Big Bang Mini

I was recently sent a new DS game to try and it has quickly become one of my favorites.  Usually Cameron (my 8 year old) and I like different types of games, but this time we agree that this one gets a “2 thumbs up.” Which game? Big Bang Mini from SouthPeak games.  Our DS had almost started sitting on the shelf, but when this game came in, we have started using it daily again.  We’ve actually been trying to outdo each other so it’s made for some fun mother-daughter bonding.

Her and my teenager (Becka) both have DS’s (I just borrow one of theirs) and have loved that they can both play the game in multi-player mode but only have to have one game.  There are 9 different main levels to this game. We still haven’t made it through each level (which I’m happy about because when I beat a game, I tend to not play it much longer).  

Features:

• Create your own fireworks display using the stylus
• 9 different worlds with multiple stages each with unique art, sound, and design
• Every world contains a different set of rules including new abilities previously unavailable
• Collect the stars dropped by defeated enemies to move on to the next wave
• After each level, design the Final Bouquet – a one-of-a-kind masterpiece that will illuminate the sky
• Versus play adds to the chaos
• Online rankings lets players see where they stack up against the competition
• Additional gameplay modes and options provide tremendous depth
• Over 20 music tracks by “Yubaba, Smith & Fortune” – nominated for “Best Music” in 2007 for
• Nervous Brickdown at Festival du Jeu Video

One thing that is interesting about this game that makes it really unique is you control everything with your stylus. I have a hard time with a lot of the games that are controlled with the small pad on the right, but I can easily use the stylus.  If you are looking for a game that could be fun for the entire family, I would consider Big Bang Mini. It’s been a hit in my house.

Big Bang Mini for Nintendo DS

I’m so excited to hear about this new game.  Have you heard about it?  It looks like a great game for this mom who is looking to add to her DS collection. We tend to have games that appeal to my daughter (an 8 year old) and don’t appeal to me, but this one looks different.  Big Bang Mini is an arcade style video game.

Some of the facts:

• In the single-player ‘Arcade’ mode, players move through ten worlds, each with nine challenging levels and a fearsome enemy boss guarding access to the next world. Only when the boss is defeated is the next world unlocked. Players can also enter the ‘Challenge’ mode and link to a high score site through the Nintendo DS’s integrated WI-FI.
• The innovative ‘Versus’ multi-player mode in Big Bang Mini requires just a single game cartridge yet lets two players compete on separate Nintendo DS units.
• Rated E for Everyone, the game is a ‘shoot ‘em up’ that will make long journeys pass in a flash – whether sat in the back of a car driven by mom or dad, or on the train while commuting to work, such is the game’s appeal to players of all ages.

Zenses, Zenses, and More Zenses

You’ll notice in this contest round up a plethora of DS Zenses game….head over and get entered and GOOD LUCK!!!

Win Zenses Games – Ocean and Rainforest – Ending at MIDNIGHT TONIGHT! (different time zones on each blog)

• A chance to win at Mom’s Take On Things
• A chance to win at Blessings Abound
• Also ending today, win a Precious Girls Club gift pack from The Not So Blog Blog.

Ends January 4

• Win Zenses Ocean and Rainforest from Family Review Network.
• Win a “Yes We Will” bag from EcoBags at The Dirty Shirt.
• Win Zenses Ocean and Rainforest from The Game Factory and  She Scribes.
• Win Zenses Ocean and Rainforest from Island Review and The Game Factory.

Ends January 5

• Win The Princess Bride game for PC from An Island Review.

Ends January 6

• Win Zenses Ocean and Zenses Rainforest from What’s That Smell?

Ends January 7

• Win a bottle of Chlorox 2 from Just a Mom’s Take on Things

Ends January 8

• Win Zenses Ocan and Rainforests games from Busy Mommy Product Reviews.
• Win a Fandango Gift Certificate from What’s That Smell?

January 10

• Win Zenses Ocean and Rainforests games from Rockin Mama.

Are You An All Star?

I love when I get the chance to review something and after I investigate a little, it is truly something worthwhile and a post emerges. While I find many opportunities, I pass on many that aren’t really something that I’m interested in (or that I think my readers will be interested in). Tonight though, I have reviewed ActionAllStars.com and truly enjoyed it.  I’m only sorry that it’s too late to let Cameron try it out before I write this review as I know she’ll be playing this more than I will.  She loves playing online games and she loves softball and basketball. And as a mom, I’ll be glad to see her playing it because it has parental controls that make it safe and it will no doubt be lots of fun for Cameron. For example, I chose the Safe Chat Plus for the account I created for her so that she can only choose predefined chat phrases instead of truly chatting with anyone and possibly revealing dangerous information. And even better it’s not only safe and fun – it’s also FREE! I’ve played off an on tonight wanting to know if it was truly something I would show Cameron and encourage her to play, and I’ve been really amazed.  

You start by creating your own character and then the system emails parents to get permission for your child to have the account, and then your child can being truly playing and having a blast.  The only negative I saw is that without high speed Internet, the site will have serious limits.  It demands a lot of bandwith.  We have medium speed I guess – satellite, and it was sometimes slow which took way from the fun. 

Bratz Kids: Slumber Party for Wii Giveaway Event

The Family Review Network and American Game Factory sponsored several blogs that are giving away a copy of the Wii game, Bratz Kids: Slumber Party.  I’ve missed most of the contests, but there are a few still open so I thought I’d share them with all of you.   

Mommy Mandy – ends December 20th TONIGHT

Something Snappy – ends December 20th TONIGHT

Busy Mommy Product Review – ends December 23rd

Red Sox Mommy – ends December 23rd