New Games and Gaming Devices You Will Love

Looking for some fun games to play with the kids? We have some suggestions.

Mario Kart is one of those games which turn a room full of strangers into a room full of new buddies- or at least rowdy racers.  With equal parts skill, luck, and know how, Mario Kart has consistently been a gem of this gaming’s generation.  The latest in the franchise, Mario Kart 8 Deluxe, dare I say may be the brightest gem so far.  With almost all characters unlocked to begin with, this game is built for multiplayer.  As the new Switch will show you, it is easy to grab a controller and play.  Each player takes the mini controller for their racer and plays.

With tons of characters to choose from, everyone can pick their favorite without arguments.  Characters of different wights and sizes act differently and effect your controls, as do the type of vehicle and even the tires selected.  The game also includes support for amiibo’s and amiibo cards, which unlock more content in game, allowing for even more customization. Mario Kart Deluxe 8 is available no for $59.99 from retail locations of via download fro the eShop.

 

We have two indie titles-  one for the 3DS and one for the Playstation 4. Fun, inexpensive, and most gamers will enjoy them and be able to play (no master skill sets required).

This is the third Box Boy game in the line, Bye Bye Box Boy , is a game where players use the power of boxes to solve various puzzles as Qbby.  This game is an enjoyable puzzle game which is simple to get into, but difficult to put down.  My 9 year old has loved every Box Boy game and this is no different, but now with a few additions like 4 new powers, baby boxes to rescue, and new environmental issues to contend with (like water, wind, and scales) there is more to do.  He enjoys the Box Boy series- it’s tough but not too tough for him to figure out after thinking about it and trying a few things, or in some cases, with some help from Dad.  Bye By Box Boy is available now on the eShop on the Nintendo 3DS and retails for $4.99.

cheap video games

Up next is a frenetic space racing game called Aaero.  In this game, you play the part of a lone ship racing along to the beat of various songs, each of which are loud thumping beats.  While racing along, you are attacked by various enemies who need some attention from your gun.  This game is fast paced and a blast to play.  Mostly, I have played it loudly and in short spurts, but can see how this game would be quite addicting.  The music is catchy, the level designs are gorgeous, and the levels are fun to play or sit back and watch someone else play.  Aaero is available now for Playstation 4, Xbox One, and Steam.  So be sure to check it out on your platform of choice, turn up the speakers and enjoy.

The Zeiss VR One Plus is fun for you and the kids relax and unwind together, it’s a cool experiance. This headset device that you use with your phone offers hundreds of compatible app options that you can choose from. Anything you prefer- videos, news, gaming, virtually exploring far off places or hard to reach (perhaps even impossible) locations, all from your home. One of the coolest features is that it will fit any size head- yes, even your giant melon- and that you can wear it with glasses. That’s not always easy to find in a VR headset. We’ve all tried this out, and everyone has enjoyed it. It’s comfortable, light, and the apps are really a lot of fun to mess around with. Buy for around $129 at stores like Target or Best Buy.

For the arcade experience at home or on the go, check out the Mini Arcade Games now available.  These  scaled down, mini versions of classic games you might have played in actual arcades ( I KNOW! Kids these days….) have all the features you played, actual authentic game play and nostalgic appeal all in one tiny, handheld game. Now available are Q*Bert and Centipede and yes, they have special full color screens. Dodge obstacles and blast bad guys using the mini joystick and fire buttons and get in all your old-school gaming jollies. $19.99 at Walmart only.

Speaking of old school fun, check out the NES Classic Edition controllers from My Arcade. It works with the newly released edition of the classic Nintendo system, as well as with Wii and Wii U as an optional Classic Controller (with compatible games). You can play from as far as 30 feet away, and for more then 75 hours with 2 (not included) AAA batteries. Designed for better grip, it also seems a little smaller and lighter to me. No wires need on this bad boy! Available for about $20 from Amazon and other sites.

Bye Bye Box Boy and Aaero #VideoGames

Check out these two indie titles-  one for the 3DS, Bye Bye box Boy and one for the Playstation 4, Aaero. Fun, inexpensive, and good for most gamers.

box boy

This is the third Box Boy game in the line, Bye Bye Box Boy , is a game where players use the power of boxes to solve various puzzles as Qbby.  This game is an enjoyable puzzle game which is simple to get into, but difficult to put down.  My 9 year old has loved every Box Boy game and this is no different, but now with a few additions like 4 new powers, baby boxes to rescue, and new environmental issues to contend with (like water, wind, and scales) there is more to do.  He enjoys the Box Boy series- it’s tough but not too tough for him to figure out after thinking about it and trying a few things, or in some cases, with some help from Dad.  Bye By Box Boy is available now on the eShop on the Nintendo 3DS and retails for $4.99.

cheap video games

Up next is a frenetic space racing game called Aaero.  In this game, you play the part of a lone ship racing along to the beat of various songs, each of which are loud thumping beats.  While racing along, you are attacked by various enemies who need some attention from your gun.  This game is fast paced and a blast to play.  Mostly, I have played it loudly and in short spurts, but can see how this game would be quite addicting.  The music is catchy, the level designs are gorgeous, and the levels are fun to play or sit back and watch someone else play.  Aaero is available now for Playstation 4, Xbox One, and Steam.  So be sure to check it out on your platform of choice, turn up the speakers and enjoy.

Mario Kart 8 Deluxe for the Nintendo Switch

mario kart 8

Mario Kart is one of those games which turn a room full of strangers into a room full of new buddies- or at least rowdy racers.  With equal parts skill, luck, and know how, Mario Kart has consistently been a gem of this gaming’s generation.  The latest in the franchise, Mario Kart 8 Deluxe, dare I say may be the brightest gem so far.  With almost all characters unlocked to begin with, this game is built for multiplayer.  As the Switch will show you, it is easy to grab a controller and play.  Each player takes the mini controller for their racer and plays.

The game runs at 1080p, and the graphics are spot on- levels pop with textures and colors, with characters smoothly running along the tracks.  Every track from the Wii U version of the game is included, including DLC, which makes a glorious return. Plus, the Inklings appear as all-new guest characters, along with returning favorites, such as King Boo, Dry Bones, and Bowser Jr.  My personal favorite is green Shy guy, because he reminds me of Christmas., followed very closely by Dry Bones.  My son favors likes Link or Yoshi.

With tons of characters to choose from, everyone can pick their favorite without arguments.  Characters of different wights and sizes act differently and effect your controls, as do the type of vehicle and even the tires selected. Every track has character and originality, never facing two of the same type in a row.  Some new and some classic from previous Mario Kart games, but updated for 8 Deluxe.  The game also includes support for amiibo’s and amiibo cards, which unlock more content in game, allowing for even more customization.  Most of these options come in the form of the outfit for your Mii to use in race,  which are all cool to see and even more fun to use.

Mario Kart Deluxe 8 is available no for $59.99 from retail locations of via download fro the eShop.

Nintendo Selects – the perfect basket stuffer

This Easter, instead of filling the kiddo’s Easter baskets with candy and small plastic trinkets, why not fill it with something they will enjoy for hours and that they really want.  Check out the games from the Nintendo Select line, which include some of the most fun 3DS games at a great price.  Some of the titles include Kirby Triple Deluxe, Mario and Luigi Dream Team, Animal Crossing New Leaf, Luigi’s Mansion, The Legend of Zelda Ocarina of Time, and Yoshi’s New Island.  These games and many more can now be purchased for $19.99.  These are the same fun games which are well loved by all at a wallet-friendly price.

Kirby Triple Deluxe is all about the cute pink hero who must defeat King Dedede by traveling through many worlds.  Kirby’s chief move is the ability to suck up enemies and borrow their powers, until spitting them out and grabbing new ones.  What we really like about Kirby Triple Deluxe is the amount of content in it.  There are a total of 3 additional games included.  The first is Dedede’s Drum Dash, which is a rhythm based time trial game. Next is Dedede Tour, which lets you time attack through levels from the main story as Kind Dedede instead of Kirby, and last but not least the Arena, which is a continuous battle mode with bosses from the main story.  This game is a great way to get to know Kirby and all is about personality and powers.

Mario and Luigi Dream Team is a role playing game with familiar characters from the Mushroom Kingdom.  In this game you must battle your way through the resort world of Pi’ Illo and Luigi’s odd dream world.  The game is an action RPG where players take control of the famous brothers in order to rescue Princess Peach and restore the citizens of Pi’ illo from the bat king Antasma’s curse.  This game is a blast for Mario fans and is a fun way to change up the familiar game play of running and jumping by including strategy and a rich silly story.

These games and more are available now at retail locations and online.

New Lego Dimension Sets – Perfect For Easter Baskets

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

LEGO Dimensions brings the whole family together to build and play through memorable entertainment franchises, including popular characters and iconic locations from The LEGO Batman Movie, Sonic the Hedgehog, Gremlins, Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them, Adventure Time and many, many more. On May 9, players will also be able to pick up new expansion packs featuring Sloth from The Goonies, Hermione from Harry Potter and Chase McCain from LEGO CITY Undercover.

The LEGO Dimensions Starter Pack is available now for $89.99 for PlayStation 4, Xbox One and Wii U and $79.99 for PlayStation 3 and Xbox 360. Select retailers may discount the packs lower as Easter approaches.

Lego Dimensions is the cool new way to bring your Lego’s to life using a portal and special Lego sets, where each level lets you play with any characters you own.  The newest Story Pack is Lego Batman the movie.  This set includes Bat Girl and Robin as well as the Bat Wing.  This story pack lets you play through the entire Lego Batman movie storyline. You can also play with/ use any characters from Lego Dimensions, like Gandoff from Lord of the Rings or Mr T from The A Team.

 

In addition to the new story pack, there are also two new Fun Packs.  One is Knight Rider and includes Kitt and Michael Knight.  This set unlocks the Knight Rider Adventure World as well as Battle Arena.  This set is great for nostalgia lovers or lovers of Lego Dimensions.  My 9 year old had no idea what Knight Rider was (I know, horrors) but was interested once he saw the set.  Dad is thoroughly excited to share some nostalgia with him.

The next fun pack is also from Lego Batman the movie, it is Excalibur Batman.  This set includes an armor clad Batman who is taller then the regular Batman- which was very important to my son for some super odd reason.  It also comes with his trusty bionic stallion.  This set is great fun when used with the Lego Batman Story pack.  The bionic horse being a house favorite “vehicle” as of now.

Lego Dimension packs are available everywhere toys are sold both online and at brick and mortar stores.

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Follow – new app for travel and roadtrips

Have you ever been tasked with going someplace new, or had to follow behind another car to go someplace? (Meaning you had to follow another person driving?)  This can be a stressful situation for both parties.  Red lights, other drivers, pedestrians, re-fueling.  All this can lead to losing the other person getting lost, and in general can be cumbersome and down right unnerving.  Luckily, there is a new app called Follow, where it is easy to set up each person as the leader or follower and have others follow or lead you to your destination.

With both map based GPS locations and an audible notice when the trip changes, it is easy to follow or lead your trips.  This is great for short trips and long road trips as well.  Instead of being right on the leader car’s bumper, it is now possible to follow a safe distance away (even if other cars get in between you as you drive) while still getting to your final destination on time.  The app is breeze to use and after registering, makes for some fun trips with friends.  This is perfect for a group of friends in high school just learning how to drive in an area, a real estate agent trying to bring clients to more then one house, some friends going on a trip, or even out of town relatives who you are trying to show around a bit.  No matter what the reason, this app is very helpful.  Best part is it is is free to download.  If you want to have more then one follower, there is a 0.99 upgrade fee.  Follow allows you the ability to assign yourself or another as a leader and invite users to be followers.  It also gives you instant alerts when leader changes course.  It offers  hands-free navigation with verbal directions, and even easily turn off follow tracking for user safety.

Follow is available now on the Play store and the iOS store as well.

Dragon Quest VIII for the 3DS

Dragon Quest has been a long standing classic series, and one of the most memorable of them is Dragon Quest 8. This game was originally released for the PS2 and is now available for the Nintendo 3DS.  Dragon Quest sports characters and environments (which are beautifully designed) as well as enemies with unique oddities including slimes, Drackies, bone barons, and sabercats are all included.  Not only is it a portable version, but there are also quite a few extras packed in as well.  Now you can defeat monsters and add them as backup for your own battles, adding a new dimension.

There are also 2 new characters, monster arena owner Morrie and Red the bandit.  You can now save anywhere during the game, which is fantastic, and a very important update is the fact there are no more random encounters.   So if you are searching for some health, no need to get as nervous as you make your way about, just be quick and stealthy.  The alchemy pot is another addition, where items are added and new items are made- (such as potions or weapons) there are many possibilities.  There are also new weapons, new side missions, a whole new ending available, and a new dungeon as well.  You also now have the ability to take pictures in game and share via StreetPass with your friends on the 3DS.

The story itself follows your adventures while trying to defeat an evil villain with a magical staff who cursed the kingdom of Trodain.  Along with your friends Yangus the bandit, Jessica the magical minx, and Angelo the knight, you explore and battle your way through this game experience.

Dragon Quest is a classic RPG where planning and careful game play are rewarded with leveling up and new equipment.  Many even say this is the title to get your feet wet with in the Dragon Quest line of games.  Dragon Quest 8 is available now on the eShop and at retail stores everywhere. Enjoy.

Poochy And Yoshi’s Woolly World for 3DS

yoshi and poochy

Yarn Yoshi is back, and this time he has brought his woolly buddy Poochy, in Poochy and Yoshi’s Woolly World.  Kamek the magikoopa has changed everyone into wool, Yoshi and Poochy are here to save the day.  This game is a retelling of Yoshi Woolly World on the Wii U, which includes over 55 levels of fun and also adds some new Poochy levels.  Every level has a craft feel, where enemies are yarn-abes and each texture and item is also craft based.

There is also an ability to enter Mellow Mode, where Yoshi sports his signature wings and can float about, and adds Poochy’s 3 little puppies to help find secrets and hidden passages.  This game is great for players of all ages, where experienced players will try to collect all the items available while beginners will be happy to beat each level.  New to this version are collectable pencil stamps which add materials to use in craft mode.  Craft mode is where you can create your own Yoshi patterns using various colors and materials gathered during game play.  You can make any pattern you like from a favorite sports team to a super hero costume design.  These Yoshi can then be shared as well.  Another neat feature is Yoshi feature, where you can watch animated shorts based on Yoshi and Poochy’s adventures.

The game also supports amiibos.  Yarn Yoshi unlocks a double Yoshi to make levels even more fun.  Taping the new Yarn Poochy lets you add Poochy to a regular level while tapping Poochy during Poochy Dash unlock extra challenges and thus bonus Poochy designs as well.  Poochy and Yoshi’s Woolly World is available only on the Nintendo 3DS and is available for download from the eShop or at retail locations.  In addition to the regular edition, there is also an amiibo bundle where the game includes a Poochy amiibo packaged with it.