Photo Credit: Disney/Pixar

The game, which is available for Xbox 360, Nintendo Wii, Nintendo DS, PS3, and PC, has players immersed in the world of Cars 2 where they can train to become an agent of C.H.R.O.M.E. (Command Headquarters for Recon Operations and Motorized Espionage), take on dangerous missions, compete to become the fastest race car, or compete in combat racing.

Children who have seen the film will see the resemblance to and continuation of the storyline, and will enjoy taking on the personality of their favorite character.  As in the film, these cars can perform feats like no other including two-wheel driving, air tricks, sidestepping, and more.

My son is a bit young to understand the concept of espionage but really enjoys the racing component of the game. Cars 2: The Video Game was developed for children between the ages of 6 and 11.

Photo Credit: Disney/Pixar

Up to four players can race and there is both a single and a multiplayer mode. Players can also connect to World of Cars Online, a free-to-play, brower-based virtual world based on the Cars 2 to gain rewards in the video game and unlock new items in the virtual world.

The game, much like the film, is visually stunning. I can only imagine how impressive it is in 3D (available for PlayStation 3).

Cars 2: The Video Game is currently available at retailers nationwide.

No compensation was received for this post. A copy of the game was provided which helped facilitate this review.

Photo Credit: THQ

Yesterday THQ, a leading developer and publisher of interactive entertainment software debuted SpongeBob SquigglePants for Nintendo Wii (with DS to follow).  The game is played on uDraw, an accessory that allows users to draw and then visualize their creations on the screen.  Players will tilt, flick, tap, and draw through over 100 Nanogames in 6 different worlds.  I can tell you from seeing the game for the first time last night, that each world looks very different, thereby giving you a unique experience.  Patchy the Pirate, who is the president of SpongeBob’s fan club in the show, guides players through the game where players can create, color, and draw with custom paints, palettes, stamps, and art tools.  What’s neat about the game is that the artwork created can be printed, saved, and shared.  And, many of the art styles featured in the game are never before seen artwork from the Nickelodeon Vault.

Here are some photos from the launch party:

SpongeBob SquigglePants is available now for the Wii and retails for $29.99.

No compensation was received for this post. I attended a media event and received a copy of the game.

Seth, who is the assistant manager of product marketing for the Pokémon series, is responsible for all things Pokémon.  Here he is discussing how the new games give you a new way to connect and play with friends via enhanced online connectivity and new battle modes:

No compensation was received for this post.

A little over a year ago, Ubisoft, a leader in the gaming and interactive entertainment industry, released Just Dance which sold over 3 million copies!  Capping on it’s success, Ubisoft launched Just Dance 2, which features a brand new track-list of over 40 popular songs and improved movement detection.  Gone are the days of sitting on the couch, controller in hand, eyes glued to a screen.  Gaming today is interactive, physical, and fun.

One of my goals this year (and every year) is to get more active.  I always feel like I could do more to keep my body in shape.  I tire and get bored with fitness videos and traditional exercise.  While I still power walk with my kids, I need something to keep me motivated.  When I discovered fitness gaming, it really changed how I viewed exercise. I no longer felt like I had to go to the gym or take a run to achieve results.  Dancing on the Wii is enjoyable and I can get a great workout from it.

Just Dance 2 features tracks from classic hits, legendary songs, and music that’s currently topping the charts.  I have to admit that I like the music much better than that featured on the original game.  The game offers a variety of music and dance genres and each track features it’s own choreography by real experts. If you want more, you can download tracks from a catalog that is frequently updated.

Just Dance 2 is fun!  Whether you’re a beginner or an expert, you’ll find that you just can’t get enough of it. The game is challenging enough to keep experienced dancers interested.  Beginners will appreciate the repetition which helps with mastery of the moves.

Dance solo or invite your friends over (can accommodate up to for a dance off.  Want to really burn those calories?  The Just Sweat It Off mode will motivate you to dance of those calories, get your heart pumping, and perhaps shed that holiday weight.

Just Dance 2 is available exclusively for the Wii and retails for $39.99.

No compensation was received for this post. A copy of the game was provided which helped facilitate this review.

I grew up as an only child, and the time at home with my parents was often spent playing games…board games, computer games, video games…  To this day, I still enjoy games because they promote conversation and interaction.

At the beginning of November, Zoo Games released Minute to Win It for Nintendo Wii and DS.  The game is based on the NBC prime time show hosted by Guy Fieri.  Two weeks ago, NBC taped their holiday episode and offered demos of the newly released game.  Here is a brief synopsis from the site:

Take parties and family game night to a whole new level with Zoo Game’s Minute to Win It, based on NBC’s hit game show sensation. With the encouragement of All-American chef and TV personality Guy Fieri, who provides voiceovers for the game, players compete in ten, 60-second challenges to win the virtual grand prize of $1,000,000. Use everyday household objects to conquer these simple yet nerve-wracking challenges to win each round. Featuring both Solo and Multiplayer modes, and 36 fun and exciting challenges, Minute to Win It is the ultimate party game for all ages!

In the coming weeks, I’ll be sharing with you my thoughts and experiences regarding the game.

Win It! One of you will win a copy of Minute to Win It.  Simply leave me a comment with something you like about the game from the site!  Comments will close on December 18th at 11:59 PM PST.  US Residents only.  Duplicates and comments not including the above information will be disqualified. Comments are moderated. If you don’t see your comment in a reasonable amount of time, send me an email. Bloggers and non-bloggers may enter. If you don’t want to leave your email address, please be sure to check back for my announcement on the winner. Please note that winners must respond within 48 hours of being announced/contacted or another winner will be drawn.

Want an extra entry? Do any or all of the following and receive an extra entry for each one. Be sure to leave me a separate comment for each additional entry.

Follow me on Twitter AND tweet about the contest.

Like me on Facebook

Subscribe to my feed via email or reader.

Blog about this giveaway. It doesn’t have to be a separate post. Just include a blurb about it when you blog about other giveaways.

Click on one of the very cute buttons below and digg, stumble, fav, etc. Just let me know what you did in the comments!

No compensation was received for this post.   Review and giveaway items supplied by the company.

The game was inspired by Disney/Pixar’s popular animated shorts and brings Mater and Lightning McQueen together for a new set of adventures in a collection of pick-up-and-play games. The game is great for family play (and was actually designed to be played with others) and can accommodate up to four players at the same time!  Cars Toon features fast-paced, multi-player fun and can be played competitively (against each other) or cooperatively (together).  Once you’ve achieved rewards (aka collectibles), customize the look of your car (from body type and color to tires and spoilers).

There are 30 levels and we’ve barely unlocked 5.  My son enjoys putting out the fires and chasing after the ambulance but he still needs some help with the controls.  The animation is phenomenal and identical to that in the shorts.  I can see us playing this endlessly without getting bored. Here is a quick preview of the game:

Cars Toon:  Mater’s Tall Tales retails for $49.99.

I wrote this review while participating in a blog tour campaign by Mom Central Consulting on behalf of Disney Interactive Studios and received the Cars Toon: Mater’s Tall Tales Wii game to facilitate my review.

This giveaway is now closed. Thanks for stopping by. The winner is John S. (#209)  Congrats!!!!

My son hasn’t been exposed to the world of gaming (yet), but he does enjoy preschool electronic learning toys so I’m certain he’s heading in that direction.  If you’ve got a child (or a husband) who’s had their eye on the Nintendo DSi, you’ll be happy to know that GameStop just lowered their price to $149.99.

The Nintendo DSi is the 3rd generation of the world’s best-selling portable gaming system.  Featuring a built-in camera, an interactive voice recorder and a music player, the The DSi will transform the way you access, experience, create, and share content.

If you or your children (or both) love gaming, join me at the #gno Twitter party this Wednesday, September 15 from 9-11 p.m. ET (8 CT, 7 MT, 6 PT).  The discussion will focus on how gaming promotes skills, values, and family togetherness.

Be sure to check out TodaysMama where you can enter to win DSi’s for the entire family (5 DSi’s and 10 games).

Win It! One of you will win a Nintendo DSi and 2 games (ARV $210). To enter, simply leave me a comment with the name of a game you like from the site (for the DSi).  Comments will close on September 21 at 11:59 PM PST.  The winner MUST respond with shipping information by September 22.

Duplicates and comments not including the above information will be disqualified. Comments are moderated. If you don’t see your comment in a reasonable amount of time, send me an email. Bloggers and non-bloggers may enter. If you don’t want to leave your email address, please be sure to check back for my announcement on the winner.  Want an extra entry? Do any or all of the following and receive an extra entry for each one.Be sure to leave me a separate comment for each additional entry.

Follow me on Facebook

Follow me on Twitter AND tweet about the contest.

Subscribe to my feed via email or reader.

Blog about this giveaway. It doesn’t have to be a separate post. Just include a blurb about it when you blog about other giveaways.

Click on one of the very cute buttons below and digg, stumble, fav, etc. Just let me know what you did in the comments!

This giveaway is now closed.  Thanks for stopping by!  The winner is Carolyn S.  Congratulations!

Up until recently, I had thought of video games as a childhood past time.  I attended BlogHer in July and was able to demo some of Nintendo’s newest games.  I liked them so much that I’m even considering the possibility of having a system in our house.  One of the games I think would be so fun and relaxing is the all new Zenses games! These games are geared specifically for women!  And..they are stress-free! I promise!

Here is a little more about the games from the site:

Zenses, active relaxation and the perfect “me time” companion, allows the player to transcend the stresses of everyday life, unplug and experience an “active escape.” Zenses, with Zenses Ocean and Zenses Rainforest as its first two titles, will be a series of games targeting women 25 years and older – one of the newest and fastest growing segments of the videogames industry. With a clean, fresh and stylish look and a soundtrack that complements the calm and relaxing atmosphere, Zenses offers the modern woman a brand new and fresh experience.

There are two editions, Ocean and Rainforest and I love that you can escape the stress of daily life while challenging your mind, body and spirit through relaxing puzzle games, soothing ambient sounds, and authentic rainforest and oceanic visuals.  One very cool feature is that you don’t have to press a single key…simply use the stylus.

Both the Ocean and Rainforest Zenses games for Nintendo DS retail for $29.99 each and are available now.

Win It! One very lucky reader will win a copy of both the Ocean and Rainforest versions of Zenses.  Simply head on over to the site and take a little time to explore each.  Come back and leave me a comment with your favorite features. Comments will close on January 10, 2008 at 10 pm PST.  One comment per person, please. US residents only. Duplicates and comments not including the above information will be disqualified. Comments are moderated. If you don’t see your comment in a reasonable amount of time, send me an email. Bloggers and non-bloggers may enter. If you don’t want to leave your email address, please be sure to check back for my announcement on the winner. Please note that winners must respond within 48 hours of being announced/contacted or another winner will be drawn.

Want an extra entry? Do any or all of the following and receive an extra entry for each one.

Be sure to leave me a separate comment for each additional entry.

Follow me on Twitter AND tweet about the contest.  I’ll make it super easy…

“Win a copy of Zenses Ocean and Rainforest DS games from Rockin’ Mama: http://tinyurl.com/6wac3y”

Blog about this giveaway.  It doesn’t have to be a separate post.  Just include a blurb about it when you blog about other giveaways.

Subscribe to my feed.

Place my button on your site.  If you have difficulty, please let me know.

Click on one of the very cute buttons below and digg, stumble, fav, etc.  Just let me know what you did in the comments!

Looking for more giveaways?

Profuse thanks to The Game Factory and the Family Review Network for this review opportunity.