Hybrid Theory
Average Customer Review:
Audio CD (24 October, 2000)
list price: $18.98 -- our price: $13.49
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Editorial Review

It may be too cynical to assume Hybrid Theory changed its name to Linkin Park in order to appear right next to Limp Bizkit in your local record bin. But rock-rap workouts like "One Step Closer" and "Papercut" do make Linkin Park a comfortable fit with Fred Durst and his ilk. Producer Don Gilmore (Pearl Jam, Lit, Eve 6) and twin vocal threats Chester Bennington and Mike Shinoda serve up industrial-strength rap and rock melodicism with equal aplomb on this woulda-been-self-titled debut effort. "Points of Authority" aims to sound like Trent Reznor wanking it up with Lars and company, whereas guitarist Brad Delson's Edge-y harmonics help "In the End" and "Pushing Me Away" evoke a dark romanticism akin to A Perfect Circle. Curiously, the band gets by with no bass player, while sample-happy DJ Joseph Hahn's step into the spotlight on the instrumental "Cure for the Itch" suggests a potential for eclecticism that could help Linkin Park outlive its seemingly transient genre. --Bill Forman ... Read more

Reviews (1625)

Crappy modern rock band
This stuff SUCKS...it's really funny to laugh at how all you people can only say that it's "emotional" or "there is good rapping"....how about if there is actually "a good guitar solo" or mabye "NO rappin"
Go get some REAL rock

yo wats up dogg I'm a albino rapper

GREATEST ROCK DEBUT SINCE "APETITE FOR DESTRUCTION"
This album is(in my humble opinion) a classic the likes of Metallica's BLACK or Guns 'n Roses APETITE FOR DESTRUCTION!Linkin Park debuted with an eclectic but still distinct hard rocking sound that took everything everyone else was doing at the time and stepping it up to the next level.Chester Bennington can sing soft melodies and scream with the best.Mike Shinoda is a capable MC with heartfelt lyrics unlike most rap-metal bands around the turn of the century.Joseph Hahn's use of turntables and samples adds enough depth to the music that there is truly something for everyone.This is truly one of the incredible debuts that come around very rarely.I'm hoping once Fair To Midland(WWW.FTMBAND.COM) are signed they might have such an impact.

Not as good as Limp Bizkit or Korn, but very good metal.
Like most people these days, I find myself having a hard time finding a talented metal band. After realizing that the underground metal scence was full of greedy untalented crap like Morbid Angel, Testament, Iron Maiden, Amon Amarth, Nile, Suffocation, Death, Judas Priest, 3 Inches of Blood, Children of Bodom, and Cryptopsy. This Linkin Park band shows you that melody and heaviness can be combined in a brutal way.

... Read more

Asin: B00004Z459
Subjects:  1. Alternative Metal    2. Pop    3. Post-Grunge    4. Rap-Metal    5. Rock   

Meteora
Average Customer Review:
Audio CD (25 March, 2003)
list price: $19.98 -- our price: $14.99
(price subject to change: see help)
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Editorial Review

Linkin Park’s second studio effort (not counting the 2002 remix album Reanimation) overflows with glossy production values and Big Rock oomph, fully embracing the pop instincts of their Hybrid Theory debut. For many, Theory sounded inexcusably corporate, from its too-timely rap-rock sound to the long list of product endorsements included in the liner notes. Meteora will only amplify those complaints, but this album is actually truer to the band’s nature. It’s still impossible not to hear strains of Limp Bizkit, Korn, Rage Against the Machine, and the like. None of those acts, howeve, would try something as blatantly anthemic as "Easier to Run," which would sound fine to a Def Leppard fan, or as borderline danceable as "Breaking the Habit" and "Session." Linkin Park is what Trent Reznor was always afraid of becoming, but if you ever wished he would drop the pretenses and just make a hair-metal record, you'll find Meteora to your liking. --Matthew Cooke ... Read more

Features

• Enhanced

Reviews (1405)

Linkin Park is great. Until you listen to real music.
This cd has plenty of catchy tracks, namely Somewhere I Belong and Numb to name two which have also got clips.
The rest of the other tracks kind of blur together.
Even the good tracks on this cd can't last repeated plays, after awhile one just finds them utterly predictable.
I could care less if this band made bajillions, but at least they could make their later releases somewhat different.

The music aside, I recommend not reading this band's lyrics, which are utterly average and gives one a feeling that the band members perhaps hired angsty high school teens to write their lyrics for them

For once can you stop the "Turntable" stuff?
Back in 2000 when I first saw Linkin Park, I honestly thought they something that Rock really needed. I bought their first album,"Hybrid Theory", and thought it was a decent album that fused Rap with Rock in to a somewhat good field. But the new-found pouplarity(Especially Rapper Mike Shinoda)Linkin Park thought it would be alright to embrace a Will Smith style rap, minus the partying and the "uh" sounds Will smith makes and a kinda neo Turntable rock style that gets repetitive real fast. The result is "Meteora". A generally pleasing album for Audiences 8-13 and teenage girls. Although it does a few decent moments(Faint,Somewhere I Belong),its WAY too short and feels rushed. Linkin Park barely use actual Guitar Riffs, they don't take enough time to present any Musicanship(for a Nu-metal band),and Mike Shinoda is absoultey TERRIBLE Rapper.Another note is the heavy use of Musical Instrument samples and scrathing. Why can't they be like Ex-Rage Against The Machine Guitarist Tom Morello and scratch with strings and a Wah-Wah Pedal.Or use guest musicans like The Mars Volta to play piano and violin? Most likely because they think its not very MAINSTREAM. Overall you should just pick up more creative, musicanship-like acts like The Gorillaz's new Album "Demon Days" instead.

Great, Creative, and Extraordinary
I found this CD quite enjoyable. I have to give it five stars due to the creativeness of this band. I normaly become angry when rap is mixed with nu-metal (hard rock, ect.). However, they did an extraordinary job. (Until Jay-Z ruined Numb.)

I also have purchased Hybrid Theory, although, Meteora is almost musicaly better. I reccamend this to those who are first trying nu-metal. Although the intro and instramental remix tracks are kind of a waste, this CD rules over all.

They just need to answer my one question, was the weed really necessary? ... Read more

Asin: B00008H2LB
Subjects:  1. Alternative Metal    2. Pop    3. Rock   

The Sims Expansion: House Party (Mac)
Average Customer Review:
CD-ROM (07 August, 2001)

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Editorial Review

Toga party, anyone? Now your Sims can do that and more withThe Sims: House Party Expansion Pack, which makes it easier thanever for characters from The Sims to make friends and quicklyrise to the top ranks of their professions.

They'll need all the extra money they make from promotions to pay forall the cool goodies included in this expansion. Party themes rangefrom Wild West campfire cookouts to Hawaiian luaus and room-shakingraves, with plenty of objects provided to keep guests entertained.There's a costume trunk to guarantee everyone will be dressed for theoccasion, and it's even possible to hire a caterer to keep the food anddrink flowing. If you're really lucky, a famous star may pop in for aguest appearance. Every party is packed with surprises, and theinclusion of extra neighborhoods ensures there's always a bash to plan.This is one expansion that no fan of The Sims should be without.--T. Byrl Baker

Pros:

• More than 100 new objects and characters
• Guaranteed social interactions can really help a Sim's career
• Great music and fun themes
• Plenty of surprises

Cons:

• Takes time away from real parties

... Read more

Reviews (22)

Let's parrr-tay!
Party on!

I haven't played "House Party" that much yet.It was a hassle trying to install this game.I had to send the game disc to Aspyr to get me a new version because it wouldn't install.

Last night, I spent around 6 hours building a new house with House Party.In this game, you get 100+ new objects, larger variety of floors and walls, new characters and skins, and 3 new neighborhoods (8 in total (80 lots)).With how much I've played, I like it.A new staircase in HP is a teleporter that teleports you to the second or first floor.It's cool.Another cool thing about The Sims is that you can add your own mp3s to the game, so then your sims can "rock [their] body" to the "music."

Sims gone wild!!!
The sims is a great gamebut with x-packs(Like house party) it's better.House party has many new features for example the regular things like wall paper, floor tiles ,and new fences.But they have some uncommen things such as a recycled pay phone(garenteed to be disease and germ free)There is also light up dance floors and a hula girl lamp that really hulas! You can also call your niehbours(If you have niehbours) and have a house party(duh!) You can style your house to be a hawien louaw or even a texan roadio complete with a mechical bull! There is all so a visiting mime(much like the sad clown in livin' large)and special celeberty guest Drew Carry. Oh yeah I almost forgot, speaking of Livin' Large you should istall it before House party and House Party before Hot Date. Because alone they are good but together they are better. I like house party because it lets you go out ,get down ,and be crazy with the Sims!
Ihope my review was helpful and now that you are done reading it go on and buy house party for mac.
signed,
califonia girl!

Someone sent us a defective game!
We ordered a used copy of Sims House Party and someone sent us a defective game! My friend has it though and it's very fun! ... Read more

Asin: B00005LOZU
Subjects:  1. Computer Games    2. Macintosh (Machintosh)    3. Mac    4. Apple    5. Simulations (Simulation, Simulate)   

The Sims Expansion: Hot Date (Mac)
Average Customer Review:
CD-ROM (12 June, 2002)
list price: $19.99 -- our price: $19.99
(price subject to change: see help)
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Reviews (34)

Fun but hard to find a date
This game is quite fun! You are able to do the most stuff with it. It is the first time that Aspyr came up with the concept to get the Sims 'out of the house'.
However, I have played this game for hours on end and still haven't been able to get a loving relationship. Its quite hard. Maybe I am doing something wrong.

IT COOL BUT HARD!!!
I thought that it was really cool taking yours sims on a date!! It is a little hard for them to fall in love but you well really enjoy seeing it if you do get it!!!! After that you can get married!! And then you can adopt or have a baby after you fall in love! But it is really hard work to get a baby or even get married. A lot of kissing and hugging! Make sure to take a lot of pictures!!

Memory Hog
Neat idea - get the Sims out of their houses and have them interact.The only problem?This is a HUGE memory hog!It's fun but make sure you have enough free memory to run this. ... Read more

Asin: B00005YY9R
Sales Rank: 1295
Subjects:  1. Computer Games    2. Macintosh (Machintosh)    3. Mac    4. Apple    5. Simulations (Simulation, Simulate)   

The Sims: Vacation Expansion Pack (Mac)
Average Customer Review:
CD-ROM (30 August, 2002)
list price: $19.99 -- our price: $19.99
(price subject to change: see help)
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Editorial Review

Being a Sim must be pretty nice. Through the magic of expansion packs,the little virtual people have been given party favors (House Party),magic genies (Livin' Large), and hot dates (um... Hot Date). Withall these creature comforts, what more could a Sim want? Well, how about afamily vacation to a luxury fantasy resort? Vacation Island is an idyllic placethat has sun, fun, and beaches on one side of the island, snow and skiing on theother, and, in the middle, a forest perfect for camping. A trip to VacationIsland is the perfect reward for your hard-working Sims, and a fun diversion foryou--like all Sims expansions, Vacation is full of quirky Sims-stylehumor, and not everything on Vacation Island is good for your Sims.

A trip to Vacation Island isn't cheap; you have to pay for travel andaccommodations for the entire family, as well as entertainment. And just like areal vacation, you can run out of money fast. Thankfully, while on vacation yourSims' needs are slowed down significantly. They're having fun, and you don'thave to micromanage them nearly as much as you do at home. This allows you tosit back more and just observe your Sims playing with the often-funny new stuff.Stuff like a boardwalk Whack-a-Will (named for Sims creator Will Wright) game, aguy dressed as a shark who tries to terrorize the tourists, and new activitiessuch as camping, building snowmen, playing volleyball, snuggling on a bear skinrug (or picnic blanket), and hitting the ski courses and snowboard half-pipe.When it's time to go home, your Sims can take a few reminders of the trip, bothbeneficial (souvenirs that increase happiness) and detrimental (a commontropical illness). Hint: Fans who remember the Brady Bunch Hawaiianvacation episode would do well to learn from Greg Brady's mistake. --BobAndrews

Pros:

• Over 77 new items and things to do
• Truly expands the game

Cons:

• It's probably time for a full-blown sequel

... Read more

Features

Reviews (11)

Speed up, Sims!
The Sims Vacation is a fabulous game, with several new items such as the Shower-Tub, Igloo, Campfire, and Waterslide. Social interactions are no longer just one thing, but are split into different branches. For instance, the "Talk" option can be either "About Interests" or "Gossip-" you choose!
Another of the social improvements is dating. If you don't want the raciness of Hot Date, Sims can still call over their sweetheart and go on a vacation island date.

The downsides? Vacation Island is incredibly slow and skips a lot. The actual houses are more prone to crashing. Also, more negative social interactions will pop up spontaneously. Just as Sim A is going to propose to Sim B, Sim B will jump into Sim A's face and "Nag," about money, the house, or his rowdy friends. This sends the relationship for a dip and is also very frustrating.

On the whole this is a great game with exciting new features that could revolutionize Simming.

Sims Reveiw
It is actually ok go on one vacation and your sims fall in love make them jealous and make your sims life awful

Slower Processors Beware!
Although my G3 266MHz meets the minimum system requirements on speed, I was a little shy on memory so increased my virtual memory as recommended.However, even then the game was extremely sluggish and slow to the point of crawling.It was pretty much impossible to play with my current computer configuration.If you would like to add this one to your collection, be sure your system meets at least the RECOMMENDED specs, not the minimum and you should have loads of fun. ... Read more

Asin: B00006B178
Subjects:  1. Computer Games    2. Simulators (Simulation)   

The Sims Makin' Magic Expansion Pack
Average Customer Review:
CD-ROM (28 October, 2003)
list price: $9.99 -- our price: $9.99
(price subject to change: see help)
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Features

• Over 175 new items and a host of quirky new characters
• Your Sims can now harness the supernatural, casting playful or mischievous spells
• New Magic Town carnival-themed location; customize carnival rides
• Includes making, gathering, and questing for ingredients to brew magic spell recipes
• Unlock spells and create new ones; every spell has a unique backfire

Reviews (87)

Not the best Sims expansion...
I found magic to be very inconvenient and expensive to use.As in all other Sim games, it is hard to keep your Sim happy for more than a few days, and also make enough money to live off of.It is only fun to go to a premade house and play with the premade sims, but that's not the point of the game...

They should make this for the Sims 2
Sure, it will make #2 unrealistic, but it is a whole lot of fun! Imagine how great the graphics will be if this was a Sims 2 expansion pack! I could only imagine how many more spells and reactions there will be if this was made into a 2 expansion pack. But, being it is still in old school form, it is a pretty fun, pretty addictive game. I can't believe how much the price went down!

Get it while the getting's good. You won't regret it. It combines a sort of Harry Potter-type world, complete with roller coasters, mummies, a skeleton maid, and magic crystals.

Ouch
I'm so glad I don't own this expansion pack, but I was "fortunate" enough to experience it at a friend's house. I found it extremely silly. The Sims is already pretty fake (as in most expansion packs really don't offer a whole lot as it seems to in the store), with expansion packs building on this characteristic, but Makin' Magic overdoes it completely. Maxis and EA probably came out with this expansion pack after seeing such a huge response to spells and fantasy and magic in Harry Potter, Lord of the Rings and the like. In a way it clashes with Livin' Large. Both of them have "halloween" themes about them and the supernatural and blackmagic occuring. Through hearsay, the only things I can remember from the top of my head found in Makin' Magic is the ability for Sims to own a vineyard and something called MagiCoins. Also, potions can enable your Sim to be a rockstar instantly as well as make any Sim fall in love with yours.

I truly don't recommend this. It's as good as cheating by getting everything you want through brewing potions and such. It took me long enough to get addicted to the Sims, but this is so exaggerated. My Sims collection stops at Superstar. ... Read more

Asin: B00009V3KM
Sales Rank: 236
Subjects:  1. Computer Games    2. Simulators (Simulation)    3. Strategy (Strategic)    4. Simulations    5. World Building (Builders)   

The Sims Superstar Expansion Pack (Mac)
Average Customer Review:
CD-ROM (01 November, 2003)
list price: $19.99 -- our price: $19.99
(price subject to change: see help)
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Features

• Expansion to Sims universe of games allows players to become a celebrity
• New Studio Town location--dazzle directors, rock the recording studio, or light up the fashion runway.
• 150+ New Items to collect
• Get a satellite dish and add four new channels to your TV lineup
• For 1 player

Reviews (8)

A really cool expansion pack!!!
I got this expansion pack for Christmas and so far it has given me now problems at all! I love this expansion pack and visiting studio town is awsome!!! I would recomend this game to any sims fan! I liked this one so much i am going to buy the sims unleashed next. This is a great game and i hope you enjoy it.

not this one
I agree with the previous reviews. When it works it's fun but getting it to work is hard! My game only works with just the original houses, objects and sims. Any downloaded stuff and the fame career track shuts down. So I have one neighborhood with fame track and the rest where you can't only visit. Don't buy this one. Stay with Vacation and Unleashed - they aren't nearly so much trouble.

Fun, as long as you don't go to the Studio Town
I purchased this game about two weeks ago.I was having a lot of fun with it until the game started throwing me to the desktop ( just as another person mentioned in their review).I continue to play, but I do not go to studio town anymore, which does eliminate a lot of the fun.I would like to be able to play in the Studio Town, so if anyone has a solution to this problem, please email me asap at : Liz@Hallmanstudio.com ... Read more

Asin: B0000CFU2Q
Sales Rank: 864
Subjects:  1. Computer Games    2. Macintosh (Machintosh)    3. Mac    4. Apple    5. Collections (Collection)    6. Simulations (Simulation, Simulate)   

The Sims and The Sims Livin' Large Expansion Pack (Mac)
Average Customer Review:
CD-ROM (21 October, 2003)
list price: $49.99
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Editorial Review

This bundle combines the hit game The Sims with the first expansion pack Livin' Large in one value-priced package for your Mac.

The Sims
From Will Wright, the creator of SimCity, comes a strategy game that hits close to home. You are in charge of a neighborhood of Sims, and it is up to you to show them that they're living in your world now! Force them into a life of crime or help them live life in the fast lane. Build them a sprawling mansion or dump them into a dilapidated shack. Let them party like swinging singles or fall in love, get married, and raise a family. They can live out your wildest dreams or experience your worst nightmares. It is up to you to decide--their fate is in your hands.

The Sims Livin' Large Expansion Pack
The world of The Sims just got larger. With the Livin' Large Expansion, you'll be able to give your little humans five new career paths (including slacker and journalist), new objects (could that lantern hold a genie?), and new decors (how does Vegas lounge grab ya?). More than just cosmetic additions, there is also an assortment of new situations for your Sims to deal with. Without spoiling too much, let's just say you're going to want the name of a good Sim exterminator. ... Read more

Features

• Combines the hit The Sims with the first expansion pack, Livin' Large
• Build a simulated neighborhood and run--or ruin--the lives of the people that live there
• Unlimited open-ended game play allows you to help your Sims develop and mature
• Livin' Large adds five new career tracks and 125 new objects
• For 1 player

Civilization 3: Game Of The Year Edition (Mac)
Average Customer Review:
CD-ROM (09 April, 2003)
list price: $39.99 -- our price: $39.99
(price subject to change: see help)
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Features

• For 1 player
• Classic long-term strategy game
• Use combat, science and diplomacy to rule the world
• Watch out for multiple rivals developing nearby
• Includes three new maps and other special features

Reviews (8)

Awesome
This game was really good and that everyone who likes building armies should try it. It's only a little slow so don't let that stop you. I think that anyone who is really frustrated by the speed, probably has a problem with their computer.

Not impressed
Game of the year??This game has lots of bells and whistles (perhaps too many), but it lacks an important ingredient...fun.In many ways this game is a step backwards from Imperilism II.It follows many of the same ideas, but when it comes to battles this game is sorely lacking.One of the most interesting aspects of Imperialism was the ability to control multiple units in one battle.Here each unit simply goes one on one with another and the computer decides who wins.Additionally, the game is just too PC for its good.If you get attacked by someone else suddenly half of your cities erupt in civil unrest, making it very difficult to fight.The message seems to be that you should conquer the world by investing in the arts??

Excellent, highly addictive game with few reservations.
This is an incredibly absorbing and eerily lifelike game. When I made a deal with England knowing it was only to buy time so that I would attack them I actually felt guilty.

Some answers to the critics here... Boooring obviously never learned how to play. He should try researching and changing to a more productive form of government. Tank loses to spearmen. Actually that's rare but not unheard of in real life, too and he needs to remember that, although it's represented as a single figure each unit represents a squadron and a badly damaged squadron of tanks might well fall to a health squad of spearmen if they're smart enough to get inside their range and swarm them.

There are a lot of improvements over previous Civ's making the game worth buying. Particularly better trade, better graphics, many more diplomacy options, significant civilization style, attribute and strength differences.

Brickbats.
In many ways the port to Mac is REALLY bad carrying over all the Windows quirks and inconsistencies instead of porting it to a true Mac application e.g. writing their own dropdowns, eliminating the Mac menu and creating their own (with options missing) not using real windows, taking over the whole screen etc...

This game is so good that sooner or later you're going to want the upgrades, Conquests and Play the World and the likelyhood is that you won't be able to get them on the Mac. ... Read more

Asin: B00008QW6P
Sales Rank: 522
Subjects:  1. Computer Games    2. Macintosh (Machintosh)    3. Mac    4. Apple    5. Adventure    6. Computer Role Playing Games (Game, crpg, crpgs, rpg, rpgs)    7. Strategy (Strategic)