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October 9th, 2007, 03:34 Posted By: bandit
Talismoon HDMI Switcher with Remote
Manufacturer: Talismoon
Site:
Price: $105.00-$129.95
Overview : The HDMI SWITCHER is a HDMI HUB that allows you to connect your console or dvd player to a tv and easily switch from a device to another with a simple remote control press.
Simply pressing a button on the remote you can select your desired HDMI source to be routed to a high definition display. Switcher is tested to guarantee resolution up to 1080p without signal degradation.
HDMI repeater is built in to the switch for long output cables. If your cable if over 15ft distance then with regular switch you would get signal degradation. However with HDMI switch box signal can be amplified to go over 60ft!
Features :- Approved by HDMI ATC lab
- Fully supports 1080P HDTV
- HDCP Compliant
- Supports DTS, Dolby 7.1 Channel Audio
- GOLD PLATED CONNECTORS
- IR Remote control
- Expand 4HDMI sources on your HDTV device
- Amplifier & Equalizer function enables longer HDMI cables
- Plug & Play, installs in seconds
- RoHS compliant
- 110v-240v auto switching power supply
- HDMI CABLE INCLUDED
Quality/Usability : The Talismoon HDMI Switcher with Remote is designed to allow you, the user, to toggle between four (4) HDMI sources. You may think why would you need or want something like this. If you havent noticed, as more and more devices such as HDTV's, HD cable, satellite boxes, DVD players (Blu-Ray and HD-DVD), they are now incorporating HDMI. As more people get into high def, they will have more and more devices but are only limited to a certain amount of inputs on their devices.
The HDMI Switcher measures approximately 7 inches wide by 3 inches deep and 1 inch high. The switcher is made of metal and not plastic. This makes the switcher very sturdy and a solid feel. The front houses four green LEDs and 1 red LED. The green LEDs are to let you know which HDMI port is in use and the red LED is to let you know that the power is on. To the right of the button is a SELECT button that lets you toggle between the HDMI ports. On the back, there are four HDMI inputs. To the left is one HDMI output and DC port to plug power adapter.
Setup is plug-and-play. Simply plug in the cables, select the port and you're good to go! If your device does not have HDMI but uses DVI, you can also use DVI devices so as long you use the appropriate adapter.
Testing with a Sony PlayStation 3, XBox 360 Elite and HD-DVD Player and a Dell PC that uses DVI, all devices switched without a problem. I did not notice any quality downgrade. Even upconverted DVDs worked without a problem. What I did notice was that there was no input for audio.
The included remote measures approximately 3.5 inches tall by 1.5 inches wide and 0.25 inches high. The face of the remote has a POWER ON/OFF on the top left with 1-4 in the middle to select your mode. There is also a forward and back button to control the input sources. The battery runs on a Lithium Battery CR2025 (watch battery).
Conclusion : Overall, the Talismoon HDMI Switcher with Remote worked without a hitch. The design is nice and sleek and built sturdy. I dont know if this is on all HDMI Switchers but the one I received said "HIDOZO" on top. Dont know what this means or what the purpose is but it looks tacky. The lack of audio ports can be a negative to those who want the best set up. Would of also been nice if it included a DVI to HDMI adapter. The expensive price tag may turn people away but if you're running out of HDMI ports or looking for a selector, I suggest taking a look at this.
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October 9th, 2007, 00:45 Posted By: bandit
PSP Slim & Lite Component Cable
Manufacturer: N/A
Site: Buy from GameInfinity
Price: $14.95
Overview : PSP Slim & Lite Component AV Cable allows to display videos, photos and play music as well as games on TV.
Features:- Enables AV output via Component
- Cable length: 2.5m
- Aluminum alloy housing cuts out any unwanted RF signals.
- Suitable only for the new Slim Series (PSP-2000).
- Allow you to display videos, photos and play music as well as games on TV
- For playing games, a TV with progressive scan support is required
Quality/Usability : One of the nicest additions to the PSP Slim & Lite is the video-out function that enables you to watch video, play games and view photos from your PSP on to your TV.
Following on the heals on newly released consoles are 3rd party manufacturers. The moment something new comes out...BAM! They already have products at online import stores/wholesalers. When the PSP Slim & Lite was released, component cables were hard to come by as some stores didnt receive any in stock.
The quality of the cables are decent. The biggest complaint about the PSP's video-out feature is that in order to play games, you'll need a TV that has progressive scan. If you dont have a progressive scan compatible TV, you'll be left with only looking at videos and photos.
Once you have selected the PSP's output setting, the image displayed on the TV does not fill it completely but is bigger than we expected. On my 32-inch LCD, it measured approximately 22-inches. Although this can be bothersome or nitpicking to some, once we got into the gameplay, we didnt really notice the size of the display compared to the TV.
Images were a little different and washed out compared to that of what is shown on the PSP screen. Taking a small image that is use to being displayed on the PSP's screen and blowing it up onto a monitor, you'll notice the jaggies on objects and textures. This is probably due to the fact that you're also sitting close to the TV as the length of the cable isnt really long to begin with.
Conclusion : Overall, the PSP Slim & Lite Component Cable works well for an aftermarket product. Colors and images could use better quality. The noticeable jaggies was expected since you're scaling up an image. The price tag of $14.95 is fairly reasonable as its only $5.00 less than the official cables.
There is also a video showing the XCM 1080p VGA Box allowing you to hook up the PSP Slim component cable and be able to play on a VGA monitor. You can read the news here and our full review on the XCM 1080p VGA box here.
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October 7th, 2007, 06:21 Posted By: bandit
I'm a little late on posting this as I wasnt sure if this was a fake or not but I just got word that D2Ckey is from the team behind WiiKey.
D2Ckey is the first modchip to work on D2C chipsets on Wii's. Previous modchips did not work on newer Wii's. It requires 31 wires and 2 jumps to be soldered. NEOASIC has found an alternative solder points. You can take a look at the installation here.
Technical Specifications:
Access control LEDs- LED 1: disc access indicator.
- LED 2: data patching indicator
- Flashes smoothly during disc insertion and detection
- Lit when backup is detected (after disclogin)
- Off when original is detected
DVD media compability- DVD+-R
- DVD+-RW
- Dual-layer DVD (movies and GCOS)
Game disc support- Direct boot of Wii original and backup games from the same region
- Direct boot of Gamecube original and backup games from the same region
- Direct boot of different NTSC region Wii and GC games on USA and JAP consoles
- Partial region free support on Wii and GC original and backup games with different videomode (ie PAL<->USA, JAPAN)
- Improved readsettings for recordable media
- Supports running GC games at Wii diskspeed
- GC Audiostreaming Fix
- Supports full-size DVD and DVD9 discs for GC homebrew
- Supports GC multigame discs
- Supports Wii and GC multidisc games
True stealth mode- Does not modify RAM, making it virtually undetectable for the Wii
- Full command set emulation
It Works
D2CKey has been designed with user simplicity in mind. After installation (which, in all fairness, should be left to a professional!), it just works. There is no need to set up, reflash, upgrade, or fiddle around. D2Ckey automatically detects what kind of disc is inserted, and configures the drive accordingly. Original and backup original Wii and Gamecube games from different regions with the same video system boots directly, and even a lot of games from regions with different video system can be booted directly. Gamecube audiostreaming fix is built-in from the start.
Use With All Kinds of Media
Compatible with most DVD+/-R and RW media (no bitsetting required) and multigame discs.
DVD-R, DVD+R, DVD-RW, Dual Layer DVD, bitsetting... finding the right recordable media and the right burner isnt always that easy. Some kinds and brands of media and recorders might work better with the Wii drive than others. D2Ckey offers support for most of them from the start, making it simpler for you. While a certain media, burner, or combination might not work properly with a certain drive, it will be easier to find a working combination knowing that d2ckey supports most of the common recordable media types.
Hottest Chip / Coolest Core
350MHz Performance with advanced AES128 bit encryption, yet runs on an ultra-low-power core.
The overall system performance of D2Ckey is 350Mhz, compared to around 8MHz for serial-port based modchips.
D2Ckey uses the latest flash-based FPGA technology from Actel, which has many powerful features. It has a super-fast, ultra-low-power 1.5V core that will literally remain cool all the time. This means no strain on your Wii (and there is no need recalculate your carbon footprint).
Another powerful feature is that the programming is protected by powerful AES128 encryption, making reverse engineering attempts infeasible. Therefore it will be very difficult to find a way to detect or block the chip in any way in the future. In the past modchips and smartcards using less secure devices have eventually been hacked, making it possible to detect them and lock out modified systems. An example of this are self-updating d2mac and Conax unofficial satellite tv cards, whose MK's have been revoked, rendering the card inoperable.
Intelligent Code Modifying System
Integrates a next-generation ICMS to ensure stability during loading and gameplay.
The first generations of Wii drive controllers - known as DMS, identical to D2A, and D2B all had a serial port interface that could be used to inject code, making it possible for backup discs to load (and enable other funky stuff as well).
Albeit easy to install, modchips that uses the serial port have some disadvantages. Due to the way they interact with the drive controller it is possible for the Wii hardware to detect them (they modify RAM, for example).
This way of modifying the Wii does not work with the D2C controller, because the serial port can no longer be used to inject or modify code.
D2Ckey uses a new approach we call the Intelligent Code Modifying System (ICMS). Instead of just uploading some code and then doze off, ICMS constantly monitors data on address and data buses, patching it if necessary. This has several advantages: - It is virtually undetectable by the Wii hardware
- Improved reading of recordable recordable media
- Backup disc loading will emulate original game disc loading closer
By interfacing more of the circuitry of the drive controller D2Ckey has a better understanding of what is going on inside. Stability and compability have been the main design objectives.
A good example of the dangers with oversimplified chips are the 4-wire PIC12C508-based PS1 modchips that where very popular around 1997. First, Microchip, the manufacturer of PIC chips, made some changes in the manufacturing process, affecting the in-system clock. This was technically not a manufacturing flaw, as the fault was still within the tolerance specified in the datasheet, but the chips stopped working. If the 5th wire, a clock signal from PS1, had not been stripped (the 5-wire modchips still using the PS1 clock did not have any problems) then there would not have been any problems. Shortly after games appeared that detected active modchips - once again, a few extra wires would have enabled the chip to know when (and when not to) send data.
They currently have an installation guide available.
Source: D2Ckey / NEOASIC
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October 6th, 2007, 21:58 Posted By: bandit
XCM has released a video that shows their 1080p VGA Box works with PSP Slim and its component cable. So not only can you connect the PSP Slim to your TV, you can also connect it to a VGA monitor using the 1080p VGA Box. The new product now includes PSP Slim component cable.
Be sure to read our full review on the XCM Universal Ypbpr 1080p VGA Box.
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October 6th, 2007, 21:16 Posted By: bandit
WiiKey Modchip (DMS/D2A/D2B)
Manufacturer: WiiKey
Site: Buy from Mod-Chip
Price: $30.00-$40.00
Overview : The amazing WiiKey Mod Chip for the Nintendo Wii has arrived! The WiiKey is possibly the easiest modchip to install on any system. A quicksolder pattern on the PCB board removes the need for wires. All you need to do us solder onto the designated parts and the installation is complete.
Not only is the WiiKey easy to install, but this ModChip also has amazing features including Stealth Mode, the ability to play both WII and Gamecube backups, GameCube homebrew and imports. The WiiKey also has an optional LED to let you know when the Mod Chip is ON or OFF.
Features :- Direct boot of wii backups
- Direct boot of GC backups
- Direct boot of homebrew in GC mode
- Supports all currently available console/drive versions
- Supports D2B chipsets
- Sophisticated (true) update mechanism via DVD (future proof, expect cool features to come)
- Direct boot of different NTSC region Wii games/backups on US and JAP consoles
- Partial support for NTSC region Wii games/backups on PAL consoles
- Boots different region GC games/backups (partially without swapping)
- Supports multi-disc games for BOTH Wii and Gamecube
- Supports DVD-R / true DVD+R and +RW support (no bitsetting required!)
- Improved readsettings for recordable media
- Built-in audio fix
- Supports fullsize 4GB discs for gamecube homebrew
- Stealth mode
- 512 byte EEPROM to store configuration
- Quicksolder interface - no wires required
- Unique disc backup application via sdcard
- Compact design, best quality components, rock solid high speed controller
- Professional ESD packing
- Recovery mode - Can recover from a bad flash
Quality/Usability : WiiKey is probably one of the most well known modchips for the Wii. Its so popular that there is even a clone of it. To prevent confusion, WiiKey tried to think of ways to inform buyers that what they are buying is legit and the real deal. Their solution was a hologram sticker. But this didnt stop some buyers as the clones also worked the same as the real WiiKey.
This review is based on a North American (NTSC-US) Wii. All games tested during this review, we own the original games. This modchip is only compatible with Wii's that have a DMS, D2A or D2B chipset. This will NOT work on a D2C chipset.
Installation : You can find installation manual at WiiKey's Resource page. The Resource page also includes setup discs, recovery disc and the much anticipated firmware update disc which I will get to later.
In order to install the CycloWiz onto your Wii, you must take it apart. Here is a tutorial on how to dismantle your Wii. You can also find other tutorials or even videos on the web.
Like all other modchips that requiring soldering, you must dismantle the Wii. The WiiKey also allows you to either install via quick solder or wire method (the latter method is preferred as you can remove the chip easily). Once you have dismantled the Wii, you must locate the points outlined in their installation manual. These points are where you will connect the soldering between the Wii and the WiiKey. When soldering, you must remember to stay within the points and not to use too much solder or you may risk shorting out the chip as well as the Wii.
After installing the WiiKey, you must run the WiiKey configuration disc which can be download from WiiKey.
Wii Compatibility : After running the configuration disc, its time to test out games. With some modchips that we reviewed, there were some games that gave the DRE (Disc Read Error), but taking that same disc and trying it on the WiiKey worked and booted up perfectly. But there were some that didnt work.
Homebrew Compatibility : Unfortunately, I wasnt able to try the homebrew out.
Conclusion : Overall, WiiKey modchip came through and worked. The ability to load games had a higher success rate than majority of the Wii modchips on the market. Not to mention, its one of, if not the smallest Wii modchip on the market!
1.9b Firmware Upgrade Disc
Now, remember when I talked about the WiiKey update disc? Well, WiiKey was suppose to release this upgrade a long long long time ago but kept delaying it. They would give a release date and would delay it for whatever reason. This would annoy and piss of WiiKey users and even other gaming sites for the lack of actually following through on their word and releasing. Some speculated that WiiKey was a flake or lying. Some even thought they were trying to combat the clones and trying to figure out how to get the upgrade disc to only work on genuine chips and possibly brick Wii's that have clones installed..but of course, all this was a rumor.
There was a leak of the supposed upgrade disc but it was a beta. Eventually, after further testing, WiiKey decided to make it an official release as it was stable enough and worked as it should. The following is what was added to 1.9b
- audiofix fixed
- dual layer support (no bitsetting required)
- improved media support (all supported chipsets)
- full Gamecube regionfree (no-swap/video setup)
- various "smaller" improvements/fixes
- workaround for FW 3.0 gameid limitation
- (existing wkb 1.2 discs will boot again)
- "on the fly" settings for gc games (by holding buttons)
- toggle audiofix, diskspeed, force NTSC/PAL
To get GameCube full-regionfree feature on 1.9b firmware, you'll need to download Configuration Disc 1.3
Please note that none of the "upgrade" products listed in this site are endorsed by Nintendo, Sony and/or Microsoft. DCEmu Reviews and DCEmu Network does not condone piracy. The primary functions of a "modchip" and/or "flashcart" are to allow you to play imported games and homebrew software that you legally own or simply just for experimenting with hardware. We in no way endorse piracy, and encourage all users to do the right thing and support the developers/manufacturers that support them. We do not take any responsibilities for any use outside of these parameters or where the use of such a device is illegal.
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October 6th, 2007, 19:57 Posted By: bandit
CycloWiz Modchip v2 (DMS/D2A/D2B)
Manufacturer: Team Cyclops
Site: Buy from Divineo
Price: $30.00-$40.00
Overview : The CycloWiz Wii Mod Chip has been updated to be universally compatible with all current Wii drive chipsets including DMS, D2A and D2B.
The amazing CycloWiz Mod Chip for the Nintendo Wii has arrived! The CycloWiz is possibly the easiest modchip to install on any system. A quicksolder pattern on the PCB board removes the need for wires. All you need to do us solder onto the designated parts and the installation is complete.
Not only is the CycloWiz easy to install, but this ModChip also has amazing features including Stealth Mode, the ability to play both WII and Gamecube backups, GameCube homebrew and imports. The CycloWiz also has an optional LED to let you know when the Mod Chip is ON or OFF.
Features :- Compatible with all current Wii chipsets including the DMS, D2A and D2B
- Fully upgradable via DVD
- Easy installation(5 solder points / no wires required)
- Stealth Mode to keep the Mod Chip from ever being detected by the current Wii firmware
- Play both Wii and GameCube backup copies
- Play GameCube homebrew and Imports
- Built In audio-fix for GameCube backup copies
- Multidisc GameCube game support
- Supports both 8cm and 12cm discs
- Optional disable feature to turn the Mod Chip ON or OFF
- Multipurpose LED to let you know that the CycloWiz Mod Chip is on and working, if there is an error, or if it is off
Quality/Usability : This review is an updated review based off of our CycloWiz v1 (DMS/D2A) - 3.0B FW review that worked only on DMS and D2A chipsets. This review is based on a North American (NTSC-US) Wii. All games tested during this review, we own the original games. This modchip is only compatible with Wii's that have a DMS, D2A or D2B chipset. This will NOT work on a D2C chipset.
Like CycloWiz v1, this modchip will work on DMS, D2A and now, D2B chipsets. This will not work on D2C chipsets as the structure has changed and did not allow the use of modchips. If you bought your Wii after June 2007, it probably contains a D2C chipset. You can find out what your Wii probably has by using this Wii Tracker.
The CycloWiz comes in a ESD bag but does not provide any protection during shipping (unless retailer protects it). The CycloWiz is basically a chip on a small thin PCB. The solder pads allows you to either quick soldering or wire installation. Wire installation is the best way to go because if for whatever reason you need to remove it, it is a lot easier and cleaner. Team Cyclops also started to include a switch with all CycloWiz's
Installation : Before installing the CycloWiz, you must have at least some experience with soldering and have read their instruction manual which can be downloaded from here. As for me, I dont have any experience with soldering, so I had a friend install this for me. In order to install the CycloWiz onto your Wii, you must take it apart. Here is a tutorial on how to dismantle your Wii. You can also find other tutorials or even videos on the web.
Once you have dismantled the Wii, you must locate the points outlined in their installation manual. These points are where you will connect the soldering between the Wii and the CycloWiz. When soldering, you must remember to stay within the points and not to use too much solder or you may risk shorting out the chip as well as the Wii. When soldering the CycloWiz, you also have the option of installing 3 more wires which is then connected to a switch. The switch that is included is a flip switch but any type of switch will do whether it be a push-in switch or a flip switch but the smaller the better. You can install the switch anywhere you want. It can be in the vent at the bottom of the Wii or you can drill a hole into the casing of the Wii, whichever is more convenient to you. This switch will enable you to upgrade your CycloWiz via DVD.
On the CycloWiz, there is an LED that will light up if you’ve installed the chip correctly. You would want to try the Wii out before closing it up by hooking the Wii back together without the casing or you will not be able to view the LED. This is a great way to tell you whether or not your installation was successful or not without having to reopen your Wii later on.
Wii Compatibility : With Team Cyclops constantly improving the CycloWiz, game compatibility has improved dramatically. There were less and less DRE's (Disk Read Errors), sometimes even none at all. Playing imports is still a hit or miss when it comes to playing on a different region. Some games will work and some games will not. But if you're playing in the same region such as NTSC-US (North America) and NTSC-J (Japan), there is not problem.
Homebrew Compatibility : Loading homebrew is still the same as v1. There are three ways to load GameCube homebrew; bootable disc, SDLoad and GCOS. Loading via SDLoad, you will need a SD Gecko adapter as well as an SD card. If using GCOS or a bootable disc, you can load the emulators and games on to a DVD and be able to load from them without having to use additional media. All emulation worked without a problem.
Conclusion : Overall, CycloWiz Modchip v2 (DMS/D2A/D2B) is the same as CycloWiz v1 (DMS/D2A) - 3.0B FW but with the support of D2B chipset. With Nintendo cracking down on piracy by changing the layout of the mobo and chipsets, its been a little hard on some gamers. Not to mention with the raids on some modders and closing of sites, its been tough of modchip makers, mainly on online retailers. If you didnt purchase a Wii after June, you should be safe but it depends on how fast sells their stock and it gets replenished. The more they sell, the more systems they'll get and probably with new chipsets. I think the main concern right now, is the ability to play 100% of import games. Even if its 90%, its well worth it.
Please note that none of the "upgrade" products listed in this site are endorsed by Nintendo, Sony and/or Microsoft. DCEmu Reviews and DCEmu Network does not condone piracy. The primary functions of a "modchip" and/or "flashcart" are to allow you to play imported games and homebrew software that you legally own or simply just for experimenting with hardware. We in no way endorse piracy, and encourage all users to do the right thing and support the developers/manufacturers that support them. We do not take any responsibilities for any use outside of these parameters or where the use of such a device is illegal.
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October 6th, 2007, 08:09 Posted By: bandit
As most or some have seen or read, I started a page for DCEmu on MySpace. If you havent already, request to be a friend!
With that, I bring you...DCEmu on Facebook! So if you're already registered with Facebook, add us to your friends list! If not, what are you waiting for? Register with Facebook today and add us!
You can search for us by typing in "Dcemu Networks" or by email dcemu.facebook[@]gmail.com (remove brackets).
*UPDATE*
Everyone should have a DS right? Well, I'm throwing up a contest. To help with DCEmu Reviews replace their Xbox360, whoever REQUESTS an invite for the Video Game Community application (Goozex) and adds the application to their Facebook between Oct. 7-13, will be eligible for the contest. I will post the names who has added the application and is eligible for the drawing. If you dont see your name but have added the application, let me know and I will see what can be done.
So what is the prize? SuperCard DS ONE. Of course, this is ONLY if DCEmu Reviews wins the Xbox360. If DCEmu Reviews does not win, contest is null and voided. So if you havent received an invite, request one either through Facebook or email us at dcemu.facebook[@]gmail.com.
So all you have to do is request a invite, add the application to your Facebook and you're automatically entered into the drawing!
DIGG THIS
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October 6th, 2007, 08:09 Posted By: bandit
As most or some have seen or read, I started a page for DCEmu on MySpace. If you havent already, request to be a friend!
With that, I bring you...DCEmu on Facebook! So if you're already registered with Facebook, add us to your friends list! If not, what are you waiting for? Register with Facebook today and add us!
You can search for us by typing in "Dcemu Networks" or by email dcemu.facebook[@]gmail.com (remove brackets).
*UPDATE*
Everyone should have a DS right? Well, I'm throwing up a contest. To help with DCEmu Reviews replace their Xbox360, whoever REQUESTS an invite for the Video Game Community application (Goozex) and adds the application to their Facebook between Oct. 7-13, will be eligible for the contest. I will post the names who has added the application and is eligible for the drawing. If you dont see your name but have added the application, let me know and I will see what can be done.
So what is the prize? SuperCard DS ONE. Of course, this is ONLY if DCEmu Reviews wins the Xbox360. If DCEmu Reviews does not win, contest is null and voided. So if you havent received an invite, request one either through Facebook or email us at dcemu.facebook[@]gmail.com.
So all you have to do is request a invite, add the application to your Facebook and you're automatically entered into the drawing!
DIGG THIS
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October 5th, 2007, 23:51 Posted By: Shadowblind
Fun...fun...erm, yeah.
I'll just start off out here telling that I'm sadly not the greatest of Yu-Gi-Oh fans when i got this game. So I guess to say I can only speak for the casual card gamer, even though its been about 2 years since I last laid eyes on a Yu-gi-oh card.
Now I had very very little expectations for this game when I got it. I have been surprised and must say that I initially underestimated this game. To the review, shall we?
You start out as a newcomer to the dual academy, an isle dedicated to teaching the arts of Dual Monsters (Pft, its Yu-Gi-Oh. Theres no difference, just name.) When you first arrive, its a pretty fun game. Exploring, meeting the characters of the hit show, yadda yadda. Now the highest point of the game (and I'm extremely confident about this) is the actually card battles. This is as close as your gonna get a to a real card battle in a game system. Everything looks as it should, and all the cards are easily read and seen. the AI isn't stupid when it comes to these battles. Which makes it challenging, but not annoyingly hard. Don't forget, this aspect of the game literally governs it, so I think its fair to say this is a fun, fun aspect.
And who wants to battle if you don't get a little something for your trouble? Depending on how you play, once you win, you'll be rewarded with a good number of DP (dual points, I guess) which you can spend buying booster packs. Yes, booster packs. There is a bit of fun here, but very, very much frustation too. Its about as easy to find super rare cards in the game as it is in real life, if memory serves. But fear not! There are still 3 good aspects to this:
1) Save whenever you want, so if you don't find the card your looking for, turn off the game, and go back and rebuy that same booster pack.
2) They cost very little DP. Very, very little. With one dual you can get up to 7 packs!
3)Its hard to get ultra rare cards, but its not like that till after you buy around 12 of that booster pack. Besides, theres an obscene amount of great cards that aren't even rare, so your cards won't lack any heat needed to take down the other guy.
Also, after you beat certain people, such as the main characters (I'm 4 hours in, I've beaten all the shows main characters with ease. Real ease.not that the games short [I'll get on that soon], but that you can challenge these guys anytime you want. You got to school with 'em after all.) you will be able to buy new types of booster packs. There 48 unlockable booster packs in all. I'm gonna say there is upwards 3000 different cards in the game, so don't worry about never finding something new.
Graphics. Which shall I do first, in battle or out? Mind as well out. They SUCK. There are no better words then that. Outside battle, everything is drag, plain, and boring. Some buildings don't even have textures, so they cover that up with a single bland color. Oh look at that purple building! Which purple building? Theres like 7! Oh well. They do what they are supposed to. Now, as for in CARD battles, they can't get better. This is mostly due to most of the pictures being sprites. However, they sometimes look like 3D models. They look exactly as they should, except they aren't jumping off the screen like in the show. They are simply cards, as they were meant to be. All the menus are easy to navigate, and it gives you the ability to use any card at the time it would be necessary. This doesn't sound like much, but given the scenerios, its helpful.
Im about 5 hours in, and only on the 4 out of 87 "virtual" days in the game till the Tag Force Tournament. I know there is a plot in the game that goes almost hand in hand with the show, but I'm still on the part about the teacher blabbing about dual monsters. Now if I wanted to, I could fly right through those days with a hit of the X button, so if you want to get right into the nitty, gritty, stuff, you can. I've so far fought about 32 duals for the DP and I've pretty much just been updating my deck, turning it into a beats before the game really even starts. Its safe to say that when it comes to replay value, theres little better. However, everything you do outside the duals is usually just flat out boring. If I've heard right, you need to find partners for the Tag Force, and they can be real pains in the a**es. I haven't got there yet, but when I do, I'll be sure to put it in this post.
Conclusion: Fun game. NOT a fun game if the only game you like is God of War, which is insanely awesome, but practically the opposite of this kinda of strategy tactics game. If you are a fan, this is an absolute must. If your a *meh* fan, still oughta check this out. I'd say...
3/5
I took a full point off for what I hear will be a pint, the Tag force dualing. If I were to determine it off what I've seen....
3/5, for its great replay value and card battles. Wh00t! EDIT: Repetitive to as bad as it gets.
EDIT: Revision, as I'm playing my first Tag Dual. I have no idea why on earth IGN said its like taking care of a drama queen. All you have to do is talk to your would be Tag Dualer once in a while. Now Tag Dualing itself...boy, your friend really knows how to waste your life points. Still, revising the score to
THIRD REVISION: This game can seriously get on my nerves. I never knew how freakin repetitive it really is. I'd say get Ta force 2, much better game. Score revision to 
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October 5th, 2007, 00:48 Posted By: bandit
Wii LAN Network Adapter
Review by: cowdisease
Provided by: DCEmu Reviews
Manufacturer: N/A
Site: Buy from GameInfinity
Price: $19.95
Overview : You’ve got a Nintendo Wii. You have a broadband internet connection on your PC. You’ve heard about all the fun things you can do online with your console. Yet when it comes to connecting your Wii to the net, you don’t know where to start. With our amazing new LAN Adapter for the Nintendo Wii, you can create a wired high-speed internet connection for your console. Just plug the Adapter into your Wii's USB port, and then connect it to your PC’s DSL or Cable modem or your router using a network cable. It’s as simple as that! It's USB 2.0, taking advantage of the latest, fastest USB protocols.
Because Wii LAN Adapter uses a cable connection, it always offers high-speed, reliable data transfer speeds. It’s ideal for places where wireless connectivity isn't possible, perhaps because of thick walls or interference from other products, and it's faster than any WiFi connection. At last, you can enjoy uninterrupted online gaming!
Features:- Creates a high-speed LAN Internet connection for your Nintendo Wii
- No wireless network required
- Connects to your existing PC connection or DSL modem
- USB 2.0 connection supports the Wii at full speed
Quality/Usability : I applauded Nintendo when they announced that their newest console, the Wii, would come equipped with wireless networking capabilities directly out of the box. “Hooray!” I thought, “I won’t have to pay an obscene amount of money to get an overpriced wireless adapter to connect my Wii to my stunning wireless network!” Instead, Nintendo did it backwards, leaving out the usual wired Ethernet port, so if you are one of the many people who have not yet set up their home with a wireless network (or if you are like me and don’t like dealing with the hassle of wireless network security and dropped connections) then you have to buy this regularly priced wired adapter.
It will cost you $24.99 plus shipping and handling to rectify this omission if you buy through Nintendo’s online store, a price that is comparable to other PC-only USB LAN adapters on the market. The package is as bare-bones as it can be, containing simply the one-piece adapter, a single folded instruction sheet, and a small CD containing PC drivers.
Hooking your Wii up is as simple as the pictures on the back of the box suggest. Simply plug the USB end of the adapter into one of the two slots in the rear of your Wii, plug your Ethernet cable into the adapter, and turn your Wii on. The only remaining step is to go into your Wii’s settings and change the connection settings to “wired” from the default “wireless” option. The one-page instruction sheet has clear, illustrated instructions that will walk you through this simple process, and after a short automated test your Wii will be connected to the internet. The length of the entire process from opening the box to being connected depends mostly on how good you are at opening boxes.
The USB cable on the adapter is about five inches long, just long enough to rest flat on any surface if you have the Wii oriented vertically. The body is about an inch thick and three inches long, so it is not as compact as some of the other adapters of this type on the market, so while it can be used for your laptop it is not ideally suited for portability. It is the same color and shape as the Wii’s power brick so it is aesthetically consistent with the rest of the Wii gear. When plugged in two unlabeled, red LED’s indicate that it is functioning.
The PC setup is also fairly simple, as you can plug and go. However if your computer does not automatically install your adapter properly you will have to deal with the driver disc. When the disc is inserted it simply opens an explorer window that shows the various files containing the different drivers. There are no auto-prompts here, but once you select the proper drivers the install is quick and automatic. The disc supports a wide variety of operating systems: Linux, Windows Vista and XP in 32 and 64 bit, CE, ME, 98, and Mac OSX 10, and works flawlessly.
Conclusion : Overall, if you need or want to wire your Wii to the internet the adapter is reasonably priced, quick and easy to use, even if it is a little bulky. If you want to get over your resentment at Nintendo leaving out a basic component that will cost you thirty dollars, go get yourself some ice cream.
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