Xbox 360 Review: HD-DVD Player Accessory

This is a review of the Xbox 360 HD-DVD Player Accessory. This add-on has been out for a few years but support for the device has fallen completely off the map, as has support for regular HD-DVD Players, especially ones for the PC.

Although it is possible to use the Xbox 360 HD-DVD Player connected to a PC, all of the Video Player Software has dropped support for playing HD-DVD movies. I could not find any older versions that still supported it so I will only review this on the Xbox 360.

Click on the pictures for the High-Resolution Version of them.

Installation

Installing the HD-DVD Player was very easy. All I did was plug in the power cord and plug in the USB cable to the back of my Xbox 360. After that I put in the included Software Disc and loaded it up and let it install the drivers. I do not know if the Xbox actually NEEDS that disc, especially since it could just download an update, but nonetheless I used it.

It took just a few minutes and after that I never needed the disc again and could load the movies up right away.

General Information

I picked up this Boxed, Complete Xbox 360 HD-DVD Player for $25 at a local game store. The prices for these have gone up since they're no longer made (as far as I know) and although the MSRP is now $49.99 most places charge more and they're also pretty hard to find.

As you can see the unit isn't very big and it fits nicely on a desk next to your Xbox 360.

Xbox 360 Dashboard Location

The place where you activate the HD-DVD Player has changed with the new dashboard. It is now under "My Video Apps" instead of on the same screen as your Game Disc.

HD-DVD Player In-Action

Once you select "HD DVD" in the "My Video Apps" page, it will take a few seconds to half a minute sometimes for the movie to start loading. Once it loads it gets right into the movie after a brief introduction logo.

The Movie Menu seems to be the same for all HD-DVD Movies, at least all of the ones I have. The response time for it is pretty slow and lags behind a bit, so it can be frustrating trying to get to the right place in the menu.

Overall Quality & Thoughts

The movie quality is superb. Each movie looks really good in High-Def and I don't notice a difference between the HD-DVD Movies on the Xbox 360 HD-DVD Player and Blu-Ray Movies on my PS3.

If you were looking to get into Next-Gen Movies, you should obviously stick to Blu-Ray and not bother with HD-DVD, as it's dead technology and no new movies are being released. The only value I can see for this HD-DVD Player for the Xbox 360 is Collection purposes, which is the reason I bought it.

Whether you pay $25, $50 or more, it's a neat little accessory to have to compliment your Xbox 360, though you'll probably find yourself never using it like me, but nonetheless it's a needed add-on for those wanting a complete collection.

XBLA Review: "Trials Evolution"

Publisher: Microsoft Game Studios

Developer: RedLynx

Release Date: April 18, 2012 (USA)

Premise:

Trials Evolution is the Sequel to the popular Trials HD Arcade Game. Trials Evolution brings riders out of the warehouse and into the open landscapes of the world, up mountains, over rivers and around many other areas to give the player the feeling of increased freedom.

Gameplay: 

The gameplay for Trials Evolution is identical to Trials HD, with the main difference being the change in landscape. Levels take place all across the world in many different locales. There are several new Game Modes and Abilities included, such as a level where you're not on a Motorcycle but rather on Ski's and you must Ski down dirt slopes to the finish line while attempting to pull off aerial maneuvers.

There are several dozen pre-made tracks in the Single-Player "Campaign" to overcome that get increasingly difficult as you move up the levels, all the while learning how to utilize advanced tricks and maneuvers to overcome the new obstacles. You can also partner up with up to 3 other people in Local or Online Multiplayer to race against each other for the fastest times on tracks in the "Supercross" levels.

A vast improvement to the game comes in the form of the revamped Level Editor. This time around, players can not only create their own custom levels, but they can also enter an Advanced Professional Editor that affords players the abilities to create scripted sequences of explosions and other effects, including the ability to manipulate the camera to create a First-Person-Shooter-type custom map.

Players can also visit an in-game Marketplace where players can freely upload and share their custom-made tracks as well as download new tracks and challenges from other people. The overall emphasis of the game is on aerial maneuvers and super speed mixed with super challenges that is sure to not only entertain for hours, but to frustrate you to hell.

Graphics:

The world of Trials Evolution are improved over Trials HD, even if only slightly noticeable to most. The bike textures and rider character models are very well done, and the tracks and their respective obstacles, ramps and physics-based mechanics fit in very nicely with the overall tone of the racing game.

Sound:

The engine sounds are spot on and sound amazing. The explosions and ambient noises you hear constantly really help you get into the moment of your intense races. You can use the Level Editor to create all sorts of commotion for each track that always seems to fit in perfectly with the tone of your tracks, no matter what your imagination can create.

Length:

It's hard to describe the length of a game like this. There is a "Campaign"-type mode where you get to go through the motions of the tracks/races that were created by the development team and earn medals and points to advance along while learning new tricks and methods to climb obstacles that will take you a few hours to complete.

With the added Level Editor and Pro Editor, the ability to play and customize Skill Tracks and create a near-unlimited amount of tracks will give you hours upon hours of replay value for the game, helping to ensure you don't get bored easily.

Value:

At $15 (1200 MSP) Trials Evolution seems like an easy purchase to make. The fact that you'll have so much fun playing the pre-made tracks for a few hours and then knowing that you can download thousands of tracks from other members free of charge as well as create your own, it becomes a very simple choice to make for purchasing this game.

PC Review: "Alan Wake's American Nightmare"

Publisher: Remedy Entertainment (PC)

Developer: Remedy Entertainment

Release Date: May22, 2012 (USA) (PC)

Premise:

Alan Wake's American Nightmare is a Spin-Off type title based around the Alan Wake Franchise. The player once again controls the titular character as he becomes entrapped inside an episode of Night Springs. Alan Wake is lauded as the "Champion of Light" who is chasing after his evil doppelganger Mr. Scratch who is the "Herald of Darkness."

Gameplay: 

Gameplay is identical to that of the first Alan Wake game. You control Alan in a Third-Person perspective, fighting The Darkness as you search for clues to the whereabouts of Mr. Scratch and to rewrite reality as he has been transported to Night Springs after rewriting reality following the Cauldron Lake Incident.

Gameplay revolves heavily on "rewriting reality," in that you will visit Three (3) locations in the game and after your first playthrough in the level, you will return later with new information that allows you to unlock your powers to recreate the scenes that happened but with a better outcome. The finding and reading of Manuscript Pages makes a return, as you will need to scrounge around the environments to find all of the Manuscript Pages so you can use them to unlock weapon and item chests spread throughout the game.

Apart from the addition of several new weapons, such as the Uzi and other Machine Guns, the overall core Gameplay hasn't changed from the first game. But, even though it's the same, it's still very fun.

Graphics:

Perhaps the only difference between the two versions of American Nightmare is the Graphical abilities of the PC version. Compared to the Console version, the PC version of American Nightmare allows you to add on Anti-Aliasing, High-End Resolutions, Depth of Field, FoV, etc. All of these aspects make the game look quite a bit crisper compared to the Console release. With this version you are truly able to play Alan Wake's American Nightmare with amazing models and effects and textures that further immerse you in the game through its brilliant and vibrant world.

Sound:

The overall Musical Score for the same is generally the same, though the tone has changed dramatically to focus more on the supernatural aspects of the game. Between the crazy videos you see on the TV screens and the ominous sounds from the environment as well as the horrifying noises The Taken make when they appear all blend together to create a wonderful atmosphere.-

Length:

Alan Wake's American Nightmare was never meant to be a full-length adventure like the first one, and therefore the length of the game is drastically shorter. An average playthrough will see you spending about 4-6 hours, though you might be able to extend it by another 30 minutes or even an hour if you focus on collecting all of the items and Manuscripts in the game.

There is also a new Arcade mode that lets you play through the game with the intent of having a challenge to earn points to be at the top of the leader-board for highest overall score, which can increase the replay-ability for those who enjoy those game modes.

Value:

I have always applauded Remedy Entertainment for their games, which include the original Max Payne games. I was a bit skeptical before the game came out because I heard about the addition of the Arcade Mode and I was getting worried that the game would be stripped down into an Action-Shoot-Em-Up game. Thankfully I was wrong and the game has a great Single-Player Story Mode to enjoy.

Even though the game only lasts for about 6 hours roughly, I feel it is worth the $15 price-tag to both support Remedy as a company and because the game offers a good fix for all Alan Wake lovers out there, including myself.

If you're debating on whether to get the PC version or the 360 version, it will really come down to whether you have a Powerful PC to handle Alan Wake at Highest Graphics, which is the only reason to spring for the PC one over the Console one (unless of course you don't have a 360, than the choice becomes easy.)

XBLA Review: "Alan Wake's American Nightmare"

Publisher: Microsoft Game Studios (360)

Developer: Remedy Entertainment

Release Date: February 22, 2012 (USA) (360)

Premise:

Alan Wake's American Nightmare is a Spin-Off type title based around the Alan Wake Franchise. The player once again controls the titular character as he becomes entrapped inside an episode of Night Springs. Alan Wake is lauded as the "Champion of Light" who is chasing after his evil doppelganger Mr. Scratch who is the "Herald of Darkness."

Gameplay: 

Gameplay is identical to that of the first Alan Wake game. You control Alan in a Third-Person perspective, fighting The Darkness as you search for clues to the whereabouts of Mr. Scratch and to rewrite reality as he has been transported to Night Springs after rewriting reality following the Cauldron Lake Incident.

Gameplay revolves heavily on "rewriting reality," in that you will visit Three (3) locations in the game and after your first playthrough in the level, you will return later with new information that allows you to unlock your powers to recreate the scenes that happened but with a better outcome. The finding and reading of Manuscript Pages makes a return, as you will need to scrounge around the environments to find all of the Manuscript Pages so you can use them to unlock weapon and item chests spread throughout the game.

Apart from the addition of several new weapons, such as the Uzi and other Machine Guns, the overall core Gameplay hasn't changed from the first game. But, even though it's the same, it's still very fun.

Graphics:

The world space hasn't been improved beyond the original Alan Wake, though to be fair the original was quite amazing in its own right. The lighting effects are incredibly eerie and the character animations are still very nicely done. The textures of buildings, vehicles and character models are also top-notch. My favorite graphical effect in the game is the use of Flares or the Flare Gun. When those light up the red hue beams through the blackness to create an awe-inspiring beauty of contrasting lights that makes it look as if it's real life.

Sound:

The overall Musical Score for the same is generally the same, though the tone has changed dramatically to focus more on the supernatural aspects of the game. Between the crazy videos you see on the TV screens and the ominous sounds from the environment as well as the horrifying noises The Taken make when they appear all blend together to create a wonderful atmosphere.-

Length:

Alan Wake's American Nightmare was never meant to be a full-length adventure like the first one, and therefore the length of the game is drastically shorter. An average playthrough will see you spending about 4-6 hours, though you might be able to extend it by another 30 minutes or even an hour if you focus on collecting all of the items and Manuscripts in the game.

There is also a new Arcade mode that lets you play through the game with the intent of having a challenge to earn points to be at the top of the leader-board for highest overall score, which can increase the replay-ability for those who enjoy those game modes.

Value:

I have always applauded Remedy Entertainment for their games, which include the original Max Payne games. I was a bit skeptical before the game came out because I heard about the addition of the Arcade Mode and I was getting worried that the game would be stripped down into an Action-Shoot-Em-Up game. Thankfully I was wrong and the game has a great Single-Player Story Mode to enjoy.

Even though the game only lasts for about 6 hours roughly, I feel it is worth the $15 price-tag to both support Remedy as a company and because the game offers a good fix for all Alan Wake lovers out there, including myself.

Xbox 360 Review: "Red Dead Redemption"

Publisher: Rockstar Games/Take-Two Interactive

Developer: Various Rockstar Games Studios

Release Date: May 18, 2010 (USA)

Premise:

Red Dead Redemption follows the story of John Marston, an Outlaw Renegade who has escaped his violent Gangland past to start a fresh new life with his Wife and Son. Unfortunately for John, the Federal Government is not too happy with his life choices, and they have kidnapped his family and are holding them hostage until John hunts down all of the members of his former gang and brings them to justice, alive or dead.

Gameplay: 

Red Dead Redemption uses the same engine as Grand Theft Auto 4, with only a few alterations to make it fit better into the world of the Wild West. You take control of John Marston in this Third-Person Action-Adventure across a vast Open World of the West Coast, encompassing many different lands. Much of the game revolves around the exploits of John as he interacts with the world around him, going from town to town trying to find information that might lead him to the locations of his ex-gang members.

There are many Side Quests/Missions to do in the game, in addition to the main goals, that will help further along the story and develop characters more thoroughly. You can be a Bounty Hunter, help Herd Cows, Stop Robberies, play mini-games such as Horseshoes and much more. There are dozens of challenges to complete as well throughout the game, such as honing your skills with weapons and hunting animals. You can collect skins and meats from animals to use or sell, collect plants and other items to use later in the game as well.

You can run across Random Encounters with people who you can choose to help, such as deciding how to help a man obtain and that he wants by either using force or persuasion. There are many outfits you can find and collect pieces for that you can later change into to alter your appearance, as well as stronger and faster horses to obtain.

Graphics:

The world-space in Red Dead Redemption is a breath-taking one to say the least. There are so many things going on that truly make the game have a living, breathing believable world to explore. The character models are very nicely done and detailed with high polygon counts for every character. The weapons look amazing and the textures on the buildings and the land truly feel as if you are living in the 18-1900's (The game takes place in 1911). The environment and the foliage do wonders for the atmosphere and the bullet effects are quite stellar.

Sound:

There Score for Red Dead Redemption is one for the ages. The music seems to be always well-placed and timed perfectly to the current situation. When you're riding at full-speed on a horse chasing down a train you feel exhilarated at the prospect of what's happening. When emotional scenes begin you get perfect reminiscent music playing while you're trotting along on your horse awaiting an emotional reunion with friends or loved ones. The battle scenes are scored very nicely as they keep you jacked up while in the moment that gives you the motivation to keep on going.

Length:

While there are a lot of tasks and things to do in Red Dead Redemption, all good things must eventually end. An average playthrough will take roughly 15-18 hours to complete if you focus on mostly the main story and some additional side quests. If you spend the time to collect all of the loot, complete all of the challenges and tasks as well as the side missions, you can easily push well over 20-25+ hours out of the game.

Value:

Red Dead Redemption is another stellar release by Rockstar Games. If you've played any of their previous games (and of course you have) than you will know exactly what to expect from this game, and it doesn't ever fail to deliver on that notion. The game has an amazing story filled with intrigue, love, sorrow, sadness and happiness that is sure to tug on those tear strings from time to time. I would highly recommend picking this title up even for full retail price.

Playstation 2 Review: "Yakuza 1"

Publisher: Sega

Developer: Amusement Vision

Release Date: September 5, 2006 (USA)

Premise:

The first "Yakuza" game is the beginning of the saga. You play as Kiryuu Kazuma who is expelled from his Yakuza family after taking the fall for the murder of a Crime Boss his friend committed. After being released from prison after Ten (10) years, you come in contact with a Nine-Year-Old girl named Haruka who everybody is after because she is supposedly the key to the missing 10 Billion Yen that was stolen from the Yakuza clan.

Gameplay: 

Yakuza is an Action-Adventure game that focuses on Exploration and Melee Fighting. Throughout the game you will be able to explore an open city and roam around interacting with various people to perform Side Missions, Collect Valuables, encounter random gangs and thugs, all-the-while in search of the missing money and the truth.

The main aspect of the Gameplay is the Melee Combat. When you encounter a foe you will enter a cordoned-off small area where you fight in Real-Time Hand-To-Hand combat. You can also use any number of weapons to increase your damage, though most of the weapons can only be used a certain number of times before the item breaks. Most of the combat is with bare fists, utilizing combos and special attacks to defeat your enemies. There are some gun battles in the game and an On-Rails Shooting level.

While exploring the city you can enter many different buildings, play mini-games, visit casinos, stop at restaurants to eat and replenish health, purchase health and armor items and much more. There are also Keys to Lockers throughout the game that you can use to unlock storage lockers that contain special items.

Graphics:

The game was released at the very beginning of the Seventh (7th) Generation of systems (360, PS3, Wii) and therefore it utilizes all of the power of the Playstation 2. The character models are done very well for a PS2 title, though the polygon count isn't tremendously high due to the system limitations and at some points during fights or while exploring the city you can get some slowdowns. The graphical effects are very nice and the modeling of the buildings and their textures really fit in nicely along with the ambient lighting of the environment.

Sound:

In Yakuza there is a beautiful Musical Score that helps further improve the atmosphere of the game. There is somber, emotional music that plays during the serious moments in the game, as well as fast-paced action music that's used during fights and certain sequences. There're a lot of background sounds, such as people talking and moving about, that help immersion further.

Length:

There is so much to do in Yakuza that you will be very surprised to know how long the game can last. My first play-through I racked up over 15 hours, but I also skipped quite a few side missions and collectibles.

If you work on finishing every single side mission, collect all of the collectibles and perform all of the additional tasks, the game can very easily be over 20+ hours in length and also has replay-ability where you can play the game in an Arcade-type mode to complete challenges and rack up high scores.

Value:

I was pleasantly surprised at the quality of this game, and I think it was overshadowed by the Xbox 360 and the other Next-Gen systems when it launched. I would highly recommend picking this title up when you get the chance to. You can find this game for around $5-$20 depending on your location, and it is worth that amount of money for the great game that it is.

XBLA Review: "I Am Alive"

Publisher: Ubisoft

Developer: Darkworks & Ubisoft Shanghai

Release Date: March 7, 2012 (USA)

Premise:

I Am Alive was released in March of 2012 and gave Gamers another Post-Apocalypse adventure to enjoy through the eyes of a lonely man in search of his wife and child through the streets of Haventon.

Gameplay: 

The gameplay in I Am Alive is a mixture of mostly Third-Person exploration with First-Person shooting, though the shooting is very limited in scope and doesn't involve a lot of gun-play. The majority of the game revolves around exploring the ruined city in search of your family, going from place to place, scavenging items to aid you in your adventure, such as health items, very scarce ammunition and unique food items.

The player can use these items to satisfy the needs of several other survivors throughout the game, such as finding a fresh tomato to give to a desperate person in need. Helping out survivors awards the player with "retries" - where the player is able to continue from a checkpoint after they die/fail. While the premise of the game has the player searching for his family, the majority of gameplay revolves around solving problems for other people unrelated to his family journey.

A vast part of the game's exploration is climbing around buildings, managing your stamina to make sure you don't plummet to your death below if you become too weak.

Graphics:

The graphics are pretty intense, especially for an arcade game. The textures of the buildings are pretty decent and the depth of field that was used in conjunction with the fog really makes you feel like you're in the struggle with the protagonist. Some character models are less-than-stellar, though, and the effects could be better, but all in all, they're at least up to par with current-gen games.

Sound:

There's a lot of good music in the game, even some somber tones during the speaking points. The eerie ambient sounds of the environment really help to bring home the experience of struggling in a life devoid of anything humanly.

Length:

I was surprised at the length of the game, as I spent a little bit over 6 hours on my first playthrough. There are two difficulty settings to help the replay-value, though replaying right away wasn't of much interest to me as I viewed the story as a good piece of art and didn't want to ruin that by seeing the story again so soon.

Value:

The game itself is great, and anybody looking for a good experience in a Post-Apocalyptic world will no doubt find enjoyment from it. But, and this is the big part, the game is made and published by Ubisoft, which is a company I do not support. While I felt compelled to purchase the title and I felt it was worth the $15 price-tag, I felt regret for supporting Ubisoft so I cannot justly recommend or not-recommend this title in an unbiased way.

Purchase: Microsoft Xbox LIVE 1600 Marketplace Points