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drbond
 
 
 
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  • Review count
    21
  • Helpfulness votes
    27
  • First review
    July 16, 2014
  • Last review
    July 10, 2016
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    4.7
 
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drbond's Reviews
<< 1 2 3 >>
 
It is 1715. Pirates rule the Caribbean and have established a lawless pirate republic. Among these outlaws is a fearsome young captain named Edward Kenway. His exploits earn the respect of pirate legends like Blackbeard, but draw him into an ancient war that may destroy everything the pirates have built.
 
Customer Rating
3 out of 5
3
Better than AC3 WiiU, but still missing features
on September 5, 2014
Posted by: drbond
from San Jose, CA
Age:35-44
Gender:Male
Assasins Creed 3 on the WiiU launched with several problems. The game was highly unstable, and lacked practically all the extra content and features from the last gen version (released well before the WiiU version). Assasins Creed 4 released the same time as current gen versions, but sadly all the same problems are here mostly.
All the single player disc based content is here. Gamepad is used mostly for an ingame map. The graphics in the game are of higher quality than the PS3 port. Wolfpack coop is here, as well as the adversarial coop and player customization.
Sadly thats about all that is positive about this mediocre port. While texture quality is better than PS3, its still on par with the ones from the xbox 360 port. The frame rate here on the WiiU is abysmal at times, and dips well into the 20's, possibly the teens when its really bad (usually in multiplayer for some reason). Freedom Cry DLC released to all the other versions is nowhere to be found, and map packs for multiplayer are non-existant (which makes for very small player pool on the WiiU version).
Its hard to recommend this version of the game, when the xbox 360 version goes for around the same discounted price nowadays. If anything, rent this title to play the excellent campaign, and buy the various other ports.
My Best Buy number: 2942217690
What's great about it: Slighty better graphics than the PS3 port and gamepad use
What's not so great: Limited use of gamepad, no DLC, and constant frame rate drops
No, I would not recommend this to a friend.
+1point
1of 1voted this as helpful.
 
You sit by your boarded-up window and listen for any sign of movement outside. When you're pretty sure it's clear, you open your door slightly and slowly slip outside and into the deserted street, armed to the teeth. The streets are littered — trash and the remains of your neighbors saturate the streets. As you make your way down the sidewalk, you hear a noise behind you and whip around to check it out. It's the old lady who lived upstairs, but she looks...different. She's heading your way with a bloodthirsty look in her eyes. This is no time to be squeamish — she'll be just the first of many standing in your way. Will you make it out of London? More importantly, will you stay human?It's 2012 and London is falling. In ZombiU, the Last Blight is upon us and humanity has been ravaged by a sickness worse than death. Designed to take advantage of the Wii U and its unique controller, the game tests your will to survive. Use the Wii U controller as your Bug-Out Bag and keep it stocked with supplies, including food, weapons, ammo, first aid and more, and defend your home against the infected horde outside your door. Feel your adrenaline rush as you try to keep your eyes on the television and the controller screen at the same time. Try to stay alive, but if you do succumb, watch out for your online friends who will hunt you down to loot your supplies. Wake up as another survivor and try to escape your old character who has now become infected. Challenge your friends to Survivors vs. Zombies mode and use the Wii U controller to play as Zombie Master, or use the classic controller and play as a survivor. Try to stay alive — and more importantly try to stay human — in this fear-fueled game of survival.
 
Customer Rating
4 out of 5
4
Flawed but still must play, if only to use gamepad
on September 5, 2014
Posted by: drbond
from San Jose, CA
Age:35-44
Gender:Male
Very few games on the WiiU actually take true advantage of the much celebrated gamepad. While games like Assassins Creed or Call of Duty use the gamepad for an in-game map, ZombiU uses the gamepad to change the way you normally play a survivor horror game.
In ZombiU, you play a character thrown into a zombie infestation in London. Not much is explained about who you are, but you are directed by a friend to run around town to advance security around your safe house. You only have 1 life in this game, and dying means your character will turn into a zombie. Upon death, you will reincarnate into the body of another entirely new survivor and have to continue (possibly find your prior character, dispose of him/her, and take back your backpack full of supplies).
ZombiU was a release title for the WiiU, and is clearly a product of cross generation development. The graphics in ZombiU, look like something more familiar on the original Wii than WiiU. Everything is low detail, and the textures are mostly blurry. There is hardly a soundtrack, but the sound effects are mostly good.
The reason you want to get this game, is to experience survival horror with the WiiU gamepad! Much of the game's puzzles and item management require you look on your gamepad. Action on your TV switches to an overhead view of your character, making zombies virtually invisible (but still audible), making for very tense situations where death can come at any second. This is the reason why people who have played ZombiU, recommend the game!
The game doesn't look very pretty, its story is virtually non existent, and has very weak adversarial local multiplayer (which requires at least one Wii mote, while gamepad user spawns zombies to kill other players)...but experiencing survival horror with the gamepad is worth the price of admission....especially since the price has skyrocketed to the bottom with the game being out for so long.
My Best Buy number: 2942217690
What's great about it: Excellent implementation of gamepad
What's not so great: Low quality graphics and storyline is lacking
I would recommend this to a friend!
+1point
1of 1voted this as helpful.
 
Who would have thought that Sonic would ever join forces with Dr. Eggman? The villain gathered the power of six menacing creatures with the intention of defeating Sonic and ruling the world, however, their power was too much for Eggman to contain. When the Deadly Six rise up against their master, Sonic and Eggman must unite and explore the mystical Lost Hex in an epic quest to take them on head-to-head. To defeat this deadly threat and navigate the variety of unique terrains, Sonic must cultivate an arsenal of amazing new moves and incredible Color Powers — only Sonic is powerful enough to save the world. As he races inside, outside and upside down each new level in Sonic: Lost World, you'll experience Sonic's moves like never before. Sky dive between islands at lightning speed. Vault over intimidating obstacles. Free-run up and along walls. You have the skills to tear up each exhilarating level with moves like the Spin Dash and improved Color Powers. Fly through the air and explode into enemies as you explore massive mind-bending courses, colossal sky-high structures, vast underground tunnels and more. Prepare yourself for intense boss battles as you take on each of the Deadly Six to save the world one fight at a time. With the power of the Nintendo Wii U GamePad at your fingertips, you can experience gameplay like never before — execute Color Powers by tilting, touching, aiming and more, play the full game on the GamePad without the TV or use it to race against a friend who is playing on the TV. Team up with a buddy and have a friend pilot radio-controlled gadgets that can eliminate obstacles and enemies in your path. See who has what it takes, and race your pals in a range of ultracompetitive levels and modes. It's time to experience the ultimate supersonic showdown. Are you ready?
 
Customer Rating
4 out of 5
4
Sonic Lost World is a fun entry in the franchise.
on September 5, 2014
Posted by: drbond
from San Jose, CA
Age:35-44
Gender:Male
Sonic hasn't had the best of luck whenever a game developer attempts to make a game for said blue blur, in a 3D world. The most notable Sonic non-kart racing games using 3D before Sonic Colors, have been primarily side scrollers using 3D on the Nintendo DS (Sonic Rush) and last gen systems (Sonic Generations). With the release of Sonic Colors on the original Wii, Sonic Lost World is a really good follow up to said 3D game.
If you are familiar with Super Mario Galaxy, you will be familiar here with Sonic Lost World. The levels instead of presented as mostly spheres, some of the scenarios play on worlds that represent something like tubes that allow Sonic a lot of free movement.
The game graphics and animation are all very good, and the music is one of the best soundtracks from 2013 (next to Super Mario 3D World). Sonic Lost World supports Miiverse via competing for completion times, as well as sharing powerups to help other players out, which are both really cool.
The only thing that could have made this game better, would have been a better story, as well as real story coop. If you play 'coop' (since the other way to play is competitive time trail races with a second player), the second player acts as an invisible assistant via Wiimote ala Super Mario Galaxy.
All in all, there is some things that could have been done to move Sonic to best of year category. But all things considering, this is still a very good Sonic game. Definately grab this game on WiiU, now with the latest price drops and free DLC on eshop (based around Yoshi and Legend of Zelda).
My Best Buy number: 2942217690
What's great about it: Possibly the best Sonic game in 3D. Solid WiiU game!
What's not so great: Lack of true story coop and actual story isn't very good here.
I would recommend this to a friend!
+2points
2of 2voted this as helpful.
 
For decades, the characters of the Super Mario Bros. franchise have been loved by fans. Their quirky abilities, hilarious backstory and unusual worlds have endeared players, solidifying a place in the annals of video game history forever. So it only makes sense that the Super Mario Bros. legacy should burst into life in 3D with the power of next-generation consoles. Experience the first multiplayer 3D Mario game for the Nintendo Wii U console and dive back into the familiar world with the characters you love, but with an array of new features and added twists.Invite your friends over to work together in the Super Mario Bros. universe or compete for the crown alone. Play as Mario, Luigi, Princess Peach or Toad, and utilize each character's unique abilities and play styles that help you get ahead. Princess Peach, of course, gracefully glides over gaps, while Luigi brings back his trademark extra-high jump. Keep your enemies guessing with the new cat transformation that lets you run on all fours, pounce on foes, attack in midair and use your claws to scamper up walls and goal poles. Each aspect of the colorful 3D environments will have you feeling a combination of nostalgia and excitement, while new obstacles and contraptions, like transparent pipes and vertical conveyor belts, add new puzzle elements to keep you on the edge of your seat. Harness the power of the Wii U GamePad controller's touch screen to search for hidden blocks and freeze enemies in place. Get ready to enjoy the success of a classic in a totally new and thrilling way.
 
Customer Rating
5 out of 5
5
SM3DW: Another reason to own a WiiU
on September 5, 2014
Posted by: drbond
from San Jose, CA
Age:35-44
Gender:Male
After spending hours and hours with this game, it's safe to say this is one of the best games on WiiU, and certainly one of the best games from last year in 2013.
Super Mario 3D World is an expansion of ideas from the 3DS Super Mario Land title, with a much grand scope. The graphics here are in full HD and run at 60 frames, making for very smooth gameplay in a detailed environment. Miiverse support is here via stamp collection (similar to Super Mario Bros U) awarded to players by collecting stars, so there is definite re-playability in this game; especially since this game can be incredibly difficult even for the most hardened gamer.
The controls are tight, supports practically every peripheral (like Super Mario Bros U after its patch), and up to 4 players are supported for coop throughout the entire story. Coop play can quickly turn into chaos as all players are trying to get the best score at the end. For less experienced players, the game throws them in bubbles to help them cross dangerous areas; for either younger players or beginners. Very fun game for all player types!
With the game nearing one year out in the wild, there is no excuse anymore to skip this title anymore on WiiU. Game is a must own, for all ages!
My Best Buy number: 2942217690
What's great about it: Graphics, control, and incredible local cooperative play!
What's not so great: Lack of online multiplayer.
I would recommend this to a friend!
+1point
1of 1voted this as helpful.
 
You've been getting increasingly bored at the gym lately, performing the same repetitious dumbbell curls and staring idly at the ceiling while you do a seemingly endless set of crunches. You're surrounded by floor-to-ceiling mirrors that almost force you to visually locate your flaws while you wait for a treadmill to become available. You're always filled with mild anxiety as you walk through the doors to the congested gym, where people swarm in clusters. Staying fit is important to you, which is why you make the daily trek to the gym despite the inconvenience it poses on your daily schedule and peace of mind. Now you no longer need to contend with the sweaty masses of people clamoring for a spot on the elliptical with Wii Fit U, which allows you to work out from the comfort of your own home — and have fun while doing it.With new fitness activities that integrate the unique features of the Wii U GamePad controller and the included Wii Balance Board, Wii Fit U allows you to customize your at-home workout to suit your preferences. With fun and engaging activities for everyone in your household, Wii Fit U makes it easy to work up a sweat without getting bored. Extend your workout past the walls of your home with the included Fit Meter that lets you track your progress as you proceed with your day-to-day activities — counting the total number of steps you've taken, the number of calories you've burned and more. Stay out of the gym and work out on your time in your own way with Wii Fit U.
 
Customer Rating
5 out of 5
5
WiiU - Get excited over exercise aka its FUN
on August 28, 2014
Posted by: drbond
from San Jose, CA
Most people are familiar with Wii Fit from the original Wii. What we have here is a much improved experience over the original Wii. In addition to fun new activities, the game also supports a device that will track steps from real life exercise during your day. One of the coolest new features is the inclusion of online, with clubs which you can create or join (comparing activity levels and whatnot). With clearance pricing going on at Best Buy, this combo pack is highly recommended. Great value and having a product get you excited over doing exercise is always a plus in my book.
My Best Buy number: 2942217690
What's great about it: Fun game modes and implemenation of a step counting device
What's not so great: Limited club options in-game
I would recommend this to a friend!
+1point
1of 1voted this as helpful.
 
Enjoy extreme comfort, functionality and accessibility during Wii U gameplay, whether your style is hardcore, old school, nostalgic or a combination, with this Pro Controller. Who says you can't have it all?Play your favorite Wii U games with this Pro Controller in hand. Enjoy comfort and accessibility with the dual analog sticks and ergonomic button layout that you've come to expect, newly modeled for the Wii U system. Take on long game sessions with a Lithium-Ion rechargeable battery that offers up to 80 hours on a full charge. The controller is also compatible with many downloadable games — check out the Nintendo eShop for more Wii U fun. This is your chance to become a pro.
 
Customer Rating
5 out of 5
5
Must buy controller for WiiU owners
on August 28, 2014
Posted by: drbond
from San Jose, CA
If you are gaming on WiiU, you owe it to yourself to grab yourself one of these controllers. Regardless of genre (platformers, first person shooter, and multi-platform port), your gaming enjoyment will improve greatly when getting one of these (as opposed to still playing on the gamepad). The controller buttons are well laid out, the device fits well in your hand, and has incredible battery life.
My Best Buy number: 2942217690
What's great about it: Dependable and well laid out controller
What's not so great: Lack of analog triggers (hence support for games under Wii emulation mode)
I would recommend this to a friend!
+2points
2of 2voted this as helpful.
 
Windows understands that it's the 21st century, and multitasking is a way of life. Cell phones, laptops and tablets and their ever-expanding networks, apps and programs make it so we can almost always be doing at least two things at once. You send an e-mail while you're out to lunch. You call your clients while you're finishing up that presentation. You send your brother a birthday e-card while you're walking to your next appointment. Mobile technology allows us to stay connected to our work, and creates an ever-expanding versatile business setting. With that in mind, Windows 8.1 has been designed to bring you one operating system that can handle all of life's demands — no matter where you are. Whether you're in the office, at home or on the go, Windows 8.1 is there to deliver. Windows 8.1 Professional enhances your ability to stay connected to colleagues or clients from anywhere, anytime. Advanced Bring Your Own Device (BYOD) features allow you to work in versatile settings, while still supporting mobile enhancements, such as wide-range and automatically triggered VPN and mobile broadband and tethering, and updated interface features, such as resizable snap view windows and improved mouse-and-keyboard accessible start screens. Access corporate resources and sync data from any device thanks to Workplace Join and Work Folders. Share your projects easily with NFC Tap-to-pair Printing, Wi-Fi Direct printing and Miracast Wireless Display functionality. Administrators can manage a company's devices with Windows Intune management service. Shadow active sessions in an RDSH server, support a VDI environment with more flexible storage options and enhanced RemoteApp behavior, and designate classes of devices with an OMA-DM API agent. Best of all, feel confident that your business data and programs are protected by the newest security features, including remote business data removal, device lockdown, malware resistance, device encryption and improved biometric identity authenticating features, such as optimized fingerprint based security. Windows 8.1 Pro is making it easier than ever to work from, and manage, mobile devices in order to support your increasingly remote and dynamic business environment. Tack on a modern user interface, and you've got Windows 8.1.
 
Customer Rating
5 out of 5
5
Win 8.1 offers an improved Win8 experience
on August 8, 2014
Posted by: drbond
from San Jose, CA
The additions made to try and get Win8 closer to Win7, has improved Win8.1 to a large degree. Booting straight into the desktop, and adding the Windows button hasn't fixed all the issues with Win8..but Win8.1 is better for it now. Game devs are updating their titles to perform better on Win8.1, and I can attest my games are running quite a bit better for some of them (like BF4). The OS still needs a bit of work, but the future of Windows 8 is brighter after 8.1.
My Best Buy number: 2942217690
What's great about it: Offers more options and customization over win8
What's not so great: Still a fair learning curve to use OS
I would recommend this to a friend!
Ease of Use
5 out of 5
5
+6points
6of 6voted this as helpful.
 
Enhance your desktop with this WD Blue Mainstream Internal Serial ATA (SATA) Hard Drive, which features a 64MB cache buffer for rapid processing speed. Ideal for use as primary drives in desktop PCs and for office applications. With a range of capacities to store photos, movies and more, there’s a drive that’s just right for you.
 
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Customer Rating
5 out of 5
5
Very good storage drive for the money!
on August 8, 2014
Posted by: drbond
from San Jose, CA
For the price, there are various options to go with...but going the cheap route can often go bad with hard drive purchases. I'm happy to say spending a fairly small amount of cash on this 2TB 'mainstream' ('green') hard drive from Western Digital has paid off.
While it does lack the read/write speed of a traditional 'black' series Western Digital performance drive, this 2TB 'green' mainstream drive does the job. Loading games on this guy is still fairly fast, while transferring large files to and from this drive is relatively fast and problem/error free. A very good purchase for people wanting additional drives for storage, or a low cost storage solution for budget PC's.
My Best Buy number: 2942217690
What's great about it: Dependable drive at a very good price!
What's not so great: Performance is good, but not great.
I would recommend this to a friend!
Ease of Use
5 out of 5
5
Performance
4 out of 5
4
+1point
1of 1voted this as helpful.
 
Give your computer a power boost with this Desktop Performance hard drive. Dual processors give this unit faster processing times for an enhanced computing experience. Operating at an impressive 7200 RPM, this Desktop Performance hard drive delivers the speed needed for running complex video editing software and online gaming programs.
 
Customer Rating
5 out of 5
5
Very fast & dependable storage device!
on August 8, 2014
Posted by: drbond
from San Jose, CA
If you are looking for a hard drive that is dependable, affordable, and fast...this is the hard drive for you. If you need to quickly read/write files for gaming needs or business, you cant go wrong with this Performance line 'black' Western Digital hard drive. You will be hard pressed to find a faster mechanical drive from a more dependable company, than this particular model.
My Best Buy number: 2942217690
What's great about it: Performance, price, and reliable
What's not so great: No negatives here
I would recommend this to a friend!
Ease of Use
5 out of 5
5
Performance
5 out of 5
5
+1point
1of 1voted this as helpful.
 
Experience accurate control during gameplay with this Logitech G502 Proteus Core 910-004074 gaming mouse that features optical technology for reliable performance. The tunable design allows easy adjustments of weight and balance for a customized feel.
 
Customer Rating
5 out of 5
5
Hands-down the best computer mouse for your money!
on August 6, 2014
Posted by: drbond
from San Jose, CA
With the G502 Proteus Core, Logitech has managed to destroy the competition with this mouse, winning over its target audience; PC gamers, content creators, and web surfers alike. This mouse not only looks great, but is an extremely comfortable device which adjusts to almost every user via profile saves (Logitech G software/firmware) and have its weight easily adjusted by the implementation of configurable weights on the bottom. In addition to the varied mouse button layout (FPS fans will love the sniper side-button) and sweat resistant rubber casing/grips, Logitech has given us a very durable non-plastic (aluminum finish) scroll wheel that is a dream to use in general web surfing and document editing situations; especially with a button that locks the wheel from spinning endlessly (for those large spreadsheets or bad vertical websites). The only negative here is that the Proteus Core (itself being a corded mouse), carries the price of a high-end cordless gaming mouse. Price aside, do yourself a favor and buy yourself this mouse! The ergonomic comfort and feature set offered in this package is worth every penny! Still to this day, buying the Proteus Core has been the best purchase I have made for my gaming and productivity needs in the last 10 years.
My Best Buy number: 2942217690
What's great about it: Extremely comfortable and all-purpose mouse
What's not so great: Price is a bit high for a corded mouse
I would recommend this to a friend!
Ease of Use
5 out of 5
5
+2points
2of 2voted this as helpful.
 
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