Saturday, August 9, 2008

SECURITY PRODUCTS

Auto Alarm Phone Dialers & Pagers Products
1. Emergency Voice / Pager Dialer, Skylink AD433S
Alarm Dialer Automatically Sends an Emergency Voice Message to: Pagers, Cellular Phones, Offices, Authorities, Relatives, Friends… Can be activated by RF accessories or via 'NC' inputs. When being used as a personal emergency system, it can be activated by remotes 01-2010 (PT434) & 01-2011 (HW434). Click here to find Additional Skylink Wireless Sensors, Products and Accessories Item No. 01-2000
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2. Alarm Sensor, Noise activated, Wireless, Skylink AS433E
Detects conventional alarm sound from existing security system, it transmits a signal to Emergency Dialer 01-2000 (AD433S) which then activates the automatic calling system. Item No. 01-2032
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3. 2-Channel Automatic Voice Alarm Dialer w/ Microphone, DL-125C
Use this automatic voice dialer as a stand-alone verbal reporting system for any N/O or N/C alarm sensor or to add auto voice dialing capability to most alarm systems. Dials 4 phone numbers, 2 phone numbers & one pager, or 2 pagers. Each channel has own recording & phone/pager list. Item No. 80-5018
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4. 2 Channel Automatic Telephone / Pager Voice Dialer, USP AD-2001
Use this dialer instead of the built-in monitoring station dialer in the hardwired security alarm systems and save on alarm monitoring station costs. 2 alarm or sensor Inputs / 4 Phone Number auto dial. Item No. 80-5010
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5. 4 Channel Automatic Telephone / Pager Voice Dialer, USP AD-2000
Use this dialer instead of the built-in monitoring station dialer in the hardwired security alarm systems and save on alarm monitoring station costs. 4 alarm or sensor Inputs / 8 Phone Number auto dial. Item No. 80-5011
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6. Freeze Warning Temperature Sensor 40 degrees
Perfect for sensing if Temperature is close to Freezing!Fixed temperature switch, normally closed and opens at 40 deg F for connection to phone dialers like the USP AD-2001 (80-5010) or AD-2000 (80-5011) or automation controllers. Item No. 80-5012
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7. Voice Dialer Power Loss Sensor for 110V
Connect to Auto phone alarm dialer (80-5010 or 80-5011) for remote monitoring of freezers, heaters, refrigerators, etc.Sensor detects loss of 110VAC power and outputs a dry contact closure and/or opening from SPDT relay. Item No. 80-5013
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8. Voice Dialer Power Restore Sensor for 110V
Connect to Auto phone alarm dialer (80-5010 or 80-5011) for remote monitoring of 110V power restoration.Sensor detects restoration of 110VAC power and outputs a dry contact closure and/or opening from SPDT relay. Item No. 80-5014
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9. Sensaphone auto alarm / alert Dialer Power and Temperature Alarm Environmental/Process monitoring & control, FGD400
The Sensaphone Dialer FGD400 monitors your house, cottage, cabin, computer rooms, equipment centers, offices, or any unattended facility to detect power failures, temperature extremes, intrusions, water incursion, sounds such as smoke and burglar alarms, and other conditions.Find Sensaphone Accessories that work with Sensaphone dialers Item No. 60-5030
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10. Sensaphone auto alarm / alert Dialer Power and Temperature Alarm Environmental/Process monitoring & control, FGD800
Same as the FGD400 (#60-5030) except with 8 sensor inputs and 8 phone number call out capability.Find Sensaphone Accessories that work with Sensaphone dialers Item No. 60-5031
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11. Streetwise Motion Activated Alarm with Auto Dialer, MA80
This security alarm device has an auto telephone dialer that calls up to 3 preset phone numbers when it is activated by the included wireless motion detector. Item No. 10-7425
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12. Mini Alarm Plus Motion Sensor with Call-Out, MA-5000
Protect your home and property with the motion sensor that calls you! The MiniAlarm Plus includes a powerful siren with a telephone dialer that will automatically one phone number every 15 minutes to alert you with a voice message that motion has been detected at your remote monitored home, cabin or business. Item No. 50-2013
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13. TeleSpy Intrusion Notification System
The TeleSpy is a clever and reliable combination of a telephone, a motion sensor, and a microphone. The TeleSpy is an ordinary telephone, until you decide to use it as a monitoring system.Simply enter any telephone number you choose (cellphones work great) and turn the motion sensor switch "on". That's it, you're done. Once "on", the TeleSpy provides 24/7 active monitoring and is free to operate. Item No. 02-3000

Friday, August 8, 2008

VIDEO GAME REVIEWS:BEST OF 2008

Video game reviews:
The best of 2008 Next week, gaming's biggest names will gather in Los Angeles for the 2008 Electronic Entertainment Expo (E3). It is the industry's premier showcase, where these superpowers will lay out their plans for the coming year and beyond. This Christmas will be critical for Nintendo, Microsoft and Sony as they hope to capitalise on a record breaking 2007. Last year's holiday period saw an incredible amount of top quality games released, but, unusually, it wasn't a trend that wavered as we moved into 2008.
Here, we pick up the 25 best games released in the last 6 months, before we once again begin to look forward to a bumper fourth quarter
1. Grand Theft Auto IV (Xbox 360, PS3) Grand Theft Auto IV
In Niko Bellic, we have the perfect anti-hero: a rough and ready war veteran trying to make his way in a vast and unfamiliar world. Morally bankrupt, but tinged with tragedy and an unwavering loyalty to his family. In terms of characterisation and gameworld, GTAIV is a giant unlikely to be toppled anytime soon.

VIDEO GAME REVIEWS:BEST OF 2008

Video game reviews:
The best of 2008 Next week, gaming's biggest names will gather in Los Angeles for the 2008 Electronic Entertainment Expo (E3). It is the industry's premier showcase, where these superpowers will lay out their plans for the coming year and beyond. This Christmas will be critical for Nintendo, Microsoft and Sony as they hope to capitalise on a record breaking 2007. Last year's holiday period saw an incredible amount of top quality games released, but, unusually, it wasn't a trend that wavered as we moved into 2008.
Here, we pick up the 25 best games released in the last 6 months, before we once again begin to look forward to a bumper fourth quarter
1. Grand Theft Auto IV (Xbox 360, PS3) Grand Theft Auto IV
In Niko Bellic, we have the perfect anti-hero: a rough and ready war veteran trying to make his way in a vast and unfamiliar world. Morally bankrupt, but tinged with tragedy and an unwavering loyalty to his family. In terms of characterisation and gameworld, GTAIV is a giant unlikely to be toppled anytime soon.

VIDEO GAME REVIEWS:BEST OF 2008

Video game reviews:
The best of 2008 Next week, gaming's biggest names will gather in Los Angeles for the 2008 Electronic Entertainment Expo (E3). It is the industry's premier showcase, where these superpowers will lay out their plans for the coming year and beyond. This Christmas will be critical for Nintendo, Microsoft and Sony as they hope to capitalise on a record breaking 2007. Last year's holiday period saw an incredible amount of top quality games released, but, unusually, it wasn't a trend that wavered as we moved into 2008.
Here, we pick up the 25 best games released in the last 6 months, before we once again begin to look forward to a bumper fourth quarter
2. Rock Band (Xbox 360) Buy Rock Band
Thrashing on plastic instruments in your living room may not seem like the epitome of coolness, but a few hours of Rock Band and you'll be under the impression you're Hendrix reincarnated. With the choice of guitar, bass, drums or vocals across a huge library of songs that grows week on week via Xbox Live, Rock Band more than makes up for its huge price tag with its longevity. With three mates rocking out, it's an experience like no other. Just mind the coffee table when you're performing your best Jagger strut during "Gimme Shelter".

Thursday, August 7, 2008

VIDEO GAME REVIEWS:BEST OF 2008

Video game reviews:
The best of 2008 Next week, gaming's biggest names will gather in Los Angeles for the 2008 Electronic Entertainment Expo (E3). It is the industry's premier showcase, where these superpowers will lay out their plans for the coming year and beyond. This Christmas will be critical for Nintendo, Microsoft and Sony as they hope to capitalise on a record breaking 2007. Last year's holiday period saw an incredible amount of top quality games released, but, unusually, it wasn't a trend that wavered as we moved into 2008.
Here, we pick up the 25 best games released in the last 6 months, before we once again begin to look forward to a bumper fourth quarter
3. Metal Gear Solid 4 (PS3) Buy Metal Gear Solid 4
The legendary Solid Snake's tale comes to an end. The Metal Gear Solid series has always had a reverent following, eager to analyze every detail of the saga's convoluted storyline.
The symbolism may be heavy-handed, but the lengthy cutscenes are full of bravado and wonderfully directed, leant extra weight by Harry Gregson-Williams' magnificent score. Even though it is perhaps more interactive movie than videogame, the playable portions are phenomenally epic- a mixture of gung-ho warfare and the 'tactical espionage action' promised on the box. Captivating and unique, it's certainly one for the fans and a suitably grandiose farewell to one of gaming's most intriguing characters.

VIDEO GAME REVIEWS:BEST OF 2008

Video game reviews:
The best of 2008 Next week, gaming's biggest names will gather in Los Angeles for the 2008 Electronic Entertainment Expo (E3). It is the industry's premier showcase, where these superpowers will lay out their plans for the coming year and beyond. This Christmas will be critical for Nintendo, Microsoft and Sony as they hope to capitalise on a record breaking 2007. Last year's holiday period saw an incredible amount of top quality games released, but, unusually, it wasn't a trend that wavered as we moved into 2008.
Here, we pick up the 25 best games released in the last 6 months, before we once again begin to look forward to a bumper fourth quarter
4. No More Heroes (Wii) No More Heroes
After winning a beam katana (read: lightsaber) in an internet auction, nerdy protagonist Travis Touchdown becomes a hitman to pay the bills. Soon he finds himself ranked 11th on the assassin leaderboard and it becomes his obsession to reach number one by eliminating the killers above him. No More Heroes follows Travis as he fights an array of weird and wonderful opponents, dreamt up by killer7 creator Suda51. Combat is visceral and satisfying, playing to the Wii remote's strengths, and a string of delightful touches tear down the fourth wall, involving the player in Grashopper's smart riff on geek-chic culture.

VIDEO GAME REVIEWS:BEST OF 2008

Video game reviews:
The best of 2008 Next week, gaming's biggest names will gather in Los Angeles for the 2008 Electronic Entertainment Expo (E3). It is the industry's premier showcase, where these superpowers will lay out their plans for the coming year and beyond. This Christmas will be critical for Nintendo, Microsoft and Sony as they hope to capitalise on a record breaking 2007. Last year's holiday period saw an incredible amount of top quality games released, but, unusually, it wasn't a trend that wavered as we moved into 2008.
Here, we pick up the 25 best games released in the last 6 months, before we once again begin to look forward to a bumper fourth quarter
5. Super Smash Bros. Brawl (Wii) Super Smash Bros. Brawl
If beating seven bells out of cutesy videogame characters sounds like your thing, then Smash Bros. is the game for you. Made up mostly of Nintendo favourites, Brawl's roster also features Sonic the Hedgehog and Solid Snake. A wacky, fast -paced beat-'em up at heart, Smash Bros. is instantly accessible due to its simple controls but reveals a surprising amount of depth to the combat once you master the game's nuances. It's also a completionist's dream, featuring a huge amount of collectibles from the Nintendo universe. And if nothing else, it's the first game you can finally pit Mario against Sonic in a fight to the death. Fanboys from the 1990s rejoice!

VIDEO GAME REVIEWS:BEST OF 2008

Video game reviews:
The best of 2008 Next week, gaming's biggest names will gather in Los Angeles for the 2008 Electronic Entertainment Expo (E3). It is the industry's premier showcase, where these superpowers will lay out their plans for the coming year and beyond. This Christmas will be critical for Nintendo, Microsoft and Sony as they hope to capitalise on a record breaking 2007. Last year's holiday period saw an incredible amount of top quality games released, but, unusually, it wasn't a trend that wavered as we moved into 2008.
Here, we pick up the 25 best games released in the last 6 months, before we once again begin to look forward to a bumper fourth quarter
6. God of War: Chains of Olympus (PSP) God of War: Chains of Olympus
Translating Kratos' epic Grecian adventure to the relatively modest PSP must have seemed a tall order for Ready At Dawn, but they've seemingly pulled off the impossible with an effort worthy of the gods. The superb combat system from the PS2 games is as vicious on the small screen and, remarkably, the huge sense of scale also remains. A phenomenal visual achievement for a handheld system, Chains of Olympus stands tall as possibly the PSP's best game, let down only by its relative brevity.

VIDEO GAME REVIEWS:BEST OF 2008

Video game reviews:
The best of 2008 Next week, gaming's biggest names will gather in Los Angeles for the 2008 Electronic Entertainment Expo (E3). It is the industry's premier showcase, where these superpowers will lay out their plans for the coming year and beyond. This Christmas will be critical for Nintendo, Microsoft and Sony as they hope to capitalise on a record breaking 2007. Last year's holiday period saw an incredible amount of top quality games released, but, unusually, it wasn't a trend that wavered as we moved into 2008.
Here, we pick up the 25 best games released in the last 6 months, before we once again begin to look forward to a bumper fourth quarter
7. Okami (Wii) Buy Okami
Last year, Okami appeared on the PS2 to critical acclaim but little commercial success. The tale of Japanese sun-god Amaterasu, who controls the elements using her celestial brush was a wonderful piece of work. The game leant itself perfectly to a Wii remake, and we sincerely hope that more people pick this version up now Okami has found its spiritual home. Presented in a truly beautiful Japanese ink-illustration art style, Okami's game mechanics closest resemble The Legend of Zelda and comfortably rubs shoulders with Nintendo's most revered of series. Divine.

VIDEO GAME REVIEWS:BEST OF 2008

Video game reviews:
The best of 2008 Next week, gaming's biggest names will gather in Los Angeles for the 2008 Electronic Entertainment Expo (E3). It is the industry's premier showcase, where these superpowers will lay out their plans for the coming year and beyond. This Christmas will be critical for Nintendo, Microsoft and Sony as they hope to capitalise on a record breaking 2007. Last year's holiday period saw an incredible amount of top quality games released, but, unusually, it wasn't a trend that wavered as we moved into 2008.
Here, we pick up the 25 best games released in the last 6 months, before we once again begin to look forward to a bumper fourth quarter
8. Burnout Paradise (Xbox 360, PS3) Buy Burnout Paradise
Burnout's trademark retina-scorching speed, gorgeous visuals and spectacular crashes are all present and correct. This time, however, you have an entire open-world city to take the carnage across. Hundreds of events to take part in and seamless online integration make this the complete package for speed freaks everywhere.

VIDEO GAME REVIEWS:BEST OF 2008

Video game reviews:
The best of 2008 Next week, gaming's biggest names will gather in Los Angeles for the 2008 Electronic Entertainment Expo (E3). It is the industry's premier showcase, where these superpowers will lay out their plans for the coming year and beyond. This Christmas will be critical for Nintendo, Microsoft and Sony as they hope to capitalise on a record breaking 2007. Last year's holiday period saw an incredible amount of top quality games released, but, unusually, it wasn't a trend that wavered as we moved into 2008.
Here, we pick up the 25 best games released in the last 6 months, before we once again begin to look forward to a bumper fourth quarter
9. The World Ends With You (DS) Buy The World Ends With You
Set in the trendy Tokyo district of Shibuya, Square Enix's DS exclusive follows sullen teenager Neku through a shady game where losing means erasure from existence.

TWEWY takes advantage of the DS's two screens in its innovative battle system, brought to life by a terrific art style. The story has some cringe-worthy, angst-ridden dialogue but twists and turns to keep you enthralled to the end.

VIDEO GAME REVIEWS:BEST OF 2008

Video game reviews:
The best of 2008 Next week, gaming's biggest names will gather in Los Angeles for the 2008 Electronic Entertainment Expo (E3). It is the industry's premier showcase, where these superpowers will lay out their plans for the coming year and beyond. This Christmas will be critical for Nintendo, Microsoft and Sony as they hope to capitalise on a record breaking 2007. Last year's holiday period saw an incredible amount of top quality games released, but, unusually, it wasn't a trend that wavered as we moved into 2008.
Here, we pick up the 25 best games released in the last 6 months, before we once again begin to look forward to a bumper fourth quarter
10. Zack & Wiki: Quest for Barbaros' Treasure(Wii) Zack & Wiki: Quest for Barbados' Treasure
Wonderful adventure game in which you must help young buccaneer Zack find the lost pieces of the legendary Barbaros. Bright and colourful visuals mask fiendish puzzles solved using the Wii remote in a variety of ingenious ways. Another brilliantly unique Wii game that breathes new life into the point-and-click adventure genre. Unfortunately buried at the beginning of the year after the Christmas rush, Zack and Wiki is a treasure well worth digging up.

VIDEO GAME REVIEWS:BEST OF 2008

Video game reviews:
The best of 2008 Next week, gaming's biggest names will gather in Los Angeles for the 2008 Electronic Entertainment Expo (E3). It is the industry's premier showcase, where these superpowers will lay out their plans for the coming year and beyond. This Christmas will be critical for Nintendo, Microsoft and Sony as they hope to capitalise on a record breaking 2007. Last year's holiday period saw an incredible amount of top quality games released, but, unusually, it wasn't a trend that wavered as we moved into 2008.
Here, we pick up the 25 best games released in the last 6 months, before we once again begin to look forward to a bumper fourth quarter
11. Everybody's Golf: World Tour (PS3) Buy Everybody's Golf: World Tour
The Minna no Golf series is something of a phenomenon in Japan and with World Tour the west is starting to see why. An offbeat take on the somewhat stuffy world of golf, Everybody's has a delightful cartoon style with caricatures for players and breadsticks for golf clubs.
However, for all its cutesy outward appearance, World Tour holds a realistic and deep golf game that will appeal to, yes, everybody.

VIDEO GAME REVIEWS:BEST OF 2008

Video game reviews:
The best of 2008 Next week, gaming's biggest names will gather in Los Angeles for the 2008 Electronic Entertainment Expo (E3). It is the industry's premier showcase, where these superpowers will lay out their plans for the coming year and beyond. This Christmas will be critical for Nintendo, Microsoft and Sony as they hope to capitalise on a record breaking 2007. Last year's holiday period saw an incredible amount of top quality games released, but, unusually, it wasn't a trend that wavered as we moved into 2008.
Here, we pick up the 25 best games released in the last 6 months, before we once again begin to look forward to a bumper fourth quarter
12. GRID: Race Driver (Multi) Buy GRID: Race Driver
Motor sport maestros Codemasters are yet again at the top of their game with GRID. A superb blend of arcade racing and simulation, GRID also adds its own innovations to the racing formula. The 'Flashback' feature allows players to 'rewind' (a limited amount of times of course) if a devastating crash threatens to end their race early. Perfect to avoid those last lap frustrations and, of course, traditionalists can steer well clear if they want to keep their racing experience pure.

VIDEO GAME REVIEWS:BEST OF 2008

Video game reviews:
The best of 2008 Next week, gaming's biggest names will gather in Los Angeles for the 2008 Electronic Entertainment Expo (E3). It is the industry's premier showcase, where these superpowers will lay out their plans for the coming year and beyond. This Christmas will be critical for Nintendo, Microsoft and Sony as they hope to capitalise on a record breaking 2007. Last year's holiday period saw an incredible amount of top quality games released, but, unusually, it wasn't a trend that wavered as we moved into 2008.
Here, we pick up the 25 best games released in the last 6 months, before we once again begin to look forward to a bumper fourth quarter
13. Boom Blox (Wii) Buy Boom Blox
Steven Spielberg tries his hand at videogames in this terrific puzzler. You'll need a keen aim to send the towers of meticulously built blocks crashing to the ground, or a steady hand to keep them standing in Jenga style face-offs.
With a unique control system that's blissfully simple to grasp, it's fun for anyone and everyone- exactly the type of game the Wii was made for.

VIDEO GAME REVIEWS:BEST OF 2008

Video game reviews:
The best of 2008 Next week, gaming's biggest names will gather in Los Angeles for the 2008 Electronic Entertainment Expo (E3). It is the industry's premier showcase, where these superpowers will lay out their plans for the coming year and beyond. This Christmas will be critical for Nintendo, Microsoft and Sony as they hope to capitalise on a record breaking 2007. Last year's holiday period saw an incredible amount of top quality games released, but, unusually, it wasn't a trend that wavered as we moved into 2008.
Here, we pick up the 25 best games released in the last 6 months, before we once again begin to look forward to a bumper fourth quarter
14. Patapon (PSP) Buy Ninja Gaiden II
"Pata-pata-pata-pon, chaka-chaka-pata-pon" After a few hours with Patapon, we challenge you to get that unrelenting beat out of your head.
A brave mix of strategy and rhythm action from the minds behind Loco Roco, the game sees you as a deity destined to lead the Patapon tribe to 'IT'. Drive your army on by beating your drum in time to their battle chants. Completely fresh, utterly charming and hopelessly addictive.

VIDEO GAME REVIEWS:BEST OF 2008

Video game reviews:
The best of 2008 Next week, gaming's biggest names will gather in Los Angeles for the 2008 Electronic Entertainment Expo (E3). It is the industry's premier showcase, where these superpowers will lay out their plans for the coming year and beyond. This Christmas will be critical for Nintendo, Microsoft and Sony as they hope to capitalise on a record breaking 2007. Last year's holiday period saw an incredible amount of top quality games released, but, unusually, it wasn't a trend that wavered as we moved into 2008.
Here, we pick up the 25 best games released in the last 6 months, before we once again begin to look forward to a bumper fourth quarter
15. Ninja Gaiden II (Xbox 360) Buy Ninja Gaiden II.
Tomonobu Itagaki's Ninja Gaiden reduced grown men to tears with its unrelenting difficulty, but was still one of the Xbox's finest titles. Not being one to disappoint, Itagaki's follow-up is just as brutal and beautiful.
What was arguably the very best melee combat system ever made has been tweaked to near perfection- the bloody ballet performed by hero Ryu Hayabusa as breathtaking as ever. A dreadful camera and a multitude of cheap shots mar proceedings, but at its best Ninja Gaiden II is one of the most breathlessly satisfying video games out there.

VIDEO GAME REVIEWS:BEST OF 2008

Video game reviews:

The best of 2008 Next week, gaming's biggest names will gather in Los Angeles for the 2008 Electronic Entertainment Expo (E3). It is the industry's premier showcase, where these superpowers will lay out their plans for the coming year and beyond. This Christmas will be critical for Nintendo, Microsoft and Sony as they hope to capitalise on a record breaking 2007. Last year's holiday period saw an incredible amount of top quality games released, but, unusually, it wasn't a trend that wavered as we moved into 2008.
Here, we pick up the 25 best games released in the last 6 months, before we once again begin to look forward to a bumper fourth quarter

16. Mario Kart Wii (Wii) Buy Mario Kart Wii
Few games can raise smiles, guffaws and expletives as much as Mario Kart- a colourful whirlwind of crazy tracks and dastardly weapons.
This Wii version comes packed with the delightfully chunky Wii Wheel and features the best motion-steering calibration yet seen on the console. Easy to pick up but challenging to master, Mario Kart cements its place as the wackiest -and most fun- racer on the market.

Monday, August 4, 2008

VIDEO GAME REVIEWS:BEST OF 2008

Video game reviews:
The best of 2008 Next week, gaming's biggest names will gather in Los Angeles for the 2008 Electronic Entertainment Expo (E3). It is the industry's premier showcase, where these superpowers will lay out their plans for the coming year and beyond. This Christmas will be critical for Nintendo, Microsoft and Sony as they hope to capitalise on a record breaking 2007. Last year's holiday period saw an incredible amount of top quality games released, but, unusually, it wasn't a trend that wavered as we moved into 2008.
Here, we pick up the 25 best games released in the last 6 months, before we once again begin to look forward to a bumper fourth quarter

17. Devil May Cry 4 (Multi) Buy Devil May Cry 4
The cocksure devil hunter Dante returns with his equally brash foil Nero in the fourth instalment of Capcom's flamboyant action-adventure.


The ultra-cool combat has as much outlandish bravado in one skirmish than most games manage over their entire length. There's plenty of substance to match the style, however, with complex gun and blade combos to master and tough, spectacular boss battles to overcome.

VIDEO GAME REVIEWS:BEST OF 2008

Video game reviews:
The best of 2008 Next week, gaming's biggest names will gather in Los Angeles for the 2008 Electronic Entertainment Expo (E3). It is the industry's premier showcase, where these superpowers will lay out their plans for the coming year and beyond. This Christmas will be critical for Nintendo, Microsoft and Sony as they hope to capitalise on a record breaking 2007. Last year's holiday period saw an incredible amount of top quality games released, but, unusually, it wasn't a trend that wavered as we moved into 2008.
Here, we pick up the 25 best games released in the last 6 months, before we once again begin to look forward to a bumper fourth quarter

18. Civilization Revolution (Multi) Buy Civilization Revolution
Taking a hardcore PC turn-based-strategy game and streamlining it for consoles was always going to be a tough task. However, there are few more talented designers than Sid Meier and his Firaxis team.


Revolution loses little of the enormous depth the Civilization series is famous for, allowing player to build and expand their empire until world domination. A thinking man's game, what other title allows you to play as Caesar, Abraham Lincoln or Queen Elizabeth I?

VIDEO GAME REVIEWS:BEST OF 2008

Video game reviews:
The best of 2008 Next week, gaming's biggest names will gather in Los Angeles for the 2008 Electronic Entertainment Expo (E3). It is the industry's premier showcase, where these superpowers will lay out their plans for the coming year and beyond. This Christmas will be critical for Nintendo, Microsoft and Sony as they hope to capitalise on a record breaking 2007. Last year's holiday period saw an incredible amount of top quality games released, but, unusually, it wasn't a trend that wavered as we moved into 2008.
Here, we pick up the 25 best games released in the last 6 months, before we once again begin to look forward to a bumper fourth quarter


19. Tetsuya Mizuguchi's synesthetic on-rails shooter Rez:
Tetsuya Mizuguchi's synesthetic on-rails shooter Rez became an instant cult classic in 2001. Its psychedelic, wireframe visuals and thumping dance soundtrack so integral to the gameplay sucked many players into a zen-like trance. This remake perfects the formula with lush, high-definition graphics and 5.1 surround sound.



It might not be for everyone, but those that click with Rez will find a sensory experience unparalleled in gaming or, indeed, any other entertainment medium.

VIDEO GAME REVIEWS:BEST OF 2008

Video game reviews:
The best of 2008 Next week, gaming's biggest names will gather in Los Angeles for the 2008 Electronic Entertainment Expo (E3). It is the industry's premier showcase, where these superpowers will lay out their plans for the coming year and beyond. This Christmas will be critical for Nintendo, Microsoft and Sony as they hope to capitalise on a record breaking 2007. Last year's holiday period saw an incredible amount of top quality games released, but, unusually, it wasn't a trend that wavered as we moved into 2008.
Here, we pick up the 25 best games released in the last 6 months, before we once again begin to look forward to a bumper fourth quarter



20. Lego Indiana Jones (Multi) Buy Lego Indiana Jones

Traveller's Tales recreate the magic of Lego Star Wars with a block-headed re-imagining of the enigmatic Dr. Jones.




Seeing the famous locales of Indy's adventures recreated in Lego form is a treat, but even more impressive are the charming and genuinely funny cutscenes- playing out famous scenes as you've never seen them before. With simple but involving gameplay and a host of clever puzzles, Lego Indy is a delight for kids of all ages.

VIDEO GAME REVIEWS:BEST OF 2008

Video game reviews:

The best of 2008 Next week, gaming's biggest names will gather in Los Angeles for the 2008 Electronic Entertainment Expo (E3). It is the industry's premier showcase, where these superpowers will lay out their plans for the coming year and beyond. This Christmas will be critical for Nintendo, Microsoft and Sony as they hope to capitalise on a record breaking 2007. Last year's holiday period saw an incredible amount of top quality games released, but, unusually, it wasn't a trend that wavered as we moved into 2008.
Here, we pick up the 25 best games released in the last 6 months, before we once again begin to look forward to a bumper fourth quarter

21. Lost Winds (WiiWare)

The launch of Nintendo's new download service WiiWare saw a host of interesting titles, but one stood out from the rest as something rather special. Crafted by Frontier, Lost Winds sees you as Enril, a wind elemental.


Using the Wii remote you must conjure breezes and gales to guide a young boy, Toku, in his quest to save his homeland. A gorgeous fairytale art style, imaginative puzzles that lead to real 'Eureka' moments and superb mastery of the Wiimote's strengths make Lost Winds essential.

VIDEO GAME REVIEWS:BEST OF 2008

Video game reviews:
The best of 2008 Next week, gaming's biggest names will gather in Los Angeles for the 2008 Electronic Entertainment Expo (E3). It is the industry's premier showcase, where these superpowers will lay out their plans for the coming year and beyond. This Christmas will be critical for Nintendo, Microsoft and Sony as they hope to capitalise on a record breaking 2007. Last year's holiday period saw an incredible amount of top quality games released, but, unusually, it wasn't a trend that wavered as we moved into 2008.
Here, we pick up the 25 best games released in the last 6 months, before we once again begin to look forward to a bumper fourth quarter
22. Buzz! Quiz TV (PS3) Buy Buzz! Quiz TV
Buzz comfortably remains the best quiz game on the market, with its boisterous character, brilliant round variations and expansive question set. This time around, the joys of PSN mean that new question packs will be made available for download on a regular basis.

If that wasn't enough, you can now even create your own quizzes on mybuzzquiz.com and share them with the world. The game also comes packed with four wireless buzzers, so no more tangled bird's nests when you fancy testing your trivia.

VIDEO GAME REVIEWS:BEST OF 2008

Video game reviews:
The best of 2008 Next week, gaming's biggest names will gather in Los Angeles for the 2008 Electronic Entertainment Expo (E3). It is the industry's premier showcase, where these superpowers will lay out their plans for the coming year and beyond. This Christmas will be critical for Nintendo, Microsoft and Sony as they hope to capitalise on a record breaking 2007. Last year's holiday period saw an incredible amount of top quality games released, but, unusually, it wasn't a trend that wavered as we moved into 2008.
Here, we pick up the 25 best games released in the last 6 months, before we once again begin to look forward to a bumper fourth quarter

23. Battlefield: Bad Company (Multi) Buy Battlefield: Bad Company
If 2007 was dominated by FPS, 2008 has had a comparatively slow start on the shooter front. EA's Bad Company is the first big gun to make its mark, with booming artillery and destructible environments.



The Battlefield series' superb multiplayer is present and correct with up to 24 players online, fighting it out on foot and in land and air war machines. Bad Company also features a fully-fleshed out singleplayer campaign, something of a first for the Battlefield franchise. It's big, loud and bolshy, but manages to do a few things its own way to stand out in a crowded genre.

VIDEO GAME REVIEWS:BEST OF 2008

Video game reviews:
The best of 2008 Next week, gaming's biggest names will gather in Los Angeles for the 2008 Electronic Entertainment Expo (E3). It is the industry's premier showcase, where these superpowers will lay out their plans for the coming year and beyond. This Christmas will be critical for Nintendo, Microsoft and Sony as they hope to capitalise on a record breaking 2007. Last year's holiday period saw an incredible amount of top quality games released, but, unusually, it wasn't a trend that wavered as we moved into 2008.
Here, we pick up the 25 best games released in the last 6 months, before we once again begin to look forward to a bumper fourth quarter

24. Condemned 2 (Xbox 360) Buy Condemned 2
Burned-out FBI agent Ethan Thomas finds himself at the bottom of a bottle, haunted by the case of the vicious Serial Killer X. Despite his suspension from duty, Ethan finds himself in a new nightmare after a message is found addressed to him on a horribly mutilated corpse.



Remorselessly bleak and violent, Condemned 2 has a terrifying atmosphere that crawls under your skin. The brutal hand-to-hand combat and smart forensic puzzles make the game a superb example of videogame horror. Beware, however, it is most certainly not for the faint of heart.