THQ uDraw GameTablet for Wii

One thing about the Wii is the fact that the accessories are endless. THQ came out with a really family fun addition to the Wii family, it’s called the uDraw Studio – GameTablet . The Game Tablet Bundle includes the uDraw GameTablet, and the game uDraw Studio.

udraw tablet

The Udraw GameTablet Product Features include:

  • Using an SD card, you can share your masterpieces with friends and family
  • Use templates or your own imagination to paint, draw, color and sketch using Udraw Game Tablet
  • Tablet is bundled with the uDraw Studio game
  • Tablet will be supported with other games including Pictionary and Dood’s Big Adventure available at launch
  • Watch how a work of art is created stroke-by-stroke for a true learning experience using the Replay Feature

udraw screenshot

With these fun key game features in uDraw Studio you’re sure to have hours of fun:

  • Painting – Paint or draw using over 9 different media options
  • Toolbox – Change colors, brushes, or canvases with your toolbox at the flick of a button
  • Coloring Book – Color in the lines or out, choosing from a variety of styles and themes
  • Replay – Watch how a work of art is created stroke-by-stroke for a true learning experience
  • Gallery – Peruse your latest masterpieces in an easy-to-use, organized manner; or replay and augment your creations
  • Save and Share – Using an SD card, you can share your masterpieces with friends and family

I love painting and just haven’t had time to explore my creative skills since I started blogging. I guess it’s a fair trade because I do like to write as well. uDraw gives you the opportunity to find the inner artist with simple and intuitive games. You can create your own masterpieces and share them with your friends and family. From simple doodles to intricate works of art, you can even try your hand at learning how to draw, paint, and color simple shapes with some very basic tools. Try your hand at different painting styles and different artistic concepts like shading, and layering.

Basically the uDraw GameTablet is a wireless sketch tablet with tethered stylus developed by THQ. It builds upon the innovative wireless functionality of the motion-sensing Wii Remote controller by integrating a removable Wii Remote (sold separately) directly into the tablet design. This integration opens up entirely new gameplay and input options by allowing the uDraw GameTablet to track your drawing movements more accurately than you ever thought possible, while still allowing easy access to Wii Remote buttons. This integration also allows the tablet to draw just enough energy to power itself from the Wii Remote, meaning less batteries to change and zero battery drain when the tablet is disconnected and not in use. In addition, added sensors in the tablet make the Wii Remote respond even quicker to the slightest movement, motion, or twist of the wrist, while the interactive pen enables you to intuitively connect with your television and games utilizing pressure and tilt-sensitive technology. The uDraw Studio allows you to paint, draw, sketch and color to your heart’s content utilizing nine different media options, and saving and sharing finished work via the Wii’s SD card memory functionality. This combination can also be used as a teaching tool as users take advantage of Replay Mode to explore creations and art techniques on a stroke-by-stroke basis.

 

 

Disclosure: Product Information, photos and product provided free of charge by the manufacturer or representing PR agency for the writing of this review; however, opinions expressed are my own and are NOT influenced by monetary compensation.

THQ Fantastic Pets XBOX 360 Kinect Easter Basket Giveaway

Fantastic Pets came out for Xbox 360 for Kinect April 12th and we love it. In Fantastic Pets kids get to create, collect and interact with unlimited varieties of pets. And if you’ve seen the game you have to know that Zoe’s favorite animal is a purple unicorn and Miles loves his orange dragon type creature. Both of the kids picked animals that can fly and were actually able to play the game from set up, to animal training, tutorial to actual play mode.

fantastic pets logoFantastic Pets Game features include Creation, or changing your animals features. Zoe was able to make some changes to her purple unicorn and she thought it was the greatest for her purple unicorn to get a bright sparkly blue horn. I think she was proud that she did it all by herself. She’s FOUR! Customization includes changing the skin, colors patterns, wings, horns tails and creation of your own species. We have yet to get that far in the game.

purple unicornOther Fantastic Pets features hands on interaction with the pets, Zoe had to give her unicorn a bath, brush him and feed him. She quickly learned that horse type creatures do NOT like dog biscuits. There is also an occasional multiplayer option where the kids can work together. A feature we have yet to try is the voice command feature. So far all interaction has been responses to hand commands from the kids, and extreme jumping up and down to pop bubbles. That’s one of their favorite games because the more they move the more bubbles appear for them to pop with their fantastic pet.

fun mini gamesThere are also 12 mini games that include fetch, pet wash, piñatas bubble dodge, dressage, teaching tricks, grooming and much more. We’ve only begun to tap into the game. One thing that frustrates them is that some of the game is locked, they don’t understand yet that they have to earn jewels to pay for the unlockable new games to play. But we’re getting there, remember Miles and Zoe are ages 3 and 4 and this game is rated E for everyone it’s just that the Kinect can be frustrating for little ones with little patience and attention spans. That said, They LOVE Fantastic Pets

Now, I wanted to take a video of Zoe actually playing the game, but she flat out told me no, and I do have to respect her opinion, plus making a child do something just turns into a disaster and it looks like she’s not enjoying something when she really does love this game. It’s a perfect rainy day active option.

As a mom trying to keep her kids as active as possible I really appreciate Fantastic Pets because it makes them move quickly to achieve different goals with their animals. Some of the kids Kinect games we have don’t require them to actually get very active. So we’re pretty pleased with Fantastic Pets.

P4180006 copyEnter to Win:

A Fantastic Pets themed Easter basket filled with prizes including a copy of the Fantastic Pets video game from THQ (available for Kinect on Xbox360), a Webkinz, animal stickers, bracelets, coloring book and other cool prizes. 

To Enter:

Tell me what your favorite animal is

Extra Entries:

Tweet or RT this post and include the link to the post

THQ Fantastic Pets XBOX 360 Kinect Easter Basket #Giveaway @MomStart http://t.co/DPL0oYy

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Comment on any non-giveaway post
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This giveaway ends May 9th. All rules can be found under giveaway rules.

Disclosure – A product was provided to me free of charge by the manufacturer or representing PR agency for the writing of this review; however, opinions expressed are my own and are NOT influenced by monetary compensation.

Hudson’s Beyblade Metal Fusion Nintendo DS Giveaway

Hudson sent us a copy of Beyblade Metal Fusion for Nintendo DS a few months ago and it’s still sitting on my table to be reviewed unopened. So I’ve been trying to decide what to do with it. I’ve finally made a decision. Thursday’s are the day that I list a lot of giveaways and I’ve just decided to give this away too. DS games are hard for me to review because it’s hard for me to get a turn with what the kids call the red computer, AKA the Nintendo DS. Plus, my husband takes it to work with. Check out the product description from Hudson:

Fans of the hit animated action TV series BEYBLADE:  Metal Fusion will not have to wait long for their chance to be recognized among the top Beyblading champions from the show.  Hudson Entertainment, the North and South American subsidiary of HUDSON SOFT, will bring BEYBLADE: Metal Fusion – Battle Fortress to Wii™ this holiday season along with BEYBLADE: Metal Fusion for the Nintendo DS™ family of hand-held systems.

The action is more thrilling than ever with BEYBLADE:  Metal Fusion – Battle Fortress for Wii.  The game features a complete game-specific story with the original characters from the show.  Players find themselves in the midst of a disappearance of the world’s most powerful Beybladers.  Sucked into a giant fortress, players must battle robot bladers and discover the mystery behind the abduction.

BEYBLADE:  Metal Fusion – Battle Fortress is equipped with four-player “Battle Mode” competition allowing players to face off against three other human or AI controlled enemies, or play co-operatively with allies.  By using the Wii Remote™, players can save and carry the blades created to friends’ houses for competition.  With customizable stadiums, players can choose from a variety of terrains and shapes for battle.  Players will also have the chance to become the No. 1 Beyblader by utilizing special attacks and winning strategies.  The television series from Nelvana and d-rights Inc. launched in Canada in May 2010 on YTV and debuted in the United States on Cartoon Network in June.

BEYBLADE: Metal Fusion – Battle Fortress and BEYBLADE: Metal Fusion will be shown at San Diego Comic-Con International from July 22-25, 2010 alongside Konami Digital Entertainment titles in Booth 3713.

beybladeEnter to Win:

Hudson’s Beyblade Metal Fusion Nintendo DS

To Enter:

Tell me what your favorite Hudson game is

Extra Entries:

Please vote for Our Family Picnic (extra entry for every vote, every day)

Tweet or RT this post and include the link to the post

Hudson’s Beyblade Metal Fusion Nintendo DS #Giveaway http://bit.ly/eilOeC

Subscribe to MomStart
Comment on any non-giveaway post
List this giveaway on any giveaway site, dig, stumble, like or share on Facebook (or use any of the share options listed below)
Blog About this Giveaway (10 extra entries, linking to the giveaway)
Follow me on twitter tell me your twitter ID
Follow/Like Mom Start on Facebook
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This giveaway ends May 2nd. All rules can be found under giveaway rules.

Disclosure – A product was provided to me free of charge by the manufacturer or representing PR agency for the writing of this review; however, opinions expressed are my own and are NOT influenced by monetary compensation.

Jeopardy is on the Wii, and So is Wheel of Fortune Giveaway!

Jeopardy_Wii_Cov_300_thumbWheel_of_Fortune_Wii_300_thumb

Enter to Win:

1 of 5 Game Sets of Wheel of Fortune and Jeopardy America’s Favorite Quiz Show for Wii.

To Enter:

Answer these two questions in the google doc:

 

1. In which year did Alex Trebek receive his star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame?

2. Where was Jeopardy! announcer Johnny Gilbert born?

3. Before Pat Sajak became the host of Wheel Of Fortune, what job did he have at KNBC in Los Angeles?

4. How many prize envelopes does the Bonus Wheel contain?

Extra Entries, must also go into the Google Doc!

Tweet: #Win 1 of 5 sets of Wheel of Fortune and Jeopardy for the Wii #Giveaway http://bit.ly/i898Su

Enter The Commit A Minute Giveaway
Subscribe to my blog
Follow me on twitter
Follow me on Google Friend Connect
List this giveaway on any giveaway site, dig or stumble or use any of the share methods below facebook included (just leave a link to this post)
Leave a comment on any non-giveaway post
Blog About this Giveaway (linking to the giveaway (3 extra entries))

 

Remember to go back and leave the answers to the questions from Wheel of Fortune and Jeopardy trivia day 1, 2, 3, and 4.

 

 

This giveaway ends December 13. You have all weekend to enter and go back and answer all of the other days as well!

Wheel of Fortune and Jeopardy Trivia Day 4

Wheel of Fortune Wii SleeveWheel of Fortune Wii Sleeve Hawaii

Enter to Win:

1 of 5 Game Sets of Wheel of Fortune and Jeopardy America’s Favorite Quiz Show for Wii.

To Enter:

Answer these two questions in the google doc:

 

1. Where is Alex Trebek originally from?

2. How many Daytime Emmy Awards, has Jeopardy! won?

3. What is the name of Vanna White’s autobiography, which was a nationwide bestseller when it published in 1989?

4. How many Emmy Awards has Pat Sajak been honored with since his debut as host of Wheel of Fortune?

 

 

Remember to go back and leave the answers to the questions from Wheel of Fortune and Jeopardy trivia day 1, 2, and 3.

 

 

 

Don’t forget to come back tomorrow for more chances to win. Giveaway ends December 13th.

Spin the Wheel of Fortune and Play Jeopardy Trivia Day 3

THQ and Sony are so excited about the release of Wheel of Fortune and Jeopardy Wii that they having decided to bring you a week’s worth of trivia here on Mom Start. Now, today is day three, so be sure to enter Day 1 and Day 2 as every day is an entry into winning your very own copy of Wheel of Fortune and Jeopardy for the Wii. There will be 5 winners total.

Spin, Solve and Win on Your Wii

Wheel of Fortune ScreenshotNow you and your whole family can spin the iconic wheel as contestants on America’s favorite game show from the comfort of your own home as Wheel of Fortune finally comes to Wii. In this amazing re-creation, players take on the role of contestants battling for prizes and cash as they uncover letters in the show’s familiar turn based Hangman style phrase puzzle format. Mirroring the TV show, the game features 1-3 player support, allowing the whole family to play, or for two players or even a single player to face AI opponents as they solve over 8,000 puzzles built into the game. Along with the standard puzzle format, the game features "commercial break" mini-games and show related trivia that add to the fun and diversify the gameplay action. New and established fans of the show will also be delighted to see that the game contains Wii style representations of host Pat Sajak and the world’s most famous letter turner, Vanna White, both in standard studio attire, as well as themed outfits available when the game moves to in-game alternative locations, such as Hawaii. Combine all this with Wii Remote motion control functionality that lets players spin the wheel with a flick of the wrist and Wii Speak microphone capabilities (sold separately) that allow you to call out letters and solve the puzzles verbally, and you have an addictive video game Wheel of Fortune experience that truly does justice to the original TV game show.

This…Is…Jeopardy!

Now you and your whole family can enter the studio and take up the signaling button on America’s favorite quiz show as Jeopardy! comes to Wii. In this re-creation players take on the role of contestants battling for cash as they tackle categories both familiar and foreign, always remembering to phrase answers in the form of a question. Mirroring the TV show format, the game features 1-3 player support, allowing the whole family to play, or two players or less to face AI opponents as they uncover the 2,400 clues built into the game.

Host Alex Trebek from Jeopardy! for Wii

Your host, Alex Trebek.

Along with the standard quiz show format the game features "commercial break" mini-games and show related trivia that add to the fun and diversify the gameplay action. New and established fans of the show will also be delighted that the game contains Wii style representations and voice work by host Alex Trebek, as well as appearances by members of the Jeopardy! Clue Crew who provide occasional visual clues. Combine all this with Wii Remote motion control functionality that lets players ring in with the push of a button and Wii Speak microphone capabilities (sold separately) that allow you to provide answers verbally, and you have an addictive video game Jeopardy! experience that truly does justice to the original TV game show.

Enter to Win:

Wheel of Fortune Wii

and

Jeopardy! Wii

To Enter:

Answer the questions of the day in the Google Doc.

Questions of the Day:

1. What was the original show title for Jeopardy!?

2. When was Jeopardy! host Alex Trebek born?

3. Where was Vanna White born and raised?

4. In which year did Pat Sajak receive his star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame?

 

 

Remember to go back and leave the answers to the questions from Wheel of Fortune and Jeopardy trivia day 1 and day 2.

 

 

 

Don’t forget to come back tomorrow for more chances to win. Giveaway ends December 13th.

Are you Ready to Play Wheel of Fortune and Jeopardy? Giveaway

Starting today I will be asking you all two questions every day for five days. Everyone that participates will have the chance to win 1 of 5 prizes. The prizes are Wheel of Fortune and Jeopardy! Five Winners each receive Wheel of Fortune Wii, and Jeopardy Wii.

Sony and THQ released Wheel of Fortune, and Jeopardy to the Wii. Both games utilize the Wii Speak™ feature for an enhanced gameplay experience and also feature the voices of the show hosts, Pat Sajak, Vanna White and Alex Trebek.

“We strive to create video games that immerse players into the world of each game,” said Doug Clemmer, Executive Vice President of THQ’s Kids, Family and Casual Games division. “With the introduction of the Wheel of Fortune and JEOPARDY! video games, we will give friends and families a play experience that brings these two iconic game show properties to life in an entirely new and unique way.”

“We’re excited to partner with THQ to bring the Wheel of Fortune and JEOPARDY! properties to new platforms,” said Mark Caplan, Vice President Licensing, Sony Pictures Consumer Products, Inc. “Both video games include features and interactive experiences that will let players feel like true show contestants.”

Wheel of Fortune Wii Sleeve HawaiiAbout the Wheel of Fortune Video Game

Making its high-definition debut, Wheel of Fortune brings the fun and excitement of TV’s No. 1 syndicated game show to life in this re-creation video game for the Wii and Nintendo DS. Voiced by show hosts Pat Sajak and Vanna White, the game will follow the format of the show by putting up to three players at the wheel to solve thousands of word puzzles to win virtual cash prizes. With the show hosts’ avatars cheering contestants on, players can insert their own favorite Mii character to represent them within the game. Contestants can play commercial break mini-games for an enhanced gameplay experience. As players work their way up proving their puzzle solving skills, they can unlock new sets and props, as well as customization options for their Mii character.

Wheel of Fortune Wii SleeveAbout the JEOPARDY! Video Game

For the first time, “America’s Favorite Quiz Show,” ‘JEOPARDY!’, comes to the Wii and Nintendo DS. The video game based on TV’s No. 2 syndicated game show is voiced by host Alex Trebek and comes to life with an authentic show set that includes lights, cameras and a “live” studio audience. Inviting up to three players to compete with each other and represented by their favorite Mii character, participants test their knowledge in Jeopardy!, Double Jeopardy! and Final Jeopardy! rounds by providing responses to the clues provided. The Wii Speak technology can also be utilized to verbally respond to the clues, as well as the handwriting recognition technology on the DS version. Additionally, the Clue Crew will make a cameo in the game to present contestants with visual clues. In addition to the main gameplay, participants can play the commercial break mini-games to unlock new, trendy outfits for their Mii characters. The JEOPARDY! video game includes a comprehensive tracking system that stores the players statistics, such as number of wins and fastest response time.

 

To Participate:

Fill out the Google form. This is just so that we don’t have the answers in the comments, but feel free to leave a comment saying you entered.

Today’s Questions are:

1. Who is the creator of Jeopardy!?

2. In which year did Alex Trebek make his Jeopardy! debut?

Wheel of Fortune

3. What was the original show title for Wheel of Fortune?

4. In 1992, what did the “Guinness Book of World Records” list Vanna White as?

 

 

 

 

 

Don’t forget to come back tomorrow for more chances to win. Giveaway ends December 13th.

Work on Those Arms with Riiflex Dumbbells for Wii

Miles holding RiiflexRiiflex by powerplay is a great addition to any Wii video game, especially for any of the workout games. Riiflex is a dumbell set that weighs 2 lbs each. One of them is made just the right size for the Wii mote to fit inside. It is a perfect fit and with the sleeve of the Wii mote  it’s actually just a tad bit tight. There is no worrying about the Wiimote falling out of Riiflex.  The riiflex dumbbells interact with the sensor bar with no issues.

I let Miles help me out with this review and he told me that they were a bit heavy but he is only 2. I found them heavy after a while too but I’m quite a bit out of shape. I have no upper body strength. By using weights with any workout you are increasing your activity level and I’m all about that. I’m also very happy that gaming systems are getting people off of their buts and exercising.

Here are a few different angles of the Riiflex dumbbells.

riiflex 2 lb dumbells

Riiflex with Wiimoteimage

Riiflex dumbbells retail $29.99 for a pair.

Riiflex Features:

  • Adds 2lb. of resistance to your Wii workout
  • Allows full functionality of Wiimotes
  • Compatible with Wii Motion Plus and many aftermarket Wiimotes
  • Durable, gym-quality construction
  • Try it with Wii Fit Plus, EA Sports Active, Fitness Ultimatum, Golds Gym Cardio, Your Shape, My Fitness Coach, and more!

Why Riiflex over the competition?

  • Compatibility: Most competitive products on the market today are not compatible with Wii Motion Plus, the latest motion-sensing attachment to the Wii controllers.
  • Durability: Competitive products are made from cheap plastic and filled with sand or concrete for weight. Because they’re manufactured like toys rather than fitness equipment, these products typically crack or break with only moderate use.
  • Usability: The most popular designs on the market require cumbersome installation that includes feeding cables through the end of the weight and attaching extra pieces to secure the controllers.

More About Riiflex:

The Riiflex 2lb. dumbbells are ergonomic, gym-quality weights that securely fit your Wii controllers to provide calorie-burning resistance while you play! Molded of tough polycarbonate, with cast-iron weights and a durable soft-touch rubber overmold, these weights won’t slip out of your hand and can withstand the rugged abuse of any household.

For even more information on Riiflex: 

 

 

I received the products mentioned above free to me from the company mentioned above to facilitate this review, all opinions are my own.

Kingdom Hearts Birth By Sleep PSP Video Game Giveaway

Kingdom Hearts Kingdom Hearts Birth By Sleep is being released on the PSP, and I really wish it was coming out on the Xbox 360 so I could play the game. The game looks mystical and magical and the graphics look pretty cool. It screams Disney magic and I want it! Apparently, KINGDOM HEARTS Birth by Sleep is the latest installment to the hugely popular KINGDOM HEARTS franchise. Kingdom Hearts BBS features a wide range of Disney characters and worlds having shipped more than 14 million copies worldwide. The game was developed and published by Square Enix and there will be an exclusive, limited-edition PlayStation Portable bundle.

This game is the must-have prequel and is easy to play, even for players new to the series like me, as it will reveal the origin stories of KINGDOM HEARTS. The game features never before seen Disney worlds and characters ranging from Sleeping Beauty and Cinderella to Lilo and Stitch and Peter Pan. It just sounds so cool and perfect for the Disney Fanatic! It is Final Fantasy meets Disney World.

Kingdomheartsmap

The game launches on September 7th and is rated E10+ (Everyone 10 and older).

Enter to Win:

· A retail copy of the KINGDOM HEARTS BBS game

· A sheet of Disney/Kingdom Hearts character magnets

· A set of Disney/Kingdom Hearts character postcards

· A set of 2 Disney/Kingdom Hearts mini posters

To Enter:

Tell me who your favorite Disney Character is.

Extra Entries:

Tweet or RT the giveaway using the RT button above, include the link to the post

Like Mom Start on Facebook
Follow me on twitter tell me your twitter ID
Follow me on Google Friend Connect
Subscribe to my blog
Comment on any other non-giveaway post 
List this giveaway on any giveaway site, dig or stumble
Blog About this Giveaway (5 extra entries, linking to the giveaway)
Add my blog button to your sidebar (3 extra).

This giveaway ends September 27th. All rules can be found under giveaway rules.

Shrek Forever After Xbox 360 Video Game Review

image

Zoe loves Shrek, we had a Shrek party for one of our playdates and ever since then she’s just been all about Shrek and Fiona. So when we received Shrek Forever After for the Xbox 360, she wanted to play it all the time. We haven’t spent too much time playing it because the weather has been so nice. I have to take the kids outside when we have sunshine because living in the Pacific Northwest we never know when that pesky rain is going to come back.

Shrek Forever After The Game teams you up with Shrek and his friends. You can play as Shrek, Fiona, Donkey, and Puss In Boots to out-smart, out-fight and out-play that crafty Rumpelstiltskin.

I watched as Zoe tried to play, she still has a little trouble with using the d-pad/joy stick on the controller. That’s fine with me though, I’d rather have her playing outside, but when the rain comes back, I’m sure she’ll improve her movement skills in these games we have.

Shrek I usually find Shrek to be quite annoying and well, that is his personality, but the game did not annoy me. I was able to play it and I love smashing up things. That is one of the highlights about playing the game is just the complete destruction factor and getting stuff for it. I also really liked how easy it was to switch between characters. That made Zoe happy because she always wanted to be Fiona. She knows that even though Fiona doesn’t look like the typical Princess she is still a princess.

shrekforeverafter The game features include:

Four play co-op mode. Nice for us as a family!

Character changes from Shrek, Fiona, Donkey, to Puss In Boots – Use each character’s unique abilities and fighting moves to save Far Far Away

Two Worlds to play in – Morph between Shrek’s normal world and his alternate reality for double the fun

Puzzle Mode or Combat destructive mode – The mix of problem solving and mash-em-up fighting game play creates a fun experience for everyone to enjoy!

 

As I said before we have barely even scratched the surface of this game and I feel this review is a little short-sided, but overall with what we have seen it’s a great family game. Zoe and I both enjoy playing it together.

 

I received this review as a member of the Game Review Network.