Cooking Mama 4 for Nintendo 3DS #GamersGiftGuide2011

She cultivated your green thumb in Gardening Mama, turned your world into a work of art in Crafting Mama, and rocked the little ones to sleep in the innovative Babysitting Mama, but Mama’s talent is truly unparalleled in the kitchen. The original video game chef is whipping up all kinds of fresh fun in her 3DS debut. From new recipes and ways to play to exciting kitchen activities and dish combinations, the iconic kitchen cutie has some tricks up her sleeve that will magically transform kitchen newbies into master culinary artists!   

Features

• Use the stylus as your ultimate cooking utensil to chop, slice, stir, knead, roll, toss and more in more than 200 unique mini games.
• Use the 3DS gyroscope to cook in brand new ways:  crack eggs, balance plates of food, flip meals in a pan, grate cheese and more.
• Watch kitchen mishaps unfold in comedic 3D events and work to save your mistakes with additional activities on top of each recipe step.
• Create 60 mouth watering recipes including: Designer Cupcakes, Gourmet Popsicles, Takoyaki, New England Clam Chowder, Corn Dogs and Cherry Pie.
• Become a true kitchen master with new time-based activities that let you set the table, wash dishes, clean up, organize, decorate, and more!
• Recipes progress from simple to complex, from small to large dishes, so do your best to meet Mama's expectations and impress your friends. If your friends think your dish is delicious, you'll unlock another new friend!  
• Earn bronze, silver, and gold medals from Mama based on the quality of your cooking.
• Customize your kitchen & dress up Mama with fun earned outfits and accessories.
• Combine two recipes to make your very own delicious or unusual dish. A total of 416 different fantastic combinations.
• Cook off with up to 4 players in Challenge Mode.

My Thoughts on Cooking Mama 4 for Nintendo 3DS:

I was excited for a new Cooking Mama game with new dishes to master!  I wasn't sure how it would play in 3D but found that only the top, direction screen was in 3D so it was  fun but didn't make cooking more difficult.  Overall I felt that the dishes were actually easy to get perfect.  Others are saying that this is because the game is more sensitive/accurate than previous versions.  I got perfect scores on almost all the dishes I tried on the first or second try.  Some I had to redo because I didn't understand what I was supposed to do the first time around but did well the second time.  But the best part of Cooking Mama 4 is that there are more extras in this game that give lots of extra playing time!  If only I could cook this well in real life!!  At least I can have fun pretending!!


Disclosure: I received a complimentary copy of this game for review purposes. All opinions expressed are my own honest personal feedback.

Frogger 3D for Nintendo 3DS #GamersGiftGuide2011

Frogger 3D is now available for the Nintendo 3DS™ handheld system. The excitement of Frogger's timeless run-and-dodge gameplay is back and better than ever, all in 3D and just in time for Frogger's 30th Anniversary celebration.

Featuring new graphics, novel levels twists and new friends to help Frogger make it across the way, Frogger 3D introduces the classic Frogger gameplay on an all-new platform. Using the tight controls on the 3DS, players can run, dash, and dodge past moving obstacles and enemies. Players can also team up with some of Frogger's special frog friends in certain levels to destroy obstacles, absorb damage or light the way in dark spaces.

Featuring 6 new worlds to explore including New York, the Far East and even Space, players can experience 60 uniquely challenging stages throughout the game. Gamers will have all new elements and environments to maneuver through as Frogger makes his way up skyscrapers, and even crossing a very lively sushi bar avoiding predators trying to put a halt to his progression. Frogger experts can also show off their skills in Street Pass battles, where the object is to avoid becoming road-kill by scooting past speeding vehicles zooming along multiple lanes of opposing traffic. In Forever mode, fans of Frogger will get Déjà-vu when looking at the maps as the friendly confines of Frogger's safety zones are removed and the goal is to traverse as many lines as you can!

As an added bonus, players can compete against each other in 4 player matches and progress through infinite boards as they try to attain Frogger immortality and land in the top spot on Street Pass rankings.

Frogger 3D is rated E for Everyone by the ESRB and is now available for the Nintendo 3DS™ for $29.99.

My Thoughts: 

As a child of the 80's, I played a LOT of Frogger. So when I saw the notice for Frogger 3D I KNEW I had to get my hands on this game!  And I am glad I did!  I think this is great combination of old school and new technology.  It requires just as much patience as the original game....waiting for just the right moment to hop into action.  As I progressed through the levels, each one required a little more thought to see the safe route.  I think most of the levels had more safe places to wait out the traffic than the original Frogger, which makes it a little less stressful.  However with the 3D element, as well as more non-moving obstacles, you really have to think more because it's not as straight forward as the original game.  I absolutely love this new twist on a old classic!  It's a great way to introduce my own kids to a game I loved when I was a kid without the eye rolls at outdated graphics etc.  And as a momma in my 30s I have to say Frogger is still as quick as he was 30 years ago!! This mom give Frogger 3D two thumbs up for sure.  

For more great gaming gift options check out our full Gamers Gift Guide!

Disclosure: I received a complimentary copy of this video game for review purposes.  All opinions expressed are my own honest personal feedback.

Puzzler Mind Gym® 3D Review

Puzzler Mind Gym® 3D

Platform: Nintendo 3DS™ system
Where: Available at retailers throughout North America
When: September 13, 2011
Price: $39.99

Details: Ubisoft® is pleased to announce that Puzzler Mind Gym® 3D for the Nintendo 3DS system is now available at retail outlets in North America. The game is rated E for Everyone by the ESRB.

Puzzler Mind Gym 3D offers a daily program of brain exercises and puzzles in 3D, designed to help make the most of your mind. Improve your capabilities in four categories you use every day - Visual, Memorization, Word-based, and Numerical puzzles abound.

Puzzler Mind Gym 3D is a 90-day program of enjoyable exercises for the mind, allowing players to flex their memory muscle before undertaking the daily Mind Gym Challenges set by Professor Ian Robertson: neuroscientist and world expert on cognitive rehabilitation.

Players can work through each session from start to finish, or choose from any of the 90 daily programs at any time by browsing their preferred game type. Each of the daily sessions features selectable icons representing the four individual game categories of Memory, Word, Visual, and Numerical and will offer four games that the player must complete in order to access the Mind Gym Challenge for that session.

KEY FEATURES Puzzler Mind Gym 3D is the first title to bring the hit brain trainer genre to the Nintendo 3DS, leveraging the platforms innovative 3D technology. Complete daily challenges of four puzzles and add them to your routine. Monitor your improvement as the tracker automatically records your progress. Get expert advice from Professor Ian Robertson as you play, providing you with useful tips on exercising the mind, both inside and outside the game. As you complete challenges, learn fun trivia about the different areas of the brain and their associated functions. New on-screen 3D brain models immerse you like never before.

My thoughts:

We have a TON of games in our house, but 95% of them are for the kids.  There are some kids games I enjoy playing but only a few I acquired because I wanted them for MYSELF.  But this was one of those titles that I wanted.  I am a smart person but I swear my mind started leaving me when I hit about 25 and I think I might have to tattoo my address on my forehead by the time I'm 40 if it continues to worsen.  I have NEVER been one to lose things but it has been happening more and more everyday.  So getting a game that would make me use my brain power in a way I haven't in a long time sounded like a great idea.  When I began playing, initially I thought 'psh this is too easy." But no sooner did I think this than it began getting more challenging.  A few more levels and I had to put the game down for the night as my intelligence had been tested plenty for the night. This is not the kind of game you can mindlessly play while you watch TV (I play iPad games a lot like this)!  This will seriously get your brain going.  I haven't yet come across anything that my kids aren't qualified for (at least as much as I was) so it isn't limited to adults! I just think it is a great game for those of us who don't really get that sort of stimulation anymore since we aren't in school. If your thinking muscle could use a little flexing, check this game out.  As for the 3D, I played for only about half the time in 3D as my brain was strained plenty in 2D!  

Disclosure: I received a complimentary copy of this game for review purposes.  All opinions expressed are my own honest personal feedback.