Barbie Project Friendship is a well-rounded game that offers players the chance to dive into the world of Barbie, featuring the beloved duo Malibu Barbie and Brooklyn Barbie. With its engaging mini-games and quicktime events, the game provides a cohesive adventure centered around fixing up the Malibu Waves community center.
A Touching and Inspiring Story
Outright Games' Managing Director, Stephanie Malham, expressed her excitement about developing this title with her team. She said, "With a touching and inspiring story, amazing support from the television series cast, and a strong focus on accessibility for younger players, Barbie Project Friendship offers something for fans of all ages. Fans can now dive into this heartwarming adventure, with gameplay that is welcoming and accessible to everyone."
Immersive Voiceovers
The inclusion of actual voice actors from the show, makes the adventure even better. It immerses fans into their world, allowing them to read along or just listen if they prefer without the Barbie's sounding like bootleg copies of themselves. This makes the game more enjoyable. The creators of Zag Heroez Miraculous games could certainly take notes.
What better way to compare the voiceovers in the game than presenting an episode of the show?
Familiar Faces and Objectives
Barbie Project Friendship feels like an episode pulled right out of the show, featuring familiar faces and cohesive objectives that allow players to see their progress slowly but surely. With the support of Ann Austen, producer and developer of multiple Barbie animated shows like Barbie Dreamhouse Adventures and specials, the game stays true to what fans know and love about the newer Barbie TV shows.
Available Platforms
Barbie Project Friendship is available on PC, PlayStation, Xbox, and Switch for $39.99. Whether you're a longtime fan of the series or new to the world of Barbie, this game offers a delightful and accessible experience for everyone. I think girls ages 7+ will enjoy this game the most. Dive into the adventure and help fix up the Malibu Waves community center while enjoying the heartwarming story and engaging gameplay.
Game Publisher Mindscape Partners with Dav Pilkey for Very First Video Game Inspired by Bestselling Dog Man Graphic Novel Series
NEW YORK and AMSTERDAM –Aug. 8, 2024 – Publisher Mindscape and Dav Pilkey have partnered to bring the bestselling Dog Mangraphic novel series to the world of video games. This license agreement grants Mindscape global distribution rights for “Dog Man: Mission Impawsible,” in both digital and physical versions of the game. The worldwide partnership was brokered by The Joester Loria Group, exclusive global licensing agent for Dog Man and Cat Kid Comic Club,on behalf of Writers House and Dav Pilkey.
With his trademark humor and heart, #1 bestselling author and award-winning illustrator Dav Pilkey has made reading fun for kids with the Dog Man graphic novel series, which was launched by Scholastic in August 2016, has sold more than 60 million copies in print and been translated into 47 languages. The latest title in the series, Dog Man: The Scarlet Shedder, published in March 2024, was the #1 bestselling book overall (children’s and adult books combined) in the U.S., Canada, Australia, New Zealand, and Ireland, and was the #1 bestselling children’s book in the U.K. Pilkey’s Cat Kid Comic Club series, a spin-off of Dog Man, launched in 2020 to critical acclaim and topped bestseller lists worldwide.
"We are excited to partner with Mindscape to bring Dog Man to the gaming world," said Jackie DeMaio, Senior Licensing Director, The Joester Loria Group. "Mindscape's experience and passion for delivering engaging, high-quality games makes them the perfect match for the Dog Man brand. The game joins the upcoming theatrical release from Dreamworks/Universal in providing fans another way to engage with the beloved Dog Man characters, stories and settings.”
Mark Huijmans, owner and CEO of Mindscape, shared his enthusiasm for the project: "Dog Man is a fantastic IP with a huge following, and we are honored to have the opportunity to work with TJL Group to bring this beloved character to a video game. This game is not just a playthrough; it's an adventure that expands the Dog Man universe, offering all fans a chance to play with their favorite characters in a dynamic and interactive way.”
About the Game:
The game "Dog Man: Mission Impawsible" is a 2D side-scrolling platformer featuring fun and engaging puzzle mechanics. Players will embark on an exciting journey across 50 unique levels spanning five different worlds as they pursue the thief who stole the key to the city. Players will explore eight iconic locations from the Dog Man universe, including City Hall, the Giant Marshmallow Factory, and various jails. Each location offers unique platforming challenges and puzzle-solving opportunities, ensuring action-packed and entertaining gameplay for fans of all ages.
Platforms:
The game will be available on PC via Steam, PlayStation 5, Nintendo Switch and Microsoft Xbox Series X|S.
What do you get when you mix fun + marshmallows + ginger ale + and mustard? Something disgusting, but... you know what's not disgusting? Having a great Summer!
Summer shouldn't be solely about gaming, even though we recommend that it be on the activity list... but there are other things to enjoy. Get crafty, game on, and have some fun... under the sun! I'll kick this post off with a dose of gaming... crank up the speakers and enjoy!
Arts & Crafts don't have to be the same old same old... there are plenty of Printables from Play Nintendo that your children can enjoy. Check these out (many more where these came from):
Pikmin coloring pages:
Powered up activities:
Pikmin...in color!:
Up and away! Paper Mario Airplane:
Print & play with Peach activity book:
Printable Mario & Luigi Masks (Adult required):
Print & Play Princess Peach Crown: (Adult required):
DK dress-up fun! (Adult required):
Paper Pikmin (Adult required):
Stage Craft (Adult required):
Kicking it with Mario:
Wario 'stache mask (Adult assistance required):
If you serve up these activities to your kids once per day, you're looking at nearly a month or so worth of arts and crafts for them to enjoy. Grab crayons or coloring pencils, scissors, print... and dig in! Whether these activities are done at home, vacation or staycation... they're a perfect fit.
Fun and Affordable Summer Activities for Families in Orlando, Florida
Orlando, Florida, is renowned for its world-class theme parks, but there’s so much more to explore, especially for families looking for fun and affordable summer activities (even though those usually traveling to Orlando are here for the theme parks). On the most affordable note though, here are some top picks that won’t break the bank:
Crayola Experience Orlando
Located at The Florida Mall, the Crayola Experience is a vibrant, interactive attraction where creativity knows no bounds. Families can enjoy hands-on activities, from making personalized crayons to exploring the color playground. It’s a colorful adventure that kids and adults alike will love.
Fun Spot America Theme Parks
Fun Spot America offers a variety of thrilling rides and attractions, including multi-level go-kart tracks, a wooden roller coaster, and a splash pad. The best part? Admission is free for non-riders, and parking is also complimentary. It’s a perfect spot for a day of excitement without the hefty price tag.
WonderWorks Orlando
This “amusement park for the mind” features over 100 interactive exhibits that blend education and entertainment. From a ropes course to a 6D motion ride, WonderWorks offers endless fun for the whole family. It’s an affordable way to spend a day exploring and learning.
Cool off from the summer heat by visiting one of Central Florida’s natural springs. Places like Wekiwa Springs and Blue Spring State Park offer refreshing swimming spots, kayaking, and scenic trails. Admission fees are minimal, making it a cost-effective family outing.
While visiting the major theme parks can be pricey, Disney Springs offers a taste of Disney magic without the high cost. Stroll through the shops, enjoy live entertainment, and indulge in delicious treats. It’s a fun way to experience the Disney atmosphere on a budget.
By the way, you can do something additional with this. You can resort hop... just take a free boat, bus, or monorail to the various Disney resorts and immerse yourself without an official resort stay. You can enjoy the atmosphere, the foods, as well as the desserts while being outside only during your transportation.
Not only do you have a park in this area, but it's right next to North Mills Avenue. This particular road isn't exactly a place presented to tourist, but it's a strip full of restaurants that also contains bars for those looking for that sort of thing.
Splash Pads and Playgrounds
Orlando is home to numerous splash pads and playgrounds that are perfect for cooling off and having fun. Many local parks offer these amenities for free, making them an excellent option for families looking to enjoy the outdoors without spending a lot. Lake Lorna Doone Park is one example of a park with a Splashpad, but... there is more than one option + some resorts have splash pads or mini waterparks.
Dezerland Park Orlando
Dezerland Park is Florida’s largest indoor attraction, offering a wide range of activities for families. Enjoy thrilling go-karting, explore the extensive Orlando Auto Museum, play boutique bowling, immerse yourself in The Pinball Palace, bounce at Jump Start Trampoline, and engage in black light combat with gel blasters in Toxic Blast. With so many unique attractions under one roof, Dezerland Park guarantees a day full of fun and excitement for everyone. Dezerland Deals.
Orlando offers a wealth of affordable activities for families to enjoy during the summer. From interactive museums and natural springs to vibrant parks and free events, there’s something for everyone. So pack your bags, gather the family, and get ready to explore all that Orlando has to offer without breaking the bank. Even if you plan to only go to the parks a portion of the time... you can utilize these other options as fun fillers. Dezerland gives you a place to get out of the sun, rain, and it's open at night. Now let's jump into portable gaming!
Why Handheld Gaming Devices Are Perfect for a Summer Vacation
Summer vacations are all about the relaxation, adventure, and making the most of your free time between travel. Whether you’re lounging by the pool, traveling to a new destination, or simply enjoying a staycation, handheld gaming devices like the Nintendo Switch, Steam Deck, and MSI Claw can enhance your summer experience.
Handheld gaming devices are designed to be portable, making them ideal for travel. The Nintendo Switch, Steam Deck, and MSI Claw are compact and lightweight, allowing you to easily slip them into your backpack or carry-on luggage. This means you can enjoy your favorite games whether you’re on a plane, at the beach, or at a fly resort.
So you get the portability + convenience, the ability to connect to a resort TV if you want to use a bigger screen, you can jump online if you have internet access as well. By the way, even if you don't have internet access... you can still enjoy multiplayer on all three of these devices. Off top, you will be able to play multiplayer offline the easiest on the Nintendo Switch, you don't have to worry about using internet/hotspot or Ad-Hoc between two devices.
If there are more than two gamers, the ease of connecting is even better with the Nintendo Switch and some games give you the ability to play together by way of only one person owning the game. Nevertheless, if you only have one handheld device on deck, and 4 controllers are available... you can still enjoy multiplayer action on these devices (preferably on a big screen).
So take advantage of the versatility during your travels, fun it up, eat well, create some great memories and... game on!
Shout out to Warner Bros for supplying a copy of this movie for review, my opinions are my own.
I've seen Craig of the Creek in passing, so when I got the opportunity to check out an animated film that acts as a prelude to the show... I couldn't resist. Is it any good? Let's jump in and find out how Craig became one with... the creek!
Story:Craig Before The Creek starts off with a girl running away from someone who looked like they could potentially be bullies as she made off with a composition book with "Hannah" written on it. This was after the reveal of a baddie on a ship.
It then fast forwards to Craig moving to Maryland to their new home... leaving behind his old friends at the start of summer. By the way, perfect time to release this animated film on DVD. Craig isn't thrilled about it, but they start connecting the reasons for the move... which is something a number of parents and children can relate to. A number of children don't see or understand that their parents are trying to make the best move for their long term benefit... but some parents don't understand that their child's social life revolved around their friends and familiar surroundings. I'll come back to this.
Anyway, things start off on this slightly sad note... until Craig's mom suggests that he takes his sister to the park. All is well until... something happens that forces Craig to go into the woods and basically unlocks a new world where everything revolves around... the creek.
That's where he encounters various kids with their individual quirks, including the baddies. The composition book turned out to be a diary, but I won't get into the specifics. Just know that the main adventure begins from this point.
Parents, something you may want to beware of is when Craig finds Hanna's Diary and he begins to suit up to head back to the creek. If you get the DVD, you may want to fast forward once he gets the banister stick (in scene 3) if you don't agree with his next choice when deciding between carrying bags. Instead of Craig selecting his bookbag to pack his items, he went with a purse. It looks like it could be a duffle bag (based on the way he carries it), but... once he mentions it's a purse it might be hard to un-see it as a purse.
Another scenario occurs when Craig was hiding from the baddies after their leader wants him found. He acts like he was going to sleep over at a friends house, which I don't know how many parents would allow boys and girls to have sleep overs... but his mom said yes. This was followed up by another boy asking what was for dinner, and Craig referred to himself as momma and said let him check his purse.
Outside of this, it was a really pretty cool adventure that held my interest as Craig and his newfound crew went on their quest to find a treasure that grants... wishes. The final battle didn't disappoint either. A lot of things seemed more so based on the imaginations of the kids and were played up in visual form, but you get into with the understanding that it's real... to them (based on previous examples of kids using their imagination in awesome ways). This film essentially wraps things up with Craig coming into his own as the dots finally connect his past to his present as... Craig of the Creek. I also liked how this film connected Craig as the hero to the antagonist by way of him trying to cope with the move. I won't spoil it for you, so I'll leave it at that. There is plenty to enjoy in this film, I think it's well rounded, packed with quirky characters, and shows enough diversity to be appreciated by a variety of children + parents.
Visuals: The visuals in this film were solid, and they give depth in regards to the landscape and shading. It easy to get the feeling of being immersed in woods that the creek runs through because the artist did a great job of making the atmosphere feel the way it should. It's not flat as if the environment is always tucked in the background, the characters interact with it in multiple ways. The image below gives you an idea of what I mean. The animations were nice too, especially when it comes to the creek kids... simply based on things they were pretending to be. The kids battling with the bugs and the frog is a prime example, but the final battle was probably the best in terms of animation (second would be the fight on the ship in my opinion). This isn't to say there aren't any other good animated sequences, because there are... but these stood out to me the most.
Audio: In terms of audio, I watched Craig Before The Creek with the 1More Open Earbuds S50. When I saw the 5.1 surround, I was like... hmmmm. I highly recommend watching with surround sound speakers or a nice pair of headphones. The sound engineer ensured that listeners were able to get a nice experience by delivering a decent spatial audio experience. Everything wasn't served up this way, but there is enough to appreciate what was delivered for the surround sound experience. You could hear the various kids in the environment coming from different angles, the sound effects were solid, and the final battle didn't disappoint. Craig Before The Creek is available in Dolby Digital: English 5.1.
Price:Pricewise, you can get Craig Before The Creek on DVD for... $19.98 as listed online, but you can pre-order for $16.98... here. A poster was included in my copy, which may come in your copy, but... since it's not listed I can't say that it's guaranteed. Craig Before The Creek is available on DVD... March 26, 2024! (Pre-orders available now, don't miss out on the discount.)
