Long awaited..but slightly dissapointed...
597781
I am a true fan of the series and was recommending it all around.  I was in love with the first book, wasn't a fan of the second book (althought I'm not a fan of most middle books in series), but I was also slightly dissapointed in the last one.  It just didn't do the series justice in my opinion (unless there are plans for a fourth book - dare I dream?).  Essentially, everything felt too rushed, I didn't get to see enough of Maxon and America happy and finally together, also there was wayyyy too much agnst.  Get it together already, just say how you feel.  The back and forth went on way too long.
4697775
I have been a big fan of the DW series since DW4 over 10 years ago. This game has some great things but there are also some disappointments.
Let's start with the bad things. One big thing that was kind of annoying is that you basically need DW8 to play the full game of Xtreme Legends. You have to sync the Dynasty Warriors 8 disk to the game every so often. That's really frustrating. So the game is basically a dlc and not really a full game.
Second thing that really annoyed me is that while it was awesome to add a route for Lu Bu (about time!) but his route was very short and it ended with him dying regardless of how you play it. I understand that historically Lu Bu did get executed and die rather early in the three kingdoms era but come on! This is a video game. You can't make stuff up to make his route slightly longer and less disappointing? Koei certainly had no problem making up history in the past.
While all those things are very disappointing but the game overall is ok. I do really appreciate Lu Bu being included and playing the new characters from his kingdom (Chen Gong and Lu Linqi).  That's nice.
287148
Not quite UP to the hype.

I was a huge fan of Bioshock. Bioshock II, not so much, as you can really see a direction change halfway through the game. Overall I enjoyed both, but really loved the first one.

That aside. This game looked great in the previews, and is a good game, but some things annoyed me. I really wished the story was fleshed out more. They have such a great locale and well developed characters. I just think it took a serious turn for the worse with the rifts. Going in and out... it simply was not convincing. Things did not change enough as far as... well gameplay wise. You still had physical things too much like they were when you went in. Then it becomes this odd open rifts to get loot inside them, or hooks, or helpers, walls, etc... all of that could have been taken out, and I don't think anyone would have noticed.

They really should have simply gone another route with all that. I understand there are temporal anomalies based on the technology keeping that city afloat. But pure gameplay wise, none of those goodie rifts felt... well right. Almost corny really. I would have rather seen her left as-is, and only open new doorways, and then have them focus on making things different enough so you did not feel like someone told you that you went through time, but yet the world makes it feel like you really didn't.

In all honesty I have not finished the game yet, but I am well into it. I love the characters, and the basic story. I was expecting a lot more concerning her keeper, maybe that should have been a focus rather than the goodie rifts. I don't know. I do expect a fairly decent ending... I guess. Admittedly I was not 100% onboard with Bioshock One, of which I loved, but truly wanted to see my "condition" reversed.

But oh well. It's Art and all that. All good games.
Maybe I'll put in a resume, and help them make part two better... or part 3 of Bioshock :-)

Carry on...
2885742
You know... I kind of expected more from yana toboso. It felt like this should have been much longer. Was somewhat rushed.
4381198
As a long term Porcupine Tree fan and in posession of every CD they have put out, I was really looking forward to F.O.A.B.P. I received my CD the day before a week's holiday in Greece, so immediately downloaded said product onto my mp3 player and listened to it continuosly (Alongside the new Rush CD "Snakes and Arrows"). I was present at a Manchester Gig where the band played the whole album six months before it was due to be released so I had a bit of an inclination as to what to expect. It sounded mostly like a continuation of their previous 2 albums (Deadwing and In Absentia) at the time, but having listened to the finished article, there were a couple of tracks where "Lightbulb Sun" came to mind on the 2 softer tracks (i.e. My Ashes and Sentimental)and a touch of "Sky moves sideways" atmospherics appears elsewhere. The begining of "My Ashes" is very close to Led Zeps "No Quarter". So much has been made of "Anesthetize", and yes, it is without doubt the highlight of the album. The opening to this song is monumental. However, I feel the album could have offered more to us, the fans. Firstly, I believe that "Anethetize" should have been chopped into two parts. After 12 or so minutes, it is turned into a completely different vibe and is like a totally new song. Steve Wilson had great joy at introducing the song at Manchester as "18 minutes long", and the crowd response was just as enthusiastic at hearing the news. Neal Morse's new CD has a 3 tracks on his new CD "Sola Scripture" averaging 23 min. each, and yet each is made up of 6 songs within it. In this case I would rather skip to a favourite piece of the track than have to fast forward. Prog. music is "Very much alive".  I would rather have 4 x 5 minute songs highlighting Mr Wilson's amazing musical talents than one stretched out piece. On "Voyage 34" that was a different story. AHHHHH Voyage 34. That brings me to another small matter. That CD (Or "EP" as it was known) totalled 60 min. whereas F.O.A.B.P. (A full album release) totals only 50 min. Why is that so? Finally, I believe the 2 main ingredients that were lacking on this release were the trademark harmonies and also the lack of any guitar solos, apart from Alex Lifeson's shortis piece on Anesthetize. Steve seems to be putting more emphasis on the heavier chunky sound. Who knows, we could be witnessing an Opeth-like sound on their next release. To me, This CD was like listening to "Animals" after the release of "Wish you were here". Do you understand where I am coming from? Animals was a great album, but not up to the class of Wish you were here. I got more satisfaction listening to both the Blackfield albums honestly.

FOOTNOTE - I have just come across a tape of Steve talking on an English Radio station and explaining more about the concept of the album, and it really stuck with me i.e. about the information technology overload our kids have to indulge in. When you go into friends houses, all you see is kids on their Playstations/Nintendos/X box/Laptop etc. I must admit, Steve has really hit the button on an issue to write songs about. No doubt, there is more to come on this subject. For some people, the songwriting is the most important. For me, it is the music that is more paramount. I have to like the music first before I analyse the actual lyrics. When both are merged together in exceptional form the result is a CLASSIC.
4699685
I eagerly purchased this when it was first released, and, although I enjoyed listening to it, I was disappointed.  A month earlier, I had read the official announcement of its (delayed) release in the Grateful Dead newsletter.  They mentioned that it was planned to be a 2-record set, but it was trimmed down.  They apologetically said in the next sentence that there was plenty of material and that they hoped it would be released in the future.  Why?  It was rumored a few months later that Dylan had asked them to bury his voice further down in the mix and make the instruments louder, and some other interesting requests, which cannot be verified, but makes some sense as to why the album was short, and the selections so sparse.  I still like the album.  Im just confused as to their selections, which were hardly a good representation of the performances on that tour.

  You see, at the time, many fans had been listening to the infamous rehearsal sessions from June 1987 on cassette, as well as attending the shows. The fans saw that there was a wealth of much better material out there as well as an extensive songlist.  For one, Jerry played pedal steel on Ill be your Baby Tonight, a completely unique event, that he spoke fondly of and wished he could do more often. It had to be one of their first song choices, yet, it didn't happen.  Where is Johnny Cash's The Ballad of Ira Hayes, Man of Peace and so many others?  Fortunately, every time I finish listening to this album today, I can just pull up the rehearsal sessions on the internet with a few clicks, and complete my re-imagined version of the album.  So Im not holding my breath for the re-release.  But, thats ok.  Now, if they decided to release Bob Dylans performance from the Warfield in 1980, where Garcia sat in on half the showwell, that would make things a bit better, and might even earn Mr. Dylan some good karma.
3319227
I have been waiting for this last installement of the 'fever' series to come out with so much 'fevered'anticipation that I was counting down the days until it's release. I got it and read it in a day and a half. I couldn't help feeling as I was reading it that there was not enough 'OOMPH' to it. I was waiting for the sexual tension to build like it did with all the other books and was left feeling let down. Don't get me wrong there was still a lot of story line that opened up a lot of doors to who is who and who did what, but I was left with a feeling that this book could have been a lot more. Still left with a lot of questions that I think should have been answered. Obviously the author is going to write another series about some of these characters which might answer the questions, but I think if this is the series finale with Mac and Barrons a lot more should have been done with tying up the loose ends. I gave it a 3 on a scale of 5 because it wasn't as good as the other books in the series. I think my biggest disappointment in this last book is that this whole time Mac and Barrons has this fierce, sexual relationship where he takes what he wants and it's usually very physical and erotic. I was waiting for the time when Barrons finally realizes that he loves Mac and that instead of the 'rough' sex, I wanted him make love to Mac. But the book ended and no such show of love came about. That's the fizzle for me.
2036598
*SOME SPOILERS BELOW*
I have always been a fan of the BDB series. I was very eagerly awaiting The King, as Wrath and Beth have always held a dear spot in my heart being the original couple. While this book was satisfying in many ways, it also had some shortcomings.

First, the good...
-I was glad that Wrath and Beth got at least half the page time; with both Blay and Qhuinn as well as Payne and Manny I felt that the main characters of the story got a minority of the page time. I was glad Wrath and Beth played a moderately central role in their own story.
-The flashbacks from Wrath Sr.'s point of view provided a neat contrast and insight into the royal family. I enjoyed that.
-Rhevenge got some page time! I have always enjoyed him and although there was nothing from his pov, I was glad to see him more involved.
-John's connection with Darius continues to develop. I am hopeful that in one of the coming books they will finally figure out the reincarnation bit. I am very glad Ms. Ward has kept up with this part of Johns life and I can't wait to see it play out.

Now the not so good...
-Wrath and Beth only got half the page time. While this has been an increase from past books I really wanted more from their point of view.
-The writing felt a little different. There were far too many pop culture references and something about the overall style of writing just felt different. Miley Cyrus's name should never come up that much in a BDB book
-Too. Many. Extra. Characters. Seriously, time to scale back. I have zero interest in Sola and Assail as they were thrust upon us out of nowhere and honestly, I have never liked Xcor and Layla. The girl either needs to turn him in and stop seeing him or not. And Xcor has just never appealed to me. I will be perfectly satisfied if he does not get his own book. Trez and Selena keep me intrigued, but this feels like a rewrite of Beth/Zsadist and Bella/Rhev again. Not terribly original.
-We didn't see ANY of most of the favorites....Vishous, Zsadist, Rhage, Tohr, Blay, Qhuinn....they were all only brief mentions. I enjoyed seeing John play a bigger part but I miss the classic BDB group.

Overall I was fairly satisfied. I wish that we could have a cease on new characters for a while and develop the relationships of some of the old ones a bit more. Hopefully the next book (which I hear is called The Shadows and focusing on Trez/iAm) will be a bit more streamlined.
297016
I am sad, as this blu ray release was a real opportunity to honor this great tale.
First, there is no widescreen. Not sure why this didn't happen, but it was first thing I noticed
Then, some of the features on the box are nowhere to be found on the discs... the menu options are so limited, i am thinking it is the same as the dvd, just now on blu ray.
But the one big feature I was hoping for was the inclusion of the "notes" that they did one year... they were supplements to the world that Team Avatar lives in. For example, background stories on characters, or explaining behaviors of creatures and animals. I really thought you would be able to select that as a viewing option, like a directors commentary, and they were done in a pop-up fashion. For me it was as good as done, because it added sooo much depth. I'm actually sad, I was so excited for this release, but meh is all I got. I may sell this and keep pestering the production company to make it worth it next time.
1021393
What I wanted !, but took a long time to come, but happy when got it.
1696257
Here it is at last. The highly anticipated new cd from The Gathering!
No doubt this new release was very important for the band to prove they can carry on just fine without their former singer. Did they succeed?

Well, to be honest, yes and no. Overall I find this to be an "okay" album. The new singer is proficient enough, but lacks a little in comparison to the former The Gathering singer Anneke (which is understandable given how great Anneke is).

There are some really nice songs on here that I find to be moving and fairly solid. This is a little more guitar driven than the last cd "Home", but by no means is it very heavy at all. The songs seem like a natural progression from "Home" and if you liked that last album you'll find something to like on The West Pole also.

But there are several songs on here that to me seem boring and uninspired. Almost like they didn't really know what direction to take some of the songs, so they just kind of dragged them out in a repetitive way. It's difficult for me to find a strong desire to restart the cd again unless for the reason of seeing if I can try to like it more. Perhaps with more time it will grow on me some.

My personal hunch is that their former singer Anneke also contributed her own ideas and parts to the song making process on previous Gathering albums. Whereas this time, the band was left to do it all on their own without Anneke's help, and then just have the new singer sing the parts assigned to her. So they lost a strong creative force in the band and I think it shows.

By no means is this a "bad" album. It's good, just not great, and to me doesn't feel very much inspired. Still, if your a long time fan of The Gathering like me and want their new works then feel free to get it. You'll for sure enjoy 3-4 of the songs on here, maybe more.
2742270
I waited for what seems like forever for this to drop and I would say it was worth the wait! I'm a little upset and the struggle with Jethro and the lack of details as to what he does when he goes away but I'm hope the next book will fill in those blanks.
4808151
Ok...waited so long for this, saw preview and the anticipation was incredible! Then, to be honest, had a real hard time getting into it as movie began. The further it went on the more addicted I became. Increased in appreciation each time watched! (About 5 times now). Can't wait to see what's next! HATE THE WAITING. The anticipation of fans may kill the show...way too much time in between. By the time it gets here I almost feel deserted...and it then effects my feelings for the show. Still love it...hopefully the next wait won't kill it for me and force me to find a new 'love'...
3459884
Not enough distant viewing, slightly disappointed.
1997284
The last book felt bogged down by details a bit, it was the set up for this one.  Finally getting more references to why it's called "the Church of God Awaiting."it's going to be hard to wait for another hundred years... Or is it going to take that long?  Mr. Weber is not a nice man to tease us so.
28103
i'm a long time counting crows fan, living in the town next to the band's childhood routes in the bay area. we've seen them many times over the past 15 years including last month, and i was really looking forward to hearing this release even though it was all covers....and while i find it enjoyable and i will continue to listen to it, so far i'm left feeling that i wish adam and crew had focused on new, original music instead of some of their favorite covers. i applaud their innovation in putting out such a release, but the counting crows hardly ever have new original music anyway so i'm feeling that it may be a few years before they get around to putting out some of their own. maybe it was unrealistic to have been hoping for more out of a release of covers, but i am left wanting the 'real' counting crows....
4847625
I've been anxiously awaiting this latest book in the SCU series but I must admit to being a little disappointed.  I love the psychic element of these books and could even deal with the ghosts wandering around (the surprise about the little girl and her dog was quite good), but when the murderer turns out to be someone who has been dead for a hundred years, that was too much for me.  Please keep writing these SCU books, but I'd prefer them to be a bit more believable. And I'd love to see some of the characters we've already gotten to know....like some more cases solved by Bishop, Miranda or Galen.  It appears once you're married off in this series, you can't play an active role anymore.

I really do love Kay Hooper's books, love her characters and love the concept, and I did enjoy this book which is why I gave it three stars, but it wasn't my favorite.