Cooking Mama- for Wii and DS

These games are some of my all time favorites. I first tried Cooking Mama for Wii when we first got the system last summer. It turned out to be one of the best games for Wii when it comes to something the entire family can play. The only thing you need to play is the regular controller that comes with the system. The nunchuck is not required.

Cooking Mama is a cooking game that teaches you how to become a master chef. You are taught how to chop, slice, fry and so much more. The Wii version of Cooking Mama offers both single and multiplayer modes. You are able to earn different medals when you successfully complete a recipe. This game is really fun to play because the wireless remote control gives a lot of freedom when you are performing your tasks. Everyone in my family enjoyed playing this game from my five year old daughter to my dad. The hardest part for me was learning to crack an egg. I kept hitting it against the bowl too hard. My kids love all the chopping and slicing they are able to do. We definitely had lots of laughs while playing this game, especially when I burnt the popcorn!!

Since we enjoyed Cooking Mama on the Wii, I had to give it a try on DS. I was not sure if it would be fun because I could not imagine how you would be able to do all the movements on a handheld game. I am glad to say I was pleasantly surprised. I was able to use the stylus to chop, slice, knead, peel, stir and mix in the kitchen. I was a little concerned about breaking the screen while in the middle of an intense game but we had no problems at all. You are not limited to using the 75 recipes that are available, you get to combine recipes in this version. Another nice feature is when you have to cool down hot food, you blow into the microphone on the DS. My daughter loves that part! If you have a friend you can share a recipe with them for free. I am very happy to say that Cooking Mama on DS is just as fun as the Wii version.

When I heard about Cooking Mama 2 : Dinner with Friends for DS I rushed over to Gamefly to put it on hold. I could not think of any possible improvement for Cooking Mama so I was eager to play ASAP. This second version has 80 new recipes including chili dogs, meatloaf and ice cream. There are cooking contests you can play with at least 3 of your friends. My kids love the new option to change Mama's outfits or the kitchen decor. Another nice addition to this sequel is you get to cook for Mama and your friends. If you impress them you unlock more friends to cook for. I love all of the mini games added, they are quick and fun to play. You are still able to earn medals based on your quality of cooking and send a demo to a friend for free.

Mario Kart - Wii

Well it has finally arrived!!! Unfortunately I am on a budget and can not buy it. So I decided to chance it and check out Hollywood Video. Would you believe it was stock? I could not believe my luck!! I could barely wait until I got home.

I have been a fan of Mario forever and I love to play Mario Kart Double Dash on Gamecube. All the different cars and characters you can choose is one of the reasons my family loves it so much.

Now on to MarioKart for Wii. I was not sure what to expect but I was excited. First off this version of MarioKart has some really nice new features.

• The first of course being you can use a wireless steering wheel, the original Wii controller and Nunchuck or a gamecube controller to play.
  
• You can also personalize the game a little by choosing to play with your Mii instead of one of the Mario characters.
  
• This time around you can choose to drive a kart or a motor bike. The motor bikes can even do wheelies. Personally I like the karts because it is easier for me to hit those power ups. Maybe with a little practice, one day I can move up to the motor bikes. They are fun to drive though. I like having the option.
• There are some new power ups including a Triple Mushroom that gives you 3 speed boosts, a Mega Mushrooms which speeds you up and flatten other players, a Golden Mushroom which gives you unlimited speed boosts for a limited time period, Bullet Bill which speeds you up so fast you turn into a bullet, and Blooper which temporarily sprays ink on the vehicles in front of you.
  
• And the courses. Wow, they are full of surprises. There are mushrooms to bounce off of, bridges, cows and cars that block your way and wall blocks that move if you bump them to name a few.

I really like this game and was not disappointed. It seems to be a game worth buying because it has so many courses and karts that can be unlocked. It does not hurt that you get a steering wheel included. Another big bonus is the fact that there is online play available. This game is fun for all ages and I will be saving up to buy one.

If you are interested in talking with other MarioKart fans and set up racing tournements, MarioKartWii is the place to visit. This forum is full of players of MarioKart.

Destroy All Humans Game Giveaway

Teen Scene is having a giveaway where you can win a copy of Destroy the Humans for Wii. This giveaway is easy to enter. All you have to do is submit your information and you are entered.

The contest ends May 9th, 2008. You can enter only 1 time a day.

XBOX 360 Giveaway

Giant Magazine and Rockstar games are teaming up to have a pretty cool giveaway. They are giving away a limited edition  GTA4 Xbox 360. To enter the contest all you have to do is answer 3 questions.

1. What are the names of all the Grand Theft Auto games?
2. What is the real city that Liberty City is based on?
3. Which Grand Theft Auto game had to be taken off the shelves in light of September 11?

If you win you not only get a Xbox 360 but you get a shoutout in the next issue of Giant Magazine.

So head on over to Giant Magazine and enter. Maybe you will be the lucky winner.

Playstation 2 game giveaway

5minutesformom is having a huge giveaway. 14 to be exact. One of the giveaways is for a Playstation 2 game, Buzz! Jr. Robo Jam. The giveaway is easy to enter, just go to the post and leave a comment. You do not even need to have a blog to enter. But if you do a link back to the post is appreciated.

Hurry and enter because the deadline is May 7th!!!