Unplugged: Holiday Guide 2013
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Posted on December 6th, 2013 by
It’s time once again for me to preach to the masses to encourage more face-to-face time together. Last year’s run-down of recommended boardgames was a great success. Here again are some great examples of boardgames to get you and your family gaming. You might not find all these titles at your local mega-mart but many can be found online or in a friendly local game store. Those new to the world of boardgaming may find a bit of a sticker shock as some games are pricier than new release video games, but good boardgames will provide many more hours of entertainment than most video games. Boardgames are also relatively timeless so they can be pulled out years from now and provide the same level of enjoyment. In that vein, feel free to delve into some past year’s guides for 2010 , 2009, and 2008. For each game I’ve provided the number of players, retail price, and expected time for one game. Note that often these games can be found for 20-30% less than the MSRP.
Zumba Kids (Wii, 360)
Posted on December 3rd, 2013 by
Zumba is a popular fitness program that incorporates dance and Latin music to keep you moving with a cardio workout. It’s been extremely successful, with best-selling DVDs, clothes, live classes, and video games. Now they’re inviting youngsters to the dance party with Zumba Kids, a new video game for Wii and Xbox 360 Kinect (Wii version reviewed here).
Girls’ Fashion Shoot (3DS)
Posted on November 29th, 2013 by
If you have a little girl who loves playing with fashion dolls, mixing and matching different clothes and putting on makeup, then here’s a 3DS game for her! In Girls’ Fashion Shoot, play the role of both a fashion model AND a layout editor of a fashion magazine.
Edge (Wii U)
Posted on November 28th, 2013 by
Edge is a simplistic puzzle game where you control a box and move it around cubic levels as fast as you can without falling off. Kind of like a more angular Marble Madness. Along the way, collect smaller rainbow cubes scattered about the levels to increase your rating. Make it to the goal with a fast time and with all the small cubes to get the best rating. Edge was developed by Two Tribes, makers of Toki Tori and its sequel. Originally a PC and Steam game, now you can download this classic on Wii U at a low price.
Doodle Jump Adventures (3DS, DS)
Posted on November 27th, 2013 by
One of the more prolific tablet games out there is Doodle Jump. It’s right on up there with Angry Birds and Candy Crush. And now Doodle Jump is hopping its way to Nintendo’s portable handheld consoles (3DS version reviewed here).
Disney Infinite Skylander Showdown
Posted on November 26th, 2013 by
For the third year in a row, the hybrid videogame-collectible figurine game Skylanders has come out with yet another cross-platform title. The Skylanders line of miniatures used in a video game no longer stands alone in this category, as Disney’s Infinity has now swept onto the scene drawing on its vast wealth of proprietary characters and environments to create a similar, but different game experience. Both games are designed to encourage gamers (parents) to purchase additional figurines to use within the game. With most gamers (and parents) having limited reserves with which to purchase games and toys this holiday season, which is the better game? We take a look at the two games in a head to head matchup to help you decide which game is the right one for you. In both cases, the 3DS version of the games differ significantly from the main titles, so we’ll focus in on the console versions here.
Toki Tori (Wii U)
Posted on November 26th, 2013 by
Earlier this year I reviewed a downloadable Wii U puzzler called Toki Tori 2. It was a sequel to a classic Game Boy Color game that eventually found its way to Steam and Wii with updated graphics and sound. Now you can play the updated version of the original game on Wii U, too! Play as Toki Tori, one of the most adorable little yellow birds you ever did see. Help him collect his eggs that have been scattered all over. But it’s not so easy as that. You’ll have to solve puzzles, use tools, and avoid baddies in dozens of 2-D levels. With Thanksgiving coming up, being a holiday featuring a bird, I thought it would be neat to review games featuring other birds this week.
DuckTales: Remastered (PS3, 360, Wii U)
Posted on November 25th, 2013 by
I’m reposting my review of DuckTales: Remastered from a few months back because not only can you download it online, but it’s also available as physical media in stores for PS3, 360, and Wii U. This game is worth mentioning again anyway. If it weren’t for Animal Crossing: New Leaf, DuckTales: Remastered might’ve ended up being my Game of the Year. And since Thanksgiving is coming up, why not celebrate a holiday centered around a bird by featuring video games with other fowl?
Lego Marvel Super Heroes (360, PS3, 3DS, Wii U, DS, PS4, Xbox One, Vita)
Posted on November 24th, 2013 by
Super villains from the Marvel comics universe have teamed up to gather “Cosmic Bricks” for their own evil devices, and it’s up to Marvel heroes like Spiderman, the Avengers, X-Men, Fantastic Four, and many others to work together to stop them in LEGO Marvel Super Heroes. It’s yet another rollicking co-op LEGO adventure that will please fans of the franchise. It’s available for all the current and new game consoles, but reviewed on 360 here.
Second Opinion: LEGO Friends (3DS, DS)
Posted on November 23rd, 2013 by
There is a new line of building toys geared towards girls called LEGO Friends, and now your little builders can play a game based on the franchise! In the game, visit your LEGO cousin Olivia and participate in a bunch of fun summer activities, make new friends, and go on adventures!
