o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o oIMPORTANT: This product is NOT A CASE. This product is NOT rubber, silicone, gel, plastic, leather, or a hard case or cover. This product is a form-fitting VINYL skin, sticker, decal crafted to perfectly fit every corner, cutout and curve of the Microsoft Xbox 360 Wireless Controller.Skinit skins, stickers, decals are engineered to fit perfectly and not interfere with other accessories.Easy to apply and remove with no residue left on or damage done to your device. Simply peel your skin from its backing and stick it on your device.OFFICIAL MANUFACTURER: Manufactured in the USA and offered directly from Skinit.Skinit Miami Dolphins - Blast skin, sticker, decal for Microsoft Xbox 360 Wireless Controller
Etrian Odyssey IV: Legends of the Titan - Nintendo 3DS (Video Game) newly tagged "video games"
Especially since these games tend to get scarce later on and resell for higher than their release price.
Also of note: Atlus has been releasing QR codes for additional quests and content. It's pretty cool that they are doing that. And there is a video tutorial on how to use the codes in the game. The QR codes get you a few little trinkets, but nothing crazy good. A few open up some quests later in the game. You can scan them once, and then the quest will be an option later without having to re-scan the QR code.
Also, don't expect much from the pre-release extras. The art book is just a few pages, and isn't more than the first few pages of an instruction manual. There are a few renderings, some character bios, and a little comic page. It's about the same size as the case itself. The CD has several of the non-orchestrated tracks. (That is the tracks as recorded by the composer before they were orchestrated).
Update:
The game gets tougher. Exploration in the skyship is really quite fun. It's a similar setup to the dungeon exploration, yet it isn't. It's nice to be able to secure food to sell in town. Great way to make money. Sometimes it's tricky to navigate the airship with the obstacles and the FOEs. The subsequent 'worlds' get much cooler.
The burst system is a great addition. Especially the Escape Burst that takes you from battle and to the dungeon entrance. Nice if you are getting whipped by a FOE.
My only complaint is that you receive a crap ton of experience with each completed quest (update - it doesn't make a huge difference later on - it's the early quests that toss a ton of xp at you). I know this makes life easier and makes for less grinding, but it really also kind of lets me down when I struggled to beat a bunch of enemies to gain a level, then I return from finishing a quest and get another level basically. It's not quite that bad, but I think it is one of those things that the developer inserted because folks were complaining. And that's on Normal, not Casual mode.
Also, you can apparently start a *New Game after beating the game. There is a locked out harder difficulty setting that I think you can play on a harder setting than Normal.
It's just as fun as the older titles, but with more exploration thanks to the skyship and multiple labyrinths and caves instead of the one big dungeon as in the first two titles. And for the record, those kangaroo things are annoying! But launch carrots and they get all "nom".
Oh, one other beef, I wish they would have had character drawings come up when you talk to people at the Peacock place. Instead of just selecting a person (like Grizzled Explorer or Love Struck Adventurer). Would have been fun to have that one extra little touch of interaction.
Pros:
+ Decent challenge
+ Amazing soundtrack
+ Fast battles
+ Lots of options (including Casual setting)
+ Great classes
+ Great screen setup on main exploration screen and in battle
+ Access to enemy info in battle (once you've beaten at least one of that type)
+ Good map making interaction
+ Overworld exploration and multiple dungeon types for variety
Cons:
- Just one save file (come on guys!)
- Wanted more color palettes for PCs (just two)
- Pretty short and lackluster art book for the pre-purchase
Update:
You do get to have some grinding time after you kill Blood Bear and reach the 3rd level of the Lush Forest (name? The first multi floor dungeon). So from level 12 - 18 or so you will be grinding. I imagine that the grinding will come in spurts. But at least you have the scavenging skills so that you can go into a dungeon, fight baddies, scavenge, and then return to town and sell the goods.
Also, some QR quests don't open up until you can access the dungeons. You really don't know which dungeon will access which QR quest unless the QR has a description on the site or e-mail you got it from. Otherwise when you scan it, it says "You are unable to access this quest at this point in the game" or something to that effect.
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Update:
Gets tougher, but mainly the bosses and some of the FOEs. Just leveling up helps. Subclass system interesting but doesn't really change game play too much.
Almost done with the game and I must say I have enjoyed it immensely.
Pokemon Black Version 2 & Pokemon White Version 2 The Official National Pokedex & Guide Volume 2: The Official Pokemon Strategy Guide (Paperback) newly tagged "video games"
My son is a big Pokemon fan so I've become one as well, and we love these guidebooks. Wouldn't play the game without them because they offer so much useful information that you could miss just playing the game straight through on your instincts.
This volume isn't the walkthrough, though. It's the second in a two-volume set and is basically a big Pokedex reference guide. It has all the information about all the Pokemon you could ever need to know. We really like it and use it a lot, especially for looking up what level a certain Pokemon will level-up at and what moves that Pokemon might lose access to or delay getting if he levels up too soon etc. Sometimes you want to delay evolution for strategic reasons to build a stronger Pokemon. This book helps you know when that's the right thing to do, and much more!
Buy Volume 1, though, if you want the game walkthrough.
The Sims 3: Fast Lane Stuff - Expansion [Download] (Software Download) newly tagged "video games"
Four all-new styles of fashions
Who says that your car is just a way to get from here to there? Whether your style is to cruise, top-down, in a classic luxury automobile or to tear up the streets in the slickest sports car, one thing's for sure: your car reflects your lifestyle. In the true-to-life world of Sims, you know the same principle holds true. In your virtual neighborhood, every choice you make defines who you are. Will you choose a life of intrigue with sexy-sleek spy-themed automobiles? Or will you rebel against the establishment in a motorcycle and tough-guy attire? Choose carefully - it's your own identity at stake.
The Sims 3: Fast Lane Stuff gives you the chance to create an all-new lifestyle for your Sim, with exciting new stuff the likes of which you've never seen before in the virtual world. You have the power to create an image, and whether you choose Racing, Intrigue, Rockabilly or Classic Luxury as your style, you'll be the proud new owner of a sweet new pair of wheels to match it - not to mention the ultimate garage and the vast selection of fabulous fashions, decor and furnishings at your fingertips. You are what you drive - get your Stuff together and be great.
For the first time ever, put your Sims behind the wheels of brand-new cars as part of a stuff packGive your Sims the lifestyles that go with their new rides - whether it be speed-demon daring or classic luxuriousnessEnjoy four all-new styles of fashions, furnishings, and vehicles: Racing, Intrigue, Rockabilly and Classic LuxuryCreate the ultimate garage to house your Sim's professional race car or hot rodDeck out your Sims' houses in luxurious accessories to match their sleek new, luxurious ridesMonster Hunter 3 Ultimate - Nintendo 3DS (Video Game) newly tagged "video games"
It's pretty responsive with just a slight touch, which is nice, since I would be scared of messing up the touch screen otherwise. You also use the D-Pad for your menus, like your item pouch, quest selection, etc. R-Shoulder button lets you dash, but watch your stamina bar (yellow bar) when doing so. "B" is for evading, which is essential in this game. "A" is for selection, foraging, and carving. "X" and "Y" are both for attacks, but "Y" is also used to for items, like using Potions, Eating, etc.
ITEMS/EQUIPMENT: This game is centered around items and equipment and they've added alot to this Ultimate version. Search for items by looking for forage points (mushrooms, herbs, etc.), catching bugs with bug nets, and mining with your pick axes (both bug nets and pick axes can and will break, so you'll want to buy and/or make more). Other items are found on the dead bodies of monsters. You can carve items off them, like skins, fangs, tails, etc. Items are also given as rewards at the end of quests and after exchanging kills for hunter points (cover that later). You'll need these items to make helpful items, like Flash Bombs, Traps, etc. and to also make new equipment and weapons, which are both primarily made by carving items off monsters.
WEAPONS: These are what you'll use to take down the monsters obviously. There are 12 different categories - Great Sword, Long Sword, Sword & Shield, Dual Blades, Hammer, Hunting Horn, Lance, Gunlance, Switch Axe, Light Bowgun, Heavy Bowgun, and Bow. Each weapon is different from the others and this gives many people a variety to test out and enjoy. You have 1 of each available from the start. Some are quick (Dual Blades, Sword & Shield), while others are slower (Hammer, Great Sword) and others are ranged (Bow, Bowguns). The quicker weapons generally rely on multiple quick strikes, while the heavier ones rely on slower, powerful hits. Experiment with all of them. It's easy to do this time, since you've got 'em all off the bat.
OTHER:
Hunter points are awarded to you for killing monsters by just going out of Moga Village, not on a quest. This is a good way to unlock new things, gather items, etc. You can spend HR (Hunter Points) on Villager Requests, like upgrading the farm, on fishing ventures, etc.
The farm is nice place to build up essential items without having to go out and gather them yourself, which takes more time. You can have the Felynes there do different tasks, like cultivate crops, grow mushrooms, gather honey, etc. You'll need to upgrade the farm with HR and items, but it's worth it.
You also get partners in this game. One is story related from Tri and that is Cha-Cha, while the other is another shakalaka, named Kayamba. In Tri, you could only have Cha-Cha. I usually use them as a distraction for the monsters so I can set a trap, attack, etc.
Second Island - This island is accessible right at the beginning. It's free to travel to. It has other item dealers and other quests. The quests are harder than the initial Moga Village quests, but it's a good way to get some early powerful equipment. Newer players be warned, many times you're hunting a monster on this island, another large monster is there as well, so keep that in mind.
CLOSING: If you're an experienced MH player and enjoy the series, get it. It's an awesome game that shouldn't be missed. If you're new, know that this game takes practice. If you feel you don't like a weapon, change to another one. Experiment with weapons and practice with them. Use the beginning quests to their utmost by gathering as much as you can carry, so you'll have items to mess around with and stockpile for later. Anyways, happy hunting!
SimCity: Prima Official Game Guide (Prima Official Game Guides) (Paperback) newly tagged "video games"
The topics that the guide reviews:
Getting Started
Roads
Utilities (Power, Water, Sewage, Waste Disposal, Utility Management)
Zoning: (RCI Management)
Government: (Government Buildings, City Management)
City Services: (Fire, Health, Police, Parks)
Education: (Education Buildings, Education Management)
City Specialization: (Overview, Mining, Drilling, Trading, Electornics)
Mass Transit: (Buses, Streetcars, Trains, Boats, Planes, Mass Transit Management)
Tourism: (Tourist Flow, Gambling, Culture, Tourism Management)
Great Works (Acrology, International Airport, Solar Farm, Space Center, Great Works Management)
Disaters: (Major Disasters, Disaster Management)
Simcity World: (City Log, Achievements, SimCity World Interface)
Behind the Scenes: (Maxis: A Closer Look, Simcity Legacy: The Whole Story)
Quick Refernce: (City Spec. Buildings, Missions, Diagrams, Effects on Happiness, Challenges, Achievements)
There are achievements scattered throughout the guide as they apply to the different sections but they have also placed them nicely at the end of the guide in one complete section for easy viewing.
The guide has a lot of "articles" written by the Maxis employees/developers that have worked on Simcity, which is exciting to see. The first one you'll see is by Kip Katsarelis the Lead Producer and he explains the features of the Multi-City game-play.
Another great perk is that this guide comes with a serial number to access the "Eguide" online through Prima which is pretty awesome, the updates are free and it's great to know that your purchase won't get outdated in a month with a game patch.
Overall, I think this is one of the better guides I have seen and I'm very happy with my purchase, I'd definitely recommend this.
SOCOM U.S. Navy SEALs Tactical Strike Official Strategy Guide (Bradygames Strategy Guides) (Paperback) newly tagged "video games"
Evaluate. Plan. Execute.
Take what you think you know of special operations team tactics, and get ready for an all new level of play. This guide takes you through the most technical addition to the SOCOM franchise yet!
Tactical Walkthrough
Perfect your strategies to tackle the missions and escape from every encounter unscathed.
Complete Every Objective
Find all the Bonus Objectives to get the most out of your gameplay experience.
Discover Every Upgrade
Get every upgrade to provide your fireteams with the best weapons, skills, and gear available!
Uncover the Secret Items
Complete your collection by finding all the secret items!
Multiplayer Coverage
Dominate real live opponents all over the nation by mastering the tactics and strategy in the exclusive Ad-Hoc and Infrastructure modes!
Platform: PlayStation Portable
Genre: Action/Adventure
This product is available for sale in North America only.
