Super Smash Bros. Review

Super Smash Bros.

Publisher: Nintendo Developer: HAL Laboratory Platform: Nintendo 64 Players: 1 (1 Player), 1-4 (Multiplayer) Release: 1999 Genre: 2D Fighter / 2D Platformer Rating: 8.0 \ 10.0: Great


Above is a battle between two Links and two Kirbys

When it comes to super heroes, the biggest argument is whether batman or Superman would win in a fight. Back in the day, it was the question of whether Mario or Link would win in a fight that sparked squabbles among gamers. In 1999, Nintendo fans put these quarrels to rest. This smash hit (get it? Smash? I made a similar title-related pun in my Super Smash Bros. Brawl review) is the first game in the series of 2D fighters in which you duke it out with your favorite Nintendo characters in various locales from their games. This game was created by HAL Laboratory, the long-time developers of the Kirby games, so quality is expected. Kirby creator Masihiro Sakurai directed this title as well. Although not as good as the more recent game in the series, Super Smash Bros. Brawl (which I gave a perfect 10.0 \ 10.0 score), the original Super Smash Bros. is a fairly entertaining pummel-fest. You can choose from two modes-- 1P Mode or Multiplayer. In multiplayer, you can play Free-for-All, a standard match in which you and up to three other friends can compete for the most KO's under an adjustable time limit or have a set number of lives; or you can switch it to Team Battle, a two-on-two match (or even a one-on-three) match. The game is a blast with pals, but if you're alone, you can choose how many COM-controlled opponents to face, who they are, and how skilled they will be. The object of the battles is different than in most other fighters-- rather than defeating your opponents by reducing their health, each hit increases their damage percentage. The higher the percentage, the farther they will be sent flying by a blow. To kill them, you must knock them off the screen, resulting in a bright burst of color. Adding to the mayhem are items from various Nintendo franchises, including Mario's Koopa shells, Pokémon's Pokéballs, and the sought-after Donkey Kong Hammer. There are also some original items as well. Nothing can top the fun of playing Smash with buddies, and it's nice to see how the 15-plus years of entertaining chaos began. When solo, you can also play other modes. Here, you can play bonus games or have training bouts against characters where you can spawn in any items, and even stack them up with a glitch so you can make instant-kill shells and bombs. Better yet, you can put your skills to the test in 1P Mode. In this you must complete a series of 12 challenges, from smashing targets under a time limit, defeating a set number of identical opponents, facing off one-on-one against another fighter, and more, and you must do this all without losing all your lives. Your number of lives which can be set from one of to five. If you run out of lives, you can replenish them by sacrificing points from your overall score. The difficulty is also adjustable. In the final stage, you face off against Master Hand, the iconic villain of the SSB. He may be a giant floating glove, but he's got a lot of tricks up his sleeve. If you defeat Master hand, the credits will roll, but you can skip them by holding Start if you get bored. But my one complaint as that the selection of characters and battlegrounds is small, leading to a lack a variety. Nintendo had been making games for two decades at this point, and some great characters were left out. Did you know that Pit, the star of the Kid Icarus series, would have been in this game in place of the Pokémon Jigglypuff, but was left out due to the massive popularity of the monster-training RPG during the late '90's (the angelic has since appeared in the last two Smash Bros. games, as well an original title)? Although it may not have as much content or be as much fun as its successors, Super Smash Bros. is still a fun fighter, and it should satisfy any gamer, both Nintendo aficionado and fighting game fanatic.

Ups
Blast to play with friends
Plenty of Nintendo references
Solid fighting action
1P Mode is fun

Downs
Lack of variety
So much more Nintendo could have included

ESRB: E Content: Cartoon Violence Price: $10.00 (Download)

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Gunman Clive Review

TGunman Clive

Publisher: Horberg Productions Developer: Horberg Productions Platform: 3DS Players: 1 Release: 2013 Genre: 2D Platformer / Action Rating: 7.5 \ 10.0: Satisfactory

Above is Clive onboard a train

Gunman Clive may sound like some sort of shooter, but it's not. It's a unique blend of platforming and shooting action that combines the level designs and gameplay elements of Super Mario Bros. and Mega Man. The game chronicles a cowboy named Clive, who is on a mission to save Mayor Johnson's daughter from a posse of bandits. When you create a new file, you may select to play as either Clive or Mrs. Johnson, and pick a difficulty level: Easy, Normal, or Hard. From there, a simple cut-scene showing the Mayor's daughter / Clive being carried away in a wagon, and the game begins. The game, made entirely by the two Horberg brothers, is charmingly primitive. The serene  music suits the simple-drawn environments well, and the game has little sound effects. There are four worlds, each with five levels. On the fifth level of each world, you face a boss. As good as this all sounds, I found the game challenging, even with the short levels and on the Easy difficulty level. The first few levels, I didn't even know how many hits I could take before I died, because it took me a while to notice the thin line the represents your health on the side of the screen. The challenge is what took away most of the fun, but an average gamer like me can beat most levels in just a couple minutes and beat the entire game in an hour or so, but the game's brevity explains the low price tag of $1.99. Well, that's all the trash talk out of the way, so now I would like to explain more: Your default weapon, used by pressing the Y button, is a revolver, but there are a variety of weapons to use. Some are randomly dropped by enemies, some appear normally. There is a spread gun that fires three bullets at a time; an odd firearm that allows for faster fire, but shoots homing bullets; a slow-firing gun that shoots small missiles that instantly obliterate most foes. In the fourth and final world, which takes place aboard an alien ship whom the mayor's daughter / Clive has been taken, which is especially Mega Man-like, you can find an laser blaster and a rapid-firing laser machine-pistol. In a neat twist, when you complete the game, you unlock Duck Mode, in which you play through the entire game as a duck, unable to collect power-ups but able to fly temporarily.  Although brief and challenging, Gunman Clive is still an exceptional game, and you'll be hard-pressed to find a better platformer for just a couple bucks.

Ups
Super Mario Bros. / Mega Man elements
Charmingly primitive
Great Western and electronic music
Duck Mode

Downs
Very short
Very hard

ESRB: E 10+ Content: Fantasy Violence Price: $1.99 (Download)

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Luigi's Mansion: Dark Moon Review

Luigi's Mansion: Dark Moon

Publisher: Nintendo Developer: Nintendo / Next Level Games Platform: 3DS Players: 1 (Dark Moon Quest), 1-4 (ScareScraper) Release: 2013 Genre:  Adventure / Survival-Horror Rating: 8.2 \ 10.0: Great

Above is Luigi getting assaulted by ghosts

After 12 long years, the sequel to the beloved GameCube launch title, Luigi's Mansion has arrived! It all starts when King Boo (I don't know who else a creepy-looking giant ghost with a crown and a scepter could be called, but if this is so, King Boo got a serious makeover!) shatters the Dark Moon, scattering the shards throughout the haunted estate below it. No longer under the spell of the Dark Moon, the ghosts become hostile, and Professor E. Gadd, the mad scientist from the original Luigi's Mansion, hides away in a bunker and calls upon Luigi to help him. He equips the overshadowed bro with the Poltergust 5000, an improved model of the ghost-sucking vacuum / backpack from the original game. This new model has attachments which you'll collect along your journey, such as the Dark Light Device, which reveals invisible objects with ultraviolet light. This time around, you have multiple haunted manors to explore and a wider variety of ghosts to suck up. Each mansion has several missions... several normal ones, and one in which you confront the monster causing the trouble in the mansion. There's a lot of exploring to do-- each mansion has tons of secret rooms for you to explore, and most of them are required to be entered eventually, while there are occasional secret rooms. There are a lot of challenging puzzles to complete, and the environments are almost fully interactive. Nearly any object, from vases to curtains, can either be sucked up or rattled. There are also many gems to find. Although this game is aimed at a young audience, the game can prove creepy at times-- the lights in the room will all of the sudden go off and ghosts will appear in certain missions, and objects all around the room will rattle and fall. Every once in a while, you will be called by Professor Gadd... on a Nintendo DS (I couldn't help but smirk when I encountered the reference). This is likely a replacement for the original Luigi Mansion's Game Boy Horror. He'll give you some advice, but it's usually just where to go next. And there's another new feature. A golden bone may be hidden somewhere in the level. If you find it, It'll be a big help if you lose all your life points. If this happens, then Polterpup, a ghostly dog, will come to you, retrieve the bone, and lick your face, reviving you. As fun as this game is, I have but one main complaint. I found the puzzles confusing and challenging, and it takes me an average of around 40 minutes to beat a level, and it was incredibly boring to hopelessly stroll around the mansion and then finally discover the solution to a puzzle by surprise. But all the frustration is slightly alleviated by the environments, which are littered with intricate details and clever secrets, and, as I said before. nearly every object is interactive, which adds up to being one of the most detailed and best-looking games on the 3DS. Speaking of visuals, I should also mention that the game runs at an impressive 60 frames per second (FPS). Every animation looks natural and smooth-- it's difficult not to notice the improvement. After advancing somewhat through the game, you'll unlock the online ScareScraper mode, in which you and up to three other game owners playing as different-colored Luigis, must work together to clear the floors of the aptly titled ScareScrapers in Hunter mode, in which you must vacuum up every ghost from each floor; Rush mode, in which you must hurry to find the exit to the floor; and Polterpup mode, in which you must track down the pesky pup of the same name. And for communication means, you can use the buttons on the Control Pad to say "Hey", "Help", "Thank you", and "Good job", and you can tap the touchscreen utter "Over here". There's no lag between systems, but there are occasional audio blips, though it's hard to mind. Difficulty aside, Luigi's Mansion: Dark Moon is a great game.

Ups
Tons of detail and fully interactive environment
Funny DS reference
Online play

Downs
Very challenging

ESRB: E Content: Crude Humor and Mild Cartoon Violence Price: $39.99 (Retail / Dark Moon)

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Scribblenauts Unlimited Review

Scribblenauts Unlimited

Publisher: Warner Bros. Developer: 5th Cell Platform: Wii U Players: 1-4 Release: 2012 Genre: Puzzle / Sandbox Rating: 8.6 \ 10.0: Fantastic

Above is Maxwell alongside Mario and his pals

Let me tell you, I've played this games two predecessors, Scribblenauts and its sequel Super Scribblenauts. The concept if original: you control Maxwell, a boy with a magic notebook. When a word is written in it, it becomes real (in virtual reality)! You had to obtain objects called Starites by solving problems with the right objects. But why does Maxwell need Starites? And where did he get the notebook? Well, this game explains. Maxwell's parents, Edgar and Julie, were adventurers. They discovered magical artifacts throughout their journeys. After a while, they settled down and had 42 children: 41 sons, and a daughter whom they named Lily. Each child received one of the artifacts their parents had obtained throughout their travels. Maxwell got the notebook, and Lily got a globe that could take her anywhere in the world. The children were spoiled. One day, he and Lily came across a hungry beggar. When he pleaded for food, Maxwell conjured the beggar a rotten apple. Upon eating the revolting fruit, the beggar revealed that he too had magical powers and put a curse upon Lily that slowly turned her to stone. The only Maxwell could save her is by earning peoples' gratitude to get Starites. And so began his quest. There's a whole new way to explore the world. Now, there are aren't nearly as many full missions due to the new Starite Shards. Worlds are now travelable 2D maps, and by tapping the Starite in the corner of the Wii U GamePad's touchscreen, the screen will go dark and several objects will glow gold. By tapping on these people / objects, you will be given a hint. Satisfy the object and you will receive a Starite Shard, 10 of which form a full Starite. And another great new feature is the Wii U-exclusive Object Editor. By tapping on an object you can rename it, apply adjectives to it, change its size, its color, its look, its behavior, even replace its parts with different objects... completely recode it! And finally, there's multiplayer! Up to three other players can join the game with Wii Remotes, and by pointing at an object and pressing A, they can take control of it. But as great as Scribblenauts Unlimited sounds, it has its downsides. There is only one save file, so the game doesn't have nearly much replay value. There is no level builder. And instead of buying avatars with Ollars, you unlock Maxwell's brothers as playable characters by getting Starite Shards from them. However, the game has an awesome new Wii U-exclusive feature: you can create Nintendo objects! The catch is, however, that you can create characters and items only from the Super Mario and The Legend of Zelda games. Still, it's fun to create an epic Fire Mario and Link riding Epona wielding the Master Sword versus Bowser and Ganon battle! Additionally, a step up from the still-impressive sprite-based graphics of the previous entries in the series, this game features incredible hand-drawn HD visuals (it's only a coincidence that "hand-drawn is abbreviated the same as "high definition"). Overall, Scribblenauts Unlimited isn't nearly good as its predecessor.  In fact, I gave Super Scribblenauts, this game's 2010 DS counterpart, an unbelievable score of 9.9 / 10.0! But these are but small faults, and they don't stop Scribblenauts Unlimited from being another fun, creative game. It's still a total blast, and its issuess shouldn't stop any Scribblenauts fan from enjoying it.

Ups
Maxwell's origins revealed
New Object Editor
Multiplayer
Special Nintendo content
Amazing visuals

Downs
Not as much replay value
No level builder
Not as many avatars

ESRB: E 10+ Content: Cartoon Violence and Comic Mischief Price: $29.99 (Retail)

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The Five Most Common Causes of Automobile Accidents

It's an unfortunate statistic, but many of us have been in automobile accidents before and had to deal with the requisite (and expensive) auto repairs that resulted from the experience. These auto repairs can be costly and frustrating because they often keep our main method of transportation off the road for long periods of time. We want to get back on the road again as quickly as possible. But often, it seems the best way to prevent costly auto repairs and to keep us on the road is simply to avoid them in the first place. While sometimes bad luck does play a role in accidents occurring, here are the five most common causes of accidents that all drivers should be aware of at all times in order to reduce the risk of accidents happening to them.

1. Distraction: It happens to the best us. We take a phone call in the car, text while driving, we deal with kids arguing in the backseat, pets climbing on our laps, even sometimes, we simply have a lot on our minds. Big report due at work soon? Performance review coming up? Familial or relationship troubles? We should be aware of what things cause us to be the most distracted and do whatever we can to limit these from occurring while we are driving.

2. Fatigue: We've all been there. Driving home after a long day or work, maybe our morning commute after staying up late to finish that big project, whatever the case, you're tired which can lead to reduced reaction time, being more easily distracted, and taking your eyes off the road. If you're tired then consider an alternate means of transportation or perhaps a nap before you get in the car to go home.

3. Non-driving activities: You've seen it before. That guy shaving in the car on the way to work, that lady applying lipstick. Then of course there's Mr. Latte Guzzler and Ms. Cheeseburger Chomper. When driving we should keep our eyes on the road at all times and not involve other activities that can reduce reaction times, aid in distracting us, and lead to poor driving decisions you wouldn't have otherwise made.

4. Road and weather conditions: Road and weather conditions are a huge factor in causing accidents. Icy road? Dumping rain? Roads under construction or poorly maintained? Maybe you can find another way home that avoids these potential hazards.

5. Medical or emotional trauma: Are you sick as a dog? Not feeling well? Perhaps you shouldn't be driving then. Driving while sick can lead to fatigue and distraction just as listed above. This goes double if you've recently been through some kind of emotionally traumatic experiences. In these situations consider getting a ride from a friend, using public transportation, or better yet, just staying home.

There are lots of reasons why your car might need auto repair chantilly va . Accidents are a major cause of these situations and are never fun for anyone involved. We want to do everything we can to limit accidents and stay on the road as much as possible. Keeping the above-listed common causes of accidents in mind can help you lessen your risk of being involved in such an accident and incurring a major auto repair bill as a result.

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How Many Points Do I Get For Speeding in Texas?

The driving demerit point system in Texas is relatively simple compared to most other states. Simple does not necessarily mean more lenient, however. Rather than maintaining a long list of traffic violations and a corresponding number of points for them, Texas only uses a couple basic rules for issuing traffic tickets.

The Texas Point System

You will receive 2 points on your license for a standard moving violation, and 3 points for a moving violation resulting in an accident. These rules do not include more serious violations such as DUI, driving on a suspended license, or committing a hit-and-run, all of which can result in immediate license suspension and heavy recurring fines.

There are certain exceptional violations which may get you a ticket with a fine, but will not grant any Texas traffic violation points. Speeding less than 10% over the limit or not wearing a seatbelt may earn you a fine, but will not put points on your record. Speeding more than 10% over the limit will count as a standard moving violation, and will earn you 2 points (or 3 if you get into an accident).

Driver Responsibility Program

The Texas Driver Responsibility Program (DRP) ensures that points stay on your Texas license for 3 years from your conviction date. If you incur a total of 6 points in 3 years, you will be charged $100 annually until those points are removed. You will charged an additional $25 for every point past 6 in a 3-year time period. If driving behavior does not change, your license might be suspended.

Recurring Violation Surcharges

Texas has some of the harshest punishments in the union when it comes to DUIs. If you are caught driving under the influence, you will be charged an initial fine and recurring annual fines for 3 years after your conviction. Your first DUI will cost you $1000 a year. Two or more DUIs will cost $1500 a year. A DUI at twice the legal blood alcohol limit (.16% BAC) will cost a whopping $2000 a year. That means a lone night of irresponsible drinking could cost you $6000 plus a lot of other potential damages to your driving record, even if you don't get into an accident.

Other violations, like driving on a suspended license, will cost you $250 a year and will probably lead to a huge extension of your suspension period.

Your Options if You Get a Ticket

You basically have 3 options if you are charged with speeding or any other moving violation. Your first option is to admit guilt, pay the fine, and incur the points on your record. Your second option is to attempt to fight the ticket in court. Many people are successful in overturning tickets if they can build a strong enough case for their innocence, or if the accusing police officer does not show in court. Thirdly, you can have the ticket dismissed by attending a Texas driving safety course. These online courses can be taken once a year, and will nullify points and fines from any standard moving violation. They are the best option for someone getting dangerously close to losing their license or paying heavy surcharges.

Texas Defensive Course is your one-way ticket to a clean driving record without any hassle! Remove points from your license and keep your insurance rates low with fast, easy, and self-paced courses designed for your convenience. Sign up today at http://www.ndssdrivingschool.com/

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Prep Your Family For Roadside Assistance

In schools, our children practice fire, tornado, and disaster drills. There's a little secret the teachers use to make sure those drills go well. They become a game. Not only that, but the teachers have a bag prepped with materials to keep children quiet or busy, depending on what is happening.

Fast forward to a simple drive home from school or dance practice-and your car overheats or you blow a tire. Your first instinct is to call a tow service, but what do you do with the carpool of kids in your car?

The first thing to pack in your emergency car bag is a non-perishable snack. Go for crackers, dehydrated food, or maybe something that will take a very long time to unwrap. Get the kiddos going on that and enjoy a few minutes of dealing with your car without whining.

Next, think about activities. This can be something fun, something they never get to play with. Wrap up some dollar store toys in layers of paper so the kids have to keep on unwrapping. Again, you are trying to kill time, so put activities in there that will keep them occupied in a fun way.

In the event that you are out late, be sure to pack some mini-flashlights. If your car is stalled and you want to conserve your energy, it can be dark, and that can be scary for the kids. Giving them each a flashlight can give them the power to control the light and what they see. And come on, aren't shadow puppets fun?

I'm sure there are lots of tricks that you have as a parent to occupy your children on the road, but, when it comes to an emergency, prepare yourself. Realize your limits as a parent and understand that with the added stress of a vehicle failure you may not be as on your game as you usually are. That's why prepping a secret, "fun bag" is a great way to buy yourself the time to keep everyone safe

If a case does arrive where you happen to be stuck on the side of the road make sure you find a quality company with good ratings. The last thing you want is to be stranded at night and have poor service.

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