Video Game Review: LEGO City Undercover: The Chase Begins

Hey gamers, Nintendo recently released the prequel to LEGO City Undercover.  The Chase Begins  for the 3DS reveals the story of Chase McCain before he became one of LEGO City’s best and biggest crime fighters. Your job is to help Chase become a LEGO City legend.

OWL reader Jackson, 10, played this game. Here’s what he had to say:

“What I liked about this game is that there were a lot of adventures. I also enjoyed solving the puzzles. But some of the puzzles did not give you much instruction, so you were left on your own to try to solve them. This made some of the puzzles a little more difficult. I think other kids would enjoy this game if they like to build and drive vehicles, solve puzzles, and take part in challenging adventures. If kids like police-type work and solving crimes, then they will really enjoy this game. I highly recommend it to anyone who enjoys LEGO or police work. Even my younger sister thought it was awesome!” 10/10

Thanks for your review, Jackson!

LEGO City Undercover: The Chase Begins is available now.

-Kendra, owlblog@owlkids.com

Video Game Review: Luigi’s Mansion: Dark Moon

Hey, Nintendo fans! Luigi’s back to scare up some more fun with Luigi’s Mansion: Dark Moon for the 3DS. In this action-packed new game, your mission is to guide Luigi through a spooky mansion on a hunt for the pieces of the Dark Moon. Along the way, you’ll solve puzzles and capture ghosts with the help of some cool gadgets.

OWL reader Andrew, 13, gave this new game a try. What did he think?

“This game was fun all the way through. The levels are very creative, and I found the game not that challenging. I think kids who like mystery and adventure will like this game!” 8/10

Thanks for your review, Andrew. I think this game is lots of fun, too!

Luigi’s Mansion: Dark Moon is available in stores and online now. If you get a chance to play it, come back to tell us what you think!

-Kendra, owlblog@owlkids.com

iPad App Review: Figaro Pho – Creatures and Critters

Hey readers, I’ve been playing this cool new game called Figaro Pho – Creatures and Critters for the iPad.

The game follows the story of Figaro, a boy who is scared of a lot of things, as he travels through an old, creepy mansion trying to escape from a giant spider.

Sounds spooky, doesn’t it? It’s also really fun. The game has you, as Figaro climbing, jumping, flying balloons, swinging, and running through the different levels while collecting jellybeans. It is pretty easy to get started, with step-by-step instructions, but it can get tricky. One level took me seven tries to complete! But don’t give up – each level has a different challenge, and if you get a perfect score, Figaro has a surprise celebration.

The graphics of this game are what really sets it apart. Between every few levels, there is a mini-movie clip of the adventures of Figaro.

This spooky adventure game is available on the iPad and Android tablets. Check it out!

-Ashley, owlblog@owlkids.com

Video Game Review: Paper Mario: Sticker Star

The Paper Mario series is back with another super adventure! Paper Mario: Sticker Star for Nintendo 3DS stars Mushroom Kingdom’s most famous hero, Mario, in a papercraft world. By collecting stickers, players uncover secrets, battle enemies, and much more.

OWL reader Kristen, 10, got a chance to play the game. So what did she think?

I loved Paper Mario: Sticker Star! It’s a great game. I highly recommend it to anyone who loves the Paper Mario series, and of course, anyone who loves stickers. My favourite things in this game are the story, the usage of stickers, paper, and the characters. I especially love how it’s in 3-D. The game wasn’t easy, but it’s not that hard, either. This game is really good, and there’s nothing in particular I didn’t like. 9.5/10

Thanks for your review, Kristen!

Paper Mario: Sticker Star is available in stores now. If you play it, come back and tell us what you think.

And don’t forget to check out your current issue of OWL Magazine for more Kids Score reviews!

-Kendra, owlblog@owlkids.com

Video Game Review: Professor Layton and the Miracle Mask

Are you a fan of the Professor Layton video games? Because his fifth puzzle-packed adventure is here! Professor Layton and the Miracle Mask is set in the carnival city of Monte d’Or where a mysterious villain known as the Masked Man is causing chaos. It’s up to Professor Layton, his assistant Emmy, his apprentice Luke, and you as the player, to investigate. By solving riddles and puzzles, players find clues to help uncover the mystery of the Masked Man.

OWL reader Soren, 10, got a chance to play this game. And he’s a fan!

Soren, 10

You have to solve puzzles to continue on in the story. As the story goes on, the puzzles get harder and harder. You have to stretch your brain to figure out all the problems the characters encounter along the way. Sometimes the puzzles are so hard, you have to get scrap paper out to help you figure them out. Luckily, they have hints if you get really stuck. If you like brainteasers, this is a good one. I feel smarter already! 9/10

Thanks for your review, Soren!

Professor Layton and the Miracle Mask is available now. Have you played it yet? If so, what did you think?

For more Kids Score reviews from OWL readers, check out the December magazine on newsstands now!

-Kendra, owlblog@owlkids.com