{"id":3117,"date":"2011-06-19T01:28:03","date_gmt":"2011-06-18T18:28:03","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/wellconnectedmom.com\/blog\/?p=3117"},"modified":"2011-06-19T01:34:21","modified_gmt":"2011-06-18T18:34:21","slug":"the-best-upcoming-family-games-from-e3","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/wellconnectedmom.com\/blog\/the-best-upcoming-family-games-from-e3\/","title":{"rendered":"The Best Upcoming Family Games from E3"},"content":{"rendered":"

by Lori Cunningham<\/span><\/p>\n

\"Lots<\/p>\n

Talk about a fun trade show, E3 is the place to be!  E3 stands for Electronic Entertainment Expo and claims to be “the world’s premier trade show for computer and video games and related products.”  I felt as if I were walking in a fantasy world as I meandered through the aisles of the Los Angeles Convention Center.  Characters came alive from famous and not so famous video games.  I saw provocatively clad women in warrior outfits, super charged racing cars, and even Hulk Hogan!<\/p>\n

I had only one day to spend, so I did my best to make the most of it.  Although there was all sorts of excitement surrounding the newest version of Call of Duty, Halo, Mass Effect, and Madden NFL versions, I focused on family and fitness games.  I can tell you that there are a lot of fun exciting games coming out this Fall and right before Christmas!  It is amazing to see how games are taking advantage of the great motion sensoring that the Wii, XBOX Kinect, and PlayStation Move utilize.<\/p>\n

New Nintendo Wii U Console<\/span><\/h2>\n

Before I tell you my faves from E3, I should mention that there was an interesting press meeting from Nintendo\"The debuting the new Wii console and controller, the Wii U.  Yes, you read it right, a new console.  It’s power comes to play with the  included 6.2 inch touchscreen controller where you can see and utilize extra information and controls to play the game on the TV.  In addition, if someone wants to watch TV, the person playing can transfer the game to their Wii U controller to continue right where they left off.  The Wii U is backwards compatible with previous games, though I’m sure you wouldn’t get any added features on the Wii U remote.<\/p>\n

Here is the official Wii U trailer<\/a>.  This other video gives you an idea how you will interact with the new Wii U controller and how it gives you more options than just viewing the game on the TV screen.<\/p>\n

Now, on to my fave games from E3…..<\/span><\/h1>\n

Cyberbike – Wii<\/span><\/h2>\n

\"Now<\/p>\n

\"Great<\/p>\n

The Cyberbike caught my eye as I was exploring the press meeting room area behind closed doors at E3.   The Cyberbike is a stationary bike with built-in Wii controllers in the handlebars.  It comes packed with  the Cyberbike Cycling Sports game.  This looks like a lot of fun.  It has two main game modes:<\/p>\n

    \n
  1. Story <\/strong>– you pedal and control a bike, submarine, wagon, and helicopter through 18 circuits.  It has a green theme where you help get rid of pollution while cycling on your way.<\/li>\n
  2. Fitness <\/strong>–  you can set personal goals geared towards distance, time, or calorie burning.  Up to 4 people can take turns getting fit together.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n
    The Cyberbike uses magnetic resistance, which can be set through a tension control knob, allowing for different fitness levels.  The cushioned seat and handlebars are adjustable.  The Cyberbike is compatible with all Wii games, so it would be interesting to see how how it works with your favorite games.<\/div>\n
    The Cyberbike is already popular in Europe and will become available in the US at the end of the month.  The Cyberbike will retail for $199.99 at most online retailers including ToysRUs.com, Sears.com<\/a>, and AAFES.com<\/a>.  Many online retailers will offer free shipping.<\/div>\n
    <\/span><\/span><\/div>\n

    Disneyland Adventures – XBOX Kinect<\/span><\/h2>\n

    \"AWant to bring the happiest place on earth right into your family room?  Now you can with Disneyland Adventures game.  Players can actually stroll through Disneyland, interacting with its various attractions and characters including Mickey Mouse himself.  Give Micky a high five or a hug to Cinderella.  Love all the princesses and Disney characters?  Now you can get their autographs as well!  You can even help Peter Pan battle Captain Hook!  Can’t get enough of the parades?  Pull your your front row seat every day!<\/p>\n

    From what I can tell, the rides aren’t exactly the same, in fact, they incorporate different adventures than the original rides.  This makes for an added element of play to make the ride more interactive and fun.  Here’s a fun quick video that gives you an idea of the game:<\/p>\n