Miscellaneous Rambling Blog:

Wii Music Full Review
20 October, 2008

Wii Sports, with its simple, but fun (and in the case of bowling, surprisingly deep) control mechanics, has proven a runaway sensation for Nintendo. I still pick up the compilation now and again, especially when I've got some friends over, and bowl a few rounds or even hit some virtual tennis balls back and forth. And I have supported the developer's innovative exercise program, Wii Fit, since it was first unveiled; it is another piece of software that I continue to use -- it has, in fact, become part of my weekly workout regiment. On the other hand, I've remained outwardly skeptical of Wii Music since its unveiling because, for all of Nintendo's demoes of the title, I've never really been convinced that there is an interesting or fun mechanic to playing the wide assortment of instruments housed within. And disappointingly, my extended time with the finished product has not wiped away that skepticism. If anything, it's only confirmed my suspicions, specifically that Nintendo's first step into the music / rhythm genre is actually a misstep, one resulting in a product so unsophisticated that it practically plays itself.

Before we even get to the gameplay breakdown, though, take a second and think about what you might value in a game dedicated to music. I imagine a robust roster of popular classic and contemporary songs tops the list for obvious reasons. What about an assurance that the songs included will be presented in the highest audio quality possible. I mean, people went nuts when they found out that the musical tracks in the Wii version of Guitar Hero were outputted in mono and for good reason: we expect a certain caliber of presentation from today's software. Unfortunately, with Wii Music Nintendo has demonstrated that it doesn't care to satisfy expectations. Not only are most of the 50-plus tracks lifted from the public domain -- such timeless hits as Twinkle, Twinkle, Little Star, O Christmas Tree, My Grandfather's Clock and Bridal Chorus -- but they are also rendered in archaic, amateur MIDI. I've heard some good MIDI renditions in my day and let me tell you, you won't find any of them in Wii Music. It is a good thing that Beethoven is long dead because he would not ever wish to hear the game's lifeless version of Ode to Joy.

Nintendo has tried just a little to include a handful of songs in the mix not designed entirely for the eight-and-under or sixty-and-over crowd. Company fans will undoubtedly be delighted to try their hand at playing versions of the Legend of Zelda theme, F-Zero's Mute City theme, and more, including tunes from Super Mario Bros. There are also some more contemporary tracks, from Material Girl to Wake me Up Before You Go-Go and Daydream Believer. The lineup isn't offensively bad, but if you want to play a lot of Nintendo songs, you're out of luck for they are discouragingly scarce and if you'd rather jam to a roster of today's hits, keep dreaming because you aren't likely to find anything created this millennium. I find the roster of music and all of its shortcomings to be a fundamental problem because I frankly have little interest in playing bad, MIDI versions of songs typically heard in elevators. That is not what I want from a game that revolves around music. Obviously, a MIDI soundtrack has its advantages, namely spontaneity -- the option for players to quickly add or remove instruments from a piece. It's really too bad it couldn't have sounded a little better.

Moving past the music and into the mechanics that make up the game, Wii Music is a difficult title to judge because it's hard to know exactly who the title is made for. On the one hand, you don't really compose music so much as you cue the next note, a fact that transforms what might've been a very creative process into something that feels intentionally dumbed down. If you waggle the Wii remote to the tune of Twinkle, Twinkle Little Star, you will play the song one way or the other regardless of your timing. Sure, it'll sound better if your pace is right and you stay with the rhythm, but even if you go into a seizure on the floor, you'll bang out the chords all the same. To its credit, the game allows you the freedom to pepper songs with your own style -- you can add notes, hold notes, and alter pitch with some items, a truth enhanced by the fact that there is a robust list of instruments to choose from, some 60 total. But when all is said and done, you're not so much creating as you are modifying songs, so if you're accustomed to really taking the reigns of your videogames, I think you will be left wanting more from Wii Music's setup.
Then there is the point that your waggles don't always seem to mean much. In the music maestro, a mini-game in which you take on the role of a symphonic conductor, you must wave the Wii remote around in order to effect changes in the pace and rhythm of songs. If you go slowly, the symphony will follow suit and if you move quickly, so will the musicians, beating out the song. Except, if you really experiment, you'll play the song incorrectly and lose points, so there's no benefit to doing anything but waving the Wii remote about wildly. In fact, when I legitimately tried to conduct the virtual symphony, I scored less points than when I simply waggled rapidly. So much potential, wasted.

There are four different techniques to playing the 60 instruments in Wii Music, some more satisfying and entertaining than others. To play a guitar, you will hold the nunchuk outward like a fret and strum with the Wii remote. Of course, you won't have all the frets of a real guitar at your disposal and you will quickly notice that most of your inputs are simply pushing the notes of a pre-selected song forward, anyway. Meanwhile, if you're playing the flute, you will hold the Wii remote upside down and to your mouth and play using the 1 and 2 buttons. Couldn't be simpler, but I prefer this style because your inputs register with greater accuracy and speed than they do with waggles, another common issue with instruments tied to gestures. And for an instrument like the piano, you will simply bang forward with the nunchuk and Wii remote, although admittedly you can also change up your performances by again holding a combination of buttons and pushing up or down on the analog stick. Everything works just well enough, but none of it, with the exception of flutes and horns, feels very intuitive. On top of that, I think seasoned gamers will be turned off by the entire process for it does push the limits of the gesture gimmick, often with unrewarding results.
Closing Comments
I wouldn't qualify Wii Music as an abysmal failure. The truth is, I like some of the concepts powering the game. The ability to dynamically alter music using a variety of instruments. The fact that you can layer together different songs and really create your own style. And the integration of Mii avatars, not to mention WiiConnect24 support, definitely add further polish to the fun and simple presentation. I think for all of the above reasons, kids may really latch onto Nintendo's latest effort (although I feel a little sorry for parents who must endure the cacophony of noises coming from their child's bedroom).

That said, I think most adults will quickly recognize that Wii Music is little more than a noise maker tied to a series of gestures and grow bored of the experience in a matter of hours, if not minutes. The controls aren't particularly intuitive , but gimmicky, and the selection of music is fundamentally flawed with both dated public domain songs rendered in equally dated MIDI. That Guitar Hero World Tour's complementary modes -- namely Mii Freestyle and advanced studio -- completely obliterate the entire Wii Music package is proof just how much Nintendo's game either doesn't do or doesn't do well.
Where to find Cheap Wii?

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posted by admin @ 15:55, ,

LEGO Indiana Jones Temple of the Crystal Skull Review
03 October, 2008

One of the largest sets released so far, the Temple of The Crystal Skull is a flashback to the older Adventurers series that had mini themes for the Amazon and Egypt. The suggested retail price of $79.99 might seem a bit steep for some parents but if you have a child that is into the Indiana Jones films or is a die hard Lego fanatic they will have hours and hours of fun with this set. One of the core principals of Lego is the ability to build almost anything from nothing more than a handful of bricks and bits. This was a most welcome addition to our collection and something that I know will be used for years to come.

here are so many incredible things in the set but it all starts out with the large detailed base plate. This is what almost everything gets anchored to and provides stability for the temple. Base plates like this are few and far between; not only is it the non-typical green but it has stenciled rocks and a clay color to it. Any time things are stenciled you are getting more detail and that can add to how a child uses it, the replay value and the number of ways that it can be used. While these pieces are a little more delicate than others, with a little bit of care they will last for years. Once you unpack the set you should read through the instructions so you are aware of the various perks of the set.

Product Description:

What is the secret of the Temple of the Crystal Skull? Indiana Jones and Mutt want to find out, but first they'll have to get past Irina Spalko, and then survive the temple's collapsing stairs, firing spears, hostile warriors, and many other tricks and traps. Includes Indiana Jones, Mutt Williams, Irina Spalko, Russian Guard, two Ugh Warriors and three Akator Skeleton minifigures, plus top-secret features straight from the movie's action-packed climax. 929 pieces.

ONLINE LEGO STORE FOR MORE LEGO SETS

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posted by admin @ 14:46, ,

Nikon D40 6.1MP Digital SLR Camera Full Review
21 September, 2008

The 6 Megapixel Nikon D40 is targeted for those who want a relatively compact and light camera yet having most of the important SLR features. The D40 is priced reasonably (cheaper than D50/D80 and Canon Rebel XTi). In my opinion, if you are still considering whether to get a point and shoot camera or a DSLR, the D40 will be a better choice than any point and shoot camera, by far, even those with 8MP or 10MP. But if you are already deciding to get a DSLR or you want more control of the picture taking experience, then I would recommend you to also test the D50 and/or D80 first before deciding to buy the D40. I want you to make sure that you know what you will get (and not get) with the D40. Don’t get me wrong though, the D40 is an awesome camera, and I don’t think you will regret buying one. There are some limitation with the D40 which shouldn’t bother most people, for example, the D40 doesn’t have dedicated button to change picture quality, white balance or ISO settings (which generally only professional/enthusiast will care). Once you understand (and accept) its limitation, the D40 is a potent and exciting photography machine.Just like all its (DSLR) siblings, the D40 powers on instantly and take pictures with almost no shutter lag which are the major advantages of a DSLR over a point and shoot camera. In addition to the P,S,A,M mode, the picture quality of the auto settings (auto, child mode, landscape etc) are also very good. With 2.5 frames per second you can capture movement progress in sports like football, basketball, baseball etc. Also great to photograph your family or child (child mode). The D40 is a great all around camera.

Some notable new features:

1. Auto (no flash) mode. Without this mode the flash will pop-up (on all other pre-programmed mode) even when you don’t want to use flash (which can be annoying). The internal flash will not pop up automatically with the P,S,A,M settings.2. In camera editing capability such as black and white, sepia and some filter effects etc. While sounds gimmicky, these features are useful especially for those who doesn’t have Adobe Photoshop (or other image editing software).

To date, D40 is the smallest and lightest among all the Nikon DSLR (even smaller than the Canon Rebel XT/XTi, however the D40 is more ergonomics). I believe that choosing a camera that fits comfortably with your hands is important. Therefore, I recommend people to test the camera before buying (even if you want to buy online, please do go to a physical store and test the camera first whenever possible).


The D40 has only 3 (horizontal) autofocus point (5 for D50 and 11 for D80). If you know “The Rule of Thirds”, the additional AF points above and below the center focus point (available in D50 and D80) are handy to help create the horizontal third line. However, the 3 horizontal AF point in D40 is still helpful to create the vertical third line. Also one can focus with the middle AF point and after the focus is lock then move the frame upwards/downwards to create the horizontal third line. Just make sure the exposure level is still accurate when you move the frame after you lock the focus.

About the 18-55mm II AF-S kit lens: A good lens producing sharp photos (though not a very fast lens). Also decent for close-up/macro photography. Lens uses internal focus technology and focusing operation is silent. A very decent kit lens.
Lens compatibility: Notice that with D40, autofocus function will not work for non AF-S/AF-I lens. If you already have non AF-S/AF-I Nikon lenses and want a backup or replacement camera, you will be better off buying D50, D70s or D80. If you buy the D40, it will be convenient to stick with AF-S and AF-I type lenses. I’m not sure why Nikon choose this route for the D40 (whether to enable smaller size camera or from now on Nikon will only make AF-S lens compatible camera). There are a lot of good Nikon AF-S lenses (price range added: low, medium, high) that are fully compatible with the D40 such as:


- Nikon 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6G ED AF-S DX (L)
- Nikon 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6G ED II AF-S DX (L)
- Nikon 18-70mm f/3.5-4.5G ED IF AF-S DX (L)
- Nikon 18-135mm f/3.5-5.6G ED-IF AF-S DX (L)
- Nikon 18-200mm f/3.5-5.6 G ED-IF AF-S DX VR (M)
- Nikon 55-200mm f4-5.6G ED AF-S DX (L)
- Nikon 55-200mm f4-5.6G ED AF-S DX VR (L)
- Nikon 70-300mm f/4.5-5.6G ED-IF AF-S VR (M)
- Nikon 12-24mm f/4G ED IF AF-S DX (M)
- Nikon 17-35mm f/2.8D ED-IF AF-S (H)
- Nikon 17-55mm f/2.8G ED-IF AF-S DX (H)
- Nikon 28-70mm f/2.8D ED-IF AF-S (H)
- Nikon 70-200mm f/2.8G ED-IF AF-S VR (H)
- Nikon 105mm f/2.8G ED-IF AF-S VR Micro (M)
- And several other expensive prime tele/zoom lens like 200-400mm, 300m, 400mm, 500mm, 600mm.

High priced lens ($1000+) are usually pro level lens which usually have better construction, faster (f-stop), and produce better quality picture. However, often times, lower price lens will serve your needs just fine. I think it is important to know what you want to use the camera for before deciding which camera and lens to buy.
Image quality of the D40 is very good which is #1 factor that I look for in a digital camera.
Here are the pros and cons of the D40 in my opinion:


Pros:
1. Nice out of the camera result picture quality
2. Affordable price
3. Compact size and light weight
4. Large and bright 2.5 inch LCD
5. 2.5 frames per second
6. B/W, Sepia, several more in-camera editing features.
7. Instant power on, fast autofocus and no shutter lag
8. Noise is acceptable at high ISO settings. Auto ISO settings available.
9. Great 18-55mm II AF-S kit lens.
10. Great battery life (400+ on a single charge. 1000+ if flash is not used).
11. Auto (flash off) mode available
12. 1/500 flash sync

Cons:
1. No direct button to change QUAL, WB and ISO settings
2. Grip comfortably but might be a bit too small for some people
3. No top LCD and no front command dial
4. Autofocus will not work with non AF-S or non AF-I lenses (such as the 70-300m G and 50mm f/1.8D lens)
5. No AF/MF switch (have to use the switch on the lens)
6. Only 3 autofocus point
7. 6 Megapixel (More Megapixel needed to print larger than 12 X 18 at 300 dpi)
8. No night landscape mode in pre-programmed settings
9. No in camera image stabilization (like Sony and Pentax) but Nikon has lenses with it (VR).
10. No depth-of-field preview button
In conclusion, the D40 is perfect for those who want high quality pictures, more control (than a point and shoot camera), and have a DSLR experience (instant power on and no shutter lag), without having to carry a bulky camera. And unless you are shooting sports/actions professionaly (which faster focusing processor, faster frames per second and larger memory buffer might be needed), the D40 is pretty much all you will need.

More DSLR Camera visit Camera Store

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posted by admin @ 11:29, ,

IPEVO Free.2 Skype Phone Review
20 September, 2008

We‘ve recently started using Skype hardware by little-known vendor IPEVO. SOLO models for the desktop (pictured) and FREE.2 USB handsets for the road. The SOLO plugs straight into your ethernet network, and also functions as a tiny ethernet switch, providing a port for your computer if you only have one RJ-45 jack at your desk. It took me less than 5 minutes to get running with no “Quick Start Guide” crap or drivers required. Since I already had a fully juiced Skype account, the SOLO logged in flawlessly with no hassle. Happiness ensued.
The full-color screen is easy to read and the angle can be adjusted. Unlike more “enterprisey” phones, there is no excess buttonage, and the unit in general is very easy to figure out and use. Despite a couple minor nitpicky items (could be easier to access voicemail, not enough speed-dial stuff, needs conferencing built in), the SOLO is a solid practical phone at less than $200 (USD) per seat.

If you are familiar with the free-1 then you’ll feel right at home with the free-1, it has the same clean layout and slick design as it’s predecessor with a few added tricks. First of all IPEVO have added a small LCD screen that allows you to view your Skype contact list direct from the phone. This is a big plus as it makes the phone a lot more independent, even though it must remain connected to a computer via USB. The second addition to the free-2 is the record button, a feature that lets you easily record your Skype calls.I’m less fond of the FREE.2. I suppose it works well for what it is, but I don’t like having to think about starting special software to take advantage of all the features. Everything should Just Work without having to worry about additional moving parts. (Oh, and everything should integrate flawlessly with Address Book too.) The hardware itself seems to work well enough, but until the software side is more streamlined and polished I’ll likely stick to headphones and the MacBook Pros built-in microphone.
IPEVO also offers a dedicated conference unit named XING which we may pick up in the future, but have not played with so far.

For more IPEVO Products please visit IPEVO Store

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posted by admin @ 01:09, ,

Western Digital My Book Essential Edition 500GB hard drive Review
19 September, 2008


The Western Digital MyBook Essential Edition is a pared-down version of the MyBook Premium Edition that we reviewed. Available in sizes from 80GB to 500GB, this external hard drive features the same exterior design as the Premium Edition. It also uses the same 7,200rpm hard disk drive, so we expect the performance to be on a par with that of the Premium Edition. The Essential Edition drive has only a USB 2.0 connection (the Premium Edition can also connect via FireWire) and doesn't come with the EMC Dantz Retrospect software that ships on the Premium Edition. Also, the capacity meter on the "spine" of the drive glows green instead of blue.


More Western Digital Hard Drive visit Western Store

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posted by admin @ 00:53, ,

Bratz Genie Magic Doll History
14 September, 2008

The Bratz Dolls are full of mystery and magic in this 'Genie Magic' collection. The girls with a passion for fashion have excelled themselves this time and are able to see into the future of fashion, so look no further - the Bratz girls know what's hot! The five characters appearing in this line are Cloe, Jade, Sasha, Yasmin and Meygan. The first four are the original four girls from the first Bratz line, however Meygan has been introduced to the gang since then. Once again the girls look stunning in their Genie Magic outfits, though this is a completely different look from their usual style. MGA Entertainment, who produce the girls with a passion for fashion, have once again created a popular theme with the 'Genie Magic' collection. Also included in the collection is a magic carpet, a lifestyle bedroom set, a fortune teller and Katia with a bottle. The colours and detail used in each of the girl's outfits really is amazing, the Bratz girls look breathtakingly beautiful!

Yasmin's popularity has remained since her first appearance as one of the original Bratz dolls and Yasmin is probably the most well known compared to the rest. The other three original Bratz dolls also appear in this 'Genie Magic' collection who are Cloe, Jade, Sasha, Yasmin and Meygan. Yasmin is first most used character in the different themes, and looks stunning in this particular collection. Yasmin is the main character of the Bratz and she is like the 'leader' of the pack. She is considered this because CEO Isaac Larian who created the first Bratz dolls had a daughter called Jazmin and her nickname was Yasmin. So he created Yasmin as the main bratz. She is the prettiest and the most sensible of the group. Her long pink skirt and matching little top are covered with jewels, making her look mystical and beautiful. Yasmin has also been in 'Bratz Step Out', 'Bratz Birthday Bash', 'Bratz Midnight Dance' and 'Bratz Wild Wild West'

Cloe is the second of the Bratz to appear in this collection. Cloe is White with long blond hair but as she is not ethnic many little girls consider her not to be in this collection. However, MGA did not remove her from the collection as she was already selling in many shops. Cloe is now the lowest selling genie magic doll. She has been the second most used doll after Yasmin, and quite a popular doll in many of the other Bratz themes, including 'Bratz Step Out', 'Bratz Rock Angelz', 'Bratz Wild Wild West' and 'Bratz Ooh La La', in fact she has been seen in the most of the Bratz themes!





Jade is the third original Bratz character in this Genie Magic
collection. So far Jade has also featured in '
Bratz Step Out', 'Bratz Rock Angelz' and 'Bratz Birthday', as well as others, and looks set to feature in many future themes. Sasha is the last of the original Bratz characters to appear in this collection - the colour of her outfit really compliments her skin tone and she looks like an exotic beauty. Sasha has also appeared in 'Bratz Rock Angelz', 'Bratz Birthday Bash' and 'Bratz Step Out'. The girls all have great accessories to match their mystical appearance and this 'Genie Magic' line sees all the girls looking completely striking. With their magic carpet, the girls are set for a thrilling adventure among the stars and can go anywhere they wish! Meygan is the final character in this line, and the only doll who was not one of the original Bratz characters. Meygan is still recognised as a popular character and has features in other themes including 'Bratz Step Out' and 'Bratz Play Sportz'. Katia also appears in this product line, and she comes with a magical bottle. Katia was known for her appearance in the Bratz 'Holiday Doll' collection, but perhaps she's now going to become another well known member of the Bratz gang.


MORE BRATZ DOLLS PLEASE VISIT BRATZ STORE

Source: http://www.thetoyreview.com/wiki/Bratz_Genie_Magic_Dolls

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posted by admin @ 23:41, ,

FIFA 09 Full Preview ( Updated )
12 September, 2008

We're running up the field, heading into the offensive zone of Chelsea. There's not a defender within 15 yards of us. Ahead, an Arsenal striker is making a deep cut toward the Chelsea goalkeeper and, to his left, renowned striker Emmanuel Adebayor is positioning himself to try to make something happen. Suddenly, our teammate behind us sends the ball our way, which we deftly receive at full gallop. Two Blues defenders are closing in on our striker, but we manage to sneak in a perfectly timed through pass, which he fields, passes to Adebayor, who manages to get the goalkeeper out of position and... GOOOOAL!
Now, technically, our crucial through pass doesn't count as an assist on the scorecard, but it surely felt good to us, especially as an introduction to the new 10-versus-10 online play that looks to be one of the brightest features in EA Sports' upcoming FIFA 09. During a recent trip up to EA Canada we got the first look at 10-versus-10 play, playing a match with 19 developers and producers behind FIFA 09, and we can safely report that the new mode puts an entirely new spin on the virtual sport.

For those familiar with another EA Canada-developed sports game, NHL 09, FIFA 09's 10-versus-10 play is remarkably similar. As with the hockey title, you'll be able to form a club with your friends (a club can have as many as 50 members). Club members can take on other clubs in team matches, with the individual and team performances all counting toward that club's rankings in the overall standings. As for the FIFA league, it still seems to be in its organizational infancy in that there aren't set fixtures between clubs--instead it's a matter of ad hoc matchmaking between clubs and letting the results happen as games are completed. Still, as a first step, it's an exciting beginning for a feature that is destined to grow in the years ahead.

Other similarities between the online team play of FIFA and NHL are obvious. Take, for instance, the hockey game: When you enter a match with your friends, you'll be taken to a lobby where the team captains will be able to set team tactics. After that, you'll be taken to another screen where a mad scramble will result as players pick the position they wish to play on the pitch. As with NHL 09, with players rushing to take the forward position, you can expect to see most FIFA 09 players trying to get those coveted striker and midfield positions. However, it's important to note that regardless of the position you play (except for goalkeeper, which isn't playable in FIFA 09… look for that in next year's game), you always have a way to contribute to your team's success

For our 10-versus-10 match, we chose right midfielder, a position that offers a chance to see a bit of offensive and defensive play (and, due to our relative lack of experience, little chance of screwing the pooch for our Arsenal teammates). One crucial difference between FIFA 09 and NHL 09's Be a Pro mode is that you can only play as a real-life player in 10-versus-10 matches--no using a created player in his stead. So, for Arsenal we were decked out as Tomas Rosicky, and we hit the pitch, hoping to cause as little trouble as possible and maybe even make a play or two in the process.
A fundamental distinction between playing a regular match in FIFA 09 and playing a 10-versus-10 online match (or Be a Pro, for that matter) is that, for a good portion of the game, you're without the ball. That might sound obvious, but it's a crucial distinction, one that requires you to think a bit differently from how you might otherwise play a soccer game. In a regular match, you're looking to make passes, shoot goals, beat defenders, tackle a ball handler, and assume so many other responsibilities. The majority of the time in a 10-versus-10 match, you're looking to simply get in position to help make something happen, many times while the action on the pitch is happening 25 or more yards away from you

Developers told us that the first instinct for soccer novices, when heading online in FIFA 09 for the first time, is to simply crowd around the ball, with everyone--even those on the same team--fighting for possession. Defenders play well into the offensive zone, while midfielders and strikers basically play side by side. That's sure to be a recipe for disaster once the skilled teams start getting online in FIFA 09, the folks who know how (and, more importantly, where) to play their position. Playing 10-versus-10 like Little Johnny's First AYSO Game is sure to put you and your team in the loss column time and again

We had a fine time trying to position our player on the pitch to make things happen, and to its credit, FIFA 09 has a few camera angles to help you keep focused on the action. In addition to the vertical Be a Pro camera, which swoops in and out and even angles in on the action down the sidelines, there's a Tele camera option, which we like even more. Essentially a horizontal broadcast camera, the Tele option's big advantage is in letting you choose between focusing on either the ball or your player. With a press of the Select button, you can switch the camera's focus either on the ball or on your player. We found both camera options useful at certain times. Most of the time it pays to focus on the ball, even if you're player isn't directly involved in the play; however, you also want to be mindful of your player's spot on the pitch, always keeping him in position to get in on the action.

Simply because you spend a relatively minimal amount of time with the ball (depending on your position), the most telling part of the action in FIFA 09's 10-versus-10 play is how much of a thrill it was to actually have possession. It happened only a handful of times in the 20-minute match we played, but each time it was a heightened experience from your typical online FIFA match. You can't help but feel a tinge of extra responsibility with the ball at your feet, knowing that a great pass could end up in a scoring chance (as in the recollection that begins this preview), while a botched possession could end up in a score for the opposing team (which we also experienced). Get too aggressive on the pitch, and you might even get red-carded out of the game--which also happened to an opponent player during our match. In that case, the offending player is simply removed from the game (though he or she can watch the rest of the game if desired).


It's in that amplification of the soccer experience--that feeling of ownership over the moment with the ball in your possession--that strikes us as the best aspect of 10-versus-10 play in FIFA 09. Of course, network performance will play a large role in the mode's success. We played it in a relatively controlled environment, with no lag to speak of. We're very curious to see how the mode performs after the teeming hordes of FIFA fans take their clubs online.
Considering the FIFA team has long spoken of the ultimate goal for the series as fielding teams comprised of a country's best online players at each position for a virtual World Cup, it's fair to say that the current iteration of online 10-versus-10 play and its associated Be a Pro mode are just previews of where these features will head between now and the next few years. We look forward to closely following this evolution. FIFA 09 is set for release on October 14.

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posted by admin @ 22:24, ,

LEGO Mars Mission MT-61 Crystal Reaper
10 September, 2008

Product Description

From the Manufacturer

The power to complete any mission. For any mission, on any surface, the MT-61 Crystal Reaper always has the equipment to get the job done. This rugged all-terrain vehicle is ready to collect the energy crystals needed to power the astronauts¿ vehicles and technology, but the alien strike-ship has a different plan.


For any mission, on any surface, the MT-61 Crystal Reaper always has the equipment to get the job done. With its twin spinning harvester blades, rotating treads, and a detachable spaceship, rover unit and research lab, this rugged all-terrain vehicle is ready to collect the energy crystals needed to power the astronauts? vehicles and technology. But the alien strike-ship has a different plan! Includes 3 astronaut minifigures, 2 glow-in-the-dark alien minifigures and commander alien minifigure! Comes with step-by-step instructions to make your MT-61 Crystal Reaper fully remote controlled by adding LEGO Power Functions. Requires LEGO Power Functions items 8881 Battery Box, 8883 M-Motor (x2), 8884 IR Receiver and 8885 IR Remote Control, all sold separately. Perfect for children ages 8 and up
MORE LEGO SETS CLICK HERE

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posted by admin @ 21:47, ,

LEGO® Police Command Center 7743 From Lego Shop

Product Description

From the Manufacturer


LEGO® City Police Command Center (7743) - The ultimate crime-fighting vehicle! The police are able to keep watch and protect the city from anywhere with their mobile command center. The Police Truck is fully equipped with sides that open up, control room, tools, quad bike, and much more.

The police are able to keep watch and protect the city from anywhere with their mobile command center! The Police Truck is fully equipped with sides that open up, control room, tools, quad bike, and much more. Command station has a gate that really lifts open. The cab and trailer are detachable. With the cab attached, truck measures over 14". Includes four minifigures. 524 pieces.

Features

  • Robbers are planning to steal money from the bank - but the police are keeping a watch from their mobile command center! The Police Truck is fully equipped with sides that open up, control room, tools, quad bike, and much more!
  • Command station has a gate that really lifts open. The cab and trailer are detachable!
  • With cab attached, truck is over 14" (36 cm) long
  • Includes 1 police, 1 robber and 2 other minifigures
  • 524 pieces

FOR MORE LEGO SETS CLICK HERE TO VISIT LEGO STORE BY AMAZON

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posted by admin @ 21:34, ,


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