Xbox Action Replay Reviews

• Doomed from the Start

  
  By A1M4NJYP0WNL8Q on 2004-01-26
  I'm an unabashed cheater. I like having infinite health so that I can sail into a series of moves repeatedly without getting whacked by my own clumsiness. Or recovering that lost object that I accidentally blew up when I fragged the castle. On many occasions, being able to hack the game has enhanced my overall enjoyment.

  Unfortunately, the Xbox was designed to stop cheating. Not cheating at the game, but cheating as in hacking and illegally copying games. As a result, it is impossible to bypass the code logic in order to insert some instructions that change game data in an active way. The end result is that they have stopped all cheating.

  A company like Action Replay is only left with one alternative - providing game saves that will get you by a playing problem. Unfortunately, this generally means that you don't get to actually play through parts of the game. So. At best, this is a compromise solution. One I can't get all that excited about. Cheating is OK. But not playing the game the way you want to is counter productive.

  This package includes a CD with software for both the Xbox and you Windows 98 or better PC (required). Included is an 8 megabyte memory cartridge and a USB based cartridge holder for the PC. Basically you collect saved games from either the CD or online, install them on the cartridge and then tote it over to the Xbox, where you can use it.

  Before you get a glint in your eye about file editing, let it be known that the software uses a compression scheme that can be uncompressed, but will not work if it is recompressed. Hopefully, some underhanded hacker will find a way around this, but right now this is a lowest common denominator type solution. And not a particularly useful one.
  
  

• Disappointing...but there's a reason

  
  By A423XLYS1Q1D6 on 2003-08-29
  Like many other reviewers, I was hoping for something more in-depth than community saves and the occasional modification. But as I later found out, this item's shortcomings aren't entirely Intec's fault. As many XBox gamers know, there are very, very few codes and cheats available for XBox games, so this product was limited from the outset. Unlike the PS2 Action Replay, this one does not come with any pre-loaded codes. Instead, one has to use a USB-equipped port (complete with a memory card that is, unfortunately, only good for this purpose) and some accompanying software to go to codejunkies.com and download community saves and some mods. One can play as a Hunter in Halo, for example, or download the gamesave of someone who's beaten the game on Legendary mode. There are a few good mods, such as the Datel Mech on MechAssault, and some games have available codes, such as Star Wars: Obi-Wan. Many of the saves are fairly large; oftentimes one can only fit one or two downloads on the card before it is full. (At that point, take it to your XBox, download the saves to the hard drive, and go back for more). The biggest problem with this product (aside from the lack of codes) is the codejunkies site: There are so many gamesaves that it becomes extremely frustrating trying to figure out which ones are worthwhile. As it is, I cannot recommend this item...but should Microsoft ever make codes available for download, this may redeem itself. Until then, it is not worth your money.
  
  

• Cheat System? Where are the Cheats?

  
  By A11A6H7CA3LLES on 2003-04-08
  As the box states; "Unleash the power - Beat the Game!" "The World's Most powerful Game Enhancer!".... sounds pretty good, and the past ones have been pretty good. As good as the Gameshark (even though they are the same, Gameshark = USA, Action Replay = Euro) in the past. Well, this one fell very short on my expectations. The only thing this offers at this time is 'PowerSaves'... Game saves for the games... Ok, sure, we've seen this on the Dexdrive, but Action Replay?.?.? It's not what I expected, and I think alot of other people are going to be disappointed in it, as I was. Where are the Cheats? Where are the Codes? Not in this package. Hopefully this will change... Save your money at this time... wait to see if they put the cheats/codes feature into it....
  
  

• Pathetic

  
  By A2HZEIKGWK50IK on 2003-04-21
  I could not be more disappointed with this item. It's nothing more than a glorified DexDrive. The so-called "Power Saves" are laughable and most offer nothing more than having all levels unlocked. The infinte health, ammo, etc. promised on the box are nowhere to be found. This is NOT a type of Game Shark, which is what I was hoping for. You may as well light your money on fire, because that'll do you as much good as this horrible, useless product. If I haven't made my point yet, here it is: Do not spend your hard-earned money on this worthless piece of trash.
  
  

• Memory card with free USB dock- PLUS cheats

  
  By AC6LV5D2RKTIR on 2005-04-02
  Don't listen to all the "haters". Most people just don't see what you get in this box. Look at the value:
  -Xbox memory unit ($15)
  -Memory card reader that connects to PC USB port ($15)
  -Access to Action Replay Powersaves (priceless)
  
  Even if you don't care about cheating at all, you're still getting what you pay for with the memory card and USB reader already. Using this device already allows you to store all of your saves on your PC for backup, or just for archiving -and that's a bonus in and of itself.
  
  As for the cheats? It's true that Xbox itself doesn't allow for the normal code modification that people have come to expect from cheating devices. However, the powersaves still allow you to do everything from unlock all the cars and tracks in your favorite racing game to getting all the costumes you never thought you'd access in your fighting games.
  
  This unique format also allows people to share a lot of stuff you can't get with other devices. In Halo, people have made savegames where you can start a level playing as a Covenant Elite (normally only doable with a modded Xbox). Other savegames might include allowing you to begin play at the beginning of a critical part of the game- allowing you to replay that one event as many times as you want without having to replay the entire game.
  
  So don't let other people's complaints drive you away from an engenious device- the Xbox Action Replay opens up an infinity of gameplay possiblities, even if it's not the exact device that people were expecting.
  
  
• A mediocre product... or just a face?
  By A1XCXQKQ8YVS0Y on 2005-11-26
  Anyone who is buying this product for themselves, not for someone else, has probably played xbox live. So, most likely, they have played Halo 2, and been amazed by the "modders." It is true, action replay is a fun product, but only a mere novelty. The real implementation, as doubtless others have said, is to softmod your xbox. For those who don't know, softmodding is a way to use your xbox as a mini-computer; you can gain access to files on the xbox games, and put them on your real computer. This allows you to change the game, almost however you feel like, and not physically modify anything on or around the xbox. And action replay provides a service that matches exactly what you need to the t. It gives you a disk to install the program, a program to easily access files, an online community to give you those files, and a nice little card to put it on and transfer to your xbox. If you are not planning to do this, get someone else to buy it. If you are thinking of modding, this is the way to go.
  
  
• Wow Im Mad..
  By on 2005-01-08
  When I bought this I thought it would be like the other AR tools,a huge amount of cheats on a list to choose from. Unfortunatly,I was wrong. This AR uses a thing called "code saves" which are save files previously made. Thats not the worst. Not only by using these you dont get to play through the level your stuck at,if you have a customized character,thats going to be overwritten.
  To even add to the list,this model only has an accurate list of games up to Dec,9,2003. Of coarse you can get the latest game list updates on codejunkies.com,but instead of having to add a 2-lined code into the system like with the Ps2 and GameCube,you'll be entering a 50-??? line code. All other AR are very good, but this one however,DONT BUY!!
  
  
• Xbox? Forget about the brick...
  By AWMK1YF9229M3 on 2006-05-22
  I could care less what it does for the original Xbox--what I'm into is the memory card reader that allows you to transfer Xbox save files over to Xbox 360. Now I won't have to start Halo all over!
  
  
• Really Awesome
  By A14OJ0D9M3GAVN on 2003-11-20
  Ok, first of all this action replay thing is awesomw if anybody out there has wolfenstein for xbox and have xbox live they need this, bescause if you need no gravity you got it no gravity super super speed you got it, unlimited health,ammo,diaminte packs its so awesome get it
  
  
• This is a useable product
  By A3OJDGKQNHJ5BV on 2004-03-04
  Alot of people are not able to use this because the action replay folks are terrible with customer service. There website is the slowest I've ever found. But the thing works, you can find saved games elsewhere (like gamefaqs.com), and after reading this you shouldn't need the customer service. Goto gamefaqs.com or some other site to get the saved game zip file. Don't extract this file! Simply open the ActionReplay Xbox program and drag the zip file onto the memory card. That's it. The only thing you need to worry about is being one of those 1/50 people who bought a bad shipment of cards. If you purchased this after 2004, you don't have a problem.
  
  
• Action replay IS A WASTE
  By AN2U6056UFA9S on 2005-02-04
  I bought the action replay at gamestop and went to the web site [...]and printed the installing instructions then install the action replay for xbox then let me tell you after you do that and sign in their web site your suppose to get these Powersaves ...so it took me 2 hours to get 5 power saves then I hooked it up to the controller then trying it out and the codes do not work. Also when I went back to their web site it just saying error. Let me tell you it IS NOT WORTH IT...29.99 plus tax for a HEADACHE so I warning you DO NOT BUY THIS !!!!It is a waste of money and time...[...]
  
  
• learn about it first
  By A3OOXYG51OVMOP on 2005-06-22
  for everyone who says powersaves are stupid they arnt paying very good attention.First if u have ever played halo 2 (one of the best games ever made)then you know about the mysterious golden hog well with this you can have it.What about a scarab gun well get this and have 2 of them.Ever thought about dual weilding shotguns-rocket launchers-or even energy swords. Well with this you can. overall an awsome device unless you are (rated n for noob) in which u think codes are everything you are wrong.O i can have infinite helth with codes,well whoop de doo i can have no reload time,scarab guns,new maps, and four tanks shooting countless enemies. well which sounds more fun being invincible while just standing there shooting a few enemies or blasting what seems like every covenent form while crushing everything with tanks and fendidg off boading enemies.Its your choice
  
  
• works well
  By A426PWKEVXDNF on 2006-02-01
  Used this product to softmod my xbox. Had to download an older version of the software though. If you just use it to cheat in games..probably not worth the money.
  
  
• YOU DONT KNOW THE POWER!
  By A216KAMQHC740P on 2006-05-10
  As i read in other reveiws, everybody here thinks this is a cheating program like gameshark. But if you knew the true understand and wasn't an idiot who doesn't understand what PC stands for! Action Replay lets you modify games and replay them on your xbox which now has come to be know as "Soft Modding"! By downloading a special program just made for this xbox you are able to harness the power of modifying saves and even then create weapons, maps, and games into your xbox! Which has come very handy in halo for me since I can now create maps into what i want allowing veihcles into maps where they cant be! This is not a hundered percent chance of it working though if you have to many games saved on the xbox since its a large file when downloaded on! for more information just type in Soft Modding and a ton of sites will come up!
  
  
• Not quite a GameShark, but a nice addition to your X-Box.
  By AM1DHKGILEKW3 on 2003-07-11
  Okay first off,

  WARNING: THIS DEVICE IS NOTHING MORE THAN A MERE ADVANCED DEX DRIVE FOR THE X-BOX.

  I've heard a lot of false statements about this product. The reasoning behind Action Replay being forced (yes, forced) to make this a Dex-Drive like dongle component is because of X-Box core itself. It would make an immense amount of sense that the X-Box does not have the ability to load codes into the buffer ram, because the X-Box resets or turns off when either the disc or power button are pressed. X-Box has no ability for supporting disc swapping like PS2 and disc swapping is required for in game codes. The only other logical option would be to MOD the X-Box, but whoever is stupid enough to open up that 100 pound beast and tinker with it's complex circuitry is well... stupid.

  The product does exactly what it states on the box, and it does all that very well. Do not be fooled by other reviewers stating that the box gives false impression. I see no false advertising here.

  Unlimited Cash, All Weapons, Extra Time, Unlimited Energy, Battle Codes, Access All Areas, All Vehicles, Extra Ammo, Extra Characters and Extra Health are the abilities featured on the outside of the box on a tiny strip of cardboard that wrapped completely around the box in a decorative fashion. With this device I have been even many opportunities to do all those things and more. Powersaves are very nice and the community of user made saves is an exciting bonus. I love the idea of playing someone elses Ghost Recon, MGS or Halo games.

  Of course you do need ability to go online and retrieve saves. And the registering process for me was a bit tedious, but all and all I think it's well worth the money... now and long-term.
  
  

• Not sure what all the problems are!
  By A2TOX3E4WZ8BSQ on 2004-07-01
  Out of the box, this unit has worked flawlessly for me. I have not had one corrupt file. I was able to transport many saved games from the XBox onto my PC where I can now back them up onto CD if necessary.

  The only thing I can say about corrupt files is possibly people are downloading the wrong files or maybe, Intec has fixed the problems?

  For me, this was something I needed. For one, Madden 2k4 doesn't have Live support, yet people had updated rosters that I wanted to import. This allows that to happen.

  As for XBox Live, I don't play enough on-line to justify the annual price Microsoft charges, so this again allows me to obtain rosters and such.

  I think the main problem with many people's reaction to the AR unit is that they felt it was a "cheating" device, giving you tons of cheat codes and such. Reading the description should not be giving them that feeling. This unit is a save game/save files transporter. It allows you to move your saved games/files from your Xbox to your PC. At that point, you can then share your files with friends. It also allows you to share and/or obtain saved files that open up levels to games where you are stuck.

  The price of the package is mainly for the 8 meg memory unit in my opinion. That would be only one of two issues I have with the Action Reply. I already have a memory unit, so it would have been nice to buy this without a memory card. However, unlike other people, I have had no problems with the memory card that came with AR nor with my official Microsoft XBox memory card. Both work just fine with the Xbox Action Replay unit.

  My only other gripe is for some games, 8 megs is not enough to move data. This is especially true with Star Wars: Knights Of The Old Republic. Each save file is 1600 blocks, which is bigger than 8 megs. So, you will be limited to files that are smaller than 8 megs. But, that's not all bad as most save game files are relatively small.

  I say buy this from a store that would allow you to return it and try it out. I have not had any problems with this unit and I think it's actually an excellent buy for those that don't have XBox Live! I know it won't be going back to the store for me!
  
  

• Good for the people who don't want to cheat too much
  By A2P0E3N5UWTU9J on 2004-11-09
  It is true that this is just a adapter for people to download/Upload game saves but it's great. CodeJunkies.com has the latest game saves. Today Halo 2 came out and they had saves for all the levels. No, they do not have invincibility but who wants that. Having game cheats will take away the need to come up with strategies to beat the game and make the game dull and boring. It is also good for people who want to transport many game saves at a time.
  
  
• Different Uses
  By AR7WI6HMTNUJX on 2007-01-18
  The action replay by itself is a great tool to copy over those hacked save games for Halo 2, and give yourself flying abilities in all your other games. However, the real purpose of even buying an Action Replay is to softmod your XBox. With a little reading, googling, and hard work, you can turn your XBox into a media center.
  
  This is a good if you wanted try something cool in an Xbox game, but when it comes down to it, the only real usefulness is to copy over save games. Worth the money only if you plan on doing some modding and lack the ability to use the other methods.
  
  
• Cheat System? Where are the Cheats?
  By A11A6H7CA3LLES on 2003-04-08
  As the box states; "Unleash the power - Beat the Game!" "The World's Most powerful Game Enhancer!".... sounds pretty good, and the past ones have been pretty good. As good as the Gameshark (even though they are the same, Gameshark = USA, Action Replay = Euro) in the past. Well, this one fell very short on my expectations. The only thing this offers at this time is 'PowerSaves'... Game saves for the games... Ok, sure, we've seen this on the Dexdrive, but Action Replay?.?.? It's not what I expected, and I think alot of other people are going to be disappointed in it, as I was. Where are the Cheats? Where are the Codes? Not in this package. Hopefully this will change... Save your money at this time... wait to see if they put the cheats/codes feature into it....
  
  
• Insanely fun
  By A579TDZOHYDP2 on 2003-08-04
  Many people don' utilize the many features the AR has. Did you know you could play as an Elite, Hunter, or one of the other enemies in Halo using this.

  You see if you had a mod chip for your xbox you could download "trainers" and etc. and ,using the mod chip do what is called bumping, bumping into another character, and play as that character. Those who do have mod chips can upload these saves to the internet where those who don't own mod chips can download them to our xbox using the Action Replay! Not to mention being able to fly through games with downloaded cheats and such.
  
  

• Action Replay KILLING XBOX LIVE
  By A37M0L4MWS73W3 on 2003-11-09
  This is the worst product in XBOX's short history it is destorying the XBOX LIVE Gamming community and soon people who has this item on their X BOX and play X BOX LIVE will recieve a life time ban. Due to it is a product for hackers into X BOX's online community.

  PLEASE do not buy it!!
  
  

• BAD purchace
  By A22NW4Q6BXCITD on 2004-04-25
  My son bought this game expecting it's operation to be the same as the PS2 version in that it is the "ultimate cheat" system. Well, surprise, no actual cheat codes, just access to already-played games as a download from the internet. The packaging was most misleading, and frankly, I believe it was intended to deceive customers. Too bad there is little one can do to software companies who promise much and deliver very little.
  (My son's words: It sucked and was a waste of money). Used to be a time when honesty was considered a virtue. I guess one has to have faith in karma.
  
  
• Action Replay for X Box
  By A132J170H7QBV7 on 2004-11-04
  
  I think action replay is misleading the customer in the promotion of this product.
  There are no cheats to use so you can play the game your self to get different items or unlock difference things for your self.
  As for some game cheat systems of having infinite life, ammo, boost, or kill with one hit, this soft ware does not do that.
  All this product does is allow you to down load game saves "someone else's game" to a memory card to load into your game systems memory so it is not your game you are playing you cannot change the name of the file or put your personal name on the game data so how can you label it as your game.
  This product takes the fun out of cheating.
  I am sorry I bought this product I feel it was a waste of money.
  
  
  
• OMG THIS PWNS!!! 1337 UBER HAXXORZ!!! :-)
  By AEP2M88LHOGWI on 2006-05-18
  in halo 2, if you make jump videos like me or like to make movies overall in halo 2, you can make the game hudless...HUDLESS!!!! so you don't have to do the oddball trick any more and can keep jumping and filming with a clean result. I hate cheaters and wish all of them could just be blown off of the face of the earth but making my games hudless is the the whole reason i'm buying.
  
  
• Running XP? Don't bother with this ...
  By on 2003-09-03
  This doesn't work with Windows XP. The application that comes with it crashes as soon as it's started and there isn't any third party software that works with it. The manufactuer knows about the problem and has yet to correct it. They have even started deleting any posts in their forums asking about the problem. Worst customer support I have ever seen!
  
  
• Worst Action Replay ever
  By on 2004-06-08
  Who let the codes out?! No, seriously. I was looking forward to enjoying Grand Theft Auto III with this replay. No codes at all! Instead there are those freakin' powersaves from PS2's Action Replay MAX. The powersaves are really game save files packed with some features. Otherwise, this version isn't worth your time or your cash well spent.
  
  
• You all need to research a little
  By A24IEL6LVQAOP2 on 2004-06-13
  First off,I know a ton about the Action Replay so if you have any questions just talk to me. The Action Replay Memory card is a different kind of card. It isn't like the Microsoft one. For most games the AR mem card works. But you have to experiment. I went out and bought a Microsoft Mem card and it works great. For some games you must use the microsoft one. I was only like 15 bucks at my local game store. No big purchase. However there are a small percent of saves that are corrupted and you cant do anthing about it. I love my AR. I love to play as Elites in halo and drive the wraiths. You just have to know what you are dealing with. If You have any further questions or comments here is my contact info:
  AIM name: Air Keithid
  Email: Stacysmom@comcast.net
  
  
• not worth the money
  By on 2004-06-17
  my son got this prouduct he said that buying this product whas a mistake. that sometimes it works and other timess it dont work. when he goes to use the power save he downloaded on a gme it says the data is damged he goes to try a different powerpowersave and the same thing happens so dont buy this product otherwise you will get ripped off
  
  
• easy for softmodding
  By A2LX9DVY7AZEYU on 2005-08-05
  its easy to use for soft modding with if you have james bont agent under fire (not platnium edition) or splinter cell or mechasault you cant use platnum hits because its different from the original version witch has stuff you need to soft mod oh and if any one knows had to make it work with halo 2 the write a review and tell me how!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
  
  
• Not what I expected
  By A1UFJEIQD35WA2 on 2006-02-01
  If you are looking for codes like Game Shark had, this is not for you. Not only do you HAVE to have a computer, If anything happens to the disk, you are screwed. You won't be able reinstall windows, or install it on a new computer. Some games do offer rewards like unlimited health for %100 completion. So if those are they games you plan on using, this is the best thing out there.
  
  

• The Official Xbox Magazine [1-year]
• Electronic Gaming Monthly
• Play
• Tips & Tricks Magazine

• Tom Clancy's Splinter Cell
• Xbox DVD Movie Playback Kit
• Mech Assault
• Xbox DVD Movie Playback Kit
• Xbox AV HDTV Component Cable