Video Games

New Nintendo DS Games to Fill the Stocking

This summer before we went on our ginormous Route 66 road trip, we finally bought the boys a Nintendo DS. I think they’ve actually ended up playing the game more here at home than they ever did on the road trip, but it’s been lot of fun for the whole family. This Christmas I’m keeping my eyes and ears open for new games that could possibly go in the stocking or under the tree.

The Magic School Bus: Oceans is one game that could possibly fill your stocking this Christmas. Perhaps you have a budding marine biologist or a child who just simple loves the ocean. This game is a great gift idea, both from a gaming and educational standpoint.

With this game kids can unlock different levels, in turn, learn more about the ocean and ocean life. There are a little under 200 science interactions and 7 games, including driving, exploration, trivia, etc. There are over 100 facts to learn and over 100 sea animals to explore and learn more about. As kids unlock different levels, they can still go back and forth between those levels, playing the games they like the most.

I do have to be honest and say that this game was not my oldest child’s most favorite game….he is 9, though, and is more into the action type games….though we will definitely be using this game as we study oceans in school because it’s really and honestly a fun way to reinforce concepts and promote further exploration. You can purchase The Magic School Bus: Oceans for $13.49 from The Scholastic Store. It’s geared for ages 7 and up.

A game that I really enjoyed a LOT, as well, is I Spy Castle. Jaden’s only 4, but he loves I Spy books….we can play this together since some of the items are harder to find for younger children. I actually took this with me on a trip and sat on the plane playing….it was so much fun.

In I Spy Castle, you search for hidden items that are included in different riddles. The game will list off the items you’re to find, and you actually explore different rooms in the castle to find those items. Clicking on the items checks the items off, and you move on to the next. You’ll also play different mini-games and put together puzzles as you go. For instance, there was an archery game that I was taken to when I clicked on a certain item I had to find. Also, you have to find certain items to unlock other rooms in the castle. I’m actually stuck on one level right now because I’m still trying to find the item I need to unlock the next room. So, it’s quite challenging for even the oldest players. This game really promotes good thinking/observing skills. There are over 400 objects to search for.

You can purchase I Spy Castle for $15.96 from The Scholastic Store. It’s geared for ages 8 and up.

Be sure to Like Scholastic on Facebook and Follow @Scholastic on Twitter.

(Disclosure: I received both games, free of charge, from Goodman Media International, Inc., for the purposes of review. All views/opinions remain solely my own.)

Cubic Ninja Giveaway

Ubisoft introduces Cubic Ninja, a game with over 100 different levels of play. Players take on the role of CC, a cubic ninja who is out to save his princess and ninja friends who have been kidnapped by the enemy. The game is played by tilting and turning the Nintendo 3DS to make it through the different levels; there are no buttons pushed in this game. Along the way, players can earn various Ninjutsu skills, as they rescue their ninja friends.

Filled with puzzles and traps, this game can be a blast and is rated E for Everyone (of course, parents can turn off the 3D for kids 6 and under). Not only can players get through different levels, but they can also create levels of their own, adding their own twist to the game and sharing with other players. They can also share their already played levels with their friends, and dare friends to beat them.

You can purchase Cubic Ninja for $39.99 from UbiShop.

The great news is that we’re giving a copy of this game to one MamaBuzz reader! You can enter to win by doing one or more of the following; just be sure to leave a separate comment for each way that you enter. I’ll draw the winner, via random.org, on Tuesday, August 30. This giveaway is open to U.S. and Canada. Good luck, and have a wonderful day!