SKYLANDERS SUPERCHARGERS BRINGS VEHICLES-TO-LIFE ON SEPTEMBER 20!

June 15, 2015 by 1 Comment

Skylanders® is bringing another trailblazing innovation to the #1 kids console franchise(1) with the launch of Skylanders® SuperChargers on September 20, 2015 in North America. Activision Publishing, Inc., a wholly owned subsidiary of Activision Blizzard, Inc. (NASDAQ: ATVI) and the leaders of the toys-to-life category it created, expands upon the franchise’s signature gameplay to introduce vehicles-to-life — an entirely new way for fans to experience the magic of Skylands.

At the helm of powerful, tricked-out land, sea and sky vehicles, Portal Masters can engage in a high-octane action-adventure videogame like never before. Kids can speed across Skylands’ roads in vehicular combat, race down roaring rapids and engage in aerial dogfights as they barrel-roll through enemy swarms for the first time. Developed by Vicarious Visions, Skylanders SuperChargers offers a rich story-driven gameplay experience, filled with vehicle-based and on-foot adventures, combat, puzzles, mini games, activities and platforming, set within a variety of all-new compelling environments.

“We created the toys-to-life category and have continued to lead it by bringing new innovations and new magic to the genre with each and every game. First we brought action figures to life, and now we’re bringing vehicles to life with Skylanders SuperChargers,” said Eric Hirshberg, CEO of Activision Publishing, Inc. “We love making these games because in order to do it well, you have to constantly tap into your inner kid. What kid hasn’t imagined epic vehicles with amazing powers and dreamed about the adventures they could have with them? Skylanders SuperChargers makes those dreams real.”

Skylanders SuperChargers features a brand-new class of heroes, called SuperChargers who are distinct with fresh moves, powerful attacks and all-new weapons.  These SuperChargers also have special in-game abilities that help Portal Masters fight Kaos.  Twenty new SuperChargers character toys and 20 new vehicle toys will be available.

Players will have the ability to customize all vehicles in-game with super cool modifications and upgradeable weapons. For the ultimate gameplay experience, players can pair a SuperCharger Skylander with its signature vehicle to create a SuperCharged combination, unlocking an exclusive mod that revs up the performance of both the vehicle and character. Not only are the vehicles playable in the game, but also many feature moving parts, making them fun to play with outside of the game.  Additionally, Skylanders SuperChargers supports all 300+ Skylanders toys from previous games, enabling all Skylanders characters to pilot land, sea or sky-based vehicles.

“Since first partnering with Activision to bring the original Skylanders® Spyro’s Adventure to our stores, we have believed whole-heartedly in the magic and innovation of this brand, as well as the company’s ability to reimagine and redefine play experiences with the toys-to-life concept,” said Richard Barry, Global Chief Merchandising Officer, Toys”R”Us, Inc. “With each new introduction, Activision never disappoints its highly loyal fans of the franchise, and we are thrilled to continue to offer the broadest assortment of all Skylanders® merchandise, including the newly introduced Skylanders SuperChargers.”

The game’s storyline focuses on Kaos’ latest attempt to rule Skylands. In his efforts to take down the Skylanders, Kaos has unleashed his most sinister weapon ever – a massive “Doomstation of Ultimate Doomstruction” capable of eating the sky itself!  Fortunately, Master Eon has seen the warning signs and assembled a special team of Skylanders to pilot an unstoppable fleet of land, sea and sky vehicles with the power to travel through the reign of destruction to stop Kaos!

To support the game’s announcement, motorsports champion Travis Pastrana stars in the Skylanders SuperChargers trailer. Check out Pastrana having a blast with the Skylanders! Fans can pre-order Skylanders SuperChargers Starter Packs beginning on June 3 at select retail destinations worldwide for the suggested retail price of $74.99 in North America, which includes two new Skylanders characters, a first-of-its kind Skylanders vehicle, newly designed Portal of Power®+ and the full AAA game. Skylanders SuperChargers will be available on Xbox 360™ and  Xbox One™video game and entertainment systems from Microsoft, PlayStation® 3 and PlayStation® 4 computer entertainment systems, Nintendo’s Wii U™ system, and a different, unique adventure will be made available on Nintendo’s Wii™ system and the Nintendo 3DS™ hand-held system. Additionally, the complete Skylanders SuperChargers experience will be available on iPad®. The game will be available on September 20 in North America, September 24 in Australia/New Zealand; and on September 25 in Europe.

Filed Under: Uncategorized Tagged With: ,

Assassin’s Creed Chronicles China

June 7, 2015 by 8 Comments

I have long been a fan of the Assassin’s Creed series.  From the intricate plot weaving throughout time,  which involves the mysterious assassins in their awesome hoodies and incredible skills, to it’s incredible action adventure game play.  Throughout the games there are two factions which are warring- the assassins and the knights.  This is the overall idea behind the games, but it is so much more complex then that.  The games are so much fun to play, with each game in the series feeding into the next.  The most recent addition to the series is Assassin’s Creed Chronicles: China.  This game picks up with Shao Jun, who is the last in the Chinese Assassin’s Brotherhood.  After meeting with Ezio Auditore (from previous games) she is ready to use her new Assassin’s skills and China will never be the same.

pic2
[Read more…]

Filed Under: technology Tagged With: ,

Get Your Game On

May 25, 2015 by 5 Comments

With the dog days of summer right around the corner, and quite a few hot days already upon us, you know there are bound to be a few days where it’s just too hot to go outside. There will also be times when you are traveling and just need the kids to chill out quietly.  For those crazy hot days, and please- it’s a 5 hour flight! moments, check out these new games for kids of varying ages- and your spouse, too.

Many own the new Nintendo 3DS, but few really know the consoles in and outs. Have you heard of  StreetPass Mii Plaza area? Even if you have, you should revisit, because it recently expanded.  This area is for use Mii’s- avatars you and your buddies create.  As you walk around with your 3DS in your pocket, pouch, or case with StreetPass on, you meet other people who also have StreetPass on with their 3DS.  As you meet these people, they give you the opportunity to progress in mini games and puzzles for prizes (like accessories) for your Mii.  There are a total of 8 mini games available to play with other’s Mii’s.  The first two are free- Find Mii, which is a light hearted RPG (role playing games) with some tough villains, and Puzzle Swap where each player shares their puzzle pieces to moving 3D  puzzles containing characters from various Nintendo games and videos like Pikmin, Link from Zelda, and Mario Brothers.

20150425_110854

These are fun enough on their own and will give you hours of fun.  In addition to these there are a few premium games, which do cost money.  They are Monster Manor, Warrior’s Way, Flower Town, Mii Force, Ultimate Angler, and Battleground Z. Each premium game is available now on the eShop only for the Nintendo 3DS.  Prices vary.

pic5

Xenoblade is a somewhat unknown game series, but not among those who are fans of RPG’s on Nintendo systems.  The game was originally going to be passed over for localization to the United States on the Wii, but instead was one of the shining gems for the Nintendo Wii.  The story follows Shulk and his friends as they battle Mechon killer robots with the help of the Monado sword.  The game play style is real time RPG, which means there are heavy RPG elements but the action is there as well, so stay on your toes.  Xenoblade Chronicles is a huge open world game which emphasizes exploration.   The story is winding and fun, with lots of drama, action, and excitement.  The game also takes full advantage of the new 3DSXL- it has gotten more portable and can ONLY be played on that system.  It uses the new ZL, ZR and C-stick for various controls as well as the added processor power to really move.  The face following 3D effects intensify the gameplay.  Instead of setting and resetting the 3D view, the system now follows the user’s face so immersion into the game is way easier.  Xenoblade Chronicles is out now for the new Nintendo 3DSXL, and will only work with this system.  The game retails for $39.99 and is available everywhere.  The Nintendo 3DSXL retails for $199.99.

pic9

Nintendo’s new Puzzle & Dragons has traditional RPG elements with pick up and play puzzle game play.  Throw in a dash of anime styling in one game, and Mario and friends into another and you’ve got yourself what is really two games in one awesome package. Puzzle & Dragons game play is easy- line up orbs of the same color with more then 3 in a cluster, the bigger your cluster the higher your score and the more orbs you destroy- thus, the more damage to gets dealt to your enemy.  There are also elemental elements where certain colored orbs are stronger against other colored orbs as well.  The game play is as deep as you’d like it to be.  For those who love puzzles, that itch is easily scratched with these games.  For those who are fans of RPG’s, this is an innovative take on the battle game mechanic.  What is really nice is the fact that there are actually two games packed into the one cartridge.  The Mario Brothers version is easier to get into, and Puzzle & Dragons Z has a more in depth story with more RPG elements.  Available for $29.99 pretty much everywhere games are sold.

pic8

Filed Under: gaming, technology Tagged With: , ,

StreetPass Mii Plaza Nintendo 3DS

May 5, 2015 by 5 Comments

20150425_111058Many own the new Nintendo 3DS, but few really know the consoles in and outs.  Today we will be looking at the StreetPass Mii Plaza area.  This area is for use by your friend’s Mii’s.  As you walk around with your 3DS in your pocket, pouch, or case with StreetPass on, you get to meet other people who also have StreetPass on with their 3DS.  As you meet these people, they give you the opportunity to progress in mini games and puzzles for prizes like accessories for your Mii.  An example would be a hat that looks like Metroid on your head.  There are a total of 8 mini games available to play with other’s Mii’s.  The first two are free Find Mii, which is a light hearted RPG with some tough villains, and Puzzle Swap where each player shares their puzzle pieces to awesome moving 3D  puzzles containing characters from various Nintendo games and videos like Pikmin, Link from Zelda, and Mario Brothers.
[Read more…]

Filed Under: technology Tagged With: , ,

Mario Party 10 for Wii U

April 18, 2015 by 6 Comments

Parties come and go, but a real smash stays in your mind forever.  In order to have a real party, your group of friends must be closely knit, and of course the party has to be hopping.  Parties have to be fun, and for a change of pace why not have Bowser butting in every so often.  Makes total sense.

InstagramCapture_238b6dd6-d325-456f-a0fd-915b0a2e6513

This is Mario Party 10 for the Wii U.  In this game, players go through a mini game filled board, trying to reach the end of the track in first place and with the most points.  Points are given for various reasons, most of which are winning mini games.  This game mode is called Classic Mario Party.  This seems simple enough, but Mario Party 10 takes this familiar game style and turns it on its head a bit by adding Bowser, and calling it….Bowser Party.  Very creative.  Bowser races around the game too, but instead of trying to win, he is simply trying to wreck everything and make your game less fun.  He does this by swapping rules in games, inventing painful Bowser based mini games where your players are smashed, burned and swept away.  Sometimes he just steals all your points.  My son thoroughly enjoys the Mario Party line of games and was incredibly excited to play as Bowser in this most recent addition to the series.  The game is well worth it for the little guy, he loves playing as Bowser and enjoys it even more with extra people playing.  The more, the better.  The game also supports Amiibo figures to unlock added fun in the game, as well as a special game mode called Amiibo Party.
[Read more…]

Filed Under: technology Tagged With: , ,

Nintendo’s Box Boy and Affordable Space Adventure

April 16, 2015 by 5 Comments

There are a plethora of downloadable titles available for the 3DS and Wii U, most of which are good games, but to sift out the gems can be difficult and costly. I’m really liking the new and less expensive Affordable Space Adventure for the Wii U and BoxBoy! for the 3DS.
Affordable Space Adventure takes the player on a (surprise) space adventure aboard a space ship navigating an alien world. The ship is controlled with lots of switches and buttons which would be confusing for one player with a normal controller, but the Wii U’s Gamepad makes controls a breeze. Where this game really shines is in two player mode. Both players control one ship, each delegated certain responsibilities, from navigation, to engines, mass control and signal flares. This may sound confusing and convoluted, but actually it works quite well. Navigating to the next area is often a puzzle where players must work together and communicate well in order to proceed. This is great for my son and his daddy-  this game gets the two of them to work together and talk out what they need in a reasonable way or the puzzle will be unsolved. This game is great fun and was developed by Swedish Indie developer Nifflas. The graphics are eye catching and colorful, yet dark and foreboding. Not only is the game fun to play but as a by stander not playing it is interesting to see the player dynamic between two players working together constantly.
[Read more…]

Filed Under: electronics, technology Tagged With: , ,

Easter Skylanders , Limited Edition and Just in Time!

April 3, 2015 by 4 Comments

Easter is around the corner so its time for those last minute basket fillers. What better way to make your little one’s day then with a Skylanders Easter? Skylanders are available in special limited release Easter versions of some of your favorite characters and even a special trap for the newest Skylanders game, Trap Team. Skylanders have always blended their toys and games in fun ways, and this newest game turns it up a notch. The premise of Trap Team is, by using the newest portal, portal masters, the players can now capture bosses from the game and call upon them to use in the game itself. It is an interesting concept and makes for a very interactive gaming experiences, even further blending reality with the digital world of Skylanders.

weeskylandersThe new Easter limited edition Skylanders are two fold, one is this year’s official mascot for the Annual Dragon Egg Hunt, Eggsellent Weeruptor. Weerupter is a bit of a trouble maker who captured Spyro, Cynder and Drobot inside a Traptanium basket after disguising himself as a candy coated egg. Sure, it isn’t the best way to celebrate Easter but it does make for an ‘Eggsellent’ adventure.
[Read more…]

Filed Under: review, toys Tagged With: ,

Legend of Zelda: Majora’s Mask 3D

March 30, 2015 by 6 Comments

mm

The Nintendo classic Zelda franchise is full of great games which are the reason Zelda games are classics.  One of the most popular is Majora ‘s Mask, which was originally released for the Nintendo 64.  The newest version of this game Legend of Zelda: Majora ’s Mask 3D, is a reworked, updated, cleaned up, and enhanced version of the original.

Majora’s Mask follows the story of Link as he tries to keep the moon from falling from the sky leading to the destruction of Termina.  The twist is that you only have 3 days to complete this epic quest.  In this 3 day period, Link will have to explore dungeons, solve puzzles, and fight gigantic bosses (of course).

Throughout the game there is a reoccurring theme of masks, and masks are one of the main collectables in the game.  There are 20 in total, each of which gives Link a new power or ability, like the ability to transform into a Deku, Goron, or Zora.
[Read more…]

Filed Under: technology Tagged With: ,