Animal Crossing Amiibo Festival for the Wii U

Disclosure- We received the below in order to facilitate this review.  All opinions are out own and honest. For more, see “I Disclose”.

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Animal Crossing has been a fan favorite series of games where players try to make their character as happy as possible through a regular routine.  This includes helping friends, making friends, fishing, gardening, and even home designing.  The most recent entry in the series is Amiibo Festival which is described by Director Aya Kyogoku, ” we just wanted Animal Crossing Amiibo [toys]”. We wanted the company to make Animal Crossing Amiibo, so that’s why we made a game that works with them.”

In this regard it is a success- there are eight character amiibos in the Animal Crossing line so far, they include Isabelle, KK, Tom Nook, Mabel, Digby, Lottie, Reese, and Cyrus.  In addition to amiibo compatibility, you can also use the amiibo Animal Crossing cards as well to unlock more game modes and characters in the game.

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This game is similar to Mario Party, but it has a much slower pace so little ones can keep up and follow the action on screen without getting lost in game play.  What we really like about the game is you can save your “happy points” to your amiibo and use them to unlock more costumes.  Also, if you happen to have designed your amiibo’s home using the Happy Home Designer for the Nintendo 3DS, your home design shows up in game as well.

My son loves this game because of the cute animal designs and the ability to carry over your game data from Happy Home Designer into this game.  It has become one of his favorite games- it’s up there with Pokemon if you can believe that. There is precious little he enjoys more then animals, and in this game, it’s all about making them happy and being cute.  What’s better then that?

Animal Crossing Amiibo Festival is available now for the Nintendo Wii U. It is sold everywhere games are sold for $59.99 and includes 2 amiibo Animal Crossing characters bundled with the game itself.

Gravity Falls: Legend of the Gnome Gemulets – Nintendo 3DS Family Fun Pack for Playstation 4

Today we are looking at the Gravity Falls game for the Nintendo 3DS.  This game follows the familiar characters from the hit cartoon show, Gravity Falls.  In the game, you take the role of both Mabel and Dipper as they try to save the Gnome kingdom.  Game play is 2D platforming with a twist.  You can play as either of the main characters, both of which have unique  gadgets and abilities.  There are 5 main levels to the game in addition to a boss fight.  Each level has cool art and tons of items.  The more items you collect the better, and some are needed to progress to the boss fight.  Through the course of the game, the characters are dead on- the same as the cartoon- unlocking more mysteries as you progress.  This game is great fun for fans of the cartoon series or just video game fans in general. Anyone who wondered about Gravity Falls, this is a great way to get initiated.

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Gravity Falls Legend of the Gnome Gemulets is available now on the Nintendo 3DS both in stores and in the eShop and is also playable on the 3DS, 3DS, and new 3DS XL, retailing for $29.99.

Next we take a look at Hasbro Family Fun Pack , 4 Great Games in 1.  This game includes Scrabble, Trivial Pursuit Live, Monopoly Plus, and Risk.  Each is a full game, full of fun and a blast with a room full of people.

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Adults will team up and laugh/argue over Trivial Pursuit, while the whole family is able to dig into Scrabble, Monopoly, and Risk.  Trivial Pursuit could be played by kids as well, it is just the fact that there are quite a few questions about things kids won’t know or care about honestly.  Teams of adult and child vs another adult and child can be quite fun as well.  In our house, we had a blast playing all the games, but the stand out would have to be Monopoly Plus.  With the updated graphics and the classic game play, this game is a blast.

The Hasbro Family Fun Pack is available now for both the Xbox One and Playstation 4.  Available at retailers across the country and online on both the Playstation store and on Xbox Live, retailing for $39.99

 

Runbow and Yoshi Wooly World

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Runbow is a new game by 13AM Games that brings a fun interesting platforming party game to the WiiU.  In Runbow each player is a different colored character, 9 in total, who each represent a color of the rainbow.  Then the players have to mad dash for the finish line to see who can get there first.  But this is no simple foot race, there are obstacles like moving platforms and lava to get in the way.  This game is made for classic game players who love a challenge and are always trying to make that next jump and time it just right.  As such it may not appeal to very young players who just can get the timing right as easily as those who have been playing platforming, 2D games for years.  The best pat of this game is getting a few players together at once, with 2 it is fun, with more then that it gets frenetic and lots of fun.  I can only imagine how fun this game would be with 9 players at once.

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And on the opposite end of the spectrum is a classic platforming game with a softer more woolly quality.  It is Yoshi’s Woolly World for the WiiU.  This game starts one of the Mushroom Kingdom’s most well loved characters,Yoshi.  This is his first Woolly adventure following in the footsteps of Kirby’s Epic Yarn.  This game is the next step in the evolution of the yard medium.  Each character and environment has a handmade touch that is a joy to see.  From fraying yarn to the illusion of hand cut corners its great fun to play a game with this new setting.  In the game Yoshi must reach the end each level while gathering as many collectibles as possible.  For the beginners just finishing the level will be enough but for the more experienced players collectibles are key.  Each level has its own charm bringing to live a new platforming experience.  Also available are Amiibo extras where you can add a second Yoshi to the fun in the form of Samus, Woolly Yoshi or even Mario. to name a few.

Both these games are great platforming fun Runbow is available at the eShop for 14.99 while Yoshi’s Wooly World is available at retail locations now as well as the eShop for 49.99 for the game alone or win a special pack which includes a Wooly Yoshi for 59.99.

Disney Infinity 3.0 and The Legend of Zelda: Tri Force Heroes

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Disney is on its third installment of the ever fun Disney Infinity line of games.  This most recent addition to the crew includes not only Marvel and Disney characters but also those of the Star Wars line of characters including Yoda, Darth Vader and Han Solo to name a few.  But this only scratches the surface for this game which is fun for everyone.  This game is great for beginner gamers because of this easy to pick up and play game play.  Each player picks their character from the Disney Infinity figures they own, characters for the previous 2 games work on the third iteration, and play as them throughout the game.  There are specific levels which work with specific characters and all characters can be used in the Toy Box, which is our personal favorite part of the game.  This portion of the game is player created.  People from all over the world can create and share their creations with others and the best are featured as such in the Toy Boxes section of the game.  These Toy Boxes show just how robust the game is as well as how creative the players of the game are as well.  The little guy loves Disney Infinity and the addition of Star Wars characters as well as new Marvel and Disney characters are an added bonus.  This is also a great jumping on point for new players of the series as well, as toys from the previous games in the series work in the Toy Box as well, which is a nice touch.

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We are also going to look at Tri Force Heroes from the legendary, The Legend of Zelda series.  This game has similar game play mechanics and visuals as A Link To The Past but also includes some new ideas like climbing on top of one of your fellow players in order to solve puzzles and attack enemies.  This game is built on the idea of team work, some levels giving each player a different tool, item or weapon in order to solve their own portion of the puzzle, while others have the players work together using the same items.  Either way the levels are a blast to play through and make for a fun way to spend time with friends and 3DS’s .  There are a total of thirty two levels to progress through each a different challenge then the last and each bringing your group closer together in their quest to save the princess from a fashion emergency.

Disney Infinity 3.0 is available for PlayStation®4, PlayStation®3, Wii U™, Xbox One, Xbox 360 in the Starter Pack which includes: 1 Disney Infinity 3.0 Edition Video Game Disc,1 Disney Infinity 3.0 Edition Base, 2 Star Wars™ Figures: Ahsoka Tano, Anakin Skywalker, 1 Star Wars™ Twilight of the Republic Play Set Piece, and 1 Web Code Card and is available now retailing for $64.99.  The new Legend of Zelda: Tri Force Heroes is available only for the Nintendo 3DS and retails for $39.99 and is available at retailers everywhere as well as the 3DS eShop.

Great Games for Kids from Wonder Forge

Disclosure- I received the below in order to facilitate this post.  All opinions are my own and honest.  Please see “I disclose” for more information.
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We are all big game players in my family. As we have had children it has been tricky for us to find games that can include our young children, but are still fun for the adults. I must say that I have not ever found a game that I was not 100% satisfied with from the Wonder Forge game family. They have such great games for all the kids in your family, that adults enjoy playing as well.

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 Eye Found It Journey Through Time:

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In this wonderful game, you work together as a team of historians, scientists, and adventurers solving the world’s greatest mysteries with the Eye Found It Journey Through Time Hidden Picture Game from Wonder Forge. You can venture and find hidden objects throughout time from the Prehistoric Era to the Present Day. You want to Race to the end of the giant 6-foot game board before your Timecraft runs out of fuel. This game is recommended for ages 4 and up.

My Thoughts: This game was a great deal of fun. I had a lot of fun playing this game with my daughters. I also have to admit that this is one of my husband’s favorite games that we have played with the girls as well. My daughters are ages 3 and 5 and so they definitely were both able to understand and play the game really well.

About Peanuts Snoopy Flying Ace Game:

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I’ll get you Red Baron! The world’s most beloved beagle is back!  A legend in his own mind, Snoopy takes off as the Flying Ace in constant pursuit of his nemesis, the Red Baron. Flip cards and race to make matches before Snoopy spins to a stop. It’s high-flying family fun! This is a great game for children age 3-10 years old.

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My Thoughts:

I think that this game is absolutely adorable. As you can see, my daughters loved playing this game. It was a very cute game, and loads of fun. It was easy for my 3 and 5 year olds to both play together. I even started supper and they were able to continue playing while I was out of the room. Great Game for kids.

About The Good Dinosaur Roarin’ River Game:

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You can now race the rapids to get home! You work together as a team to help Arlo and his friends outrun the flooding river! Travel through the dangerous canyons, mountain forests, and sweeping plains! This game is great for kids ages 4 and up.

My Thoughts: This game too is absolutely adorable. My kids were so interested in this game and truly enjoyed playing it. I absolutely loved playing the game with them, and don’t mind when they ask to play it because it is a game that is not like others that I have played before.

About Disney Imagicademy Items:

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Disney Imagicademy Storymation Studio: You make the movies the Imagacademy from Disney. You can now get creative with the characters, backgrounds, clay, and costume molds. Download the free and easy-to-use Storymation Studio animation app and make your own animated masterpiece inspired by your favorite Disney films. This is recommended for children ages 3 and up.

Disney Imagicademy Mickey Mouse Animals Activity Book:You can now roam through the wild and wondrous realm of the animal kingdom with Mickey Mouse and your favorite Disney pals! Explore the fascinating lives of insects, how animals adapt to their surroundings, the reason behind animal conservation, and more –all through a collection of creative activities. This is great for children ages 4 and up.

Disney Imagicademy Frozen Science Activity Book:Join Elsa, Olaf, and all your favorite characters from Disney’s Frozen as they lead you through creative activities, fun puzzles, and surprising experiments! Discover why we have four seasons, the natural beauty of snowflakes, how we see rainbows and so much more. Great for children ages 4 and up.

My Thoughts: My daughters have really enjoyed playing with each of these items. They are a great way for your children to do more than just play games or stare at a device all the time. I was incredibly impressed by how much fun each of these were. The Storymation Studio was awesome. Stay tuned and I will have more pictures of what my girls come up with in the future.

About Apple Pop Game:

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Move the apples around the tree, or try to pop the apples out on the first try! Land it in a basket and get extra points! It’s a game of strategy and fun–pop the apples out of the tree win by collecting the correct three!

My Thoughts:My daughters are incredibly excited when you get this game out. They had a ton of fun popping the apples out of the tree and racing to see who could get them all out the fastest.

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My Thoughts:

I was absolutely in love with each and everyone of these games that we received. I know that we will get many great game nights out of the games and they will be fun for the whole family. I have a few that I have added to my Christmas list for the other little kids in my life, because I know that they are going to be a great game.

 

 

Video Gaming Fun

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The world of Yo-Kai Watch is a strange one, which centers around the city of Spingdale. You take on the role of Nate, an average kid who meets a Yo Kai named Whisper.  Yo-Kai are mischievous creatures who love to cause problems for humans.  Whisper gives Nate a special watch which gives him the ability to see Yo Kai that are usually invisible.  As Nate makes friends, they join his team of Yo Kai and help him uncover a mysterious force in town.  With the help of the strongest and best team of Yo Kai, you and Nate can help the town.

The game play of Yo-Kai is quite different then other “capturing creatures” games, instead of directly controlling the action, you act in the role of an assistant, directing Yo-Kai in where to attack, when to use special moves, and giving them items as well.  As you battle more, your Yo-Kai can evolve into stronger versions of themselves or can be fused with each or other items to make different or stronger Yo-Kai.

Yo-Kai watch is available now for the Nintendo 3DS and 2DS retailing for $39.99 at retailers everywhere and in the eShop on the 3DS.

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Runbow is a new game by 13AM Games that brings a fun and interesting platforming party to the WiiU.  In Runbow, each player is a different colored character (9 total) who each represent a color of the rainbow.  The players have to “mad dash” for the finish line to see who can get there first.  But this is no simple foot race, there are obstacles like moving platforms and lava to get in the way.  This game is made for classic game players who love a challenge and are always trying to make that next jump and time it just right.  As such it may not appeal to very young players who will become more frustrated then those who have been playing platforming 2D games for years.  The best pat of this game is getting a few players together at once. With 2 it is fun- with more, it gets frenetic and really exciting.  I can only imagine how fun this game would be with 9 players at once. Runbow is available at the eShop for 14.99.

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And on the opposite end of the spectrum is a classic platforming game with a softer, more cuddly quality.  It is Yoshi’s Woolly World for the WiiU.  This game starts one of the Mushroom Kingdom’s most well loved characters,Yoshi.  This is his first Woolly adventure, following in the footsteps of Kirby’s Epic Yarn.  This game is the next step in the evolution of the yard medium.  Each character and environment has a handmade touch that is visually pretty cool.  From fraying yarn to the illusion of hand cut corners, it is great fun to play a game with this new setting.  In the game, Yoshi must reach the end each level while gathering as many collectibles as possible.  For the beginners, just finishing the level will be enough. For the more experienced players, collectibles are key.  Each level has its own charm, bringing to life a new platforming experience.  Also available are Amiibo extras where you can add a second Yoshi to the fun in the form of Samus, Woolly Yoshi, or even Mario to name a few.

Yoshi’s Wooly World is available at retail locations now as well as the eShop for 49.99 for the game alone or with a special pack which includes a Wooly Yoshi for 59.99.

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Disney is on its third installment of the ever fun Disney Infinity line of games.  This most recent addition to the crew includes not only Marvel and Disney characters, but also those of the Star Wars line of characters including Yoda, Darth Vader, and Han Solo. But this only scratches the surface- this game is great for beginner gamers because of the easy to pick up and play game play.  Each player picks their character from the Disney Infinity figures they own, characters for the previous 2 games work on the third iteration, and play as them throughout the game.  There are specific levels which work with specific characters and all characters can be used in the Toy Box, which is our personal favorite part of the game.  This portion of the game is player created.  People from all over the world can create and share their creations with others and the best are featured as such in the Toy Boxes section of the game.  These Toy Boxes show just how robust the game is as well as how creative the players of the game are as well.

Disney Infinity 3.0 is available for PlayStation®4, PlayStation®3, Wii U™, Xbox One, Xbox 360 in the Starter Pack, which includes: 1 Disney Infinity 3.0 Edition Video Game Disc,1 Disney Infinity 3.0 Edition Base, 2 Star Wars™ Figures: Ahsoka Tano, Anakin Skywalker, 1 Star Wars™ Twilight of the Republic Play Set Piece, and 1 Web Code Card and is available now retailing for $64.99.

Nintendo’s Yo Kai Watch

The world of Yo Kai Watch is a strange one which centers around the city of Spingdale, where you take on the role of Nate.  Nate is an average kid trying to collect bugs, when he meets a Yo Kai named Whisper.  Yo Kai are mischievous creatures who love to cause problems for humans.  Whisper gives Nate a special watch which gives him the ability to see Yo Kai that are usually invisible.  Nate then has the ability to befriend Yo Kai wherever they may be hiding or causing hi-jinks. As Nate makes friends, they join his team of Yo Kai and help him uncover a mysterious force in town.  With the help of the strongest and best team of Yo Kai, you and Nate can help the town.

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The game play of Yo Kai is quite different then other “capturing creatures” games, instead of directly controlling the action, you act in the role of an assistant, directing Yo Kai in where to attack, when to use special moves, and giving them items as well.  As you battle more, your Yo Kai can evolve into stronger versions of themselves or can be fused with each or other items to make different or stronger Yo Kai.  There are many Yo Kai to befriend and each of them has their own unique powers and personalities.  The town is full of both people and Yo Kai to help, and with each new quest there is another chance to gain experience as well as gain more Yo Kai.

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The little guy loves this game because he thinks the Yo Kai are cute and interesting, so kids should love this game while more experienced players can appreciated the ability to fuse characters together to make new, stronger Yo Kai.

Yo Kai watch is available now for the Nintendo 3DS and 2DS retailing for $39.99 at retailers everywhere and in the eShop on the 3DS.

Xenoblade Chronicles for the new Nintendo 3DSXL

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Xenoblade is a relatively 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 keep on your toes.  Xenoblade Chronicles is a huge open world game which emphasizes exploration.   The story is big and fun, with lots of drama, action and excitement.  I love it when a big RPG get a more accessible portable version making it easier to play on the go or at a few off minutes here and there instead of trying to carve up hours of time to enjoy with a TV screen.  The game also takes full advantage of the new 3DSXL.  In doing so it 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.  What I find most fun is the face following 3D effects.  Instead of setting and resetting the 3D view the system now follows the user’s face so immersion into the game is way easier.
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