Mom's Minute

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Source of News:  OC Weekly, Video Games Humor, Mark Mai, November 9, 2011

Article:  5 Video Games that Put Me To Sleep

Are there any video games that put you to sleep?  I think we all know about drinking warm milk, counting sheep, exercise,  and other things that may help one to get to sleep -- but did you know there are video games that put the author, Mark Mai, to sleep?  The article is a personal one pertaining specifically to Mark Mai -- so just as a disclaimer, these are his views which you may not necessarily agree with.  In fact, you may have opposing views.

This article is in the video game humor section of the news source, and the video games are discussed in a positive light.  The author states that he finds playing these games rather enjoyable!

So without further ado, here is the  list of video games that put Mark Mai to sleep.

I believe for dramatic effect, he started with number 5 and counted down to number 1 as being the game that is most likely to put him to sleep.

5.  Animal Crossing, Wild World for the Nintendo DS:  According to the author, this game is virtual and mimics time in real life.  So if it is nighttime in real lifel, it is also nightime in the game.  The game plays nightime sleeping melodies and there is not much to do in the game except to fish or to redecorate your house.

4.  Persona 3 Personal for the PSP:  He equates this game to counting sheep because you are continuing climbing a flight of 264 stairs.  Each of the stairs are identical to the others.  You eventually encounter a battle -- which is the same battle, over and over again. To change the monotony, he states you may end up saying the character' s lines, just to have something different to do.

3.  Dragon Age 2 for the Xbox 360, PS3 and PC:  The author says he enjoys playing this RPG  game, and even got all the achievements in the first game. However, he stated the battle scenes only requires hitting the "A" button repeatedly, and that the video game environment is the same cave, just shown at different angles on the various levels of the game.  

2.  Euro Truck Simulator for the PC.  In this game, the author states you do the same things a truck driver does including adjusting rear view mirrors, etc.

1.  The Sims:  Emulates activities of the day that he states are not too exciting.

Here is a scene from Dragon Age 2.

Dragon Age 2

Ms. H's take:  This article caught my attention because I had not thought of video games as sleep inducers.  In fact, in each case, I believe you are using your brain cells to make decisions, no matter how routine, or repetitive, so I'm thinking the concentration itself would be enough to keep you awake instead of put you to sleep! 

Even though this news is in the humor category, in my opinion,  I would have to disagree that a video game would put someone to sleep, unless that person was already sleepy in the first place! But I guess it is possible to fall asleep while playing a video game --  which I would not recommend!  I believe a good night's sleep is important for good health!

My minute is up!  Thanks for visiting my website!  Please come back soon!

I will be making another change to my website for you!  For upcoming holidays, I will post  my Ms. H saying that is relevant to that specific holiday, followed by a new  Ms. H saying! I hope you will enjoy my change.  

Be on the look out for my Veteran's Day original Ms. H saying this Friday, November 11, 2011, followed by my new saying after the holiday!

Happy pre-Veterans Day everyone!  Remember and honor our veterans!

Please follow me on Twitter under my Twitter name, "MsHequals WIn!"

Bye now,

Ms. H

"Ms. H Equals Win"

Call of Duty:  Modern Warfare 3:  Release Date, November 8, 2011

Source of News:  The Viking View, Stephen Bowesox, November 4, 2011

Article:  New Video Games Hit the Market

According to the author, the  greatest number of new video game releases are expected out this winter, as never before experienced until now!  Included in the vast number of  games coming out are Call of Duty:  Modern Warfare 3 (pictured), Batman:  Arkham City, Mass Effect 3, Assassin's Creed, Revelations, and Battlefield 3.

As you know, many retail establishments offer midnight releases of video games, so you can be in the first group of video game players to get your copy of the latest video game!  In this article the author mentions thats someone he knew went to a midnight release of Gears of War 3 to get this game.  

Gears of War 3:  Released September 20, 2011

If you do not already have Gears of War 3-- Here's what you can expect from the game.   In the epic finale of the Gears trilogy, Marcus Fenick returns to take on the remaining Locust horde. The Delta squad struggles to survive in a war-torn world, with Gears following.  However, hope to win the war is almost gone when the squad finds a way to end the war, once and for all. Take note that a lot of strategy is used in this game.

Ms. H's take:  Did you know that Gears of War 3 broke the record for the most pre-orders, and Call of Duty:  Modern Warfare 3 is expected to be one of the biggest, if not the biggest multiplayer video game this year?  Of course, the real numbers will not be known until the year's end.  

I am excited about all the video game offerings!   If you have not already pre-ordered your new video game, why not go to a midnight release that may be happening in your area and join the fun activities, where available!!

My minute is up!  Thanks for visiting my website!  Come back soon!

Please follow me on Twitter under my Twitter name, MsHequalswin!" 

Bye now,

Ms. H

"Ms. H Equals Win!"

Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim:  Release Date November 11, 2011

Source of News:  Toronto Sun, Tech Gaming, Steve Tilley, November 7, 2011

Article:  'Skyrim' Takes Players on Epic Journey

Do you play role playing video games?  Then you may already know that the follow-up to Elder Scrolls IV: Oblivion, Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim will be released on November 11, 2011. This game is developed by Bethesda Softworks.

Elder Scrolls V:  Skyrim  is part of the large number of pre-holiday video games being released in stores and on-line.  Of all the new or newly released games which include Call of Duty:  Modern Warfare 3, Assassin's Creed: Revelations, and  Halo: Combat Evolved Anniversary (among many others), the author plans to concentrate on playing Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim.

There are ten playable race of characters you can play which includes a hardy Nord, which is the human natives of Skyrim, a reptilian Argonian who can breathe under water and can find under-water secrets, or the wood elves who can resist poison.

More information on the characters can be found at elderscroll.wikia.com. I visited this website and found out the website also includes a countdown clock for the release of Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim.

Here is cover art for Elder Scrolls V:  Skyrim.

Elder Scrolls V:  Skyrim will be available for Windows 7, Sony PlayStation 3, and the Xbox 360 on November 11, 2011.

Ms. H's take:  I have not played or watched any role playing games, so I am unable to give you my views on the expected graphics or game play of  Elder Scrolls V:  Skyrim.  I am sharing this video game news with you in the event that you play role playing games and want to know some of the latest role playing video game offerings!

According to the comments following the Tech Gaming article, it appears as if this game will require lots of hours of play. In fact, the  author plans to take time off work for a week  to play this game, which to me is quite a commitment!

My recommendation, and my opinion is if you plan to play this game, remember to take breaks, leave the game and spend your time  doing other things as well.  Enjoy playing the game but keep in mind balance is key. As the saying goes, "Take time to smell the roses!"

My minute is up!  Thanks for visiting my website!  Come back soon!

Please follow me on Twitter under my Twitter name, "MsHequalswin!"

Bye now,

Ms. H

"Ms H Equals Win"

Uncharted 3:  Drake's Deception -- Released November 1, 2011

Source of News:  RipTen, Garrett Hartman, October 30, 2011

Article:  New Video Game Releases, Oct. 31 - Nov. 5 (Uncharted 3 Edition)

This is a busy week for new video game releases! Whether you play your video games on the Xbox 360, PlayStation 3, Nintendo WII, 3D, 3DS, PC/Mac or any other system, there is a new game that has either already been released, or will be released before the end of this week!  Of course, there will be more exciting, new video games released, as we get closer to the Holidays and beyond!

The article lists, by gaming system,  the following new video games released or to be released this week.

PlayStation 3

     Air Conflicts:  Secret Wars

     Cabela's Adventure Camp and Cabela's Survival:  Shadows of Katmai   

     Generator Rex:  Agent of Providence

     GoldenEye 007:  Reloaded and GoldenEye 007:  Reloaded (Double O Edition)

     Hasbro Family Game Night 4:  The Game Show and Hasbro Family Game Night:  Fun Pack

     Hydrophobia:  Prophecy

     NASCAR Unleashed

     NCIS:  The Game

     Sonic Generations

     The Haunted:  Hells Reach (PSN)

     The Lord of the Rings:  War in the North and The Lord of the Rings (Collector's Edition)

     Uncharted 3: Drake's Deception (pictured above) and Uncharted 3 Drake's Deception (Collector's Edition)    

 

Xbox 360

   

     Cabela's Adventure Camp, Cabela's Big Game Hunter: Hunting Partty, and Cabela's Survival: Shadows of Katmai

     Generator Rex:  Agent of Providence

     Golden Eye 007:  Reloaded

     Hasbro Family Game Night 4: The Game Show and Hasbro Family game Night:  Fun Pack

     Motion Explosion

     MotionSports Adrenaline

     NASCAR Unleashed

     Sonic Generations

     The Haunted:  Hells Reach (XBLA)

     The Lord of the Rings:  War in the North and The Lord of the Rings (Collector's Edition)

     Twister Mania

     Who Wants To Be A Millionaire

Wii   

     Cabela's Adventure Camp and Cabela's Survival:  Shadows of Katmai

     Gem Smashers

     Generator Rex:  Agent of Povidence

     Hasbro Family game Night 4: The Game Show and Hasbro Family Night:  Fun Pack

     Karaoke Revoloution:  Glee 3

     Monopoly Collection

     NASCAR Unleashed

     NCIS:  The Game

     Santa Claus is Comin' to Town

    Trivial Pursuit:  Bet You Knot It

    uDraw Disney Princess:  Enchanting Storybooks

PC   

    A Valley Without Wind

    Cities XL 2012

    The Lord of the Rings:  War in the North and The Lord of the Rings:  War in the North (Collector's Edition)

    

3DS

   

     Cars 2

     James Noir's Hollywood Crimes 3D

     Generator Rex:  Agent of Providence

     NASCAR Unleashed

     NCIS 3D:  The Game

DS     

     Disney Princess Enchanting Storybooks

     Dora & Kat-Lan's Pet Shelter

     Santa Claus is Comin' to Town

     Team Umizoomi

     Zoobles!  Spring to Life!

     Zhu Zhu Babies

PSP  

     Fate/Exgtra

     Fate/Extra Limited Edition

     I Kill Zombies

According to the author of this article, the pick of the week is Uncharted 3:  Drake's Deception.    He describes Uncharted 3: Drake's Deception as being incredible, due in part to the engrossing story and top notch visuals.

Below is art  from a few of the new games released.

NCIS:  The Game

 

Lord of the Rings:  War of the North

 

     

   

Cabela's Survival:  Shadows of Katmai

Ms. M's Take:  I am impressed with the large number  of exciting, new games coming out this week!

I enjoyed playing the prevous version of Uncharted 3.  Even though the current version is at the "top of the list",  I'm sure there are many other new video games that are just as interesting and enjoyable as well!

Let the video game playing begin!

My minute is up!  Thanks for visiting my website.  I enjoy sharing video game news with you! Come back and visit again soon!

Please follow me on Twitter under my Twitter name, "MsHequalswin!"

Bye now,

Ms. H

"Ms H Equals Win!"

Pinball FX 2 Paranormal for the Xbox 360

Pinball FX 2 is a downloadable video game available for the Xbox 360.  From October 30, 2011 until November 2, 2011, if you already  downloaded Pinball FX 2,  Zen Studios had an offer for a free Paranormal table  (pictured) for the Xbox 360.  Hopefully you were able to take advantage of this offer if you were interested in playing Pinball FX 2 Paranormal. 

Pinball FX 2 is played by downloading various tables, with each table having a specific theme.

I was happy to watch a themed Pinball FX 2 game, Captain America,  being played by one of my family members.

Pinball FX 2:  Captain America table

I always enjoy watching my family members play and get very high scores winning video games, including downloadable games!

The news here is that even though  Pinball FX 2 tables are currently available for download only for the Xbox 360, eventually the tables may be available for download for Microsoft OnLive.

Here is the quote from Zen Studios in response of the question of whether Pinball FX 2 is coming to OnLive.

"....Actually guys, don't be surprised if you see this in the not too distant future."

The article states that due to Pinball FX 2's new set of achievements, worldwide scoreboards, table add-ons and multiplayer tournaments -- Pinball FX 2 will go well with OnLive.

Ms. H's take: Instead of asking why, I would ask why not make this game available for the PC based OnLive!  The graphics I saw as well as the expert game play by my family member, leaves no doubt with me that this game should be expanded to OnLive.  In fact, my family member won a tournament -- amassing a phenomenally large number of points on this competitive game.

In addition to the graphics, I liked the realistic sounds of the "flippers" on the video game pinball machine.

I think it was very creative on the table designers/developers' part, to have Captain America emerge from the table, and actually fight against the onslaught of pinballs.  Captain America was shown bending down on one knee, left arm behind his back and using the shield in his right hand to protect himself.   At the back  of the table  was another Captain America ready to protect himself aganst an alien villian!

I actually played Pinball FX 2 Paranormal for the Xbox 360!  I could easily handle the controls, and the pinballs moved in concert with my operation of  the levers.  Even though I do not like snakes, I think it was a good effect to have a snake appear on the left side of the video game pinball machine.

If I had to choose between the tables I saw, I would choose the Captain America table -- mainly because of the animated figures that appeared with the game.  However, to me both games were enjoyable to watch as well as to play!

My minute is up!  Thanks for visiting my website!  Please come back soon!

Remember to follow me on Twitter under my Twitter name "MsHequalswin!"

Bye now,

Ms. H

"Ms. H Equals Win!"