Xbox 360 Reviews Online

Trivial Pursuit

The “Trivial Pursuit” video game builds on the original gameplay with stunning visual presentation, new question types and all-new questions, and the innovative Facts & Friends game mode. The quick-playing Facts & Friends mode adds a whole new social dynamic to the game that keeps everyone involved by encouraging players to guess whether their opponents will answer their questions correctly.The Trivial Pursuit video game from EA builds on the original gameplay with stunning visual presentation, new categories of questions, all-new never before seen questions, and the innovative Facts & Friends game mode. The quick-playing Facts & Friends mode adds a whole new social dynamic to the game that keeps everyone involved by encouraging players to guess whether their opponents will answer their questions correctly. The result is a new take on a tried and true classic that has found a home on the Xbox 360.<

Key Game Features: What do you know? - Challenge your friends with the original Trivial Pursuit game. Who do you know? - Earn extra points by guessing whether your friends know the answer in Facts & Friends mode. Do you know yourself? - Track your best categories over time with your custom Trivial Pursuit profile.

Trivial Pursuit (Xbox 360) Players: Offline: 1-4 Other: HDTV 480p, 720p; Dolby Digital.

Classic gameboard feel. View larger.

Multiple ways to play. View larger.

Engaging question displays. View larger.

User Ratings and Reviews

5 Stars Great for family game night
My family recently had the opportunity to try Trivial Pursuit on the Xbox 360. This game is AMAZING and really is hours of fun. It’s great that our entire family could all sit down together to play this. Ofcourse my husband and 17 year old daughter took the wins every time. They are super science and history buffs. The graphics were great and you have to be quick on your feet with some of the challenges. My daughters played this one night for almost two hours. I loved that they were able to find something that they both loved that was also educational. Our favorite game mode is the Facts & Friends. Another great part of this that we love is that you can also play Live with this game. So you can play anyone, anywhere, anytime.

2 Stars Disappointed
Well, I was really looking forward to this game and hoping it would revive the Trivial Pursuit popularity as it was in the 1990’s. Unfortunately, this version is not it (perhaps a later version will be?). The package is misleading as it is not xbox live compatible - you cannot play others on-line - which to me renders it basically useless. They over did the voice over announcer on this game. I always keep the volume down as it is ReaLLy irritating. Other than that, it is ok, educational and all. The long game CaN be rEally long. I like that the individual game can be “won” in several different ways (versus the clock, getting so many points per category before clearing the board, etc.). I happen to have gotten a defective game as it has “frozen” several times. So, this one is getting returned. I may wait and see if they improve it (on-line playable) before I purchase it again.

3 Stars Excellent game, but very content-starved.
At its core, this is a great game for the trivia buff. But its content really needs work.

The graphics are great for what it is (this is a jazzed-up board game, kids, not Halo.) The gameplay - visuals, pace, control - is truly excellent and well-thought-out. The designers did a fantastic job bringing Trivial Pursuit into the video gaming world.

My primary complaint is the quality and quantity of content. Perhaps I’ve been “spoiled” by the excellent and voluminous questions of the classic TP board games of yesteryear, but this was quite disappointing. Don’t get me wrong - there are many excellent questions - however, several are miscategorized (asking me about crab soup ingredients in ‘Geography’ - really, guys?) And (as shipped) the game has nowhere near enough questions to sustain any long-term engagement. To illustrate: we (two people) have only had the game two days, played perhaps four or five games total, and have seen 15 or 20 questions twice. That would never happen with a real TP card set.

The good news is that these content issues can be easily remedied with additional question pack downloads and updates from EA - but, as of this writing, the pickings are very slim.

Also, the geography “map” feature could be improved. When the player is selecting his/her answer on the map, the name of the answer being “hovered” over is not shown. Perhaps this is just to make it more challenging, which is fine, but it’s inconsistent with the rest of the game, which lets you see the name of your answer before you lock it in.

Oh, and the idiotic guy talking in the background who says several dumb things to you every single turn? Truly maddening. Who thought he was a good idea? You will want to punch him in the face within the first minute. Thank Heavens you can turn him off (options - voice volume - 0).

And while it doesn’t mean much to me, adding support for online play would be excellent.

Overall, it’s a very good game. But, if you’re going to play it with any regularity, buy it only if you’re optimistic there will be more content available to download in the future (I expect there will, but who knows.)

4 Stars Underrated
Great version of Trivial Pursuit and the new Facts & Friends mode is a fun/interesting way to play and will probably be the favorite mode of many players.

A few reviews have been far too harsh over the Geography questions and lack of online play. The Geography complaints are based on questions that ask you where something happen before presenting a map and having you select the area on the map that corresponds to your answer. This is tough as there are no boundaries on the maps and they zoom in to an extent that makes it even worse.

Online play means nothing to me since I refuse to pay for XBOX LIVE and would rather play games against opponents in the same room with me. I save my online contests for PC games.

Bottom line … I didn’t let the geography complaints steer me away and I’m glad (and I’m horrible at geography).

3 Stars Lack of online play really hurts what should have been a great party game
I’ve complained nearly since the release of the Xbox 360 that there are no good trivia games for the system. I had purchased and quite enjoyed the original Trivia Pursuit: Unhinged game for the older (original) Xbox system. It was great fun to play, but unfortunately the terribly inadequate backwards compatibility mode for the Xbox 360 didn’t include support for that game until several years after the release of that system. Nearly as bad was that once the Xbox 360 came to market the chances of seeing downloadable content and update for the old Unhinged game was pretty much gone.

In the years since there have been a couple of trivia games released on the Xbox 360 (and/or on Xbox Live), but still nothing quite as fun as the heyday of NTN (National Trivia Night, or whatever it was called…), or my more favored You Don’t Know Jack series.

Xbox Live should be a natural for a good trivia game. After all voice support is built in and the game matching system in Xbox Live is second to none. Yes, I know that the Playstation Network is available for Playstation 3 owners (I have one of those too) and it’s completely free. PSN is not bad, and would also be a nice venue for playing a good trivia game though PS3 owners aren’t guaranteed to have a microphone so I rank it a little below Xbox Live in the usability area.

Regardless, the question here is whether or not Electronic Arts’ Trivial Pursuit game is worth the purchase and in answer to that question I must say the answer is a mere maybe. The game itself isn’t bad, but being stuck with local only (as in only local to your own console) gameplay really limits the game much more than it should. The game is fun for a single player but the fun will wear down quickly. For multiple players (family, friends, etc.) its ok as well but in reality the best entertainment for these kinds of games come when you can be completely competitive without really worrying about hurting the feelings of someone close to you. (Which is why being able to play over Xbox Live or the PSN would be so essential).

The discount price may entice some purchases, and certainly there is entertainment value to be had here, the question is whether or not you’ll really be happy after the purchase? Certainly the ability to download content to add to the game helps keep the game fresh over time, but will such content continue to be forthcoming if the game doesn’t sell as well as the publishers hoped? That remains to be seen.

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Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles 1989 Classic Arcade [Online Game Code]

A blast from the past! Help the Turtles save their friends April and Master Splinter, and defeat the evil Shredder once more in this classic arcade brawler! There are no refunds for this item. For more information, see www.xbox.com/live/accounts.

User Ratings and Reviews

4 Stars Enjoyment will be (mostly) proportional to nostalgia
This is a game from the bygone era of arcades. It’s graphically flashy (circa 1989), totally rad (circa 1989), and designed to eat quarters ($59.99 is the new 25 cents). This is from the time when playing video games meant you would die, repeatedly, and only quarters could bring you back to life. For $5, you don’t have to worry about quarters anymore, which isn’t all that bad a deal.

Enjoyment is going to be (mostly) proportional to nostalgia, so if you don’t remember this game there is probably no point in picking it up now, unless you demand to play every beat ‘em up in the history of gaming. It’s a good beat ‘em up, but it’s dated — 1989.

The port and the additions to the game are excellent - it looks and plays great. Online play is a blast, especially if you have a friend that also remembers Hammer pants and the first George Bush.

5 Stars Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles 1989 Classic Arcade
I remember this game I was just playin the trial on my xbox a few weeks back

its to bad they dont yet have it / offer it as a single game to purchase or part of a classic combo

they should make one like that

There is only one flaw about this deal I dont like and thats paying or trading points for a game that is downloaded

and I would have said that about any downloaded game cause in most cases its hardly ever worth it when you have to download it

This game - and im talking from the nintendo one they had this is the same one so im just sayin…this was one of the best games out for nintendo I liked it alot as a kid I wonder if they will bring back 2 and 3 and maybe the rest of the nintendo classic games

Checking prices here off amazon if you still have a nintendo that works you can get this game and not the download for almost the same price right now as of 9-20-09 there are some good deals on some used ones at ebay

I wouldnt trust a download for many reasons but I guess its ok if you really want to play it the game is alot of fun

But if your into resale value I would have to say pick a copy up at ebay asap cause it might go up for nintendo seeing how people are wanting to play it again and what a classic it is almost as fun as zelda for nintendo was but thats just me talking

I been talking about ebay alot thats just the place I would go for a deal you can go to any~site you want

FIVE STARS in my point of view great game

5 Stars classic turtles game
this game is awesome a classic the best of the best download it on your xbox360 you wont be sorry

3 Stars Memories…
A fun port of an old favorite, however the game isn’t really worth the price and I am a lot more excited about the Turtles in Time revamp which is coming out soon. I really wish I had tried the demo before buying this, as I don’t feel the value for the price paid.

3 Stars No Quarters
I have this game for the NES, but thought $5 was not a bad deal.

Since beating the game within 30 minutes of the download, I haven’t played again. It’s a fun game, but very short (you get unlimited continues).

I think what made this game more appealing at the arcade was the fact that you had to keep feeding it quarters to beat it. When your money was on the line each life meant more. With no consequences for your actions, you place little value on your life.

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Alan Wake

Alan Wake, developed by Remedy Entertainment for the Xbox 360, is psychological action thriller that incorporates the elements of a TV show with the interactivity of a video game for a uniquely immersive experience. A suspenseful story told in successive episodes, this release will treat players to top-notch graphics that give the game a stunning cinematic look.

Search for clues to figure out the mystery. View larger.

Alan Wake slowly realizes that his nightmares are coming true. View larger.

You’ll be able to freely roam the town of Bright Falls. View larger.

High definition graphics and lighting effects make for a spectacular looking game. View larger.

A Nightmare Turns to Life
Alan Wake is a bestselling horror novelist who moved to the small town of Bright Falls, Washington after suffering from insomnia and depression. Wake is able to sleep again, but after he meets a mysterious woman, he begins to have terrible nightmares. As he puts these nightmares on paper for a new book, he soon notices that all the things that happen in his book are coming true right before his eyes.

Using cinematic effects and technology such as real-time lighting, shadows and reflections, you’ll be treated to a game that is oozing with atmosphere and able to invoke an emotional response from the player. The realistic environment features real-time weather and light changes that effect the game play for a remarkably immersive experience.

Explore an Entire Town
The town of Bright Falls is 100 square kilometers, and players will be able to roam through this incredibly detailed area any way they like, roaming the town or wandering out to the lakes, forest, satellite towns, and more. The game gives the player goals, but how he chooses to go about completing them is up to him. Clues are scattered throughout the town, and solving mysteries will require players to pay close attention to the little details.

Intense Combat
In addition to solving puzzles and exploration, the game also pushes players into serious action and combat; when night comes, creatures will take their best shots at Alan, and you’ll have to be quick with strategy as well as weapons to beat them back.

Alan Wake presents an unusual and new gaming experience that features a riveting, multi-layered story while giving the player the ability to freely roam a giant environment. It supports Dolby Digital sound and runs at a beautiful high-definition 720p.

User Ratings and Reviews

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The Darkness

The Darkness gives you awesome and terrible powers, in a new twist on horror-based adventure. On his 21st birthday, the Darkness awakens within Jackie Estacado, a mafia hitman for the Franchetti crime family. With his new powers, Jackie is able to wreak terrifying havoc on his enemies. Jackie must learn to fully command the Darkness so he can take back control of the Franchetti family, which is ruled by his uncle Paulie, a despicable man who is almost universally despised. Based on the popular comic book “The Darkness.” Traditional multiplayer modes as well as all-new innovative game modes Next-gen graphics and gameplay featuring advanced voice-synching and facial animations and fully interactive environments

User Ratings and Reviews

3 Stars Read the comic book. put the controller down.
Mike patton. gangster hell. strange powers. even stranger controls. STILL NOT A GOOD GAME!!! How!? I had to cuddle with my virtual girlfriend in front of an old movie for TEN MINUTES till she fell asleep and I could progress in the game!!! That’s how!

3 Stars This game is fun for people who hate fun and have fun hating things.
I wanted to like this game, I really did. But I didn’t. The graphics were fine, the story was good and controls were okay and all that crap but it just wasn’t fun. Thinking about stubbing my toe on the coffee table the other day brings back fonder memories than I get from recalling this game, but like Kunta Kinte says “you don’t have to take my word for it.” Now let’s be clear, I am not advocating either your purchase or rental of this game. What you need to do is hype it up to a friend of yours who happens to be a little slow in the head. Make him buy it, then just borrow it from him. Then sell it on ebay. Once it’s all said and done you will realize that the only value this game has is whatever bidding ends at. There is no non-monetary value in this game, and even that isn’t much.

4 Stars pretty good.
Story is great as well the acting and visuals. As for replay value, its more or less.

4 Stars Play it for the story, nothing more
The Darkness is one of those kind of games where you got to appreciate having it since it feels so radically different from other FPS games. It’s got the slight linearity of games like Call of Duty and Fear yet there’s some sidequests and exploration to be found but above all, it’s completely geared towards its storytelling and atmosphere which is quite impeccable. But in a way some people might not like its pacing since it’s not action-intensive as other games and then you’ll not even be touching the controller as you stare at something (and even get an achievement for that very thing) but the shooting plus controlling the Darkness is a blast. Just stay away from the multiplayer…it’s pretty bad.

Story: You play as Jackie Estacado, part of a mob family that gets a hit put out on him during his 21st birthday. While being hunted, Jackie gets ensnared by the Darkness, an evil and powerful spirit that allows Jackie some incredible and destructive gifts at the cost of a constant voice in his head and occasionally being manipulated and controlled. But Jackie is out for revenge anyway against Uncle Paulie, the man who called the hit, and his lackey corrupt police officer Eddie Schrote so having the Darkness as an ally is the gift and curse.

Graphics: Graphically the game looks similar to the Chronicles of Riddick with some incredibly realistic and moody lighting and some great art design such as one place you go to during the second act and New York City which for once FEELS like New York City rather than a bunch of buildings that look like its skyline. Character models as well look like actual people however the lip movements are incredibly off and half the time I don’t even the see the lips actually moving. The game does look great and is quite memorable because of its unique look though if you were to compare it to say Modern Warfare or other games, it looks good.

Sound/Music: What makes the storytelling work is the voice acting which is, quite simply, phenomenally. From Jackie to his girlfriend Jenny to even minor characters you meet along the way (gotta love the dude who sings part of his sentences) and even Mike Patton from the old Faith No More band does an incredibly raspy voice for the Darkness who will be a constant presence in your ear. As far as the music, it’s not as prominent but it’s there but the ambience is from the chatter and train rumblings of the subway to the moody place you’ll go to at times, game also has a great ear.

Gameplay: For the most part it’s kind of basic. You get weapons which you select by left and right on the D-pad but the fun part is using the Darkness powers. There’s 4: the creeping dark, a slithering snake you control (rather horribly I might add) to launch sneak attacks on foes, a tail-like move that’ll impale enemies or move objects blocking your path, the Darkness guns and the destructive Black Hole which sucks in nearby enemies. They’re all fun to use even with Black Hole becoming your trump card but sneaking up on people and biting their faces off never gets old. There’s also a slight RPG element where you consume people’s hearts (I like when the 2 heads try to fight for it, left never wins) and that’ll level up your darkness powers to of course make you more awesome.

Another part of your gift is the ability to summon darklings, little minions you can use to wreck havoc on your foes. From the melee-loving berserker, mini-gun toting gunner, the kamikaze and one who specifically targets lights out and zaps your foes. Speaking of lights, you’ll want to shoot them out since they help your powers a lot better and there’s even times where you can’t take out your powers unless you shoot the lights. This however can make it tedious to always aim for lightbulbs. Another slight flaw I noticed is that Jackie walks.way.too.slow and trying to get close to an enemy to do the awesome execution move and yet he walks like he’s got a limp or something. Also at times I couldn’t figure out where I was supposed to actually go though at least there’s a helpful menu that tells you but more often than not, I’m walking back and forth going “where am I supposed to go anyway?”

Oh, and if you’re into boosting, I’d do it with the Darkness and move on since how do I put this…the multiplayer sucks. The lag and just the general boringness of it all, this is clearly a multiplayer that was added on because developers were afraid people would just rent it, beat it and sell it to Gamestop or something. And wouldn’t you know it, there’s quite a few achievements in multiplayer for a game with a diminishing community by the day so go you.

As a single player game, the Darkness is quite an underrated game with the occasional nitpick but for those into FPS games that are more or less entirely story driven like Half-Life 2 will find some fun here. But longevity, well, that multiplayer still sucks so I’d maybe rent.

4 Stars Kids loved the game, I loved the price!
Video games and kids; an expensive mix. This game was less than half the store price. My son loves it and I saved money. No brainer.

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Disney’s Bolt

In Disney’s Bolt, players take on the heroic personas of the TV star dog, Bolt, and his owner, Penny, from the high-action television series featured within the film. As Bolt, players can use his superpowers, including laser vision and his superbark, which sends out a sonic blast to devastate opponents, and as Penny, players utilize stealth, hacking skills and a wheelbar, inspired by her scooter seen in the movie, to outwit enemies.

Key Game Features: A new story inspired by the action-packed TV show set within the film. The ability to play as Bolt or Penny. Bolt’s special powers: laser vision, super strength and sonic bark. Penny’s abilities & gadgets: computer hacking skills, acrobatics, motorized wheel bar. Five game environments set in exciting international locales: China, Russia, Italy, and others. Defeat the evil Calico and save the world. Cinematic camera unique for a movie-based platforming game.

Screenshots:

Bolt’s famous laser vision. View larger.

Penny taking down a bad guy. View larger.

Penny showing her agility. View larger.

User Ratings and Reviews

4 Stars If you liked the movie you’ll love the game
Unlike most movie based games, this one you play through episodes of the Bolt TV show that is briefly shown in the movie. Instead of interactively reliving the movie like most movie based games. The Bolt levels are fun and full of over the top bolt combat. The Penny based levels are stealthy and have fun puzzles to solve. The kids will love it, I thought it was really fun and am waiting for the kids to be done with it so I can play.

5 Stars My little brother loves it!
I bought this for my little brother for Christmas. He’s still playing it. DEFINITELY a good buy! At least if your kid and/or little sibling really liked the movie…

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