First Look
Need for Speed Prostreet
Just when you thought driving games have reached the peak of reality, the EA team busts out with yet another continuation to the famous racing series known as Need For Speed. But unlike Rocky XXXI: Rocky vs. Hip Surgery, the latest version, tentatively titled ProStreet, is more than just a sequel. NFS ProStreet has a revamped stable lineup to incorporate cars from the sport compact scene and lifestyle. This new version even allows crash damage on real cars-for you hardcore car gamers, you know that's a huge plus for a video game mainly because car manufacturers aren't exactly keen on watching their vehicles flip nine times and ram head first into a K rail. We don't really blame them, but that's the reality of racing. After months of research on crashing and studying effects of collisions, the EA team was able to compute all that data and use it in ProStreet. To save them time, we could have just pointed them in the direction of an editor from one of our sister publications with plenty of hands-on car-crashing experience. As expected, the cars are fully tunable, from suspension to motor, right down to the tire compound. You can even mess around with the graphic schemes or decals (pronounced de-colls by your Canadian friends) off of real racecars from around the world. For those who like to go overboard, it's also possible to do too much to your car and make it perform worse than stock. Just like real life except your bank account won't be drained at the end.
DVD of the month
Infernal Affairs Trilogy
STARRING: A bunch of Hong Kong stars you probably have never heard of
FROM: Genius Products
RATING: 5
If the Oscar-winning The Departed is the kind of police-drama flick you found to be twisted on many levels, then you'll love the original Hong Kong series that inspired it. Infernal Affairs goes deep into an expansive and more detailed storyline with action scenes that puts the shorter American version to shame. - Jonathan Wong
Cross Blazer Hat
FROM: Alpinestars, www.alpinestars.com
RATING: 5
Looking for the perfect hat to go with your striped suit and black Chucks? Peep the new Cross Blazer hat from Alpinestars. It's stretch-fitted, black and, unlike your Mom's Camry, Alpinestars makes pinstripes cool again. - CJ
Tactical Blue-Dot Flashlight
FROM: Brite-Strike, www.brite-strike.com
$110-150
RATING: 4.5
Normally, we prefer blinding innocent bystanders by turning around and exposing our pasty white behinds. Only now, there's a simpler way: Using this 90 lumens police-grade gizmo, finally available for public use, to zap them with stunning beams of white light. Neutralizing attackers (and frightening optometrists) has never been easier. - SS