Gamer Girls
Ever wondered what it would be like to design your own universe? Well, now it’s possible. Virtually, that is.
Gaming mastermind Will Wright (the dude behind The Sims™) has introduced SPORE, an incredible new game where players can build their own universe. Users begin with a single-cell organism and must make a series of design choices throughout the game’s five stages (Cell, Creature, Tribe, Civilization and Space) which determine the nature of their universe. Players can use the Sporepedia tool to share these creations with other users across the world, broadcasting them via email or a custom YouTube upload device. The game is played on PC and Mac computers.
As the game progresses, the universe evolves according to the player’s decisions, but a word to the wise: each decision prompts an evolutionary consequence that further impacts the advancement of the universe. So if you want to populate your world with beastly, socially aggressive carnivores, your civilization stage would probably feature a few world wars and some major destruction. Too bad Charles Darwin isn’t still around—I have a feeling he would love this game.
Look for SPORE when it launches on September 7.
—Amy Wilson
BY ANDREA T. ON 9/6/2008 5:55:00 AM 15 COMMENTS
Been watching the Olympics and wishing you could get in on all of the action? Well, now you can! Go for the gold with Konami’s New International Track & Field for Nintendo DS, a re-make of the classic series from 25 years ago.
Start by practicing your skills in the single event mode, using the DS control pad or stylus to set the pace of your chosen athlete in events such as the 100m sprint or long jump. Not sure what to do to score bronze, silver or gold? Not a problem. The game gives you a detailed step-by-step rundown of instructions before the match.
Once you’re confident in your skills, travel on over to the career mode, going head-to-head against three other Konami characters, all vying for the top in four mini-challenges for every group. You don’t need to win to move on to the next round, but you do need to qualify to keep your hopes of scoring a medal alive. Get frustrated easily? The game will test your patience as one disqualification means you must start that set of competitions over from scratch.
Once one career mode challenge has been mastered, it unlocks the next group of challenges. Games include all of your faves, from running and long jumping, to vaulting, swimming, weightlifting, cycling and so much more! (24 to be exact)
But the competition doesn’t end there. Test and see if you really are the best in the world by playing against others using Nintendo’s Wi-Fi connection.
With world records and personal bests to be beaten every time, the fun doesn’t stop (even after the Olympics end on Sunday. Sniff.). And the more games you play, the more stars you earn to unlock special content, including different outfits and hairstyles for your player.
So while you’re cheering your fave Olympians on this August, get sporty the no sneakers way with New International Track & Field and let your competitive side shine through.
—Patricia McNamara
BY ANDREA T. ON 8/23/2008 4:37:00 AM 9 COMMENTS
What’s a three-letter word that means, “to have a good time.” Need a hint? It starts with an F. And it totally applies to this Nintendo DS game.
If you’re a fan of the daily crosswords in the newspaper or have ever hidden a crossword puzzle into your notebook during class (you know you’re guilty!), you’ll be oh-so pleased with Crosswords. Whether you prefer a pen or the more practical pencil, this version of the thought-provoking game has no inky mess and hundreds of crosswords.
There are several modes of play in Crosswords, starting with easy for any crossword puzzle newbies. The more puzzles you solve, the more you unlock.
Using the stylus, you write the letters in the box. If you write the wrong letter, you have the option of being notified immediately with the letter appearing in red or of continuing and fixing it later. There are also additional hints you can use, but this is at risk of time penalties so you must use them wisely and make sure you really need the clues.
Be sure your penmanship is legible because stray or odd marks make the DS read the letter incorrectly, which can eventually hurt your score. So make sure you dot your “I,” or else the game will think it’s an “L.”
In addition to the many crossword games, there are also word searches and anagrams to solve.
This DS game Crosswords is full of lots of enjoyable word practice. By the end of the summer, you’ll be able to go back to English class and ace it with ease.
—Emily Capp
BY ANDREA T. ON 6/18/2008 6:36:00 PM 24 COMMENTS
“Hello. My name is Inigo Montoya. You killed my father. Prepare to die.”
“As you wish.”
“Inconceivable!”
Any of these quotes ring a bell? If they don’t RUSH TO THE VIDEO STORE RIGHT NOW! The movie The Princess Bride has become a comedic classic over the years. It’s must-see entertainment, no matter what your age.
No more rhyming. I mean it.
Anybody want a peanut?
See what I mean? Gave you a little chuckle didn’t it? (Unless you haven’t seen get. RENT IT NOW!)
On June 18, 20 years after the release, members of the original cast of the movie has joined with Worldwide Biggies to create “The Princess Bride Game.” Available now to download for $20 at www.princessbridegame.com, the game includes five interactive challenges: As You Wish, Battle of Wits, The Fire Swamp, Miracle Max and Storming the Castle. It is up to you to help the Princess and her True Love reach happily ever after.
And here’s one more cool part, and then we’ll stop gushing. Most video games are made by bunches of boys (and maybe couple gals here and there), and this game? Girl power through and through.
Now for all you lucky ducks: This week we are giving away 10 of “The Princess Bride Game.” To win, CLICK HERE by June 18.
BY ANDREA T. ON 6/11/2008 11:54:00 AM 32 COMMENTS