Cartoon Network’s Ben 10 Video Game Review- #GamerGiftGuide #3decadesGiftGuide

Cartoon Network’s Ben 10 Video Game Review

GGbentenBen 10 is an awesome beat-em-up style arcade game based on the newest version of the hit Cartoon Network show.Fans of the series will be delighted, as they get to play as iconic heroes from the series such as Four Arms, Heatblast, and many more. The combination of the game’s art direction and witty jokes and puns make this Ben 10 video game feel as if it’s another episode of the show!Benten Benten1The game pits Ben Tennyson against some of his fiercest and most diverse enemies yet, starting off against Zombozo, who first appears in an intense and action-packed parade scene. Other enemies such as Queen Bee and the Weatherheads. Ben 10 consists of three “episode” segments in which players fight through. upgrading their character forms along the way. Each alien is gifted with an individual talent, and this makes for some awesome gameplay moments. It is also to be noted that there is no cooldown or any restrictive element when switching between forms, so players will find themselves switching between aliens at ease in the midst of combat.

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This is the best looking Ben 10 game released to date, and one of my favorites. Gameplay-wise, one of the stand-out elements for me had to be each alien’s special move. The animations used during these sequences are awesome, and were a welcome break from the standard hand-to-hand combat in the game. The characters look great in Ben 10, and the show’s unique animation style transferred perfectly into the 3-dimensional gaming world. I loved watching the cutscenes, and getting into the television-esque plot the game had to offer.
Overall, Ben 10 is an absolute blast, and the perfect game for this holiday season. Based in the world of one of the hottest television cartoon series on the air, and giving kids the ability to take on enemies as their favorite characters, the game shines through as a full and fun experience. Fans will get a real kick out of the arcade-style action, the game’s cutscenes, and the variety of characters featured from the show in this title.
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Disclosure: Diane Sullivan/3decades3kids is a Cartoon Network Ben 10 Game partner. All opinions are that of Diane and do not reflect the views of the parent company represented. Contact me at 3decades3kids@gmail.com and @3decades3kids for gaming collabs. This post is part of our #GamerGiftGuide #HolidayGiftGuide #3decadesGiftGuide Series.

Ubisoft Has You Covered For Gaming During the Holidays! #UBIstars #HolidayGiftGuide

Ubisoft Is One Stop Gaming Shopping During the Holidays!

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Everyone that knows my family knows that we LOVE gaming! Hubby was a gamer before I married him and he has since made me into a super Gamer Mom! As for the kids, it’s a no brainer! They were born into gaming! We have about every gaming hardware system available so we are accepting of all gaming challenges. This Christmas Santa will be dropping off a boatload of video games. Of course he did have a lot of help from Ubisoft. Being part of UbiStars gives our family a chance to test out the Ubisoft games after they are available. 

This year we were so lucky to check out everything you will need to know for this holiday season. First off, Family Gamer Game Night is something we live for around here. Everyone has their own controller and it is go time. Are we are a bit competitive within the family when it comes to gaming? YES! 

UbisoftGameNightLet me tell you that the games we are going to talk about are in NO particular order. We have played them all and really have enjoyed each and every one of them. Some are good for single player, some for families and of course my teen son’s favorite, Assassin’s Creed Origins (18+)! I’m good with whatever game gets popped in on whatever system the kids choose.

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So let’s start off with what I call perfect Family Game Night Game Picks! Wheel of Fortune and Jeopardy are packaged together. That is kind of funny because when we watch the two shows some nights they are on TV back to back. Uno is a ton of fun both as a card game and as a video game! Monopoly is something our family has played for years. I think that Ubisoft really hit it out of the ballpark with these Family Game Night choices! So grab the family and game on! Adding any or all of these titles will definitely bring a lot of fun nights to your family.

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If you ask my teenage son what his favorite choice is right now he would tell you to go with Assassin’s Creed Origins (M rating 18+)! As his mom, of course you know I have played my share of Assassin’s Creed. This one is one of my favorites. You can get the details of the game in our review here: http://3decades3kids.net/blog/2017/11/ubisoft-assassins-creed-origins-review/

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Of course he would tell you that he has a second choice when we are not gaming as a family. That choice is South Park The Fractured But Whole. Okay, I have to admit that somewhere in the deepest part of my soul I could not wait for my kids to start turning eighteen so we could make new lasting memories talking about South Park and all things that the under eighteen crowd has to shy away from. Although this is a one player game, you know that this gamer mom had to take a “crack” at it. (Lol! I couldn’t help myself- Fractured But Whole….take a Crack at it!!!…lol) You will just love this game. If you are a South Park fan or know someone who is, you must get this game! Check out our full review of the game here: http://3decades3kids.net/blog/2017/10/south-park-the-fractured-but-whole-gamer-review/

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My tween daughter’s top pick is always the same, Just Dance! Last year it was Just Dance 2017, this year it’s Just Dance 2018! She has been rockin’ out to Shakira, Disney’s Moana, Selena Gomez’s Bad Liar and so many more tunes. It even includes access to over three hundred more tracks through Just Dance Unlimited! Just Dance 2018 turns your living room into a big party! What are you waiting for? Grab a copy of Just Dance 2018 and start dancing! We have an annual disco ball dance party every New Year’s Day with the latest Just Dance 2018! Maybe this year I should live stream it. It’s a great day of dancing around here, but what day isn’t with this game in the house!?

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As for hubby and me, we both are obsessed with Rayman Legends Definitive Edition and Mario and Rabbids Kingdom Battle. What could be better? We constantly argue over which one should go into our Nintendo Switch! Most times I win, but that is besides the point. I have loved Mario and Rabbids Kingdom Battle since I demoed it months ago before it hit the shelves. I mean, can you think of a better combo than Mario and Rabbids?!! Can you imagine seeing your favorite Rabbids dressed like Mario and Princess Peach? I absolutely love that! This game was built especially for the Nintendo Switch! Play on Switch friends! Rayman Legends Definitive Edition is so much fun! You can play alone or with up to a party of four friends. The Kung Foot Tournament mode feature is beyond exciting. You will have to run, jump and fight your way through the game in this action packed adventure. It’s great for boys and girls!

So if you have a gamer in your house or are planning to surprise a gamer friend with a game this Christmas be sure to check out any of the games above. They are all a part of our Game Library and they do not just sit there, they get constant play. There is something for literally everyone. You might even want to pick one up for yourself! Please don’t ask me my favorite favorite! I love each of the games listed for different reasons. When you play them you will understand exactly what I am talking about. You can pick up the games at any of the local game shops or retail stores or you can order online at https://www.ubisoft.com/en-US/

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Disclosure: Diane Sullivan/3decades3kids is a Ubisoft partner blog and part of UbiStars.  Our family loves gaming and is obsessed with sharing all of our gaming finds with our readers. Game titles provided in order to facilitate this review. Contact me at 3decades3kids@gmail.com and/or @3decades3kids across all social media platforms. 

 

 

 

Give A Perfect Gift With Helen Ficalora! #HolidayGiftGuide #3decadesGiftGuide

Give A Perfect Gift With Helen Ficalora This Holiday Season!

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Every year I feel like I am under such “Present Pressure”! What do I buy? Will they like it? Did I spend too much? Did I spend too little? So, this year I decided to just chill out and go with a few brands that I absolutely love and use them for all of my gifting. When you find something you love why try to change it. I must say that it worked out perfectly and the Present Pressure is gone.

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One of my favorite brands when it comes to jewelry and gifting is definitely Helen Ficalora. I know when I wear a piece or gift a piece of Helen Ficalora’s beautiful jewelry I am wearing something very special. I am firm believer of the fact that every piece of jewelry I wear tells a story. It’s a part of my life. This year when I was invited by Helen Ficalora to choose something special I had to really sit back and think. There are so many pieces on the HelenFicalora.com site that I just loved. It seemed that each and every one spoke to me. 

If you know me you already know what a huge fan I am of Helen Ficalora’s charms and necklaces. I have quite a little collection which includes my “Mom” charm from Mother’s Day and my “D” name initial charm. Adding another charm is something I was definitely looking forward to, but I must say it was a very tough decision. I loved them ALL!

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When you visit the site you will know exactly what I mean. As you scroll though the charms it seems that they just all fit into my life. I loved the “Snow” and snowflake charms because of the winter fun I always have with my family and the magic that snow brings. I was taken by the “Peace” charm. I mean, in this day and age, being in NYC all the time, Peace is always on my mind. Then there were all the birthday charms. I absolutely loved them! Since my birthday is between Christmas and New Year’s Eve it seems that my birthday kind of always gets looked over. Somehow I have never had a charm with my birthstone in it! 

I could just go on and on because there are so many charm choices. In addition to charms and chains Helen Ficalora offers a full line of breathtaking choices including rings and earrings. There is something for everyone. I did have my tween daughter at my side who was making her own little list as I was browsing through the pages. Most charms are available in Sterling Silver, 14K Yellow Gold, 14K White Gold, and 14K Pink Gold. 

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So, after going back and forth, I chose the Eiffel Tower mini charm(click <— to link to the Eiffel Tower charm). It is so beautiful and has so much meaning to me. I’m not sure how many readers know this, but hubby and I spent our honeymoon in Paris! We stayed down the street from the Eiffel Tower. Our hotel balcony had a beautiful view of the Eiffel Tower. It was so beautiful. The one thing I do regret about our honeymoon in Paris was that I really did not buy anything as a reminder. I did grab a few bottles of perfume but most of our time was spent touring and dining. We did have dinner on the fourth floor of the Eiffel Tower at the posh, Le Jules Verne.

When I wear my Helen Ficalora Eiffel Tower charm I am wearing a piece of myself. I am wearing part of my story, part of my life. When I pass this Eiffel Tower down to my daughter I know I am not only passing down a beautiful gift of jewelry but a piece of my own history. Every time I look down and see that Eiffel Tower adorning my neckline, I smile. With Helen Ficalora it’s more than just a charm, it’s something way more special. 

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As you are looking through all the charms, earrings and rings remember that your gift will become a part of the gift-tee’s life. Giving it to them just may turn into their story. Maybe you like to skate together, there is a perfect ice- skate charm for that! Maybe flip-flops, a ballerina, or a sweet heart charm is the perfect gift for a special friend, teacher, sister, mom or someone special. Whatever you are looking for, Helen Ficalora has it. 

I know that this post is for my Holiday Gift Guide, but honestly you can bookmark Helen Ficalora because it’s a place you are going to want to have at your fingertips for year round gifting! I’m not going to hold you here any longer, you need to get shopping at HelenFicalora.com! We have an amazing Discount Code just for 3decades3kids readers! Please use code 3decades3kids10 for 10% off of your favorites! Happy Holidays! Happy New Year! Happy Everything!

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Disclosure: Diane Sullivan/3decades3kids is a Helen Ficalora partner blog. All opinions are that of Diane Sullivan and do not reflect the views of the parent company represented. Contact me at 3decades3kids@gmail.com or @3decades3kids across all social media platforms. Jewelry piece provided in order to facilitate this review. 

 

 

 

Disney’s Olaf’s Frozen Adventure

Disney’s Olaf’s Frozen Adventure Digital Release

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We are obsessed with Disney’s Frozen Olaf in this house. I absolutely loved Olaf’s Frozen Adventure! It was something I could watch over and over again! Today, Disney is celebrating the digital release of OLAF’S FROZEN ADVENTURE starring the voice cast of Josh Gad, Idina Menzel, Kristen Bell and Jonathan Groff. The digital copy of Olaf’s Frozen Adventure will also add six classic Disney shorts to your holiday digital collection. Take a look at the special Olaf clip below as well as a video of some of the Easter Eggs hidden in this special holiday featurette.

 In Walt Disney Animation Studios’ 21-minute featurette “Olaf’s Frozen Adventure,” Olaf (voice of Josh Gad) teams up with Sven on a merry mission. It’s the first holiday season since the gates reopened and Anna (voice of Kristen Bell) and Elsa (voice of Idina Menzel) host a celebration for all of Arendelle. When the townspeople unexpectedly leave early to enjoy their individual holiday customs, the sisters realize they have no family traditions of their own. So, Olaf sets out to comb the kingdom to bring home the best traditions and save this first Christmas for his friends.

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 Extras:   6 Classic Disney Holidays Shorts:

  • THE HOCKEY CHAMP – Donald Duck shows his nephews the moves that won him his hockey trophy, but the boys have a few moves of their own.
  • WINTER – Silly Symphony – In this musical short – the last of the ‘Silly Symphony’ series – see wintertime from the point of view of our favorite woodland creatures. 
  • THE ART OF SKIING – The first cartoon to use the now-famous Goofy holler, this short features Goofy learning how to ski at the Sugar Bowl Ski Resort.
  • PLUTO’S CHRISTMAS TREE – While picking out their Christmas tree, Mickey and Pluto chop down the perfect one, unaware that they’re bringing home Chip and Dale along for the ride. 
  • ONCE UPON A WINTERTIME – While courting Jenny, Joe tries to show off on the ice, but events soon turn to a timely rescue in this musical December Valentine.
  • POLAR TRAPPERS – The first cartoon to feature Donald and Goofy without Mickey; The duo are animal trappers in the South Pole with very different (and hilariously unsuccessful) approaches. 

Our Streaming Picks For the Holidays! @Netflix #StreamTeam

Our Top Streaming Pics For the Holidays On Netflix

DianeNetflixThe holidays are here, ready or not. The weather in our area has gone from okay to COLD! There is snow on the ground and our Christmas Tree is up, decorated and lit! For this family it means Mom (me) is trying to create some winter memories that will last a lifetime. With the living room looking unusually clean(lol), I want to take advantage of family time. During the month of December I am trying to watch as many movies and shows during the evenings as I can with the family and a few by myself, too. I have to admit, I made the PUT DOWN YOUR PHONE during the movie rule and it has been killing me to unplug and actually watch and not interact with my little cyber world that I carry around with me. But if my family is putting down the phone so am I and it has been a really beautiful experience. Okay, SO maybe I have had to excuse myself a few times to check FB or IG, but for the most part I am doing this!

Netflix makes it easy. They have a line up of everything you could ever want to watch.  So here are our top picks for Netflix this December during the holidays! What are your favorite family winter shows? Leave me a comment and let me know! Now it’s time to cuddle up next to that warm fireplace, grab a fuzzy blanket and get ready for a cozy night  with Netflix!  Here are our festive titles all wrapped up and ready to stream this month, so fill up your queue and spread the holiday cheer with Netflix. First up is the Trolls Holiday Special! It’s a definite must do! It’s one that you will want to watch a few times. So cute! 

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Next Up- A Storybots Christmas! This silly little show is simply something that will make the kids (and the parents) smile and giggle along! It’s a keeper!

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A Christmas Prince is one you will want to watch with your tween, teen, hubby, friend or yourself! I watched it myself because everyone said it was a total “Mommy Movie”….It was! “A Christmas Prince” is a romantic film that tells the story of an aspiring young journalist (Rose McIver), who’s sent abroad to find out all about the handsome prince (Ben Lamb) who is set to be king. Watch it! Tell me what you think about it! 

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Netflix’s Christmas Inheritance is one I really enjoyed! Socialite Ellen has her work cut out for her when it comes to inheriting her father’s company. First she has to head to her small hometown and try to remember how to help others and the value of hard work! Stars- Eliza Taylor, Jake Lacy, Andie MacDowell.
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A great weekend night Family movie night would be DreamWorks Home For the Holidays!
You won’t be able to look away as Oh takes it upon himself to introduce Christmas joy to his fellow Boovs. Unfortunately, his well-meaning mission nearly destroys the city. Starring: Rachel Crow, Mark Whitten, Kelly Clarkson

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Finally, If you are looking for a movie marathon night with the kids this is perfect! The Santa Clause Trilogy! I still have not caught all three back to back. I think this weekend may be perfect timing! So put down the phone and pick up the hot cocoa! It’s movie time. There are only TEN days until Christmas. Don’t let the time just pass by and not create those traditions that make the holidays so special. Well, have to go….Time to bake some cookies for tonight’s Netflix Movie night!  
   
Disclosure: Diane Sullivan/3decades3kids is part of the Netflix Stream Team. All opinions are that of Diane Sullivan and do not reflect those of the parent company represented. Contact me at 3decades3kids@gmail.com or @3decades3kids across all social media platforms.