NHL 11 - Xbox 360 Review

Hello dedicated readers of Rewound Entertainment, I Brandon B. Will be doing the review for the new NHL game. NHL 11. Before I start I was just like to say that I am an hardcore hockey fan and felt this should be our first video game review of September. Also note that we have changed our system of rating. As you read the review you will notice we do not have a scoring system. We now review the entire game and give our final thoughts at the end of our review. So I hope you enjoy this review of NHL 11.






- Over the many years EA sports as produced tons of NHL hockey games. Each game containing its own unique touch. This year, NHL 11 really takes to the ice and shows its true home colors. This game brings breath taking moments and really meshes together creating this game. Weather you enjoyed the dekeing system from NHL 06, the hockey card collecting from NHL 03, or the memorable music from the erlyer NHL's. NHL 11 has all this and more to offer. The different modes that you can compete in are enjoyable and creative. Such as the " Ultimate Hockey League " were you collect hockey cards containing players from each team that allow you to put them together on your own ultimate dream team. From NHL 10 they producers have brought back two modes that should be familiar with players. " Be a Pro mode " and " Be a GM mode ". Having all these different modes really allows the players to experience different feels for the sport of hockey, being a coach, playing as your favorite NHL team, or living the dream and being your own pro. This is the most realistic NHL game yet.
The new mechanics for NHL 11 are realistic, and puts you in the atmosphere of a real hockey game. The slogan " No Moments The Same " stays true to its word. As I played each mode I was pulling off different dekes and figuring out new ways to set up plays to win the game. Each hit was always different, I never felt like I was re-watching the same old bland hits or moves over and over again. With the addition of real time physics in the game, players will always experience a new game. Weather your throwing devastating hip checks or dancing around the defence, your going to enjoy playing.




As I said before, this NHL game is this seasons best. The graphics look upgraded from the last game, and really pulls you into the game. The crowd wearing their teams jerseys, cheering and doing the wave. The players them self's, skating, celebrating after scoring the game winning goal and the beautiful new pre-game cut scenes. I was very pleased to see that this year in addition to all the new physics and features EA added the OHL and WHL containing new prospects and teams to use. Not only this but EA has created one the best " pump up " soundtrack of NHL history. All of these additions really puts you in a true hockey fans dream. After doing hockey games for so long you'd think by now it would get old really quick. But no, EA has Zambonied the ice and started fresh with features everyone can enjoy.
I am pleased to say this game is one everyone will love and remember. I recommend you pick this one up if your a hardcore hockey fan such as myself. The atmosphere is amazing and true to the hockey spirit. The musics great, controls are simple and straight forward and the modes are fun and enjoyable to play. Hope you pick up a copy today. Overall 8/10 .


Check out more reviews coming soon to " Rewound Entertainment " .
Thanks for taking the time to read!
- Brandon

Rewounds makeover

Rewound Entertainment. It all started with two young adults playing and voicing their opinions about video games, movies, music and a whole lot more. Brian and myself ( Brandon ) have been doing this for quite some time now. At the moment we are just a simple small blog operation working our way slowly to the public eye. We hope to continue writing, reviewing and learning about all new entertainment. To give you, the public, a heads up on whats to come in the future. I personally want to continue this web site for the rest of my life and create my own company reviewing entertainment such as many websites do in this present time. As over the next few years, Brian and I will be restructuring and building our website empire higher and higher. We will try to cover new and exciting information on video games, music, movies, entertainment that really arouses the human mind. We just wanted to make an official post to notify our readers to expect a lot of new and exciting information will be coming soon. Thank you to everyone who supports us!

- Brandon
RE

Lego Harry Potter Years 1-4 - Xbox 360 Review

Hello readers, this is Brandon. Its time for another video game review. Lego Harry Potter Years 1-4 for the Xbox360. Enjoy!


Story- Lego Harry Potter spans over the first four years of Harry Potters journey to Hogwarts. Almost every detail is direct from the Harry Potter feature films. Now although the characters in all " Lego " games do not have voice actors, they use comedy which replaces the voices. Without the comedy in this game I don't think the story would hold up as well as you might think. Each year follows the series of events during Harry Potters life at Hogwarts. You visit many familiar areas, that is if your a Harry Potter fan. You Battle Lord Voldemort, you visit the Chamber of Secrets, Rescue your God-Father, and Battle for the Tri-Wizard Cup. I advise you have haven't already, watch the Harry Potter movies, or read the books. If you love Lego and that's why your interested in the game, you may be confused as to whats going on. I think the four years were presented well, stayed on track, and gave the fans and players a great adventure worth playing. Following the first four movies I think " Travellers Tale " did a great job, 9/10.

Gameplay- The mechanics used for this game are the same as all Lego games we've played before. So you can see why the game could be boring and not worth playing. However, Travellers Tale, gave the players a little more of a fresh start to this Lego game. You are able to use different magical curses and spells, this gives a nice fresh, but small new addition to the Lego games world. If your looking for action, and intense fighting like in one of the " Lego Star Wars " games, you wont find that here. Lego Harry Potter has its times of action and boss battles, but the game focuses more around puzzle solving. Playing the game through once was fun, but if you want to unlock everything, such as secret areas, a character ( with over 200 playable ), or get Achievement/Trophies you'll have to play it more then once. Going through the second time is not as fun as the first time, but its not boring and you wont feel like you want to just give up. I have to say I didn't really like the magic wheel system, choosing your spells. Because at times Id have one spell out for a certain task then having an enemies attack me which prevented me from both completing a task and preventing me from changing my spell to attack. As well, at times the camera would be in a poor position where it made it difficult to do something. Not very noticeable but was a pain at times. Over all the gameplay has grown and stayed the same, 7/10.

Graphics- The graphics are nothing special. Lego Harry Potter is the best looking of all Lego games so far, hands down. But its nothing that makes you say " Wow, it feels like I'm at Hogwarts! ". Although I have to say, the scenery was well done. Everything looked and felt like it was straight from one of the movies. The animations for the game were quite humorous. They really held the game together. I encountered some glitching threw out my play, such as hair into capes, hair into the Christmas hat and minor things in the cut scenes. It didn't effect my play of the game, but it was noticeable. Overall the gameplay is nothing special, but it has its moments, 7/10.

Controls- Now, the controls are fairly simple. Anyone can pick up the controller and get right into the game. Everything is easy to use, move around objects, and do the objective ask of you at the time. The use of spells is very easy. Selecting the spell on the wheel, holding down x or b / square or circle for " PS3 " and casting your spell. I didn't find really anything wrong or difficult with the controls. They felt natural and easy. If your familiar with Lego games then you may feel like its repetitive, which for myself felt a little bit that way. It wasn't a pain, but it felt familiar. The controls are solid, 9/10.

Sound- Having said that somethings don't make you feel like your at Hogwarts, the sound delivers in that area. The sound effects for spells, characters moaning, all the minor sounds are great. They sound like a spell being thrown at an object or another character. Nothing seems to be out of place, it all fits nicely. I have to say I really enjoyed the music in the background. At times it may seems repetitive, but it doesn't bother you. I was really happy to hear the theme music to the Harry Potter movies. It made my time in the game more enjoyable and put the feel of Harry Potter into my head. The sounds and music in this game really pull the world of Harry Potter into the Lego world and gives it a very unique and great feel, 9/10.

Value- Combining Lego with the world and story of Harry Potter was a fantastic idea. The game is not perfect, but its one of the best among the Lego video games out there today. It was replay value to everyone, for those who enjoyed the story, the hardcore gamers trying to get every little thing in the game and to younger kids who enjoy Lego and or Harry Potter.
There are minor details that make this game feel like its just another Lego game, but at the same time brings a fresh new look upon itself. If your not fully sure on what you think of this game I recommend you rent it. If you love Lego, Harry Potter, or both, I recommend you pick up a copy today. Its a great fun filled adventure, with puzzles and some action for the whole family. This game is ment for all ages, weather your a kid laughing at the Lego people, or an teen/adult with the love for Lego, Harry Potter and puzzles. This game is solid overall, 7/10.

Overall- As I said before this game is ment for all ages. If your still unsure after reading this review, I suggest renting it and giving it a whirl. It has its minor issues here and there, but nothing huge to really effect your time playing the game. It brings comedy, puzzles, action, adventure and fun all into one. This game was enjoyable to play and go threw re-living the movies and books as Lego characters, 8/10.

Transformers: War for Cybertron - Xbox 360 Review

Hello readers of Rewound Entertainment! This is Brandon with the review for " Transformers: War for Cybertron " for the Xbox 360. I am a huge Transformers fan and I thought it was only right to do a review on the new video game. So enjoy!



Story- Transformers: War for Cybertron offers two different campaigns to play through. Both the evil Decepticons and the Autobots. This storyline is the official canon to the original G1 or Generation One cartoon. You learn of how StarScream becomes a Deception, the relation between Megatron and Jetfire, how Bumblebee and Optimus become a fighting team, and how Optimus becomes Optimus Prime- the leader of the Autobots. Without giving the whole plot away the basic story is Megatron is out to take over Cybertron with any means necessary. Both campaigns offer a challenge, but I found the Deceptions campaign was a little less stressful over all. The story also offers a multi-player mode which is very fun to play with friends, and that includes all the other different modes. The story is very original and brings a new page in the history books for the Transformers. Although I wish it was a little longer it was still well done and not rushed. Overall the story is a strong 9/10 .

Gameplay- The gameplay for Transformers: War for Cybertron has a very unique style to it. With being a futuristic game and the history of Transformers the creators really had a lot to work with. The use of there full imagination. All the visuals done are very robotic, futuristic, and really gives the feel that your on this robotic planet. You play in various levels with this robotic feel, but at times it almost seems repetitive. You have to take into account that this planet is completely covered in metal. But it would have been nice to see a change. Such as different door opening effects, brighter environments, and different transformers enemies. Having said that I was very impressed with a lot of Transformers originality, such as Soundwave sounding like Soundwave, Soundwave having his mini-cons, lines used in the original cartoon and original cartoon movie, and giving each character there own original look. There were times while I was playing I encountered glitching into the wall and some polygons looked a little off or odd, but it was very unnoticeable and did not effect my feelings towards the game. The game play is a 8/10 .

Graphics- As I said about before encountering minor glitches and polygons here and there, I didnt really notice anything eles wrong with the game. I felt like I was on Cybertron, you really get the feel for the futuristic, outer space and robotic planet. The graphics have a unique style to it. I think it stays true to what the real Transformers are. The colors used for the characters was a big factor in the game- not changing them or making the character different so we wouldn't look at them and say " who's that ? " . I didnt really notice anything wrong with the graphics. There not over the line stellar, but a lot better then some games coming out these days. I really liked the transformations- very unique, looked great, and not re-cycled except for StarScream/ ThunderCracker/ SkyWarp, but they were all the same in the original cartoon, so thats understandable. I was very pleased overall with the graphics. Grapgics 8/10 .

Controls- The controls are fairly simple and easy to pick up and play. At first it may seem over whelming but are really not at all. Picking up the controller and playing around with the buttons I found myself destroying Decepticons with ease. I was extremely happy with the fact I didnt have to hold a button to transform. I pressed the analog stick or ( R3 ) and was on my way in which ever form. I could not find any issues with the controls, it was satisfying, easy and fun. Controls a perfect 10/10 .

Sound- There are various sounds in the game which make you feel like your a part of the Transformers universe. The sounds for the Transformers them selfs and other sound effects were great, a technological feeling to them. You dont feel like your continuously hearing the same sounds. The Voice acting was powerful and brought the feeling like the characters had there emotions and unique parts, exactly like in the original cartoons. For example, Bumblebee the small and weak rebel always wanting to go straight on. Optimus Prime the brave leader but always seems to take the most complex of routes. Megatron the evil villan wanting to take over Cybertron with no fear. And Starscream always wanting to fight with no plan of action. The music for the video game I felt was bland. At times the music really fit into place and had you sitting on thy edge of your seat. Other times it was boring and made you feel like it was boring. All in all the sounds for this game were presented nicely 8/10 .

Value- This game offers a great edition to the Transformers universe and a great spot on your shelf. The campaign mode is fun to play and learn more about the story of the Transformers and not to mention fun to play with a friend or 2. The online multi-player is great as well, fighting against other people, and leveling up. There is also an mode called " Escalation " where you have to fight off waves of robots with a team- its a lot of fun! This is a great game to buy and I recommend getting it if your a Transformers fan or not. 9/10 .

Overall- Transformers: War for Cybertron is a great game and really puts you in the Transformers world. This game is like a robot version of " Gears of war " . Personally I think its the best Transformers game yet. Its very fun to play, especially with friends online, including the multi-player. Overall the games a 9/10 .


Thanks for reading the review for Transformers: War for Cybertron. Be sure to check back with news updates, more video game reviews and more!

Top 10 Simpsons Episodes

Now, this is one of the toughest top 10 lists I've ever put together. The Simpsons has such an incredible selection of episodes, both in number and quality, that choosing only 10 is a near-impossible task. Almost everyone has compiled their own top 10 list of Simpsons episodes and almost all of those people have surely received some sort of retaliation for their choices (no one can seem to agree with anyone on this subject). Below is what I, Brian Russell, feel are the best of the best thing to ever come out TV land. If you don't agree, feel free to voice your disapproval.

10. Rosebud (Season 5)
For an episode that strongly revolves around Mr. Burns (no matter what anyone says, he is one of my least favourite Simpsons characters), "Rosebud" is actually very impressive. It's Mr. Burns' birthday and what should be an occasion for celebrating is marred by the fact that Mr. Burns is having recurring dreams of losing his childhood teddy bear, Bobo. When he discovers that Maggie is the new owner of the bear, he goes to the highest lengths to get it back.

Of course, a lot of my reason for putting this on the list is because of the entire episodes reference to Citizen Kane. That movie is brilliant and "Rosebud" thrives off of its glory. Apart from that, though, seeing Homer's love for Maggie and the level he will go to fight for her is a truly touching moment for The Simpsons and gives this episode something to relate to.

9. Mr. Plow (Season 4)
When the Simpsons meet winter, there is always fun to be had. Of all the winter themed episodes, none have made the impact that "Mr. Plow" has. A simple premise, Homer decides to buy his own plow truck and start a driveway plowing business. Unfortunately for him, his bar buddy Barney has done the same thing and is seeing better results. But, even amongst the business tension between the two of them, when Barney gets stuck in snowy trouble, Homer comes to the rescue.

What makes "Mr. Plow" so memorable and such a great episode is the fact that it's filled with some of the funniest sequences of the fourth season. Adam West's cameo, Homer's self-produced Mr. Plow commercial, Barney's hot tub conversation with Linda Ronstadt, just to name a few. And who can forget the Mr. Plow jingle? "Call Mr. Plow, that's my name, that name again is Mr. Plow."

8. Treehouse of Horror IV (Season 5)
The "Treehouse of Horror" series of Simpsons episodes are generally fan favourites thanks to their allowance for some of the weirdest, most surreal Simpsons stories around. Rarely, though, do these Halloween-themed episodes achieve a level of greatness that the more standard Simpson fare does. "Treehouse of Horror IV" is an exception.

The hilariously un-scary stories, which include Homer selling his soul to Devil Flanders for a donut, Bart seeing a gremlin on the school bus and the Simpson family discovering Mr. Burns is a vampire, are shining examples of Simpsons humour and Halloween antics working together in perfect harmony.

7. Homer's Enemy (Season 8)
Most Simpsons fans love Homer and his utter mindlessness, but let's face it, if Homer were a real person, he would be the most annoying person in the world. That fact can be seen at its clearest in "Homer's Enemy".

Frank Grimes, a man who has had to work hard for everything in his life, has recently acquired a job at the Springfield Nuclear Power Plant. Unfortunately for him, he is working in close quarters with Homer. Day in and day out, Homer drives Grimes up the wall, eventually leading Grimes to go insane and, in an effort to prove Homer is an idiot, accidentally kill himself. It's definitely one of the darkest Simpsons episodes ever made, but sometimes "dark" can be funny.

6. The City of New York vs. Homer Simpson (Season 9)
This is the episode that I consider to be the last of the great Simpsons stories. The story is fresh, the humour is top-of-the-line; just about everything in this episode is excellent. Unfortunately, it is also the opener to season nine, meaning that the rest of the 25 episode season is filled with standard, passable material. In this outing, Barney has been made the designated driver for the drinkers at Moe's Tavern. Barney uses Homer's car to drive everyone home, but the next morning, Homer can't find his car and Barney doesn't remember where he left it. It turns out the car is at the World Trade Center in New York and now Homer and his family must travel there to get it back.

This is the only episode of The Simpsons to ever be taken out of syndication. The reason for its removal was because of the terrorist attacks on the World Trade Center in 2001. It has recently been put back in syndication, but it's still quite rare to see it on TV. The DVD is the best way to go to if you want to see this classic.

5. One Fish, Two Fish, Blowfish, Bluefish (Season 2)
One of Homer's most prominent traits is the fact that he likes to eat. So, to no one's surprise, when the Simpson family goes out for dinner to a Japanese restaurant, Homer orders whatever he can get his hands on. He unknowingly tries fugu, otherwise known as pufferfish, and thanks to Homer's impatience, the chef doesn't slice it properly, causing Homer to eat the poisonous part of the fish.

What's most notable about this episode is that it's actually quite a sad story. For the entire episode, Homer, knowing he will soon die from the toxic fish, tries to live out all the things he wants to do before it's too late. And while attempts at humour are made, and essentially succeed fairly well, it's still kind of heart-wrenching. Of course, and I don't think I'm spoiling this for anyone, Homer doesn't die, but the final scenes are what I consider to be the most moving Simpsons scenes ever. If you haven't seen this one yet, watch it now. It's definitely worth the 20 minutes.

4. Last Exit to Springfield (Season 4)
"Last Exit to Springfield" is an episode many people consider to be the best episode of The Simpsons ever made. It appears on most people's top 10 lists, quite often at number one, and received the best critical praise the show has ever seen. There's also a lot going on in this one. Mr. Burns (yes, I know, he's on the list again, but I still don't like him) has gotten fed up with the power plant's union and has decided to take away their dental plan. At the same time, Lisa learns she needs braces and that without Homer's dental plan, she will have to settle for the most clunky, mechanical set of braces there is. Homer takes on the job of union leader and fights to get the plan back with the support of his co-workers.

The reason I haven't placed "Last Exit to Springfield" at the top of my list is because I never liked the ending. The rest of the episode showcases some of the best material in the series, including Homer dreaming he is a mob boss, but the ending just never cut it for me. It seems too rushed and inconclusive, more like something out of the recent Simpsons years. I'm not going to spoil it for anyone who hasn't seen it, but watch it anyway and see if you agree.

3. Life on the Fast Lane (Season 1)
I really struggled with this one, deciding whether to put it at number three or number two, but I have settled with third position. First of all, "Life on the Fast Lane" is hands down the best episode of the first season. Albert Brooks always brings laughs when he does a voice for the show and this is truly his finest performance (even though he does appear again on this list). It's Marge's birthday and Homer has forgotten to get her a gift. While at the mall, he spots a bowling ball which he buys for himself, but foolishly ends up giving it to Marge for her gift. Magre gets mad, keeps the ball anyways and meets Jacques, a smooth talking French bowling instructor while spending some personal time bowling with her "birthday gift".

This is one of the few instances where Homer has reason to be upset with Marge due to her extended periods of time socializing with Jacques. Not much more can be said about this episode. It's simply full of hilarious Simpsons material and that's enough to qualify it for top three. And, just to note, Albert Brooks actually ad-libbed most of Jacques dialogue, my favourite line being "four onion rings!", and gave the show more than three hours of material to work with.

2. Simpson and Delilah (Season 2)
This episode doesn't get enough credit for how great it is. I think that being near the top of season two and considering its age, it has sort of gotten lost among the other great episodes. What makes "Simpson and Delilah" so special is that the story is extremely well structured and it marks the first prominent instance of character development for Homer. After seeing an ad for Dimoxinil, a "miracle" hair growth formula, Homer decides he wants to try it and manages to get it paid for by his work's medical insurance. Luckily, the formula works and he gets a flowing new head of hair, which gets him an executive job at the power plant and allows him to hire his own secretary, Karl, played by Harvey Fierstein.

After Bart breaks the bottle of Dimoxinil, Homer goes bald again and loses the confidence he gained from having hair. Karl tries to reassure Homer that his hair had nothing to do with his recent success and that's where we get to see Homer at his weakest and someone caring enough for the man when he's feeling down. Fierstein does a brilliant job with his role and honestly, without his participation, I don't think this episode would have been as great as it is. Nonetheless, this is prime Simpsons territory that every TV viewer should check out.

1. You Only Move Twice (Season 8)
For me, season eight is the most consistent in terms of good quality episodes. Each one has something memorable about it, but the best of the season and the best overall is "You Only Move Twice", the episode that brought back the feel of the amazing early days of the series. When Homer is offered a job at the Globex Corporation, he convinces his family to move to Cypress Creek to be closer to the company. Homer's new boss, Hank Scorpio, voiced by the already well-established Albert Brooks, seems perfect, but unknown to Homer, Hank is truly evil and he has a doomsday device to prove it. The government wants it and Homer is unknowingly a part of Hank's plans.

Though the episode does primarily revolve around Homer, the rest of the Simpson family have their own sub-stories that correlate to the main premise. This gives the episode a lot of meatiness and the best part is that none of it becomes overwhelming. All the different stories are easily followed and they all come around in the end and conclude perfectly. Along with some of the best jokes, animation and cultural references in the series, "You Only Move Twice" takes the number one spot and truly deserves it.

Now, there were some episodes that almost made it in my top 10, but just didn't have enough to earn a spot. So, seeing as how I still enjoy these ones a lot, I'll number them 11-15:

11. Bart the General (Season 1)
12. Homer's Phobia (Season 8)
13. Homer at the Bat (Season 3)
14. Bart the Daredevil (Season 2)
15. Treehouse of Horror V (Season 6)

So, there it is. Yet another top 10 list of Simpsons episodes. It seemed impossible, but it's done. Whether you agree or disagree with these choices, you must admit, The Simpsons really is one of the greatest TV shows ever created. It transcends age, time and sense of humour. It has something for everyone.