Info and forum posts by 'Colemeister'

RE: Xbox Surround Sound kit? Advice needed please guys...

I think the piece of kit you`ll need to connect the XBox to your surround system is called a Scart Lead Advanced. This provides a separate box with an optical output from which you can run an optical cable (available separately) directly into the back of your amp.

The following link will take you to a picture of the product...

Click here

You should then be able to pick up your optical cable from any decent home entertainment store (ie. Currys, Richer Sounds, Dixons).

Rez (PS2) and other titles only £10.00 brand new...

I`ve already posted this in the bargain section, but thought it might be useful to put it here too.

Play have recently added the excellent PS2 shooter Rez in their 2 games for £20 sale.

Buy it now, it`s ace.

Other titles include Wipeout Fusion, The Sum of All Fears, Battle Engine Aquila, Guilty Gear X, Fantavision, Spy Hunter, Super Bust A Move, FIFA 2002 and NHL Hitz 2003. There are more games listed, but nothing that caught my eye.

http://www.playserver4.com/play247.asp?page=promo&r=PS2&id=205

Rez (PS2) and others only £10.00 brand new...

Play have recently added the excellent PS2 shooter Rez in their 2 games for £20 sale.

Buy it now, it`s ace.

Other titles include Wipeout Fusion, The Sum of All Fears, Battle Engine Aquila, Guilty Gear X, Fantavision, Spy Hunter, Super Bust A Move, FIFA 2002 and NHL Hitz 2003. There are more games listed, but nothing that caught my eye.

http://www.playserver4.com/play247.asp?page=promo&r=PS2&id=205

How will PS2`s broadband gaming service work?

Please excuse my ignorance.

I was wondering how Sony`s broadband service will work when they launch it on June 11th. Do you require an already active broadband service provider? Or does the disk bundled with the Sony package contain all you need to get up and running?

Someone please help - I was thinking of purchasing one but don`t know how much it`ll ultimately set me back.

RE: Def Jam Vendetta...any good?

I ended up picking up a copy from my local Woolworths last night, and I have to say I`m hugely impressed. I couldn`t help laughing when two `honeys` started fighting over my character, but the real belly laughs came from the totally over the top finishing moves.

Superb stuff.

RE: Def Jam Vendetta...any good?

Wait a second, do you mean this plays almost identically to the WCW vs NWO games from the N64 days?!? The ones with Saladin, Dim Sum and The Steiner Brothers?

If so, then I think I`ll pick up a copy of Def Jam Vendetta this weekend. Those N64 wrestling games were first class, and have provided me with some brilliant multiplayer gaming sesssions in the past. I wonder if it allows you to slap LL Cool J about a bit?

Also, I`ve just read an article that says the game contains actual tunes from Def Jam artists too. Sounds like a must-have title to me!

RE: Panasonic Bread Maker SD251

Damn, I honestly thought that said `Panasonic BEARD Maker` for a second. I`ve been after one of those things for ages...

RE: Phil Saunders (Barry) bargains

Isn`t it amazing how many DVD Reviewer users are from Barry?!?

I haven`t been to Philip Saunders myself, but being a Barry boy I know a couple of people who could go there and get a bit of five finger discount, if you know what I mean!

RE: Everyone`s Favourite Spaniard... Sean Connery

I don`t own any of the Highlander films, but it might be worth grabbing just to listen to the unintentionally hilarious Christopher Lambert (whose career has floundered somewhat since he growled that `immortal` line).

What`s the address of the website?!?

RE: the sims

My girlfriend bought me the game for my birthday on Sunday, and I`m pleasantly surprised - I didn`t think I`d enjoy a game where you basically have to control a mini soap opera of sorts. With a bit of luck, it may help me become a little more domesticated.

Oh, and I think the language they use is rather amusing!!!

That quote Mr. Franklin...is it uttered by Ben Affleck`s Holden McNeil in the excellent `Jay and Silent Bob Strike Back` by any chance...? A great film.

RE: Clearout CD bargains at Splash

Okay, I`ll bear that in mind in future. But to be honest with you, I didn`t even know the Retailer Reviews section existed until you just mentioned it!

But surely it doesn`t so any harm to warn people before they order. I mean, I`m not saying every order placed with Splash DVD is going to be a nightmare, I just posted a warning to let people know that they are very likely to end up without their order being fulfilled up to two months after placing it. You could argue that people should check the Retailer Review forum before placing any order, but f I didn`t know about it, the chances are some other people won`t either.

The fact is, you never get anyone here posting warnings about Play or CD-Wow because those are two companies with excellent reputations, and quite rightly so. These reputations have come about as a result of a service that provides all of the things Splash DVD does not...

1. Good customer service - both in pre and after sale(s).
2. The ability to get a no quibble, no fuss refund.
3. Excellent delivery times.

I`m not going to complain if someone posts a warning about a particular retailer, even if I`m the guy who originally posted the bargain heads-up. If one of these warnings prevents me from getting into another situation like the one I`m currently experiencing with Splash, then that`s fine by me.

RE: Clearout CD bargains at Splash

Okay, I`ll bear that in mind in future. But to be honest with you, I didn`t even know the Retailer Reviews section existed until you just mentioned it!

But surely it doesn`t so any harm to warn people before they order. I mean, I`m not saying every order placed with Splash DVD is going to be a nightmare, I just posted a warning to let people know that they are very likely to end up without their order being fulfilled up to two months after placing it. You could argue that people should check the Retailer Review forum before placing any order, but f I didn`t know about it, the chances are some other people won`t either.

The fact is, you never get anyone here posting warnings about Play or CD-Wow because those are two companies with excellent reputations, and quite rightly so. These reputations have come about as a result of a service that provides all of the things Splash DVD does not...

1. Good customer service - both in pre and after sale(s).
2. The ability to get a no quibble, no fuss refund.
3. Excellent delivery times.

I`m not going to complain if someone posts a warning about a particular retailer, even if I`m the guy who originally posted the bargain heads-up. If one of these warnings prevents me from getting into another situation like the one I`m currently experiencing with Splash, then that`s fine by me.

RE: Clearout CD bargains at Splash

I have to say I totally agee with Denon. I placed an order with Splash on April 1st, had my card debited on April 4th, and I`m still waiting for the goods. Here`s an e-mail I sent them a while back...

"This is the third time I`ve sent an e-mail to your `customer services` department. Since the e-mail I sent obviously isn`t reaching the department that deals with missing orders, I`ve decided to use some of your other e-mail addresses. I also have a couple of suggestions that would definitely improve your current service...

1. Send customers a confirmation e-mail once their complaint e-mails have been received/acknowledged. At the moment, I have no idea whether someone is looking into my problem or whether my e-mail was deleted upon receipt.

2. Get a couple of extra phone lines installed, or provide a voicemail service where customers can leave details of their problems. I myself have never successfully reached a customer services representative since your line is always engaged.

3. If you cannot despatch items `within 5 - 7 days` as it says on the website, don`t tell your customers you can. In my experience, when other online retailers fail to despatch goods within the time frame they promise, at least they have the decency to inform their customers that there has been a delay. Failing that, they`d at least provide answers to their questions.

4. Don`t debit payments until the goods have been despatched. Please bear in mind that I ordered this item on April 1st (how appropriate!), and the payment was taken from me on the April 4th. Normally, I`d give the retailer the benefit of the doubt, but it`s now been almost four weeks since I placed the order, with no explanation for it`s delay!

I hope these suggestions help. Also, I wonder if someone could find it in their heart to send me some details on my missing order? It might not matter to you since you`ve already taken the payment from me, but I have to say I wouldn`t expect to walk into a high street shop, pay for my goods, then have them placed behind the counter for a month and be ignored when I ask the shop assistant why.

I look forward to your prompt reply.

M. Coleman
(details provided below, in the e-mail you ignored 2 days ago)"

That particular e-mail was sent on April 25th, and surprise surprise, I`ve still heard NOTHING. The prices may well sound tempting, but I urge you to avoid Splash like the plague.

Colemeister.

RE: PS2 old hat now that XBOX N Gamecube cheaper?

If we`re just talking about the hardware, there`s no argument. XBox and Gamecube are technically superior, of that there is no doubt.

But talking about the PS2 becoming obsolete at this stage is plain ridiculous. The fact is, it has a massive user base and a huge selection of games when compared to the Xbox and GC.

Other than that, I agree with Pistol.

If the culprits want to waste their time arguing over a few electrical components inside a plastic box, that`s up to them. The fact is, it really doesn`t matter if you`re holding an XBox, Gamecube or PS2 pad as long as you`re playing quality games.

Now then, I`m off to see if I can convince one of my rich mates to buy a cheap XBox - I still haven`t played Halo...

RE: Xbox price drop!

<Sigh!>

RE: New England Shirt £24

Or you could get a Wales home shirt for £39.99 (from all good sports retailers). Let`s face facts, it`s better value for money since you`ll be proudly dressed in the colours of the best international team in Britain, and at least you won`t look like a netball player.

Granted, the kit displays no stars for previous World Cup wins, but maybe that removes some of the expectations of the Welsh public and press.

At the same time, the star on the England jersey goes to prove that they only want to remind people that they were once a great side (despite the endless repeated highlights of `66 that are still shown almost every week). They`re a team who live off past reputation, often touted as one of the world`s greatest sides (predominantly by the fickle English press), but only living up to that description on one occasion...

Hmm...wasn`t that almost forty years ago...? That`s a looong time.

It would have been great to see England lift the trophy in Japan, but we never would have heard the end of it.

RE: Reasons To Buy A Gamecube

The fact is, most people don`t snub the GC because they believe it`s a console aimed at a younger audience, they snub it for the same reason they eat in McDonalds - MARKETING POWER (or on Nintendo Europe`s part, a lack thereof).

Personally I bought my PS2 to play the best sports games, which it undeniably has (PES2, NHL, NFL, NBA series, Tony Hawk, Rugby, Cricket 2002). A couple of my friends picked up PS2`s because of the realisation that many great games below the £20 mark were starting to surface (Devil May Cry, Jak And Daxter, Red Faction etc.).

Most Gamecube games are upwards of £40 when released, which is part of the reason I ( and many of my friends) won`t shell out the cash on a new console (even at the low price of £78.99).

Most Gamecube exclusive titles I`ve played have been pretty lame. I know there are exceptions, and I`m yet to play Metroid Prime or Zelda, but I just think Nintendo`s lack of marketing muscle has left the public somewhat misinformed. There`s no doubt it`s an excellent console with excellent games, but I`m afraid it contracted a severe case of Dreamcastitis early on...

Gamecube - RIP

PS - If the price drops a little more, let me know!!!

RE: Reasons To Buy A Gamecube

The fact is, most people don`t snub the GC because they believe it`s a console aimed at a younger audience, they snub it for the same reason they eat in McDonalds - MARKETING POWER (or on Nintendo Europe`s part, a lack thereof).

Personally I bought my PS2 to play the best sports games, which it undeniably has (PES2, NHL, NFL, NBA series, Tony Hawk, Rugby, Cricket 2002). A couple of my friends picked up PS2`s because of the realisation that many great games below the £20 mark were starting to surface (Devil May Cry, Jak And Daxter, Red Faction etc.).

Most Gamecube games are upwards of £40 when released, which is part of the reason I ( and many of my friends) won`t shell out the cash on a new console (even at the low price of £78.99).

Most Gamecube exclusive titles I`ve played have been pretty lame. I know there are exceptions, and I`m yet to play Metroid Prime or Zelda, but I just think Nintendo`s lack of marketing muscle has left the public somewhat misinformed. There`s no doubt it`s an excellent console with excellent games, but I`m afraid it contracted a severe case of Dreamcastitis early on...

Gamecube - RIP

PS - If the price drops a little more, let me know!!!

RE: games arent fun anymore???

Whaddya know! This very issue is actually tackled in this month`s Edge Magazine. If you turn to Page 28, you`ll see that Mr. Biffo (formerly of Digitiser) has some very interesting views on the subject. I have to say I agree with him though.

RE: 8-Way E-Pilot Remote Control

I bought one of these the first time they were on sale (approximately 7 months ago). It`s been pretty much in constant use since, and controls my TV, DVD Player, Amp and VCR. The macro functions are very handy too.

Battery life 2 months? Were you sitting on it or something?!?

RE: Games sale at Toys R Us

Is this in-store only?

RE: Clerks R1 £11.99

Steer clear of the region free version!

It doesn`t contain any of the brilliant extras that accompany Clerks R1, and every Kevin Smith directed DVD release. If you buy the R1 version, you get the following...

Audio commentary with Kevin Smith and a clearly stoned/intoxicated Jason Mewes (Jay).
Deleted scenes with intros.
Alternative ending.
Soul Asylum music video.
Trailer.

RE: Pro Evolution Soccer 2 - Ultimate Update...

A number of questions...

1. For those of us that don`t own a chipped PS2, when is the game released over here?
2. Are all the menus in English?
3. Where can I get my PS2 chipped?
4. How much will it cost?
5. How much did WE6: FE set you back, and where from?

Sorry about all the questions, but I really would like to know!!!

PS2 Cricket 2002 for £14.99

I`m told this game is great if you happen to be a cricket fan. Not too keen on the sport myself, but I ordered myself a copy because I figure it may be good for a laugh.

Head over to the PS2 section of www.play.com for the offer.

RE: WHAT IS BETTER? FIFA 2003 OR PRO EVOLUTION SOCCER 2?

Strange. I thought the original question was "What is better? FIFA 2003 or Pro Evolution Soccer 2?"

Also, the majority of people aren`t lucky enough to have a chipped PS2. Never mind, we`ll just have to wait until the PAL version.

RE: WHAT IS BETTER? FIFA 2003 OR PRO EVOLUTION SOCCER 2?

I`d say if you want a more realistic footy title, go for Pro Evolution Soccer 2 - the most in-depth football simulation ever created, and in my opinion, one of the best games ever made. The lack of an official license is just a small gripe, as almost everything in the game can be edited - you just need a little patience!

However, if you like your football games less challenging with totally unrealistic scorelines (Brazil 9 - 8 England for instance), multiple goalscoring sweetspots (run the length of the field with a defender and curl the ball into the top corner), get FIFA.

Put simply, Pro Evo 2 is the true football fan`s game.

RE: WHAT IS BETTER? FIFA 2003 OR PRO EVOLUTION SOCCER 2?

I`d say if you want a more realistic footy title, go for Pro Evolution Soccer 2 - the most in-depth football simulation ever created, and in my opinion, one of the best games ever made. The lack of an official license is just a small gripe, as almost everything in the game can be edited - you just need a little patience!

However, if you like your football games less challenging with totally unrealistic scorelines (Brazil 9 - 8 England for instance), multiple goalscoring sweetspots (run the length of the field with a defender and curl the ball into the top corner), get FIFA.

Put simply, Pro Evo 2 is the true football fan`s game.

Pro Evolution Soccer 2 - Ultimate Update...

Has anyone out there got this? It`s available on most game retail websites for £7.99 or thereabouts, and I just wondered exactly what it does.

I`ve seen clips elsewhere on the web (www.issextreme.com) that show Arsenal and Manchester United players dressed in their correct kits, complete with O2 and Vodafone sponsors, and names on the backs of their shirts! I`m not sure if it was a newer version (possibly Winning Eleven 6?), but the game I saw was definitely running with the Pro Evo engine. I was also wondering if the `Ultimate Update` disc could have been responsible for the changes. Can someone who is `in the know` shed some light on this?

If not, then how were the kits modified???

RE: PES 2 Master League Teams

Credit where it`s due. Crikey, I`m actually at the back end of my first season on `Hard`, just entering the Tiny Cup. I`ve only managed to sign two players so far: Olisadebe of Poland (cheap, but quick and a good finisher), and Laurent Blanc (no comment!).

It obviously gets more difficult in Division 2, so I have to say I`m impressed with the squad you`ve managed to assemble. Good work fella!

I just wish that some of the players I want to buy had accurate stats. Craig Bellamy of Newcastle and Simon Davies of Spurs are both drastically underrated, unfortunately.

This item was edited on Thursday, 13th February 2003, 13:12

RE: PES 2 Master League Teams

Bloody good side, and you`re spoilt for choice when it comes to offensive free kicks! I see you favour today`s crop of footballing superstars over the game`s `classic` players. Was that intentional? And just out of interest, which difficulty level do you play on? I`ve recently switched to `Hard` and found it pretty challenging. I think I only won one of my first five league games, but I improved and ended up joint second with the mighty Aston Villa.

I sometimes peruse the forums at www.pesfan.com, and the contributors there tend to frown on anyone playing below the `Extreme` difficulty level.