We tried the PS3 version of this game (with a load time of nearly 10 minutes!) and found the game to deliver on the kinds of battles you’d expect to find in a Transformers game. In the story, your goal is become the ultimate weapon as a Transformers character in the final, epic war that will determine the survival of their entire race. Features include a variety of weapons, and the ability to convert from robot to vehicle at any time for air or land battles. There are different multiplayer modes and you can play through story missions, using the drop in/drop out online co-op play. Prices are $60 for Xbox 360 and PS3, and $40 for PC. There are also two versions available for the Nintendo DS — Transformers: War for Cybertron Autobots and Transformers: War for Cybertron Decepticons, rated E10+ and priced at $30 each. Subscribers, please log into our database using your password to read the full review along with our rating.
Following the historical battles of the infantry division The Big Red One, you play through some of the most famous battles of World War II. The game features 72 missions in total. Subscribers, please log into our database using your password to read the full review along with our rating.
Play as Grace Styles, a young designer at the Satisfashion Design House. You travel about to different famous cities around the world, displaying fashions at two shows in each. Each show consists of three parts – the first is where you put clothing and makeup on your models that match the theme and season of the show (each piece of clothing has two symbols associated with it). The next phase is the show itself, which is again, matching symbols. Then you determine which buyers to present your clothing to, once again, matching symbols. Finally you can create your clothing by coloring inside the lines and connecting the dots on the touch screen. Subscribers, please log into our database using your password to read the full review along with our rating.
thinkSMART for the Wii and DS is a collection of exercises paired with a record keeping system. After you sign in and make an avatar, you choose from a series of mental challenges that include math, logic, memorization, language, and spatial reasoning. These are organized into free-training exercises, a daily routine, a test, and a multiplayer mode. All include the same challenges, but the free-training and multiplayer modes allow you to set your own difficulty. Created by dtp young entertainment for Mentor Interactive and Conspiracy Entertainment. Subscribers, please log into our database using your password to read the full review along with our rating, and see why this received our Editor’s Choice Award.
In this game, you play as Buzz, Woody or Jessie as you run, ride and fly through scenes inspired by the film. For example, in one scene, you jump along the cars of a moving train, ducking under low poles or swinging buckets, and navigating across train cars with moving logs. You can complete missions to earn rewards such as gold and new customizations, and purchase new toys with your virtual earnings. Or you can customize new buildings, and then change how they look with paint and accessories. A “Toy Box” mode lets you add new characters and game elements. Developed by Avalanche Software for Disney Interactive. Subscribers, please log into our database using your password to read the full review along with our rating, and see why this received our Editor’s Choice Award.
In case you needed a reminder you’re living in a digital age, how about 100 full-length books, like The Wonderful Wizard of Oz and Robinson Crusoe, for $20, on a single Nintendo DS cartridge. After you choose your book, you can hold your DS sideways like a book, and turn the pages by swiping the screen, or pressing the arrow keys. The game cartridge contains an assortment of books, ranging from The Jungle Book for kids, to The Adventures of Sherlock Holmes for teens, to Pride and Prejudice for adults. Each book includes a biography of the author and a synopsis of the plot and characters. Subscribers, please log into our database using your password to read the full review along with our rating, and see why this received our Editor’s Choice Award.
The original game was a number-based grid puzzle where players filled in squares to reveal the hidden picture. In Picross 3D you must reveal a 3D image that is hidden inside a larger rectangular block composed of smaller squares, using the stylus to remove the blocks. You use a variety of numerical clues placed upon the rows and columns of the larger form. The clues indicate the number and possible grouping of blocks within that row or column. When there are no clues present, you must use logic and the clues on surrounding areas to determine where blocks should be removed or left in place. Subscribers, please log into our database using your password to read the full review along with our rating.
We tested the Wii version of this third-person action shooter, designed for one player. You can choose to play as either Iron Man, or War Machine, as you shoot bad guys and try to save the world from destruction. You can either run around, or fly using your jet packs, using a rather complicated menu system to track such things as damage. Subscribers, please log into our database using your password to read the full review along with our rating.
In this game, challenges are presented as side scrolling adventures. In order to advance, you have to exactly match each beat, presented in 10 locations such as a tropical beach, a town, a frozen city or a deep forest. Each level has a different tropical-sounding song, as well as a variety of items to collect. There are both story modes and free modes, and there’s a two player download version, for a social experience. As with other Disney titles, there’s a D gamer link on the main menu, making it possible to share scores with other players. Subscribers, please log into our database using your password to read the full review along with our rating, and see why this received our Editor’s Choice Award.
As you move around the map of a town, you can visit ten locations where you “talk” (read dialog boxes) to shop keepers or other characters. At various points, some of the words are highlighted, and by touching them you can look them up in a dictionary and add them to your word list, earning you points. The more words you collect, the more points you earn, and the faster you level up. In other places, you can earn more points by completing word multiple-choice style games. Content contains 45 new words per level, for a total of 450 vocabulary words, that cover math, science, and social studies. The game was funded by a Star Schools grant from the U.S. Department of Education Office of Innovation and Improvement. It was created by Pacific Resources for Reading (PREL). Subscribers, please log into our database using your password to read the full review along with our rating.
The Club Penguin gang (complete with Puffles) comes to life, in this one-player problem solving adventure for the Nintendo DS or DSi. In the game, you become one of the agents of the Elite Penguin Force, as you attempt to finish a secret mission. After you log into your game from the main menu, you can choose to either start (or continue) your adventure, or play one of four mini games. Subscribers, please log into our database using your password to read the full review along with our rating, and see why this received our Editor’s Choice Award.
This year’s edition of the long-running Backyard Sports baseball simulations continues the tradition of being fun and easy to play. When you’re pitching, you get to choose the type of pitch, as well as the hardness of the throw. When batting, you slide the stylus on the screen in order to try to hit the ball, which takes some getting used to. In the DS version, which we reviewed, there were eight fields options, plus a story mode, a homerun derby, a season mode, and the ability to have a quick game. Created by HB Studios and Powerhead Games for Atari. Subscribers, please log into our database using your password to read the full review along with our rating.
In the story, you’re stranded on a mysterious island when you come upon a book titled Myst, and you have no idea how old it is or where it came from. You read through the book and are provided with a description of an island world. As you search the island by choosing directions, multiple-choice style, you will solve mysteries and puzzles which will “challenge your skills of perception and thought”. The game features six worlds, called ages, including Stoneship and Channelwood. Borrow it if you’re a game historian. Otherwise, pass. Originally created by Cyan. Subscribers, please log into our database using your password to read the full review along with our rating.
WarioWare D.I.Y includes 90 pre-made games, although you can download more. To create a game, you can use a library of pre-made graphics and a sound editor, or you can borrow elements from other games. The games can be shared over a local wireless connection (providing friends have the program), or swapped online with friends who have your friend code. Subscribers, please log into our database using your password to read the full review along with our rating.
Imagine Bikini Bottom as a demolition derby for up to four players, and you get the idea of this game. Content includes 100 boat mobiles that you try to knock off track. You play as one of nine SpongeBob characters and “crash-n-bash” your way to victory within demolition arenas throughout Bikini Bottom. The multi-player game allows up to four players to drive more than 100 customized boat mobiles, while trying to knock off and collect other boat parts in order to earn points and move up levels with the hope of ultimately earning your boat mobile license. Subscribers, please log into our database using your password to read the full review along with our rating.
The Pokémon empire continues to grow, with two more titles that share a nearly identical design, but offer different collections of Pokémon to find and trade. Following the same tried-and-true formula of the original Pokémon games, SoulSilver is a spiced up version of the GBA Pokémon Silver version released ten years ago. These new titles contain 115 new Pokémon (or “pocket monsters”), some wireless game play features, plus a Pokéwalker pedometer that lets you earn game credits by moving around. Subscribers, please log into our database using your password to read the full review along with our rating, and see why this received our Editor’s Choice Award.
The Pokémon empire continues to grow, with two more titles that share a nearly identical design, but offer different collections of Pokémon to find and trade. Following the same tried-and-true formula of the original Pokémon games, HeartGold is a spiced up version of the GBA Pokémon Gold version released ten years ago. These new titles contain 115 new Pokémon (or “pocket monsters”), some wireless game play features, plus a Pokéwalker pedometer that lets you earn game credits by moving around. Subscribers, please log into our database using your password to read the full review along with our rating, and see why this received our Editor’s Choice Award.
In Avatar The Game, you either fight with the Na’vi, Pandora’s indigenous people, or against them, as a soldier of the RDA Corporation, using customizable weapons or clan-specific skills. As you unlock levels, you acquire new skills. You can also create your own character, drive the vehicles and ride the animals of Pandora. Subscribers, please log into our database using your password to read the full review along with our rating, and see why this received our Editor’s Choice Award.
Based on the DreamWorks Animation movie, this game lets you train dragons, explore the Island of Berk as Hiccup or Astrid in Story Mode, and battle in dragon tournaments for Viking victory in Action Mode. The “Create Your Dragon” feature allows you to customize six different types of dragons. You can also “level up” your dragon’s speed, power, fire and other abilities through training to face the Viking challenge and become the ultimate dragon trainer. You can then use your trained dragons to battle friends. Subscribers, please log into our database using your password to read the full review along with our rating.
Based on the book Dragonology, this scavenger hunt game for the Nintendo DS lets you explore an interactive journal, travel the world, and learn ancient tracking skills to find dangerous dragons to study, protect and preserve. As you progress from apprentice to Master of Dragonology, you will build your own Dragonological Encyclopedia, and collect dragon curiosities which include dragon claws, scales, and teeth. Subscribers, please log into our database using your password to read the full review along with our rating.
In the story, you help Sylvie Leroux, a young archaeologist, as she travels to Malta at the request of her uncle, a world renowned historian. When she arrives, she discovers he is missing and it is now up to you to help her save the professor and decipher the clues to the secrets of the Knights Hospitaller order. Content includes 50 locations, 14 minigames, and a special game mode called Hidden World, that allows you to play classic hidden object levels. Subscribers, please log into our database using your password to read the full review along with our rating.
Inspired from the UK television show with the same name, this DS-only game puts you in the role of the sheep, Shaun. In the story, the other sheep have escaped and you must find the rest of the flock before the Farmer returns home. As you explore the barnyard, you must find hidden items, and interact with characters from the show such as Shirley, Blitzer and Timmy.
There are three modes: Story Mode, Mini-game Mode, and Collection Mode, with eight unlockable mini-games such as Baath Time and Bend It Like Shaun. Based on the television series from Aardman Animation. Subscribers, please log into our database using your password to read the full review along with our rating.
Easy and fun to play, Pony Friends 2 gives you what you’d hope for in a virtual horse game. After you customize and name your pony, you can earn points with good care, love, and winning at contests. In the Wii version, the Wii Remote and Nunchuk become the reins. Lift one higher to turn, or pull back to stop. We did not test the PC or DS versions, although we did notice that the DS version lets you talk to your horse using the microphone. Created by Tantalus and Eidos for Square Enix. Subscribers, please log into our database using your password to read the full review along with our rating, and see why this received our Editor’s Choice Award.
Combining a musical guitar game with a scavenger-hunt, this game lets you move around the Jonas Brothers studio, as one of the band members. The goal is to collect items, wake up the other band members, and perform in six concerts. As you explore, you can visit with the Jonas Brothers’ friends Macy & Stella, visit the TV show, and play along with songs including Live to Party, Keep It Real, and Why. Created for Disney by Altron. Subscribers, please log into our database using your password to read the full review along with our rating.
Like a lot of horse care and riding simulations, this one follows a familiar script. You are in charge of a horse, and must keep it healthy and happy by completing a variety of tasks. You start by signing into one of three game save slots, and choose a horse: French Saddle, English Thoroughbred, or Arabian. You can assign your horse a name and coat color, which is saved on the game cartridge. You can use the touch screen and microphone to soothe your horse, ride it and feed it treats. To ride in a ring, you must carefully follow a moving dot in a circle. If you get behind, you are faulted and must start over. Other times, you must tap on a set of dots, in rhythm. If you do a good job, you can purchase up to 80 items. The goal is to do well in the competitions to earn enough money to be able to unlock a hidden horse breed. Created by Neko Entertainment for D3 Publisher. Subscribers, please log into our database using your password to read the full review along with our rating.
This collection of 25 minigames is organized into six happy themes, all available through six numbered tabs on the top of the touch screen.
In the Invitation Game, children play a spin on whack-a-mole that requires some fast decisions. In Button Factory, they sort the buttons on a moving conveyer belt, in order to create outfits for the party. On the last tab, you can paste together a simple outfit and take a picture. Each game is timed, and you are given instant feedback about your choices. Created by Barnstorm for Majesco Entertainment. Subscribers, please log into our database using your password to read the full review along with our rating, and see why this received our Editor’s Choice Award.
In the story, a boy washes up on the island of Crete and doesn’t remember how he got there or who he is. He discovers that he is immortal, and so are the friends he meets. In the game, you will travel from Crete to Athens to Mount Olympus, fighting against Minotars, Harpies, and Hydra while trying to earn your place among the immortals of ancient Greece. Subscribers, please log into our database using your password to read the full review along with our rating, and see why this received our Editor’s Choice Award.
This Nintendo DS title is based on the feature film of the same name. The idea is to let you produce your own Garfield movie. You use Garfield’s moves, dances, tricks and props, along with lighting, camera, and sound effects. Subscribers, please log into our database using your password to read the full review along with our rating.
As in many scavenger hunt types of games, you explore, earning points and health by smashing statues, park benches, and hedges as you try to find your way to the next level. You can also become one of five Alice in Wonderland characters; each with different attributes. Note that the DS version has a very different design than the Wii version. It requires reading, and uses a different animation style; not like the movie. Subscribers, please log into our database using your password to read the full review along with our rating.
Are you hungry for more virtual cooking? This third Cooking Mama game for the DS includes new recipes, the ability to shop, dish combinations and multiplayer cooking challenges. Using your DS stylus, you will chop, grate, catch falling marshmallows and much more — in over 200 minigames. You can create 80 new recipes including chili con carne or mushroom quiche, and the recipes progress from simple to complex, from small to large dishes. Based on the quality of your cooking, you can earn bronze, silver and gold medals from Mama, while impressing your friends with your dishes. Developed by Cooking Mama Limited. Subscribers, please log into our database using your password to read the full review along with our rating, and see why this received our Editor’s Choice Award.
Now available for the DS, this Bookworm game features three game modes: classic, action and multiplayer. After you turn your DS like a book, and log into one of the three game save slots, you see a screen full of letter tiles. By connecting the letters with your stylus (up, down or diagonally) you can discover words. As with the game Scrabble, the longer the words, the more points. Note that versions are also available for the iPhone/iPod Touch and computer. Subscribers, please log into our database using your password to read the full review along with our rating, and see why this received our Editor’s Choice Award.
Pirate Parade
In the story, you help the Backyardigan gang (Pablo, Uniqua, Tyrone, Austin and Tasha) travel to outer space, collecting garbage, capturing evil villains as masked super heroes, and tapping on instruments to play music in a pirate parade. Created by Black Lantern Studios for 2K Games. Subscribers, please log into our database using your password to read the full review along with our rating.
Nintendo's DS lite, DSi and the new DSi XL
Here are some official photos that Nintendo released yesterday about the Nintendo DSi XL (covered yesterday in GadgetWise). The DSi XL (which I’m assuming stands for “eXtra Large” will be in stores March 28, at a suggested retail price of $190. That’s just $10 cheaper than the Wii. According to the release, the screens are significantly larger than those of the Nintendo DS Lite model and feature a wider viewing angle. The new system will come in two colors, Burgundy and Bronze, and comes pre-loaded with two Brain Age titles ( Arts & Letters, Math and Photo Clock) plus a browser and Browser and Flipnote Studio. The stylus is larger (“pen-like”).
Question: Do you think that Nintendo is trying to get into eBooks? Is there any coincidence between the release of the iPad and the XL? What does XL really stand for? And where do you store that big ‘ole stylus?
The larger, more comfortable stylus
This $30 Nintendo DS game creates a nice extension of the traditional printed picture book (same title, published by Scholastic). Both tell the true story of Winter, a young dolphin who was injured in a net and lost her tail while recovering at the Clearwater Marine Aquarium. Children unlock parts of the program one chapter at a time, until all 11 chapters are unlocked. Progress is saved automatically in one of three game-save slots. Created by 1st Playable and turtlepond Interactive by Crave Entertainment. Subscribers, please log into our database using your password to read the full review along with our rating.
Warning. If you’re expecting to find the charm of the original Reader Rabbit titles, first published by The Learning Company, you’re in for a disappointment. In the game, Reader Rabbit and his sidekick Sam the Lion, are flying their Dreamship when they are captured by a giant bubble wrap. They land in Balloon Town, an island made of balloons where all sharp objects including their airship are locked away in a palace. To free their airship, they must gather the 5 different instruments for the band that have been scattered around Balloon Town and use them to wake up the sleeping bull in front of the palace. Subscribers, please log into our database using your password to read the full review along with our rating.
This follow-up to the My Baby virtual baby doll games lets you take care of a realistic onscreen baby (yes, you change diapers) from their 1st birthday until they’re 30 months old. You begin by choosing whether you want a boy or a girl and then give your baby a name. Next, you can customize your baby with new items such as outfits, toys, and decorate their room. Made in France by Dancing Dots Studios for Southpeak Interactive. Subscribers, please log into our database using your password to read the full review along with our rating.
If you don’t mind the crude drawing resolution of the Wii Remote, the Wii version of Drawn to Life: The Next Chapter ($30) offers a lot of play value, with a creative twist. (Nintendo DS specific comments, later). As you explore, you draw characters and tools needed to find the Artifacts of Power and rid the Raposa village of evil. In addition to the one player side-scrolling platform environment, there are several two player minigames, including soccer, hockey and basketball.
The Nintendo DS version costs less ($20) and you can draw humans, animals or multi-limbed creatures easily, and use them to find hidden coins. Created for THQ by 5th Cell. For more information, visit www.drawntolife.com. See also ScribbleNauts. Subscribers, please log into our database using your password to read the full review along with our rating.
Coming this fall, LEGO Star Wars III: The Clone Wars, the next chapter for the series that was one of the first to bring drop-in, drop-out interactivity to the games.
This mostly one player Wii game puts you in the role of a zookeeper, in which you take care of as many as 90 species of animals. The more you care for your virtual animals, the more you learn their habits and gain their trust, earning you hearts. Content includes 20 exhibits to unlock. A free-form mode allows you to interact with the animals you like best and you can also compete in goal-oriented and co-op challenges. There are also minigames to earn awards and gain access to unlockable content. Developed by Blue Fang, creators of the Zoo Tycoon series. See also SimAnimals. Subscribers, please log into our database using your password to read the full review along with our rating.
The Wii version of Twilight Scene It? turns your TV screen into a trivia game show for up to four players. The content includes 500 questions, which are answered using the Wii remote. Your score can be increased not only by answering correctly, but also by being the first to buzz in. Games include Alice’s Vision (identify the location as it is slowly sketched), Movie Clip (watch a clip, and then correctly answer a question about it), Sequentials (put the scenes in order), and Upon Reflection (identify the character hidden behind the shimmering stars). There are both single and multi-player modes. Subscribers, please log into our database using your password to read the full review along with our rating.