Nintendo Archives - Page 6 of 9 - Have Sippy Will Travel

This Week is National Family Week!

December 5, 2015 by Samantha Leave a Comment

The American Academy of Pediatrics says that “families who play together, learn together.” With National Family Week in full swing and everyone home from school and work, this is the perfect time for parents and their kids to get together and play some fun Nintendo games! Take this time to show your kids good sportsmanship and gaming etiquette. Here are fix fun Nintendo-themed activities to do with your family through National Family Week that celebrates the togetherness of family:

1- Dress in crazy sweaters and play the warm-and-fuzzy Yoshi’s Woolly World.

2- Test each family member’s creativity in a Super Mario Maker best level-creation challenge. As a family, judge each other’s Super Mario Maker level – the most creative or hardest one wins the competition.

3- Pit family members against each other in a messy Splatoon competition for the ages!

4- Make your Thanksgiving day special by hosting Mario Tennis: Ultra Smash matches with your family and friends! Play both singles (1v1) and doubles (2v2) matches as your favorite Mushroom Kingdom character. Throw in a twist by asking competitors to play each other and select a random amiibo as a partner. See who wins!

5- Come together as a family and call dibs on your favorite Animal Crossing character in Animal Crossing: amiibo Festival. Challenge each other in fun mini-games!

If you like these fun ideas and are interested in doing more family activities, check out the holiday website: http://happyholidays.nintendo.com/.

Filed Under: family Tagged With: Nintendo

Video Gaming Fun

November 16, 2015 by Samantha Leave a Comment

The world of Yo-Kai Watch is a strange one, which centers around the city of Spingdale. You take on the role of Nate, an average kid who meets a Yo Kai named Whisper. Yo-Kai are mischievous creatures who love to cause problems for humans. Whisper gives Nate a special watch which gives him the ability to see Yo Kai that are usually invisible. As Nate makes friends, they join his team of Yo Kai and help him uncover a mysterious force in town. With the help of the strongest and best team of Yo Kai, you and Nate can help the town.

The game play of Yo-Kai is quite different then other “capturing creatures” games, instead of directly controlling the action, you act in the role of an assistant, directing Yo-Kai in where to attack, when to use special moves, and giving them items as well. As you battle more, your Yo-Kai can evolve into stronger versions of themselves or can be fused with each or other items to make different or stronger Yo-Kai.

Yo-Kai watch is available now for the Nintendo 3DS and 2DS retailing for $39.99 at retailers everywhere and in the eShop on the 3DS.

Runbow is a new game by 13AM Games that brings a fun and interesting platforming party to the WiiU. In Runbow, each player is a different colored character (9 total) who each represent a color of the rainbow. The players have to “mad dash” for the finish line to see who can get there first. But this is no simple foot race, there are obstacles like moving platforms and lava to get in the way. This game is made for classic game players who love a challenge and are always trying to make that next jump and time it just right. As such it may not appeal to very young players who will become more frustrated then those who have been playing platforming 2D games for years. The best pat of this game is getting a few players together at once. With 2 it is fun- with more, it gets frenetic and really exciting. I can only imagine how fun this game would be with 9 players at once. Runbow is available at the eShop for 14.99.

And on the opposite end of the spectrum is a classic platforming game with a softer, more cuddly quality. It is Yoshi’s Woolly World for the WiiU. This game starts one of the Mushroom Kingdom’s most well loved characters,Yoshi. This is his first Woolly adventure, following in the footsteps of Kirby’s Epic Yarn. This game is the next step in the evolution of the yard medium. Each character and environment has a handmade touch that is visually pretty cool. From fraying yarn to the illusion of hand cut corners, it is great fun to play a game with this new setting. In the game, Yoshi must reach the end each level while gathering as many collectibles as possible. For the beginners, just finishing the level will be enough. For the more experienced players, collectibles are key. Each level has its own charm, bringing to life a new platforming experience. Also available are Amiibo extras where you can add a second Yoshi to the fun in the form of Samus, Woolly Yoshi, or even Mario to name a few.

Yoshi’s Wooly World is available at retail locations now as well as the eShop for 49.99 for the game alone or with a special pack which includes a Wooly Yoshi for 59.99.

Disney is on its third installment of the ever fun Disney Infinity line of games. This most recent addition to the crew includes not only Marvel and Disney characters, but also those of the Star Wars line of characters including Yoda, Darth Vader, and Han Solo. But this only scratches the surface- this game is great for beginner gamers because of the easy to pick up and play game play. Each player picks their character from the Disney Infinity figures they own, characters for the previous 2 games work on the third iteration, and play as them throughout the game. There are specific levels which work with specific characters and all characters can be used in the Toy Box, which is our personal favorite part of the game. This portion of the game is player created. People from all over the world can create and share their creations with others and the best are featured as such in the Toy Boxes section of the game. These Toy Boxes show just how robust the game is as well as how creative the players of the game are as well.

Disney Infinity 3.0 is available for PlayStation®4, PlayStation®3, Wii U™, Xbox One, Xbox 360 in the Starter Pack, which includes: 1 Disney Infinity 3.0 Edition Video Game Disc,1 Disney Infinity 3.0 Edition Base, 2 Star Wars™ Figures: Ahsoka Tano, Anakin Skywalker, 1 Star Wars™ Twilight of the Republic Play Set Piece, and 1 Web Code Card and is available now retailing for $64.99.

Filed Under: disney, gaming, Holiday Gift Guide, Holiday Gift Guide 2015 Tagged With: disney, Nintendo, video games

Nintendo’s Yo Kai Watch

November 11, 2015 by Samantha 8 Comments

The world of Yo Kai Watch is a strange one which centers around the city of Spingdale, where you take on the role of Nate. Nate is an average kid trying to collect bugs, when he meets a Yo Kai named Whisper. Yo Kai are mischievous creatures who love to cause problems for humans. Whisper gives Nate a special watch which gives him the ability to see Yo Kai that are usually invisible. Nate then has the ability to befriend Yo Kai wherever they may be hiding or causing hi-jinks. As Nate makes friends, they join his team of Yo Kai and help him uncover a mysterious force in town. With the help of the strongest and best team of Yo Kai, you and Nate can help the town.

The game play of Yo Kai is quite different then other “capturing creatures” games, instead of directly controlling the action, you act in the role of an assistant, directing Yo Kai in where to attack, when to use special moves, and giving them items as well. As you battle more, your Yo Kai can evolve into stronger versions of themselves or can be fused with each or other items to make different or stronger Yo Kai. There are many Yo Kai to befriend and each of them has their own unique powers and personalities. The town is full of both people and Yo Kai to help, and with each new quest there is another chance to gain experience as well as gain more Yo Kai.

The little guy loves this game because he thinks the Yo Kai are cute and interesting, so kids should love this game while more experienced players can appreciated the ability to fuse characters together to make new, stronger Yo Kai.

Yo Kai watch is available now for the Nintendo 3DS and 2DS retailing for $39.99 at retailers everywhere and in the eShop on the 3DS.

Filed Under: gaming, Holiday Gift Guide, Holiday Gift Guide 2015, technology Tagged With: gaming, kids video games, Nintendo, video games

Fun New Video Games

October 7, 2015 by Samantha 5 Comments

As the days grow shorter and chillier, we look to some games that can be played indoors and well as some that can taken with you on the go for travel fun. Check out these fun new video games, perfect for kids (and the kid at heart, too).

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Animal Crossing Happy Home Designer

In the newest incarnation of Animal Crossing called “Happy Home Designer”, players help design their very own Animal Crossing town, including exteriors, interiors, and even gardens.

In beautifying your town, you are also helping the locals of Animal Crossing with various deign challenges.

Each challenge is different and requires the player to use their own personal style and incorporate the clients requested items into the design. With hundreds of clients to work with, the game is quite long. Another great aspect of this game is its amiibo support. Home Designer uses the new amiibo cards (similar to the figurine amiibo but these are cards, not toy-like figures) to unlock special characters in town who will give you unique design challenges. Once the design challenges are complete you move on to the next one.

Animal Crossing is a great way to get into gaming. The concept is understandable and easy to pick up . If you are in the mood, players can also explore and share their creations.

Animal Crossing Happy Home Designer is available in fine stores everywhere. It is available by itself or as part of a bundle which includes a specially designed 3DS XL.

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Chibi Robo Zip Lash

In the world of Chibi Robo, aliens have invaded and stolen all the snacks. Your job as Chibi Robo is to zip and whip obstacles at enemies. Game play is mostly of the 2D platforming variety. As Chibi, you can quick throw and power throw through obstacles and enemies. Plug in and Power up into both Fire Chibi-Robo and Ice Chibi-Robo. These both add new gameplay elements to the game, and are fun as well. Chibi also has amiibo support, and my son loves it. When you Chibi Robo amiibo is tapped against the game, it unlocks Super Chibi Robo, collects in-game figurines, and unlocks bonus levels.

Chibi Robo is available in an amiibo and game bundle. The bundle retails for $39.99, while the game by itself retails for $29.99.

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Skylanders SuperChargers

How do you put a new fresh face onto a game which has been updated four times now? Easy- introduce Super Chargers. Super Chargers includes vehicles which are used to traverse levels and race tracks. Tracks also have puzzles and boss battles in order to win each race. Vehicles can be upgraded with collectibles called Gearbits. Also, if you purchase Skylanders for the Wii U, you can play as Donkey Kong and Bowser of Super Mario fame. These figures also double as amiibos in other games, so it is almost as if you are getting 2 toys in one. My son absolutely loves the vehicle aspect, and was so excited about them being added. I guess there is no bad thing about autos (and etc) in gameplay, is there?

The new Skylanders Superchargers start set sells for $74.99 and is available at stores everywhere for the Wii U, Playstation 3, Playstation 4, Xbox 360, and Xbox One.

Super Mario Maker

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One of the most recent trends in gaming is the so self creation, where users are the ones who make up portions of the game for either other people to play or just to share with friends to show off their building prowess. On this same thread of games comes Nintendo’s Super Mario Maker. In this game, users can either create new levels using components of various Mario games, or play levels made by other players. The presentation is easy to understand and get into, but to make that perfect level will take practice. A great way to get into the game is by first trying the level creator and messing around a bit, then trying other people’s levels to see how creative all those Nintendo fans really are. The answer is- incredibly. From speed runs to super difficult to artistic expressions, all are present and its only getting better as people learn more.

This game also supports amiibo figures, where each figure unlocks a new power up for Mario to use in the level. So if you put your Sonic The Hedgehog figure on the controller, Mario changes to Sonic and even the background music changes to reflect this as well. Super Mario Maker is available now for the Wii U and retails for $59.99 and is available at retail stores and also the Nintendo eShop.

Filed Under: technology Tagged With: Nintendo, video games

Super Mario Maker for the Wii U

September 29, 2015 by Samantha 5 Comments

Disclosure- We received the below in order to facilitate this review. All opinions are my own and honest.

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Each level can be built in a variety of Super Mario game styles ranging from classic Super Mario 8 bit designs to Super Mario 3, and even Super Mario World and and the New Super Mario Bros U. Of these different styles, all the level creation elements change too to match the specific game where the question blocks have a pixelated 8 bit feel to them (like in Super Mario), but these same elements have a 3D “cartoony” feel, more in the New Super Mario Bros U style.

When using the creation portion of the game, the user builds each level one element at a time. With careful attention to detail, more and more of the game becomes available for usage, from villains like King Koopa to Turtles of all shapes and sizes. Everyone has a role in this game, and if you wish they can all be in your level together.

This game also supports Amiibo figures, where each figure unlocks a new power up for Mario to use in the level. So if you put your Sonic The Hedgehog figure on the controller, Mario changes to Sonic and even the background music changes to reflect this as well.

This game is perfect for Wii U owners of all ages and gaming experience- as a long time Mario fan, it is fun to see what goes into making a level, while my son enjoys plowing through easy levels and levels Dad has made.

Super Mario Maker is available now for the Wii U and retails for $59.99 and is available at retail stores and also the Nintendo eShop.

Filed Under: technology Tagged With: Nintendo, nintendo video games, video games

LBX: Little Battlers eXperience for 3DS

September 24, 2015 by Samantha 4 Comments

Disclosure- We received the below in order to facilitate this review. All opinions are my own and honest.

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LBX is one of the newest games for the Nintendo 3DS and 2DS. In this game, you follow the adventures of Van Yamano. Van is a little boy in a future where kids compete with LBX’s. An LBX is a small, hand sized robot which is completely customizable and can be used to battle other LBX’s in a tournament style arena. Van’s LBX is special though, and is one of the most powerful LBX’s available. As such, he gets into some rather sticky situations, the biggest of which is his battle to save the world from the evil corporation known as New Dawn Raisers. The game is set up as a simple style action RPG. This fits the game theme perfectly and makes for a fun gaming experiences for gamers of all ages and play abilities.

LBX

Collect and build your own palm-sized robot from more than 4,000 parts to create a one-of-a-kind LBX
Choose from more than 130 different complete sets of matching parts, or mix and match.
Customize both external parts and interior parts individually to enhance your LBX’s capabilities.
Battle as your LBX against friends and foes in third-person view with local wireless multiplayer mode.
Battle other LBX models in 20 different arenas with unique environmental characteristics.
In local wireless multiplayer play, up to six players can battle using a variety of different rules.

This game is surprisingly good, to the point where even local play is a blast with friends. We were given the opportunity to try out this game in person at the Nintendo Store in New York City, and I can say from first hand experiences controlling and fighting other LBX players is great fun no matter the outcome.

LBX is available now for the Nintendo 3DS and 2DS and retails for $39.99, at retail stores as well as the Nintendo eShop.

Filed Under: technology Tagged With: Nintendo, tech, video games

Nintendo Celebrates National Video Games Day with Fun Mario Facts

September 13, 2015 by Samantha 3 Comments

National Video Games day is fast approaching on Sept. 12, and what better way to celebrate than with a day of Mario! He is, after all, one of the most recognized video game characters of all time.

Super Mario Maker launches exclusively for Wii U on the 11th of September, so it’s the perfect day to play, create and share the Super Mario Bros. levels of your dreams! Mario is one of the most iconic faces in video games, and this year marks the 30th anniversary of the launch of the original Super Mario Bros. on the NES.

To make your celebration of National Video Games Day complete, here are 10 fun facts about Mario and the Super Mario Bros. franchise that you might not know!

Fact 1: Mario has appeared in more than 200 video games.

Fact 2: Super Mario Bros. launched 30 years ago on Sept. 13, 1985.

Fact 3: In Super Mario Land, Mario has to pilot a submarine and an airplane to save Princess Daisy. Who knew he had his pilot license?

Fact 4: Nintendo composer Koji Kondo provided the iconic soundtrack to Super Mario Bros.

Fact 5: Since 1995, the voice of

Mario has been provided by American voice actor Charles Martinet. He also voices Mario‘s twin brother, Luigi, and nemesis, Wario.

Fact 6: Mario‘s first appearance was in the 1981 Donkey Kong arcade game. And he wasn’t trying to rescue Princess Peach like in Super Mario Bros. It was actually his friend Pauline.

Fact 7: While the original Super Mario Bros. incorporated classic items like the Super Mushroom and Fire Flower, Super Mario Bros. 3 introduced a host of iconic power-ups for Mario to pick up like the Super Leaf, Tanooki Suit and Goomba’s Shoe. Ever since, creative power-ups and transformations have become a staple of the Super Mario Bros. series.

Fact 8: Mario was originally known as “Jumpman” in Donkey Kong.

Fact 9: Mario actually didn’t appear in Donkey Kong 3, but he did make his return to the series in Donkey Kong for Game Boy.

Fact 10: Some Mario games actually break the space-time continuum by having Mario interact with his younger baby self.

Filed Under: Uncategorized Tagged With: Nintendo

Super Mario Maker has a GameTruck

September 13, 2015 by Samantha 2 Comments

After providing a truckload of ink-flying action to parties across the country this summer with the Splatoon game, GameTruck is once again partnering with Nintendo to bring the Super Mario Maker game to its fleet of game trucks. Starting on Sept. 18, more than 100 GameTruck vehicles will feature the upcoming game, launching exclusively for Wii U consoles on the 11^th of September. Super Mario Maker lets players create their own Super Mario Bros. levels, share them online and play a near-limitless number of levels from people all over the world.

GameTruck delivers a fun video game experience to major metropolitan areas in 27 states around the country. The trucks bring gaming experiences directly to private consumer events and parties with more than 100 trucks fully equipped with the latest video games. There are even game experts on board to give tips, tricks and training. The trucks roll right up to the location of the party to provide a no-hassle way for party planners to give their attendees a fun experience they’ll never forget. To date, GameTruck has brought the Splatoon game in all of its inky glory to more than 5,000 parties and nearly 1,500 large events, while entertaining a total of over 600,000 guests.

Party guests who play Super Mario Maker in the trucks will experience a variety of imaginative levels created by people all over the world – even some created by Nintendo! GameTruck’s onboard experts will guide party guests through the level-creation process so they can get a taste of how easy and fun it is to create the Super Mario Bros. levels of their dreams. Attendees will even be able to submit their best levels to GameTruck at the end of their party, for a chance to have their level shared across the country. Once a month, GameTruck and Nintendo will select the best created level and feature it on http://play.nintendo.com.

The trucks with Super Mario Maker won’t hit the road until Sept. 18, but party planners can start reserving them now. For more information about how to reserve a GameTruck featuring Super Mario Maker, please visit http://gametruckparty.com. For more information about Super Mario Maker, visit http://supermariomaker.nintendo.com/.