Stranglehold (Xbox 360)
Companies are always going on about the synergy between movies and video games, but all this really ever seems to mean is lots of dreadful movie tie-ins where all the money has been spent on celebrity voiceovers. Stranglehold is different though, in that it’s essentially a sequel to 1992’s classic movie Hard Boiled, made purely for video games. This time Inspector “Tequila” Yuen is unleashing his unorthodox policing methods on Russian crime bosses in both Hong Kong and Chicago. It stars the likeness of original lead Chow Yun Fat and has been developed with hands-on help from director John Woo - who it turns out does seem to know a thing or two about video games.

Of course video games have been ripping off John Woo for years, particularly his trademark slow motion shots of two-handed pistol action. As a result this initially seems dangerously similar to Max Payne et al., but the graphical power of the next generation consoles and PC ensures that this is a far more dynamic and interactive affair. Not only can you make use of a bullet time effect (call “Tequila time” here) to slow down time around you but almost all of the scenery can be used too, from sliding down banisters guns firing to scooting across the room on top of a waiter’s trolley. The damage done as you go is truly impressive, with tiles shattering off the walls, chandeliers impaling bad guys as they fall and electric wires and water mains unhinging themselves everywhere. Making a mess has never been so much fun.
HARRISON DENT

Customer Review: Great game, poisoned by the storyline.
This Game is fantastic for first time players. Great visuals, a Max Payne like presence all around when you utilize some of the fantastic mouth watering special attacks.

You play as well renowned actor Chow Yun Fat, and the game is intended to be a sequel to the hit movie: “Hard Boiled”. The game achieves this to some extent, as i can see the definate similarities from film to game, however the joy ends when one focuses on the storyline.

The storyline suffers with its lack of depth, and its somewhat incoherent and frustrating jumps between places. The game on a whole is a joy to play, but the average gamer may feel asif the fun has ended a little too early.

Another thing which brings the game off its pedestal is the Frustrating difficulty level, you could find yourself dead within seconds in some areas, or you might not die at all, it all depends on how you play the game, i decided to use the special attacks less throughout the game.

The “barrage” attack can dispense bosses on even the hardest difficulty level which can be frustrating for the die hard shoot-em-up fan, because in my opinion the bosses fall short of the challenge intended. One of the special attacks i enjoyed to utilize frequently was the “Precision Aim”, where the character fires a bullet with pinpoint accuracy from a helpful zoom screen, the enemy which is struck with the bullet then reacts accordingly with where they were struck.

Overall i would recommend this game to people who are looking for action over depth, Stranglehold in its entirety is a diamond in the rough, which has been let down by badly structured storylines and a disappointing ending.

Customer Review: True Woo Style gameplay - challenging but not too difficult - shame about multiplayer though
For those of you who love John Woo films and his artistic style, this game is for you. The game character Tequila is the character from the movie Hard Boiled (played by Chow Yun Fat) - a badass cop who doesn’t mind bending the rules to put bad guys away. As in the movie Hard Boiled, the action scenes are wonderfully played out with a mix of slow motion and manic gun fights or exposions. In this game Stranglehold, this is no exception.

The feature of the game is that you can slow time down for a limited period of time allowing you to aim more precisely and kill more bad guys. You’ll find that you want to dive often where time is automatically slowed down (just like in Hard Boiled!!).

You can also run along banisers, chairs, walls etc which is great fun and I really like being able to jump off a wall, kick it and fire my guns falling backwards and also jumping onto a trolley and killing peole as your coast along (also in Hard Boiled in the Hospital). John Woo’s trademark is the used throughout the game like the use of two pistols, Woo time (slow motion) and close encouter gunfights, and sliding across tables etc. In the extra’s, you can go to a shop with John Woo as the salesman and buy extras after earning them during gameplay.

Similar to Devil May Cry for the PS2, you have Style points and combo points, so the more you kill people with style (e.g. sliding down a banister and killing guys) the more points you gain. Your points are contributed to ‘Tequila Bomb gauge’ that fills up. As you progress along the game you unlock 4 specials. When the first quarter fills, you have the option of a health boost; the second precision aim (allows a zoom in to bad guys for distance shots); the third quarter allows Tequila to fill up with bullets on whatever weapon he is holding and then blast away very, very quickly without diminishing your ammo count; the final quarter filled up allows Tequila to do a special move, spinning on the spot to kill bad guys (which is really cool to watch).

As in Hard Boiled paper cranes make an appearance. You can collect these throughout the game to increase the ‘Tequila Bomb gauge’ immediately to help you get to those special moves quickly.

There is a multiplayer option but so far I don’t think I’ve come across anyone on it yet. Maybe I’ll take a look on the XBOX forums to see who’s interested in some gaming.

All in all a very enjoyable game. The movement for gameplay is easy to get used to and intuitive. The game is not too difficult to play but in places, hard enough to be a challenge. In addition, at any checkpoint, you can play on easy, casual and hard, so if you get stuck, just start the game again and continue the gameplay on an easier level.

If you always wanted to play Tequila and kick some butt, then get this game as you’ll have a blast doing the slow motion, jumping over chairs, kicking tables etc. in true Woo style.

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Chromehounds (Xbox 360)
List Price: ?49.99
Amazon Price: ?19.96
Used Price: ?7.95
Customer Review: Great game, Great for squad tactics
This game i have had now for nearly 2 weeks and have barely stopped playing it at first the game seems slow but given that its mech based warfare it is forgivable as the mechs in this game are based on what i think are more realistic than those in previouse games like armored core and Z.O.E the story mode is very small basically only giving you a tutorial for each hound type the real game is on xbox live and my is it great i would only recomend this game though if you have xbox live or plan on getting it shortly after purchase but given that the story mode is pretty minimal i still give this 5 stars for online play it redeems itself
Customer Review: Chrome hounds- one for those who like the slowies
Firstly Chromehounds looks like an in depth and glossy tactical shooter. Sadly this is one first impression that shouldn’t be taken to heart, it turns out that this game is very boring despite the early promise. The levels are very linear and the pace of the game quickly moves from the slow to the slower to slowest. The main campaign is split into six types of hound, the scout levls are the nippiest but still lack any come and back play once a mission is complete as most will find this game boring and to slow. This game will appeal to those looking for a slower shooter that only occasionally stretches the imagination or makes the brain the work.

Harmony Home Automation Server Gold (PC)
List Price: ?69.99
Amazon Price: ?69.99

Joytech 9.2″ LCD Portable Monitor for Xbox 360
Amazon Price: ?119.99

Nyko HD-Link for Xbox 360 - High Definition component video and audio cable for Xbox 360
Experience superior graphical clarity on the Xbox 360 with the HD-Link from Nyko. The HD-Link is designed to provide the best possible video and audio connection for the Xbox 360. Featuring high end Y, Bp, Pr component connections, the HD-Link provides full 1080p resolution on your HDTV for Xbox 360 games, HD-DVD movies, and downloaded HD content. The shielded 8 foot cable allows for interference-free audio and video in any entertainment setup while providing high definition video and audio quality for the 360. The HD-Link is ideal for those who demand the most out of their home electronics and want the best possible Xbox 360 experience.

Virtua Tennis 3 (Xbox 360)
List Price: ?29.99
Amazon Price: ?19.96
Used Price: ?16.99
Customer Review: graphics = quality
well this game is certainly one of the best ive got the graphics r rele good but the game play can be a tad un realistic as some rallys go on for 5 minuits
Customer Review: Just Great
Guys this is just a great game - you dont even have to like tennis to love this game. never really get bored of it to be honest it is just great!!!

TeckNet XBOX 360 2100mah battery pack & chargeable cable For XBOX 360 Battery Pack and Chargeable Cable for Xbox 360 Controller, Compatible with XBOX 360 Wireless controller, including battery packing and chargeable cable.

XBOX 360 - Consoles
XBOX 360 - Consoles. … $6.99; Xbox 360 PREMIUM GAME SYSTEM Bonus Pack … $149.95; Xbox 360 Wireless Controller $29.99. Top 10 Footer …