Risk Captain America Civil War

As may of you know the new Captain America: Civil War movie has come out in theatres. Our children have been looking forward to go see it.  Last Friday, we drove to the theater where the price was the most reasonable for our family of six and we enjoyed watching the latest instalment in the Marvel Universe movies.

But even before the movie came out in theatres many products had found their way on the shelves of stores around you - figurines, clothing, bedding, books and even games.   One of the interesting items I have seen so far is Risk Captain America Civil War Edition.

Essentially this is an updated version of an already popular game with a twist of superheroes.  The game features Captain American, Falcon, Iron Man, and War Machine figures.  

Bottom line the game can be translate like this - Captain America vs. Iron Man in the search for the Winter Soldier.   The battle is set at the airport where you will have to control the most territories, capture the Winter Soldier, and escape with the Quinjet before it reaches the end of the runway.

You can choose to either play as the team of Captain America or the team of Iron Man.   The game also allow 2 different ways to play as you can decide to play with 2 or 4 players.   With 2 players, each person will control either Team Captain America which is composed of Captain America and Falcon or Team Iron Man which includes Iron Man and War Machine.    However, if you decide to play with 4 players each participant will control one hero and works in teams of two people.   No matter which type of play you decide to do, the game is over after five rounds of excitement and strategy.  Whichever team that possess the most points at the end of the game wins!

My husband has played RISK numerous times since he was younger.   Now he find that it is a game that demands lots of time to go through.  Have a limit of rounds is something that he finds really interesting.  He actually prefers having a limited time period when playing games now.    This new edition is something he said he could see himself play – with me or with the kids.    For a family of six, it is a bit disappointing that there isn’t more figures in this board game so we can all play.  After all, each team in the movie is composed of many other characters.  I think it would have been fun to add more figures to this edition of the game in order to make it more realistic.    The scene at the airport is the best scene to have chosen for this game.  I think the game will be really popular within the gaming community and/or comic fans.   

Risk Captain America Civil War Edition is available for purchase at a store near you as well as on amazon.ca and amazon.com.

  

A New Twist to Board Games

Board games is a fabulous way to occupy down times and rainy days. But we find that when you are traveling you need to think about what you pack in order to have place for all that you need. And with six people in the family it’s sometimes a tricky thing to do. Back in the day when I was younger and go camping with my parents, a board game or two would be brought as well as books to read. Fast Forward thirty-five years or so and you suddenly have a tablets that can contains numerous games and eBooks for your travels. Now please keep in mind that in this blog post I will not be talking about electronic games like Angry Birds, Cut the Rope or Fruit Ninja. No I am seriously talking about board games like the ones I used to grow up with – Monopoly, Scrabbles, Yahtzee, Trivial Pursuit, Risk, Battleship, Boggle as well as more recent ones like Pandemic and Wits & Wagers. For the purpose of this blog post, I am concentrating on board game apps that can be found on iTunes for the iPod/iPhone/iPad which is the devices we have at home.

Games we are more familiar with!

Monopoly

As per its real life board game, the Monopoly has more than one version on the tablets. You can play the regular Monopoly, the Monopoly Millionaire or the Monopoly Here & Now edition. You can also opted to go with Monopoly Hotels Moguls, Monopoly Slots or Monopoly Bingo is you prefer free versions.

Game of Life

 Game of Life is a great game to introduce children to the cost of living through the years. Though a bit silly this game is great for family time I find.

 

Boggle

One of the word games I played while growing up is also available for the iPhone/iPod/iPad. I remember shaking the plastic container of Boggle when I was younger. Now no need to pack up the box because it’s right there at the tips of our fingers…

 

Scrabble

Scrabble is very popular for lover of words. Unfortunately, at this point in time nobody wants to play with me. But it doesn’t matter anymore because I can play against the computer on an iPad version. Though my oldest son is somewhat interested now to play against me…

 

Trivial Pursuit

Not everyone like trivia questions. I know my husband dislike these but with this version for the iPad he doesn’t mind it. Trivial Pursuit is a game where you can test your knowledge and compete to win. Various in-app purchases can also be made to make the game more challenging: Encyclopedia Pack, TV Pack, Movies Pack, General Knowledge Pack, The Master Edition Pack, and Sports Pack.

 

Clue

Clue is another popular game from when I grew up. Though we didn’t have it when I was younger, I did get it when I was a bit older. Two versions of the game is available for the iPad - the original which has a cartoon look and Clue Secrets and Spies which allow you to stop the evil forces of C.L.U.E. (Criminal League for Ultimate Espionage) from sowing destruction across the globe. Clue Secrets & Spies is a different version of the well-known game. It offers a different twist to an older game that could bring some fun memories while you play with your family.

Battleship

Battleship is a popular game for fighting against an opponent. I still have the game I played with my parents while growing up and we even had an electronic game at some point. This new version of the popular game is perfect for two children to play against each other while traveling.

 

Risk

Risk… What can I say about this game? My husband introduced me to this game after I met him. It was (and still is) one of his favourite games while growing up with his brother. Nowadays, he plays non-stop with our four kids with this very strategic and conquest of the world. All my kids love it – even my five year old daughter who recently beat all the boys in the family!

Pictureka!

A newer game on the market that will help you become more aware of the little things around you. The object of the game is to find something as fast as you can before someone yell Pictureka! My kids enjoy playing this at home but we also have a version on the iPad which allows you to find things as fast as you can in order to go to the next level.

 

Yahtzee

Who have not played Yahtzee? This game was part of my childhood as well and I really enjoyed trying to get the best score while matching the dice to complete a specific challenge. The iPad version is similar and yet different at the same time. It’s very addictive and you have to compete against other characters in order to advance in the game.

 

UNO -Skip-Bo-Phase 10

Card games don’t take much space when you travel but why bothering with finding them at home when you can have them on your portable device. Or why not let the kids use the app instead of the real card while you are driving to your destination? That way you can be certain that you won’t lose cards during the trip! We are more familiar with UNO but I know that other families prefers Skip-Bo or Phase 10. I just wish that there was a version for Mile Bornes or Ratuki as well…

 

Wits & Wagers

We discovered Wits & Wagers about two years ago when I got a copy to review. At first my husband wasn’t thrilled to have a trivia game but this one comes with a twist. To play this game you don’t need to have all the answers to win. All you have to do is guess the answer of a trivia question, bet who answered the best and then win some chips. In the end, the person with the most chips win. I recently discovered that they have a version on the iPad which is fabulous when you want to have a quick fun game with the family.

 

Pandemic

Pandemic is a cooperative game that we recently reviewed. The challenge is simple – work together in order to keep four deadly diseases at bay and prevent a pandemic throughout the world. The game was highly recommended by a friend of ours who is passionate about gaming. And after trying it we think it is a fabulous game. Recently, the game was released for iPad and I think it is great that they have thought about this. It’s an amazing game to have and it will allows you to work together as a family in order to save humanity!

 

Games I have never played yet but heard great things about them!

Carcassonne

I’ve never played Carcassonne but I have seen how many kids and adults love playing it. Essentially, you have to build a medieval landscape, tile by tile, while claiming landmarks. The game apparently allows for many play styles and strategies. It is another social game for the whole family (and friends as well!).

Catan

Catan is another strategy game that I have heard off. Two expansions are available for purchase as well: Seafarers as well as Cities and Knights.

 

Ticket to Ride

I’ve heard of Ticket to Ride after Christmas last year when someone I know posted picture of her family playing it. My attention was picked and I checked it out. Essentially, you have to build a rail track between two cities. Various versions of the board games exist. For the iPad edition, you can purchase the original edition and from there purchase in-apps to ride the USA, Europe, Switzerland, or Asia. For the iPod edition, you can also purchase the Ticket to Ride Europe separately which also offers the Switzerland pack as an in-app purchase.

******************

In conclusion, these games are perfect to have on your portable device as you can play them anywhere you are. They are also great to have as they will help your kids (and yourself!) to develop some skills while playing them – strategy, rapidity, and so on – as well as encourage you to think about the consequences before making a move. On a regular basis, my kids play Risk with their dad and we are amazed on how strategically they think before placing their men in order to conquer the world. Such games on a portable device are also great to entertain the kids while driving long distances when you are traveling.

Our only problem is how excited the kids can become while playing and try to control their enthusiasm while we drive. As a homeschooling family, we also see some hidden advantages in these games. Yes they will allow our kids to develop strategy, critical thinking and rapidity as I mentioned before but without knowing they can be exposed to geography, quick observations, investigations, trivia questions of various sorts, life skills, and vocabulary.

How are you entertaining your family on long drives or during rainy days? Do you play board games while traveling or at camping? If so, please share your favourite board games (or app games) that you like to play. I would love to discover new games for our future trips! Note: If you are interested in purchasing the games for your Apple device, simply click on the icons of the games throughout this post.

AppDrive AppFinity

AppDrive
From AppToyz
Available through SpinMaster

About the product

Get behind the wheel of the ultimate driving simulator! Using patented touch pad technology, the AppDrive puts you right in the race! Your iOS device’s gyroscope delivers 100% authentic steering control as you tilt, twist and turn your way through every race! 4 console buttons deliver shifting, breaking, drifting and more! Customize each one while your race through popular licensed and non-licensed games. Whether it’s stock cars, planes or motocross, AppDrive puts you behind the wheel!

My Thoughts

After the AppBlaster and the AppFishing, here comes the AppDrive.  Last year, when we reviewed the AppBlaster, my husband was quite impressed with the possibilities of the blaster and the games.  Since then we have discovered new products from AppToys which are distributed through SpinMaster.    I tried the AppDrive, while everyone else were busy with other things in the house on Sunday afternoon.    I must admit that I always was challenged with driving games and I think I will always be challenged with them.  Somehow, it looks as though I prefer the off the road trips…   Nevertheless, I have a good understanding on how the game works and how the AppDrive will help the player to enjoy his ride.

Essentially, the AppDrive is a device that looks like a wheel and your challenge is to drive whatever vehicle the game you have selected will offer.  You can insert an iPhone, iPod or an android device inside the wheel to play the game.    Check the box to make sure that your device is supported with it.

Once you start the game,you are in for a ride!   The game I tried was 2XL MX Offroad which is a game with a four-wheeler that you need to control.  As I mentioned before, I am not gifted with this type of games on the iPod.   However, I enjoyed the graphics and the fact that I could control the four-wheeler myself.  You also have the possibility of choosing the vehicle and the driver.   You can go backward or forward as well as control the direction of the vehicle.   If you hit a tree your drive will be ejected and thrown in the air.   Sometimes,my drive also got squished under the vehicle itself.   But there was no blood whatsoever in the game which is great if you ask me.   I would have no hesitation whatsoever to let my kids play with it.

Even though I am more challenge than my kids would be for this sort of game, I have enjoyed driving my four-wheeler and explore the surroundings.   Did I made any jump?  No as I quickly got lost in the woods…   Did I hit some trees?  You bet.   But I am willing to persevere and become better – though I suspect that I am better an puzzle games and quest types of games…

 Asphalt 7 and 2XL MX Offroad are free apps that can be downloaded anytime via iTunes.   Other apps that will work with the AppDrive are 2XL Supercross HD, Ricky Carmichael’s Motocross Matchup Pro, and the 2XL Trophylite Rally HD.

The AppDrive will provide tons of fun for anyone who love driving games.  The fact that it simulates a wheel makes it even more interesting.  It would be a great birthday or Christmas gift for someone who likes this sort of games and owns a device that is supported.

AppDrive is available at your favourite toy store, even on amazon.com.

Disclaimer: Thanks to SpinMaster for sending the product for review purposes. I was not monetarily compensated for this review. Please note that the review was not influenced by the Sponsor in any way. All opinions expressed here are only my own.

Atari Arcade

Atari Arcade
From Discovery Bay Games

About the product

Atari Arcade - Duo Powered lets you relive the fast-action excitement of all your Atari favorites—such as Asteroids, Centipede, and Missile Command—on your iPad. With its joystick and buttons, Atari Arcade lets you experience arcade games exactly the way they were meant to be played.

My Thoughts

While our kids go to Awana on Thursday nights, we try to find things to do together.  Often, we will go visit my in-laws this year but other times we take the hour and a half to do some grocery shopping.  One Thursday night about a month ago, we were at Wal-Mart to get a few things as well as check out a few things.    Near the toy section, there was part of the aisle dedicated to games based on the iPad and my husband saw the Atari Arcade.   He immediately thought it was  super cool and jockingly said to me “You should try to review this…” 

The next day, I emailed the company to see if it could be possible to review it as well as the Duo Pinball.  They agreed and sent me both of them.    I was very excited about this opportunity and waiting patiently (as much as I could…) to get the package.   He never asked me if I emailed them or not.    And I want to keep this a surprise.  

The packaging of the box has been thought so that the device doesn’t move around it.    Check out the Atari Arcade and its design below.

What I particularly like is the there are two switches on the side of the device that will help you secure the iPad when it is inserted in the Atari Arcade.    The control as well as the button are easy to handle and perfect for little and big hands.  Once you have inserted your iPad in it, you are ready to play.

 

I had downloaded the Atari’s Greatest Hits before unpacking the game and immediately loaded the game to try it out. 

Ataris’s Greatest Hits is the game that you can download for free on iTunes.   Be aware though that it’s free for the first game and if you want to unlock all the other ones (99 of them to be exact), you will have to pay 9.99$.  These 99 games are part of the classics from Atari 2600 and arcade games that you might have played in your youth.   Games like Asteroids which I excelled back in the days.   When I met my husband more than 15 years ago, I discovered that he still had the original Atari platform with numerous games including Asteroids.   I told him I was pretty good at it but he didn’t really believe me.   However, he recognized my skills when we played one day together.  He was impressed…   So I can tell you one thing.  When I give him this Atari Arcade at Christmas, I will also include an iTunes card so we can purchase the 99 games to play and have fun.  

Through the Atari Arcade device for the iPad and the Atari’s Greatest Hits app, you will relive the Golden Age of Gaming with a collection of the most popular retro games from the 70s and 80s.   This extensive catalog pays homage to each of the originals, with controls designed to mimic what Atari fans remember from 30 years ago!   Literally!   I never really played Missile Command when we had an Atari at home when I was younger but the graphics on the game I tried with the Atari Arcade were just like the game I used to play.   The Atari Arcade is easy to use and will bring tons of fun in your family.   If you want your kids to experience classic gaming experience, this device and its app are fabulous for this.   My kids are used to play with the Wii and I am quite impressed to see how Nintendo has improved their games since I had one in my 20s.   But this fun little arcade which fits the iPad in is a gem in disguise as it will bring my husband and I on a trip through time.   I look forward to see his face when he unwraps it on Christmas morning.  This Atari Arcade will also help my kids to develop a keep sense of strategy based on old games.   It will also work as a trip in history when playing with old games.   I could even ask my oldest to write a report on how gaming has evolved since the 70s.    (Yes I am sneaky sometimes…)  

If you have experience the Atari games back in the 70s or 80s and you have enjoyed it, this Atari Arcade will bring back memories to you.   If you have a love one who still has his old Atari device in the basement but also plays with games on his iPad, this would be a great gift for him this Christmas.    Whether for Christmas or a birthday celebration, the Atari Arcade will make a great gift to someone passionate about the old ways of playing games.

The Atari Arcade is available at your favourite toy store near you.   It is also available through the Apple Store or on amazon.com.

Disclaimer: Thanks to Discovery Bay for sending me the above mentioned product for review purposes . I was not monetarily compensated for this review. Please note that the review was not influenced by the Sponsor in any way. All opinions expressed here are only my own.

Duo Pinball

Duo Pinball
From Discovery Bay

About the product

Experience some pinball wizardry and relive your favorite arcade moments with Duo Pinball, the app-supported pinball controller for iPad.   Flipper buttons and a spring-loaded plunger make pinball gameplay unbelievably real.

My Thoughts

Pinball machines – It seems as though they have existed for the longest time.   Actually I was surprised to learn that something similar existed back in the 1700s.   I played a bit back in the 80s but as I got older, I rarely hung up where you would find these machines.    I remember seeing a report on the news about someone collecting them which took quite some space in his basement.   I was impressed by his love and dedication of the game.    Still every now and then, I wonder if a pinball would be a fun thing to have in our house.   Real pinball machines can be extremely expensive – it’s an investment for sure.

However, if you love pinball and want to have the possibility of playing with one more regularly, let me present you the Duo Pinball device for the iPad.   This device plays exclusively with Pinball HD and Pinball HD Collection apps that are available on iTunes but you will see how fabulous it is.   As you can see on the right picture, the device itself is a plastic base that his tilted a bit to give you the impression of playing on a real pinball machine.   Two side buttons control the flippers and a spring-loaded plunger will help you to shoot the ball into the game.

When installing the iPad in it, it will fit snugly into the Duo Pinball device and won’t move easily.  This feature is perfect because you don’t want to miss some cool shoots when playing.  What is interesting is that you can play sitting down with this instead of standing up while playing on a regular pinball machine.

The spring-loaded plunger is very quiet and work fabulously well.    When I tried the device, I had not realized that I needed to set up the Bluetooth on the iPad so that it recognize it.    Why?, you might wonder.  Well the device is connected wirelessly to your iPad.  Three batteries need to be inserted in the back of it.     But once I did, I quickly became speechless and got absorbed in the Wild West game.   I had fun and I know that this jewel of a device will bring much joy for the rest of my family.    Also, when you launch the app you will unlock five free tables – Wild West, The Deep, Snow, Jungle Style and DaVinci.   Other tables are also available for the price of 0.99$ or 2.99$.      The colors in the app are breathtaking and the game is fun to say the least.  

My kids have not played often with a pinball machine I believe.  Well maybe the oldest did.  But going to places where pinball machines can be found could get pricey for us with a family of six.   So having the Duo Pinball will allow them to experience the joy of playing on pinball machines without having to make a huge investment in purchasing one or spending too much at an arcade.  Mind you I don’t mind them having fun at an arcade every once in a while but I prefer having the opportunity for them at home where I know they will practice as much as they want.

Wondering what to buy for your loved one this Christmas?  You know that pinball machines are attractive to him or her?  Do you have an iPad?   If so, why not getting the Duo Pinball device as a Christmas surprise.   It will bring joy and hours of fun in your family!

The Duo Pinball device is for sale for the price of 59.95$ Canadian at the Apple Store.

You can also purchase it on amazon.com.

Disclaimer: Thanks to Discovery Bay for sending me the above mentioned product for review purposes . I was not monetarily compensated for this review. Please note that the review was not influenced by the Sponsor in any way. All opinions expressed here are only my own.