Splatoon Video Game Review

Disclosure- We have received the below in order to facilitate this review.  All opinions are our own and honest.

In the world of gaming, there are a variety of genres and types of games including role playing, action, adventure, and shooters to name a few. The last one often times involving one team fighting another with violence and fun. This is all fine if you are into that type of thing, but let’s say you want a shooter with less violence. This is where Splatoon steps in.

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Splatoon is the newest franchise by Nintendo, and is a paint based shooter. Instead of simply shooting your enemies, you also paint the area around you in order to win the game. The main characters of Splatoon are Inklings, which can instantly change into squids and swim in ink.

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As an inkling, you can only swim in your color’s ink which not only allows you to hide from the enemy but also refill your ink. Ink is used to either splat the enemy into a puddle of paint or to cover the area in paint. Splatted players then respawn at their original spawning point.

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There are a few different online multiplayer modes which are broken up into two categories- regular battles, and ranked. Regular battles are just played for fun, and you can join any you wish. These are based on the Turf War game type. In Ranked mode, you are able to play Splat Zones and be ranked based on your winning and splatting. In Turf War, players try to cover the most area of the map in paint. Splat Zones is similar to king of the hill where a team tries to control a certain area by keeping it covered in paint.

Battle Dojo lets players play local multiplayer and compete in a balloon popping competition, by spraying the balloons with paint.

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Single player campaign is called Octo Valley and includes capturing Zapfish from the Octarians.
As you play more of the game, additional options open up to your player, like gaining clothing and accessories as well as  different weapons. Each piece of acquired clothing can boost a certain trait (as well the fact that it makes your Inkling looks spiffy).

My son thoroughly enjoys Splatoon because of the cute characters and fun multiplayer modes. He also loves the Amiibo support. There are three Amiibo’s available for use with Splatoon, each unlocking new portions of the game. One of the interesting characteristics of the game is that it will be constantly changing with new game modes, maps to explore, and customizations to equip. (So be sure to get in now and grab all the fun stuff

Splatoon is available now at fine retailers everywhere as well as the eShop. Splatoon retails for $59.99 and is for the Wii U.

Get Your Game On

With the dog days of summer right around the corner, and quite a few hot days already upon us, you know there are bound to be a few days where it’s just too hot to go outside. There will also be times when you are traveling and just need the kids to chill out quietly.  For those crazy hot days, and please- it’s a 5 hour flight! moments, check out these new games for kids of varying ages- and your spouse, too.

Many own the new Nintendo 3DS, but few really know the consoles in and outs. Have you heard of  StreetPass Mii Plaza area? Even if you have, you should revisit, because it recently expanded.  This area is for use Mii’s- avatars you and your buddies create.  As you walk around with your 3DS in your pocket, pouch, or case with StreetPass on, you meet other people who also have StreetPass on with their 3DS.  As you meet these people, they give you the opportunity to progress in mini games and puzzles for prizes (like accessories) for your Mii.  There are a total of 8 mini games available to play with other’s Mii’s.  The first two are free- Find Mii, which is a light hearted RPG (role playing games) with some tough villains, and Puzzle Swap where each player shares their puzzle pieces to moving 3D  puzzles containing characters from various Nintendo games and videos like Pikmin, Link from Zelda, and Mario Brothers.

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These are fun enough on their own and will give you hours of fun.  In addition to these there are a few premium games, which do cost money.  They are Monster Manor, Warrior’s Way, Flower Town, Mii Force, Ultimate Angler, and Battleground Z. Each premium game is available now on the eShop only for the Nintendo 3DS.  Prices vary.

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Xenoblade is a somewhat unknown game series, but not among those who are fans of RPG’s on Nintendo systems.  The game was originally going to be passed over for localization to the United States on the Wii, but instead was one of the shining gems for the Nintendo Wii.  The story follows Shulk and his friends as they battle Mechon killer robots with the help of the Monado sword.  The game play style is real time RPG, which means there are heavy RPG elements but the action is there as well, so stay on your toes.  Xenoblade Chronicles is a huge open world game which emphasizes exploration.   The story is winding and fun, with lots of drama, action, and excitement.  The game also takes full advantage of the new 3DSXL- it has gotten more portable and can ONLY be played on that system.  It uses the new ZL, ZR and C-stick for various controls as well as the added processor power to really move.  The face following 3D effects intensify the gameplay.  Instead of setting and resetting the 3D view, the system now follows the user’s face so immersion into the game is way easier.  Xenoblade Chronicles is out now for the new Nintendo 3DSXL, and will only work with this system.  The game retails for $39.99 and is available everywhere.  The Nintendo 3DSXL retails for $199.99.

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Nintendo’s new Puzzle & Dragons has traditional RPG elements with pick up and play puzzle game play.  Throw in a dash of anime styling in one game, and Mario and friends into another and you’ve got yourself what is really two games in one awesome package. Puzzle & Dragons game play is easy- line up orbs of the same color with more then 3 in a cluster, the bigger your cluster the higher your score and the more orbs you destroy- thus, the more damage to gets dealt to your enemy.  There are also elemental elements where certain colored orbs are stronger against other colored orbs as well.  The game play is as deep as you’d like it to be.  For those who love puzzles, that itch is easily scratched with these games.  For those who are fans of RPG’s, this is an innovative take on the battle game mechanic.  What is really nice is the fact that there are actually two games packed into the one cartridge.  The Mario Brothers version is easier to get into, and Puzzle & Dragons Z has a more in depth story with more RPG elements.  Available for $29.99 pretty much everywhere games are sold.

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Hop Into Spring with New Games from Wonder Forge

Disclosure: The games from Wonder Forge mentioned below were provided for me in order to facilitate my review. All opinions are my own and honest. I am disclosing this in accordance to FTC Guidelines. Please see “Disclose” tab for more information.

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We are a game loving family. There’s not a whole lot better than a game night with some great snacks while spending time with the family. I love that Wonder Forge has created some wonderful games that help instill in our children the love of games.

About Wonder Forge:

In 2007, Jacobe Chrisman (Founder & CEO) and a small group of creative types with a passion for children’s entertainment came together to develop extraordinarily fun, original play experiences for kids and families.

Since it was originally launched, Wonder Forge has always offered top-quality experiences, raising the bar for preschool and family games everywhere. The preschool games help to celebrate the “can do”  attitude in all kids – engaging them physically, socially, and creatively. The family games bridge generation gaps and create wholesome family moments and lasting memories.

Wonder Forge additionally always works to create strong, long-lasting partnerships with licensors. This is wonderful when your children love certain characters.

Today, Wonder Forge makes over 85 games that have won more than 160 top awards for product excellence. They are sold nationwide and in over 11 countries.

About The Games:

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Doc McStuffins Mix Up! Fix Up! Game

Can you cure the mystery boo-boo like Doc McStuffins? Use deduction to figure out what will help Lambie, Stuffy, Chilly, and friends feel all better! Collect the most bandages to win. Put your problem solving skills to the test with this clever guessing game. 
[Read more…]

Captain Toad: Treasure Hunter

Disclosure- We received the below in order to complete this review.  All opinions are our own and honest.

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There are many Nintendo characters out there who, after a major to minor introduction in a Mario game, received their own spin off game. Some of this elite crew are Yoshi, Luigi, and Princess Peach. Of these classic characters the newest addition is Captain Toad. Captain Toad started out life as a series of mini games in Super Mario 3D world. The mini games were puzzles where the player manipulated the point of view using the Wii U game pad to navigate carious 3D worlds based on the current levels Mario is working on.

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Captain Toad: Treasure Hunter builds upon this premise of puzzle solving through point of view manipulation and changing camera angles. The interesting bit about Captain Toad is he has no powers, no jumping at all, just running and walking. Of his unique talents, he can puck plants which reveal themselves to be gold coins or turnips which can be used to defeat enemies. Also Captain Toad can collect a pickaxe which can destroy enemies and blockades.
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New amiibo From Nintendo

Disclosure- we received the below in order to facilitate this review.  All opinions are out own and honest.  My son is a Nintendo Kid Reviewer.

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Brand new and just in time for the holiday season are Nintendo’s new amiibo (Wii U compatible). The best part about these video game figurines is that you don’t need to buy a portal or system upgrade to use them- just the figurines.  This cuts the cost and makes them more accessible to everyone. Buy only the ones you want, customize them in the games, and interact the way you want to.  This is new experience for Nintendo fans in the game play and toys coming to life area, joining the likes of Skylanders and Disney Infinity.  These amiibo characters are ONLY Nintendo, and they interact with Wii U games and across multiple games (like the relatively new Super Smash Brothers).  The figures retail for about $15 each, and you can collect many of your favorite characters now.
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Skylanders Trap Team

Disclosure- We received the below in order to facilitate this review. All opinions are our own and honest.

Skylanders are here again?  Still? Either way the new Trap Team game is a blast to play.  Not only for adults but also for kids.  This is one of those games that will bring parents and children together in the same game with the same goals and game play.  The controls are simple, jump, attack, explore, with special powers unlocked the more you play.  Trap Team takes this familiar game play of the previous Skylanders games and adds a new element, the traps.  Traps come in many different types all of which can be used to capture enemies in the game and change them into your own playable characters.  This includes for the first time Kaos himself.  This element doesn’t sound like much to the uninitiated but it is actually great fun with added sound effects and voices which come from the portla itself as your new conquests are sucked into the trap crystal.
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Must Have Christmas Kids Games from Wonder Forge

Disclosure: The games from Wonder Forge mentioned below was provided for me in order to facilitate my review. All opinions are my own and honest. I am disclosing this in accordance to FTC Guidelines. Please see “Disclose” tab for more information.

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I am sure that many of you remember that my family loves to play games. My husband and I have always enjoyed playing games and that love has definitely passed on to our daughters. We aren’t quite to the point that we have a designated game night a week, but I know that time is coming :).  Wonder Forge is and will always be one of our favorite game companies. The games that we have of theirs are wonderful in every aspect. I have not received a game from them that left me disappointed.

About Wonder Forge

In 2007, Jacobe Chrisman (Founder & CEO) and a small group of creative types with a passion for children’s entertainment came together to develop extraordinarily fun, original play experiences for kids and families.

Since it was originally launched, Wonder Forge has always offered top-quality experiences, raising the bar for preschool and family games everywhere. The preschool games help to celebrate the “can do”  attitude in all kids – engaging them physically, socially, and creatively. The family games bridge generation gaps and create wholesome family moments and lasting memories.

Wonder Forge additionally always works to create strong, long-lasting partnerships with licensors. This is wonderful when your children love certain characters.

Today, Wonder Forge makes over 85 games that have won more than 160 top awards for product excellence. They are sold nationwide and in over 11 countries.

About the games :

Frozen Surprise Slides: (Pictured Above)

In this wonderful Frozen game, you get to take a Journey high up into the mountains above Arendelle with all your favorite Frozen friends. You can take shortcut slides and zoom ahead, or push you backward. It’s a game that will always be different every time that you play this game.

This game promotes:

  • color recognition
  • turn-taking and playing together
  • Ideal first game for preschoolers

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About Dr.Seuss Charades

In this fun charades game, your child can draw a card to act out for their friends. It is developed specially for young players, this game uses familiar and whimsical images from the world of Dr.Seuss for silly, laugh out loud fun for everyone.
[Read more…]

Mario Kart 7

And now, for a timely Mario Kart 7 review. Sure this review is taking place after Mario Kart 8, but something to keep in mind is that this is the 3DS’s Mario Kart, not the Wii U. So instead of huge races with tons of characters red shelling each other, you have tight turns and blood thirsty Princesses on your morning train ride.

20140919_171459Nintendo have made a new Mario Kart for every console and one of their most recent is Mario Kart 7 for the 3DS. This game sports more tracks, easy multiplayer over the internet, and a bunch of characters to zip around tracks with. As an avid Mario Kart fan, but not a very good racer, I thoroughly enjoy Mario Kart with every iteration. The fun, light hearted racing can go from item using fun at break neck speeds to nail biting close finishes in a matter of moments. Never in any series of games have I cursed so many times at so many cute characters.
[Read more…]