen offers something never before provided by any dedicated game device: touch-screen capabilities. You no longer have to rely on just buttons to move your character or shift perspectives. Navigate menus or access inventory items simply by touching the screen with a stylus or fingertip. The possibilities are limited only by developers’ imaginations. The touch screen features a tougher film cover for durability, and the included stylus is stored in the back of the unit.

Microphone Port:
A built-in microphone port means that with Nintendo DS, you only need to tell your games what to do. The Nintendo DS microphone gives you even more ways to interact with your favorite games.

Wireless Network:
With Nintendo DS Lite, you can connect with a local wireless network of up to 16 players. The wireless range can be an incredible 30 to 100 feet and for some games, multiplayer requires just one Nintendo DS game card.

Note: Nintendo DS Lite wireless communication, including PictoChat, is not private and is not monitored by Nintendo. We recommend that you never reveal any personal information or arrange to meet a stranger.

Rich Stereo Sound:
Nintendo DS Lite sound capabilities allow for greatly expanded use of voices and music, and a richer, more immersive game experience. Stereo speakers allow for virtual surround sound and a plug for headphones transmits stereo sound.

Backward Compatibility:
Nintendo DS Lite features a separate media port for Game Boy Advance cartridges, allowing you to play all your favorite Game Boy Advance games in single-player mode.

Technical Specs:

• Size (closed): 133 millimeters (5.2 inches) wide, 73.9 millimeters (2.9 inches) long, 21.5 millimeters (0.85 inches) tall.
• Top Screen: A backlit, 3-inch, transmissive TFT color LCD with 256 x 192 pixel resolution and .24 mm dot pitch, capable of displaying 260,000 colors.
• Touch Screen: Same specs as top screen, but with a transparent analog touch screen.
• Wireless Communication: IEEE 802.11 and Nintendo’s proprietary format; wireless range is 30 to 100 feet, depending on circumstances; multiple users can play multiplayer games using just one DS game card.
• Controls: Touch screen, embedded microphone for voice recognition, A/B/X/Y face buttons, plus control pad, L/R shoulder buttons, Start and Select buttons. The stylus is 1 centimeter longer and 2 millimeters thicker than the stylus of the original Nintendo DS.
• Input/Output: Ports for both Nintendo DS game cards and Game Boy Advance game paks, terminals for stereo headphones and microphone. A removable cover for the Game Boy Advance game pak slot provides added protection from dust and other foreign materials.
• Other Features: Embedded PictoChat software that allows up to 16 users within local range of one another to chat at once; embedded real-time clock; date, time and alarm; touch-screen calibration.
• CPUs: One ARM9 and one ARM7.
• Sound: Stereo speakers providing virtual surround sound, depending on the software.
• Battery: Lithium ion battery delivering five to 19 hours of play on a four-hour charge, depending on use; power-saving sleep mode; AC adapter.
• Languages: English, Japanese, Spanish, French, German, Italian.

User Ratings and Reviews

5 Stars A Nice Durable System
When I first got this system, I was surprised at how durable it was and how many features it has. It is neat on how it has a touchscreen. This is the first Nintendo product I have owned. I would recommend this system to everyone who is a Nintendo fan.

2 Stars Garbage
This system is garbage. I got it to play Phantasy Star Zero which is probably one of the best games on the Nintendo DS. Everything else is just boring remakes from games on the SNES and N64. Lots of very bad games on this system. I’d rather carry around a laptop than waste my time on the games this thing offers. This is great for kids no doubt but adults no way. If you give this to ignorant old people and they like it then you are disrespecting them with such garbage.

5 Stars Middle Aged Mom loves this!
I just got the Nintendo DS Lite Green Spring bundle for my birthday. My son has had a DS for several years but he rarely lets me play it. I have been wanting one of my own for a while, specifically for the puzzle and mystery type games. First, I have to say, that the Spring Green is so much nicer in person than the pictures here on line. I am so glad I waited to get this color. The case that comes with it is very nice. Fits in my purse and looks very “adult.” It is a very classy bundle. I am just starting to “play” with the Personal Trainer cooking that comes with it. I don’t think I would have bought this item on its own. But the price was right for the bundle and was a very good deal. I have to say, that I actually like the cooking “game.” I am very pleased it came with the bundle.

I also received several puzzle games and Professor Layton and the Curious Village. Again, I am a middle aged mother and I am so pleased to finally have one of my own! They have so many games that are not just for kids! I don’t have to fight over Brain Age anymore! If you are thinking of getting one, don’t wait. Get this one before they run out! This color is hands down the best!

4 Stars DS Lite is a good buy!
I got the DS Lite long after it came out, and I never had the original. So, I won’t be comparing this one to the original DS. Anyway, the DS is a great system, and I’ve thoroughly enjoyed having it, although I have some minor quibbles. Let the review begin!

First off, the DS Lite is well-designed for the most part. It’s sleek, sassy, and attractive. The screens have a built-in brightness adjustment feature, which is nice. Overall, the design is good. I do have one complaint, though. I have the black version and it seems to be a magnet for fingerprints. I don’t know if it’s just the color or the material or what, but I can just wave my hand over it and fingerprints will appear. Oh well, a nice decal will solve that problem!

Now, as much as I love my DS Lite, the fact remains that the PSP has way better graphics. So, the PSP is the more technically impressive machine. However, the DS has a better game library, which is why I chose it. Truth be told, if the PSP had the same game library available, I would have chosen it. Not necessarily because of the graphics (which don’t matter all that much to me), but because of the touch screen. You heard me. I really don’t know how to feel about the touch screen. On the one hand, point-and-click adventures make really good use of the touch screen and are fun to play that way. On the other hand, because a touch screen is available, game developers feel the need to shoehorn in as much touch screen functionality as possible, even when it hurts gameplay. For example, Sonic Chronicles forces you to do everything with the touch screen, including moving your character when it would be so much less tedious to use the d-pad. I suppose that’s the fault of the game developer and not the DS itself, but the PSP won’t suffer from such things since it has no touch screen. Oh well, this argument is kind of pointless, but I thought I’d mention that little quibble anyway.

Overall, I highly recommend getting a DS. It works well, and the game library is great.

5 Stars Fun for even the over 30 crowd!
Love the Brain Age games and Scrabble. Light and very portable. No complaints at all

Buy/More Info

Killzone 2

Two years after the Helghast assault on Vekta, the ISA is bringing the fight to the enemy’s home world of Helghan. Taking the role of Sev, the battle-hardened veteran of the special forces unit known as the Legion, players will embark upon a mission to the planet Helghan to capture the Helghast leader, Emperor Visari, and bring the enemy’s war machine to a halt. For Sev and his squad, the invasion of Helghan is just the beginning. Tasked with securing Pyrrhus, the Capital City, the team quickly discovers that the Helghast are a formidable enemy on their home planet. Not only have they adjusted to the planet’s hostile conditions, they have also harnessed a source of power from the environment that can be used against the ISA. Sev and his team soon discover the fight is greater than simply addressing the enemy forces; the Legion must also learn how to handle the effects of the fierce enemy planet.

User Ratings and Reviews

3 Stars What kinda gamer are you?
I enjoyed the gameplay though you could tell they borrowed from Gears or War and the consumer expectation of taking physical cover. The execution of this was somewhat annoying (holding down L2 to remain in cover). The scenes were dark with respect to lighting which is to be expected, but made the game less enjoyable because I didn’t know what I was looking at sometimes (I checked settings and played on a 46″ Samsung). Graphically the game is very rich in textures and rendering.

The campaign was short and the story-line seemed to be rushed, especially the ending, which was very disappointing. Apparently the online play is great, but I can’t really review it since I’ve only gone on three times.

If you’re buying the game to enjoy by yourself, it’ll be shortlived. If you’re buying it for the combo-campaign/online, then you’ll be satisfied

2 Stars OK Game, not great in anyway
This game is ok, great graphics. Don’t need aim assist so no problem there but what suck big time is the split second hesitation/freezing during gameplay and/or when the game is loading. For a great system like the PS3, you’d expect smooth gameplay and transition, not he herky jerky system loading. What a waste, would have been a 5 but gave it a 2.

5 Stars Buy this game now!!!
Can’t go wrong with this game. One of the best games available for the PS3. This game is very well balanced, lots of action and great graphics. Story could use a little work though. I also have halo 3 for the xbox 360 and I like this game more. Don’t wait order this game today. I purchased it when it was in the amazon gold box for [...] bucks, money well spent.

3 Stars Rent It or Buy Used
A good game but not great. The visuals are stunning. There story is interesting. Great weapons: the electricity gun is awesome. And the enemies die in a very realistic and entertaining way.

The challenge with the game is the aiming. It’s very difficult to aim precisely and quickly. The problem with this and all console first person shooters is the fact that the same joy stick is responsible for looking and aiming. “Looking” is a fast movement that covers a long distance. Think about it: you view/look 180 degrees as you enter a room to check for enemies. In contrast, “aiming” is a slower, precise movement covering a very small distance. So how can one joy stick do both? Answer: it can’t. That’s why aim assist can be helpful (But Killzone 2 doesn’t have one.) Aim/zoom could fix this but it doesn’t slow down the movement at all so it doesn’t improve accuracy. Until the console game designers create a new solution, the best FPS experience is and always will be on a PC.

UPDATE: I wanted to check and see if I was being too harsh so I just played Call of Duty 4: Modern Warfare on my PS3 for comparison. The aim assist on that game makes game play so much fun. And hardcore players can turn it off if they want to, so everyone can be happy. A game is supposed to fun and challenging, not annoying or frustrating.

5 Stars Great Game
To preface my review, I initially was not interested in another FPS as the genre is really oversaturated, plagued by annoying players and frankly not much in the way of innovation. I actually pick this up mainly because of a bargin price at the time. I am glad I did because this game is awesome.

The single player is great. It is by no means a push over as most FPS single player components are. It offers a good challenge on any of the difficulties and the battles can get really intense. AI is very intelligent. They don’t sit there waiting for you to kill them. They are constantly moving instead of just running for cover and never moving from it. The story is enough to keep you going from level to level and is good. I also did not forget about the singleplayer game after I finished it as I usually do.

The multiplayer is also great. Lots of options on gameplay (deathmatch, capture and hold/destroy, assassination/survive), lots of metals to earn, and lots of soldier types to keep you from getting bored. I did not have any problems finding matches and they come together pretty quickly.

For Parents: Very little blood and no gore. The only thing to watch for is the near constant cursing in the singleplayer game. Other than that nothing really offensive.

Suggestions: If you are online, please do not use the headset unless you are in a clan. It is really annoying for others when we can all hear your crappy music or when you are having a conversation with your mom about taking out the garbage. You will be made fun of.

Buy/More Info

Wii Perfect Shot Gun

Traditional one handed pistol-like grip / Aiming sight increases accuracy / Wii Remote easily slides into grip and locks into place

User Ratings and Reviews

3 Stars Fun
These are fun put you have to look at the target on the screen instead of looking down the sites of the gun.

5 Stars Excellent!
For many years I’ve kept my Sega Dreamcast around for one reason: the awesome light guns and House of the Dead 2. Now I’m afraid that my DC is going to be gather dust on the shelf. The Wii Perfect Shot Gun has proven to be a great addition to my arsenal of controllers. The Wiimote snaps in tight, and the Nunchuk plugs firmly into the pistol grip. Unlike the Wii Zapper, this controller can be used one-handed. Since it used the Wiimote, it is compatible with all of your shooting games: Resident Evil, House of the Dead 2 and 3 Return, and House of the Dead: Overkill just to name a few. Highly recommended.

5 Stars great family fun
I really like these they keep our hands from getting sore when playing chicken shoot!

5 Stars Makes you wanting more Shooter games ! (n__n)
I purchased this gun to go with my Ghost Squad game and it totally enhances your game play. The gun is a pretty good size that you can still keep your aim steady by placing on hand on the barrel while the other works the trigger. I am looking forward to getting me some more Shooter games cuz this gun enhances them and I paid $10 bucks for mine. So price is very affordable. I’d recommend it for sure !!

4 Stars worth every penny
Great product, very easy to handle and perfect for light rail shooters. I wasn’t a wii shooters fan until I picked up this device and house of the dead. Much better than the wii zapper.

Buy/More Info