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Disclosure- I received the below in order to facilitate my review. All my opinions are my own and honest.
Looking to connect with the kids in a virtual way, but still hang out together in the “real world”? Check out these fun systems and games, perfect for rainy days, nights, and family fun for most ages.
Ouya started life as a Kick starter campaign, and quickly became fully funded and then some. Ouya is an android, 4.1 jelly bean, based micro console. The hardware does its job well and because of Ouya’s open source thought process has great potential for upgrades and do it yourself add-ons.
Currently there are over 400 games available for Ouya ranging from racing games to role playing to action games, all of which feature a free to play element in the form of free levels, free trials or being completely free. With the free to play element, you can actually try every game before buying it- meaning you will never pay good money for a not-so-good game with the Ouya.
The console comes packed with one Blue Tooth controller. Additional controllers can be purchased and other Blue Tooth controllers can be paired with the console in a pinch. Ouya retails for $99 and is available at fine stores everywhere as well as from Ouya.tv.
With every new console innovation a bright shiny new technology is expected, but with the Nintendo 2DS handheld system, some components are improved or altered. The handheld is based on the 3DS, but has tweaked it a bit to have a lower price point, and more accessibility to kids. This, in addition to a big design change, gives players a new way to play their 3DS and DS games.
The 2DS in comparison to the 3DS is now one solid unit, no hinge in the middle, which also makes it harder to break. Also it has a more tablet-like feel, with a slight tilt when put down, to rest easier on a hard surface. The 2DS can play most DS games as well as all 3DS games,with crisp sharp graphics and some incredibly fun games like Pokemon X and Y and Legend of Zelda, A Link Between Worlds, which makes the entertainment and value for your dollar quite high. With the reduction of 3D the price of the 2DS was also reduced, leading to a more wallet friendly way to get the newest system and games in the hands of you and your kids.
I would definitely suggest the 2DS to those looking to jump into the current generation of handhelds at an accessible price of 129.99 MSRP and includes an SD card, wall adapter, stylus, and AR cards as well as all the built in software of the 3DS and access to the Nintendo eShop.
Pokemon have been around since 1996. Each game builds upon the familiar role playing game elements of leveling up and exploring a vast territory while weaving a grand story line. It also pairs with the fun of collecting cute little critters who are pretty tough as well. This main concept is seen throughout the new Pokemon X and Pokemon Y but now with more Pokemon, more varied battle, new mega evolution and tons more features. All of which make this the definitive Pokemon game for the 3DS/2DS game.
The game starts out with the player picking a character to play as, boy or girl, then soon after you pick your starter Pokemon. Your choices are Chespin, a grass type, Fennekin, a fire type, Froakie, a water type. As the game progresses, you find yourself battling other trainers and Pokemon. Learning about the local cultures of the villages, trade with others, and also Pokemon-Aime. This is a series of mini-games where the player interacts directly with the Pokemon by petting, giving treats and playing with them. This creates a stronger bond with your Pokemon and helps develop them more. The role playing element being the main draw of the game, the mini games are a nice touch to bring in the younger players who just want to play with the Pokemon.
Pokemon X and Pokemon Y are available in fine retail establishments everywhere and online in the 3DS e shop. All of which retail for $39.99 each.
The Skylanders are invading, for a third time, but this time they are coming in pieces. Skylanders Swap Force is the newest Skylanders game and revolves around the mechanics of swapping the top and bottom powers to make new combinations of characters. For example, if one character can move quickly with a tire and has an arm cannon, but you would rather have tentacle feet and an arm cannon, the cannon top can be attached to the tentacle feet for the best of both worlds. The way the Swap Force figures stick together are by two small magnets. These hold the figures together while playing, but are easy to pull apart when you would like to. By combining characteristics from both top and bottom players are able to reach new areas in the game as well.
There are over 50 new Skylanders to collect including 16 Swap Force characters, which can be used to create 250 combinations, 16 new Core characters, 8 LightCore characters, and 16 new “Wow Pow” updated fan favorites from previous Skylanders games. In addition to the new characters, every figure from the previous games will work in Swap Force including Giants. All characters will also carry over any upgrades and progression.
Starter packs retail for $74.99, SWAP Force figures $14.99 each and core figures, $9.99. Welcome to your newest addiction.
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