Type:Rider (iPad)
I really enjoy playing and reviewing games on my iPad, but rarely do I play an iPad game and after finishing it think “Wow, what a GREAT game!” But Type:Rider was an exception. This game is an amazing experience, and a good example if you want to argue that video games can be art. The game is an odd mix of a puzzle platformer, and a history lesson on typography and the study of fonts and printing. Yes, really. (Type:Rider is available for iOS and Android, but reviewed on iPad here)
Reader Review: Legend of Dungeon (PC)
A.R.E.S. Extinction Agenda EX (360)
Reader Preview: Assault Android Cactus (PC)
Giana Sisters: Twisted Dreams (Wii U, PS3, 360, PC)
The Great Giana Sisters has an interesting history behind it. Originally designed for European computers back in the mid to late 80’s, the first game looked and played VERY suspiciously like the original Super Mario Bros. So much so that it’s rumored that Nintendo even requested they cease releasing the game, which is why many people in the US aren’t familiar with the title. But Nintendo didn’t stop them from making a Giana Sisters DS game a few years ago, even though it, too, was very similar to Mario’s games. But now thanks to a successful kickstarter program, the newest game in the Giana Sisters series is here, and it has a gameplay twist all its own. You can download it on the three major current game consoles and PC (Wii U version reviewed here).
Paint Me a Butterfly (iPad)
Butterflies are one of nature’s most colorful, delicate, and beautiful creatures. And kids are fascinated by them! You can even buy kits that let kids keep their own caterpillars and watch them turn into cocoons and butterflies (which they then set free). And now your kids can color and design butterfly wings with Paint Me a Butterfly, a new app for iPad and iPhone (played on iPad for this review).
Cloudy with a Chance of Meatballs 2 (3DS)
In the new computer animated movie Cloudy with a Chance of Meatballs 2 (loosely based on the book), the gang from the first film travel back to their island which was ravaged by giant food storms. On their return trip in the sequel, they discover the food has turned into living creatures! While the new 3DS game is based on the movie, it actually plays strikingly similar to Fruit Ninja!
Scribblenauts Unmasked (Wii U, 3DS, PC)
Maxwell is just a regular little boy. He loves reading comic books and playing with his sister Lily. But Maxwell and Lily have two special gifts. Maxwell has a magic notebook that he can use to write anything in it, and it’ll come to life! And Lily has a magic globe that she can use to travel anywhere she wants! One day, Maxwell and Lily decided they wanted to visit their favorite DC Comics superheroes, so they used their magic items to travel to Gotham City. But when they arrived, Lily’s globe broke and all the starites that power it flew out. Unfortunately, the starites ended up in the hands of various DC super villains, so now it’s up to Maxwell and Lily to team up with Batman, Superman, Wonder Woman, and hundreds of other DC heroes to track down the starites and save the day! You and your kids can help Maxwell with the strongest super power of all: your imagination! (Wii U version reviewed here)
Quingo (iPad)
Quingo is a free-to-play game that’s like a mix of trivia and bingo. Each round you get five questions, and a grid full of right and wrong answers. Tap on the correct ones to increase your score, and incorrect answers will take a few seconds off your time limit. If you get a row of five correct answers horizontally, vertically, or diagonally, you get a score bonus. But the really unique thing about this game is that you’re playing to help raise money for a charity!
Zumba Dance (iPad)
With Halloween candy, Thanksgiving feasts, and Christmas goodies all lurking around the corner, it can be hard to lose weight and stay in shape if you’ve got an on-the-go lifestyle. Luckily there is a new iPad app from Majasco and Zumba Fitness that’s like having a Zumba console game that you can take wherever you go!