Recently I had the chance to preview a few games and I’m blown away by what is out in the gaming world today. With two boys in our household we have always had plenty of family fun with games like Ferrari Challenge, good old’ Carnival Games, and singing along with American Idol. Did I mention that Simon Cowell said I am easily the next American Idol? Right. But as our kids get older, the way they play also becomes more advanced.
While the games for the traditional Wii are backwards compatible with the new system, you may want to pay attention to some of the latest titles to come out designed specifically to the new console. And if you’ve got (or getting) an Xbox 360 Kinect you may be interested in the hottest releases just in time for the holidays! Also pay attention to special bundles especially over the holiday season. All gaming systems tend to come out with a better priced console that includes a popular game. But here are some new game titles that I had a chance to check out….
Available exclusively to the new Wii U console is Game Party Champions (Warner Bros. Interactive), an engaging game for all ages. This game offers players new ways to compete in arcades, sports and party games by tilting, turning and swiping the Wii U GamePad touch screen controller. It allows payers of all skill levels to compete in classic games such as ping pong and skill ball as well as favourites as table hockey and hoop shoot. The eye-catching HD graphics offers three games modes: Quick Play, Story Mode and Party Mode. Players can also use their Wii Remote controllers to challenge the main player (GamePad user). This game is tons of fun and perfect for a family night as well! Rated “E” for Everyone.
Scribblenauts Unlimited (Warner Bros. Interactive) is one of the most imaginative and inspiring games out for all ages. Now the game is available for the Wii U as well as Nintendo 3DS. The popular Series has sold more than 5 million unites today making it one of the most successful video game franchises. Scribblenauts Unlimited offers unlimited creativity, exploration and fun, social elements that create an original experience for players. The game features a world with HD, hand-drawn scenery and objects where players can help the game’s hero Maxwell, solve puzzles and challenges by creating any object they can imagine. The new Wii U and PC versions include a new “Object Editor” feature that raises the bar of the game’s creativity by giving players the tools to make, name and share object in-game including how the object behaves and altering the looks. Then the generated objects an be shared with other players too. Created objects can also be stored in Maxwell’s “Magic Backpack” for easy access and future use. Bonus content: Players can also summon their favourite characters like Mario and Legends of Zelda exclusive in the Wii U version of the game. Cooperative gameplay allows one player in control of Maxwell while others can join in using a Wii Remote to take control of any object created. Also rated “E” for everyone.
Another recently launched game for the new Wii U is BATMAN:ARKHAM CITY ARMORED EDITION (Warner Bros. Interactive). This game builds on the award-winning action game of 2011 created by Rocksteady Studios and makes its first appearance on any Nintendo platform as a launch title for the new home console. This game brings gamers back to Arkham with enhanced gameplay features for the Wii U. Packed with the same intense action and powerful story telling as the original, the game includes additional gameplay elements exclusive for this new console. The game introduced Battle Armored Tech (B.A.T.) combat mode and new Armored Suits for both Batman and Catwoman. The upgraded suits give the players the ability to store kinetic energy during combat. and deliver justice to Gotham’s villans. Fans will also notice a more seamless experience with access to the Batcomputer, that allows players to select objectives, choose their gadgets, track forensic evidence for important clues and set off explosive gel and more. This game is intense and for a more mature game player.
Dance Central – the best-selling dance series game on Kinect for Xbox 360 continues to expand their offerings including all-new multiplayer mode for up to eight players. Always wanted to learn the hottest dance moves? The Dance Central series includes choreography from the past four decades as well as current chart-topping dance hits including my favourite “The Dougie”. For existing Xbox Dance Central lovers, Carly Rae Jepsen’s hit “Call me Maybe” can now be downloaded from the Dance Central Music Store or the Xbox LIVE Marketplace. This routine, choreographed by Spikey Soria, captures all the energy and fun of this smash hit which has sold more than 10 million copies. Dance Central 3 features the biggest library of gaming’s most danceable music with recently released add-on content that includes PSY’s Gangnam Style and my favourite USHER!!! Ahem… It’s not just for your kids. I know you…you’ve got moves, mom!
For the little gamers in the family you may be interested in Sesame Street Xbox 360 Kinect. The game invites kiddies into an interactive TV experience where they not only watch their favourite Sesame Street episodes, but also engage with characters including Big Bird, Oscar, Grover and more. Children will be able to help the characters with tasks, play in their world and learn together. The game uses content from actual episodes of the 42nd season. From jumping like a frog with Elmo to learning letters with Cookie Monster kids can visually and physically interact with the characters.
Beat the holiday bloat and start the New Year with Nike+ Kinect Training, the customized workout program that brings a Nike personal trainer right into your home through the Xbox 360 Kinect. Featuring Nike trainers who work with some of the company’s top athletes, this custom training program is specially designed to help all levels in the comfort of their own home. Whatever your fitness goal, this will provide you with the tools to get you there. Kinect personal trainers can see how your body moves, asses your physical strengths and athleticism, identify areas for improvement, and create a personal work out plan to help you achieve your personal best. It will also offer real-time feedback to make sure you positions and movements are correct and the program evolves as you do.
Of course my little one and his friends are obsessed with Skylander Giants so that is most definitely on his wishlist. But how about you? Are you getting any games as gifts this season? For the kids? For you maybe?
This post is not sponsored nor was I compensated. I was invited to the media preview to try my skills at the new Warner Bros Interactive titles. The opinions and experiences expressed are my own.