It's Like Throwing Money Down A Stream Of Water!

So, it seems to me that Microsoft is on their knees begging for some cash. Well unfortunately with this card, I think they are going to get their request!

This card allows you to buy goods and items from the XBox Live Marketplace, if you have XBox Live. You can buy games such as Marble Blast Ultra, Zuma, Uno, Bejewelled 2, Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles (1989 Arcade), Frogger and much more! It doesn't end there as you can also buy Music Videos, Game Videos, Pictures, Game-Tracks, Demos and yet even more!

Although this sounds tasty, it doesn't satisfy the needs as you only have 2100 Points per card and most games cost 800 Points for a Full Version purchase. This means that you can only roughly get 2 Games per card! I did some rough calculations and for 60 Arcade Games all at 800 Points each. It will cost you £650!! That's the same as if you wanted Two Playstation 3 Consoles! So, you can tell that Microsoft is the scavenger!

My Grade For The Card: 5.5/10: Mediocre, Could Be Better, Not Bad But Not Brilliant

My Wish: I think for a price of £20, they should do a Points Card of 2,100,000 Points. I mean what can you exactly get with just 2100 Points?

Final Comments: It may be annoying going to the shop all the time and spending £20 just to get one of these cards, but if are intending to get games, pictures and videos for you're XBox 360, I'm afraid you're going to have to get a few of these. Just make sure you pick up a few. Otherwise you may miss your chance! It's a race for cards!!

Review By Captain Chris Kipper!

Want to buy a short subscription? Don't pay by Direct Debit, buy this card.

I signed up for Xbox Live about 9 months ago and used up my free trials on my Xbox 360, so decided to buy a one-month subscription from the xbox.com website. I was under the assumption that buying Xbox Live for a month meant that I would have it FOR the month, then I'd carry on without for a while. I was a little irritated to find out that I was Direct Debited for the next month's subscription after my one month was up. I couldn't understand why anybody would want to buy one month at a time if they only intended to continue with their subscription. Surely, if I wanted to keep Live, I'd have bought the 12 month package in the first place and saved myself some money instead of buying one month at a time? In the end, I had to call up a terrible call centre in India, and wait for about 30 minutes to speak to anybody. It wasn't worth the hassle, and I'd recommend buying this card if you're after a quick subscription that you'll want to expire and not keep paying money for.

multiplayers good..

only buy this game if you're prepared to fork out for xbox live. (im not!)

The premium controller for the Xbox

I don't know what was going on at Microsoft A&R but it must have been a moment of sheer lunacy that led to the creation of a joypad that could only be wielded by people with 12 inch fists.

The Japanese market found themselves with another reason why an Xbox wasn't really an essential purchase since they couldn't get their mitts round them. Luckily Microsoft came up with Controller S version.

Its still the biggest of the controllers when you look at the official GameCube and PS2 controllers but its a hell of alot better than the original.

Where it suceeds over its competitors is the superior control that it offers for FPS games and the fact that you plug your Live headset in through it. The analogue joysticks are nice and firm to help get that greater degree of accuracy, however, I have noticed in particularly hectic moments in Halo that its a bit too easy to jam your hand on the black and white buttons by accident. Also I tended to end up with crampy hands after a while. Still not quite up with the PS2 controller as far as comfort goes.

One neat feature is the safety release device built into the cable... ensuring that if a rampant child happens to trip over the wire, it disconnects from the machine with ease rather than bringing all 7 tonnes of the Xbox down on its head.

A good controller that still needs to work out where to stick the black/white buttons. Essential to everyone who gets the machine, lose the clunky original controller immediately.

a great console but only 4 stars

it rely is a great game console but there is one problem the xbox it over heats and wen it does it stops playin games well mine does an there is a massive variety of games on the xbox startin from rely crap ones to awesome games like halo, hitman, call of duty, project gotham racing, etc etc it goes on and on and to be fair not all ppl like action games so u might want games that i call crap but if u love em then gd for u but if u want a wide variety of games and dont mind that your xbox overheatin then get one but jus make sure u get a new one or one that has been refurbished by a compant that specialises in it and jus dont buy a second hand one for very little money cos you will be disappointed

A great game but nothing more

Chances are if you're reading this review you've already heard a lot about Halo, you've either played it and want to know what other people think or thinking about catching up with the series before Halo 3. People will tell you that Halo is the greatest game ever made and it's easy enough to see where they're coming from; Halo is a very fun, very clever, great looking for the time first-person shooter. It's also one of the first FPS for the console market to be playable and well designed. However, please be aware that Halo received rave reiews primarily on the fact that it was the best FPS on a console at the time. Veterans of PC shooter should be more cautious, Halo has nothing on PC shooter classics such as Alien Vs. Predator 2 or the Quake series.

Halo does have some unique strengths, the AI with both the enemies and the allied marines is very good and was excellent for the time of release. The marines really do feel to be on your side and this is crucial.
My favourite strength is the plot, this game has a nice little story to it heavily supported by the scenery, when playing the game simply look up when outdoors to see what I mean.

It also has some flaws that are often overlooked but need mentioning. The game contains a very large chapter in which you are required to work your way underground through a facility in which every room, corridor and level is designed very similarily. There is only one way to progress, there are no surprises and it amounts to a very long, dull section of the game. Furthermore, upon completing the objective at the end of this trail you are required to travel back up again. There is a distinct feeling of padding out the game.
Another flaw, in my opinion, is often written up as a strength. The vehicle sections of the game are intrusive and obnoxious. Sure, the warthog is fun at first and usually optional but it can also be a pain to control and a nuisance. More irritatingly, the tank later in the game is slow, dull and necessary. I would have preferred a larger shooter level, to be honest.

Halo is a great game, if you like FPSs then you'll probably enjoy it just don't expect perfection.

Good, easy fun!

Do not listen to those who give this one star; this game is certainly worth five. Someone who has only played half an hour or so cannot possibly appreciate the quality of it. From the very beginning it is easy to play and the storyline is involving. There is a lot to do in the large world that has been created and it certainly doesn't suffer from a lack of depth. There are some parts which are slightly frustrating, but this is all part of the gaming experience and gives the player a huge amount of satisfaction when they are completed. My only warning is not to get this if you don't wish to become completely absorbed. Great stuff!

Excellent, but not as good as the first

This game is excellent in many ways. It emulates the first as far as gameplay and storyline go and there are a few additions to the gameplay which add to the overall game experience. For example, new force powers, weapons, and the ability to bash open doors/boxes with a lightsaber or other melee weapon. However, for me, there are a few disappointing elements to this sequal. Firstly, I found that the characters were not as likable as those in the first, such as Bastilla and Mission in particular, who notably elicited empathy from the player. Secondly, the game is quite glitchy in some parts, a shock compared with the first which I played glitch free. Thirdly, the conclusion of the game seems to come very suddenly, and there is no real progression as far as your part as the protagonist goes, as opposed to the first KOTOR, where the end is very fitting. My only criticism which spans both games is the poorly constructed"choose your own path" element to the narrative. The conversational options for the light and dark side paths are EXTREMELY obvious, in my opinion, making it too easy to choose either path. For example, if you need to acquire a power generator from a civilian, the choices can be as simple as"I'll help you out in exchange for the power generator" or"I'm going to kill you and your family". However, both games are extremely playable and very very compelling.
The KOTOR series are my favourite games, and I look forward to the rumoured KOTOR 3. I recommend this game to anybody, Star Wars fan or not. It is RPG at it's very, very best.

A Must have improved on a classic

Star Wars is such a huge fantasy epic which grasps the minds of so many loving fans. When Battlefront 1 came out it was like a dream come true. Forget Star Wars galaxies, forget Jedi knight jedi academy, forget all previous star wars games (well don't forget them there still great its just a figure of speech and a good emphasis method) Battlefront 1 was a hit. The chance to play in all your favourite battles with your favourite vehicles and a vast assortment of units was mind-blowing. And with Battlefront 2 there are even more battlegrounds to play on with even more vehicles and units. Space battles,a better ranking system having to earn the right to play as the special units. With a new 501st campaign and better galactic conquest this game seemed ready for stardom. But that wasn't all, the most exciting feature was the ability to play as hero or villian. What else could be better, to play possibly some of your favourite star wars hero or villans in some of your favourite battles. Ok there were restrictions to which hero which map but still incredibly fun and amazing to just chop through all those enemies with a sabre. The only major disapointment was the loss of a few original maps but on xbox live you can download some and there are also going to be more no doubt with new heroes and villans. So in my own personal view this is the BEST STAR WARS GAME EVER cause you can play it over and over and over and over and over and etc again and never get bored. Well i can.

Words cannot describe

Just recently, I bought an Xbox that came with seven games (Grand Theft Auto: San Andreas, Terminator 3: Rise of the Machines, Prince of Persia: Warrior Within, Star Wars Episode III: Revenge of the Sith, Star Wars Battlefront, James Bond: Everything or Nothing and Halo). They were all great games, but the game that really caught my eye was Halo. It was just a standard FPS (First Person Shooter), but there was something about it that was just amazing. Whether it was the great storyline, the great graphics, the great gameplay, I know not, but it was by far the best game I had ever played.

After completing it, I wanted more. Realising that there was a Halo 2 AND a Halo 3, I set out to get No. 2 (I'm getting an Xbox 360 for Christmas along with Halo 3 and GTA4). I started playing it, and remebering that some reviews said it wasn't as good as the first one, I was prepared to be a little disappointed.

I wasn't.

The game is even better than the first one, with more challenging and engaging levels, more weapons, the ability to dual wield, and ESPECIALLY the ability to play as a Covenant Elite.

Three words: GET THIS GAME

DOOM!!!!

Survival horror with action. Picture walking on a blood stained floor, three bullets in the handgun, you must leave the comfortable station room and get to the otherside and lock that wide open door, you leave getting closer to that gapping void beyond the door, then... groaning noises and a foot scrapping closer, you can see an outline, taking careful aim... then out with the lights and deafening laughter, the room is now lit soley in satanic fiery glowing symbols and centre stage a porthole with intruders from another demension! and great game to play in the dark! I just really liked this game so much. I can't say enough gud things about it, great great great!. The most terrifying version of hell I got to witness!!! Buy the board game aswell :D

Underwhelming, annoying

Before you read further, I have to warn you that I didn't actually finish the game - I played about a third before trading it in.

I didn't like the game at all, even though I was a huge fan of the original game and it's various expansions. The first thing that annoyed me was the fact that the planning stage of the mission was left out - meaning that you could no longer craft tactics prior to starting.

I also felt that the game was hugely linear compared to previous efforts. The first mission is a prime example of this, with the only deviations being when a path briefly forked before rejoining.

The graphics weren't anything near the standard that I would've expected from Red Storm - the same company that gave us the brilliant Splinter Cell - and the voice acting started to bug me about five minutes in.

It felt like Rainbow Six-lite, and whilst some elements were fun, it felt like a game with potential rather than a top quality tactical squad shooter. You'd be better off going with Ghost Recon.

Would be 5 Stars but for poor quality control

This is a well sized controller that does the original Xbox controller thing wirelessly and well.

Unfortunately I had to get the first two replaced - a broken battery contact and then a broken button, both defects were found on opening the blister-pack and not after use. Amazon's replacement routine was painless and quick.

The unit itself feels solid and robust. I like it.

Jade Empire

Jade empire is fantastic it's got great gameplay and a great storyline and it has a bonus disc with an exclusive character and demos for froza motorsport and two more i won't say 10/10 must buy!

Pretty good - except

This game is on the whole, good. The story is interesting, and there are a loada side missions to keep ypu busy. The game would be good for younger people because the characters are cartoon like, and its on the whole - easy. Reminded me of Zelda.

It is a good game.

BUT - For me its too childish, im in my 20s so I like a game with real depth, and a mature storyline, which fable does not provide. There is no challenge in the fighting, and it becomes boring, you just end up tapping the attack button over and over till the baddies are dead - pretty dull.

If youre under 16 and you lkek a pretty good RPG than get this game, if not go for something like the elder scrolls - which I think is absolutely fing amazing!! more depth, and a much more stronger story.

But again, I gotta say this is on the whole GOOD but I got bored.

p.s. maybe im just thick, but I was having very irritating saviong problems - I would do a mission, save the game and than load it up to find ive gotta do the missions again! Unfortunately I wont be completing this game for that reason.

A Good Star Wars Game? :o

With many attempts of Lucas Art to perfect a franchise in the gaming world not living up to expectations such as many of the recent film titles (Phantom Menace Game, Revenge of the Sith Game). I was suprised when i found a liking to this first person style game.

Although the"Star wars : KNights of the old republic" Duo of titles have made a name from themselves and I can myself see the playability of the game however I found the fact its set no where near the films with characters i can not relate to frustrating.

With Jedi Acadamy, there are characters you know such as Chewbaccha, Luke Skywalker Boba Fett. The game is set after the sixth film (Return of the Jedi) where Luke Skywalker has an acadamy of students. You play the role of a student, (who you customise to look how you like, later in the game you customise the abilities such as force - light/dark side). It makes the player of the game feel like you are living an extention of the film with a fairly decent storyline although does have a few flaws.

The single player mode does not last the longest, and the repeated lightsaber duels can get frustrated however with the force abilities and multiple weopons at your hands, you can make each duel original.

One thing i did not like was the character of Kyle Katorn - readers who have played Jedi OUtcast will know who he is - I would of rather be the apprentice of Skywalker however if i could live with it, im sure most players could!

Overall I throroughly enjoyed it and waiting for the next hopefully!!

4 Stars out of 5 - due to feeling that you do to many duels and not long enough storyline! However that aside.. brilliant!

Badly let down by pathetic car sounds.

This game has plenty of polish and scale - the graphics are truly tremendous, the car damage looks good, system link multiplayer is THE BEST for any xbox racer (along with PGR2) and custom soundtracks play uninterrupted from menus, through loading screens and into the game (Hooray!! more games need this feature in my opinion!). It has the feel of a great game, however...

The big flaw for Forza Motorsport is the pathetic, utterly unexciting car sounds. I make no wild exageration on this point. ALL the great racing sims have had cutting edge sound effects contributing to their greatness (Grand Prix 2, Grand Prix Legends, GTR!!, Colin McRae, Project Gotham, Gran Turismo and practically any other current full-on driving sim that's around for the PC (rFactor, Live for Speed, etc.)).

I'm afraid the car sounds for Forza are of a PSOne standard - i.e. about 8 years behind what can be considered as simulation. Everything else is impressive (as far as console racers are concerned), but nobody should claim this title is a classic when it sounds so weedy. The xbox IS capable of PC standard sound effects, although playing this game, you wouldn't know it.

Best Steath game ever

Im sorry but ive never liked splinter cell the enemy characters look like fat blocky rectangles and Tom Clancys scenarios are like the sad old goverment conspiracy films my dad watches.

Metal Gear is a great great game the control system is perfect. I know people dont like the replacement of snake in the main chapter with raiden but lets face it this is snakes fourth computer game and he must be in his mid thirtys by now it wouldn't be plausible for him to be still working for foxhound and raidens allowed the designers to make a young agile character who can flip to dodge bullets, hang on to rails etc. Snakes a middle aged man it would be stupid if he done that sort of thing. The cut scences are varied most are very good but one of the sub story lines concerning otacon and his sister is just plain stupid. Saying that though Hideo Kojima always refernces hollywood and japanese film narrative snd im sure he recognises the indulgence of the story. This is a very interesting game its is to video games what pulp fiction is to films. To me this is the one of the first games to be as relevant as a book. If a film was ever made of this game it would be disasterous just like when films are made of great books.

I think this is a historically important game. This game real depth I have even tracked down copys of the original MSX metal gear games because of it.

A great game but nothing more

Chances are if you're reading this review you've already heard a lot about Halo, you've either played it and want to know what other people think or thinking about catching up with the series before Halo 3. People will tell you that Halo is the greatest game ever made and it's easy enough to see where they're coming from; Halo is a very fun, very clever, great looking for the time first-person shooter. It's also one of the first FPS for the console market to be playable and well designed. However, please be aware that Halo received rave reiews primarily on the fact that it was the best FPS on a console at the time. Veterans of PC shooter should be more cautious, Halo has nothing on PC shooter classics such as Alien Vs. Predator 2 or the Quake series.

Halo does have some unique strengths, the AI with both the enemies and the allied marines is very good and was excellent for the time of release. The marines really do feel to be on your side and this is crucial.
My favourite strength is the plot, this game has a nice little story to it heavily supported by the scenery, when playing the game simply look up when outdoors to see what I mean.

It also has some flaws that are often overlooked but need mentioning. The game contains a very large chapter in which you are required to work your way underground through a facility in which every room, corridor and level is designed very similarily. There is only one way to progress, there are no surprises and it amounts to a very long, dull section of the game. Furthermore, upon completing the objective at the end of this trail you are required to travel back up again. There is a distinct feeling of padding out the game.
Another flaw, in my opinion, is often written up as a strength. The vehicle sections of the game are intrusive and obnoxious. Sure, the warthog is fun at first and usually optional but it can also be a pain to control and a nuisance. More irritatingly, the tank later in the game is slow, dull and necessary. I would have preferred a larger shooter level, to be honest.

Halo is a great game, if you like FPSs then you'll probably enjoy it just don't expect perfection.

Best Game On Xbox

This is the best game on Xbox. Halo 2 your time is up. It is immensely addictive. especially the manager mode. It makes you feel like Bryan Clough and much more. It is so rewarding, when you win the premiership with Torquay United, my god it feels good. When you sign Ronaldinho , when you beat Liverpool on penalties. Totally unforgettable game play.

You can simulate the matches. This is where it tells you on the screen what is happening. e.g." GOAL!!!. What a strike from Torres" or" Nice pass by Terry". Also it is good that you can play the match. Or if you are feeling lazy Quick sim the match ( But if your team isn't on form you will loose).

Biding for players is simple. If another team bids for your player you can say whether you sell him or not. If your academy sucks, send out your scout to all over the globe. You can improve your coaching staff for a few bob. Which eventually improves your teams' performance.

But this is a football game, if you where considering getting a manager game you would read LMA Manager 2007 review. Not many people would have expected the manager mod to beater than the actual the football, but Football is spot on .So are the set plays tackling passing and shooting systems. The easiest way is score is make your forward the run away from the defender (with the ball) and smack it in the top corner.

The soundtrack is quit good. It is mostly music you will have never heard of, apart from The Feeling - Sewn (which is incredibly boring). The best song is from the emo band: Boy Kill Boy- Civil Sin and the music is generally quit good. New this year you can create a team and do a lounge. Also when you create a plays it actually looks like you. The plays look like real people compared to Pro Evo's . Pro Evo's look like playdough.

My only concern is that it is really hard to do skill. You will be running down the wing with Cristiano Ronaldo and it is so hard to perform step over's successfully, But it is still the best game on Xbox so click on the"by in now button" even if you aren't particularly into footy.