You know how much my family and I loved Super Mario Galaxy on Wii? We put it on our list of favorite video games of 2007 and even referred to it as the best game of all time. So you can imagine how excited we are about the coming release of the sequel, Super Mario Galaxy 2. Game Informer rated it 9.25. That’s a good sign.
We hear that players will once again be able to play as Bee Mario and Boo Mario but will also be able to roll over Goombas as Rock Mario (see transmission 8 below) and make platforms with Cloud Mario. Hmm…probably need to see that to appreciate it…and you can! Check out transmission 1 below.
And this one – check out that tongue-swinging by Yoshi. Niiice:
And you’ll discover an important little hint in this one:
So you move around the level map in a ship that’s shaped like a Mario head (and they say that you can load up on 1 Ups in one of his ears (always helpful in Mario games, don’t you think?!)). Watch it again if you missed it.
Even multi-player gets a little better, giving a second player just a bit more power to be able to defeat some enemies (in addition to that ability to collect gems). Here’s a tiny peek:
And finally, here’s the first transmission Nintendo released. It’s the one where you see what may be our favorite new feature, Mario can become Cloud Mario and make platforms. Sweet.
My favorite part? It’s too hard to choose.
hi-res color iBooks, the keyboard dock, the revised iCal (that looks much better (and resembles my ancient(no, wait, did I ever actually use one of those?)Filofax)) or the ability to view all my apps on a larger screen.
Honestly? It is so very tempting for me. To say the least.
I was in a bus filled with middle school kids today and they were all atwitter, excitedly chattering away about how each and every one of them wanted to get an iPad. Mmmhmm. Those naysayers on Twitter don’t know what they’re talking about. This baby is going to be sizzling hot. I can feel it.
What about you?
Just another gadget you don’t need or want? Or are you dreaming about it and frequently thinking about it? Giving up your Kindle for this thing? Or sticking with your hardcover bestseller?
Hmmm….
____________________________________
No, I did not get an iPad. And, sadly, this post is not sponsored. It should be noted, however, that Stephen Colbert got an iPad because, well, because he shamelessly begged for one. David Pogue, my absolute all-time favorite technology reporter (in fact, my dream is to do a tech review vlog with him! Or, okay, at least to participate in his next “I Want an iPhone iPad” movie – I can sing!), did not get one!! Outrageous! So…I am prepared to shamelessly beg for one.
Little Big Planet (This game allows for creativity; the kids can create their own game levels! Don’t be fooled by the cover, it’s best for older kids 10-12.)
Well, it’s true. I’ve jumped on the bandwagon. Now into the second week of my “30 Day Challenge” in the EA Sports Active fitness game on Nintendo Wii, I’m still excited to do the workouts. It’s the first video game fitness program I’ve done that includes days of rest and gives me credit for activities done in the real world (like playing tennis and doing housework).
After popping in the Wii disk, you design a fitness profile so the figure on your television screen looks more or less like you. Then, with a picture-in-picture type of format, your trainer (you select either a male or female) appears to show you what to do.
My favorite part of EA Sports Active is the variety of activities included in the workouts (like basketball, inline skating and tennis) and the ability to modify the intensity level of each workout. So, if I’m not up for a high intensity workout, I can dial down the degree and opt for a medium intensity.
Bottom line?
Includes a good mix of traditional resistance training and Wii sports activities. This is not a Kathy Smith or Denise Austin old-style aerobics workout.
Three levels of intensity, so it’s good for beginners as well as more experienced users.
It brings more of a sporty, active lifestyle into your home workout.
It’s fun! I enjoy this program enough that I actually make time for the workouts. I suppose the fact that the workouts average around 25 minutes per session helps quite a bit – it’s just the right amount of time to squeeze into my busy days.
Cons?
I have yet to do any floor exercises (crunches, push ups, leg lifts, etc.) so my abs are neglected.
The resistance band seems so weak, I often wonder whether it’s going to snap and break.
The Wii remote and sensor are less than perfect. The reps sometimes test my patience. Timing must be (perhaps unreasonably) precise.
Do your kids play video games? If so, have you heard about the site called What They Play? If you haven’t yet discovered WTP, check it out now. It’s a fantastic site dedicated to helping parents better understand the games their kids play. My co-host and I talked about it on our podcast, Parents and Kids Talk Radio, back in April. If you’d like to hear what we said, just click here.
This week, as part of its “Real Moms” feature, the site asked six women questions about video games. I’m happy and honored to say that I’m one of those moms. Check out the questions and my responses here.
It’s always a good idea to stay up to date on the games your kids are talking about and playing with their friends. I recommend that you bookmark What They Play and visit often.
Each of our winners won a copy of the Wii game, Rayman Raving Rabids TV Party!! That game was one of our top picks this year and is undoubtedly one of the most fun games of the year!
This week, we’re asking you to leave a comment telling us which video game is your (or your family’s) favorite video game. That’s all you have to do to be entered into the drawing.*
Besides, now that the election is over, what else do you have to do?
You have until Saturday, December 20 at 4:30 pm (ET).
