MyReviewer Best of 2012 - Part 7

Continuing our look back at what we thought was best during 2012, we look at our reviews for the last twelve months and see those we rated a 9 or 10. Today we have a look at action releases and hardware this past year.

Robee looked at the Hauppauge HD PVR2 Gaming Edition and found it to be the ideal companion for anyone who wants to capture HD video from their XBox 360, PS3, iPad or Wii. Which came as a real treat after looking at the Roxio GameCap HD Pro.

"So what to say about this cute little box? It's easy to use, quality is excellent, the hardware encoder is a CPU saviour and very configurable. Is there anything to criticise here? Well the component cable sockets feel a tiny bit loose for my liking, the audio sockets are both black so you have to stare down the hole to find out what colour goes where, and the A/V plug at the other end of all this is a bit fiddly to remove afterwards. But yes, I'm being insanely petty here, this is a great product and definitely the one to get if for some reason you want to record from your XBox 360, PS3, iPad, iPhone or Wii. Hauppauge, we are falling in love with you all over again!"

Rich took a gander at the Edifier M1380 2.1 Multimedia Audio Speaker System, a complete audio solution for an array of audio applications. The 2.1 speaker system features two full range satellites tuned, calibrated and matched with the subwoofer to form a balance of clarity, richness and full audio output. Equipped with a wired remote that includes a headphone jack and an auxiliary 3.5 mm stereo input on the unit, the M1380 can be used solo or easily connected to any host device.

That's the blurb, but what about the review? "Another great piece of kit from Edifier, and again at a very reasonable price. A good speaker system with a nice amount of bass and a clear sound. If you want to improve the sound coming out of your computer or MP3 player, the Edifier M1380 is another great system - the only problem is working out which Edifier system to choose! Recommended."

David, meantime, checked out the Thinksound ts02+mic In-Ear Headphone, which feature an in-ear 8mm high-definition driver with integrated microphone and call control. Offered in a rich Silver Cherry or Black Chocolate finish, every pair comes with a cotton carrying pouch, and four sets of ear fittings to ensure a perfect fit. As with all of our products, thinksound ts02+mic in-ear headphones come with a one year warranty.

"Thinksound pride this device on being eco-friendly and having the smallest eco-footprint, but personally I think they should crow even more simply about how good the device is. It is true that maybe in the era of bluetooth it could seem a bit dated, but for those who still enjoy the click sound that comes from putting your jack into a device then this is definitely one for you. Though the price may put your off, for the quality it is worth it."

And rounding off the week, we go to action with Act of Valor, which stars active-duty Navy SEALs who take you deep into the secretive world of the most elite, highly trained and deadly group of warriors in modern combat. Based on real events, the film combines stunning combat sequences, up-to-the-minute battlefield technology and heart pumping emotion for the ultimate action adventure.

Si, "loved this film and found it comparable to recent French film Special Forces, which was probably a little better acting wise, and also Battle: Los Angeles. Despite its flaws, which in my mind are minor compared to the whole, this is a well structured and action packed film with a level of realism that will be hard to beat. Recommended."

Another which Si looked at was Haywire, which follows Mallory Kane, a highly-trained black ops specialist, contracted for hazardous covert missions by the US Government. When her paymaster’s point-man teams her with fellow agent to extract a Chinese journalist held hostage in a Barcelona safe house, the mission swiftly unravels and she barely escapes with her life. During her next assignment in Dublin, with Irish assassin Paul Mallory is violently betrayed and pursued across the city by the local police and assorted ruthless hitmen.

He thought that, "The obvious comparison to this film is undoubtedly Angelina Jolie’s Salt, but this is different kind of film, certainly doesn’t have the feel of that film. This is more of a spy thriller with action rather than an action film with spy elements. There’s none of the huge stunts, but plenty to keep you hooked. Hopefully this is the start of a promising career for Gina Carano."

Next week, join us for the big one, Anime.