Expert: Helen Joan Casper - 6/21/2007

Question
QUESTION: Dear Helen Joan Casper          06/15/07

Hello!  It is me again, the guy that required your assistance in purchasing "cute" and "puzzle" games because I do not play titles of those categories.  I have had an Xbox 1 console ever since it came out and this question is in regards to the system that I am going to give to my friend as a "multi-functional" relaxation machine.  Here are the games that I used to "test" the console out.  The games below are the ones that I will give her.  Unfortunately, I was unable to locate and acquire "Dance Dance Revolution" or "The Sims 2" but found some other games that "I think" she would also enjoy.  She also likes to read and travel so I got her "Shenmue II."  Knowing her taste in games, could you please tell me if these games are ones that "you think" she would enjoy? (Excluding "Tetris Worlds," it got stuck with the "Star Wars: The Clone Wars" and I sincerely doubt that she would enjoy that.)

(1) Fusion Frenzy (100% flawless!)

(2) Tak: The Great Juju Challenge (100% flawless!)

(3) Shenmue II (100% flawless!)

(4) Star Wars/Tetris Worlds Combo (100% flawless!)

Now, here is how I accidentally stumbled upon the problem.  During the testing, I got bored and decided to pop in a game that "I" would play.  I pop in "Splashdown" into the console and the disc just spins; giving me the message to please use the DVD Playback Kit because it was unable to read the disc in the tray in about a minute's time.  I was surprised by this and didn't think much of it. (I thought it was some kind of "fluke" where you sometimes have to eject the disc and pop it back in; it happens to all the systems!  From my experience with my Xbox 1, it happends VERY rarely but it is never a problem.)  So, I change my mind and pop in "Panzer Dragoon Orta" instead, I get the same problem!  My comment was "Woah, this is really weird!"  These are games that she would not enjoy, but games that I enjoy.  So, I try all of the games listed above and guess what, they work ABSOLUTELY perfectly!  Is this problem going to be detrimental to the consoles future performance?  Why do you think the system is doing this?  I know it sounds crazy, but given the context of what I have experienced with this console, one would almost think that it has a mind of it's own and will not run those games because "it does not like those kind of games."

P.S.  I am still on the look-out for Midway Arcade Collection, Namco Arcade Collection, Dance Dance Revolution (It has to have to dance pad b/c it is WAY more fun with it that without!), and The Sims 2.

I sincerely thank you very much for your assistance in regards to this matter Mrs. Casper!  Please excuse me, but I just purchased "Tenchu Z" yesterday for my Xbox 360 and have to "disappear into the shadows and communicate with some people," if you catch my drift! ^_~         Sincerely your, Anonymous ^_^

ANSWER: I very sincerely apologize as I just NOW was notified that this question was waiting for me. I sincerely apologize for my late response.

Fusion Frenzy- She will most likely enjoy this title but it's a game she would probably not play very often as it's more geared to multiplayer than single player. There are, of course, single player options but it's meant to be a party game.

Tak 3: The Great Juju Challenege- I had forgotten about this game but it is a cute one and I do think she'll enjoy it. =)

Shenmue II: I honestly don't know if she'd like this. It's a very long and involved RPG. It's a brilliant game, don't get me wrong, but it's a serious RPG and not one I'd personally recommend for a beginner gamer. However, it's a solid title and I think she'll enjoy some of it, if nothing else because it's aesthetically beautiful as well.

Tetris Worlds: I still think she's really enjoy this. What do you mean by "it got stuck with". As in, it was bundled together with this or the disc got physically stuck to the other disk? =)  Even if it's bundled together, you can always just take out the Star Wars and just give her the Tetris.

I think it may be the color of the disc itself rather than just the type of game. =) If this is a used Xbox, the laser might need to be realigned. Unfortunately, the Xbox console isn't new to hardware problems and it's not a console that's aged well. Feel free to give it for now, but just be aware that in 6 months she might come back to you and ask you to fix her Xbox. =D

Enjoy your Tenchu Z!  As always, if there's any way I can help then please let me know.

Best wishes,
Helen =)

---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: Dear Helen Joan Casper          06/21/07

First and foremost, there is no need to apologize to me for the delay because stuff like this happens and it is no big deal; so please do not worry about it.  When I was referring to the "Tetris Worlds/Star Wars: The Clone Wars," I was referring to the single disk that had both titles on it; where upon loading it you were given the choice of which game to play.  I sincerely apologize for not being specific about the details of this game.  As for the Xbox console that is malfunctioning, I am currently on the lookout for a "replacement" that will pass my rigorous standards before giving it to her.  I care about her deeply and would never ever give her a defective product.  She works so hard and is constantly stressed out!  I make her laugh and smile to ease the burden of the stress in the office (she has such a cute face when she smiles and has the most adorable laughter!  ^_^  I do not like seeing her depressed and I worry about her a lot when she gets sick!)  If necessary, I would gladly give her my Xbox 1 to help her out in this situation.  My Xbox 1 has proven it's worth and still runs as if I had just been taken it out from the box!  It is in perfect condition and you would not be able to tell the difference between one that was just opened from a box and mine unless I told you myself.

MY NEW QUESTIONS....

Please tell me if she will enjoy the following games?  I am pretty sure that she will and your comments will always be invaluable to me.

(1) Voodoo Vince
(2) Rayman 3: Hoodlum Havoc
(3) Blinx: The Time Sweeper

P.S.  I was successfully able to acquire the "Midway Arcade Collection" and the "Namco Arcade Collection" for her.  It is complete with everything; except that I had to change the cases because they were damaged!  I am still looking for "Dance Dance Revolution" with the pad and "The Sims 2."  Please excuse me Mrs. Casper, but the shadows beckon and justice has to be served!  He he he he he!  Isn't negotiating fun?  ^_^  Once again, thank you very much for you assistance in regards to this matter!      Sincerely yours, Anonymous!

Answer
You are a wonderful friend to your friend! =)

Voodoo Vince - While it's cute, it may not be up her alley. The gameplay is more like Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles or the older Zelda games: you have to fight through levels even though the attacks target yourself. If she's trying to relax, she may get frustrated by having to fight so many things to get to the minigames (which don't last very long). With that said, it is a cute game and may be something to get for her down the road once she's used to controls and whatnot.

Rayman 3: Hoodlum Havoc - Once again, a very cute game and a good title but it's a fighting-through-levels game and not a puzzle game. However, this might be a good introductory game to other games like it because it is relatively easy once you get down the controls.

Blinx: The Time Sweeper - While this is a game I would recommend further down the line, I think it's a bit too complex and confusing for the beginner gamer. =) With the time travel aspect, it may be just a little confusing especially if she hasn't played through a normal action game previously. I think Rayman or even Voodoo you could give her now if you wanted to try to introduce her to action games but you might want to wait on Blinx until she's got a hang of the genre.

As always, please let me know if there's anything else I can do to help! It's been an absolute pleasure conversing with you. =)

Best wishes,
Helen =)