Madden NFL 2004

Madden NFL 2004 in his 14th season, Madden NFL Football remains the undisputed leader in authentic football simulation of the NFL. This year, after adjustments and create the games of snap championship caliber with revolutionary Playmaker Control. With the new owner mode, EA SPORTS Bio and an EA SPORTS Trax with custom playlists, no football game has more depth. Madden NFL 2004 is the most complete, authentic sports video game ever, so

Product Details

Amazon Sales Rank: #16047 in Video Games

Brand: Tiburon

Released on: 2003-08-12

ESRB Rating: Everyone

Platform: Xbox

Number of items: 1

Dimensions: .60" h x 5.40" w x 7.40" l, .20 pounds

Features

xbox

Video Game

sports

football

NFL

---

Customer Reviews

ESPN 2004 vs. Madden 2004
Sega/ESPN vs. EA/Madden, the ultimate debate. Madden's got better graphics, better extras, and better stats. Not to mention you can build your own stadium and even set the price the fans pay for a burger. As a guy who bought his first EA game in 1990, it actually pains me to say it but, ESPN is just the better game. Why? If only EA had spent as much time on the game play as it did at the concession stand. Sega spent their time making a game that has tighter controls, a better running game, and a easier play calling interface then EA's latest installment. Admittedly, it would be nice if you could save mid-game like Madden (a feature that is way overdue) and the first person view is a gimmick, but Sega/ESPN just makes a more playable, enjoyable, and fair game. I say fair because EA's shot at solid IA is the computer picking a run defense if you are going to run and a pass defense if you are going to pass. Despite the down or yardage to go, the computer chooses the right set, in advance, EVERY time. Trust me, if you run on 3rd and 20 out of the shotgun, the computer will play the 4-3. That kind of "cheating" makes Madden VERY frustrating, along with it's nonexistant running game and completely inaccurate kicking system. As far as extras go, ESPN does have fan celebrations including painted fat guys. Sure they are gross but they are also cool and add to the fun of a solid ESPN title. Sorry EA, maybe next year. Bottom line if you want to sell burgers, buy Madden. If you want to play football, choose ESPN.

Slightly Improved
After playing previous versions of the game on xbox, ps2, & ps1, I decided to purchase the new Madden 2004 and found some improvements on the 2003 version. The most obvious is the Owner Mode which can be fun, but for most gamers I would expect that it is too involved in the "non-game playing" aspects of the game and it takes too much time that you could actually spend playing football. Although I must say, it's a cool addition. The Franchise mode (with owner mode turned off) is very similar to 2003 but again improved as you get more stats to view and the layout of the mgmt & during-game charts look more like your standard football views from TV or the Web. You also get something new with Training Camp in the offseason where you can implement the mini-camp drills with players from your roster to boost their attributes.

The one thing to keep in mind though, the actual gameplay (vs the CPU, or another player) is nearly the same. To some extent scoring & making plays is more difficult, but that is probably to encourage use of the advanced gameplay features like "playmaker control" (which is cool but takes a while to master). Altogether, the game has improved in several small aspects, but remains a natural flowing, realistic footbal game with top-notch graphics & sound. Also, many of the game features like the Madden Cards are identical.

PROS:
- More team management features with Owner Mode.
- More and better organized stat views
- Advanced gameplay features while running, etc.
- Addition of Training Camp
- All things that made 2003 great are still there

CONS:
- Cannot use Owner Mode when you create-a-team
- Too many things unchanged (Madden Cards, Create-a-team logos, Minicamp drills, etc.)
- Misleading game preview item: Playbooks really haven't changed much.

The A.I. is on steroids
I have always been a big fan of the series and I love the mini camp drills, i think thats a brilliant idea. The ability to set concession prices, hats, etc. is also a clever addition. The graphics are solid, though still need tweaking but I feel as if I am playing Madden 2004 Blitz. I am sick and tired of the computers magical ability to erase any deficit in the 4th quarter. Mind you, I have been playing football games, including Madden, for years.

I have had the Cardinals come back to beat me in the 4th quarter, erasing a 24 point lead. This quarter from hell included, 1. a blocked punt, 2. a punt returned for a td, 3. 2 fumbles by my rb (Ahman green) who was running great until this dreadful quarter. 4. a td return for a td 5. and a game winning 90 yard drive by the cardinals.

Sure this can happen once, twice, whatever. But when I constantly lose 4th quarter leads over and over again, it annoys me. I love games that are hard but this computer assistance borders on the surreal and it is enough for me to spoil an otherwise terrific game.

One last gripe, too much room for the QB to run. This is not NCAA. I think this was done to appease Mike Vick fans and I guess I can understand and live with that.

Price: $19.10 & eligible for FREE Super Saver Shipping on orders over $25. Details

Related Links : Product by Amazon or shopping-lifestyle-20 Store

Micro Machines V3

"Micro Machines is a game that captures your attention for hours. The basic idea can be summarized briefly. On top of a micro machine (tank wagons and racing cars, helicopters, boats, trucks, etc. .an inch in size), you will find the tracks (in miniature!) Of the strangest places. From the kitchen table (still covered with the remains of breakfast) bedding for children through the table pool, swimming and many other things, Micro Machines will try many different tracks, each more difficult than others. Various options are available for a number of players. If you play alone against the computer, you opponents must choose three candidates, each with a different aspect. If two of you, no problems, can play Micro Machines on the same computer. Each player has four lives, he will try to go as fast as possible to your opponent will be left behind and losing their lives together.

Product Details

Amazon Sales Rank: #26676 in Video Games

ESRB Rating: Everyone

Platform: PlayStation

Dimensions: .33 pounds

Features

48 Wild 3D Courses Around the House

Power-Ups including Hammer, Mines and Forcefield

Collect, Test and Gamble Special Prize Cars

1-8 Player Competitions

---

Editorial Reviews

GameSpot Review
It's right there in the name, just as it should be: Codemasters' Micro Machines V3, an experience that strays from the path of the current pack of racing games by utilizing tiny little vehicles in a tiny little world. The delivery is what you'd imagine it would be, as if the folks from the film Land of the Giants knew how to drive, save for the requisite chase from the family cat (a feline is present, though this one keeps still).

MMV3 is the third in its series of console and PC racers, once again seeing you through competitions with miniature cars, boats, tanks, and other vehicles from a top-down isometric perspective over a variety of "cute" theme courses. In one race, for example, you navigate a Bigfoot truck around a cereal-strewn breakfast table, while in others, you harness the controls of a hovercraft skimming above a backyard pond or control a Formula 1 car speeding along the rim of a pool table. Beyond simply outdriving the opposition within these environments, you can also acquire power-ups to smash, repel, snag, or blow up your rivals to momentarily stop them dead in their tracks while you take up the lead.

Rounding out the game's overall value is a large number of different courses (48 in all) and a variety of play modes. The single player will undoubtedly get the most mileage out of the Grand Prix-like challenge, but options are also available for time trials (against your own or preset records) or a head-to-head race against a computer opponent. The multiplayer opportunities, however, are even more plentiful. Up to eight people can play in either a single race, a tournament, on teams, or in knockout bouts in which whoever loses is out of the running, until only one player, the winner, remains. Other options include anteing for the competition prize cars players have obtained by winning previous races, or sharing a controller with another driver (each using half, facing each other).

Unfortunately, the multiplayer modes aren't nearly what they're cracked up to be. Since the contestants are limited to a single screen, if someone falls off the raceway, lags behind, or trails out of the track's boundaries for even a few seconds, he'll explode. The game then halts, the cars are reset onto the course, and the race resumes. While a split-screen mode would be likewise untenable, this inching along clearly sucks unless all drivers involved are incredibly (or equally) proficient. Even then though, the computer often rewards cheating. For instance, when you drive off the course to cut far ahead of everyone else the computer will occasionally award you, when it should, in fact, strike you down for cheating.

This isn't the only wart Micro Machines has either. The main problem is that the quick and feeble charm it possesses wears off fast, and all the courses, options, and vehicles in the world (even this little tiny one) can't make up for the fact that the gameplay becomes incredibly monotonous almost immediately. All in all, Micro Machines V3 is a nice diversion from the first- or third-person racers that seem to crowd the field these days. But its repetitive gameplay and lack of a strong multiplayer mode make it only a brief detour. Rental brief, I'm afraid. --Joe Fielder
--Copyright ©1999 GameSpot Inc. All rights reserved. Reproduction in whole or in part in any form or medium without express written permission of GameSpot is prohibited. GameSpot and the GameSpot logo are trademarks of GameSpot Inc.

Manufacturer Description
The miniature racing game stars scale-model cars of the Matchbox variety across the kitchen table and up-and-over lined-up juiceboxes after a Pop-Tart ramp. Collect test and gamble special prize cars. Blitz the opposition with power-ups -- hammer mines force-field.

Price: $68.99

Related Links : Product by Amazon or shopping-lifestyle-20 Store

Time Crisis 3

Time Crisis 3 brings to the board that shook the life with all its new features and game modes!

Product Details

Amazon Sales Rank: #5323 in Video Games

Brand: Namco

ESRB Rating: Teen

Platform: PlayStation2

Features

Astigos is a tiny Meditarrenean island that is fighting for its independence. You'll control a pair of secret agents as you help Astigos before its too late

Choose from multiple weapons -- use a handgun, shotgun, machine gun or grenade launcher

Collect power-ups to help you get through each stage before the time runs out

New sniper-mode for slower, more deliberate gaming -- a nice change from the hail-of-bullets action

Take out the enemy twice as fast with two-player mode

---

Editorial Reviews

From the Manufacturer
Time Crisis 3 delivers intense, fast-paced shooting action through the high stakes adventures of the world-renowned VSSE’s top agents. In this installment of the franchise, players take to the Mediterranean coastal nation of Lukano, where Zagorias Federation troops have invaded the land and taken key members of the Lukano Liberation Force hostage. With local residents and neighboring countries facing the worst from a potential missile strike, the VSSE commits its most highly skilled operatives, Wesley Lambert and Alan Dunaway, to neutralize threatening forces and return power to the leaders and citizens of Lukano. Featuring an all-new Weapon Select System, Time Crisis 3 enables players to choose from four weapons on the fly to optimize their gameplay strategy. The Guncon 2 serves as an essential piece of equipment in the player’s arsenal. In addition, Time Crisis 3 includes the original arcade game and console exclusive features, including a more complex storyline, multiple game play modes, sniper combat, and a new playable character.

---

Customer Reviews

Time Crisis 3- Perfect For Any GUNCON fan!
Okay, let me just start off by saying that this game ROCKS! If you are a fan of any Time Crisis game (And many people are), then I would get this game sooner than later.

Gameplay: 5/5-
The gameplay is fast, fun, and even better than the arcade version in that you can play a console-exclusave Rescue Mission mode (In which you carry out special missions in the Time Crisis storyline using new character Alice and a sniper rifle) and Crisis Mission mode (Which is kind of like Rescue Mission mode in that it's console exclusive and it offers new missions). WARNING: THIS GAME CAN'T REALLY BE ENJOYED WITHOUT A GUNCON. IF YOU DON'T ALREADY HAVE ONE, THE PACKAGE OF TIME CRISIS 3 W/ GUNCON2 WORKS WELL

Graphics: 4/5-
The graphics in this game are top-notch. The only reason why it doesn't get a 5/5 in my eyes is that sometimes people fall through walls when shot. That's it. Other than that flaw, the physics are nice as people react properly when shot. If shot in the leg, the fall foward, and fall back if shot in the head. You get the idea.

Multiplayer: 2/5-
This is what killed the game. Unless you happen to have two PS2s and two TVs in the same room, don't expect to get much out of multiplayer. In splitscreen, it's hard to hit the enemies with a GUNCON and instead of dividing the screen in half, it creates two small boxes to play in that leaves half the screen space unused. Linked games are much more fun because you both get your own screen to look at and shoot.

Replay Value: 3/5-
You'll play this game untill you beat arcade mode, get high scores on all of the stages, and get medals on all of the missions. Then you might play arcade mode a little more. All this will only take up about two weekends if you're good, maybe three or four if you're avrage. Or, if you're a big fan (Like me) you'll play this game endlessly.

Well, that's it. In addition to this, I recommend Time Crisis 2. If you don't own a GUNCON2 (You need #2 to play this game), then I suggest getting one from the Time Crisis 3 + GUNCON2 package. Well there you have it. My review of Time Crisis 3.

Best gun game ever with guncon2!
The gameplay is ossum. Many unique opponents come out including bonus givers, machine gunners and other cool infantry. The best thing of the game is the new "Weapon Select" system. The other former games only had handgun, but now there are machine guns, shotguns, grenade launchers and many other unique weapons.The new Alicia scenario solves the mysteries that were not solved in the arcade mode. There are two new things about Alicia scenario. First, is the sniper rifle. You can only use this gun in special missions. Second, the weapon level. Every time you shoot an enemy, the gauge goes up and when the gauge is full, you level up. If you level up, your weapon's maximum capacity, range and power goes up. For example maching gun1 only shoots 4 bulets at a time and has Max 100 bullets. Machine gun2 shoots 7 at a time and has around 130 and Machine gun 3 shoots unlimited until you run out of the clip Max is about 150-170. Shotgun has increased power and range. For example, Shot Gun1 shoots 3 areas and has 20 bullets at its max. Shot gun 2 shoots 4 areas and has 24 bullets and so on. The maximum level you can get to for all weapons is level 5. The handgun and sniper rifle doesn't have the level system. You also get another full clip of ammo if you level up. The graphics are pretty dissapointing. It is barely better than Time Crisis 2. You should have a Guncon2 since it is hard to enjoy this game with a Dualshock controller.

Final rating:
Gameplay 5/5
This is what saved the game. The gameplay is ossum and the weapon select system makes you forget about the graphics for a while. You are simply "absorbed" into the game.

Graphics 2/5
This killed the game. The graphics are no better than fifa 2000(1999). Now you get how bad the graphics are. But the weapon select and the fun lets you "forget" about the bad graphics.

Sound 4/5
The sound effects are cool although when your bullet hits the metal, the sound can be pretty annoying. Well, there's almost never much to write about sound.

Movies 4/5
This is about the only part that has good graphics. This part is quite fun to watch and makes you understand the game better. I say you should watch the all movies throughout the game, since it has good graphics.

Time Crisis 3 is the King of light gun shooters!
Let me just start off saying that this game is one of the most addictive action games out to date! And I'd also say this is the best Light Gun to date next to the awesome Point Blank series. The game uses the excellent light gun "Guncon 2", which adds to the fun and addictveness of the game. You can now, in "Time Crisis 3", select between 4 diffrent weapons which adds even more to an already great game. Do yourself a favor, if you want an action game that uses a light gun instead of a controller, this should be your top pick! Althought the game is fairly short, there are many unlockables to get, and it is just plain fun to play over and over again. Get two Guncon 2's and you're in two player light gun shooting heaven! Just be sure to get two seperate TV's and an i-link so you each can see what you're shooting better. If you are a fan of Light Gun games, this game is above your expectations, but if you're not a light gun gaming fan, this game might just change your mind! A must have in your PS2 collection with the Guncon 2!

Price:

Related Links : Product by Amazon or shopping-lifestyle-20 Store