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phoenixlau
 
 
 
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  • Review count
    42
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  • First review
    April 13, 2013
  • Last review
    July 22, 2016
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    3.8
 
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phoenixlau's Reviews
<< 1 2 3 4 5 >>
 
The wind blows freely down the corridor of what was once a canyon of skyscrapers populated by million-dollar businesses, employees in suits and citizens on cell phones. A constant stream of yellow taxi cabs used to flow steadily down the asphalt streets. Now, Mother Nature has reclaimed what was hers, and vegetation engulfs the massive cities in patches. A modern plague outsmarted our civilized medicine, so now our cities now lie abandoned, and what's left of the American population is forced to do whatever it takes to survive. Neighbors who were friends, now kill each other for a loaf of bread — or a rifle — whatever they can get their hands on to help them live another day. In this decimated democracy, two individuals join up to work together in order and attempt the dangerous journey across the country. Will these two be able to survive the trek — or will they be The Last of Us?Developed by Naughty Dog, the creators of the popular Uncharted franchise, comes The Last of Us. Carefully blending elements of survival and action, The Last of Us defines a genre by placing you in the heart of the adventure to outlast a modern plague on your journey across the decimated United States. Playing as Joel, a survivor, and Ellie, a teenage girl who is much braver and wiser than her age would suggest, you must work together to fend off dangerous foes, terrifying enemies and other survivors who will do anything to save themselves. Every minute of every hour of every day is a struggle to outlive the next person you encounter — do you have the mental and physical strength to make it?
 
Customer Rating
5 out of 5
5
Game of the Generation
on May 15, 2014
Posted by: phoenixlau
Incredible story about two survivors in a post-apocalyptic fungus-zombie future. If you have any human emotions within you, I guarantee it will move you to tears multiple times during its meaty 15-20 hour single player. The best video game of the 7th generation by a country mile.
Unfortunately, if you buy the pre-owned version, you won't get the online pass which is required to play multiplayer mode. Also, note that Last of Us Remastered edition will be coming to PS4 in June. It has improved graphics and framerate, and includes all the multiplayer DLC as well as the single player story DLC "Left Behind", so if you own a PS4 you might consider getting that version instead.
My Best Buy number: 0563774950
What's great about it: Emotionally gripping story
What's not so great: Online pass for multiplayer, PS4 version is better
I would recommend this to a friend!
 
Other Best Buy Products I Recommend
 
The Walking Dead - PRE-OWNED - PlayStation 3
5 out of 5(3)
 
 
 
Uncharted 3: Drake's Deception — PRE-OWNED
4.4 out of 5(65)
 
 
 
 
 
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You feel the satisfying hum of power all around you as your car moves faster and faster. As you rocket down the course, the rest of the world melts away, your concentration narrowing on the track and your competitors. Victory is so close you can nearly taste the sweetness of it as you jockey for position and prepare to literally blast away the competition. Set your course for domination as you trade paint in a closely fought battle for ultimate racing supremacy.In Blur, you'll experience in-the-pack action as you race neck-and-neck with 19 other vehicles, constantly battling for position as you strive to be the first to cross the finish line. Get behind the wheel of a variety of licensed cars and push it to its limits across stunning real-world racing environments as you employ nitro speed boosts, defensive shields, land mines and more to blow your competitors away — sometimes literally. Watch cars smash and crash with photo-realistic intensity, and share the racing excitement with up to three friends in split-screen play or up to 19 additional players in online gameplay that will have you working together or fighting for bragging rights.
 
Customer Rating
4 out of 5
4
Mario Kart meets Need For Speed
on April 30, 2013
Posted by: phoenixlau
This is basically Mario Kart meets Need For Speed, with real world based cars. There are powerups that you collect that can boost your speed, attack other cars, defend, etc.
The game itself is lots of fun, especially the capability to do 4 player splitscreen local multiplayer. Compared to other racing games in this genre, however, there isn't really much of a hook to this game beyond the description above.
My Best Buy number: 563774950
What's great about it: 4 player splitscreen multiplayer
What's not so great: Doesn't have a good hook compared to other racing games
I would recommend this to a friend!
 
Other Best Buy Products I Recommend
Sonic & All-Stars Racing Transformed Bonus Edition - PlayStation 3
4.5 out of 5(82)
 
 
 
ModNation Racers — PRE-OWNED - PlayStation 3
4 out of 5(6)
 
 
 
MotorStorm Apocalypse — PRE-OWNED - PlayStation 3
4.2 out of 5(10)
 
 
 
 
 
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When a u.S. Missile shoots down a commercial airliner over Eastern Europe, killing all aboard, global political tensions reach a breaking point. Insistent that it had no involvement in the attack, the u.S. government dispatches agent Michael Thornton to investigate the incident and determine who was truly responsible. Take on the role of Thornton and prepare to enter a shadowy world of danger, espionage and sheer adrenaline as you apply all your powerful skills and abilities to hunt down the culprits and bring them to justice.Alpha Protocol immerses you in a gripping world of geopolitical intrigue. In this intense Modern-day RPG, you'll take on the role of agent Michael Thornton, developing him into the spy of your choice. Cultivate powerful skills and abilities, and Make the decisions that will guide your path to ultimate success or failure. Whether you opt to pursue a Mission with firepower, technology or the power of charisma, your choices and interactions will dynamically alter the storyline, opening up a Myriad of new Missions and challenges to confront.
 
Customer Rating
3 out of 5
3
Amazing storytelling hurt by flawed gameplay
on April 30, 2013
Posted by: phoenixlau
In Alpha Protocol you play a black ops agent who becomes embroiled in a conspiracy of false flag operations, terrorist plots, and arms dealing.
The most interesting thing about this game is the incredibly deep dialogue branching, and how that and the actions you take during the missions effect how the plot plays out. In a lot of other games with dialogue choices, there will be a "good" and a "bad" plotline, but here it is more complicated. In Alpha Protocol, you can converse using by-the-book, aggressive, and suave options, and different characters respond differently to certain demeanors. Their view of you effects later missions and plot developments. There is lots of replayability here to check out all the different pathways..
Unfortunately, even though I enjoyed the plot on my first playthrough immensely, I am reluctant to go through it again. This is because the gunplay/combat in this game is extremely frustrating and unfun. There is an RPG element to earning skill points in weapons, but for some reason they made it so that for much of the early and middle part of the game, your aiming SUCKS. Meaning, you have to aim at a guy for like 10 seconds waiting for your reticle to shrink so that you can fire. If you move your character, if you move your gun to readjust, if you do anything at all, your reticle expands and you have to start the whole process over. This wouldn't be so bad if it only affected accuracy, but bullet damage is dependent on your reticle being small as well, which means your guns are totally worthless if you try to fire outside these strict parameters.
So playing the actual missions is a chore, but all the bits in between are amazing. If you think you can deal with the major gameplay flaws, there is definitely something here worth seeing.
My Best Buy number: 563774950
What's great about it: Great plot, incredibly deep dialogue branching
What's not so great: Janky gunplay/combat is frustrating and not fun
I would recommend this to a friend!
 
Other Best Buy Products I Recommend
Mass Effect 3 - PlayStation 3
4.4 out of 5(47)
 
 
 
Dragon Age: Origins — PRE-OWNED - PlayStation 3
4.1 out of 5(7)
 
 
 
Heavy Rain — PRE-OWNED - PlayStation 3
4.5 out of 5(33)
 
 
 
 
 
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Customer Rating
5 out of 5
5
Excellent dubstep album
on April 30, 2013
Posted by: phoenixlau
Favorite tracks: My Eyes, Innocence, Reaching Out
But really, there is not a single filler track on this album. I love having the whole thing play in the car while driving, especially with some subwoofers. Fans of video games might recognize Doomsday from the Borderlands 2 trailer, or Won't You (Be There) from Need For Speed: Most Wanted.
My Best Buy number: 563774950
What's great about it: Lots of single material, no filler
What's not so great: Nothing
I would recommend this to a friend!
+1point
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SynopsisThe open roads of Paradise City stretch through downtown streets and hectic freeways. Get the competitive edge by hitting jumps, finding shortcuts, bashing through barriers and getting to places other racers can't reach. Best of all, you decide the fastest route to the finish line. You'll rip up more than 250 miles of open road and take on the baddest and best racers as you make your way through Paradise.Slam, shunt and wreck opponents in a variety of cross-town challenges. Leave a trail of wreckage and debris in your wake and show no sympathy for the losers who can't hang with your machine. Make and break the rules of the road by posting speed and destruction records all over town. For additional gameplay options, join your friends online and complete more than 300 online challenges. Burnout Paradise thrusts you into high-speed mayhem in which an entire city becomes your personal driving playground.
 
Customer Rating
5 out of 5
5
Fun open world racing game
on April 15, 2013
Posted by: phoenixlau
There are a ton of things to do in the open world city of Burnout Paradise. There are straight race events, takedown races where you have to ram other cars off the road, survival events where you have to reach a destination while avoiding cars hunting for you, etc.
There are also a ton of side things to do like smashing specific billboards and barriers scattered across the city, pulling off stunt jumps, customizing your paint job, and so on.
Overall one of the most fun racing games on this console generation, even despite the relatively older graphics from 2008 (still looks nice).
My Best Buy number: 563774950
What's great about it: Variety of things to do
What's not so great: Relatively older graphics
I would recommend this to a friend!
 
Other Best Buy Products I Recommend
Need for Speed: Most Wanted: Limited Edition - PlayStation 3, PlayStation 4
4.1 out of 5(94)
 
 
 
Midnight Club: Los Angeles Complete Edition Greatest Hits - PlayStation 3
4.4 out of 5(96)
 
 
 
Need for Speed: Hot Pursuit — PRE-OWNED - PlayStation 3
4.3 out of 5(16)
 
 
 
 
 
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The ground shakes with rumbles from an explosion down the street. You hear disembodied shouts from your teammates. Bullets whiz by your helmet and explode on the wall behind you, sending chunks of concrete and rubble flying through the air. You're focused on your mission, but time seems to stop for a moment as you feel your weapon in your hand. Another bullet bursts against the wall, this time closer — and louder. That got your attention. There's no time for zoning out in the red zone. Meet back up with your team and make it off the Battlefield alive.Featuring the powerful Frostbite 2 engine, Battlefield 3 utilizes every ounce of power to provide the most immersive shooter experience you've ever known. Get ready to hold your ground on the front lines of a global conflict, and keep your finger on the trigger as the missions take you from city streets in New York and Paris to the relentless desert sands of Tehran. Take on the enemy by yourself in single player, or team up with a friend for intense co-op missions. Featuring the all-new Battlelog system, you can easily find your friends, socialize and track your progress. When your skills are battle-tested, load up for a 24-player online multiplayer mode, where you'll strap on the boots of a frontline infantry soldier and pilot powerful battle machines like Engineering EOD bots, tanks, jets and more. Fall in, Soldier — you're about to head out to the Battlefield once again.
 
Customer Rating
4 out of 5
4
Great team based multiplayer
on April 13, 2013
Posted by: phoenixlau
Battlefield 3 is one of the premier first person shooters on the PS3. Up to 24 players can play online multiplayer at once. Although less than the PC version, 24 still feels lively. The graphics with the Frostbite 2 engine are pretty good for the PS3, although it only runs at 30 fps.
Two important things to note: 1) Multiplayer requires an online pass, so you will need to obtain it separately if you are buying a used copy; 2) A superior version of this product exists called Battlefield 3 Premium Edition. It contains all 5 DLC map packs beyond the 9 maps included in the original game. You can also purchase the Premium service or the individual map packs separately if you want to use the regular edition disc (this product).
My Best Buy number: 563774950
What's great about it: One of the best multiplayer shooters on console
What's not so great: Online pass, obsolete version
I would recommend this to a friend!
 
Other Best Buy Products I Recommend
Battlefield 3: Premium Edition - PlayStation 3
4.8 out of 5(38)
 
 
 
Battlefield: Bad Company 2 - PlayStation 3
4.4 out of 5(81)
 
 
 
Medal of Honor: Warfighter Limited Edition - PlayStation 3
4 out of 5(66)
 
 
 
 
 
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Embark on interplanetary adventures with the lovable duo, Ratchet & Clank as they set off for explosive adventures. Wield their tools of destruction throughout the storyline of this addictive and immersive series with Ratchet the Lombax and his trusty, robotic sidekick, Clank. Loved by fans, the original PlayStation 2 series of these games endures in the digitally remastered version for PlayStation 3. You can now enjoy this classic series in high-definition 720p quality as you zip from planet to planet, unraveling the storyline and taking on new adventures. Re-live the excitement or experience the thrills for the first time with Ratchet & Clank, Ratchet & Clank: Go Commando and Ratchet & Clank: Up Your Arsenal.
 
Customer Rating
4 out of 5
4
The original trilogy in HD glory
on April 13, 2013
Posted by: phoenixlau
Ratchet and Clank Collection combines HD versions of the PS2 games Ratchet and Clank, Going Commando, and Up Your Arsenal. All three games are on one disc. The only DLC voucher code for used copies to worry about is the 10th Anniversary PSN avatar.
The Ratchet and Clank games are probably the best 3d platformers from the PS2 era, and they still are surprisingly fun though obviously the PS3 Ratchet games have improved upon them. Love all the wacky weapons they come up with. The HD graphics and performance are excellent, this is one of the best quality HD collections of older titles for the PS3.
My Best Buy number: 563774950
What's great about it: HD versions of three PS2 classics
What's not so great: Nothing
I would recommend this to a friend!
 
Other Best Buy Products I Recommend
Ratchet & Clank Future: A Crack in Time — PRE-OWNED - PlayStation 3
4.7 out of 5(11)
 
 
 
The Sly Collection — PRE-OWNED - PlayStation 3
4.9 out of 5(8)
 
 
 
Sly Cooper: Thieves in Time - PlayStation 3
4.4 out of 5(191)
 
 
 
 
 
0points
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The indie game developer, thatgamecompany, has created immersive games that deliver stunningly vibrant visuals, a totally Zen gameplay experience and a completely unique feel. As you glide through the underwater world or soar through fields of flowers, you'll notice yourself relaxing into a mentally challenging, yet emotionally calming frame-of-mind with the help of amazing soundtracks to ease you even further. This Collector's Edition brings you Journey, Flower and flOw in one package, full of peaceful gameplay and exciting extras.Created by the acclaimed indie game developer, thatgamecompany, this series of games has transcended the label of video game and become a true entertainment experience. With additional content, such as a 30-minute documentary on the making of Journey and Creator's Commentary play-throughs of all three games, you'll be able to learn the ins and outs of the award-winning games included in this Collector's Edition. Whether you're exploring the vibrant landscape of Journey, tilting your controller to fly through the picturesque world of Flower or discovering the wonder of the underwater world in flOw, you will embark on a journey of the mind every time you pick up the controller.
 
Customer Rating
5 out of 5
5
Collection of all of thatgamecompany's work
on April 13, 2013
Posted by: phoenixlau
Journey Collector's Edition includes all 3 of thatgamecompany's PS3 games, Journey, Flower, and Flow. There are also 3 minigames that are nothing to write home about, plus a bunch of bonus making-of features, digital soundtrack files, PS3 wallpaper themes, etc. The 24-pack of PSN avatars is in the form of a voucher code, so if you are buying a used copy, it will probably be missing.
Of the three games, Journey is the standout. Even though it only takes a quick 2 hours to finish a playthrough, it will probably be the most memorable and emotionally resonant 2 hours you will ever experience in a video game.
My Best Buy number: 563774950
What's great about it: Journey is a memorable and emotional ride
What's not so great: Journey takes only 2 hours for a playthrough
I would recommend this to a friend!
 
Other Best Buy Products I Recommend
ICO and Shadow of the Colossus Collection — PRE-OWNED - PlayStation 3
4.7 out of 5(10)
 
 
 
The Walking Dead - PlayStation 3
 
 
 
Heavy Rain — PRE-OWNED - PlayStation 3
4.5 out of 5(33)
 
 
 
 
 
0points
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Whether you're a longtime fan or a newcomer to the Killzone series, this trilogy will provide you with plenty of interplanetary combat and FPS-style entertainment. Experience all threeKillzone games that are bursting with jaw-dropping cinematic visuals, and three gripping storylines that are filled with plenty of action, danger and excitement.The mighty Helghast army is threatening humankind — and it's up to you to thwart their evil plans. Join forces with a squad of soldiers in the original Killzone and explore Vekta, an outlying ISA colony under attack by the vicious Helghast. Continue the fight in Killzone 2, which offers a wide array of new weapons to use and allows you to harness the powers of Helghan's environment to assist you in battle. You'll be immersed in a lifelike world, complete with intense graphics, smooth character animations and harsh, responsive environments that require you to change your tactics in the midst of combat. Hack your way through exotic environments and drive a multitude if vehicles in Killzone 3, and enjoy a realistic experience thanks to full 3D compatibility. And when you're done taking out the Helghast scum, take the war online with plenty of innovative multiplayer modes.
 
Customer Rating
5 out of 5
5
Excellent sci-fi trilogy
on April 13, 2013
Posted by: phoenixlau
Killzone Trilogy includes all three Killzone games in one convenient package. Killzone 1 HD remake and Killzone 2 are on one disc, and Killzone 3 is on the other disc. The included DLC is all multiplayer related stuff (map packs for KZ2 and KZ3), and is in the form of a voucher code. If you are buying Killzone Trilogy used, the code will probably be missing.
My Best Buy number: 563774950
What's great about it: Three great 1st person shooters in one package
What's not so great: Killzone 1 and 2 are not as visually impressive as Killzone 3
I would recommend this to a friend!
 
Other Best Buy Products I Recommend
Crysis 3 Standard Edition - PlayStation 3
4.3 out of 5(55)
 
 
 
Resistance 3 - PlayStation 3
4.6 out of 5(55)
 
 
 
Resistance 2 — PRE-OWNED - PlayStation 3
4 out of 5(12)
 
 
 
 
 
0points
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Home used to be where the heart was. america used to be free. Now, home is nothing but a bleak landscape of walled towns and abandoned suburbs, where high school stadiums have become detention centers and shopping Malls shelter armored attack vehicles. Fear and despair have crept into the united States that you knew and loved. Worldwide conflict, dwindling resources and economic crisis have taken their toll, and now, in 2027, the savage, nuclear-armed Greater Korean Republic clenches the uS in a brutal occupation. But the enemy forgot one little thing about the uSA: they May have seized our land and weakened our state, but no one can weaken the spirit of the american people. Not since George Washington led the patriots in the Revolutionary War has america fought a battle so vital to the freedom of the nation and so close to the hearts of the people. Not since then have we had to band together to protect our homefront. Take the front lines alongside the colorful characters of the Resistance as you employ daring guerrilla tactics, commandeer Military vehicles and unleash epic warfare across sprawling battlefields with first-person sharpshooting action. The heart-pounding, hair-raising exhilaration of the struggle springs to life when you take the fight online and experience Multiplayer infantry, helicopter and drone battles the likes of which you've never seen. Mask your fear, take your weapon in hand and bear the title "American" with pride: this is the call to save your homefront.
 
Customer Rating
4 out of 5
4
Short game but interesting setting
on April 13, 2013
Posted by: phoenixlau
Homefront is a short game, around 4-5 hours for the single player campaign. The ending was also abrupt, as though this game was merely a teaser for a sequel. What you do experience during the campaign is quite interesting though, in terms of the setting.
The multiplayer is a lot of fun, a mix of the run and gun style of Call of Duty with the big maps and vehicles of Battlefield. Two things that you need to know: 1) Online pass is required to level up beyond Level 5 in multiplayer... although you can still continue to play, you won't be able to unlock many of the weapons and vehicles to use. If you're buying a used copy of Homefront, you will probably need to acquire the online pass separately.
2# Currently #as of March/April 2013# the servers are down, most likely due to the transition between THQ #which went bankrupt# and Crytek #which bought the rights to the Homefront series). It is unknown when they will be back up, if ever. This means effectively that there is no online multiplayer right now, although you can still host private matches.
My Best Buy number: 563774950
What's great about it: Fun multiplayer
What's not so great: Short 4 hour campaign, crashes, online pass
I would recommend this to a friend!
 
Other Best Buy Products I Recommend
Battlefield 3: Premium Edition - PlayStation 3
4.8 out of 5(38)
 
 
 
Call of Duty: Black Ops II - PlayStation 3
4 out of 5(240)
 
 
 
Killzone 3 — PRE-OWNED - PlayStation 3
4.5 out of 5(36)
 
 
 
 
 
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