PC & Mac Games: 12/01/2009

Logitech Extreme 3D Pro Joystick

Logitech Extreme 3D Pro Joystick (Silver/Black) <<< more detail ::

By Lee (Arizona) - reviews

I bought this joystick for gaming on my Mac and was a bit disappointed when the box arrived and it said PC only... However, I plugged it in to my iBook and it worked just great on Battlefield 1942 even without installing any drivers (I'm using OSX). I also can use it on my PC without any problem. It comes with a drivers CD for Windows.

It improved my game 100% when flying planes in Battlefield, I would definitely recommend this to anybody who plays games in which flying is involved. It's pretty sturdy and quite large, and very comfortable to hold, though it's definitely for right-handed gamers only.

It has a separate throttle control (a lever that you push forward or backward) that's quite sensitive, and the handle twists left and right to control the rudder (as well as moving 360 degrees like any other joystick). There are 13 buttons so plenty of choice when mapping your controls.

Personally I much prefer this joystick over one that comes with force feedback - the vibration works against what you're trying to do and makes playing harder. You can't beat this joystick for the price.

After this I could never go back to just using a mouse and keyboard. Takes the gaming experience to the next level.

Thursday, December 31, 2009

Restaurant Empire 2 (PC Games) <<< More detail ::

The player controls the kind of cuisine the restaurant serves (American, French, or Italian), what specific food they serve, and their staff. They have to keep guests happy and make money at the same time.

With two handfuls of cash and a dream of creating a legacy you will build, cook and hire your way to the very top of the culinary world, where tasty food is king and smart management reels in the dollars. If you're skilled enough in the kitchen and behind the management desk, you just may go further than any aspiring restaurateur before you and cement your status as a true legend of cuisine.

Saitek Pro Flight Yoke with Three-Lever Throttle (PZ44) <<< more detail ::

By S. Kuprianczyk - reviews

Well I just did some research on this yoke and discovered that Sietek has resolved the phantom keystroke issue. New replacement units are shipping to all US distributers. If you happen to have a defective unit, per a post on Sietek's forum, owners are to call 310-972-9930 for return/replacement instructions. I am going to order one myself but am not sure if Amozon has the new units yet. Sietec refused to post a current serial number of the defective lot but a person on the forums said that he just got his and is working flawlessly with a serial number of SZ005111624. This person with a "good" unit purchased his thru Newegg in CA.

Well I am going to place my order now and I will post an update when I get it up and running.

UPDATE: I recieved the yoke and pedals three days ago and after spending an hour or so configuring the unit I fired it up. The SN# I recieved was 00492657 a call to tech support assured me that I had a unit that had the phathom key stroke problem resolved.

I spent about a total of 20 hours flying around in several planes whith included single engine ceasna's all the way up to the heavy 747. I WAS NOT ABLE TO FIND ANY PROBLEMS WITH MY YOKE. I was very impressed with the quality and performance. I took a gamble but in my case I think it payed off.

Also for anyone wondering if this yoke works with a mac don't worry. I hooked the yoke up to my mac and am running xplane ver.9. The drivers were not needed it was simply plug n play. Xplane recognized the yoke and throttles with no problem. It was very simple to program.

I hope this helps.

Microsoft SideWinder X5 Mouse

Microsoft SideWinder X5 Mouse <<< more detail :::

By Mary Jo Sminkey "author of cfwebstore" (Carlisle, PA USA) - reviews

The Sidewinder X5 appears to be a somewhat cheaper Sidewinder version with a few less features to lower the price. If you need a cheap gaming mouse, this may be one to look at. If like me, you not only do gaming at your computer, but extensive internet browsing and other activities, you may want to look at some other mice. The biggest issue for me with this mouse was that the size and length of it was not at all comfortable and made the button placement difficult for my hands...having about normal-sized hands for a woman. In particular the two buttons on the side were regularly slightly in front of my thumb, so I had to adjust my hand and/or reach to use them. Not good, and the type of thing that causes tendinitis or RSI over time.

The mouse itself has a very cheap, plastic feel to it. Having previously used the very nice Logitech G9 Mouse I found it hard to go back to scrolling that was jerky and required a lot of tweaking to work anything near to acceptable. The turbo scroll on the Logitech mice is just so much more pleasant to work with when you are at the computer for hours at a time. I'm also never happy to get a mouse with buttons that I can't customize. In this case, there is a button on the top that might be nice to use as a quick-launch button, but it only opens up Intellitype in XP, (Games in Vista) you have no option to customize the action for it.

Razer Naga MMOG Laser Gaming Mouse <<< more detail :::

The Razer Naga is the ultimate Massively Multiplayer Online Gaming mouse that shifts the balance between keyboard and mouse by putting an unprecedented number of in-game commands in one place. A multi-button thumb grid and Razer’s MMO game interface add-on combine to place every command you need in the palm of your hand. An ergonomic form shaped to maximize ease of use lets you game in comfort for hours on end. With the Razer Naga, you will Get Imba.

Logitech Gaming Mouse G500 (Black/Silver) << more detail ::

By Bucky - reviews

This is easily the best Logitech mouse yet. I own both the G5 and G9, and settled on the G5 as my primary mouse some time ago after hating the grip of the G9 (neither one felt natural to me). This was a problem, since I felt the G9 performed better but it just wasn't comfortable. As a result, I'm going to compare the G500 to the G5.

On the ergonomic side the G500 has had the ridge on the upper-right whittled down, making the mouse far more comfortable--especially if you hold your middle finger on the right mouse button (instead of the ring finger as some people do). This gives your ring finger a much more natural place to rest. The palm rest also feels a bit wider and raised, making the palm grip even better than the G5. Thumb button placement is fine, though I preferred the larger G5 buttons. Sensitivity toggles have moved to the upper left, making changes easier while using the index finger. Logitech has also blessed us with a mouse wheel toggle (free spin/click) that is on the top of the mouse instead of the bottom as they did on the G9. This is a huge plus for me, as I run it in free mode while browsing and click mode when gaming and I tend to alternate between the two regularly.

Performance-wise, it's technically better than the G9 and noticeably superior to the G5. The Setpoint software that is used with the G500 is also different from that of the G5, allowing for more control over the mouse. For those curious about performance in specific gaming genres I can't comment--I play almost every game genre and feel this mouse excels at them all. I'm also using it on a RAZER Goliathus Control mouse pad which is nice and smooth without feeling like there's zero friction as I tend to like some drag on my mouse.

One other note: The G5 weight cage will not work in the G500. The cage in the G500 has been altered a bit; two weight slots have been removed and the alignment track is gone. The G500 uses the same weights as the G5, however (1.7g and 4.5g).

I'd recommend this mouse to any G5 owner without hesitation. If you're a claw-grip user you could still use it, but the G9x is probably a better choice for that style of usage.

Everquest II: Sentinel's Fate <<< more detail ::

The sixth expansion of the groundbreaking franchise, EverQuestII Sentinel’s Fate is an all-in-one compilation pack which transports players into a universe of legend and lore where adventures are just the beginning. The fabled lands of Odus, filled with epic quests, magnificent dungeons and limitless content provide the ultimate MMO experience for new players and seasoned veterans alike. Sentinel’s Fate presents the next chapter of the EverQuest II legacy which will be written by the passion of players and fueled by the hunger for adventure.

>>> Race 07: Official WTCC Game <<<

By Machine Gun "MnVols" (Minnesota State) - reviews

Racing fans unite as we search for another racing game that aspires to be as worthy as GTR2. If you have GTR2,then read on. If you don't have GTR2 then go search for it first and buy it before this game. Its hands down the best racing sim on pc ever. That being said, Race 07 is a worth alternative to GTR2. Featuring more than 300 cars in nine different racing classes, RACE 07

includes the full 2006 and 2007 seasons of the FIA World Touring Car

Championships (FIA WTCC) as well as 8 more classes on 32 tracks from

all over the world.

So let us jump into it and start reviewing it!

Graphics: While not the most important part of a game, this still matters. Race 07 has good graphics and very nice details of the cars and tracks. I might even say they are on par with GTR2, but many of the details are missing. The replays are nice and the game runs smoothly on my 7800GSOC card. I run it at near max settings on my old P4HT and 2gb ram. You can change all the views to the typical camera angles, but there is one little difference I really like. There is one camera angle that is over your dashboard only looking thru the glass. It is my favorite because it looks like your are in widescreen format! You can see everything in front of you just like a real car. There is no steering wheel in the way like other camera angles, but just the dash and the glass. Graphics are not as good as Toca3 or GTR2 but it still performs nicely.

Sounds and controls: the game audio is what separates GTR2 from Race07. R07 has pretty much the normal race sounds found it games, but with less detail as GTR2. The engines and shifting are nicely done, but nothing special here. Could have been better, but not the best either. I do love the controls here. Whether you use a gamepad, keyboard, stick, or wheel, you feel like you are racing and controlling the car. Toca 3 race controls are average compared to this game. I love knowing the car will turn when I turn it, and slide thru the corners when i let off the gas. You can very all settings for tire wear, and be careful not to overdrive in corners. You will wear your tires out!

Overall this is a very good racing game. While not as good as GTR2, I like it better than Toca3. The only other game that is equal to GTR2 is rFactor Racing. That game is perhaps the best, even over GTR. YOu can't buy it in a store, but is available for download off their site. So if you have none of these titles, I'd rank GTR and Rfactor #1, and this game next. This is a very good pc game, and it is system friendly. You don't have to have super specs to run it on high settings. A very good racing game!

Monday, December 28, 2009

>>>JumpStart Animal Adventures<<<

By Jacqueline L Wilson (Almena, KS USA) - reviews

This is a Jump Start Title - they make only the best! However, this one the Jump Start Animal Adventures - is very easy to use -I help at a day care center - in the computer department - working with three, four and five year olds on the computers - they went wild over this title - the graphics are great the music is great - it still uses the mouse for picture taking but in the games the introduction to the use of the arrow keys and the space bar is a nice, very nice touch. It has got "just the right balance of knowledge learning and game fun - the three skill levels are great with this added touch all children can progress at their own speed - I have a five year old, girl, whos birthday came at the wrong time of the year last year for her to go to kindergarten this last year - she is playig it on level 3 and loves it - she really loves the "Animal Smarts" game at the end. I also have a four year old boy who is at the same level as my five year old girl. Yes, I must admit, I am the five year old girl's Grandmother as well as I have her in my computer class at day care - Buy this - you will "NOT" be SORRY - Thank you!

>>>Saitek Cyborg Command Unit<<<

By Thornton Bryan "thorbob" (tennessee, thar aint no place id rather be) - reviews

I have purchased numerous gamepads in the past, and have eventually returned or sold them, as I could never get the buttons programmed to all the key features I needed. With this pad, I am pleased. The buttons can be programmed to any keystrike you like, and there is even a shift button, just under the base of the thumb, which essentially doubles all the buttons. It does take a little while to get the hang of the program software, but once learned, it is seamless. I have played Half-Life 2:episode one and Darwinia, freed of the key board. Each game has a different profile which is easily loaded prior to starting the games. Of note, this keypad only works with the left hand, leaving the right to drive the mouse. Not a problem for me, but I know some people shop at the Leftorium, and this may not accomodate them. Also, tho it looks like the distance from the handrest to the keys may be adjusted, they are actually fixed. The thumb dongle, however, may be tilted and slid in an out. The silver knob on the side tightens and loosens the bar which lets it slide.

>>>Need for Speed: Undercover<<<

You never thought it would turn out like this - an all-out chase where you're both the hunted and the hunter. Now you must get behind the wheel and risk everything to infiltrate a ruthless international crime syndicate and take them down. The man you're after is a maniac behind the wheel, and he's driving like his life depends on escape, which maybe it does. He's the one with all the answers you need, so track him down. That fleet of police cruisers in your rearview mirror won't make things any easier. It will take all of your experience and every ounce of skill to outrun the law, take down the enemy, and unlock the truth that puts an end to this chase once and for all.

>>>Star Wars Empire At War (Intel Only Macs) <<<

By M. Bergfors "mi3ke" (Seattle, WA USA) - reviews

I was surprised at how well this Mac version of the PC game performed (Intel only). Very engaging with good space and land battles (really two different games). One of the strongest points is the free-form campaign game, which gives the game some pretty serious re-playability over time.

Considering how few "strategy" type games there are for the Mac still (comparatively), this is a good addition to your library if you like the RTS genre.

Tech Note: I am running a MacBook with 2GB RAM, and it seems to run smoothly in the low-mid graphic range.

>>>Hoyle Puzzle & Board Games 2008 [OLD VERSION] <<<

By Grandma Jane "Grandma Jane" (Ca) - reviews

Excellent collection of puzzles...great audio and video effects, and the games are simple enough for general usage and complex enough for interest and stimulation.

ONLY negative is that when activated the games take over your entire screen, and cannot be "reduced" to run in background.

>>> 8 Great Games for Girls <<<

By Fluffy Mom (New York City) - y reviews

There are a bunch of fun games here for my daughter but I got involved with Diamond Drop. That game is so addicting that I thought I would just sit down for a minute with it and ended up burning something on the stove.

Bad for cooking but great gaming.

Saturday, December 26, 2009

>>> Macally iShock II USB Force Feedback Programmable Game Controller <<<

By A Customer

Do you like to play games on MacOS? Well, if you do, get this controller, or maybe even two of them. The driver for this controller is great. You can have the device configured on a per-application basis. So, you can have one setting for SpyHunter and another one for WingNuts. Look in to getting two of them, then you can have your friends play against you. The force feedback technology is great, you feel the bumps when you drive over dirt or when you crash.

>>> Xbox 360 Controller for Windows <<<

By Akash (Washington, DC) - reviews

The Xbox 360 controller is just wonderful, the best console controller I've ever held in fact.

Be aware of the fact that this is the EXACT same product as the wired 360 console controller, so if that one is cheaper, buy it! The only difference is the package (this one is uglier...) and you don't get the software CD...but you can download the latest software package at MS website.

Microsoft making this controller cross compatible is actually a pretty big deal as there may finally be a level of standardization for PC controllers, if most people begin using this controller is makes it far easier on game developers to know what interface gamers are using. In fact, many games are coming with a 360 control scheme pre-installed, just as Need For Speed Most Wanted.

>>> Sid Meier's Pirates! <<< more detail

By R. Bolin (North Royalton, OH USA) - reviews

The game play is still addicting, the port if well done and stable, and runs great on my iMac (2009). Visuals, content, audio, etc... are all identical to the Windows version from a few years ago, performance is more than acceptable at 1920x1200 and that urge to take just one more ship is still there. A steal at $30 for a port of this quality.