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| VGE Video Game Enhancer |
| NuWave |
|
Price:
$40
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| Coolness
score: 7 |
| Ease of use: 9 |
|
| By connecting this box between your video game system (Compatible with Playstation 1 and 2, Nintendo 64, Sega Dremcast and the Microsoft Xbox) and television, the VGE enhances the video of the game you're playing. Basically, it makes the screen brighter and adds more contrast, but it's a neat effect. I was wary at first, because I figured I could get the same effect by just turning up my contrast and brightness on the TV. But it works better than that. A dial on the side of the box also lets you finetune the enhancement. The box can also enhance DVD movies if you want to connect it between your DVD player and TV. If you're video game is too dark and you're missing some details, this could help you see more of the game. |
| Blue Thunder Racing Wheel |
| InterAct |
|
Price: $60 |
| Fun factor: 8 (once you've figured out how to put the wheel together) |
| Ease of use: 7.5 |
|
| If you really like racing games on your Playstation 2, then forget about the PS2's normal controllers, and go get a racing wheel. Playing Gran Turismo 3 with this racing wheel made me a much better driver, as you can navigate the turns easier and really feel like you're driving a race car. The wheel has two settings, whether you want to place it on a table, or whether you want to put the wheel on your lap. The parts were somewhat difficult to put together, at one point I just gave up trying to make the lap version and went with the tabletop version. Once installed, however, you'll enjoy the feel of the racing wheel, and you can also use it as a regular controller for other games if you don't feel like switching out the ports. You'll probably want to go back to the normal controller for non-racing games, however. |
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