"Brave: The Video Game" Is Now Available In Stores

Brave: The Video Game, inspired by the Disney•Pixar movie “Brave,” is now available for PlayStation®3 computer entertainment system, Xbox 360® video game and entertainment system from Microsoft, Wii™ system from Nintendo, Nintendo DS™ handheld system and Windows PC/ MAC.  Brave: The Video Game offers fans the chance to continue the story of the film and relive highlights from Merida’s heroic journey to undo a beastly curse before it’s too late.  Players can go on new adventures and experience non-stop action as they run, jump and battle their way through the rugged landscape of mythical and mysterious Scotland.

Brave: The Video Game is a third person action-adventure where players can challenge destiny and change their fate, while playing as Merida who is voiced by the film’s actress, Kelly Macdonald.  By utilizing their wits and bravery, players will face off against fierce enemies to end an ancient curse and save the kingdom.  In addition, they will be able to go on quests through a mystical world and solve puzzles to uncover secrets. 

“The exciting action-adventure gameplay that takes place in Brave: The Video Game expands the tale beyond the movie’s storyline, giving fans both a fun and engaging gaming experience,” said Javier Ferreira, Senior Vice President of Publishing, Disney Interactive Media Group. “Brave: The Video Game allows players to truly be part of this exciting fantasy adventure, full of the rich storytelling heritage and quality that Disney•Pixar does best.”

Brave: The Video Game offers a variety of gameplay options, including single-player as Merida, co-op mode with a will o’ the wisp, and a special Bear mode.  Several new opponents created exclusively for the game will challenge the player throughout the experience, culminating with an ultimate boss battle to complete the adventure. 

With Kinect™ for Xbox 360 and PlayStation®Move motion controller for PS3™ gamers will feel like they are using a bow and arrow to compete in archery for a truly immersive experience. The Nintendo DS game is filled with its own exciting missions and a myriad of characters to engage the single-player.  

Brave: The Video Game is available now for PlayStation®3 computer entertainment system, Xbox 360, Wii™, Nintendo DS™ and Windows PC/MAC. 

Wappy Dog for Nintendo DS #GamersGiftGuide2011

• Wappy Dog engages gamers to raise their very own interactive puppy in both the real and virtual worlds and teach cool tricks, play mini-games and even converse! In Home Mode, communicate with Wappy via your Nintendo DS, and watch the physical dog react appropriately. In Travel Mode, interact with Wappy inside the Nintendo DSs virtual world.
• Every Wappy Dog experience is a personalized one. Give Wappy another name, customized both the in-game version and physical dog with different colors and accessories, choose from various environments and toys. You interaction with Wappy determines the dogs constantly evolving personality, skills and happiness, just like a real pet one that sings and dances that is!
• Unprecedented Level of Interaction:Wappy Dog develops strong emotional attachment through deep simulation and the real-world interaction of a physical companion Conversational prompts are answered with hundreds of evolving barked responses translated by the DS software
• Thanks to data exchange between the toy and game, the virtual and physical Wappy Dog share the same experiences
• The physical Wappy Dog cheers or cries, expressing mood through sound or movement based on how well Wappy is performing

My Thoughts on Wappy Dog for Nintendo DS:

This was a very different style of game for our household because most of the pet games available make a slightly girlie look to the packaging and marketing so the boys won't touch them.  But with a blue puppy and no real signs of 'girlieness" the boys instantly fell in love with Wappy Dog.  The two different modes allow you to play in very different ways.  My kids also discovered for me that you can play with Wappy even without your DS.
My boys have been pretty good in keeping their DS's nice but most other things in our house have a very short life so I was nervous about how Wappy Dog would hold up, but after several weeks of playing our Wappy is covered in stickers (included to personalize your dog) but otherwise still in perfect shape. The only issue we've had with Wappy Dog is the boys getting frustrated when they have the DS and are playing and the other two won't keep their hands of Wappy.  When they are playing together nicely it's great, if anyone doesn't cooperate, it gets ugly!  But overall this has been a hit in our household.  Even Dad has enjoyed playing with it with Bryan and he usually isn't into the kids games at all!


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

DaGeDar for Nintendo DS #GamersGiftGuide2011

DaGeDar™ for Nintendo DS™, the competitive and fun racing game based on the popular brand of DaGeDar™ racing balls and toys, will be available in retail stores nationwide on November 15, 2011 for the suggested retail price of $19.99.

Battle it out with your friends or race evil spirits alone; DaGeDar’s virtual raceway will keep you playing for hours. With more than 30 fast and furious raceways, you’ll be looping, dropping, climbing, and banking your way to the end with fury, but watch out for the blocks and gaps in the raceway! Featuring 100 collectable balls with unique abilities, as well as special, limited edition characters, you’ll have a blast collecting and trading your favorite DaGeDar items. Whether playing alone or sharing with a friend using the game’s multiplayer download options, the action-packed world of DaGeDar will keep you hungry for more racing, collecting and conquering of evil spirits in a unique 33rd dimension world.

Developed by Black Lantern Studios, DaGeDar for Nintendo DS is rated “E” for Everyone by the ESRB. 

My Thoughts on DaGeDar for Nintendo DS:
DaGeDar is one of the must have toys for boys this year and after spending hours playing with them with the boys, I was very curious to see how they had turned it into a DS game.  Essentially this is a racing game.  It is a challenging game that my boys spent the entire first day attempting to beat which surprised me.  Not that it was challenging but that MY kids would stick with it for that long.  Each of them played it for a good amount of time and even m over tired, not at all patient 3 year old didn't get upset with it even though he played it enough to know that it was telling him "you lose" after each unsuccessful round.  I think it was because of the fast paced rollercoaster feel of the DaGeDar track and easy use.  It was easy enough for them all to play but would be challenging enough for 10+ easily too.  This one gets two thumbs up from this mom and even from my winless kids!

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.

Camping Mama for Nintendo DS #GamersGiftGuide2011

What better way to keep your own summer outdoor adventure going than by entering into the Camping Mama “Write Your Own Verse” contest? Majesco Entertainment is asking fans to channel their favorite campfire songs and reimagine some new lyrics for the official Camping Mama: Outdoor Adventures trailer. You can check out the official trailer here: www.campingmamagame.com.
Set to the tune of Stephen Foster’s classic “Camptown Races”, the trailer shows off many of the exciting activities featured in the game, the first in the best-selling Mama franchise that allows gamers to play as Mama’s children. Majesco is looking for creative entrants to submit their own lyrics set to the tune and theme for a chance to win their verse recut into a new version of the trailer, as well as a Camping Mama-branded “survival kit”, including everything you’ll need for your own outdoor camping adventure!
The official site for the contest is www.campingmamagame.com/contest, where you can also check out the official rules, view the prizes and submit your own entry for your chance to win.

Launched on September 13 exclusively for the Nintendo DS, Camping Mama: Outdoor Adventures allows players to navigate the wilderness, live off the land and master their survival skills to thrive in the great outdoors! From adventurous activities like rock climbing and spelunking to necessities like foraging for food and cooking your meal, you’ll explore the island and interact with the wildlife as you create lasting memories with Mama and her family – and get inspired for a brand new campfire tune!

• Based on the best-selling Cooking Mama franchise that has sold more than 8 and a half million units in North America alone, Camping Mama: Outdoor Adventures allows players to explore the camp site and island as they play a mix of stylus-based cooking, crafting, treasure hunting, and action mini-games in the signature Mama format.
• Play through 38 levels with 100 brand new mini games as Mama’s son or daughter with either Mama or Papa on hand to provide guidance.
• Participate in activities including rock climbing, swinging on jungle vines, spelunking, rowing a boat, tree climbing, and more.
• Use items in mini-games to survive in the woods - craft a fishing pole to fish, sharpen knives and axes with stones you’ve collected, make a fire to cook shellfish you’ve caught, cook the eggs collected from captured chickens to eat, set up your camping tent to sleep in, construct a net to catch butterflies, and much more!
• Experience nature in a variety of settings, such as the Forest, Mountains, and Seas in day, night, snow, and more!
• Find treasure that you can use in further adventures, or even to decorate your camp.
• Collect insects, fish, treasure, and more, and then survey your collection in your scrap book. Aim to find everything!

• Perfect mini games you’ve unlocked in Challenge Mode.

My Thoughts on Camping Mama:

I have been in love with Cooking Mama for years.  My kids have developed a love for her games too but it as initially MY game.  So I was excited to hear that a new game was coming to the line, but with a different spin.  Camping Mama is a fun new game that my boys actually enjoyed more than the other 'Mama" games we have because there is more game going on in between the typical challenges "Mama" has.  You work your way through the different scenes, being careful to avoid thinks like snakes as you make your way to the camping themed mini games.    Enjoy camping without the bugs in your sleeping bag with Camping Mama for Nintendo DS.

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.

Plants vs. Zombies for Nintendo DS #GamersGiftGuide2011

Plants vs. Zombies 
Winner: 2011 Parents Choice Award.
Excellent fast-paced strategy game. A mob of fun-loving zombies is about to invade your home, and your only defense is an arsenal of zombie-zapping plants. Fun for the whole family – anyone age 5 to 105 can enjoy this game!

“Plants vs. Zombies leaps to the head of the tower defense pack by virtue of its polish, humor, simplicity and seductive strategic depth.”
-New York Times

“Lovingly made, so joyfully silly, and yet completely compelling.”
-PC Magazine

About PopCap Games:PopCap Games is the leading global developer, publisher and operator of casual video games: fun, easy-to-learn, captivating games that appeal to all ages across PC, mobile, social and other platforms. Based in Seattle, Washington, PopCap was founded in 2000, was acquired by Electronic Arts in 2011, and has a worldwide staff of more than 500 people in Seattle, San Francisco, Vancouver, B.C., Dublin, Seoul, Shanghai and Tokyo. PopCap's games have been downloaded over 1.5 billion times by consumers worldwide, and its flagship franchise, Bejeweled®, has sold more than 50 million units.

Available at major retailers including Wal-Mart, Best Buy, Sam’s Club GameStop, Target, Amazon, Fry's, Comp USA and online.


My thoughts:
This is one of those games that seemed like EVERYONE was playing but I hadn't checked out just because of the name honestly.  I'm not much of a zombie freak and I had assumed it was a dark game.  But now I get it!  This is a crazy addicting game.  The first time I played I lost within seconds.  I wondered, what the heck people could possibly love about this game, I didn't understand it.  Then after a few attempts, I accidently got it right and I fell in love.  I would suggest doing what I recommend to my kids with every new game...READ THE DIRECTIONS.  If you play video games at all, you know the manuals that come with the game have become pretty much useless. BUT the on screen directions actually tell you a lot if you don't get impatient and flip through them.  I am pretty sure that was my mistake but nonetheless it probably took less than 5 minutes to get the idea anyway.  And then I played for about an hour without realizing how much time had passed.  The boys had fun watching me play and then eventually playing on their own...you know when I am willing to give it up!

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.

Spy Kids: All the Time in the World for Nintendo DS #GamersGiftGuide2011

Spy Kids: All the Time in the World is now available on Nintendo DS™ at retailers everywhere.  This frenetic and fun platforming adventure challenges would-be spies everywhere to use high tech gadgets and gear to save the world. In partnership with Dimension Films and the company’s new gaming division, TWC Games, the game is based upon the major motion picture, Spy Kids: All the Time in the World in 4D.

Spy Kids: All the Time in the World in 4D, the film, is written and directed by series creator Robert Rodriguez and stars Jessica Alba, Jeremy Piven, and Joel McHale.  The film will be released in theaters nationwide on August 19th, 2011.

In Spy Kids: All the Time in the World the video game, players will step into the shoes of the newest Spy Kids, Rebecca and Cecil, as they race against the clock in this exciting gaming adventure. The Timekeeper is threatening to take over the planet and it’s up to you to save the world. Utilize the coolest new hi-tech spy gear to take out swarms of enemies and solve puzzles that stand in your way.  The clock is ticking, so gear up and reinvigorate the Spy Kids division for a new generation!

Game features include:

• Eight levels full of baddies and traps, including: Downtown, OSS Base, OSS Vault, Big Time Watch Repair Shop, and Time Keeper’s Lair
• Play as either Rebecca or Cecil, each with special skills
• Master state-of-the-art gadgets to fend off enemies and find hidden goodies
• Navigate environmental puzzles like quicksand, conveyer belts, air vents, slick surfaces, and more
• Earn special attacks, such as Double Speed Attack, Attack Power-up, Mega Super Power Boom, Blue Cheese Bomb, and more

My thoughts:

My kids have loved the Spy Kid series for several years so there was no doubt that this game would be a hit with them.  We haven't seen the movie so I'm not sure how closely it ties in but do know it was a fun play for the boys.  I didn't play it myself but watched my 7 year old gamer play for some time.  It seemed to be just the right amount of challenge for him as he played with his tongue sticking out the side of his mouth, a la Micheal Jordan, in concentration but did not get upset with not being able to do things.  It kept his attention for a long time and has been a game he has gone back to play regularly.  For the price of 19.99, I think it deserves 3 thumbs up (what? I'm borrowing a thumb) for any Spy Kid fan in your house!

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.

Pillow Pets for Nintendo DS Review #GamersGiftGuide2011

GameMill Entertainment, an independent publisher of entertaining mass-market video games, today announced plans to bring the loveable and cuddly Pillow Pets™ companions to Nintendo DS™ as an exciting and entertaining adventure game. The Pillow Pets™ game for Nintendo DS is set to launch in North America this Holiday.  Based on the beloved children’s line of plush pillows from CJ Products that easily transform into snuggly companions, the Pillow Pets™ game for Nintendo DS invites you to jump, fly, buzz and explore Dreamland, the imaginative world where the Pillow Pets™ characters thrive.  Get to know your charming pet’s personality as you customize him or her with hats, glasses and more!  When your favorite pal goes missing you must set out on a journey to bring your lost pet home safely. But don’t fret!  Along the way you’ll meet cuddly friends and uncover tokens and rewards that will make for an unforgettable experience!  Whether playing alone or side by side with friends, the Pillow Pets™ game for Nintendo DS creates a nurturing and fantasy-filled adventure that can be enjoyed by boys and girls of all ages. 
Additional Pillow Pets™ In-Game Features:

• Collectables: Meet and collect up to 16 well-known Pillow Pets™ characters including farm critters and jungle animals!
• Beautiful Lands to Explore: Venture into magical lands including Fantasy Woods, Rainbow Valley and Slumber Land Castle!
• Customization: Accessorize your Pillow Pets™ from head to toe!  Up to 40 accessories to unlock from hats, glasses and more!
• Rewards: Gather tokens, unlock bonuses and garner prizes in each level!

Developed by First Playable, the Pillow Pets™ game for Nintendo DS is rated “E” for Everyone by the ESRB.

My Thoughts:

This adorable game based on the much loved Pillow Pets is truly great for any age.  At first glance I thought it might be too "girly" for the boys but really the game isn't geared for either gender.  So if you have a Pillow Pets lover, they will likely like the game.  It isn't super challenging but that makes it fabulous for the younger kids.  My three year old really enjoyed playing it was actually easy enough for him to handle.  The only thing that seemed to through him is that the coins you collect continue to regenerate after you collect them so in a multilevel areas he would often go back through the same areas several times before I could convince him to continue on to finish the level.  But both he and my 7 year old really enjoyed not only 'collecting' the different Pillow Pet characters but also being able to NAME them.  They came up with some really interesting names for their new friends.  This is one of my favorite new games to grab for road trips for my little man because he is actually able to handle it without whining or constant requests for help.  If you are looking for a beginner game for younger kids, or just for a Pillow Pet fan, I think this is great one!

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.

Phineas and Ferb: Across the Second Dimension Video Game Review

Phineas and Ferb: Across the Second Dimension is a fun-filled game where Phineas, Ferb or Agent P battle evil enemy drones using gadgets and combat maneuvers while making their way through over 30 stages in order to defeat the evil Dr. D and his minions.

Genre: Adventure
Publisher: Disney Interactive Studios

MSRP: $29.99
E for Everyone: Mild Cartoon Violence

Genre: Adventure
Publisher: Disney Interactive Studios
MSRP: $39.99
E10+ for Everyone 10+: Cartoon Violence

Phineas and Ferb: Across the 2nd Dimension– Trailer Video 

Game Review:

Our family checked out both versions of this game based off one of the boys favorite shows.   While we enjoyed both games, I think we all agree that the Wii version is worth the $10 extra dollars if you have to chose between the two.  The games are different so if you are a real Phineas and Ferb fan you may really enjoy both of them.  But being able to play it on a bigger screen AND being able to play with another player made the Wii version a little more fun.  The graphics in both are a little retro feeling.  But the variety in action makes these super fun.  This games feels very much like the LEGO series of games as you are have to complete tasks and find pieces to build things to be able to continue.  HOWEVER, we have played these games for literally hours upon hours and I can only remember one instance where my 7 year old was unable to find a piece he needed and began to get a little frustrated before I stepped in and helped in (confession: it still took me about 5 minutes to figure out too) but he is frustrated much more often with other games like this so I think the difficulty level is perfect on this game!

Disclosure: Our family received complimentary copies of this game for review purposes. However all opinions expressed are my own honest, personal feedback and I have not been compensated in any other way for this review.

DECA SPORTS EXTREME NOW AVAILABLE FOR NINTENDO 3DS™ SYSTEM

KONAMI Continues the DECA SPORTS Legacy With 10 Complete Sporting Events in 3D Available Today for Fans of the Hit Franchise to Enjoy

EL SEGUNDO, Calif. – Sept 13, 2011 – Konami Digital Entertainment, Inc. today announced DECA SPORTS EXTREME is now available for the Nintendo 3DS™ handheld system. DECA SPORTS, the hit sports compilation series that has sold over 4 million units worldwide, has arrived for the Nintendo 3DS with 10 complete sporting events entirely in 3D that will take sports to a whole new dimension!

Players will kick, shoot, and bounce as they make their way to the top of the leader boards in 10 complete sporting events in 3D including Soccer, Tennis, Basketball, Ice Hockey, Bowling, Snowball Fight, Sumo Wrestling, Snowmobile Racing, Blowguns, and Trampoline. This all-new handheld version includes several features never seen before in a DECA SPORTS game, like power-ups, where players will have to collect enough Power Stones during each event allowing them to unleash powerful bonuses. Some of the power-ups included in the game are a giant racket in tennis, a cannon dunk in basketball, and a rainbow shot in soccer. Players will also be able to unlock equipment in Champion Mode and customize their own team's home court and training room in Customize Mode. With 4-player multi-player available through download play or wireless play, there is always an eager challenger waiting to take players on.

Deca Sports Extreme is rated E for Everyone by the ESRB and is available now for $39.99 on Nintendo 3DS.

Deca Sports Extreme was the first game I experienced on 3DS and I was impressed. There are some games that I didn't think the 3D was too spectacular but others, like snowball fight, had me trying to peak around 3D barriers.  I appreciated the variety in difficulty of games because all though you win skill type points to award to your different team members to improve your team, some of the games seemed tougher to conquer in the beginning.  I think this will be a long time hit in our house because of the variety of games from sumo wrestling to soccer and basketball.  And my ever competitive boys can each create their own personalize team for bragging rights in competition!  Although this game is at the high end of my personal price range for DS games, it really does offer a ton of gaming choices within this one game which makes it better bargain than many others at it's price point.

Disclosure: I received a complimentary copy of this game for review purposes.

Cars 2: The Video Game on DS and Wii {Review}

Cars 2: The Video Game brings players inside the international training center CHROME (Command Headquarters for Recon Operations and Motorized Espionage), where they choose from more than 20 different characters and train to become world class spies. As part of their international training, they will participate in simulated hazardous missions using high-tech gadgets to evade and slow down adversaries.

Genre: Racing Action
MSRP: $49.99
E10+ for Everyone 10+: Cartoon Violence

• Published by: Disney Interactive Studios
• Number of Players: 1-4
• MSRP: $29.99
• E for Everyone

Review: As long time fans of Cars, our family was excited to see Cars 2 the movie.  Personally I didn't enjoy the second movie nearly as much as the first one, but my older boys disagreed.  And I have to say, the sequel definitely lent itself to some video game fun.  My 7 year old is a big fan of the DS version of Cars 2: The Video Game.  While my youngest and I both thoroughly enjoyed the Wii version.  Although there is some definite racing elements to this game this is no where near your plain ole race car game.  If you haven't seen the new movie, you will likely be surprised by the feel of these games as this isn't the laid back pace of Radiator Springs from the original Cars movie but a fast paced, action packed spy thriller.  While I understand the E10+ rating because of the 'violence' I really think that this game is easily for 3 and up if your kids are experienced at the controller.  This is one my new favorite family games for our Wii!

And I have watched my son play on DS, and was surprised that it really is a very different game which has become a regular favorite for him also.

Disclosure: Our family received complimentary copies of both of these games for review purposes. I was not compensated for a positive review, all opinions expressed are my own  honest, personal feedback.