game review Archives - Dad of Divas

Game Review – Animal Crossing: New Horizons

April 8, 2020 by dadofdivas Leave a Comment

About the Game

In Animal Crossing: New Horizons you create your own little slice of paradise as you explore, build, and customize your very own deserted island. A cast of charming animal residents including Tom Nook and Isabelle help grow your budding community. Players make the world their own using a wealth of natural resources to craft everything from tools to creature comforts and decorate however they wish. You can even take a break to enjoy a beach sunset while ocean fishing or hunt down insects at the crack of dawn!

Build your community from scratch on a deserted island brimming with possibility; Create your personal getaway and customize your character, home, decorations, and even the landscape itself
Collect materials to construct everything from furniture to tools! Then, use what you create to give your island a personal touch
Watch as the time of day and seasons match real life—even your hemisphere! Each day holds potential for surprises and discoveries
Get to know the island residents, garden, fish, decorate, hunt for fossils, and more!

My Take on the Game

I have been a fan since Animal Crossing came out originally so I was extremely interested to see how this new version would hold up to my initial experience. While I have been held-up at home, this game let me create a whole new world (without virus) where I could build a home, make friends and be a productive member of the society. One of the things that I love in this game is that the charm of the first game was not lost in this one, and instead I think it is enhanced even further.

In Animal Crossing: New Horizons you experience island living. You and two randomly chosen animal island-mates start a new life on a deserted island after purchasing a getaway package from the entrepreneurial raccoon named Tom Nook. You’re handed a tent and a simple set of instructions: build out the island any which way you like, and they truly mean build.

In this game, one of the changes that I see is that you are crafting items from materials collected. This reminded me a bit of Minecraft but with a different type of humor. You don’t really know what will appear next, but you have to be ready for anything. Whether it’s a bathroom towel rack falling from a tree that you can harvest wood from or getting a t-shirt for saying something.

Being able to build in this game is intuitive and simple to do. You’ll find yourself in the menus often as you look up what ingredients are needed to make a furniture, but thanks to New Horizons’ accessible interface it is easy to navigate for all.

One of the cool things that you will experience, if you have never played this game, is experiencing that what happens, happens in real time. So for instance, a character might say “this will happen tomorrow.” When this is said you may think that this means in an hour, but no, it is actually tomorrow. This is something that you have to get used to, as many games do not allow you to experience things in this way, but this game is different and fun in this way.

This game will allow you to tally up hours of game play, which is another great thing for any gamer. The time really flies by, and before you know it, you will also wonder where the time went. The game is fun to play and experience. For any Switch owners looking for something to do during these uncertain times this will definitely allow you to get away from it all for a while. I would highly recommend this game for all.

——————————————————————————————-

New to the Divadom or to Dad of Divas Reviews?

Please Subscribe to my RSS Feed! Subscribe in a reader

Questions?Drop me a line at [email protected]

Game Review – LEGO Batman 3: Beyond Gotham – Nintendo 3DS

December 5, 2014 by dadofdivas Leave a Comment

About the Game
The best-selling LEGO Batman videogame franchise returns in an out-of-this-world, action-packed adventure! In LEGO Batman 3: Beyond Gotham, the Caped Crusader joins forces with the super heroes of the DC Comics universe and blasts off to outer space to stop the evil Brainiac from destroying Earth. Using the power of the Lantern Rings, Brainiac shrinks worlds to add to his twisted collection of miniature cities from across the universe. Now the greatest super heroes and the most cunning villains must unite and journey to different Lantern Worlds to collect the Lantern Rings and stop Brainiac before it’s too late.
Game Features

Mind-blowing Zero-G gameplay adds a whole new dimension to the action.
Remix combat in spectacular style by customizing the action with all-new LEGO Hazard Builds!
Adventure through 45 missions spanning an original storyline focusing on dynamic, fast-paced gameplay.
Play as more than 105 characters from the DC Comics universe.

My Take on the Game
This was a breath of fresh air as the game did go back to the original format of the game! I really enjoyed exploring the game and see how each level worked. I have been spending some quality time on the levels and found that in doing this, you really can draw the game out and not just rush through and finish the game in the end. I loved that you had the ability to play different characters as you have in the past, trying out their different abilities and see what they were capable of. I will be honest and say that even though I took my time, there were a few hidden objects that still remain elusive, but that is one of the things that I like about the game.

Beyond this though the graphics were strong and with voice actors and scenes that are tied into each level, you feel that this is more than a game, but that instead you are a part of a larger movie or else something larger. I also enjoyed the fact that you did get to use different things with the 3DS depending on where you were in the game – variety is the spice of life, right?

This is a great game that I would highly recommend, not only to the Batman / Super hero fan, but really any gamer that enjoys a multi-level / multi-character game with great graphics, storyline and more!

—————————————-
New to the Divadom or to Dad of Divas Reviews?
Please Subscribe to my RSS Feed! Subscribe in a reader
Questions? Drop me a line at [email protected]

Game Review – Mario Golf: World Tour

June 20, 2014 by dadofdivas Leave a Comment

About the Game

Go clubbing around the world with Mario. Tee off as your favorite Mario or Mii character while challenging players online. Shoot into warp pipes and dodge piranha plants in Mushroom Kingdom areas or take a shot at the nature-themed courses.

The new Castle Club has both naturalistic and Mario-themed courses, a training area to hone your skills, and a pro shop where you can get unlockable gear and outfits. Test your skills in a gauntlet of course challenges, play with friends locally,** or take on players around the world in online real-time tournaments.

Play as your Mii character or as your favorite Mario characters.
Trick out your Mii character and get the edge on your competition with outfits and equipment.
Use the touch screen and motion sensor to better track and control shots.
Create and play in online communities with unique tournament rules.
Compete in worldwide tournaments online.

My Take on the Game

If you are a fan of Mario, then you should try this game out! I have been playing Super Mario Bros. games for many years, but have not played a lot of the games outside of the Super Mario Bros. games much in the past. It was a ton of fun to seeing Mario in a whole new way, and whether you wanted to play this game on the easy level, or if you wanted to make it more challenging you could too. You could also be your own Mii, but I preferred to be Mario!

While I am not an expert golfer to any extent, this game was a ton of fun and you really got to have a ton of fun trying to beat your own score and your own expectations. I seemed to get better and better as I played more and more.

—————————————-
New to the Divadom or to Dad of Divas Reviews?
Please Subscribe to my RSS Feed! Subscribe in a reader
Questions? Drop me a line at [email protected]

Game Review – Legends of Oz: Dorothy’s Return Nintendo 3DS

May 20, 2014 by dadofdivas Leave a Comment

About the Game
Legends of Oz: Dorothy’s Return, a new video game companion to Summertime Entertainment’s 3D-animated musical film of the same name, is available now. Swept away from her home in Kansas once more, Dorothy and Toto must journey across the far-off, distant worlds of Oz to reach the Emerald City, teaming up with new friends and old to stop the mischievous Jester’s hold over the land in this fantastic adventure, available now on the Nintendo 3DS hand-held system. The Legends of Oz: Dorothy’s Return film opens nationwide on May 9, 2014 distributed by Clarius Entertainment.

Spanning thirty levels across five of Oz’s unique realms, Legends of Oz: Dorothy’s Return is a combo-stacking, tile-matching puzzle game developed by Black Lantern Studios. Tiles earn experience the more they’re used, and combining leveled-up tiles with consumable power-ups is critical to clearing zones, winning boss battles and securing legendary scores. Filled with charming characters and unlockable artwork from the movie, the game is accessible enough for younger gamers to complete, but hitting a three-emerald high score across the board will prove a fun challenge for all ages.

Legends of Oz: Dorothy’s Return is available for Nintendo 3DS and is rated E (Everyone) by the ESRB. For more information, please visit www.game-mill.com.

Game Features

Return to the yellow brick road and the merry old land of Oz and join Dorothy to set out on a fun-filled adventure to dethrone Jester and return peace to the realm
Solve entertaining puzzles and more across more than 30 levels on your Nintendo 3DS, which lends hours of replayability to keep you coming back for more
Try your hand at thrilling puzzles in four different game modes
Unlock cool content as you trek through the kingdom
Playable in 2D and 3D; 3D mode for ages 7 years and up

My Take on the Game
This was a fun game with some great puzzles and adventures for you to go on with Dorothy and her friends. I liked the premise of the game and even though I had never seen the movie, the plot of the game itself was enjoyable and the action was engaging. Even though this said ages seven and up my youngest, who is 6.5, also enjoyed playing this and she found that it was not too difficult for her to keep up with. One of the things I liked most was that there were plenty of levels to explore and enjoy and each was just a little different than the rest which made the game fun and a bit challenging!

—————————————-
New to the Divadom or to Dad of Divas Reviews?
Please Subscribe to my RSS Feed! Subscribe in a reader
Questions? Drop me a line at [email protected]

Game Review – Donkey Kong Country Tropical Freeze

May 19, 2014 by dadofdivas Leave a Comment

About the Game
Donkey Kong’s ultimate platforming adventure barrel-blasts onto Wii U! Team up with buddies to master their moves, from Diddy Kong and his jetpack to the fresh additions of Dixie Kong with her spinning ponytail and Cranky Kong with his pogo-cane jump. Journey across 6 distinct islands filled with dynamic levels and non-stop action.

Reclaim the now-frozen DK Island from the invading Snowmads. Master Donkey Kong’s ground pound and each of his buddy’s unique abilities to navigate diverse island environments like Mangrove swamps, Savannah storms, ocean depths, and the frozen lands of DK Island. The barrel-blasting, mine-carting action of Donkey Kong Country is back, along with a bushel of new features like upgraded underwater swimming, a new “plucking” system, dynamic viewing angles from a rotating camera, and collectables galore. Team up with friends in local 2-player multiplayer* to share in the adventure and reclaim DK Island from a host of wintery baddies and bosses.

Key Features

Journey through all-new levels that twist, turn and transform in consistently fresh ways. Plus, enjoy spectacular views thanks to the dynamic, rotating camera.
Dixie Kong and Cranky Kong join in the adventure as a playable character alongside Diddy Kong. Any of them can buddy up with Donkey Kong to shake up the action.
Fight off the arctic invading Snowmads as you run, jump, roll, “pluck” and swim across six distinctly themed islands, each packed with lively levels of non-stop action and surprises.
Team up with friends in local, cooperative multiplayer that lets two players share in the adventure*.
Discover hidden areas and gather numerous collectibles to unlock additional content, use life-saving items, or catch a ride on diverse vehicles.
Enjoy new music from the original composer of the Donkey Kong Country series.

*Additional accessory required, sold separately.

My Take on the Game
In this game you get to have a ton of fun with Donkey Kong and his entire family. Each of the characters has special abilities that can help you to accomplish more. I found the game to be a lot of fun, and reminded me a bit of Super Mario Brothers with the bananas that you collect as well as the some of the other tasks that you are required to accomplish while you are working on each level.

The game is challenging and you may find yourself playing and replaying levels to try and accomplish more or to reach new areas within the game itself so in the end you are able to finish the level completing the most that you can complete.

All-in-all, the game was solid, the graphics just popped off the screen. It was challenging and not a game that you will fully complete quickly, which is great for the gamer at heart.

—————————————-
New to the Divadom or to Dad of Divas Reviews?
Please Subscribe to my RSS Feed! Subscribe in a reader
Questions? Drop me a line at [email protected]

Game Review – Yoshi’s New Island (Nintendo 3DS)

April 18, 2014 by dadofdivas Leave a Comment

About the Game
Yoshi is back and he’s bustin’ out the big eggs. Crush your surroundings and create paths with his new Mega Eggdozers in a brand-new platforming adventure! It’ll take more than egg tosses and flutter jumps to lead fledgling Mario through a dangerous new island littered with inventive power-ups. Can you save poor Luigi?

Guide Yoshi and a young Mario through all-new stages, from slippery slopes to watery wonderlands. As Yoshi fans know, it’s all about the collectibles and they’re more enticing than ever to find. You’ll need the new Mega Eggdozers to beat puzzling platforming moments and locate every collectible and surprise. They’re hiding—are you seeking?

Key Features:

Discover a new island chock full of clever platforming challenges
Crush your surroundings to find new paths and secrets with the Mega Eggdozer.
Immerse yourself in a delightful, Yoshiidden world
Guide Yoshi and a young Mario through all-new stages, from slippery slopes to watery wonderlands.

Starting April 22, Mario Kart 7, Super Mario 3D Land, New Super Mario Bros. 2, Animal Crossing: New Leaf and Donkey Kong Country Returns 3D will be available in the Nintendo eShop on Nintendo 3DS and in retail stores at a suggested retail price of just $29.99 each.

Additionally, Nintendo has also released two limited-edition Nintendo 3DS XLs for Yoshi’s New Island and Disney Magical World. Shoppers looking for entertaining ways to use their tax returns will also be able to find deals on the classic Nintendo 2DS and 3DS XL collection, the latest Nintendo games, as well as several bundles for Wii U. The Wii U is Nintendo’s latest, high-definition console featuring an innovative second-screen controller and products include the standard Wii U Deluxe bundle which includes two Mario games to the fan-favorite Skylanders Swap Force Wii U bundle.

My Take on the Game
I was originally a fan of this game from back in 1995 when it first came out. I loved the game play, the story and the platform it was on. Now that this was being brought back, I was excited to try it out to see what had changed and what had stayed the same. What I ended up finding was that the game was definitely a fun one and for the new player, you will get some solid game play and a fun story. If you played this back in 1995 though, you will notice a similar story and the game itself has not been changed too much overall.

The game itself was not too challenging, and you can get through the levels quite quickly. The one thing that is a bit more of a challenge is trying to complete all of the goals that are set in place for you on each level. I found that there were some levels where I had to replay it several times to be able to accomplish these goals, so there definitely were some challenges there that I was not expecting which was fun.

The 3D effect made the game fun too, and added a new dimension that was not there in the 90’s!

The story itself was fun and interactive. It was well written and the cartooning was great too. You can lose yourself in some of the story as you are playing the game which is part of the overall fun itself.

I will say that though the game is not as different as I would have expected, it was still a blast and has stayed true to most of the things that I remember and love about the 1995 game while adding in some new elements that new game players will also enjoy!

The only thing that I wished about the game was that there were different difficulty levels and that the game was longer too, as I found the game to be somewhat short in the scheme of things.

All-in-all though the game was fun, engaging and entertaining. I truly enjoyed the game and you will too!

—————————————-
New to the Divadom or to Dad of Divas Reviews?
Please Subscribe to my RSS Feed! Subscribe in a reader
Questions? Drop me a line at [email protected]

Game Review – Mario Kart 7 – Nintendo 3DS

April 1, 2014 by dadofdivas 1 Comment

About the Game
The newest installment of the fan-favorite Mario Kart franchise brings Mushroom Kingdom racing fun into glorious 3D. For the first time, drivers explore new competitive kart possibilities, such as soaring through the skies or plunging to the depths of the sea. New courses, strategic new abilities and customizable karts bring the racing excitement to new heights.

Players can compete in local wireless matches or online over a broadband Internet connection.
The game supports both SpotPass and StreetPass features.
Players can show their own style by customizing their vehicles with accessories that give them a competitive advantage. For instance, giant tires help a kart drive offoad, while smaller tires work best on city courses.
People can choose to race as one of their favorite Mushroom Kingdom characters or even as their Mii character.
The Mario Kart franchise continues to evolve. New kart abilities add to the wild fun that the games are known for. On big jumps, a kart deploys a wing to let it glide over a track shortcut. When under water, a propeller pops out to help the kart cruise across the sea floor.

My Take on the Game
This game was great and offered so much more than I would have expected! The graphics were wonderful IMHO and you get some additional things in this game that I have not seen in other versions of Mario Kart. The 3D effects were cool and I loved some of the new things that you can throw at other racers too. The worlds were interactive and fun and you get to grab coins to work to unlock random things (which makes the game a bit mysterious in a way).

I also loved to the fact that you were given the opportunity to customize your racing car with wheels, body and glider. Thus, even though you may not have all of the same car options, you get a lot more overall choice when it comes to the car in general.

I love the variety in the tracks that are available and even the fun short cuts that you can find that will help you get into the lead even faster that you might have in the past.

I have to say that this is definitely an awesome addition to the 3DS line of games and if you do not have it yet, you need to go and get it today!

—————————————-
New to the Divadom or to Dad of Divas Reviews?
Please Subscribe to my RSS Feed! Subscribe in a reader
Questions? Drop me a line at [email protected]

Game Review – Adventure Time: Explore the Dungeon Because I DON’T KNOW! 3DS

November 22, 2013 by dadofdivas Leave a Comment

About the Game
Princess Bubblegum summons Finn and Jake to the Candy Kingdom to investigate a rash of thefts and kidnappings that have plagued her kingdom. She thinks the cause lies within her Secret Royal Dungeon, where only the nastiest monsters and criminals are locked up. If they’ve found a way to escape, the Land of Ooo will be in danger!

Following the mathematical, algebraic, and radical success of 2012’s Adventure Time: Hey Ice King! Why’d You Steal Our Garbage?!!, show creator Pendleton Ward teams up with developer WayForward in the all-new action game Adventure Time: Explore the Dungeon Because I DON’T KNOW! Select from an assortment of fan favorite characters from the show, including Finn, Jake, Marceline, Cinnamon Bun, and more, as the Adventure Time world comes to life through beautiful pixel animations, and voiceover from the original cast. Fight through 100 floors of a massive dungeon, battling enemies and bosses from across the Adventure Time universe, using an arsenal of weapons and power-ups. Raid chests for treasure and booty that’ll help you unravel the mystery of the dungeon!

Key Features:

Series creator Pendleton Ward and developer WayForward team up again with a brand new storyline and an offbeat, fun adventure for fans of all ages.
Play as fan-favorite Adventure Time characters Finn, Jake, Marceline and Cinnamon Bun plus many more, each one with unique moves and an arsenal of creative attacks.
Characters come to life with voiceovers provided by the original TV cast.
Fight your way through 100 floors of a massive Secret Royal Dungeon, avoiding treacherous hazards and defeating menacing enemies and bosses from the Adventure Time show.
Equip Tokens for awesome ability boosts such as Candy Seeds to double the effectiveness of food, Zeldron’s Armor that halves damage taken, Wizard Eyes to see trap switches, and more.
Arm your characters with Sub-Weapons like the Hero’s Gauntlet, Kitten Gun, Sack of Butter, Ice Stars, and Bananarangs to complement your attacks!
Rescue Familiars, little helpers that temporarily assist you in battle, throughout the dungeon.
Interact with other popular characters from the Adventure Time show to learn about side quests or buy upgrades to aid your main quest.

My Take on the Game
I had the opportunity to try this out and after playing a number of the levels I have to say that I am impressed with how well the makers have created characters that relate well to the cartoon itself. The game is Gauntlet like, though there is a true lacking multiplayer function mode (which is something I guess I would have initially expected). Graphics and sound in my perspective were probably the best parts of the game, however there is a 16 bit feel to the game too that from outside feels just right. Though this is definitely a strong point for game fanatics, the makers to miss some other marks when it comes to 16 bit graphics though. You also can switch out which character you would like to be as each has their own talents, powers, strengths and weaknesses. You have to be able to identify what all of these are as you move through the game to best be able to use the characters to the best of your ability. All-in-all I enjoyed myself, though there were some draw backs that I would have liked to have been fixed.

—————————————-
New to the Divadom or to Dad of Divas Reviews?
Please Subscribe to my RSS Feed! Subscribe in a reader
Questions? Drop me a line at [email protected]

Game Review – Lego Friends 3DS

November 21, 2013 by dadofdivas Leave a Comment

About the Game
Warner Bros. Interactive Entertainment, the LEGO Group, and TT Games in partnership with Hellbent Games today launch LEGO® Friends for the Nintendo 3DS™ handheld system to major retailers worldwide. The latest LEGO videogame adventure is based on the popular LEGO Friends collection of building sets, providing a fun adventure that allows players to express their imagination and creativity.

“We are pleased to bring to life the imaginative and vibrant world young girls have come to enjoy from their LEGO Friends toy sets,” said Tom Stone, Managing Director, TT Games. “Now, they can interact with their favorite LEGO Friends characters, join them on fun adventures, while expressing their and creativity as they play.”

In LEGO Friends, players visit Heartlake City, playing the role as Olivia’s cousin who, with Olivia, joins other LEGO Friends like Mia, Stephanie, Emma and Andrea on fun adventures. Throughout the game, players will complete a variety of activities, such as rescuing a wounded fawn, practicing their soccer skills, choreographing dance routines and training pets. Each of these activities builds the level of friendship with each LEGO Friend the player encounters. The ultimate goal of the game is to become a “True Friend” with each of the LEGO Friends, while exploring and uncovering all of the secrets, badges and rewards in the amazing city of Heartlake.

Using an interactive map, players can explore Olivia’s House, Heartlake High, Main Street, Clover Meadows and Heartlake Marina, all of which are based on the LEGO playtheme. Players can further explore and enjoy total freedom in each core area by visiting the Karate Dojo in Heartlake High, the Rehearsal Studio on Main Street, the Riding Camp in Clover Meadows or the Dolphin Cruiser in the Marina to collect items, play mini-games, complete tasks, solve puzzles, and build objects from piles of LEGO bricks found throughout the game. They will also collect and unlock new pets, each with a unique ability, that helps players solve puzzles and access new areas to explore. Heatlake City is filled with exciting activities, such as rescuing a dolphin and teaching them tricks and discovering hidden pirate treasures with a secret map.

LEGO Friends also gives players the opportunity to express their individual style and personality through various customization options. Players will be able to pick their character’s outfits, hairstyles, and accessories, select a pet or design and personalize their character’s bedroom.

LEGO Friends is now available for Nintendo 3DS for the suggested retail price of $39.99 and is rated “E” for everyone. For more information, please visit: https://www.facebook.com/LegoFriendsVideoGame

My Take on the Game
My daughters have had the chance to play with Lego Friends sets in the past and I have to say that as a parent, they encourage such creativity that I love them as much as they do. Thus, when I received this game I was hoping that it truly engaged them and drew them into the Lego Friends world even further, and the game did not disappoint.

Even my five year old enjoyed this game so it really is a game for numerous age brackets, which makes the game even more valuable for my family.

My girls’ favorite part of the game was exploring Heartlake City. While they mentioned liking the whole game I kept finding them wanting to go back and explore and interact with the world that Lego first created in the “real” world.

In the game itself, the graphics were well done, and I liked that there were quite a few mini games within the game itself. By doing small things for others you got to play further, which was definitely more fun in the end!

This game has so many great aspects to it and it will provide your family with hours and hours of fun!

—————————————-
New to the Divadom or to Dad of Divas Reviews?
Please Subscribe to my RSS Feed! Subscribe in a reader
Questions? Drop me a line at [email protected]

Game Review – Angry Birds Star Wars – Nintendo 3DS

November 5, 2013 by dadofdivas Leave a Comment

About the Game
Angry Birds Star Wars marries the fantastic spirit, legendary characters and classic imagery of Star Wars with the accessibly engaging design and energetic gameplay of Angry Birds, thrusting players into a captivating, lighthearted adventure saga, featuring inventive challenges, tantalizing Force powers and a wealth of familiar faces and places.

Game Features

All new competitive and cooperative multiplayer modes
20 exclusive new levels created just for the console game
Over 25 hours of engaging gameplay

My Take on the Game
For any Star Wars and Angry Birds Fan, this is a must have! I started playing this on my Android phone and when this came out for 3DS I had to try it. You get the best of the Android game while getting even more. The 3D ads a lot to the overall game play itself and you get a ton of new levels that you did not get in the past. Personally I had a blast with this ad know that any Star Wars fanatic will be so excited to try this as well. This is a must have!

—————————————-
New to the Divadom or to Dad of Divas Reviews?
Please Subscribe to my RSS Feed! Subscribe in a reader
Questions? Drop me a line at [email protected]