The Interactive World of Disney
June 1, 2010
My son is barely three and hasn’t had much exposure to the world of video games. Being that I grew up with video games and still utilize a gaming system for the occasional workout, I’m not opposed to allowing my children limited, supervised gaming time.
About a week ago, we were invited to preview several new games put out by Disney Interative Studios. My son is a huge fan of all things Disney, and it was quite challenging trying to convince him to leave a room full of Toy Story, Cars, and Toontown.
Disney Interative Studios publishes and distributes a wide variety of games for various platforms including Nintendo’s Wii and DS gaming systems, PlayStation, XBox 360, and the web. Their newly released games include Disney Sing It, Split/Second, Disney Guilty Party, and Toy Story 3. The company has also launched new features in their virtual worlds in the following: Disney Pixar World of Cars Online, Disney Fairies Pixie Hollow, Toontown Online, Pirates of the Caribbean Online, and Disney Club Penguin.
While we tried to make our way over to try all of the games, my son kept going back to World of Cars Online, Toontown Online, and Toy Story 3. World of Cars Online is a free-to-play, browser-based virtual world based on the hit Disney/Pixar animated feature Cars. You your child) is the car and he/she can design it, play games, and make friends. The optional paid subscription offers parts, gear and accessory purchases to trick out your ride and home, a Pro Racing Career and a chance to win the Piston Cup, and access to exclusive race tracks, special events, and more adventures.
Toontown Online is another free-to-play, browser based virtual world where children of all ages can create their own cartoon character before starting their adventure. New features for 2010 include fire hydrants and boxes that come alive and into action, sidewalk props that pitch in to help the toons, and Cog-dominiums (their new office buildings).
Children can play Buzz, Woody, or Jessie as they run, ride, and fly through scenes inspired by the movie Toy Story 3 in their latest video game release. The game aims to encourage children to use their imagination to create their own story.
My favorite game is Sing It, a family-based video karaoke game. I’m not the best singer in the house but I had fun singing some of the lyrics to Beauty and the Beast.
Disney Interative Studios recently released Club Penguin: Elite Penguin Force: Herbert’s Revenge, the follow-up to the previous game. The game follows the misadventures of Herbert, a vegetarian polar bear who can’t swim, dislikes the cold, and inhabits the snow-covered virtual island of Club Penguin.
For more information on their online and real-world games, check out Disney Interative Studios.
No compensation was received for this post. I attended a media event courtesy of the company.
Lovely Lisa & Friends on DS/DSi
March 19, 2010
When I was a little girl, my parents bought me the very first Nintendo Entertainment System. The only games I remember playing were Zelda and all of the Super Mario Brothers titles. Gaming is quite a different experience today. Video games do more than entertain. They educate, role model, and encourage children to be creative. Many of the games available today allow for a highly individualized, interactive experience.
Lovely Lisa and Friends was recently released for Nintendo DS and Nintendo DSi (which is the unit I have). This is actually the second version of the fashion doll simulation game which allows girls the opportunity to explore their style and develop skills that teach successful working habits. When I was a child, it was rare to find a game targeted specifically towards girls and games definitely didn’t teach me anything about work! Lovely Lisa and Friends is a line of dolls and games and the game was designed to compliment this line.
This is definitely a game I’d suggest parents play together with their children because I think that is how a little girl will gain the most out of it. In a gaming world where violence predominates, it’s nice to have an alternative with content I feel good about sharing with my children. The game “teaches girls how to be their best, while working hard and having fun.” It also allows girls the opportunity to explore their own creativity and personal style. This open-ended play is what helps foster a child’s development.
From the site:
If you have Nintendo DSi, the game offers a camera function which allows customization of a variety of outfits to reflect a child’s personal style and taste. Your child can take photos of real images and apply them to a variety of outfits to dress Lisa. Players can also enjoy time with other characters as they swap outfits with Lisa’s two best friends, Alice and Maria, as well as participate in mini-games that include helping mom with shopping and cooking and putting furniture together with dad. To top it all off, players can partake in the idol game to dance their socks off, and earn Lisa points to buy clothes and accessories as they get ready for the Heart Hills Idol Pageant.
Lovely Lisa and Friends is rated “E” for Everyone and is available on Nintendo DS and Nintendo DSi for $29.99. For more information, just visit the site.
I did not receive compensation for this post. A product sample was provided to facilitate this review.
Holiday Gift Idea: Konami Games for the Whole Family
November 19, 2009
When I was a little girl, I played a lot of video games. I still have my Nintendo Entertainment System AND Game Boy. Gaming systems and video games have changed tremendously. You can challenge your mind or your body with educational and active games these days. I don’t have a lot of time to play, unless it’s with my son. But I am impressed with the sheer variety of video games available.
Last week I had an opportunity to visit the Konami Headquarters in Los Angeles. This was my first experience with Konami and I was highly impressed with their selection of games for the entire family. I really enjoyed the opportunity to get personal, hands-on experience with each of their games that are to be released this season. One of the representatives from the company personally walked me through each game (which was impressive). I really felt like I was able to evaluate which games would be most appropriate for our family. Here are a few coming out that really stood out:
These days, I can’t look at anything without thinking about my son. This was probably my favorite game, simply because I know my son would just love it. My son and I read a lot (I know…I say that all the time but it’s just so true). This *game* features 16 classic folk tales like Little Red Riding Hood and The Ugly Duckling and allows you to read with your child using the Wii system. What makes the game so unique is the ability to alter your voice with the Magic Voice Box option so that it matches characters in the story. It’s a unique and creative twist on reading and storytelling that toddlers and preschoolers will enjoy.
Most of my singing is done in the privacy of my shower. I can count on one hand the number of times I’ve done Karaoke. Surprisingly, I was coerced encouraged to try this game out and I’m so glad I did. It’s fun. Really fun. Yes…I was embarrassed, particularly because the guy who helped develop the game was singing along with me (and he was amazingly talented). With 50 tracks to choose from in 16 different venues, you’re sure to find your favorite. This would be perfect for get-togethers or family game night.
I LOVE to dance. In fact, you may not know this, but when I was in college, I was asked to compete (I did Lindy Hop). My practical side kicked in and I pursued nursing instead. But every time I watch Dancing With the Stars or So You Think You Can Dance, I get a twinge of nostalgia for the many years I spent dancing. I promise I didn’t do any dancing last week (I didn’t want to dance the baby out). This game makes cardio and fitness fun! And…you just might learn a step or two!
One of the things I learned at the event was that Konami is working on offering consumers downloadable games (as opposed to games you buy in a brick and mortar store with cases and such). Not only is this greener (of course I thought about this), but it’s more affordable. So instead of getting one game for $30 or $40, you would be able to get several (perhaps 4-6 depending on the game). Frogger Returns is one such game. This classic arcade game has been updated to include enhanced graphics, new levels, and a multi-player option.
Ultimate Party Challenge and GTI Club + were also games I enjoyed.
Here are some pictures from the event:
Scene It? Twilight (not yet released)
Many of the games are available on other systems…I’m just partial to the Wii!
Be sure to check out Konami for their entire game line-up.
EA Games For the Holidays!
November 8, 2009
I remember when my parents bought me my first video game system. It was by a little company called Nintendo (hehe). I was to get four teeth pulled out and there was no way I was going to do that without some sort of incentive. If you can believe it, I still have that system (it’s just up in storage). These days you’ll find a newer version (the Wii and DSi) in our home.
YEAH for Chipotle!
Last week I had an opportunity to visit the EA Games headquarters in Los Angeles for a Winter Wonderland blogger event. EA (Electronic Arts) “is a leading global interactive entertainment software company who develops, publishes, and distributes interactive software worldwide for video game systems, personal computers, wireless devices and the Internet.” If you or your child are gamers, then you’re very familiar with EA Games!
Several of us LA bloggers had an opportunity to visit with the company and try out some of their latest games which were all set up at various stations around the room. One of my favorites was the brand new EA Sports Active More Workouts. Before I got pregnant, I was using the Wii Fit to lose the baby weight. And then EA Sports Active came out for the Wii. And I read the stories of bloggers who had lost entire dress sizes, up to 20 pounds, several inches, and even felt they were ready to wear a bikini. I told myself, when this baby is born…I’m going to use that workout to lose this baby weight once and for all.
On November 17, EA will release their updated version of this game called EA Sports Active More Workouts. This version will feature new challenges, variety, and over 35 new exercises which can be used to create unlimited combinations of customizable exercise routines that target upper and lower body, as well as cardio. Other features include an emphasis on abdominal exercises and a warm up/cool down feature. EA Sports Active More Workouts will also feature a Six-Week Challenge.
One of the other games I enjoyed taking a look at was Hasbro Family Game Night 2. We enjoy game nights in our household and this version, for the Wii and DS, features favorites such as Operation, Bop-It, and Connect 4×4 and is hosted by Mr. Potato Head. This is a great game for getting the whole family together and interacting.
There were a ton of games featured at the event. Highlights included Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince, Nerf: “N-Strike” Elite, Littlest Pet Shop Friends, SimAnimals Africa, and Boom Blox Bash Party. With the exception of EA Sports Active More Workouts, these games are available now online and in retailers nationwide.
Family Game Night
August 5, 2009
I hope you’re having a FAB summer! I spent the first part sick all day and all night, but thankfully, it’s pretty much over (except the occasional bouts of nausea). Earlier this year we purchased a Nintendo Wii Entertainment System. I’ve primarily used it with the Wii Fit to lose weight up until I got pregnant with our second baby. However, there are soooo many fun games I’d love to get for our family. And I’m a total Mario addict (have been ever since my parents bought me Super Mario Bros as a child).
If you have children, then you know that it can be a struggle to find things to do in the summer (particularly when we’re all concerned about the recession). While I don’t believe children should sit playing video games all day, I do believe they can be a fun, educational form of entertainment. Where do you go to get games? I usually look online. However…I was recently re-introduced to GameStop, a family-friendly source for entertainment. The store has family-friendly games for every entertainment system imaginable and I love the fact that they offer pre-owned titles at affordable prices.
GameStop recognizes that many of us are struggling financially, so they have declared every Tuesday Night from June 23 through September 1 Family Night In. Any family who makes a purchase on a Tuesday will receive an extra 20% trade-in credit on pre-owned games good towards the reserve or purchase of select Family Night In video game titles, coupons for $3 off any Baskin-Robbins cake purchase of $15 or more, and the opportunity to enter the Family Night In sweeps (ten families each week will be awarded a $25 gift card redeemable at a food vendor or restaurant of their choice for dinner and a Brownie a la Mode cake for dessert, courtesy of Baskin-Robbins).
We went in and purchased 30 Family Party: 30 Great Games for the Wii (with a gift card given to us by the company). I like that up to four players can play (which is great for encouraging the entire family to play together). Some of the games include track and field and playground games. It’s very interactive and a fun way to “compete.” And it doesn’t only feature “physical” games but those that challenge your mind. I may be old, but it took me just a bit to get used to using the control the way it’s supposed to be used to manipulate the character.
Overall, our experience at GameStop was favorable. The store we visited provided us with excellent customer service by greeting us when we arrived and assisting us in choosing a family-friendly title. Be sure to visit your local store all summer long.
Giveaway: Zenses for Nintendo DS
December 27, 2008
*Update*
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.
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“Win a copy of Zenses Ocean and Rainforest DS games from Rockin’ Mama: http://tinyurl.com/6wac3y”
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Profuse thanks to The Game Factory and the Family Review Network for this review opportunity.
Holiday Giveaway: Bratz Kidz Slumber Party for Nintendo Wii
December 9, 2008
*This giveaway is now closed. Thanks for stopping by. The winner is Catherine KingChuparkoff. Congrats!*
I know you’d all love to own a Wii and for those of you who do…I have a giveaway that you’re going to love. This one is especially for your teen and tween girls! The very popular Bratz dolls now have their very own video game for Nintendo DS and Nintendo Wii. Join your favorite Bratz Kidz characters for a sleepover-themed party game filled with the fun and excitement of a late night slumber party.
Bratz Kidz Slumber Party allows girls to customize their favorite Bratz Kidz character and their individual bedrooms in a series of fun mini games. Activities including baking a cake with girlfriends, taking stylish photos, creating personal accessories and more. The game is designed to stimulate your child’s creativity and imagination while focusing on fun, fashion, and glamour.
Watch a preview here.
Bratz Kidz Slumber Party is available now and retails for $39.99. Purchase it at Target, Walmart, Amazon.com, or any number of retailers nationwide.
Win It! One reader will win a copy of Bratz Kidz Slumber Party for Nintendo Wii courtesy of The Game Factory. Be sure to stop by the Family Review Network for more chances to win. Head on over to the site and check out Bratz Kidz Slumber Party. Come back here and leave me a comment with your favorite features. Comments will close on December 23, 2008 at 10 pm PST. The winner will be chosen on December 24, 2008. 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.
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Profuse thanks to The Game Factory and the Family Review Network for this review opportunity.
Holiday Giveaway: Build-A-Bear Workshop For Nintendo Wii
November 28, 2008
*This giveaway is now closed. Thanks for stopping by! The winner is Liz G. Congratulations! *
I hope you had a wonderful Thanksgiving! We are in the South visiting family and wish all of you a wonderful and safe holiday weekend!
By now you know that a Nintendo Wii is at the top of my Christmas list (hint hint, hubby!). If that ever materializes, I’d love to get the new Build-A-Bear Workshop A Friend Fur All Seasons game, published by The Game Factory. This interactive experience is sure to be a hit with the entire family. WIth your Wii remote, players can name, groom, feed and dress their very own bear. Once you’ve customized your bear, join him on adventures to explore islands, meet inhabitants, and help other furry friends. Build-A-Bear Workshop A Friend Fur All Seasons allows full interaction between players and his/her furry friend in a variety of twenty fun mini-games like throwing Frisbees and ice-skating.
The Game Factory, an international publisher of family-friendly and casual video and computer games, will be auctioning off celebrity-built Build-A-Bear Workshop bears, along with autographed copies of the Build-A-Bear Workshop Wii game. These bears and signed games will be on eBay to raise money for the Ronald McDonald House Charities of Southern California. These one-of-a-kind bears were built by celebrities like Tori Spelling & Dean McDermott, the Jonas Brothers, James Gandolfini, Melissa Joan Hart, Bonnie Hunt, Mitchel Musso, Meaghan Jette Martin and more. For more information, please visit the celebrity auction site.
Build-A-Bear-Workshop A Friend Fur All Seasons retails for $39.99 and is available for purchase now on Amazon and a local retailer near you.
Win It! One very, very lucky reader will win a Build-A-Bear Workshop game for Nintendo Wii, courtesy of The Game Factory. Head on over to The Game Factory AND the celebrity auction site and come back here to leave me a comment indicating your favorite product from both sites. Comments will close on December 12, 2008 at 10 pm PST. The winner will be chosen on December 13, 2008. 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.
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Classy Mommy is hosting a fab giveaway for a Nintendo Wii!
I have wanted one sooo bad so I’m shamelessly plugging myself. It’s a popularity contest so head on over and sign up! Then, if you genuinely like me…if you like coming to my blog…vote for me and I’ll give you yet another entry. Of course I have no way of knowing whether or not you did so I will take your word for it because I’m so cool that way! : ) Please don’t just vote for an extra entry! I’d rather you do it because you genuinely want to do so!
Profuse thanks to The Game Factory and the Family Review Network for this review opportunity.
Holiday Gift Idea & Giveaway: My Baby For Nintendo DS
November 19, 2008
*Update*
This giveaway is now closed. Thanks for stopping by. The winner is Elizabeth M.
Video games are all the rage with children and with Nintendo’s dual-screen handheld game console, DS, toting them has never been more convenient. Some may argue that video games may not be as beneficial for development as other types of play. I beg to differ. I think video games, when carefully selected for age and gender, can teach children skills such as problem solving, trial and error, perseverance, and collaboration. Pretend play, in particular, can facilitate the early development of skills such as language and communication, social, and motor skills.
SouthPeak Games just released My Baby Girl and My Baby Boy for Nintendo DS. This is the virtual doll of the 21st century! The focus of these games is on pretend play and life simulation as opposed to competition. Children start by choosing a name, ethnicity (so PC!), and eye-color for their baby. Then watch as baby smiles for the first time, walks for the first time, and grows up right before your child’s eyes (do they have a teen version? : ) Your child will be able to help nurture this baby with simple tasks like changing a diaper and feeding a baby from a bottle (lactivists may protest). If your child gets “stuck” he/she can elicit help from a pediatrician. As the baby achieves developmental milestones, new age-appropriate activities become unlocked. I tried this out and absolutely love it for it’s educational value. This would be a perfect gift for my BF’s three little girls who adore dolls!
My Baby retails for $30.00 and is available now!
Check out a preview on the site!
Win It! One very lucky reader will receive a copy of My Baby courtesy of Role Mommy. Head on over to the site and take a look around. Come back her and leave me a comment telling me what you think about My Baby. Do you think it has educational value? What do/don’t you like about it. Comments will close on December 3, 2008 at 10 pm PST. The winner will be chosen on December 4, 2008. 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.
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.
Place my button on your site. If you have difficulty, please let me know.
<a href=”http://rockinmama.net/”><img class=”aligncenter size-full wp-image-2120″ title=”button” src=”http://mamarocks.files.wordpress.com/2008/11/button.jpg?w=125&h=125&h=125″ alt=”button” width=”125″ height=”125″ /></a>
Classy Mommy is hosting a fab giveaway for a Nintendo Wii! I have wanted one sooo bad so I’m shamelessly plugging myself. It’s a popularity contest so head on over and sign up! Then, if you genuinely like me…if you like coming to my blog…vote for me and I’ll give you yet another entry. Of course I have no way of knowing whether or not you did so I will take your word for it because I’m so cool that way! : ) Please don’t just vote for an extra entry! I’d rather you do it because you genuinely want to do so!
