Before we get down to anymore details, allow me to explain the score. Those of you who may have seen my review of the Xploder from last year may wonder why I gave that product 100%, and the newer, updated, improved Xplorer a 95. First, let me assure you that the Xplorer is improved over last year?s model; it looks better AND plays better. There are more features, and future expansion was taken into consideration (hence the ability to update it later with a Code CD). When I tried the Xploder last year, I was blown away! Now, a year has gone by. A device called the Game Wizard came out and offered some different features. Now, the Game Wizard isn?t as professionally put together as the Xploder, and pales beside the Xplorer?s beautiful, intuitive, and well designed interface. That said, the very fact that the other features have been introduced raises the realm of possibilities. The nice folks at Blaze decided to target gamers with a variety of needs and incomes. The Xplorer replaces the Xploder and is Blaze?s entry level unit. As I understand it, the Xplorer FX (midrange) and Xploder Professional (high end) will add several new and exciting features, and if they are capable of the features Blaze claims, they will probably redefine the top end of the rating scale. Evaluated for an entry level cartridge, the Xplorer?s score only suffers from the lack of a FMV* viewing capability.
* If you aren?t interested in the ability to view FMVs outside of gameplay, consider the Xplorer?s score to be 100%.
