Mini Ninjas

Mini Ninjas is one of those games that I really wasn't sure if I was going to like. Even though I thought it looked cute it is too easy for games like that to be so family oriented that it just isn't fun for anyone over the age of six. I think my Grandparents throwing out my "My Little Pony" board game when I was little is a perfect example. Luckily for me, I actually enjoyed playing this game.


Mini Ninjas is one of those games that you can play with your family in the room. While it could be considered a family game there is actually no coop play which I think is a major downside to this game. Not sure why someone would make a family game that can't actually be played with family members. It is not to say that it is not fun to play by yourself, but I think this is the biggest downfall of the game.


While there is not coop play, players do have the ability to switch between different characters in the game. As usual, different characters have different abilities and so character choice is important depending on what the player is trying to accomplish.


The fighting in the game is not that complicated. Even though it is fairly simple I still found it fun and entertaining. I also liked that the game lets players interact with the environment more than I expected. I am not saying that this game gives players wide freedom to run about the countryside, but for example, there is some fishing and wall climbing in order to get helpful items.


If you are a hardcore gamer that prefers hardcore games, this is problem not the game for you. If you are a casual gamer that wants to play a game with a little adventure, I would give this a try. Of course, this game is also good for younger players ages 10 and up. However you look at it, the demo is always free!

Amazon Store Links:
Mini Ninjas (PS3)
Mini Ninjas (360)
Mini Ninjas (Wii)
Mini Ninjas (PC)
Mini Ninjas (DS)

Fable II in Epsiode Form

If you have not already heard, and don't already own Fable II, then you might be interested in today's big news. Fable II has been broken down into episodes and are now downloadable for the 360 under "Games on Demand." The best part about this is that the first episode is FREE!

The first episode will not take you that far into the game. It is, not surprisingly, designed to give you just enough of the game to leave you wanting more. Once you reach the end point of the chapter you will prompt you to buy the next episode. This of course is an attempt to get us all excited about the upcoming release of Fable III.

When I first played the original Fable game I was playing it on my laptop. I never got far into the game since I never sit at a desk and it is hard to use a mouse on the arm rest of the couch. So, I was pretty excited to give Fable II a spin when I got a 360. While Fable II is "the best-selling role-playing game of all time on Xbox 360" I really didn't get into it. I like the graphics, combat, and overall concept, but there are a few things that turned me off about the game. I like achievements. I like playing a game and feeling like I have something to show for it. While there are some achievements like this one: "The Archmage - A Hero must kill five human enemies with one spell." There are many more that are more like this: "The Romantic - Take a villager on a perfect date, or tag along to one. Location and expressions are all-important." It just really isn't what I am looking for in a game. Isn't dating in real life tiresome enough? Yes, I could play the game without all the social interaction, but I could also just play a different game.

Considering the popularity of this game as well as the series, I am pretty sure I am out numbered about not being all that satisfied with Fable II. The good news for those of you who have not yet given it a try is that you can try it for free! If after playing the first episode you decide you want to continue, I suggest buying the full game on disc as it is under $30 used and the free downloadable episode is 1 of 5.

Amazon Store:
Fable II
Xbox 360 Live 1600 Points [Online Game Code]
Xbox 360 Live 4000 Points [Online Game Code]
Xbox 360 Live 12 Month plus 1 Month Bonus [Online Game Code]

My Fitness Coach

Last year I got hooked on The Biggest Loser. Being me, I couldn't just sit and watch the show. I had to make sure that I was eating the most fattening high calorie foods I had in the house while watching the show. This of course worked for the first half of the season, but once the contestants had lost a significant amount of weight I started to feel guilty and had to put the cheeseburger down. Now that a new season has started I have decided to put the hot dogs and mac n cheese down and maybe give working out a try.

My Fitness Coach for the Wii might be the best affordable work out tool I have ever used. The simplest way to explain it is that it is like watching a work out DVD that most of us have hidden in the back of a closet somewhere. This, however, is so much more. It is actually tailored to the person that is using it.

When using My Fitness Coach for the first time, users start by creating a profile. Creating a profile is not as easy as entering height and weight. This program actually tries to identify the users fitness level and areas that need improvement by having them do different exercises. This takes about 30 minutes, but in the end the program has a better chance of meeting the user's needs.

Once users are ready to start their work out they will find a few more differences from this program and others. One of the main things that I personally really like is that the program asks users if they have certain types of equipment such as a heart monitor or a step. The workout can then be tailored to the equipment that is available.

The program is also good about creating a workout that fits the fitness level of the user. At certain points in the workout users are asked about how they are feeling after certain sets. It is best to be honest here. If the user is barely hanging on to stay alive and say otherwise then the program will continue at a level that is not suitable. If the workout is too difficult then the odds of working out in the future are pretty slim.

Overall, I really think this is a great exercise tool. It is not as cute and fun as Wii Fit, but I think it might be better suited for a long term fitness goal. The ability to use or not use fitness equipment that is already lying around the house is a major plus in my book. Users also do not need to buy the Wii Balance Board which makes My Fitness Coach even more affordable. With so many exercise options out there for the Wii it is nice to find one that really does give so much bang for the buck.


Wanna buy?
My Fitness Coach

Brutal Legend Cinematic

Video Games - E3 2009 - Video Game Trailers

While I have never been a big fan of rock I have to admit that I am really looking forward to this game. Sure players who do listen to rock will have more of an appreciation for the game, but I honestly think that this will be something that most people will enjoy playing.

Even not being a fan of the genre I am looking forward to seeing what this game really has to offer other than the music and humor. Sure that is a major drive to play the game, but I have a feeling that this is going to be great all around. Guess we will find out when the demo comes out tomorrow Sept 17!

Best Time of the Year

This morning on the radio I heard a conversation about how fall is the best time of the year. They of course listed several reasons for this such as football, weather, fall colors, cider mills, etc. While I have always been a fan of the Holiday season, I really never appreciated this time of year until I really thought about it today. While I love all the reasons they listed there is one more that they did not mention.

While there are lots of reason to love fall one of the ones they didn't mention is all the games that came out! It is not to say that there are not some good games coming out during other times of the year, but the couple of months before the Holiday season really is a great time for gaming.

For a lot of people fall means the start of the football seasons. NCAA Football and Madden come out before the seasons start, but football is not the only sport that kicks off in the fall. NHL 10 comes out in a week and NBA2K10 in about three weeks away. Of course there is also the race for the pennant. If you are not lucky enough to have your team still in the race (GO TIGERS!) then you can always break out MLB '09 or Major League Baseball 2K9 which came out earlier this year.

Not into sports, but a big music fan? Then I am sure you know that right now is a great time for music gamers. With the recent releases of Guitar Hero 5 and Beatles Rock Band there is plenty of music to go around. Then there is also the upcoming release of DJ Hero coming next month. If that isn't enough for you, Band Hero will make it's debut shortly after. Still not enough? Or maybe you are like me and just want to sing? Then you will be happy to know that Karaoke Revolution and Lips: Number One Hits are both coming out this fall as well.

There are many other games coming out over the next couple of months that do not fall under the sports or music genres. Halo: ODST, Scribblenauts, Brutal Legend and so many more are all coming out in the near future! So, start saving up all your money or making that Christmas list because this could be a very expensive couple of months, but at least it will be fun!

Of course you can always buy already released games as well as pre-order upcoming games from Amazon through the Arcade140 Store. Still need a PS3 Slim or 360? You can find them there too!

What Do You Do When You Are Angry?

Last week I was feeling a little heated about a situation that could not be worked out right away. Don't worry, it was nothing big and most of it has been resolved, but at the time I was really annoyed. I decided that I had a few options on what to do with all the frustration and I decided to whip out Wii Sports Resort.

My first thought really wasn't to play Wii. My first thought was to play something a little more violent such as Call of Duty: World at War or Halo 3. I have to admit it though, Wii Sports Resort really did the trick. At first I did a little 100 pin bowling. Getting two strikes in a row made me feel a little better, but there was one game that really topped it.

Sword play speed slice!! Seriously! It really worked. In speed slice you are competing against another player, but not actually fighting them. Each player has an object tossed at them with an arrow on it. Players have to slice the object in the direction of the arrow before the other player does. It is a game about concentration and speed. It really was exactly what I needed.

With all the negativity going on about gaming I think it is important to remember and realize that video games can also be a good release from the stress and pressures of the day. I am not even really talking about escapism. Video games can offer players a safe way to focus their frustration.

Wii
Wii Sport Resort
Call of Duty: World at War (360)
Call of Duty: World at War (PS3)
Call of Duty: World at War Final Fronts (PS2)
Call of Duty: World at War (Wii)
Call of Duty: World at War (DS)
Call of Duty: World at War (PC)
Halo 3

God Of War Collection Announced

If I were to somehow be convinced that I needed another console, God of War 3 would probably do the trick. Exclusive to Sony, it is one of the few games that makes me wish I had an extra few $100. If God of War 3 is not enough to get your blood flowing, than maybe the recent announcement of the God of War Collection will.

"Thanks to your feedback, we are excited to announce the God of War Collection for this Holiday Season. Now fans and newcomers to the series can experience the epic journey of God of War and God of War II in 720p HD form. Both titles have been remastered with anti-aliased graphics, running at 60 frames per second for a smooth gameplay experience, only on the PS3 system. Additionally, the Blu-ray Disc compilation will bring the PlayStation Network (PSN) trophy support to the franchise for the very first time." source

If you are lucky enough to have a PS3 or are planning on buying a slim in the near future I highly suggest getting this set before God of War 3 comes out next year. Remember, it's always best to start from the beginning. God of War 3 is going to be an amazing game and I can't imagine that you will be disappointed with the remastered collection of the first two games.

You Mean I Can Play More Peggle?

If you have an unhealthy addiction for playing Peggle for XBLA then it might be time to call your sponser. PopCap has recently announced that Peggle Nights will be coming to XBLA this fall. Looks like more sleepless nights for me!

Features in the Peggle Nights expansion pack for XBLA will include:


60 new Peggle Nights levels for multiplayer over Xbox LIVE and all single player/local modes

Peggle Nights Adventure mode (60 levels), including the Nights story
60 new Peggle Nights Challenges
A new Peggle Master, Marina
Peggle Nights trophy room
Peggle Nights adventure statistics
New style shots from Peggle Nights PC (available as title upgrade for all Peggle XBLA players)
Three new Xbox 360 achievements worth a total of 50 gamerscore, bringing Peggle up to a total of 250 gamerscore.

What's Your Fantasy?

Every year around this time football fans come together with their friends to hold an event that brings great competition over the next many weeks. From my experience, fantasy football has been mostly for the boys and while I have been present for many drafts I have never participated or even seen how a draft works.

Due to the sort of fanaticism that surrounds fantasy football I some how got it into my head that the whole thing was far too complicated for me to be good at. While I have watched a lot of football in my life, or pretended to watch, I really only have a general knowledge of the game. I can not tell you what a tight-end is and could probably only name a handful of NFL players when asked. So, in the past when I have been asked to participate in fantasy football I have always quickly said no.

My view and understanding of the fantasy football draft all changed this past Sunday night. Not being able to go to the bar, my boyfriend had to do the draft from home. I was able to watch the whole process and see how silly my previous assumptions had been. The whole thing is almost idiot proof and really quite fun. The feeling of anticipation and excitement while waiting for your turn and getting your pick or the utter disappointment when your pick gets taken made the draft more interesting than I had previously given it credit for.

There is one thing I know for sure and that is that the regular football season is much more fun with fantasy football. Being from the Detroit area, I have not really had an NFL football team to get excited about. Now I can watch many different games during the season and have a reason to get excited. Let’s face it, if you are not a football fan every Sunday and Monday can be pretty miserable for 16 weeks out of the year. So, if this sounds like you, I highly recommend giving fantasy football a chance.