Saitek PC Gamer's Keyboard

Saitek PC Gamer's Keyboard Review

Saitek PC Gamer's Keyboard Feature

• Stylish keyboard design complements any PC environment.
• Backlighting enhances keyboard for play in low light environments.
• Adjustable angle and wrist rest for long term gaming comfort.
• Ambidextrous game pad add extended programming functionality for all gaming genres.
• Fully programmable using Smart Technology Software.

104 key keyboard with blue LED backlighting, a thin flat design, comfortable adjustable wrist rest and angle adjustment feet. Includes a nine button programmable pad (9 Blue LED backlit buttons) with two shift keys for up to 27 button commands. Saitek's smart technology software is included and adds 27 programmable macro functions.

Half-Life

Half-Life Review

Half-Life Feature

• Sierra Entertainment
• Sci-Fi First Person
• ESRB: Mature

Originally released in 1998, the PC version of Half-Life changed first-person shooters forever by proving that a compelling story can be told within the genre. Prior to the game's release, first-person shooters were mindless action games. Half-Life, while containing its fair share of action, also contained plenty of exploration, puzzle, and story elements. Now released as a PlayStation2 game, Half-Life has never looked or played better. This version contains the outstanding single-player story mode, as well as a few new ones. While the new additions aren't so great, the story mode is one of the best escapades available on the PS2.

The game follows the adventures of Gordon Freeman, a young research associate at the Black Mesa Federal Research Facility. A typical day at the office goes completely awry as numerous alien life forms invade the facility. The fate of the facility, and quite possibly the world, is in the hands of an unlikely hero.

The graphics here trump the original's (understandable, as more than three years have passed). The character models have four times as many polygons, as well as smoother textures and animations. The sound is also very good, with some of the funniest voice acting yet heard in a game. Of course, the single-player gameplay is excellent, thanks to some very well-developed enemy artificial intelligence.

Unfortunately, the new modes aren't nearly as brilliant. Decay, the new cooperative mode, seems like an afterthought and pales in comparison to the cooperative modes in Perfect Dark and Halo. Deathmatches only support two players, which is incredibly lame considering many PS2 first-person shooters support four. Despite these flawed modes, the single-player story is so superb that it totally warrants a purchase. --Raymond M. Padilla

Pros:

• Greatly improved graphics from the original
• Excellent storytelling, especially for the genre
• Strong enemy artificial intelligence

Cons:

• Cooperative mode is dull
• Deathmatch only supports 2 players

Half-Life 2: Episode Pack

Half-Life 2: Episode Pack Review

Half-Life 2: Episode Pack Feature

• Battle new alien foes.
• Drive new vehicles through new locations beyond City 17.
• Discover more about the award-winning story of Half-Life.
• Over 15 hours of award-winning single player gaming.
• Battle online with Half-Life 2: Deathmatch – included for no additional charge.

An amazing value featuring two new episodes in the award-winning and best-selling Half-Life franchise, the Half-Life 2: Episode Pack offers players both of the new games created by Valve as well as the added bonus of online multiplayer functionality via the included Half-Life 2: Deathmatch. Pick up the Half-Life story right where you left off as you journey back to City 17 with Dr. Gordon Freeman and Alyx Vance and play your way all the way up to the most current release in the series Half-Life 2: Episode Pack.

A Half-Life cubed

Alyx takes on the locals in Episode One. View larger.

Gravity Gun at work in Episode Two. View larger.

Fight to the end in Deathmatch. View larger.

Half-Life 2: Episode One
This is the first in a series of new adventures created by Valve that extends the Half-Life 2 single player experience. Stepping into the hazard suit of Dr. Gordon Freeman, you face the immediate repercussions of your actions in City 17 and the Citadel. Rejoin Alyx Vance and her robot, Dog, to once again aid the human resistance in their desperate battle against the totalitarian alien menace of the Combine. Episode One exposes Alyx's combat skills and knowledge of City 17 as the player battles side-by-side with her in this 4-6 hour adventure of greater density and detail than non-episodic releases. The intense gameplay delivered in Episode One is made possible only by Source, Valve’s proprietary engine technology, which has been enhanced with new rendering technology and advanced artificial intelligence to deliver new levels of graphics and character interaction.

Half-Life 2: Episode Two
This is the second game in Valve’s trilogy of new releases in the Half-Life adventure. As Dr. Gordon Freeman, you were last seen exiting City 17 with Alyx Vance as the Citadel erupted amidst a storm of unknown proportions. In Episode Two, you must battle and race against Combine forces as you traverse the White Forest to deliver a crucial information packet stolen from the Citadel to an enclave of fellow resistance scientists. Episode Two extends the award-winning Half-Life gameplay with unique weapons, vehicles, and newly-spawned creatures.

Half-Life 2: Deathmatch
Expand your Half-Life experience as you take your game online in deathmatch and team deathmatch modes.

System Requirements:

	Minimum Specifications:	Recommended Specifications:
OS:	Windows Vista/XP/2000
Processor:	1.7 Ghz Processor	Pentium 4 Processor (3.0 Ghz or better)
RAM:	512 MB RAM	1 GB RAM
Video Card:	DirectX 8 level Graphics card	DirectX 9 level Graphics card
Other:	DVD-ROM Drive/Mouse/Keyboard/Internet Connection

 

The Half-Life 2: Episode Pack offers both of the new games created by Valve to expand the award-winning and best-selling action game franchise of all time. And, as an added bonus, Half-Life 2: Deathmatch is also included for online play. Half-Life® 2: Episode One returns you, as Dr. Gordon Freeman, to face the immediate repercussions of your actions in City 17 and the Citadel. Rejoin Alyx Vance and her robot, Dog, to once again aid the human resistance in their desperate battle against the totalitarian alien menace of the Combine. In Episode Two, you must battle and race against Combine forces as you traverse the White Forest to deliver a crucial information packet stolen from the Citadel to an enclave of fellow resistance scientists.

Return to Castle Wolfenstein

Return to Castle Wolfenstein Review

Return to Castle Wolfenstein Feature

• Multiplayer mode pits players in a team-based Axis versus Allies contest for front-line domination, where multiple player classes must mobilize and work together to accomplish mission objectives.
• Enter a highly immersive storyline driven by ultra-realistic, mission-based action gameplay, believable AI and the unstoppable Quake III engine.
• Arm yourself with an arsenal of brutal weapons, including: Luger 9mm, Mauser 7.92 mm, MP-40, SP-5 sniper, venom guns, grenades, rocket launchers and flamethrowers. 3 engine
• Face a league of nefarious foes, from Nazi operatives and SS guards, to zombies and Super Soldiers - eight-foot-tall genetic mutants with deadlybuilt-in weapons for hands.

You are B.J. Blazkowicz, a highly decorated Army Ranger recruited into the Office of Secret Actions (OSA) tasked with escaping and then returning to Castle Wolfenstein in an attempt to thwart Heinrich Himmler's occult and genetic experiments. Himmler believes himself to be a reincarnation of a 10th century dark prince, Henry the Fowler, also known as Heinrich. Through genetic engineering and the harnessing of occult powers, Himmler hopes to raise an unstoppable army to level the Allies once and for all. You must first escape from imprisonment in the castle to report the strange creatures and happenings in and around Wolfenstein to the OSA. Your mission takes a drastic turn as you learn the depth of Himmler's plans and what you must do to defeat the evil he has unleashed. Your surroundings will be dangerous and hostile. The OSA is currently tracking activities believed to be associated with Himmler in locations throughout Germany including; villages overrun by the occult, hidden crypts, forests, air bases, secret weapons facilities, and genetic labs, to name only the few we are aware of. There are more, and you must find them. Failure is not an option. If Himmler succeeds, the war is over for the Allies... and the war is over for everyone.

Counter-Strike: Source

Counter-Strike: Source Review

Counter-Strike: Source Feature

• Single-elimination, team-based online shooter
• Completely overhauled with better graphics, new characters, items, and environments
• Package includes Half-Life 2: Deathmatch and Day of Defeat: Source
• Real-world physics adds depth the gameplay
• Internet connection required for online play

Counter Strike: Source PC

Doom 3

Doom 3 Review

Doom 3 Feature

• The most intensely realistic and visually stunning game ever created; with graphic fidelity never before seen in video games outside pre-rendered CG movies
• Dripping with atmosphere and changing the look of 3D games forever, DOOM 3 features realistic physics, 6-channel surround-sound, and real-time dynamic lighting and shadows that create an environment of ever-changing fear and uncertainty.
• Single-player and online

Product Description The long awaited release of Doom 3 sees it claiming two of gamings highest accolades: that of having the best graphics ever seen and of being the scariest video game ever made. The question of graphics seemed a pretty open and shut case from the moment the game was announced--this is the first new title from legendary developers iD Software since Quake III: Arena and as such it features completely new graphics technology. The reason the game is likely to win the Dr Who award for behind the sofa gaming is in the way it chooses to use its awesome new graphical power. The games storyline is a loose remake of the first Doom game (from way back in 1993) but the style of gameplay is actually radically different. Distinguishing itself from previous titles, the third game in the series focuses more on an engrossing single player experience. In addition to its frenzied first-person shooter action, it also scares the wits out of players as they tremble down dark corridors filled with gruesome zombies and monsters ready to attack from the shadows. Players have to switch between their weapons and their flash light to survive the horror that Hell has unleashed on Mars. DOOM 3 features realistic physics, 6-channel surround-sound, and real-time dynamic lighting and shadows that create an environment of ever-changing fear and uncertainty. Compete in vicious multiplayer action where light, shadows, and a totally dynamic world can be used to your advantage or peril. . . 1.5 GHZ CPU, 384 Ram & 64 Meg 3D Video Card GeForce 3 or AIT 8500 or better required

Pilot Down : Behind Enemy Lines

Pilot Down : Behind Enemy Lines Review

Pilot Down : Behind Enemy Lines Feature

• In World War II over 180,000 allied airmen were shot down over occupied territory. Only 300 made it to Switzerland and freedom. Will you be one of them?
• Overcome relentless SS troops, the biting cold and the treacheros terrain.
• Pit your wits against sophisticated artificial intelligence.
• Explore vast environments packed with real weapons, vehicles and foes.
• Unique Adventure Experience, fusing tactics, stealth and action.

Manufacturer's Description Capturing the atmosphere, danger and heroism of an American co-pilot as he attempts to reach safety, Pilot Down is a hugely original and compelling title combining many gameplay styles. Bill Foster's task is almost an impossible one, but against all the odds he must survive harsh wintry conditions, find food, shelter, keep warm and avoid the enemy. Pilot Down is set in hugely detailed environments throughout the occupied territory, which are skilfully rendered in an atmospheric visual style. From the same team that developed Prisoner of War, the game features exceptional A.I., achieved through sophisticated programming techniques as enemy soldiers accurately respond to noises, changes in environments and carry out search and capture manoeuvres.