Wishlist Wednesday: Video Game Edition #3

Games on my wishlist currently...

Welcome back to Wishlist Wednesday everyone, it's been a good few weeks since I've written one of these, so I thought it was about time that I got back into doing it. The past few weeks I have been playing a lot more video games as such it has created a fairly long list of games that I am waiting to arrive into my life! Here are the games that I am lusting after at the moment...

The Gadget Show Live 2016

The Gadget Show Presenters

A few months back one of my blogging friends, Amy from Purely Amy let me know that she had been accepted as Press for The Gadget Show Live. Having a quick look into the event I was keen to go, and spured on by the fact that she was accepted I thought, what's the harm? So I sent off my application worried that my blog wouldn't be good enough but too my joy I was accepted, and offered a press pass, which gave me free access to the event, three hours earlier than the public.

Wishlist Wednesday: Video Games #2

Working at a retailer for Video Games can be pretty tough going, mainly when it comes to trying not to spend all of your wages at the place you work! Here are the games that I am currently struggling not to purchase...

1: Fallout 4

2: Call of Duty: Black Ops III

3: The Legend of Zelda: Triforce Heroes

4: Harvest Moon: The Lost Valley
5: Fantasy Life

6: Assassin's Creed Syndicate

7: Lego Jurassic World

8: Lego Dimensions

9: Mario and Luigi: Paper Jam Bros

What video games are you currently playing, are there any that you would recommend for me?

Costume Quest 2

I have wanted to play this game for such a long time, and then I logged onto my Xbox One this morning and saw that they have it as a deal with Gold this morning and it was only £3.96! Of course I couldn't resist and I have been playing it all morning! It's the perfect Halloween game, and it's so cute, you will not be able to resist.

Here's what the game is all about...

The game takes place on Halloween night. Fraternal twin siblings Wren and Reynold, and their cast of friends are out to save Halloween from the evil Dr. Orel White. The nefarious dentist teams up with a powerful time wizard, and together, they release the Grubbins, Orc-like creatures, into the human world, in hopes of ridding Halloween forever. At the beginning of the game, a portal opens up, and Wren and Reynold's friends (who are now adults with kids of their own) step out, explaining that they are from the future where Halloween has been outlawed and Dr. Orel White has basically taken over the world. Wren and Reynold go back to the future with their friends, and it's a race against the clock on Halloween night to try and stop Dr. White for good.

You go around in these super cute costumes, completing quests for people, trick or treating, oh and defeating monsters with super cute and funny attacks. Honestly I may have only been able to play about an hour of this game, but I already cannot wait to play it again.

Have you played Costume Quest 2, What did you think of it?

Animal Crossing Happy Home Designer

Animal Crossing Happy Home Designer was finally released yesterday so my long wait to get my hands on it was over! I've literally been waiting for this game to hit the shelves ever since it's announcement trailer was revealed. I have been a big fan of the AC franchise since playing Wild World on my original DS. The best thing about AC:HHD is that it is completely different to the other games.

In the other AC games you play as a new villager in a town, and you help to make the town greater. You can design your own living space and go fishing etc. making friends with the villagers. However in the newest instalment of the game you take a job at Nook's homes in a new town, and your aim is to design the houses of the villagers based on their design visions!

One of the coolest things about this game is the addition of the collectible amibo cards, that you can use to call characters to bring them into the game, either to invite them to another animals house, or to design their room for them! With the new NFC reader you also don't have to worry about whether you have the Older or Newer version 3DS, it's now accessible to all. On top of all that you can use the NFC reader with other amiibo compatible games, and amiibo characters if you have the older version console...

I have an older version 3DS so I purchased the copy of the game which came with the NFC reader, also for a short time all copies of the game will come with one special amiibo card, which are shiny. Special characters can only be unlocked in the game using amiibo cards, however standard characters can be unlocked normally.

With my preorder of the game I also got a poster and stickers so that I can track which characters I have collected so far. I've already decided that I simply must get my hands on all of the amiibo cards, but I started myself off by buying 3 packs. Each pack comes with 1 Special and 2 Standard character cards. So I now have my hands on 4 special cards and 6 standard cards.

Special Amiibo Cards I have

Standard Amiibo Cards I have

I'm already having to fight the urge to go into town and buy myself more amiibo cards... seriously the struggle is real. Anyhow seeing as I have been having so much fun with this game I thought I would share some of my designs with you so that you can get an idea of what the game is like.

Goldie wanted to be surrounded by books.

Lopez wanted a modern chic style.

Roscoe's theme was black and white.

 Pecans theme was a classic look.

My design for the town's new school

They've made it super easy for you to design the perfect home for each animal with the use of the second touch screen to drag and drop furniture, rotate it, and even duplicate it, all onto a mini floor plan of the room. You are also able to spin the camera view around so you can make sure you are happy with your design from every angle! Also with some of the characters as well as designing their interior, you get to pick a plot of land for them, and design their house also.

Carrie wanted a garden for her children to play in.

A child friendly room for Carrie

A Barber shop look for Gruff.

This game is already so addictive and has a lot of potential to take up a lot of my gaming time! On my poster it also states the Amiibo cards are 'season 1' so I am guessing that in a years time they may bring out another set of cards for the game so you can continue to have fun with it.

If you are a fan of the Animal Crossing games then this one is definitely for you, but be ready to expect the game to be 100% different to the other ones. This game is all about designing homes, so if that's not something you enjoyed in the games previously then I can honestly say that this won't be for you. I'd best be off, I've got to go see a dog about a house!

Whispering Willows

I finally got around to playing Whispering Willows yesterday and I managed to beat the game in a mere 3 hours, which made me sad as I totally wish there was more of this game!

Here is what the developers website says about the game:

Whispering Willows is an adventure, horror themed game where the player takes on the role of Elena, a determined young girl with the extraordinary ability to project her spirit outside of her body. In this spectral form, she can interact with the benevolent spirits and wicked wraiths that used to dwell within the walls of the sinister Willows Mansion. Help Elena use her astral projection to solve puzzles, help lost spirits, and uncover the mysteries behind her missing father.

In the game Elena discovers she is descended from a Shaman and as such has spiritual abilities which help her to save her father. This game is a horror side scroller with added puzzles which at times can be super chilling. Elena uses her spiritual powers to squeeze through small gaps, and possess objects which can help her (human form) progress further into the creepy environment.

I had been dying to play another horror game for some while now and this one was exactly what I had been looking for. A game where the element of horror isn't too in your face, but at times is plenty creepy enough. I mean who isn't going to be creeped out by little creatures that you cannot see with your human eye, only your spiritual one! The puzzles are easy enough to solve, although I'll admit there was a moment when I found an item that I had no idea what to do with, and wandered around for a good while before realising what I needed to do with it. One of my favourite things about this game is the use of the spiritual powers. You could be walking through an empty room and your controller would start vibrating alerting you that there is a spirit in the room which you can communicate with. There's something about that which is really spooky, but at the same time, pretty cool.  The only problem I had with this game is that it ended far too soon, I'd have been happier if it was twice if not three times as long, but I guess that just shows how much I enjoyed it right?

If you are looking to play a horror game which isn't too frightening, then this is definitely one for you! You can pick this up on Xbox Live for a mere £7.99, which in my opinion is pretty cheap for a game as cool as this...

What games are you playing at the moment? Are there any that you would recommend to me?

Gaming Diaries #6: Xbox Live Games

How to Survive: Storm Warning Edition is a game that I had never really thought about playing or purchasing to be honest. Then last month it was the free game with Xbox Live Gold membership, and as with most free games I said a giant, 'Why not?' and hit the download button. I decided to give it a go one evening, and as the menu screen loaded I was super excited to see that you can play local co-op! I handed Tim a controller and we got cracking, and honestly this game has already taken up hours of our lives. Even causing a few arguments over some silly mistakes... thankfully with this game, when you die you can go back to the last checkpoint saved, although sometimes this is super far back and therefore annoying...

Here is what the Xbox Store says about the game:

'How to Survive now is more fun and tougher than ever. Survive on a zombie infested archipelago, fulfill your basic needs of food, water and shelter while facing natural and unnatural threats. - An eccentric survival guide will teach you to craft dozens of weapons and tools: from fishing rods or bows, to chainsaws or explosives. - 7 islands filled with exuberant flora and fauna.'

Basically you are stranded on a collection of islands which are overrun by zombies and other terrible creatures that all want to kill you. You have to survive by finding food, water and shelter, whilst also undertaking missions from other survivors that you find on the island. If you have an Xbox and have a Gold Membership you should definitely get this game, especially if you are looking for something good to co-op play with your other half, or even a good friend. Be warned that it will cause arguments!

You may recognise this game as it was an exclusive game for the WiiU when it was originallly released! In fact this was one of the games that almost made me buy a WiiU... almost! Thankfully a few years on the game has been released on Xbox Live, and I've finally got my hands on it...

Here is what the Xbox Store says about Zombi:

'London is falling. Are you prepared? The Last Blight is upon us. It was foretold. For the second time in history, a great plague has shrouded London in a fog of death. Big Ben tolls as thousands of unprepared die, or worse, are infected by a sickness more gruesome than death. You’re still breathing, for now, but how long will you survive the labyrinth of London’s streets and underground canals, abandoned by the outside world and surrounded by infected? The horrifying remains of humanity, ravaged by the terrifying disease, are shuffling through the streets, waiting at every turn to prey on your living flesh..'

I've only played a little of this, but so far I am loving what I am playing, even it at times it's pretty scary!

Never Alone is an Indie game that got massive hype when it was released, so when I saw that there was a deal on Xbox Gold Membership to get it (and it's DLC) a little cheaper, I jumped at the chance...

Here is what the Xbox Store says about it:

'Experience the epic journey of Nuna and Fox as they search for the source of an eternal blizzard that threatens the survival of everything they have ever known. Never Alone is an atmospheric puzzle platformer developed in collaboration with the Iñupiat, an Alaska Native people, drawn from a traditional story that has been shared across the generations. Guide both characters in single-player mode or play cooperatively with a friend or family member as you trek through frozen tundra, leap across treacherous ice floes, swim through underwater ice caverns, and face numerous enemies both strange and familiar in the journey to save the girl’s village. Foxtales features three all new levels full of environments to explore, puzzles to solve and enemies to face. Travel across open seas, swim through the ruins of a sunken village and paddle up the Noatak River on a mission to rescue a new friend.'

I haven't actually had a chance to play this game yet, but I can't wait to get stuck in!

I think I first saw this on CinnamonToastKen's channel a little while ago, and for some reason I completely forgot about it. Then when I was busy purchasing all the above games I saw that this was also on offer for Gold members for just over £5!!! I was immediately sold.

Here is what the store says about the game:

'In Whispering Willows, you take on the role of Elena, a determined young girl with the extraordinary ability to project her spirit outside of her body. In her spectral form, Elena can interact with the benevolent spirits and wicked wraiths that used to dwell within the walls of the sinister Willows Mansion - lost souls, stuck in time and space, who hold the secrets that Elena will need to traverse the terrifying old manor. Players need to make use of Elena’s corporeal and ethereal forms to overcome obstacles, solve the riddles of the mansion’s enigmatic specters, and find Elena’s lost father.'

Again I haven't had a chance to play this yet, but I seriously cannot wait... I have been dying to play another horror game (that doesn't have zombies in) for a good while!

What are you playing this week? Have you got any of the above games?

Max: The Curse of the Brotherhood

Max: The Curse of the Brotherhood is a super cute little platformer game that Tim and I bought absolutely ages ago, but I have literally only just got around to playing. I even managed to complete it in a few days, that's how much I enjoyed it!

This is what the Steam Page says about the game:

'Max: The Curse of Brotherhood is a cinematic adventure filled with action-packed platforming and creative puzzle-solving. Armed with only a Magic Marker, Max must confront evil at every turn in a hostile and fantastical world in order to save his kid brother, Felix. Join Max on his great adventure!'

In the game Max accidentally gets his brother zapped into an alternate world where the evil Mustacho wants to transport himself into the child's body so that he can continue to live. Max has to traverse this new world (in true platforming style) to save his baby brother! Max gets given a magic marker, which he can use to interact with the environment, growing branches, making pillars appear from the ground and even growing vines. Using this you have to work your way around the environment collecting Mustacho's evil eyes so that he cannot spy on you!

This game is exactly the kind of short and fun game that I love to spend a couple of days on... If the game was any longer than that I know I would lose interest, so I think one thing they did well was to keep the game short and sweet. Each environment is different enough to peak your interest with new challenges thrown at you. There are even some 'quick time' events in which time slows down slightly and you have to quickly use your magic marker to stop yourself falling to your death! These moments were amazing, but also made me panic, I'm not a great gamer under pressure truth be told... The game also implements certain enemies and creatures that you cannot battle, but have to use the powers of the magic marker to work out how to defeat them. Some of these puzzles were honestly the hardest parts of the game, particularly if you had to try and use the magic marker quickly as controlling a drawing implement with a thumbstick is not the easiest thing in the world to do!

This is definitely a game I would recommend if you are looking for a new platformer to play that has an interesting and new twist, and you can actually pick this up for £11.99 on Xbox Live at the moment!

What games are you playing at the moment? Would you recommend any to me?

Wishlist Wednesday: Xbox Live Games

1. Unravel: Unravel introduces Yarny, a new, lovable and endearing character made from a single thread of yarn, that slowly unravels as you move.  Inspired by the unique and breath-taking environments of Northern Scandinavia, Unravel is a visually stunning, physics-based puzzle platformer. Using his yarn to Swing from tree branch to tree branch or hitch a ride on a flying kite, no feat is too big. Yarny is brought to life as the representation of the ties that bind loved-ones together.  Embark with Yarny on a seemingly larger than life adventure to reconnect the long-lost memories of a family. Told completely without words, experience an exciting and heartfelt story about love, hope and the journey of life.

2. The Long Dark: The Long Dark is a thoughtful, exploration-survival experience that challenges solo players to think for themselves as they explore an expansive frozen wilderness. Monitor your Condition, search for life-saving supplies, and master survival skills like fire-building, maintaining your gear, hunting, fishing, and landmark-based navigation. There are no zombies -- only you, the cold, and everything Mother Nature can throw at you.

3. Goosebumps: The Game: he walk home from school today is going to be a lot spookier than usual… Your sleepy neighborhood’s been overrun by monsters! Werewolves prowl the woods, Gnomes roam underfoot, and scarecrows walk at midnight. But these aren’t ordinary monsters—they’re R.L. Stine’s famous Goosebumps monsters, released from their books and looking to wreak havoc! You’ll need to use your wits to investigate the surroundings, puzzle out clues, and outsmart the monsters before it’s too late! Survive a trek through your neighborhood, unravel the mysteries of the Dead House, and sneak through the mall after hours; only then can you confront Slappy and stop his plans for revenge!

4. Bridge Constructor: Become an appraised bridge engineer and architect in Bridge Constructor. Create and design your own constructions and watch the cars and trucks pass over them - or see them fall and crash while your inferior creations collapse due to weight and the laws of physics! Progress through numerous levels and build bridges over deep valleys, canals, or rivers. Stress tests reveal whether the bridge you build can withstand the daily stress of continual use from cars and trucks. Choose between a range of materials for each individual bridge, such as wood, steel, cables, or concrete pillars. Use the appropriate materials and stay within budget to build the perfect bridge. The choice of materials enables you to build each bridge in almost infinite variety – your budget is the only limit.

5. ZOMBI: London is falling. Are you prepared? The Last Blight is upon us. It was foretold. For the second time in history, a great plague has shrouded London in a fog of death. Big Ben tolls as thousands of unprepared die, or worse, are infected by a sickness more gruesome than death. You’re still breathing, for now, but how long will you survive the labyrinth of London’s streets and underground canals, abandoned by the outside world and surrounded by infected? The horrifying remains of humanity, ravaged by the terrifying disease, are shuffling through the streets, waiting at every turn to prey on your living flesh.  

6. Never Alone Arctic Collection: Experience the epic journey of Nuna and Fox as they search for the source of an eternal blizzard that threatens the survival of everything they have ever known. Never Alone is an atmospheric puzzle platformer developed in collaboration with the Iñupiat, an Alaska Native people, drawn from a traditional story that has been shared across the generations. Guide both characters in single-player mode or play cooperatively with a friend or family member as you trek through frozen tundra, leap across treacherous ice floes, swim through underwater ice caverns, and face numerous enemies both strange and familiar in the journey to save the girl’s village.

7. Brothers A Tale of Two Sons: The critically acclaimed and award winning masterpiece arrives with Bonus Content including Director’s Walkthrough Commentary, Art and Sound Gallery. Share in the epic journey of two brothers, as they set out to find a cure for their dying father. Travel across beautiful vistas, through dark and foreboding forests, down perilous rivers, up hazardous mountain sides and experience the wonders of Nordic mythology along the way. Use the unique control system to control each brother with a stick, for concurrent gameplay throughout the adventure.

8. Submerged: Submerged is a third-person combat-free game in which you explore a mysterious flooded city and discover the beauty of desolation in vast outdoor environments. You take on the role of Miku, a young girl who has brought her wounded brother to the city in their small fishing boat. Navigate the flooded city streets by boat, scale the drowned buildings, and use your telescope to scour the city for the supplies needed to save your dying sibling. As you explore the city at your own pace, you encounter the habitat that flourishes in this colorful place and discover hidden objects that piece together the story of a broken world and a broken family.

9. Beyond Eyes: Beyond Eyes is a modern fairy tale about finding courage and friendship as you carefully guide young Rae on a life changing journey, uncovering an incredible world, step by step. Blinded as a young child, and reluctant to leave the protection of her family home, Rae’s world is once more shattered as Nani, her pet cat, goes missing. Summoning up all the courage she can muster, Rae learns to face her fears and ventures out into the world, to find her best friend.   

Gaming Diaries #5: iPhone Games I have been Playing

World's Biggest Picture Cross

I happened to stumble across this Picture cross app, and it is honestly so addictive! It's a puzzle game where you have to fill in a grid based on the numbers on both sides, which then reveals a picture! I'm really not explaining this very well, but trust me, it's pretty cool! The only thing that bugs me about this is playing it on my tiny iPhone screen, with the bigger grids it's sometimes difficult to fill in the tiny squares, and I accidentally end up doing the wrong ones... Considering it's free it's certainly worth a look...

Dog Hotel
I actually downloaded this app ages ago, but it's feeds my love of dogs, considering I'm currently living in a place where I can't keep a dog of my own! You basically take care of people's dogs for them depending on their needs. Some need training, and others just need a little bit of love and attention! Again this is another free app, so if you love dogs, and simulation games, then you will definitely love this one...

Cooking Dash 2016
If you are a fan of Time Management games then you will have no doubt come up across Cooking Dash as there are a multitude of Cooking Dash games. This one see's you on a TV cooking show, serving up dishes to hungry customers! There are several different restaurants that you progress through and each has a different cuisine, and therefore different recipe's for you to make. This is a great little game to pass the time during long car journey's as there are so many levels... and guess what, it's free!!

What iPhone games have you been enjoying recently?

Gaming Diaires #4: My Return to Star Stable

Way back when in February was the first time that I posted about Star Stable, and you can read that post here. I spent months playing that game and then around late April I just stopped. I don't know why, there wasn't a particular reason, I guess I just had too much going on at the time, and Star Stable slipped to the back of my mind... However I received an email the other day to remind me that my subscription was due to renew, and for the first time in ages, I logged back on.

Since then Star Stable and I have made up, and I've logged on everyday! 

The first thing I did when I logged back on was to go and check on my lovely horses, and I have four of them... Last time I wrote about Star Stable I only had my starter horse Sapphireice (second from the left) since then my collection has grown. Now trust me I have wanted to buy ALL THE HORSES, but when I started expanding my collection I made myself a rule. I'm not allowed to buy a new horse until all my current horses are the max level of 15, that way I don't just go out and by all of them because I have to spend time levelling up each horse...

My current horses are as follows:

• Wildspirit - Level 15 - Andalusian: Named Wildspirit because he reminds me of the horse Spirit from that movie 'Spirit Stallion of the Cimarron'.
• Sapphreice - Level 15 - Starter horse: Such a cutie, and will always be my secret fav...
• Daisybelle - Level 10 - Arabian: Literally has the shiniest coat in all of the lands...
• Stormblaze - Level 15 - Jorvik Pony: A little pony with a hell of a lot of heart!

Seeing as it's Summer time, I thought I should go and buy myself a new summer outfit, and I instantly fell in love with this summer dress. I paired it with some white riding pants, and summer shoes. I still have yet to fins a summer hat to go with this ensemble though...

One of the first things I did once I logged in again was a quest to unlock the Fort Pinta Beach Race, which has you diving into the ocean to swim with your horse. It definitely makes you feel like you are on holiday, that's for sure!

That's what I've been up to this week gaming wise. Let me know in the comments what you have been playing!

Gaming Diaries #3

I wondered how long it would be before Hidden Object Games came back into my life... They are an obsession of mine to be honest, something about the creepy story lines and puzzles just really gets me... So much so that I normally finish one of these games in one sitting, because I get so obsessed with the story!

'Dark Parables: Queen of Sands is the ninth game in the Dark Parablesfranchise. The game takes place in Provence, France. As the Fairytale Detective, we must investigate nightmarish creatures laying siege to the town of Montafleur and uncover the secrets of the Queen of Sands, herself.

The game is based on the mythological figure of the Sandman and the French fairytale Beauty and the Beast'

This was the second ever Dark Parables game I had ever played, however as I haven't played them in order I realised there were a small notes about the other games, but overall that didn't really effect my experience of the game. Although I think if I play another Dark Parables game I would go back and make sure that I played them in order. The puzzles were good, they weren't too difficult, which sometimes annoys me with these kinds of games! Overall this one was a great game...

'All the adults have vanished. Is it a child's dream, or nightmare? You wake on the morning of your birthday to find that things aren't at all the way you pictured for your sweet 16. Can you find out what's happened overnight to turn your world upside down? From Elephant Games comes the continuation of the popular and edgy Surface series. Unlock the Secret Room, where you'll find more hidden-object and mini-game play. But be careful what you wish for...'

This was the first time I encountered a 'Surface' game, and this is the seventh in the series. Thankfully though each game seems to stand on it's own, as there wasn't anything in this that I missed by having not played the other games. This one was much creepier than the Dark Parables one, which makes the game all the better for me. The puzzles in this one were great, again not to difficult, but difficult enough to give your brain a workout! I really enjoyed this one, and I am going to be going back through and playing all the surface games when I get a chance!

'Vendel Games is back once again to prove that nothing quenches the fiery Spirit of Revenge! This time, you’ll have to follow a maze of palace intrigue to root out the truth. Play as a maid of honor at Queen Elizabeth the First’s court, with none other than the mischievous Francis Drake as your sidekick! But this game’s not just for history buffs. Bring your sense of humor and quest for adventure on this fun trip into the Elizabethan past!'

Another first for me in 'Spirit of Revenge' this is the second instalment in the series, but as with the 'Surface' game it was a stand alone game, and you don't really miss anything for not playing them in order. This one was probably my favourite of the games that I have played this week, it had the perfect amount of ghostly-ness, with the right balance of puzzles and hidden object areas. I would definitely go back and play the first game in this series.

Have you ever played any Hidden Object Games, if so which is your favourite?

Gaming Diaries #2

Welcome back to gaming diaries, I'm so glad that some of you enjoyed reading last week's post, which encouraged me to keep on going!

With E3 being last week, an abundance of trailers for some new game releases have appeared on Xbox Live and also on Youtube, and I have been SO excited. That excitement has been channelled into playing games that are most closely linked to the new releases I am excited about.

One of the trailers I saw on Xbox Live that got me the most excitement was the announcement trailer for Plants vs. Zombies Garden Warfare 2. I play the original all the time as it's an interesting and different take on a first person shooter, plus the characters are really cute!

In the first game my favourite mode is online multiplayer, and there are several game modes within that, from a simple team vanquish to gardens and graveyards where the objective is to capture or defend gardens. Not only do you get to play as cute plant's such as the Chomper and the Sunflower, but you also get to play as Zombies. Each character has their own class, for example the Sunflower is the healer, and the Chomper is for close range attack. I normally always play as the Sunflower because being a healer isn't the most popular class, but it's actually one of the most important! This game is the perfect one to play if you want to blow off a little steam, whether it's Zombies or Plants that you are killing...

The other game that was I was super excited by was Animal Crossing Happy Home Designer. I have been a massive fan of Animal Crossing ever since I played Wild World on my DS. Since then I have played every game that came after, and Happy Home Designer is going to be no exception. Especially as it is going to be so different to any of the other games!!! If you too are a fan of Animal Crossing you need to to watch the trailer.

Having recently liberated my family's Wii Console as mentioned in the previous post, I repurchased Animal Crossing: Let's Go To The City. The second Animal Crossing game that I ever played, it was the first instalment of the game to have more shops than just Nook's and the Able Sister's place, which is what made me get it in the first place. Although I will admit playing a game like this on the Wii is certainly confusing. I restarted my town and got to grips with the controls, and even got through a days work at Tom Nook's. From now on it's all fishing and decorating my new home, oh and making some new friends!

Let me know what games have you been playing this week?

The Birth of Gaming Diaries!

I've mentioned a few times on my blog that I play a fair amount of video games, this is something that I have always wanted to share on here, but never really found a way to make it work. I did start writing Animal Crossing Diaries which you can find here, and here. However I just couldn't keep up with playing Animal Crossing all the time. So what I have decided to do instead is keep a weekly/fortnightly diary of all the games I am currently playing and the progress that I have made. With that in mind, these posts may contain spoilers, but I will always put a note at the start of each post.

So what have I been playing this week?

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Tim and I decided to rescue the very neglected Wii from my mum's house and bring it home for the summer. This means I can enjoy one of my all time favourite games Super Mario Galaxy. Which is one of the very few games I have actually ever completed (i'll be the first to admit that I don't have a great attention span when it comes to gaming). 

If you've never played this game before it can be a little confusing. Each level consists of different planets in a galaxy, and these planets can be all manner of weird shapes and sizes with different gravity rules, meaning at times it can get a little disorientating. You can sometimes run the whole way around a planet, but then other times you can fall off of an edge and get sucked into a black hole. It's all about working out the way in which the gravity works in that galaxy, and following it's rules.

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I've started this game again so many times that the first three observatories are engrained in my memory forever, so much so that I breezed through them in the matter of a few days of the game arriving on my doorstep. So where am I up to now?

I'm currently on the fourth observatory which is called 'The Bedroom'. This is the first of the observatories in which I don't actually remember the galaxies, and also the first in which I have managed to lose almost all my lives... The difficulty level has seemed to jump dramatically, and I can't tell whether it's me, or the fact that I can't remember these levels. I've gone from a healthy 16 lives, to a mere 5... to say I'm struggling is an understatement. 

The galaxy I am struggling with the most is the Dusty Dune Galaxy, which has quicksand that makes you instantly die if you touch it. I have lost SO many lives here... I'm having what I call a 'cool off' period, I always do this when I get stuck on a particular level, I switch the game off and go and do something else or play another game and come back to it later. Because I find if I keep going I get more stressed and ultimately mess up even more. Does anyone else do this?

During my cool off periods and just in general every time I am bored and pick up my phone I have been completely obsessed with the Magic Piano app from Smule.

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You can play a number of awesome songs with different difficulty levels. Well that is if you pay a subscription fee! However on Iphone you can get a 7 day free trial if you subscribe, which you can then instantly cancel, but your free trial will still work! There are a number of Disney songs on this that have become my new obsession to play, and there are daily challenges, so you can see where you rank against the other players. 

That's about it for my Gaming Diary this week, let me know in the comments what you have been playing, and happy gaming!

Star Stable Online RPG

Since I was a little girl and I played 'Barbie Race and Ride' on the PS1, I have been obsessed with horses and horse games. I have been looking for an online game like Star Stable for a long LONG time, and then somehow I just stumbled across is a few weeks ago. It is an online RPG, based around a world full of horses where you get to ride, race and have fun. It's free to play up to level 4, but monthly subscriptions start from £4.95 a month right up to £49.95 for a lifetime subscription. Each subscription also entitles you to 100 weekly Star Coins (the in game currency), this can be used to buy new outfits, items and even horses.

Set on the island of Jorvik, your character is there to work at Moorland stables for the summer, and you are given your own horse to ride.

You get to take care of your horse daily, and this means they perform to the best of their ability in contests and races. 

You help out the people of Jorvik by doing quests for them, this earns you XP and sometimes even exclusive items.

You can even save up star coins to buy several different breeds of horses, and you can have as many as you like! I've already got my eye on at least five new ones...

You can even become part of riding clubs, where you can meet people with similar interests (I was lucky enough to find an 18+ riding club within my first week of playing), or start your own club!

This game has quickly become my new favourite go to game. I can easily get lost in the world of Jorvik for a good few hours. I will warn you though the majority of people who play this game are younger girls, so you do have to be careful who you are talking to, you can seem like a bit of a creeper some time. Now I've met my riding club friends, I basically only talk to them, and I find it is much easier that way!

If you would like to check out the game then you can do so here, and please feel free to add me if you start playing!