Monopoly for the Wii: Tradition Meets Gamer Fun!

November 26, 2008

Like many people my age, I grew up playing the game of Monopoly. I played with my older brother and sister many, many times. They knew that I had no idea what I was doing, so they were able to whip up on me every time. The upside? I could cheat. I mean, the bank money was right there and that way they could never bankrupt me. Also? They always took the coolest game pieces like the sports car or the Scotty dog. That usually left me with the thimble. That was just fine with me because I could then put it on my pinky and act goofy with it to annoy them.

I was ecstatic to hear that Electronic Arts came out with a Monopoly game. Now the world’s most popular board game is available in an all new fun and exciting way to play. Surely, now I was finally old enough to win! My kids and I have played several times since we received the game. I would love to tell you that I won at least a few of those times. I would love to tell you that but I can’t. I am still losing. But! I am having a lot of fun. A big pro to the game when playing with “cheaters” is there is no way to rob the bank. (Bummer for me, though!) Another change is since it is on a video game, I also can’t put the thimble on my pinky and act like a dork. (However because I am now the Mom, I can choose the sports car, baby!)

The Wii version of Monopoly stays faithful to its board game origins while offering a few extras to give new life to the age old game. The heart of the game, however, is a straight console version of the traditional board game. Up to 4 players can play. If there are fewer players, the computer console fills those players’ spots to keep the game active and fun. Speaking of fun, a digital version of Mr. Monopoly walks from player to player on their turn helping in his ever so cheerful voice. He is encouraging when you do something great and supportive when you do something, well, stupid that could cost you the game. And? He doesn’t even mock you when you land in jail. For the fifth time in one game.

As this is the Wii version of Monopoly, players are encouraged to shake their controllers in order to reproduce the sound of rattling dice before pressing the A button to throw. Of course, trying to convince my 7 year old that she doesn’t need to shake it 15 times to get a good roll, she loves the sound of the dice shaking and will stop at nothing less than a 15 shake roll. (In fact, you will soon find you don’t actually have to shake the remote, but where is the fun in that?)

There are two ways to play. ‘Monopoly Edition’ stays true to the standard game. There is even a way to change the ‘House rules’ on a per-game basis. And, that my friends can completely change the dynamics of the game. (Which may actually help me win a game once in a while.) In the ‘Richest Edition’ the game offers three options for quick play by limiting the number of turns each players makes. This version incorporates some “mini-games” based on the elements of the actual board games like ‘Get out of Jail’ and ‘Bank Pays You Dividend’. You have to unlock these features through game play, but once they are unlocked they are able to play them. However, with these mini-games, it will probably appeal more to the younger age set.

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Posted by Jenn @ 6:36 am | Comments |

NeoPets Puzzle Adventure

November 20, 2008

I received an advance copy of the DS version of Neopets Puzzle Adventure from Capcom a couple of weeks ago and let me tell you something… I cannot put the game down. I do love me my Neopets Puzzle Adventure. I know the name may cause one to beleive that it should be geared more towards “kids” but frankly, my kids have very little opportunity to play with the game. I love playing it. I admit, it did take me a while to figure out exactly what I was supposed to do in order to advance, but the addiction of continuing to the next level and on and on has me hooked! (Thankfully, they do have it set up where you can

Neopets Puzzle Adventure from Capcom is an easy to play and hard to master single and multiplayer puzzle game (think Reversi, a token-based board game) coming this holiday season to the Nintendo platforms and the PC ($39.99 Wii, $29.99 DS, $19.99 PC). It’s based on one of the most popular virtual world destinations for youth on the Internet, Neopets.com, with more than 44 million users who speak 11 different languages around the world.

Created for fans and casual gamers alike, Neopets Puzzle Adventure lets players create and develop one of 12 Neopets characters by completing quests, playing mini-games, and battling others. Players embark on an epic story and travel through three Lands of Neopia with more than 150 quests, while collecting “PetPets” for special abilities. For the first time, Neopets fans will also be able to start a multiplayer match and be able to earn secret codes that they can redeem on Neopets.com for exclusive virtual items and accessories.

I am still trying to figure out how to get the secret codes and how to continue to unlock everything that you can unlock on the game. However, I can see that it is going to be a challenge. My kids offered to help me out, but really? That would involve handing over the game to them and letting it go. It will be a while until I do that.

So, if you want to have fun and play a game that is both fun and will give you literally hours of entertainment, I highly recommend Neopets Puzzle Adventure. It will be released on November 25th. This game is a must have for the casual gamer as well as kids who love playing games on their DS that can either be quick and short (one quest in the adventure) or when they want to be occupied for as long as possible. (Such as those long car rides when they want to keep themselves entertained for as long as the drive lasts!)

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Posted by Jenn @ 7:48 am | Comments |

GoPets! Vacation Island for the Nintendo DS

July 11, 2008

I must admit, when it comes to new Nintendo DS games, I usually fight my kids to play them first. (Truth be told, I usually lose that fight and have to go second.) The new game for Nintendo DS, Go Pets, Vacation Island was no exception. So as my daughter ripped into it and started, I watched eagerly over her shoulder for my turn to play.

GoPets is based on the online PC game GoPets. It brings the most advanced virtual pets created on the Internet to the most popular hand held entertainment system.

It is both a social network for kids and a cirtual univers, where pets created by each child feel like they are really alive- they have likes and dislikes when it comes to food (just like kids!). In addition you can watch you pet travel in real time between players all over the world!

My daughter loved creating her pets and naming them and treating them as real pets. (That I don’t have to clean up after. Bonus!)

It is also a great learning experience! Kids can win “shells” for performing acts of kindness to their pet or the pet of one of their buddies, allowing them to learn the value of good deeds. And in today’s world, that is a great quality for all of us to have!

The pets in the gam, either a dog or a cat, can be chosen randomly or matched to your child based on their interests. The pets names and appearanc, however, is completely up to your child. As your child amkes his way around the island, caring for his pets and meeting friends, he or she can trade purple shells he earns for different toys and pet suppoles. Your child can also interact with other characters and compete in mini games. Kids can also befriend new islanders, exchange gifts, and even unlocknew places to visit, all while increasing their ranking and the goal of acquiring the title of BIG KAHUNA, the most influential resident of Vacation Island.

Truth be told, I don’t know who had more fun with it, my daughter or me. All I do know for sure is that is it GAME ON in my house to see who can become the Big Kahuna first. My bet is on her, but my hope is with me.

This is a great game for kids as well as adults. It teaches children how to make friends online safely (which is a huge deal for me!) and they can add up to 250 players to their buddy list. I am not sure what it says that she has more friends that I do, but we both have made friends.

I highly recommend this game for anyone who enjoys their DS and virtual pets.

Other features that are a blast to enjoy:

Customize and dress up your dog, cat, or pony in cute, funky outfits
Collect over 700 world decorations, pet accessories, and food items
Build a buddy list of up to 250 friends to exchange messages and gifts with
Send your pet traveling when you’re not using your Nintendo DS, introducting you to more friends
Create and send graphical IKU messages to other characters and players
Play fun mini-games to earn bonus collectibles
Chat and play with your friends in party mode