Video Games Monster

10 Responses to “Halo Reach Wireless Xbox 360 Controller”

1. 
   Texmexx27
   Sep 8th, 2010 at 11:00 pm

   Review by Texmexx27 for Halo Reach Wireless Xbox 360 Controller
   Rating:
   Microsoft has done the Halo franchise it’s due with this accessory. From the box to the little extras (i.e. the Covenant Banshee avitar prop). As with all offical Microsoft licensed controllers, this one is very solid and has a good feel, especially with the fiish they have given the controller. The finish has a very subtle texture to it on the sliver parts(more so then the standard controller) that gives it a bit better grip. The overall looks are just gorgeous for a controller. The silver matte finish and the subtle black detail lines go perfectly. Also the black buttons, control configuration and battery cover add to the looks very well. The crome “X” button is just icing on the cake.

   Now, it has been years since I have purchased a new controller, so it just may be a lack of comparison, but the controller felt a little extra responsive in the “D” pad and the sticks. You will have to judge that for yourself.

   Finally, the extras. First, the controller comes with 2 Duracell batteries to power it up and then there is the the exclusive Covenant Banshee avitar prop. I have to admitt I play with the xbox avitar from time to time but it is not over important to me, but I have to admit the Banshee flying around your avitar, while “you” are holding the new Reach controller, is pretty cool.

   Over all I am very, very pleased with this controller and feel the money for this controller was well spent. If you are like me and have not purchased a new controller for some time, now is the time, you will not be disappointed.

2. 
   D. Horvitz
   Sep 8th, 2010 at 11:50 pm

   Review by D. Horvitz for Halo Reach Wireless Xbox 360 Controller
   Rating:
   This controller is one sexy looking thing, the black glossy ancients and the pattern just makes it look stunning, and makes me feel proud to play Reach with it. The only thing other than the design that gets this product a five star, is the one thing that truly matters…. It does in FACT work with the older 360 models

3. 
   Miguel Sanchez
   Sep 8th, 2010 at 11:52 pm

   Review by Miguel Sanchez for Halo Reach Wireless Xbox 360 Controller
   Rating:
   First off, I’m a fan, but I’ll try to maintain moderation.

   Aesthetically, it’s amazing. Metallic grey with black accents on the top and bottom, with black triggers and battery cover.
   
   With a few well-painted lines it gives a feeling of an actual piece of equipment. If only the face buttons were all black…
   
   In my hands, it’s another different beast. The paint is matte-finished so it feels smooth and dry.
   
   And dare I say the D-pad feels a bit better. I was able to navigate the dashboard left and right without going up/down by accident.
   
   The case is somewhat reusable. The clamshell is good by itself but it’s just as quick to put the cardboard and outer shell back in.
   
   It’s so pretty I’m gonna have to wait three more weeks to finally use it!

4. 
   Froruto
   Sep 9th, 2010 at 12:39 am

   Review by Froruto for Halo Reach Wireless Xbox 360 Controller
   Rating:
   This controller was very deatiled and cool. Well we have to remind ourselves that it is a controller. I only got this because my recent xbox con. stopped working wirelessly and i thought this would be a good replacement since i like halo and i need a controller.

   Dont get this if u dont need a controller

   Get this if u are a very hardcore halo fan, or just need a controller

   P.S. it works like a beauty, very fast shipping i payed for 3-5 days and it was delivered 2 days later a perfect miracle thanks price pros

5. 
   Bartleby
   Sep 9th, 2010 at 12:42 am

   Review by Bartleby for Halo Reach Wireless Xbox 360 Controller
   Rating:
   First off, this is an awesome controller. The lines and small details on it all look really good and it may be just me, but i think it feels more solid than my new black controller. The Xbox button has a chrome finish which is different from the regular controllers and the black control sticks and D-pad look awesome too. Overall this is a great buy if you are a halo fan looking for a new controller and don’t mind paying ten bucks extra.

6. 
   A. Jefferson
   Sep 9th, 2010 at 1:25 am

   Review by A. Jefferson for Madden NFL 10
   Rating:
   **UPDATE: MANY REVIEWERS ARE SLAMMING THE GAME BECAUSE IT IS MISSING FRANCHISE MODE… however Franchise and Superstar modes are present in the game, but have to be unlocked. I placed the codes to unlock them at the end of my review!**

   Before I even begin this review, let me say that I have NEVER had a desire to own a Madden game on any console before. Ever. Until Madden 10. I am not a big sports fanatic, and thus couldn’t care less about trades, drafts, seasons, stats… when I sit down in front of my gaming console I want hours of fun and competitive action… not arguing over stats, gloating, bad sportsmanship, etc. So I have never owned a Madden game on any console, and typically dread playing Madden with any of my friends, because I could never compete with them! Until now…

   This year, I could tell immediately that Madden 10 was going to be something different. It seemed to be more designed to appeal to me. Dont get me wrong: I am not the WiiFit demographic. I am a hardcore gamer, male, in my 20′s. I just don’t fit the typical Madden niche. This year’s offering, as other reviews have stated (and SLAMMED the game for!) doesn’t include a lot of what the hardcore sports fanatics might be looking for: trades, franchise mode (whatever that is!?), create-a-player (which I would have probably liked), etc… hence their unfavorable reviews. However, that said, the game has lots of features that ARE APPEALING, and I am really enjoying the game. Here are the features that attracted me:

   1 – “HUDDLE-UP MODE” – this is a Wii-only mode that sounded really fun and interesting. Essentially, it is a 4-player mode where 2 players (opponents) control the game normally…. but 2 other players (each on one team or the other) can aim their remote at the screen and, using the wii pointer/cursor, help their teammate out by clicking on the opponent’s players, tackling them! Your “helper” can tackle any opposing player AS LONG AS THEY DON’T HAVE THE BALL… so if my QB is about to get sacked or if I throw a pass to a receiver and he is about to get tackled… no worries! My teammate can take quickly click on the opposing player and take him out! It is ridiculously entertaining! There was screaming and laughing all at the same time. I had 3 friends over (2 are hardcore Madden veterans, and one other Madden newcomer), and they had a blast. We have dubbed this mode “HATER mode”. It really is fun.

   2 – THE CONTROLS AND PLAYBOOK – As I mentioned, I am new to playing Madden, but I am not new to gaming. The “ALL PLAY” controls are still an option, which have very simple controls for people who may have a harder time playing with the more advanced control scheme. I play with the advanced controls, which work really well. In addition, you can select whether you want the “ALL PLAY” playbook, an Intermediate playbook, or an ADVANCED playbook. This feature is REALLY nice. The All Play playbook is VERY simple… even a child could go in and select an appropriate play. The Advanced playbook looks like a NASA manual to a newcomer like me….way too intimidating! So, I selected the Intermediate playbook, which has lots of options, but far fewer plays than the Advanced. My nephew came over, and when he selected the Advanced playbook, I knew what I was in for… an old fashioned beat down. But surprisingly, I was able to hold my own, since EA did such a wonderful job balancing the game. Typically, with a game like this, a newcomer would have NO CHANCE IN THE WORLD against a seasoned veteran (seems strange calling a 16 year old a “seasoned veteran” at anything…lol)… but this game has done a wonderful job bridging the gap.

   3 – “ROAD TO THE SUPERBOWL” – Again… I do not care about stats, trades, franchises… in fact, when I first started the game and it asked me to select my favorite team so it could use that team’s colors and logo on my home screen, it took me like 15 minutes to decide on my favorite team, since I didn’t have one! So, obviously I would never sit down and actually play through an entire season. I bought this game mostly for playing with other people. So, the “Road to the Superbowl” is a really well done mode of game-play. Essentially, you can go through an entire season… or half a season… or you can jump in at the playoffs… or you can EVEN BEGIN RIGHT AT THE SUPERBOWL. Also, you can start off your “Road to the Superbowl” alone, but other players can jump in at any time. So if I start the playoffs by myself, and one of my buddies comes over the next day, he can jump in with me and join me. You can even have several seasons or “Road to the Superbowl” saves…. so I can have one whole season that I am working on, and then create a new one that starts at the playoffs. This is a really well thought out way of doing things.

   4 – ONLINE – I own this game as well as EA’s “Grand Slam Tennis”… both games use EA Nation rather than Nintendo’s online system. This means NO FRIEND CODES, and it also means that EA maintains the servers, ensuring they have the appropriate updates/maintenance, as well as that there aren’t any hackers online. You can invite anyone you play to be added to your friend list, and it even has an instant messenger (I’ve never used it, but it’s there). The online play just plain works. Period. THE ONLY thing that could have been done better is if they had implemented WiiSpeak for voice chat! This game, as well as Grand Slam Tennis SHOULD HAVE HAD VOICE CHAT!!! Other than that, it is perfect.

   5 – GRAPHICS – Granted… the game does not look “realistic”. But as a Wii owner, I have come to expect less than realistic graphics, and I am OK with that. I would trade fun gameplay for lesser graphics any day! I loved the art style used for Grand Slam Tennis, and this game used a similar “cartoony” style, and it looks great. It is a really good looking game. And the art fits the type of game it is: FUN.

   This game is what it is: A really well done, deep, and compelling Football game. I am having a blast with it, and I think EA was smart to change up the formula a bit: it has tapped into a crowd that previously had no interest in the Madden offerings. Here is a quick review of the game overall:

   Gameplay: 9/10
   
   Controls: 10/10
   
   Presentation: 8/10
   
   Graphics: 8/10
   
   Online Play: 9/10 (would be 10/10 if WiiSpeak was included!)
   
   Replay Value: 10/10 (GREAT multiplayer modes for when friends come over!)
   
   Overall: 9/10

   Here are the unlock codes that, when entered at the EA Extra’s menu, will unlock the hidden modes like Franchise Mode, etc:

   Franchise Mode: TEAMPLAYER
   
   Superstar Mode: EGOBOOST
   
   Situation Mode: YOUCALLIT
   
   Super Bowl Stadium: THEBIGSHOW
   
   Pro Bowl Stadium: ALLSTARS
   
   Master Code (unlocks everything): THEWORKS
   

7. 
   MBT
   Sep 9th, 2010 at 2:22 am

   Review by MBT for Madden NFL 10
   Rating:
   Are they serious?

   After Madden 2007′s animation, animation, animation, fall over experience, I couldn’t bring myself to buy 2008. I bought 2009 because a friend told me how much better it was. After all 2008′s complaints about how easy offense was, they turned the DB’s and LB’s speed and jumping ability to ridiculous levels, causing there to be about 6 INT’s per game. This knee-jerk reaction and thus, overcompensation each year to whatever the largest complaint was has always seemed par for the course when dealing with a Madden game. Whatever. I just want to play an NFL game.

   So the Madden 10 demo came out and I was impressed by the game play. “Wow, it actually kind of looks like football,” I said. So I did it. I dropped $60 more into the EA bucket just to have the privilege to play an NFL game. The game play this year IS, I uphold, the best, most realistic that the Madden franchise has ever made. Yes, they made the players slower, and it made a lot of fans mad, but it’s realistic. Nobody runs 10 yards in 0.5 seconds. At any rate, kudos on the in-game experience.

   However, I play sports games to play franchise mode. I like trades, free agency, and the draft. Unfortunately, due to EA’s desire to become the most evil corporation ever, franchise mode is not, at ALL, an enjoyable experience. You see, the “Madden Shop” has been created, where you can buy “cheats,” which are really just parts of the game that existed last year which were disabled so that EA can make more money.

   -You want the ability to fully scout players? You can pay 99 cents for a scout at EACH POSITION. Awesome. I’d LOVE to throw down 10 more bucks just to have access to the rest of your game.
   
   -You want players to progress faster? 99 cents per position.
   
   -Superstar mode is the same. You can’t train anymore. You can pay to improve.
   
   -Pretty much anything you can think of… healing injuries faster, extra scouting reports, etc, you can pay 99 cents to improve.

   Really, EA? Buying out the competition wasn’t enough for you? This whole system seems like such a joke to me. Do they honestly think it’s going to work? I guess the question is, are Madden fans really stupid enough to use the Madden Shop?

   This will, I can say with confidence, be the last Madden game I purchase.

8. 
   Paladin
   Sep 9th, 2010 at 3:00 am

   Review by Paladin for Madden NFL 10
   Rating:
   Looked long and hard into getting this game reading every preview and review I could find. I finally decided to buy it. My only other experience with Madden on the the Wii was Madden 08.

   First, I appreciate the new look. I’m glad to see that EA has figured out ways to make games playable on the Wii. The menu redesign reminds me of the new look in Tiger Woods 10 which I think is great. Frankly I am tired of playing games on the Wii that have menus and text you can’t read and I’m glad EA finally is addressing this. I thought the frame rate during gameplay on Madden 08 was sub par, but with Madden 10 this does not seem to be an issue. Yes, the players do look “cartoony” in closeup shots but the graphics I think are very sharp with clean edges. During gameplay, you really don’t notice that your linemen are roughly 7 times larger than your running back.

   The presentation during the game does not feel like a TV broadcast like other games have done. All the screens are done in the overinflated and colorful style of the game. The commentary is adequate but they really need some variety in describing touchdown celebrations. There weren’t any replays or cut scenes in the games I played. On a side note, I couldn’t find where to change the weather when staring a game, just the wind and time of day.

   This really is a “no frills” sports game even though it is targeted for casual fans. There are no animated scenes between plays like you’ve grown accustomed to except for an occasional look inside the huddle. I didn’t even see any defensive celebrations after tackles or big plays. Player animations are smooth and believable nonetheless. In spite of the design and look that is reminiscent of arcade games like NFL Blitz, it does not feel or act like an arcade game in most modes of play. I am honestly shocked that they didn’t extend the arcade look more into the actual gameplay.

   Most of the game modes are designed for multiple and quick play. They are fun, but don’t pack a lot of punch. My favorite game mode, Franchise Mode, is “locked” at first and must be unlocked with by entering a code. I found out when looking for that code why this happened. It seems EA Sports didn’t get a few things finished in time and instead of cutting them from the game they just hid the features. When you get into Franchise or Superstar mode, you’ll find that they are essentially unchanged from Madden 08. In fact, the menus and even some of the menu controls have to be directly taken from Madden 08. The only difference I saw was once I finally got into the game and returned to the new look.

   I really appreciated the “All Play” controls because I never quite caught on to the controls in Madden 08. I also really like the use of the pointer in passing. This is surprisingly intuitive. The only thing for me was that I was trouncing my computer opponents even at harder difficulty levels. I played a game with five minute quarters that I won 63-0 in spite of turning up the difficulty as high as All-Pro and putting in my third string on offense. I wasn’t exactly scoring at will, but I could easily complete enough passes to march down the field. I could not seem to run inside for any success but had some success running sweeps and tosses to the outside.

   Bear in mind that this game is targeted for the “casual gamer”, something I am quickly becoming. It is a great game for that audience, but lacks the punch a more serious gamer desires. It makes a great party game that players can just jump into and enjoy. I have my doubts about its long term playability. For someone like me that might play a couple of times a week I think the game is great.

   I really like the redesign done to make the game more Wii-friendly. The work EA did along these lines in Tiger Woods 10 was phenomenal, but in Madden 10 it is incomplete. The fact that things like Franchise mode were left untouched during heavy reworking of almost every other feature is strange. The work that was done to rework the graphics and gameplay does greatly improve the overall experience on the Wii.

   I hope in Madden 11 that EA Sports will fix the “classic modes” to be like the updated look and feel of everything else in Madden 10. Some cut scenes and other animations would be nice. I think more could be added to the presentation of the games – even if it doesn’t have a broadcast feel some replays on big plays would be nice. Hopefully next year this year’s release is a stepping stone to a great overall game next year.

9. 
   1Dub79
   Sep 9th, 2010 at 3:29 am

   Review by 1Dub79 for Madden NFL 10
   Rating:
   Graphics/Visuals

   I know this sounds cliche’, but this year’s version of Madden is better than ever, albeit the flaws. There are many new enhanced graphics and visuals. The experience can be additionally enhanced with a HDTV, such as the LG 37LG30 37-Inch 720p LCD HDTV. Overall, the whole game is a lot more lively and vivid than the last. Many visuals seen on the game are usually seen on Sundays.

   The new player models are excellent and the uniforms look superb. On one cutscene, the texture of the uniforms can be seen. In the previous next-gen versions of Madden, many of the player models were kind of bulky looking. Now, the players are built more realistically. New uniform accessories have been added, such as towels, hand warmers, team colored gloves, and team colored cleats. They are not the same boring black and white cleats, which was on the previous versions. For the first time, uniforms can be interchanged, as well.

   Seen on Sundays

   During the game, many details and animations can be seen on the game, fan interactions, QBs talking on the phone, coaches ranting, players talking on the sidelines, kickers practicing kicks, players riding the exercise bike, referee interactions and chain gains. One of the coolest features is seeing fans leave early, if their team’s game has gotten way out of hand. It is also quite funny.

   The most exciting feature is the referees interactions on questionable TDs. The two refs will look at each other and talk. Then, they will either throw their hands up or decline the TD. Sometimes, it is a lot of suspense, while waiting to see the decided call. How many times have fans been in suspense, while waiting on the referees in a real game? Some may call some of the new visuals gimmicks, but it is what you see in real football.

   The halftime presentation is great. You’ll love the different angles, which the highlights are shown. Unlike M09, they show just about every relevant higlight. It is creative. Plus, the commentary during the halftime show is not that bad, either. This new feature is an upgrade over the dull halftime features of last year’s version of Madden.

   Game Play

   The game play is better. First off, the game speed can be adjusted. Many of you played the demo and didn’t like the speed of the game. Well, it can go from very slow, slow, normal, fast and very fast. Also, EA has added a new threshold differential. This means setting to the higher the level will give the player less of a disparity between the fast and slow players. A lower setting will increase the disparity.

   The player animations and movements are realistically fluid and not robotic, such as the previous versions.
   
   I noticed on some movements, the players use more momentum. Players can’t just break out and turn different corners, quickly, like they are on wheels. They actually bend and don’t stay upright, while turning a corner. Sometimes, the player may have to make a cut, in order to head up field. The best animations are while going through the hole. Pressing the directinal buttons will make the RB make many different cuts. Time them right and the defender can be juked. Typically, juking could only be done by spinning.

   The phyisics has improved. Players fall many different ways. Sometimes, it even seems as if they are going to break out of a tackle, then they start to fall. There have been times when I was on the edge of my seat because I thought my player was breaking the last tackle in order to “take it to the house”, but he goes down. That is very realistic.
   
   The Pro-Tak is realistic. The players pile up, when necessary. It is not an every down occurrence. Keep in mind, different modes carry different Pro-Tak results.

   The defense is improved. Controlling a player in the secondary is a lot easier. The best defensive experience is at the line of scrimmage. DTs and DEs can penetrate a whoooole lot better than ever before. This makes the players more likely to be more successful in the sack and run-stopping department. In fact, many different moves can be made by using the R3 stick, instead of the R1 button (PS3 version) on the previous Madden games. For example, on last year’s version, I could barely penetrate with the best DT in the league (Albert Haynesworth). Now, I can make more impact plays.

   The game is very competitive!!! Even this year’s version of All-Pro is a lot harder than the previous versions. Players cannot expect to just dominate the game above the Pro level. Many glitches from the previous version have been neutralized, as well. Also, the computer does not make themselves sitting ducks for hit-stick tackles, such as previous versions of Madden. They do more weaving on this game, which is fine.

   Another cool feature is the roster update. For those who like to keep REAL rosters updated, don’t bother to do it yourself! The automatic roster update does it for you. Players will be automatically added to the teams, which they actually play for. Players who aren’t even on the game are added on the roster update. For example, Michael Vick and Brett Favre were not on the original rosters. Well, in the roster update, they were added to their new teams. In addition, the player’s ratings will fluctuate, depending on the seasons, which they are having. Players gone for the year will be put on IR. It is just great.

   With all being said, you have to have an online account, so you can have access the roster updates. This also means you must have a router. I recommend the [[ASIN:B00004SB92 Linksys EtherFast Cable/DSL Router with 4-Port 10/100 Switch (BEFSR41)]. Assuming you have the router, you must go to online mode on the main screen. Click on the depth chart, a sign will pop up, which prompts you to update the roster. Agree and the updated roster will load. You can save this and play with updated rosters in exhibition or other modes.

   Flaws

   There are a few things that disturb me about the game. The first issue is the new running motions of the players. It seems like they run with their heads down. They also look as if they are just struggling to try to run. In addition, every player runs in the same motion. The previous Madden had at least 3 or 4 different running motions.

   The next issue is the new “fight for the fumble” feature and the chain gang. “Fight for the fumble” is a joke. It is like a mini game, which you have to press various buttons rapidly in order for possession to be gained. There was a play, which the player fumbled and two of my team members dove on the ball. Clearly, I had possession of the football. Unfortunately, I still had to fight for the football and lost possession of the recovery. Of course, this feature can be turned off. The chain gang will drive you crazy. Every single time you have a nine yard play, the chain gang comes out. I mean, lots of times, you know that you didn’t get a first down. What is worse, this feature cannot be skipped.

   Some of the cutscenes get repetative. During the game, you will constantly see the same cutscenes, which involve the same position players. For example, when you see the QB talking on the phone, you see the FS over his left shoulder, each time. Then, you will see the triplets sitting down (QB, RB and WR). Then, when a play goes awry, the coach will be ranting at a player who had nothing to do with the play going wrong. For example, if the QB throws a pick, the coach will rant at the OL. Why not the QB? If the QB throws a pick, he yells at the OL or the FB. That makes no sense. They should have had at least 20 cutscenes, which involves different position players.

   Depending on what level you play on, you will experience some of the issues, which was on the other Madden games. You will still see makeshift tackling. This goes on during “Pro-Tak” animations. In modes other than Pro, you will NOT see double-hit tackling. In All-Madden, the AI of your teams just goes out of the window, such as OTs ignoring blocking assignments. In addition, many of the issues become more magnified. All-Madden is totally unplayable. I would suggest playing on Pro or Custom and tampering with the settings.

   The commentary is just dull and scripted. It would be nice to have a Madden, which has some loud an exciting commentary. For example, if someone makes a spectacular catch, I want the commentator to have excitement in his voice, when the play happens. I compare this to how it feels when watching Sunday Night games on ESPN. Hearing exciting commentary, while watching a game makes it more exciting. The dull commentary takes away from that experience.

   Though the half-time presentation is good, the highlights are shown out of order. When watching real football, half-time and post-game shows at least have the highlights shown in sequential. This could have made the half-time presentation more organized.

   The Verdict
   
   Everything on the game has been improved in many ways. In fact, it is a complete turnaround from the last version. If it were not for the flaws, which I mentioned, the game would be even more superior. Of course, no game is going to be perfect, no matter what. Many critics need to realize this. Therefore, if you loved M09 (2008 was horrific), you will absolutely love this latest installment of Madden. Keep in mind, this finished product is a lot better than the demo!!!

10. 
    Cory T. Shaeffer
    Sep 9th, 2010 at 3:39 am

    Review by Cory T. Shaeffer for Madden NFL 10
    Rating:
    For the first time in several years, I have had a blast playing this year’s Madden. The tackling is much improved; actually it is sensational. The rosters are more complete and updated, although some of the star players don’t have stats listed. Franchise mode is still almost exactly the same, which is fine I guess, because there wasn’t much wrong with it to begin with. There is still a major glitch in the season/franchise modes with substitutions – for some unforseen reason, the CPU will not use backup running backs or third down backs EVER in ANY situation, leading to more fatigue and injuries for starting backs, not to mention ridiculous rushing stats (like Ladanian Tomlinson carrying the ball 430 times for 2650 yards and Darren Sproles not getting a single carry in a simulated season). But this has been a problem since the 2006 Madden, and they refuse to fix it.

    On a better note, it is much more difficult to win games with a bad quarterback, which is also an upgrade. The player ratings give the star players more separation from their peers. Some of the practice drills are a little more difficult (try the running back challenge on the hardest level (Madden) if you don’t believe me).

    As far as the PS2 version of this game goes, this year it may have reached its pinnacle. If they could shore up a few loose ends, it would be a perfect game. But this year, Madden 2010 is pretty darn good the way it is. And it’s about time.