Couch Co-op Exploration with Pikmin 3 Deluxe

Disclaimer: The Fandads received an advance copy of Pikmin 3 Deluxe for review. All thoughts, opinions, and motion sickness from traveling are our own. 

With the holiday season coming up you can expect your children to start asking for the hottest games for their video game systems. While there will be a lot of games and consoles to choose from we want to help you find games that are family-friendly and fun for the entire family to play. Fandad Gil and his daughters flew to the far reaches of the galaxy to find a game that checks those boxes and met up with an old nemesis. 

The Petition to End Petitions

The Fandads are fans of many fandoms (say that 10 times fast) and we know that things don't always come out how we expect them to be. With all the movies, comics, television shows, and video games we consume there are times where we think to ourselves, "That's not what I would have done." but we move on and read/watch/play the next thing. 

Ralph Breaks the Internet review

It's been 6 years since we last saw Ralph breaking havoc down at Litwak's Video Arcade. In 'Wreck-it Ralph', Ralph was trying to find a sense of belonging and ended up finding out in the wise words of Zangief the "just because you're a bad guy, does not mean you're a bad guy". Ralph found his place in the arcade and made a new friend in Vanellope von Schweetz. In 'Ralph Breaks the Internet" we catch up with our friends and see what's new with them.

Are you ready for the Worlds 2018 Championship?

I remember when I was younger playing against my family and friends Madden Football on the Sega Genesis and playing for hours. Some of the games would always come down to the final possession and those few seconds were always intense. Nowadays, gaming has come a long way from playing next to your opponent to playing against someone in another state or even country. With the arrival of online gaming, you could be playing against someone down the block or in another part of the world. 

Are You Ready for the Nintendo Labo Vehicle Kit?

Disclaimer: The Fandads worked with The Rock Father and Nintendo to attend the pre-launch of the Nintendo Labo Vehicle Kit in New York in exchange for a review. All thoughts, opinions, and joy from playing with the kit are our own. 

A few weeks ago my daughter and I were lucky enough to attend a pre-launch event for the new Nintendo Labo Vehicle Kit thanks to The Rock Father (Read our coverage here). While we had a lot of fun driving, flying, and diving with our on-screen vehicle, you will have your chance to try out these new vehicles in two weeks. Yes, friends, the Nintendo Labo Vehicle Kit will be available on September 14th!

Playing with The Adventure Pals

Disclaimer: The Fandads were provided with a review copy of The Adventure Pals. All thoughts, opinions, and sleepless nights are our own. 

Back in the days when I worked at GameStop, we would always get a lot of people asking for fun, couch co-op games. You know, the games that you can play in the same room with someone as opposed to playing with someone online across the neighborhood or country. Well friends, if you are looking for a game like this to play with your family the Adventure Pals are here to fill that void.

Don't Fear The Reaper

I'm not sure how I found myself here, hurling down from the heavens to the earth below. There were others around me but they soon scattered to the four winds. I pulled the chute and started my slow descent into madness. The factory was a favorite spot of mine, some images were flashing back now, I'd been here before. Hundreds of times.

Instinctively I landed on a rooftop and quickly found a weapon. A suppressed submachine gun, and it was a timely find as I saw that I had been followed. I quickly opened fire, grazing the enemy. He fell back and ran off, seemingly deciding to live to fight another day. I didn't follow him as I could hear a treasure chest beckoning me from inside.

Saving Avantia in Beast Quest #Giveaway

Disclaimer: The Fandads were provided with a digital code of Beast Quest for this review. All thought, opinion and sleepless nights are our own. 

As a dad, getting time to play video games is kind of difficult sometimes. In my house, we only have one television, so after we catch up on shows and the children go to bed I have the television to myself. Here is where the conundrum begins: Do I try to binge watch a few episodes of that one series I started? Or do I see what game I can play for a few hours before I fall asleep on the couch? What's a dad to do? 

Get ready to play some classics on your 3DS!

Hey friends, so your child got a new 3DS for the holidays and you want them to learn about the classics, right? What is a parent to do? Well, do not worry because your friends at Nintendo have got you covered. 

I Choose You! New Nintendo 2DS XL Pikachu Edition

Photo courtesy of Business Wire

It was only a matter of time that Pikachu had a 2DS designed with him on it. I mean look at how cute this thing is. One thing that would be awesome is if this 2DS shouted "Pikcahu!" whenever you powered it up (that's a free idea for you Nintendo, run with it). When does this new 2DS come out? Keep reading to find out more about this special edition 2DS and the other ways that Pikachu is going to invade your home. 

Getting down with the FLOOR KIDS

There is a breakdancing game for the Nintendo Switch and it looks pretty awesome!! Check out the video below and then read on for more information about the game.

Floor Kids is a unique breakdance game featuring dance battles, freestyle gameplay and funky beats. Discover original hand-drawn animation by JonJon, a fresh soundtrack by Kid Koala and innovative controls that allow you the freedom to play the way you like. Lead your crew of B-boys and B-girls through the city, unlock new characters and locations, battle against your friends, and discover new combos as you rock to the beat and find your style.

• Choose from 8 diverse characters, each with their own set of authentic and original moves.
• Find your style with an innovative control system that responds to different rhythms, holds, and combinations.
• Discover over two dozen original music tracks by DJ Kid Koala, each with corresponding rhythm challenges.
• Win over the crowds with a scoring system that rewards musicality, originality and style.
• Dance at many different locations, either in solo freestyle mode or in local 2-player battles.

While there may have been many dance games that came out over the years, I don't think that many of them touched on Breakdancing. I have to get myself a Nintendo Switch this holiday season just so I can get this game. If the Fandads are able to get their hands on this game we will give you a full review soon.

Floor Kids is out December 7, 2017 for the Nintendo Switch.

Remember friends, the Nintendo eShop Cyber Deals – Last Chance – Treat yourself this holiday season with big savings on select digital games. Act fast, though, as the sale only runs until Dec. 11 at 8:59 a.m. PT.

Meet Mario this weekend in Chicago!

Hey friends, looking for something fun to do this weekend? If the answer is yes, get ready to power-up and head to Navy Pier this Saturday, October 21st for Mario's Journey Across the Country comes to Chicago

New Splatoon 2 Nintendo Switch bundle

Hey friends, if you have not yet bought a Nintendo Switch, WalMart will be the exclusive home to the new Splatoon 2 bundle. So what is so special about this new bundle? Keep reading to find out.

Nintendo announces new 2DS for August

Photo courtesy of Business Wire

Hey friends, if you are looking to update your 2DS or looking to get a new 2DS Nintendo has something for you on August 25th.

ARMS Review

Disclaimer: The Fandads were provided with a downloadable copy of ARMS for this review. All thoughts and opinions are our own.

ARMS has been in heavy rotation around the Fandads.com studio for the past couple of weeks. When I found out we were going to have early access to the game it was an awesome and unexpected surprise. Our access came along the same time that the Global Testpunch was happening and it gave me a good chance to try out the game with a lot of other people.

There are a variety of modes to check out online!

My first impressions were that it was a unique game. It's kind of hard to describe and/or compare to anything else. Yes, it's a fighting game, but it's also something else. Grappling? Wrestling? Not quite, but there are elements somewhere in there.

The learning curve seemed to be tough, especially in "thumbs up" mode, which I assume is the way the game is meant to be played. (Thumbs up mode is basically having one Joy-Con in each hand and controlling your fighter by moving your hands and punching to attack.) I got my rear handed to me pretty easily and frequently, even on lower difficulty settings. Master Mummy is the only character I've actually gotten to be somewhat proficient with. Seeing as how I was having some difficulty with the game, I thought I'd give the next generation a try.

I let my girls play for a while, with an extra pair of Joy-Cons they were both able to experience the game in "thumbs up" mode, and they had wildly different experiences. One of my girls was frustrated and couldn't get the game to do what she wanted it to. Unfortunately she ended up being upset and quickly gave up on the game. Daughter #2 though, couldn't get enough. She was sticking and moving like a pro and quickly decimated her sister. She then moved on to me and it wasn't pretty. I can 100% assure you that I wasn't trying to let her win and she mopped the floor with me.

Although it was fun for her, I believe that this is one of the issues I have with the game. My five year daughter was able to beat me to a pulp by essentially button-mashing with the right character. Again, it might be me and my lack of experience with the game, but it didn't interest me enough to want to keep playing it so I could actually get better.

The Hoops, V-Ball, and Skill Shot modes offer some depth to the game, I actually found those modes more enjoyable than the fighting, but the "story" mode, or Grand Prix, didn't hold my attention. The characters aren't very interesting either. Yes, they look cool, and ARMS is definitely different, but it still wasn't wowing me.

Determined to give it more of a chance, I let my "focus group" AKA students at school, try it out. Well,  it turns out maybe this game isn't for me. The kids loved it. the characters, the colors, they really got into it. They also didn't seem to be having too many problems learning the controls. I'm sure part of it was because kids are so quick to pick up games these days, but it also could have been that they were playing "traditionally" with the Joy-Cons. I didn't want any kids accidentally punching themselves so I had them play with one Joy-Con each and it seemed to work out well. I actually started playing this way and with the controls attached to the Switch and the game seems to be a bit more bearable this way. I guess it's just not my cup of tea.

So my final verdict is that Dads could probably give this one a pass, if you're into fighting games there are definitely better options out there. That being said, this might be a good pick up for the kids. There isn't any blood and the characters are pretty abstract. It's rated E 10+, so it's good for anyone 10 and up but my kids, both under 10, seemed to be fine with it.

Until next time, thanks for reading.

What to do: The Tattoos and Fighting Edition

Looking for some fun stuff to do in the Chicagoland area this weekend or something you can do at home. Check out our latest episode of What to Do! (Still taking suggestions for a better title for this.)

Despicable Me 3 Tattoo Parlor

If you are in the downtown area and want to get a holographic tattoo by a few minions, head on over to Millennium Park this weekend for the Despicable Me 3 Traveling Tattoo Parlor. At the parlor kids of all ages can get a holographic tattoo and pose for a photo or two.

The parlor will be near the Chase Promenade South and will run Saturday through Monday from 11am to 6pm. 

Looking to fight with old friends?

If you have a Nintendo Switch Ultra Street Fighter II: The Final Challengers  is now available to buy through the Nintendo eShop. The fighting game features the full Street Fighter II roster, plus two new roster additions – Evil Ryu and Violent Ken – as well as a host of new single- and multiplayer features. 

Some of these features are:

•  Co-Op Battle: In this new mode, players can join forces in teams of two as they battle together against a computer-controlled opponent. Players share a health bar and can coordinate attacks to perform powerful combos.

•  "Way of the Hado": In "Way of the Hado" mode, players can fight enemies in first-person using the Joy-Con controllers. Iconic special moves like the HADOKEN can be activated using the motion controls of the Joy-Con.

•  Two graphic modes: With the simple push of a button, players can change between the game's classic pixel art and modern high-definition graphics.

•  Arcade Mode returns: The classic Arcade Mode returns in Ultra Street Fighter II: The Final Challengers. After battling through all the computer-controlled characters in the game, players can view character-specific endings.

•  Color Editor: Customize characters and costume colors using this new mode. Players can now bring their favorite character into battle with more style and personality than ever before!

So there you go. Get yourself a tattoo this weekend and show how tough you can be virtually by fighting other fighters from around the world.  Enjoy you weekend friends! 

Mario Kart 8 Deluxe Review

Disclaimer: The Fandads were provided with a downloadable copy of Mario Kart 8 Deluxe for this review. All thoughts and opinions are our own.

The second must buy title for the Nintendo Switch has finally arrived! Mario Kart 8 Deluxe is out and it's time to start your engines! Most of you are probably quite familiar with the Mario Kart series, some of you might even be owners of Mario Kart 8, so you're probably thinking why do I need another copy?

Get a "Power Up" in your next Happy Meal.

Starting today and running through May 22, anyone who purchases a Happy Meal at participating McDonald’s restaurants across the U.S. will receive one of eight fun toys based on Super Mario characters. These classic and instantly recognizable characters are also featured in the upcoming Mario Kart 8 Deluxe game for Nintendo’s newest system, Nintendo Switch.

Nintendo fans will want to collect each of the eight toys, which include Mario, Luigi, Princess Peach, Bowser, Yoshi, Invincible Mario, a Red Koopa Shell and 1-Up Mushroom. Each one of the toys has a special function, like a translucent Mario that lights up in different colors.

In addition to the toys, families can take their fun to the next level by entering a sweepstakes for a chance to win one of 100 Nintendo Switch Prize Packs inclusive of a Nintendo Switch system and the Mario Kart 8 Deluxe game. Eligible customers that scan and purchase a meal at McDonald’s using the McDonald’s mobile app between now and May 22 will be entered. Customers get one entry for redeeming any deal in the app and two entries when they purchase a Happy Meal. No purchase is necessary to enter. The sweepstakes is open only to residents of the United States who are 13 and older. Official rules for the sweepstakes, including details about how to enter without making a purchase, can be found at online and http://www.PlayatMcD.com and at participating McDonald’s restaurants.

Getting the sleep I need thanks to the Beautyrest #SleepTracker monitor.

Disclaimer: The Fandads have teamed up with Life of Dad and Beautyrest for this campaign. All thoughts, opinions and good night sleep are our own. 

Parents, remember the good old days when you really did not care about sleep? Those days where you used to go out all night with your friends and sleep in the next day until the afternoon?

How many of us wish we had all those missed sleep opportunities back? I, for one, wish I could sleep again like I used to in my pre-children days. It's not that I don't sleep enough, it's just that I think I need healthier habits for my sleep routine.

TellTale's Guardians of the Galaxy game is coming soon