When it comes to screen time, I enjoy offering kids games that challenge them in different ways. Two new Nintendo games for the DS/DSi do just that. Professor Layton and the Diabolical Box "features a riveting new mystery and more than 150 new brain teasers, riddles and logic puzzles". Fossil Fighters "incorporates elements of discovery, tactics and strategy as players try to get the best vivosaurs (a type of dinosaur – in the game there are 100 types) on their teams to battle it out on the field."
Disclosure: I received both games for review. I gave Professor Layton and the Diabolical Box to my chief tester (my 10 yr old son) who has not used it yet because he just came back from camp. My 6 year old twins received Fossil Fighters. One of my twins claimed testing ownership and demonstrated to me how he digs for fossils with the hammer, chip, drill and brush – and Vivosaur battle strategies. My 6 year old was able to understand how to play the game independently and even taught his mother some fossil digging tricks! I receive some Nintendo DS/DSi games as review items but we also buy many on our own…
Fossil Fighter is rated E (Everyone) and Professor Layton and the Diabolical Box is rated E10+ (Everyone 10 and Older).
More to come.. The press releases are below.
**************************Press release for:
CAN YOU DIG IT? FOSSIL FIGHTERS BRINGS DINO-SIZED FUN TO NINTENDO DS
New Hand-Held Game Combines Fossil Fascination and Prehistoric Battles
REDMOND,
Wash., Aug. 10, 2009 – Dinosaurs may be long gone from the earth, but
for owners of the portable Nintendo DS™ and Nintendo DSi™ systems, a
new breed of prehistoric excitement is just now coming to life. With
today's release of the Fossil Fighters™ video game, Nintendo is delivering a dino-sized gaming experience that fans of any age or background can pick up and enjoy.
Fossil Fighters
invites players to enter a world in which fearsome creatures are hidden
as fossils for players to collect, using the unique touch-screen
controls of Nintendo DS. Players can clean, collect and battle their
discoveries. The game features more than 100 dinosaur-like creatures
called Vivosaurs, each of which can be revived and deployed in
strategic turn-based battles. With fun tactical elements, vast
environments to explore and a lighthearted storyline and characters, Fossil Fighters
allows players to control and customize a team of Vivosaurs as they
battle their way through the mysterious Vivosaur Island. Players can
also connect over local wireless with friends to battle customized
teams of Vivosaurs or trade their fossils.
"Dinosaurs are a
source of endless fascination for the young and the young at heart,"
said Cammie Dunaway, Nintendo of America's executive vice president of
Sales & Marketing. "Combining customization and social play, Fossil Fighters brings together the best elements of hand-held gaming for players of all ages."
Using
the Nintendo DS stylus and touch screen, players can chip and drill
away at each fossil they find. They can even blow into the Nintendo DS
microphone to clear away dust. Once a fossil head is cleaned, the
Vivosaur can be revived and used in battle. Other fossilized body parts
can also be found and cleaned to imbue each Vivosaur with special
powers. Players can create custom teams of three Vivosaurs,
strategically selecting the best trio for each encounter.
For more information about Fossil Fighters, visit www.FossilFighters.com.
**************************Press release for:
Professor
Layton Unravels Another Mystery
Portable Game Includes 150 New Puzzles to Solve
NOTE:
Multimedia available here
REDMOND, Wash.–(BUSINESS WIRE)– The dog days of summer
are a great time to relax with a gripping mystery. Better yet, why not help
solve one? Today’s launch of Professor
Layton and the Diabolical Box™ for the Nintendo DS™
and Nintendo DSi™ systems presents players with more than 150 new
brain-teasing riddles and puzzles to solve as they help Professor Layton and
his apprentice, Luke, uncover the mystery surrounding the Elysian Box, which is
said to be deadly to all who open it.
Following in the
footprints of the previous title in the series, Professor Layton and the
Curious Village™, Professor Layton and the Diabolical
Box includes even more exciting puzzles, voice acting and animated scenes
for players to enjoy as they make their way through a maze of clues and
intrigue.
“Professor
Layton and the Diabolical Box draws players in with its compelling
storyline and animation, but that’s just the beginning,” said
Cammie Dunaway, Nintendo of America’s executive vice president of Sales
& Marketing. “The captivating and challenging riddles keep players
saying ‘I need to try just one more puzzle.’ ”
Players who
connect their Nintendo DS systems to a broadband Internet connection will also
have access to free bonus puzzles following today’s launch. Be sure to
check back regularly to see what new brainteasers Professor Layton has cooked
up. These bonus puzzles extend the play time of the game with content not found
in the packaged version. Even players who finish the main game will be able to
keep challenging themselves with new surprises.
For more
information about Professor Layton and the Diabolical Box, visit www.ProfessorLaytonDS.com.
Wow, free games just like with Aion beta closed. Anyways, what’s good about your blog is you try it yourself and not just doing some net searching to post here and I like the idea of letting your kids be a part of your review. You’re a real techie ;D and for sure your kids too.
Blogs are so informative where we get lots of information on any topic. Nice job keep it up!!