The News - 09.25.14

Hello again, Parents and Gamers!

First off, before we begin, take a moment to orient yourself with a small change to the reviews we are doing by clicking here. This is just a quick article regarding the backlog of games that were not reviewed in the last few years and how we might handle that dilemma starting with the hit RPG: Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim.

But, getting away from that, we have two pieces that we would like to cover for you today out of the game industry. We will be starting with an article focused towards Xbox Live Gold members and what Free games they might be able to look forward to this coming October. After that, we have news for all of the Nintendo fans regarding a Tournament that will be hosted Nationwide for Super Smash Bros. players. Let's get started!

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For those of you who own an Xbox 360, you may or may not be aware of Xbox Live Gold: the system's paid for online subscription that allows you to access all of its Internet based features.

But, did you know that Microsoft gives away Free games every month as a Thank you for being an Xbox Live Gold member?

This coming month, October, Xbox 360 owners with an Xbox Live Gold subscription will be receiving two games for free. First, the hit First Person Shooter: Battlefield: Bad Company 2 will be available for Free to download between October 1 - 15. This will be followed by the equally popular RolePlaying Title: Darksiders II, which will be available from October 16 - 31. On top of this, if you are an Xbox One owner, you will receive Chariot for Free the entire month.

If you aren't an Xbox Live Gold subscriber but are interested, I would look into it. It's only $25 for 3 months or $60 for a year.

References:
October's Games with Gold are Bad Company 2, Darksiders II, and Chariot - Destructoid.com
Games with Gold Revealed for October - IGN.com
Games with Gold Free October Games for Xbox One and 360 include Battlefield, Darksiders - GameSpot.com
Chariot, Darksiders 2 join Games with Gold in October - Joystiq.com
October Xbox Live Games with Gold includes a Brand New Game for Xbox One - GameInformer.com

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The release of the highly anticipated Nintendo fighting game Super Smash Bros. is only a week away on the Nintendo 3DS and Nintendo is celebrating: Nintendo will be hosting an official Tournament for the best fighters out there.

Partnering with game retailer GameStop, initial rounds for the tournament will be held at 15 different GameStop locations across the United States as well as the Nintendo World store located in New York on October 4, 2014 (the day after the game's release)

Players will not need to pre-register, however local tournaments are limited to 64 players and are on a first come / first serve basis.

The winners of these tournaments will win a 3DS XL, a copy of Super Smash Bros on 3DS, and a $250 Visa Gift Card as well as a trip to New York City, complete with hotel and airfare for two, to play in the Super Smash Bros. National Open Tournament at the Nintendo World Store the following week on October 11, 2014.

For a list of Tournament Locations, please see below. Tournaments begin at 11 a.m. local time, but we HEAVILY recommend getting there sooner rather than later.

• GameStop / Winfield Shopping Center
• 966 Blossom Hill Road
• San Jose, CA 95123

• GameStop / Anaheim Town Center
• 2004 East Lincoln AVE.
• Anaheim, CA 92806

• GameStop / c/o Barnes & Noble
• 960 S. Colorado Blvd.
• Denver, CO 80246

• GameStop / The Brickyard S/C
• 6451 W. Diversey Parkway, Suite G-9
• Chicago, IL 60707

• GameStop / Dedham Mall
• 336 Providence Highway
• Dedham, MA 02026

• GameStop / St. John's Plaza
• 9150 Baltimore National Pike, Suite 16
• Ellicott City, MD 21042

• GameStop / SWM Skibo S/C
• 1590 Skibo Road
• Bonnie Doone, NC 28303

• GameStop / 32 E. 14th St
• 32 E. 14th St
• New York, NY 10003

• GameStop / Bellevue Square
• 242 Bellevue Square
• Bellevue, WA 98004

• GameStop / Tower Shops
• 2140 S. Univeristy Dr.
• Davie, FL 33324

• GameStop / Lake Brandon Shoppes
• 11025 Causeway Blvd
• Brandon, FL 33511

• GameStop / SWM Sand Lake Corner
• 8115 S. John Young Parkway
• Orlando, FL 32819

• GameStop / Chamblee Village
• 1841 Chamblee Tucker Rd., Suite 3A
• Chamblee, GA 30341

• GameStop / c/o Barnes & Noble
• 3003 W. Holcombe Blvd.
• Houston, TX 77025

• GameStop / c/o Barnes & Noble
• 2201 Preston Rd., Suite E
• Plano, TX 75093

• Nintendo World
• 10 Rockefeller Plaza
• New York, NY 10020

References:
Official Nintendo Super Smash Bros. tournament begins on October 4 - Destructoid.com
Super Smash Bros. 3DS Nationwide US Tournament Announced - GameSpot.com
Nintendo Announces Super Smash Bros. Tournaments across United States - GameInformer.com
Super Smash Bros 3DS Tourney in US GameStop Stores - JoyStiq.com

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And that's it for today! As always, if you have any questions, comments, or concerns about our article today or just Video Games in general, feel free to reach out to us at our e-mail at theparentsguidetovideogames@gmail.com or simply by clicking on my name below. Make sure to follow us at Facebook and Twitter to get up to the moment updates! See you soon!

LabR@

The Parent's Guide to Video Games

The News - 09.13.14

Hello again, Parents and Gamers!

We have quite the bit of News today. Not only has a ton of stuff happened in the gaming industry, but we also have a few notes concerning our website and a few changes that you will be seeing. We will start with our normal news and, at the end of the article, fill you in on the rest.

Today we have three things we will be looking at from the Gaming Industry! We will start off with a bit of information for anyone who is having a little trouble with their PlayStation 4 system. Next, we have a report floating around concerning the Nintendo Wii U and the Nintendo 3DS and how the systems might work together. Next, for all the fans anticipating the Super Smash Bros. titles, we have good news concerning an upcoming demo. Let's get started!

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Some owners of the PlayStation 4 console have been running into issues where the system will randomly decide to eject the disc...even when people are playing!

So, to combat this issue, Sony PlayStation has released a video (seen above) with instructions on what to do if your system is unexpectedly ejecting discs or if it is repeatedly beeping and acting like it is trying to eject a disc. You need to press and hold the power button until it beeps twice. Allow the system to fully turn off (taking about 30 seconds) and then unplug the PS4 for roughly 3 minutes. Plug the unit back in and see if it is working appropriately.

Sadly, if the system continues to work incorrectly, you will need to contact Sony in order to have your unit serviced. Hopefully this little tip will help some of our readers.

References: 
PS4 Unexpected Disc Eject - Youtube.com
Does your PS4 have a Random Disc Eject problem? I hope not! - Destructoid.com
How to Fix a PS4 that Ejects Discs Unexpectedly - IGN.com
Here's what to do if your PS4 Ejects Discs Unxepectedly - Joystiq.com

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An interesting report has started to float around the video game airwaves that could be good news for Nintendo fans and owners, especially those looking forward to the new Super Smash Bros. title.

Twitter user Kyle McLain released a photo of his Nintendo 3DS system that specified, in Japanese, that he was able to "Connect the 3DS (handheld system) to the Wii U (console) to use your customized characters and use the 3DS as a controller".

While Nintendo has not yet confirmed or denied the possible functionality, the implications of being able to use your 3DS as a controller looks to not only save a lot of money for Nintendo users, but the possibility that they can even use characters on one system or the other means that players will be encouraged to own both versions of the game.

We will update you as more information rolls out.

References:
Use your 3DS as a controller for the Wii U Super Smash Bros. - Destructoid.com
Report: 3DS can be used as a Wii U Controller in Super Smash Bros. - IGN.com
Report: 3DS can be used as Wii Controller in Smash Bros. - GameInformer.com
Report: Super Smash Bros. Wii U playable via 3DS Connection - Joystiq.com

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With all of the hype surrounding the new Super Smash Bros. games that are coming out this year, many players just can't wait to get their hands on them.

Well, we have good news for them...They can! Nintendo has announced that they will be releasing an early demo this week. There is, however, a small catch. The demos will be released to individuals who are "Club Nintendo" members, Nintendo's Rewards program essentially; specifically those who reached "Platinum status" between July 1, 2013 and June 30, 2014. These individuals will receive 4 codes for the demo: 1 for the original player and 3 to share with anyone they see fit. The codes will come via e-mail from Club Nintendo.

The demo in question will allow for unlimited play, local multiplayer (meaning you can play with others who have the demo so long as you are near each other and both have a 3DS system, and will feature Mario, Link, Pikachu, Villager, and Mega Man as playable characters.

Finally, if you are not in Club Nintendo and don't have any friends who have codes left, all is not lost. Nintendo has announced that they will be releasing the demo live for everyone in less than a week on September 19th via their online store: the 3DS eShop. A word of warning though, the demo can only be accessed 30 times, so make the games count!

References:
Club Nintendo Super Smash Bros. demo incoming, wide release next week - Destructoid.com
Super Smash Bros. 3DS Demo coming next week in North America - GameStop.com
Super Smash Bros. 3DS Demo Coming Soon - GameInformer.com
Nintendo streaming Super Smash Bros. for 3DS today, US demo imminent - Joystiq.com

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Finally, regarding our website, The Parents Guide to Video Games, we have two new things.

First, and easiest, we have added another form of Social Media to our belt via the website Tumblr.com. Tumblr is a blog/picture/everything website and, if you are familiar with it (perhaps by having a Tumblr of your own), you will be able to follow The Parent's Guide through this medium in order to keep up to date with everything as it comes out. If you would like to take a look at it, simple Click Here.

Next, we want to cover something that is a bit of an issue. As we have been trying to restart Parents Guide and get everything rolling, we are regularly running into funding issues. Costs of brand new games and even a couple of the new systems along with stuff like site maintenance are leaving a notable hole in our pocket. So, we'd like to ask you, the reader for assistance; however rather than just beg for money, we would like to know your opinion. 

If you were to help the site would you rather: Utilize something like KickStarter where you could make a one time donation and, based on the size of the donation, perhaps receive some kind of personalized bonus. If so, what kind of bonus would you like? OR, would you rather use something like Patreon which could work a great deal better in the long run by allowing you to make very small donations that come out progressively as we do updates (I would guess with each game review...so once a week). Or Both?! Let us know in the comments below or via e-mail. Thanks.

And that's it for today! As always, if you have any questions, comments, or concerns about our article today or just Video Games in general, feel free to reach out to us at our e-mail at theparentsguidetovideogames@gmail.com or simply by clicking on my name below. Make sure to follow us at Tumblr, Facebook and Twitter to get up to the moment updates! See you soon!

LabR@

The Parent's Guide to Video Games

The News - 09.01.14

Hello again, Parents and Gamers!

With the PAX 2014 Gaming Conference continuing to to go full blast, a number of new games, titles, and dates have all been announced. While we are going to be focusing our attention more-so on pinpoint information that we believe you might find useful, it has given us pause for thought. Perhaps we might change the site slightly and the way that we update so as to include information like that as well. If you're interested in stuff like random game announcements, dates, etc...please let us know.

Now, that said, we have three things of note that we are going to be looking at today: one from Sony (the creators of PlayStation) and two from Nintendo. Starting off, Sony has announced some personalized changes that are going to be available soon for their PlayStation 4 and Vita systems. After that, we will take a look at the brand new "Amiibo" toys coming to you from Nintendo. This will be followed by the unveiling of a new and improved version of the Nintendo 3DS Handheld system. Let's take a look.

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Sony has announced that, with their upcoming updates to the Sony PlayStation 4 and Sony Vita Handheld systems (known as firmware update 2.0 and 3.3 respectively), players will be able to customize their units "home screens". Players will be able to change their wallpapers, icons, and even the overall color and design theme.

To make a comparison, think of like being able to customize the wallpaper and home page of your home computer or smart phone. With the current units, it is set to a pre-chosen colors and or pictures from the factory. However with the new firmware updates, players will have the option to choose the appearance. At the moment, it is unannounced whether players will be able to upload and use personal content (like home photos/pictures), or if they will have a selection of themes to choose from to download from the PlayStation Online store.

Please note that these updates are automatic and systems will only need an internet connection in order to download them. Both units have WiFi connectivity available and will only need to connect to your home Wireless Network in order to do so.

References: 

PS4 and Vita are getting Themes - Destructoid.com

Theme Support coming to PS4 and PS Vita in New Updates - GameSpot.com

PS4 Firmware update adding Themes, Toro and Kuro are Pleased - Joystiq.com

New Customization Options Coming to PS Vita - IGN.com

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During our downtime at the E3 Video Game Conference, Nintendo announced their plans for a brand new way to interact with their games and video game systems. Amiibos.

Amiibos are essentially a toy, showing similarities to the idea spearheaded by the Skylander's franchise, that reflect all of the major Nintendo characters including Mario, Kirby, Donkey Kong, Star Fox, Link from Legend of Zelda, and more. 

The toy is used with both the Nintendo Wii U game system and Nintendo 3DS handheld game system. The Amiibo can be placed on the Wii U Game Pad (the large tablet-esque controller) in order to access that toy's data. The toy will store special saved data, customization options, extra in-game equipment, special moves, and more. The more that a player plays with one of the Amiibo toys, the more that toy will be leveled up and the "stronger" they will be for in-game use. While the major focus of the Amiibo release is for the upcoming title Super Smash Bros U, Nintendo has announced their intention to make the toys usable across multiple games.

The first batch of the Amiibo toys have been officially demonstrated and shown off. The characters that will be initially available include Mario, Princess Peach, and Yoshi from Super Mario Bros., Pikachu from Pokemon, Marth from Fire Emblem, Villager from Animal Crossing, Link from Legend of Zelda, and Donkey Kong, Kirby, Star Fox, and Wii Fit Trainer from their respective titles.

References:

Amiibos - IGN.com

Nintendo Amiibo Figurines Wiki Guide - IGN.com

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Nintendo has announced that their mega-popular Nintendo 3DS handheld game system is going to be receiving an upgrade in the overall design moving forward.

Due to popular request and the demand of new, upcoming titles for the Nintendo 3DS, the company has decided to do an overhaul on the unit to include a number of changes. The new units are going to include a secondary analog stick on the right side of the unit (originally the unit function with only a single stick). Additionally, the new unit will be upgrading the computing power within, adding two additional buttons, the ability to integrate and play with the above mentioned Amiibo toys, and the ability to change out the face plates on the unit.

Many of these changes are being made with the new Super Smash Bros. game in mind.

The new models of the 3DS will be launching in Japan later this year (October 11), however Nintendo has NOT confirmed the release for the U.S. and European markets. Company representatives stated that the dates will be confirmed separately, however that they will not be launching in 2014.

References: 

New Nintendo 3DS - IGN.com

Nintendo unveils 'new' 3DS, 3DS XL [update] - Joystiq.com

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And that is it for the day! Before we go though, we would like a raise a question to you: the reader. At the moment, we have been debating on two big titles to relaunch our reviews on. One is an older, but very popular title we had reviewed while it was still in testing: Minecraft! The second is a free to play title from Blizzard entertainment, a card game called Hearthstone.

Which would you like to see us review? Leave your comment in the box below or shoot us an e-mail!

Thank you again for joining us. If you have any questions, comments, or concerns about our article today or just Video Games in general, feel free to reach out to us at our e-mail at theparentsguidetovideogames@gmail.com or simply by clicking on my name below. Make sure to follow us at Facebook and Twitter to get up to the moment updates! See you soon!

LabR@

The Parent's Guide to Video Games

Donkey Kong Country: Returns

Donkey Kong Country: Returns Review

Kid Safe: Very High                     Game Quality: Very High

Genre: Two-Dimensional Platformer

-          This game is identified by its play-style. The character operates on a mostly two-dimensional environment, i.e. restrained to up, down, left, and right; in which they most often will run to the right-side of the screen and avoid obstacles and solve puzzles in order to get to the completion of the level/game.

Internet Requirements: Very Low

-          This game features no internet gameplay and is solely restricted to the single-player or multi-player cooperative play style.

Story Summary: In Donkey Kong Country: Returns, you play the role of Donkey Kong and his friend

Diddy Kong who live on the lush, tropical paradise of Banana Island. One day, Banana Island's volcano erupts to release the wild, mind-controlling Tikis that lived within; who use their powers to control all of the animals on Banana Island and force them to steal Donkey Kong's bananas. You must adventure through lush jungles, sunny beaches, and collapsing, ancient ruins to get all of your bananas back and teach those Tikis a lesson they will never forget.

 

Kid Safe: Very High

-          Foul Language: Very Low

o   Donkey Kong Country: Returns does not contain any foul language.

-          Violence and Gore: Low

o   Donkey Kong Country: Returns contains a low amount of violence and no amount of blood and gore. The violence is depicted through scenes of Donkey Kong jumping on the heads of enemies, causing them disappear, fall off the screen, or crumble into bits of Tiki mask. Other scenes of violence are through Donkey Kong punching Tikis repeatedly in the face and sending them flying off into the distance.

              

-          Sexually-Related Content: Very Low

o   Donkey Kong Country: Returns does not contain any sexually related content.

-          Use of Drugs and Alcohol: Very Low

o   Donkey Kong Country: Returns does not contain any usage of drugs or alcohol.

             

Game Quality: Very High

-          Graphics / Visuals: High

o   The graphics and visuals for Donkey Kong Country: Returns of a generally high quality. To begin, Donkey Kong Country's appearance is extremely pleasing; providing a very bright, colorful, and cartoonish feel that lends to a very fun and upbeat atmosphere. In the opening scene, a Tiki that fails to mesmerize Donkey Kong is beaten up for his attempt in a fashion akin to old Looney Toons cartoons; zooming out to see Donkey Kong's house bouncing and shaking back and forth, up and down as the two characters tustle. Aside from that, some levels are more of a visual treat than others; like one that takes place during sunset where the background is bright with the failing sun and everything in the foreground is black and shadowed on the exception of a the bright red highlighting of Donkey Kong's tie and Diddy Kong's Hat.

o   On top of this, while the gameplay is two-dimensional and players are always running on a single path, there is always something going on in the background. Sometimes the events going on in the background will even effect the player in the foreground as they find explosive barrels that will send them flying around the world, heading "backwards" into the background environments or sending them flying forwards back onto the original path.

o   The only downside to Donkey Kong Country's graphics is that it is sometimes suffers from low resolution textures and a somewhat blurry presentation.

           

-          Audio: Very High

o   Donkey Kong Country: Returns features a extremely high quality of audio and sound. These points are best demonstrated through its whimsical use of sound effects as well as its pleasing array of music. To begin, characters do not have any spoken dialogue and, therefore, a great deal of emotion and is displayed through the usage of sound effects. These sound effects are greatly varied, ranging from Donkey Kong's victory hooting and howling to the Tiki's now iconic tune that is played to mesmerize the animals; from the screeching and banging of Donkey Kong riding a broken mine cart to the crashing of a massive tidal wave rolling in to wash him away.

o   Admittedly, however, listening to the sound effects can be a little difficult if you happen to get caught up in the music of this title; the music is just as, if not more, impressive. This game features a score for the entire game and generally has different music for a great number of the individual levels that players will experience. Not only will players hear an impressive remake and re-mastering of the original Donkey Kong Country theme song, they will also hear custom tailored tunes meant to add a spooky atmosphere to levels like "Tidal Terror" or epic chase music as Donkey Kong races away from bomb-throwing moles in "Bomb's Away".

-          Gameplay / Playability: Very High

o   Donkey Kong Country: Returns features an impressively high level of quality of gameplay. First off, this title can be one or two players. Those players are also not restricted to a single control-style, and are able to use the Wii Remote with the Nunchuck or just the Wii Remote alone; whatever makes them more comfortable. Likewise, any extraneous controls, on the exception of moving around and jumping, are explained in multiple locations; including when you first start off and anytime you are about to use a special vehicle or item that you have not used in a while.

o   Once you get a hang of the controls, you will find that everything is implemented very well and offers a massive range of gameplay to enjoy. Transitioning from running to rolling to jumping to climbing and to whatever else players might want to do is performed incredibly smoothly. Likewise, players are not limited to simply running and jumping; they will be experiencing everything that Banana Island has to offer including runaway mine carts, trains, rhinos, exploding catapult-like barrels, and even barrel rocket-ships, just to name a few. The levels themselves are often varied as well with players fighting a giant Kraken as it takes over a level, hiding from massive tidal waves, dodging crystals on a runaway mine cart, and fighting a wide variety of "bosses", massive enemies all with one special weakness.

o   The only problem with this title that we really had is that this game has a strange difficulty curve. Where it is generally a very easy and enjoyable play, there are some levels that are just down-right, ridiculously difficult. These are not common, but they were a little frustrating none-the-less. Luckily, if a level is too difficult, the game will actually show you how to play through the level so that you can pass it more easily.
          

-          Dollar-Value: Very High

o   Donkey Kong Country: Returns has an extremely high Dollar-Value and we can only highly recommend it. This title will provide you somewhere between 6 to 10 hours of playtime for the regular "story" playthrough. It will take significantly longer if players would like to find all of the hidden items and unlock all of the special extras in this title. Likewise, players are able to play alone or with a friend/parent, which will only increase the fun as they try and help or hinder each other on their quest through Banana Island. Last, but not least, this title is extremely fun and your dollar will almost certainly go a long ways with Donkey Kong Country: Returns.

Recommendations

-          As Donkey Kong Country: Returns is very Kid Friendly, there is little need for alternate recommendations. However, if you would like to experience a game in similar design, you may wish to look Super Mario Bros. New; it is another remake of an older franchise and equally as fun.