New Video Series Reveals Details about Toy-Con Garage Mode for Nintendo Labo #Nintendo #VideoGames

March 15, 2018 by Leave a Comment

In the first video of a short series, Nintendo revealed new details about Toy-Con Garage mode, an inventive feature included with the software in each Nintendo Labo kit for the Nintendo Switch system (sold separately). Toy-Con Garage introduces basic principles of technology in a fun way, allowing Nintendo Labo users to combine various inputs and outputs to invent new ways to play.

Between now and the launch of Nintendo Labo on April 20, Nintendo will release videos showing off more information about different Toy-Con Garage features and tips.

To view the first video in the series and learn more about Toy-Con Garage, visit https://labo.nintendo.com/invent/. Highlights from the video include the following:

  • Users can discover creative ways to play with their Toy-Con projects, such as steering the RC Car with the Fishing Rod or using the Motorbike as an instrument. It’s even possible for users to invent their own Toy-Con creations using common materials from around their house!
  • To make all of this possible, Toy-Con Garage mode includes different input and output selections, called “nodes.” Input nodes include actions such as button presses or motions, while output nodes include reactions such as sound effects or vibrations.
  • The input nodes vary slightly for the software in each Nintendo Labo kit*, encouraging users to experiment with different conditional statements (i.e., if you do this, then that happens) and create new experiences.

Stay tuned for more exciting Nintendo Labo updates at https://labo.nintendo.com/.

*Toy-Con Garage mode in the Variety Kit includes input nodes for Toy-Con Fishing Rod, Toy-Con House, Toy-Con RC Car, Toy-Con Piano and Toy-Con Motorbike. Toy-Con Garage mode in the Robot Kit includes input nodes for Toy-Con Robot.

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Check out some newly revealed features of Nintendo Labo!

March 15, 2018 by Leave a Comment
Nintendo recently unveiled Nintendo Labo, which combines the magic of NintendoSwitch* with the fun of DIY creations. Nintendo Labo kits offer interactive build-and-play experiences designed to inspire creativity and discovery in people of all ages. And there’s much more left to discover about Nintendo Labo.
Today, Nintendo revealed three new videos that showed off some more details about Nintendo Labo, as well as additional features of the first two Nintendo Labo kits – the Variety Kit and the Robot Kit – which launch on April 20.
All three videos can be viewed here, here and here.
One particularly cool feature that’s part of the software included with each NintendoLabo kit is Toy-Con Garage, which can be accessed in Discover mode. Toy-Con Garage introduces basic principles of technology in a fun and accessible way, allowing you to combine various simple inputs and outputs to invent new ways to play with your Toy-Con projects.
In addition to Toy-Con Garage, the Toy-Con projects in each kit offer numerous ways to have fun as you Make, Play and Discover different experiences.
Robot Kit
  • Build your own wearable Toy-Con Robot suit and assume control of a giant in-game robot, completing challenges and destroying in-game objects to unlock powerful new abilities.
  • If you’re feeling competitive, you can even challenge a friend in two-player local battles or compare your high scores/rankings with other players! (An additional Robot Kit and Joy-Con controllers are required for two-player mode; sold separately.)
  • Nintendo Labo encourages you to use your imagination and creativity to customize your cardboard Toy-Con creations in a variety of ways. The Robot Kit even allows you to customize and level-up your in-game robot.
  • Learn more about the Nintendo Labo Robot Kit in this new video.
Variety Kit
  • Toy-Con Piano: After assembling your 13-key Piano, you can host an impromptu recital or record your songs and play them back for your biggest fans-in-the-making. Experiment with different sounds and pitches to create something truly unique – even a song composed entirely of cat noises!
  • Toy-Con Motorbike: Grab ahold of your newly constructed handlebars and race through different tracks, challenging CPU opponents or collecting targets across mountainous terrain. You can even create your own custom tracks, so start planning your designs now!
  • Toy-Con Fishing Rod: There are many exotic fish to discover, and some of the deep-ocean fish are particularly tricky to catch. Show off your collection in Aquarium mode and have fun creating your own fish with different shapes and colors – simply insert and scan different cards in the Toy-Con Piano to get started. (Assembled Toy-Con Piano is required to access Aquarium mode.)
  • Toy-Con House: Befriend the cute creature living in your Toy-Con House (shown on the Nintendo Switch screen) and discover different ways to interact and play with it. There are a variety of experiences to discover, including mine cart races, bowling and jump rope.
  • Toy-Con RC Car: The RC Car is full of unique and surprising features. Since the Variety Kit includes materials to build two Toy-Con RC Cars, you can race against a friend, set up obstacle courses or even compete in a sumo-inspired challenge to try to knock your opponent’s RC Car over (additional Joy-Con controllers are required; sold separately). Create a path using the reflective stickers included in the kit, and set the car to auto-drive along a specific route using the IR Motion Camera on the Right Joy-Con controller.
  • Learn more about the Nintendo Labo Variety Kit in this new video.

For more information about Nintendo Labo, visit https://labo.nintendo.com/.

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The Car Game for Which You’ve Been Waiting

February 8, 2018 by Leave a Comment

Finding a challenging and fun car game for free online is like finding a needle in a haystack. If you’re a gamer, you know that little to no free online games offer entertaining and challenging gameplay worth your time. You might give them a try every once in a while, but you’re usually disappointed with the turnout and just end up going back to the more complex games you purchased. Now, there’s a car game for free online that won’t be a waste of your time. This game is challenging and fun. In this article, we’ll tell you all about the game, what we think about it, and if it’s worth your time.

What’s it like?

This game is rather similar to the car games you’d find in an arcade, both in display and in function. The point of the game is to drift as long as possible without crashing. The longer you hold a drift, the more points you accrue. However, the second you hit the guard rail or anything else, all those points get erased and you’re left with nothing. It doesn’t erase points that have already been transferred over to your score, just the points that were accrued by the specific drift that ended in a crash. The more points and coins you accrue, the more things you can buy to customize your car. It’s important to note that this is not a racing game; the goal is to drift as many times as possible before the timer runs out without crashing.

There are a lot of options

In addition to having multiple tracks for you to master, they also have a number of options for you to customize your car to be exactly the way you want it. At the start of the game, you have to go with the basic options because you haven’t earned any coins yet. However, once you’ve earned coins, you can start purchasing new colors for your car, new tires, and more. Most things run around 250 coins to purchase. The only downside to this is that you can’t save the purchases you make, as it’s a free online game. While some gamers might enjoy this fact, it can be a deal breaker for others and is worth noting. Overall, the many options in this game keep it from going stale prematurely and keep you having fun.

Is it worth your time?

As far as free online games go, this one is exceptional. This game on Poki offers some interesting game play, decent graphics, and feels like the car games you’d play in an arcade; it’s pretty unique amongst car games. It offers a fun alternative to the standard, and frankly overdone, car games you’ve played forever and of which you are probably sick and tired. If you have some time you want to fill with a fun game that you don’t want to pay for, this game is for you. You won’t have to put up with other players racing when all you really want to do is go fast and drift. This game is free, easy to play, and easy to find; there’s no downside. It’s definitely worth your time to give it a try; we’re sure you won’t be disappointed. You’ll be hooked in no time.

Finding car games for free online that you can actually enjoy might as well be impossible. Or, at least, that’s the way it used to be. Now, this challenging and entertaining car game available on Poki fits the bill. This game is easy to find and play, offers some challenging game play, and is completely free. You have nothing to lose with trying this great game out. The cars in this game handle quite similar to those you’d find at an arcade. It also has decent graphics and entertaining overall game play; it’s sure to keep you playing and having fun.

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The Classic Monopoly Now Available Online

November 28, 2017 by Leave a Comment

play monopoly online

Everyone loves the classic Monopoly game. It’s been around for years and years, delighting generation after generation of families. While the traditional game is fun, with everything being electronic nowadays, people grow tired of having to keep track of all the game pieces, cards, properties, and money. They want an electronic version that’s easy and free to play without sacrificing any of the fun of the traditional Monopoly. There’s now a classic online Monopoly game that offers the same great traditional game, free of cost and free from hassle. We’ll walk you through all the highlights and potential downsides to the online simulation of the classic Monopoly game.

It keeps track of everything

Positive: With the online game keeping track of everything, there’s no hassle involved in playing this version of the game. No one has to be banker or keep counting their various denominations of money to see how much they have because the game does it for them, displaying the amount of money each player has conveniently and numerically, rather than all the various denominations. You don’t have to worry about losing any of the tiny game pieces or many cards as they are all electronic. The game even keeps track of all the properties you buy for you, taking out rent from the other player’s finances automatically if they land on your property.

Negative: If you’ve always loved being the banker and keeping track of your properties, you probably won’t like this convenient aspect of the electronic version of Monopoly. But, then again, you probably wouldn’t have played the online version to begin with if you had a specific love for playing as the banker and handling the money, making this point unimportant.

It’s monetarily-free and hassle-free

Positive: You don’t have to pay for the initial game, which is around thirty dollars in most stores, currently. If you have missing pieces in your version, rendering it completely useless and unplayable, you won’t have to pay for an entirely new game just so you can play. You also don’t need anything to play this version of Monopoly other than internet connection and some device that can access the internet. This game is available in a mobile version as well as desktop version, so you can play on virtually any device. You won’t have to clean a large enough space for everyone to play or find a seating arrangement that allows everyone to reach and see the game board easily.

Negative: If you had a particular desire to spend your hard-earned money on a board game that would become a completely useless pile of junk the second someone loses property cards, which slide out of the box so very easily or get misplaced during gameplay, then you might not like that you can play it for free. Likewise, if you enjoy the hassle of cleaning and keeping up with all the game pieces, you might hate the online game, but I think that’s highly unlikely.

It’s fun for all ages

Positive: The online version makes it easier for even younger kids to enjoy the fun, classic Monopoly game. They don’t have to keep track of their property or money, count their money to keep up with how much they have, or move their space the correct number of spaces as the game handles all of that for them, easily. This also makes the online version of Monopoly a great method of teaching kids how to play the game for the first time, making it a little easier for them to get used to the game and the rules without as much hassle and difficulty.

Negative: I can’t even think of an over-dramatized negative for this one. The online Monopoly game still has every strategic aspect of traditional monopoly, while still cutting out some of the hassle to make it easier for younger players to enjoy.

The classic online Monopoly game is a longtime favorite of everyone. Generation after generation, families love getting together to play this classic board game, but as more things become electronic and digital, it was only a matter of time before Monopoly did as well. The free, online Monopoly game offers all the same great traditional game play features the classic Monopoly offered but with the added ease of electronic cards, pieces, and the board. All joking aside, there really isn’t a downside to playing this awesome online game; that is, unless you just don’t like Monopoly.

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New Video Games and Apps for Kids- and the kid in all of us

November 15, 2017 by Leave a Comment

Got gamers? Us too. These are a few of the titles that have our kids (OK, and maybe us as well) occupied during rainy days and cold nights.

Lightseekers from TOMY is an app that you can play with by using just the app, or by connecting toys or trading cards with it.  Using “Connected Play” , a “proprietary technology platform that integrates video games and smart action figures” with Augmented Reality, Virtual Reality, and Artificial Intelligence with trading cards and figures and more into the app experience. Use the figure as a controller to the game, which is a fun and pretty unique experience. I’ve not done that before, and it was pretty neat.
No portal needed in which to put the toys, you just need the app and your tablet and that is that. They interact with each other and the app via bluetooth. The interactive trading cards brings features into play and into (virtual) reality as you use them as well.  The game gets better as you use it, based on feedback, reviews, gameplay, and more.  Starter packs available for about $40 at stores like Toys R Us.

For the fans of the Nintendo 3DS, there is Metroid Samus Returns. Bounty hunter Samus Aran is back to finally rid the planet of the menace that is known as Metroid. A “part two” (if you will) of the 1991 Game Boy classic game, Samus Returns has new moves, upgraded weaponry, and of course foes that just won’t quit. It’s a great game for fans as well as those who have never played before.  The game is $40 and for the 3DS family only.  There are amiibo for the game as well, Samus Aran as well as Metroid. The 2 pack is about $30.

The LEGO NINJAGO Movie has been widely anticipated, fans have been eagerly awaiting it’s arrival. As eagerly awaited has been the The LEGO NINJAGO Movie Video Game, which is based on the brick flick.  Fans will have tons of fun battling enemies as they take on the persona of their favorite Ninjago heroes- like Kai, Cole, Zane, or Master Wu – as they fight to defend their homes from Lord Garmadon and the evil Shark Army.  Available for about $40 and for many gaming platforms.

For fans of LEGO, you will want the newest LEGO Dimensions. Already in Wave 9, some of the latest buildable interactive toys are the Beetlejuice Fun Pack, Team and Fun Packs based on the popular TV shows Teen Titans Go! and The Powerpuff Girls.  These are toys you place on a portal and then they appear into the game you are playing- but unlike other similar figures, in true LEGO form, you have to build these. According to my  little gaming expert, the packs themselves give you the most “DLC”, or basically downloadable content given to you per set then some other games. There are also so many licenses you can choose from, which means there are a bunch of universes and characters to choose from, making game play that much more interesting.

In the fun and exciting Nintendo game “Monster Hunters”, you take on the role of explorer, warrior, and zoologist as you traverse the world around you.  While you travel, you will hunt and care for eggs, which you will hatch, as well as bond with a variety of monsters you meet along the way. The scenery is quite varied, from a desert to the tundra, make your way along, battling and finding quests as you go, befriending monsters with different skill sets and even customizing your own unique monster. Use these monsters as a team that will have powerful attacks and combinations. Compatible amiibo figures also available for an additional price. $40 at most retail outlets.

Mario and Luigi are back once more to battle familiar bad guys to save BeanBean Kingdom, rescue the Princess, and even Bowser in the new Mario and Luigi SuperStar Saga & Bowser’s Minions. Yes, that’s quite the mouthful of a title, but the game is still super fun. The storyline takes place in one of Mario and Luigi’s more classic adventures- but as you play, you find out some details of what really happened and some details you might not have known.  New attacks, familiar friends and foes, and fun puzzle solving are what this game is all about. Great for fans and newbie alike, this is a great game for all abilities and ages. Compatible amiibo available for additional price, the game is available for $40 at most retailers and online.

 

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New Games and Gaming Devices You Will Love

May 23, 2017 by 1 Comment

Looking for some fun games to play with the kids? We have some suggestions.

Mario Kart is one of those games which turn a room full of strangers into a room full of new buddies- or at least rowdy racers.  With equal parts skill, luck, and know how, Mario Kart has consistently been a gem of this gaming’s generation.  The latest in the franchise, Mario Kart 8 Deluxe, dare I say may be the brightest gem so far.  With almost all characters unlocked to begin with, this game is built for multiplayer.  As the new Switch will show you, it is easy to grab a controller and play.  Each player takes the mini controller for their racer and plays.

With tons of characters to choose from, everyone can pick their favorite without arguments.  Characters of different wights and sizes act differently and effect your controls, as do the type of vehicle and even the tires selected.  The game also includes support for amiibo’s and amiibo cards, which unlock more content in game, allowing for even more customization. Mario Kart Deluxe 8 is available no for $59.99 from retail locations of via download fro the eShop.

 

We have two indie titles-  one for the 3DS and one for the Playstation 4. Fun, inexpensive, and most gamers will enjoy them and be able to play (no master skill sets required).

This is the third Box Boy game in the line, Bye Bye Box Boy , is a game where players use the power of boxes to solve various puzzles as Qbby.  This game is an enjoyable puzzle game which is simple to get into, but difficult to put down.  My 9 year old has loved every Box Boy game and this is no different, but now with a few additions like 4 new powers, baby boxes to rescue, and new environmental issues to contend with (like water, wind, and scales) there is more to do.  He enjoys the Box Boy series- it’s tough but not too tough for him to figure out after thinking about it and trying a few things, or in some cases, with some help from Dad.  Bye By Box Boy is available now on the eShop on the Nintendo 3DS and retails for $4.99.

cheap video games

Up next is a frenetic space racing game called Aaero.  In this game, you play the part of a lone ship racing along to the beat of various songs, each of which are loud thumping beats.  While racing along, you are attacked by various enemies who need some attention from your gun.  This game is fast paced and a blast to play.  Mostly, I have played it loudly and in short spurts, but can see how this game would be quite addicting.  The music is catchy, the level designs are gorgeous, and the levels are fun to play or sit back and watch someone else play.  Aaero is available now for Playstation 4, Xbox One, and Steam.  So be sure to check it out on your platform of choice, turn up the speakers and enjoy.

The Zeiss VR One Plus is fun for you and the kids relax and unwind together, it’s a cool experiance. This headset device that you use with your phone offers hundreds of compatible app options that you can choose from. Anything you prefer- videos, news, gaming, virtually exploring far off places or hard to reach (perhaps even impossible) locations, all from your home. One of the coolest features is that it will fit any size head- yes, even your giant melon- and that you can wear it with glasses. That’s not always easy to find in a VR headset. We’ve all tried this out, and everyone has enjoyed it. It’s comfortable, light, and the apps are really a lot of fun to mess around with. Buy for around $129 at stores like Target or Best Buy.

For the arcade experience at home or on the go, check out the Mini Arcade Games now available.  These  scaled down, mini versions of classic games you might have played in actual arcades ( I KNOW! Kids these days….) have all the features you played, actual authentic game play and nostalgic appeal all in one tiny, handheld game. Now available are Q*Bert and Centipede and yes, they have special full color screens. Dodge obstacles and blast bad guys using the mini joystick and fire buttons and get in all your old-school gaming jollies. $19.99 at Walmart only.

Speaking of old school fun, check out the NES Classic Edition controllers from My Arcade. It works with the newly released edition of the classic Nintendo system, as well as with Wii and Wii U as an optional Classic Controller (with compatible games). You can play from as far as 30 feet away, and for more then 75 hours with 2 (not included) AAA batteries. Designed for better grip, it also seems a little smaller and lighter to me. No wires need on this bad boy! Available for about $20 from Amazon and other sites.

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Bye Bye Box Boy and Aaero #VideoGames

May 23, 2017 by 1 Comment

Check out these two indie titles-  one for the 3DS, Bye Bye box Boy and one for the Playstation 4, Aaero. Fun, inexpensive, and good for most gamers.

box boy

This is the third Box Boy game in the line, Bye Bye Box Boy , is a game where players use the power of boxes to solve various puzzles as Qbby.  This game is an enjoyable puzzle game which is simple to get into, but difficult to put down.  My 9 year old has loved every Box Boy game and this is no different, but now with a few additions like 4 new powers, baby boxes to rescue, and new environmental issues to contend with (like water, wind, and scales) there is more to do.  He enjoys the Box Boy series- it’s tough but not too tough for him to figure out after thinking about it and trying a few things, or in some cases, with some help from Dad.  Bye By Box Boy is available now on the eShop on the Nintendo 3DS and retails for $4.99.

cheap video games

Up next is a frenetic space racing game called Aaero.  In this game, you play the part of a lone ship racing along to the beat of various songs, each of which are loud thumping beats.  While racing along, you are attacked by various enemies who need some attention from your gun.  This game is fast paced and a blast to play.  Mostly, I have played it loudly and in short spurts, but can see how this game would be quite addicting.  The music is catchy, the level designs are gorgeous, and the levels are fun to play or sit back and watch someone else play.  Aaero is available now for Playstation 4, Xbox One, and Steam.  So be sure to check it out on your platform of choice, turn up the speakers and enjoy.

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Dragon Quest VIII for the 3DS

March 28, 2017 by Leave a Comment

Dragon Quest has been a long standing classic series, and one of the most memorable of them is Dragon Quest 8. This game was originally released for the PS2 and is now available for the Nintendo 3DS.  Dragon Quest sports characters and environments (which are beautifully designed) as well as enemies with unique oddities including slimes, Drackies, bone barons, and sabercats are all included.  Not only is it a portable version, but there are also quite a few extras packed in as well.  Now you can defeat monsters and add them as backup for your own battles, adding a new dimension.

There are also 2 new characters, monster arena owner Morrie and Red the bandit.  You can now save anywhere during the game, which is fantastic, and a very important update is the fact there are no more random encounters.   So if you are searching for some health, no need to get as nervous as you make your way about, just be quick and stealthy.  The alchemy pot is another addition, where items are added and new items are made- (such as potions or weapons) there are many possibilities.  There are also new weapons, new side missions, a whole new ending available, and a new dungeon as well.  You also now have the ability to take pictures in game and share via StreetPass with your friends on the 3DS.

The story itself follows your adventures while trying to defeat an evil villain with a magical staff who cursed the kingdom of Trodain.  Along with your friends Yangus the bandit, Jessica the magical minx, and Angelo the knight, you explore and battle your way through this game experience.

Dragon Quest is a classic RPG where planning and careful game play are rewarded with leveling up and new equipment.  Many even say this is the title to get your feet wet with in the Dragon Quest line of games.  Dragon Quest 8 is available now on the eShop and at retail stores everywhere. Enjoy.

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