PlayStation 3 160GB Amazon Family Bundle w/ Ratchet and Clank: A Crack in Time and SingStar Dance Party Pack

PlayStation 3 160GB Amazon Family Bundle w/ Ratchet and Clank: A Crack in Time and SingStar Dance Party Pack Review

PlayStation 3 160GB Amazon Family Bundle w/ Ratchet and Clank: A Crack in Time and SingStar Dance Party Pack Feature

• A copy of the PlayStation exclusive Ratchet & Clank Future: A Crack in Time
• Slim, light PS3 system with a 160 GB HDD, Internet-ready built-in Wi-Fi, 2 USB ports and HDMI + Bravia Synch output for 1080p resolution and connectivity between other Sony HDMI products
• DualShock 3 wireless controller with detachable USB charge cable and AC power cord for console
• Free PlayStation Network membership and access to Netflix with Unlimited membership (sold separately)
• A copy of the PlayStation 3 exclusive SingStar Dance with 2 included wired SingStar microphones

PlayStation 3 160GB Amazon Family Bundle w/ Ratchet and Clank: A Crack in Time and SingStar Dance Party Pack Overview

PlayStation 3 Hardware with SingStar Dance, Ratchet and Clank: A Crack in Time

PlayStation 3 160GB Amazon Family Bundle w/ Ratchet and Clank: A Crack in Time and SingStar Dance Party Pack Specifications

The PlayStation 3 160 GB Amazon-exclusive family bundle provides every member of the family with the unique blend of entertainment, excitement and fun that PlayStation 3 is famous for. The bundle consists of a PS3 loaded with a hefty 160 GB hard drive, a DualShock 3 controller, a copy of SingStar Dance, two wired SingStar microphones and a copy of Ratchet & Clank Future: A Crack in Time. SingStar Dance Party Pack is a multiplayer karaoke / dance dynamo supporting up to eight players online and four locally.¹ Ratchet & Clank Future: A Crack in Time is a single player platform shooter starring the famous pair of heroes in an all-new adventure in which you play as both characters, taking advantage of a wealth of new features, weapons and time-based abilities. Couple this with the advanced audio-video features of the PlayStation 3, which now includes disc-free access to Netflix, and you have the perfect means to enjoy the world of modern digital entertainment.

PlayStation Move functionality, along with popular multiplayer and single player titles in a single, family-friendly console bundle.
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160 GB of PS3 power paired with a DualShock 3 controller.
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2 SingStar microphones to get you started with SingStar Dance.
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What's Under the Hood

As with previous models, the PlayStation 3 160 GB system features an IBM "Cell" processor and a co-developed NVIDIA graphics processor that together allow the system to perform two trillion calculations per second. Yet the 160 GB system manages to improve on this with its 45nm version of the processor, which although running at the same 60+nm speed as previous PS3 versions, uses less energy. This makes the unit's smaller size and quieter fan possible. Along with the traditional AV and composite connections, the 160 GB system also boasts an HDMI (High-Definition Multimedia Interface) port, which delivers uncompressed, unconverted digital picture and sound to compatible high-definition TVs and projectors. (The system is capable of 128-bit pixel precision and 1080p resolution for a full HD experience) This console also provides for an extreme sound experience by supporting Dolby Digital 5.1, DTS 5.1, as well as Linear PCM 7.1. Finally, it features cross connectivity with your PC network and PlayStation Portable (PSP) and its pre-installed, 160 GB hard disc drive allows you to save games as well as download content from the Internet.

Blu-ray, PlayStation Network Downloads and Beyond

PlayStation 3 utilizes the Blu-ray disc media format, which gives you the best high-definition viewing experience on your television, by way of the format's ability to hold six times as much data as traditional DVDs. This tremendous capacity, combined with the awesome power of the system's processor and graphics card, promises an endless stream of mind-blowing games and other multimedia content. This doesn't mean though that the PS3 is limited to Blu-ray discs. It also supports CD-ROM, CD-RW, DVD, DVD-ROM, DVD-R, DVD+R formats. In addition, PlayStation 3 system software includes BD Live support that allows you to play discs that support Blu-ray Disc Profile 2.0 (BD-LIVE), meaning you can also connect to the Internet while playing discs that support this format to obtain additional features. And of course PS3 owners also receive free access to the PlayStation Network (PSN), where through The PlayStation Store and PlayStation Home, they can download games, game demos, movies, and other content, as well as chat with friends, play mini-games, compete in tournaments and explore dedicated game spaces.

A Sensational Controller

The DualShock 3 wireless controller included with The PlayStation 3 160 GB system provides an intuitive gameplay experience, with pressure sensors in each action button and the inclusion of the highly sensitive Sixaxis motion sensing technology. Each hit, crash and explosion is more realistic when the user feels the rumble right in the palm of their hand. The DualShock 3 can even detect natural movements for real-time and high precision interactive play, acting as a natural extension of the user's body. DualShock 3 utilizes Bluetooth technology for wireless game play and the controller's detachable USB cable to seamlessly and automatically charge the controller when connected to the PlayStation 3. By integrating all of these features into the popular PlayStation controller design, the DualShock 3 further enhances the advanced gameplay experience only available on the PlayStation 3 system.

Disc-free Netflix Video Streaming

The PlayStation 3 160 GB system is fully compatible with Netflix Instant streaming video functionality.³ Instant streaming video on the PS3 is now available without the need for an additional system disc from Netflix. The PS3 also supports some movies and TV shows in 1080p high definition with Dolby 5.1 channel surround sound.

Synch with Your Other Sony HDMI Devices

The PlayStation 3 160 GB system features HDMI + Bravia Synch functionality. Bravia Synch allows connectivity between Sony HDMI products, without having to utilize multiple remote controls. This means that with the push of one button users can control compliant Sony devices connected to your PS3 via HDMI cable.

Console Specifications

• CPU / GPU - Cell Broadband Engine (Cell/B.E.) / RSX
• Sound - LPCM 7.1ch, Dolby Digital, Dolby Digital Plus, Dolby TrueHD, DTs, DTS-HD, AAC
• Memory - 256 MB XDR Main RAM, 256 MB GDDR3 VRAM
• HDD - 160 GB 2.5" Serial ATA
• Networking - Ethernet (X1 (10BASE-T,100BASE-TX, 1000BASE-T)); IEEE 802.11 b/g; Bluetooth 2.0 (EDR)
• Controller - DualShock 3 wireless controller included
• AV Output - Resolution (1080p, 1080i, 720p, 480p, 480i (for PAL 576p, 576i)); HDMI OUT + Bravia Synch (1); AV Multi out (1); Digital out optical (1)
• BD/DVD/CD Drive (Read Only) - BD 2x (BD-ROM); DVD 8x (DVD-ROM); CD 24x (CD-ROM)
• USB Ports - 2
• Backwards Compatibility (PS1 and PS2 games) - No
• Netflix Video Streaming³ - Yes, disc-free; 1080p high definition with Dolby 5.1 channel surround sound supported

Games Included

Support up to eight players (online) in which you can now sing and dance.
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Get into the Groove with SingStar Dance

SingStar Dance for PlayStation 3 is a unique extension of the SingStar music gaming experience that adds dance gameplay to the familiar karaoke-like performance action that the franchise is famous for. Dance activities utilize Sony's PlayStation Move motion controller and PlayStation Eye camera combination to replicate precisely choreographed routines on-screen, while singing gameplay uses standard USB microphones compatible with the PS3. Additional features include 4-player multiplayer that includes multiple dancers, 50 audio/video tracks, additional downloadable tracks, the ability to upload performances to the SingStar online portal, and more.

Game Features

• 30 of the best new hits and classic pop songs
• Sing and dance¹ alongside your favorite artists in their original music videos
• Includes 2 SingStar microphones²
• Supports up to four players with two PlayStation Move motion controllers and two microphones
• Challenge friends in online competitions and watch their performances streaming live on your TV
• Upload and share your personal SingStar Dance performances
• Download additional tracks and videos from the SingStore

A popular PlayStation Greatest Hits game full of new action, weapons and abilities.
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Action Platforming Fun

Concluding the events set into motion by Tools of Destruction, Ratchet & Clank Future: A Crack in Time at long last answers some of the franchise fans' largest questions. After discovering that Clank's disappearance was engineered by Dr. Nefarious, Ratchet races to rescue his best friend. Unfortunately, he discovers that Clank's capture is just the beginning of Nefarious's latest diabolical plot. In this follow-up to the best-selling series, players take on the role of both Ratchet and Clank as they attempt to reunite and save the universe. Along the way, both finally uncover the hidden truth behind their origins, and discover their ultimate destinies. As the duo come closer to reuniting, they'll have to ask themselves the biggest question of all: Do Ratchet and Clank's destinies lie with each other? Or is it finally time for the universe's greatest duo to separate for good?

Game Features

• An original new single player adventure and story that answers many of fans’ most-asked questions and wraps up the story arc that started in Ratchet & Clank Future: Tools of Destruction and Ratchet & Clank Future: Quest For Booty
• Nonlinear levels with plenty of hidden areas to explore, and new gadgets like the Hoverboots that let Ratchet soar to new heights
• All-new Clank gameplay and special "Time" abilities that bring new meaning to "past selves"
• The series' renowned arsenal gets even larger with brand new weapons, as well as weapons that players can customize with various modifications
• New space gameplay that gives players the opportunity to engage in space battles, explore the surrounding star system, and discover hidden items and collectibles

¹ Dance functionality requires PlayStation Move motion controller and PlayStation Eye camera (both sold separately).
² USB microphones are required to play this game. Official SingStar Microphones and SingStar USB Converter are recommended for use with this product.
³ Sufficient broadband Internet connection and Netflix Unlimited account required.

Available at Amazon Check Price Now!

*** Product Information and Prices Stored: Jan 05, 2011 05:11:45

Game (FR) Review Feature Office 2010

Ratchet & Clank Future: A Crack In Time

Ratchet & Clank Future: A Crack In Time Review

As a fan of every release of the Ratchet and Clank series, I was not surprised to find myself enjoying the traditional things in A Crank in Time that made the others so popular. Basically, the gameplay throughout each installment involves:
1. Lots of combat and cartoony over-the-top violence
2. Great jumping/platforming elements
3. Satisfying and constant rewards/secrets
4. Zany characters
5. Upgradable, interesting, and multitudinous, weapons
While each entry in the series sticks to this basic format, it seems that each has done something a little different to keep things from getting stale game after game. For example, the second game, Going Commando, offered some really fun races and space combat sequences that you could choose to enjoy and reward yourself with or mostly skip. I found myself playing these mini-games just for the fun of them long after the story no longer required it to be played. Up your Arsenal featured multiplayer and drivable vehicles that stayed true to the wacky cartoony nature of the game, but still nailed it with the destructive satisfaction of blowing stuff up.
With A Crack in Time, the story continues where Tools of Destruction left off with a intro movie to get you up to speed if you missed the previous titles. You were left with a bit of a cliffhanger at the end of the last game and this one answers everything. Actually, this is really the only entry in the series in which the story is a direct sequel to one previous. The other games were all separate adventures and could more or less be played in any order, although you would miss out in comic references to other events, recurring characters, and anecdotes, but otherwise would be fine. The story is a little deeper as well. You are now getting into more details about where you and Clank came from and the fate (or destiny) of the Lombax race. The developers seem to be moving into some deeper material here.
My only complaint about games through the series is that while they retain some recurring characters that we all love, sometimes other interesting characters from previous games don't make an appearance at all. For example, In Tools of Destruction, you are told that you are the only Lomax left in existence, however in a previous game; there was a female Lombax, Angela Cross, who was a pretty cool character. She inexplicably never appears again in the series. Captian Qwark more than makes up for this, however. He redeems himself fully in this title. Sure, he is still a coward that tries to take credit for everything, but you get the feeling that he is starting to realize it. He also helps you out much more this time around.
A Crack in Time dials in everything that made the other games so much fun, without question and finally adds trophies. Everyone should give this series a chance because the constant rewards, the non-frustrating yet so satisfying gameplay, and zany characters are all here in full force. There are clever puzzles in which you can use time devices to create other selves to help you push buttons to open doors. We have generous use of the grindrails traditional to the series which are fast and furious linear where you skate around from place to place, usually while you are being chased down. Space combat is back and they did a decent job with it. One complaint is that you cannot move vertically, but the areas to offer a decent variety and beautiful backgrounds and allow you to land on all the moons in each system hunting for hidden items and other things. They made it more sandbox-like in that you can either fly around aimlessly or decide to stop and get some side missions. These areas are all completely optional and you can come back to them any time. While doing so, you have access to several radio stations that, even after 2 play throughs, I was still hearing newscasts, interviews with Captain Qwark and music that I had not heard before. Pure polish.
Clank has always been your pal and he can pull his own weight when not attached to your back which is good because a large part of the game involves Clank not stuck to Ratchet's back, but rather dong his own thing. His elements are much different from the Ratchet portions of the game. Clank is less combat oriented and his levels involve more platforming and puzzles. He is a good character and his sections are a fun distraction from the comic mayhem going on with Ratchet.
The real robot in this game is Mr. Zurkon. Mr. Zurkon was featured as a limited use gadget in ToD, but is now an equipable weapon that can upgrade over time with the rest. He is basically a deployable sadistic killer robot that will constantly taunt your enemies and laugh at them when they explode. He has plenty to say and always has your back. He loves to kill things and listening to him is hilarious. These are the polished touches you can expect with this game.
Without spoiling anything, the ending of the game was probably the most epic among the stories told so far. When a game can bring a tear to my eye and a smile to my face, the game definitely deserves to be recommended to others. I can't wait for the next one!

Ratchet & Clank Future: A Crack In Time Feature

• New space gameplay that gives players the opportunity to engage in space battles, explore the surrounding star system, and discover hidden items and collectables.
• An original new adventure and story that answers many of fans' most-asked questions and wraps up the story arc that started in earlier games, 'Tools of Destruction' and 'Quest For Booty.'
• Non-linear levels with plenty of hidden areas to explore, and new gadgets like the Hoverboots that let Ratchet soar to new heights.
• All-new Clank gameplay and special "Time" abilities that bring new meaning to "past selves," and multiple personalities.
• The series' renowned arsenal gets even larger with brand new weapons, as well as weapons that players can customize with various modifications.

Ratchet & Clank Future: A Crack In Time Overview

Concluding the events set into motion by Tools of Destruction, Ratchet & Clank Future: A Crack in Time will at long last answer some of the franchise fans' largest questions. After discovering that Clank's disappearance was engineered by Dr. Nefarious, Ratchet races to rescue his best friend. Unfortunately, he discovers that Clank's capture is just the beginning of Nefarious's latest diabolical plot. In this follow-up to the best-selling series, Ratchet & Clank Future: A Crack in Time puts players into the role of both Ratchet and Clank as they attempt to reunite and save the universe. Along the way, both will finally uncover the hidden truth behind their origins, and discover their ultimate destinies. As the duo come closer to reuniting, they'll have to ask themselves the biggest question of all: Do Ratchet and Clank’s destinies lie with each other? Or is it finally time for the universe's greatest duo to separate for good? Powered by Insomniac Games' fourth-generation PLAYSTATION3 system technology, A Crack in Time will continue to bring the experience of playing your own CG-animated movie to the PS3 system. Players will use new gadgets such as Ratchet's Hoverboots to explore levels and can take off in Ratchet's ship to discover nearby moons and planets. Clank will use new abilities to manipulate time to try and stop Dr. Nefarious.

Ratchet & Clank Future: A Crack In Time Specifications

Ratchet & Clank Future: A Crack in Time is a single player platform shooter that reunites Sony's famous space age duo for another comedic romp through the universe. The final game in the Ratchet & Clank Future sub trilogy, A Crack in Time answers many questions raised in the previous two games in the sub series, and introduces addictive and challenging new puzzle-solving Clank gameplay. New time-warping Clank gameplay. View larger. New modable weapons for Ratchet. View larger. Clank's self replication abilities open up a world of platforming fun. View larger. The Story Concluding the events set into motion by Tools of Destruction, Ratchet & Clank Future: A Crack in Time will at long last answer some of the franchise fans' largest questions. After discovering that Clank's disappearance was engineered by Dr. Nefarious, Ratchet races to rescue his best friend. Unfortunately, he discovers that Clank's capture is just the beginning of Nefarious's latest diabolical plot. In this follow-up to the best-selling series, Ratchet & Clank Future: A Crack in Time puts players into the role of both Ratchet and Clank as they attempt to reunite and save the universe. Along the way, both will finally uncover the hidden truth behind their origins, and discover their ultimate destinies. As the duo come closer to reuniting, they'll have to ask themselves the biggest question of all: Do Ratchet and Clank's destinies lie with each other? Or is it finally time for the universe's greatest duo to separate for good? Gameplay: New Time-related Abilities and More As with previous Ratchet & Clank games the action in A Crack in Time is a blend of platforming, shooter scenarios and puzzle-solving. Seeing as the premise of the game is that the constantly impending rescue of Clank by Ratchet, action naturally toggles between the scenarios that both find themselves in separately. Playing as Ratchet players engage primarily in a mix of exploration and comic shooter style gameplay that occurs both on planetoids and on space ships throughout the gameplay area. As players come in contact with non-player characters (NPCs) they will often be asked to perform duties such as rescues, for which they will be given rewards that Ratchet can then use to purchase new weapons and items. Many of these weapons are brand-new to the Ratchet & Clank franchise and can be upgraded and moded throughout the game for maximum impact against the run-of-the-mill enemies that cross your path, and of course the inevitable bosses faced. The lion's share new play elements in A Crack in Time are seen in its Clank gameplay though. A blend of self replication and time manipulation, Clank's new abilities are revealed in an early level in the game in which players are able to peer into Clank's memory. Here they meet Clank's maker, Orvis, and see that Clank has access to two hidden abilities/items: limited physical self replication and the Chronoscepter, which helps Clank to both fix broken items and slow down time. With regard to replication, mechanisms called "Time Pads" allow players to record Clank as he performs calculated physical movements and actions. These can then be saved individually and later replayed in specific combinations in the presence of the real Clank to solve puzzles requiring extreme speed or that he be in multiple places at the same time. Similar in usage to this is the Chronoscepter which can be used against swift moving objects or enemies while platforming in order to get into positions which otherwise would be impossible to reach. Used separately as well as together these two make for new wrinkles in Clank's abilities to solve complex puzzles across 3D spaces and in evasion and combat of enemies. Key Game Features An original new adventure and story that answers many of fans’ most-asked questions and wraps up the story arc that started in Ratchet & Clank Future: Tools of Destruction and Ratchet & Clank Future: Quest For Booty. Nonlinear levels with plenty of hidden areas to explore, and new gadgets like the Hoverboots that let Ratchet soar to new heights. All-new Clank gameplay and special "Time" abilities that bring new meaning to "past selves". The series’ renowned arsenal gets even larger with brand new weapons, as well as weapons that players can customize with various modifications. New space gameplay that gives players the opportunity to engage in space battles, explore the surrounding star system, and discover hidden items and collectibles.

Available at Amazon Check Price Now!

*** Product Information and Prices Stored: May 31, 2010 02:45:07

Review Feature Office 2010