Little Player - Video Game Magazine for Kids - 03 Digital Edition

DIGITAL EDITION

September/October 2016 $6.99 USA $8.99 CANADA

Pokémon GO is a © & ™ of Niantic, Inc. Pokémon Sun & Moon are © & ™ of The Pokémon Company.

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Our Mission Statement

Little Player Magazine’s mission is to provide a safe, fun and advertising-free reading experience that parents can feel good about giving to their kids.

We also want to inspire and teach kids to make good gaming choices and play what is appropriate for their age group. We only cover and review games that are rated EC, E, and E10+ to ensure that young children are not exposed to content meant for teens or mature audiences.

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little player

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Back to School... Time to work hard and then play hard!

For most of our readers, this is the time of year when going back to school becomes a reality. In doing so, comes the challenge of focusing on school work in the classroom and at home. In the past, portable gaming was limited to systems that were obviously made just for gaming. More and more, young players are carrying their own smartphones so parents can keep in touch with them and vice-versa. The temptation to play one’s favorite mobile game on the school campus has greatly increased.

Getting your education needs to come first and will actually make you a better player in the long run.

The more your mind grows and the more you learn, the better you will be at solving puzzles and getting achievements in your favorite gaming adventures.

Respect your time (and your teacher’s time) while in school and make homework your priority when classes are finished for the day.

All of us (young and old), need to realize that there is a time to work and a time to play. Learning to balance work and play is one of life’s greatest and most rewarding lessons. I hope you had a great summer and first day of school. We also hope you like this issue as much as we enjoyed creating it just for you.

Martin Alessi Publisher / EIC

Video Game Magazine for Kids A Massive Impact, Inc. Periodical

Sept./Oct. 2016, Issue 3 1st Printing

Publishers Martin Alessi & Shelly Alessi Editor-in-Chief / Creative Director Martin Alessi Senior Editors Jason Kaplan Tim Wilkus Associate Editor Nathan Alessi Junior Editors Isabella Ocampo Brody Patterson Hannah Friedman Aiden Friedman Contributing Editors Patrick Scott Patterson Carl Williams Copy Editors Jenny Kaplan Daniel Lofgren Industry Correspondant Patrick Scott Patterson Art Director / 3D Artist Allen Forbes Illustration Artist Thor Thorvaldson Video Capture Technician Pete Hahn Creative Consultant David Ray Siller Legal Counsel Erich G. Monzon

© Copyright 2016, Massive Impact, Inc. All rights reserved.

Little Player is published bi-monthly by Massive Impact, Inc., P.O. Box 512, Wheeling IL 60090. Subscriptions are 6 issues for $24.99. Please allow 6-8 weeks before receiving your first issue as well as any subscription changes on an existing account. Little Player is a registered trademark of Massive Impact, Inc. No part of this publication may be reproduced or distributed in any form or by any means without express written permission of Massive Impact, Inc. Trademark and copyright for all other products and characters contained therein are owned by the respective trademark and copyright owners.

For permisson to reuse material from our publication or to use our logo contact martin@littleplayermag.com.

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SUBSCRIPTIONS

Little Player is published bi-monthly.

Domestic rate is $24.99 for 6 issues.

NEW SUBS: www.shoplittleplayer.com Subscription Inquiries: 312-574-0499 subs@littleplayermag.com Please send letters and artwork to: letters@littleplayermag.com or Little Player Magazine P.O. Box 512 Wheeling IL 60090 Little Player Magazine 3

FEATURE STORY

Publisher: Niantic Labs Developer: Niantic Labs Systems: Android, iOS Players: Single Player, Multiplayer Release Date: July 6, 2016 ESRB Rating: E Content Descriptors: N/A

By Patrick Scott Patterson

Pokémon GO Fever has swept the country and even the entire world. You can go almost anywhere and find people playing the game and trying to catch ‘em all.

While it is fun and amazing to play, it is also important to be smart, safe and courteous while hunting for a Pikachu. Here are some ways to play safe and add to your fun while you continue to evolve your latest catches.

Check Your Surroundings The fun thing about Pokémon GO is that you can play anywhere, but some places just aren’t right if you want to become a great Pokémon Trainer.

Stay away from places like construction zones, busy streets and unsafe terrain, even if you think there might be a great catch in there somewhere. Whatever might be in there can be caught again somewhere else, so pay attention and choose somewhere safe.

If it isn’t the kind of place you’d want to be normally, it is not the best place to seek a Pokémon.

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Watch Where You Are Going Always pay more attention to what is going on off of the screen than what is on-screen. You don’t want to trip and fall or walk into a puddle or pond.

You want to be able to check for places like cross walks so you can know when it is safe to move forward.

You also want to be able to watch for other people, some of who might not be playing PokĂŠmon and want to get somewhere.

If you encounter a crosswalk or something else going on, put your hunt on hold until it is safe to move on, or find another place to continue your game.

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No Loitering A lot of different kinds of businesses have embraced Pokémon GO and welcome players of all ages. Some of them are even PokéStops that place lures, making them great places to level up quickly.

But never forget that these places are businesses, and therefore business needs to be able to continue as normal. Please don’t interrupt their ability to run their business normally and stay out of the way of paying customers and employees.

If you are hanging out at a restaurant or ice cream parlor, you might make sure to bring some money so that you can give them some business while you are there.

A place like that was nice enough to welcome Pokémon Trainers, but they don’t make money when people sit at their tables without ordering anything. Help them out as they’ve helped you, or even plan a family meal to a Pokémon-friendly location so that everyone gets what they need from the fun.

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Learn More About PokéStops PokéStops are always a welcome sight on the overhead map. They give you welcome supplies, eggs, extra Pokéballs and even experience points. But they can also give you information about your city or town that you might have not known before.

Most PokéStops are made up of historic places, artwork from community artists and other points of interest that are often unique to where you live and play. When you walk up to a PokéStop, try to take a moment to learn why that location is important. There might be a plaque or marker that tells you what that statue is about or who painted the colorful mural you are looking at right at that moment.

Maybe someone famous once lived in that building, or perhaps that particular PokéStop pays tribute to heroes like fallen soldiers, police or firefighters. Maybe that artwork has a deeper meaning than you had ever realized before. It is fun to learn about and appreciate your own community, plus it gives you something to do while you are waiting for that PokéStop to restock on all the goodies it wants to give you.

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Play It Smart With Strangers While Pokémon GO is a wonderful way to meet other people who like the same things as you, the tried and true advice about strangers still stands. If you are by yourself, don’t talk to adults that you don’t know, even if they are playing too.

A great way to avoid this is to play in groups with your friends or even in group outings with your own family.

The game is more fun with friends anyway.

Watch The Weather We know you are eager to get out and get in the steps you need to hatch that egg or to find that extra Pokémon you need to evolve your next gym champion. However, there is a right and a wrong time to do it. If it is raining outside, it would be best to wait until later. If it is too hot outside, maybe it would be best to wait until the early evening and to drink plenty of water. If it is cold outside, be sure to wear a jacket. Nothing in the game is more important than taking care of yourself against the various moods of the weather.

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Now that you know some ways to play smart, fun and safe, get out there and continue to fill that Pokédex! Write into Little Player Magazine and let us know what Pokémon you’ve caught recently and how you are doing in taking your local gyms as Pokémon GO fever continues to give the world joy.

Introducing Pokémon GO Plus!

There is a really cool new accessory called Pokémon GO Plus which will make it easier to catch Pokémon and collect PokéBalls, Berries and Pokémon Eggs as well as other items at PokéStop locations.

It can be used with any compatible smartphone that has the Pokémon GO app installed on it.

It connects to the device with Bluetooth so you might have to have your parents help you set it up at first.

When the accessory connects to your phone and a Pokémon is nearby, it will begin to vibrate! All you have to do then is press the button and you will catch the Pokémon without even having to look at your phone! It really is that easy!

You can wear the accessory like a watch, hold it in your hand, or even clip it to your shirt!

With the Pokémon GO Plus accessory you can catch Pokémon in the wild with the simple click of a button!

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FEATURE STORY

Catch Pokémon fever all over again with Jason Kaplan these amazing new adventures! By & Nathan Alessi Pokémon is arguably one of the world’s most recognizable series, and Nintendo is back at it again with Pokémon Sun and Moon. There is a lot more for you to do with your Pokémon than ever before, such as changes in training, combat, and exploration. Let’s start with training. You still get to level up your Pokémon the same as before, but now there’s a new feature; Hyper Training. Pokémon grow stronger by leveling up and increasing their base stats. However, their power is still affected by the individual strengths assigned to each Pokémon. With Hyper Training, Pokémon that have grown to level 100 will be able to increase their individual strengths, which has never been possible before. You just need to find Mr. Hyper somewhere in the Alola region and bring him bottle caps, which you’ll be able to find as you play.

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Publisher: Nintendo Developer: Game freak Systems: 3DS Players: Single-player, Multiplayer Release Date: November 18, 2016 ESRB Rating: E Content Descriptors: Mild Cartoon Violence

Experience a cool new way to train your Pokémon with Z-moves!

Something else entirely new in Pokémon Sun and Moon is Z-Moves!

Every Pokémon can use them, but only once per battle. Your trainer’s and your Pokémon’s wishes resonate together to let them use all their power in battle. Just get a Z-Ring for your trainer and the same variety of Z-Crystal for your Pokémon and you’re all set! It gets even better though! When Pokémon Sun and Moon comes out, you’ll be able to buy a real-life Z-Ring! It’ll sync up to your game and make noises and vibrations to further your experience!

Call for a Poké Ride from a special Pokémon when you get into a tough situation!

When you’re playing Pokémon Sun and Moon, you may reach an area and get stuck. With Poké Ride, that won’t be a problem! You just need to get certain Pokémon to help you out. In the Alola region it’s very common to call a Pokémon for help, but remember these Pokémon don’t actually join your team. They only use their strength to help you get to areas you otherwise wouldn’t be able to reach.

When you need to get somewhere far and fast call upon your trusty Poké Ride and you’ll be there in no time!

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Let’s Take a Look at the Main Characters!

You will begin your adventure by picking your main character.

You get to choose either male or female and name them what you want. Along the way you will meet Professor Kukui who can teach you alot about the Pokémon on Alola. You will also meet a mysterious girl name Lillie and a fun loving boy named Hau. Don’t forget about the awesome little guy name Rotom who lives in the Pokédex! He will become a great help in keeping track of Pokémon and gives out really good advice.

Name: Main (Your choice) Type: Male

Name: Professor Kukui Type: Human Male 12 Little Player Magazine

Name: Main (Your choice) Type: Female

Name: Rotom Pokédex Type: Tool

Name: Lillie Type: Human Female

Name: Hau Type: Human Male

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Check out the new QR Scanner feature!

There is an all new QR Scanner function that lets you see details about Pokémon when you scan QR Code patterns.

When you scan a special QR Code pattern, you will be able to register Pokémon of the Alola region to your Pokédex and find out where they live.

One of the coolest features of this new scanner is that if you scan a QR Code for a Pokémon that you do not have yet, you can check on it’s habitat and more easily hunt it down!

Beware! Team Skull can have one Bad Attitude!

There is a gang of bad guys known as Team Skull that cause a whole lot of trouble in the Alola region. They steal other people’s Pokémon and mess up trial sites and sometimes do much worse.

Name: Guzma Type: Team Skull

Name: Grunt - Male Type: Team Skull

Name: Plumeria Type: Team Skull

Name: Grunt - Female Type: Team Skull DIGITAL EDITION

The boss of the group is known as Guzma and he is very strong. He likes to attack and will battle without mercy. He seems to have a bone to pick with Professor Kukui.

The “big sister” of Team Skull is a nasty but tough lady named Plumeria. She keeps the members of team in line and looks after the Grunts. If you give the Grunts a walloping, watch out!

Plumeria is not one to let it go!

The Grunts come in two forms, male and female. They are tough but not so smart and can be defeated rather easily. Did you know that Grunts have to buy their own uniforms just to be in the gang? Doesn’t sound like a very good deal, does it?

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Meet the Captains and Kahunas!

Captains are former Trainers and are there to provide guidance and advice to trial goers. Captain Kiawe is an expert in Fire-type Pokémon and studies dances that have been passed down in the Alola region. Captain Mallow is an expert in Grass-type Pokémon and loves to cook even though not everyone loves her cooking. Captain Sophocles specializes in Electric-type Pokémon and invents machines. He’s good with all things mechanical. Captain Lana is great with Water-type Pokémon and extremely family oriented.

Name: Kiawe Type: Captain

Name: Mallow Type: Captain

Name: Sophocles Type: Captain

Name: Lana Type: Human Captain

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Each of Alola’s four islands has a leader called the island Kahuna.

Hala is the leader of Melemele Island, where you just move to.

His skills are very respected all over Alola. He gives you your first partner Pokémon but not without expecting great things from you in return.

Name: Hala Type: Kahuna

Get ready for the amazing Legendary PokĂŠmon!

Name: Solgaleo Type: Psychic/Steel

Name: Lunala Type: Psychic/Ghost

Zygarde 100%

Name: Zygarde Type: Dragon/Ground

Zygarde Core Cell DIGITAL EDITION

Zygarde 10% Little Player Magazine 15

Our visual guide to the PokĂŠmon of the Alola islands!

Name: Bounsweet Type: Grass

Name: Bruxish Type: Water/Psychic

Name: Charjabug Type: Bug/Electric

Name: Comfey Type: Fairy

Name: Cutiefly Type: Bug/Fairy

Name: Drampa Type: Normal/Dragon

Name: Fomantis Type: Grass

Name: Gumshoos Type: Normal

Name: Komala Type: Normal

Name: Lurantis Type: Grass

Name: Magearna Type: Steel/Fairy

Name: Mimikyu Type: Ghost/Fairy

Name: Minior Type: Rock/Flying

Name: Minior (Core) Type: Rock/Flying

Name: Morelull Type: Type

Name: Mudbray Type: Ground

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Here’s even more new and interesting Pokémon to catch!

Name: Mudsdale Type: Ground

Name: Oricorio (Baile) Name: Oricorio (Pa’u) Name: Oricorio (Pom-Pom) Type: Fire/Flying Type: Psychic/Flying Type: Electric/Flying

Name: Oricorio (Sensu) Type: Ghost/Flying

Name: Pyukumuku Type: Water

Name: Rockruff Type: Rock

Name: Tapu Koko Type: Electric/Fairy

Name: Togedemaru Type: Electric/Steel

Name: Vikavolt Type: Bug/Electric

Name: Wimpod Type: Bug/Water

Name: Wishiwashi (School) Type: Water

That’s not all of them!

There are so many more new Pokémon to catch on Alola!

Name: Wishiwashi (Solo) Type: Water

Name: Yungoos Type: Normal

This visual guide is just the beginning of how many new and different Pokémon inhabit the islands of Alola. There are so many secrets to be discovered and with new tools like the Rotom PokéDex and the QR scanner you will be able to catch and collect Pokémon like never before!

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Some PokĂŠmon have special varients in the Alola region!

Name: Exeggutor Alolan Exeggutor Type: Grass/Dragon

Name: Marowak Alolan Marowak Type: Fire/Ghost

Name: Meowth Alolan Meowth Type: Dark

Name: Ninetales Alolan Ninetales Type: Ice/Fairy

Name: Raichu Alolan Raichu Type: Electric/Psychic

Name: Sandshrew Alolan Sandshrew Type: Ice/Steel

Name: Sandslash Alolan Sandslash Type: Ice/Steel 18 Little Player Magazine

Name: Vulpix

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Type: Ice

Alolan Vulpix

Connect with players around the world on Pokémon Global Link!

There’s a website called “Pokémon Global Link” dedicated to connecting Pokémon fans around the world.

Pokémon Global Link will be updated to include both a Pokémon Sun and Moon service and a new function called “Friendly Competitions”, which allows players to both host and compete in competitive Pokémon battles.

Friendly Competitions come in two varieties: Online: This is where matches are set up via the internet and can be played from anywhere.

Live: This is where matches are hosted locally by players all sharing the same space.

Go to: www.pokemon-gl.com

Be sure to ask your parents to help you register and set up your account.

(Ask your parents first!)

Meet Turtonator, the newest Pokémon revealed so far!

A brand new Pokémon named Turtonator was unveiled at the GamesCon which is held overseas in Germany. Turtonator is a Blast Turtle Pokémon that lives around volcanoes and can camouflage itself as it waits for unsuspecting prey. If hit during battle, sparks will fly from the horns on it’s shell. Turtonator can also learn the exclusive move known as the Shell Trap. With this move, a trap is layed down for the opponent and if the Turtonator is hit during the opponent’s turn, the trap explodes and causes huge damage to the opponent!

Name: Turtonator Type: Fire/Dragon Category: Blast Turtle Pokémon Height: 6’ 07” Weight: 467.4 lbs Ability: Shell Armor DIGITAL EDITION

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BLAST.FROM.THE.PAST! Publisher: Nintendo Developer: Game Freak Systems: GameBoy, GBC, 3DS Players: Single-Player, Multiplayer Release Date: February 27, 1996 ESRB Rating: E Content Descriptors: N/A

RED & BLUE These Pokémon Classics are still Fun!

By Carl Williams

Pokémon GO has people running around the real world looking for “pocket monsters”. Pokémon Red and Blue were earlier releases in the original series that had players searching the Japanese region called Kanto. Collecting all of the 151 Pokémon required a copy of each game and a GameBoy Link Cable.

Pokémon Red and Blue were the first games that could be linked together and let players battle their best Pokémon against each other. Players could complete either Pokémon Red or Blue without access to the other title but not capture all 151 Pokémon in the process.

Not only are some Pokémon exclusive to Red or Blue, others will not evolve unless traded to the other game.

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PREVIEW Publisher: Nintendo Developer: Grezzo Company Systems: 3DS Players: Single-player Release Date: 2017 ESRB Rating: RP Content Descriptors: N/A

Adventure awaits in the world of Ever Oasis!

By Nathan Alessi

Ever Oasis is an original new title from the makers of The Legend of Zelda: Majora’s Mask 3D. This exciting new game is an action-adventure RPG that is full of colorful characters, monsters, and puzzles for you to solve. You play as a chosen Seedling by the name of Tethu and your main goal is to build a thriving oasis against the evil forces known as the Chaos by working with your partner, Isuna. Venture through dark caves and puzzle-filled dungeons as you scavenge for dewadems- the game’s main currency.

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Get ready to have a huge adventure playing as Tethu and his mystical partner Isuna.

Work together with your three in-game partners to fight fierce bosses as you cleanse the world of the Chaos and earn great rewards. Meet and ally with members of other tribes—each with their own special set of weapons and abilities—to help you complete your mission. With a beautifully created world inspired

by Egyptian mythology, Ever Oasis is one title you don’t want to miss.

Explore a beautiful world inspired by Egyptian mythology!

There are so many wonderful sights and mysteries to discover in the world of Ever Oasis! If you like going on grand adventures then keep your eye out for this exciting title in 2017!

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PREVIEW Publisher: Nintendo Developer: Nintendo Systems: 3DS Players: Single-player, Multiplayer Release Date: November 4,2016 ESRB Rating: E Content Descriptors: Mild Cartoon Violence

Mario gets ready for a whole new way to party!

By Tim Wilkus

An all-new Mario Party titled Mario Party Star Rush will be launching this fall for the Nintendo 3DS. Nintendo has improved the gameplay this time around and it is hoping its new approach will be much more fun for everyone.

Players will now have simultaneous turns! That means you will no longer have to wait for your next turn to come around. Up to four players can move around the board at one time! You will move your character along the board hoping to recruit allies along the way.

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Join the party with Mario, Luigi, Princess Peach and Toad and have a super fun time!

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All your favorite characters will make an appearance such as Mario, Luigi, Princess Peach, Princess Daisy, Rosalina, Yoshi, Donkey Kong, Wario, and Toad.

Familiar bosses will make an appearance too! Be on the look out for enemies such as Mega-Goomba, King Bobomb, King Boo, Kamek, and Bowser.

Players will also be happy to know that Mario Party Star Rush will be supported by amiibo. This is exciting news because seven new amiibo will be launching alongside the release of the game on November 4, 2016. They are Wario, Waluigi, Daisy, Rosalina, Boo, Donkey Kong, and Diddy Kong.

Watch out for these dangerous enemies!

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PREVIEW

Two new adventures in the world

By Tim Wilkus of the Yo-Kai await you!

This fall fans of the Yo-Kai series are in for a very special treat.

Two new games will be launching on September 30, 2016; YoKai Watch 2: Bony Spirits and Yo-Kai Watch 2: Fleshy Souls.

Over 350 new and returning Yo-Kai will be ready for battle. You will team up with Hovernyan, a heroic cat to travel back in time to save Springdale. Players will assemble a team of 6 Yo-Kai to battle against troublemaking Yokai. You will also solve people’s problems and attempt to end a civil war between two groups.

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Publisher: Nintendo Developer: Level 5 Systems: 3DS Players: Single-player, Multiplayer Release Date: September 30,2016 ESRB Rating: E10+ Content Descriptors: Comic Mischief, Fantasy Violence

The only difference between the two versions will be specific game Yo-Kai. Players will use the touchscreen to perform Soultimate moves and heal their Yo-Kai. You’ll be able to travel by train to new worlds, travel back in time to learn the origins of the Yo-Kai, and meet classic Yo-Kai from 60 years ago.

Players will be able to team up with up to four players for local multiplayer games. Each player will need their own system and software to do so. Yo-Kai Yo Watch YO-MOTION medals have also been announced and will be launching this fall alongside the game.

Here is a sample of the 350 new and returning Yo-Kai!

Whisper

Kate Hovernyan

Nate

Boyclops

Brushido

Firewig DIGITAL EDITION

Lady Longnek

Pallysol

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SPORTS SPECIAL

Publisher: EA Sports Developer: EA Tiburon Systems: PS4, PS3, XO, X360 Players: Single-player, Multiplayer Release Date: August 23,2016 ESRB Rating: E Content Descriptors: N/A

Get ready because the king of the Gridiron is back! By Tim Wilkus Just in time for the upcoming start of the NFL season, Madden 17 is ready to unleash all-new game mechanics to make an already great game even better! If you like to move the chains the old-fashioned way by running the ball, players are going to love the new “path assist” which will improve your field awareness and help you hit the hole even harder. The addition of the extended play is a welcome feature too. Plays will now continue until the whistle blows allowing you to try and break free for extra yardage.

Defense hasn’t been forgotten this year. Defensive play calling has gotten simplified if the player wishes to do so. If you think your opponent is going to run, just pick a run play. If you think your opponent is going to pass, just pick a pass play. The computer will take care of the rest. This will definitely help new players to the game who just want to keep things simple.

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Publisher: EA Sports Developer: EA Canada Systems: PS4, PS3, XO, X360 Players: Single-player, Multiplayer Release Date: September 27,2016 ESRB Rating: E Content Descriptors: N/A

Pick your favorite team and go for the goal! By Tim Wilkus Players will be happy to know an all-new career mode called The Journey is being introduced this year. This is on top of the traditional Ultimate Team mode. In the new game mode you will play as an upcoming Premier League prospect. New cutscenes are also planned for this new mode as well. Expect the most realistic ingame graphics in the series so far. The players look so life-like that you’ll feel like you’re watching the real thing, only this time you are in control. Watch for these improvements when the game releases in late September.

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SPORTS SPECIAL

Publisher: EA Sports Developer: EA Canada Systems: PS4, PS3, XO, X360 Players: Single-player, Multiplayer Release Date: September 13,2016 ESRB Rating: E Content Descriptors: Mild Violence

Hit the ice and set your sights on the goal!

By Tim Wilkus An exciting new feature coming to this year’s edition of NHL 17 is the all-new Synergy Dynamic Sets.

Synergy is all-new team building system that will challenge the player to build their team based on the player’s strengths over your entire lineup. Players are now linked by their playing style and can be set to any position on your team.

Hockey Ultimate Team sets are also being introduced this year. Players can trade in items to complete sets to unlock collectibles and coins to help improve their team on the ice.

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Publisher: 2K Games Developer: Visual Concepts Systems: PS4, PS3, XO, X360 Players: Single-player, Multiplayer Release Date: September 16,2016 ESRB Rating: E Content Descriptors: Mild Language

This year’s edition is going to be a real slam dunk!

By Tim Wilkus

Slowly new information on NBA 2K17 is being leaked. Rumors might be a better word for it, but new information is good information when it comes to the best basketball game on the market. With the talk of the league expanding the number of teams, it has been revealed that pre-made expansion teams will be available with complete jerseys, logos, and arenas. This is exciting for fans of the game and the NBA!

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Thank You to our awesome readers!

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SPECIAL INTERVIEW

NEW WORLD RECORD! Austin Swann (11 Years Old) OFFICIAL WORLD RECORD*

697,230 * As of 8/21/2016

The Galloping Ghost Arcade is located at 9415 Ogden Ave, Brookfield, IL 60513.

LP: How does it feel to be a world record holder?

Austin: I don’t feel any different, but when I finally achieved the record score, it was very cool. Lots of people have congratulated me and I feel proud that I was able to do something that’s never been done before by scoring the most points for this game.

LP: Why did you choose Mad Planets, what do you like about it?

Austin: I found the game on accident. At Galloping Ghost, Mad Planets is located next to Q*Bert. I’ve always loved Q*Bert, but it was not working that day, so I decided to try the game right next to it in the arcade and I immediately liked it. I think that I like the fast action and how there are different controls, including the spinner.

LP: How much practice did it take to master Mad Planets and get the world record?

Austin: I practiced Mad Planets every time I had a chance. I was hooked after first playing it. I kept making my dad take me to the arcade so that I could play it. I told my dad that I needed one at home! Unfortunately, Mad Planets is a somewhat hard to find arcade game. After much searching, my dad and I found and bought a machine from Nashville, Tennessee. I still love the game at Galloping Ghost the most because it’s the first Mad Planets I ever played.

LP: What is your favorite game?

Austin: Right now, Mad Planets is definitely my most favorite game at Galloping Ghost and at home. I love lots of other classic games like Lunar Lander, Sinistar, Star Trek and Marble Madness.

LP: Do you like older “retro” games or “modern” games better?

Austin: I like playing modern games on my Xbox One or on my iPhone, but the retro/classic arcade games are definitely my favorite. They all require lots of practice and dedication to be good at them. I think that’s why I like them so much.

LP: Do you have any advice to give kids who would like to be competitive gamers?

Austin: I would like to tell my fellow gamers that they need to keep practicing. Practicing really does make the difference. When I first played Mad Planets, I was okay at it, but after a couple months of practicing, it really made a big difference. Even after I achieved the world record, I still continued to practice. And I was able to beat my world record score!

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Collector’s Corner

By Jason Kaplan

Collecting “Toys-to-Life” figures is really fun! Here is a guide to some of the newest figures that are coming out this year.

You can use the check boxes to keep track of your collection.

Cheval

Series: Monster Hunter Release date: 2016

Ayuria

Series: Monster Hunter Release date: 2016

Spinning Fire Bar Series: Super Mario Release date: 2016

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Dan

Series: Monster Hunter Release date: 2016

Donkey Kong Display Series: Display Release date: 2016

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Animal Crossing: New Leaf is going to be receiving an update this November to finally add amiibo support! As of now, it’s only been announced for Japan but it has to come here, right?

If (when) it does you’ll be able to use all the existing Animal Crossing series amiibo and their cards as well. The figures will let you add them into your game as a villager while the cards should do something similar. You’ll be able to use other amiibo such as the Squid Sisters from Splatoon as well. Some sweet new amiibo displays such as The Master Sword stand, a Spinning Fire Bar Display, and a Donkey Kong display should be out by the time you’re reading this too. More new amiibo such as Cheval, Ayuria, and Dan from Monster Hunter Stories will be released too.

Master Sword Stand Series: Display Release date: 2016

Adventure Time Level Pack Series: Adventure Time Release date: 2016

Adventure Time Team Pack Series: Adventure Time Release date: 2016

Do you want competitive multiplayer in your LEGO Dimensions? Maybe four player splitscreen co-op? You’ll be getting that in September with the Battle Arena! Each year, two mini-figures will come with a golden Toy Tag to unlock a Battle Arena. The different arenas will have four modes with their own unique features.You won’t need a new base station either.

Everything is compatible. If you weren’t able to snag Green Arrow at a LEGO event you’re not entirely out of luck! He’ll be available digitally. So will Supergirl, or so the rumors go.

So what do we know for sure?

When year two launches there will be packs for Ghostbusters (based on the movie that came out this summer), the A-Team, Mission Impossible, and Adventure Time.

Ghostbusters Story Pack Series: Ghostbusters Release date: 2016

Mission Impossible Level Pack Series: Mission Impossible Release date: 2016

A-Team Fun Pack Series: A-Team Release date: 2016

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Master King Pen Series: Imaginators Release date: Fall 2016

Golden Queen

Series: Imaginators Release date: Fall 2016

Dark Master King Pen Series: Imaginators Release date: Fall 2016

Dark Golden Queen Series: Imaginators Release date: Fall 2016

There’s going to be three versions of Skylanders Imaginators when it releases October 16th. The Standard Edition has a Portal of Power, a creation crystal, the figures Golden queen and Master Kingpen, and, of course, the game. Next we have the Crash Bandicoot edition, which has Crash Bandicoot in addition to everything in the regular edition.

Finally, exclusive to GameStop, the Dark Edition Stater pack. This has three figures (Dark Master Kingpen, Dark Golden Queen, and Dark Wolfgang), three creation crystals, a Portal of Power, and a poster with all the Imaginator Figures featured on it.

There’s also a new bunch of figures on the way. Senseis Chopscotch, Barbella, Ambush, and Ember. And Sensei Villains Tae Kwon Crow, Dr Krankcase, and Hood Sickle.

Collector’s Tip!

Wolfgang

Series: Imaginators Release date: Fall 2016

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Dark Wolfgang

Series: Imaginators Release date: Fall 2016

DIGITAL EDITION

Count on Little Player Magazine to keep you informed on all the new “Toys-to-Life” figures coming out.

Use our guides in this and future issues to plan and keep track of your collection. If you do not want to write on your magazine, try photocopying these pages or if you have the digital version of the magazine, try printing these pages before you check anything off. Ask your parents first!

Dr. Krankcase

Dr. Neo Cortex

Series: Imaginators Release date: Fall 2016

Series: Imaginators Release date: Fall 2016

Hoodsickle

Kaos

Series: Imaginators Release date: Fall 2016

Series: Imaginators Release date: Fall 2016

Starcast

Series: Imaginators Release date: Fall 2016

DIGITAL EDITION

Tae Kwon Crow Series: Imaginators Release date: Fall 2016

Little Player Magazine 37

BIG & little Reviews Meet the Crew

BIG Players

little Players

SHELLY ALESSI

ISABELLA OCAMPO

JASON KAPLAN

HANNAH FRIEDMAN

TIM WILKUS

BRODY PATTERSON

PATRICK SCOTT PATTERSON

AIDEN FRIEDMAN

Shelly really loves the water and was waiting all summer for ABZÛ to come out. It was everything she hoped it to be and more!

She’s a huge Star Wars fan and had a blast with LEGO’s take on TFA! Jason’s really amazed that over 20 million people are playing Pokémon GO!. It really has caught on quickly! He also absolutely cannot wait for hockey season to start up again. It’s just around the corner!

With school back in session, Tim has been busy helping his new students become better readers and writers. Tim still finds time to play some of his favorite games on PS4 and Xbox One.

PSP has been hunting down items from gaming’s past so he can share them with Little Players across the world. He has caught the Pokémon GO bug and really wants us all to play it safe out there.

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Isabella has been quite busy playing through Song of the Deep and Kirby Planet Robobot, her two favorites this issue! She is excited to go back to school and share her summer gaming experiences.

Hannah is in her second season of Poms. She loves playing Nintendogs and Disney Crossy Roads. She had a busy summer going on three different vacations.

She is ready to see her friends again at school.

Brody is excited to be back in school, bringing with him a summer spent as a Pokémon Trainer.

He is looking forward to a new year, new friends and a bunch of upcoming new games.

Aiden is looking forward to his football season starting up again. He is looking forward to seeing his friends at school again.

His favorite games this summer are Minecraft and Pokémon Go.

BIG & little Reviews

LEGO Star Wars: The Force Awakens Publisher: Warner Bros. Interactive Developer: TT Games Systems: PS3, PS4, X360, XO, 3DS + Players: Single-player, Multiplayer Release Date: June 28, 2016 ESRB Rating: E10+ Content Descriptors: Cartoon Violence, Comic Mischief, Mild Language

8.0 BIG REVIEW JASON

little REVIEW

9

HANNAH

TIM

8.5

I absolutely loved my play through of this game. It had all the charm and humor of the Lego Series games combined with the Star Wars universe. The fact they got the original actors and actresses to do voice work for the characters was brilliant. My only concern is that some of the puzzles can be a little challenging for younger players.

6.5

This game is nice, but I expected it to be a little better. The graphics and music are really good but I did not find the game to be much fun. It is a little too hard in my opinion and I always had to reset it and start over. It’s too tough!

Other gamers may like it but I am not a fan of it and got really frustrated.

This is really the best LEGO game to come out in years! There’s tons of stuff to collect and unlock so you’ll have lots to do. A cool new feature is multi-builds, where you have choices of what to build.

Sometimes you need to build them all to solve a puzzle and others just one. I had a great time with this game!

BIG REVIEW

Average Score

little REVIEW AIDEN

8

This game is not what I expected because there were some parts when it was not the same as the movie. It was kind of silly in some parts. It was still fun to me, but very challenging at times.

I like it mainly because the graphics were pretty good, and the characters from the movie are really cool too.

DIGITAL EDITION

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BIG & little Reviews ABZÛ

Publisher: 505 Games Developer: Giant Squid Systems: PS4 Players: Single-player Release Date: August 2, 2016 ESRB Rating: E Content Descriptors: Mild Fantasy Violence

8.4 BIG REVIEW SHELLY

9

I anticipated playing this game for a long time and I’m thrilled to say it did not disappoint. The gameplay is similar to that of Journey so it was easy to learn how to play.

I love the freedom of swimming in the water, the interaction with the sea life, and the story line as well. I love games that give you an experience, rather than killing or grinding for points. Pure exploration at it’s best!

BIG REVIEW JASON

8

In this game there are no time limits, no telling you where to go or what to do. You swim in the incredibly beautiful ocean and explore its mysteries. You’ll solve some thought provoking puzzles.

The most intense thing you can do is ride the sea life you find. I wish it was longer, because it was a ton of fun.

40 Little Player Magazine

little REVIEW HANNAH

Average Score

8

I played ABZU and my mind was going crazy. You will want to stop playing but you just can’t. It is so easy, you just swim around and have fun! The ocean is incredible down there. The only bad thing about this game is the ending of the game but you can play it over again and again.

little REVIEW AIDEN

8.5

Swim, swim, swim. Fish, fish, and more fish. You know what that means? FUN! This game really is so fun because you can swim around the ocean and discover lots of new areas and sea creatures.

I recommend this game because the graphics are amazing and the music is really good too.

DIGITAL EDITION

BIG & little Reviews Song of the Deep Publisher: GameTrust Developer: Insomniac Games Systems: PS4, XO Players: Single-player Release Date: July 12, 2016 ESRB Rating: E Content Descriptors: Mild Fantasy Violence

8.0 BIG REVIEW SHELLY

7

I really wanted to like this game, but the screen was buggy, and it wasn’t a smooth flow. The graphics were really well done, and I do like the story of the game. I did get stuck at one point in the game, which was disappointing and frustrating. The game needs some work on the mechanics to make it a more enjoyable experience.

BIG REVIEW TIM

7.5

Beautiful visuals are complimented by enchanting music. I found myself wanting to discover more and more of the ocean below. Unlocking abilities to further my adventure was fun too. What a nice surprise it was to be able to leave my submarine and swim around in the ocean.

My only criticism would be the controls that got in the way from time to time.

little REVIEW ISABELLA

Average Score

10

Song of the Deep is everything I love about video games in one humble package. The worlds to explore are vast and absolutely stunning, the puzzles are challenging, the combat system is easy to get a grip on, the storytelling is fantastic, and everything this game has to offer is incredible in every way. It’s definitely a must-play!

little REVIEW BRODY

7.5

Song of the Deep is a solid game and I liked it, but there are some problems.

The bosses were very tough, frustrating even. The game itself could be a little bit easier, but I still think it is a lot of fun. It looks really good and the weapons are cool. I think it would be even more fun with a co-op mode.

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BIG & little Reviews Kirby: Planet Robobot Publisher: Nintendo Developer: HAL Laboratory Systems: 3DS Players: Single-player, Multiplayer Release Date: June 10, 2016 ESRB Rating: E Content Descriptors: Mild Cartoon Violence

7.9 BIG REVIEW JASON

8

little REVIEW

8

little REVIEW

I had a blast beating up the baddies with the Robobot Armor. The controls are spot on so I didn’t have any troubles at all.

This is a really easy game to get into, so younger players will have a blast. The hardest part is finding all the secret areas and the collectibles. A great bonus feature is that it supports pretty much all amiibo!

little REVIEW HANNAH

I’ve played Kirby a few times and I have got to say it is pretty awesome! It is sort of like Super Mario Bros., but way better with cool weapons and armor to be had.

Kirby looks like a pink gumball but when he puts on his Robogear he looks totally epic! This game is so fun and so good it will blow your mind.

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ISABELLA

Average Score

8.5

Planet Robobot is a light-hearted adventure with a burst of action! The game is chock-full of secrets to find and fun abilities to play with. The new Robobot mode is great for smashing through everything in your path - in fourteen different ways!

I only wish there were more levels to smash, swim, or fly through.

AIDEN

7

Planet after planet, bot after bot, he looks like a pink Christmas light. You can beat bosses and kill enemies with tons of super cool power-ups. There are 5 worlds you can discover which means 5 bosses to beat. I recommend this game to you because it is so much fun. I think it was too short though.

DIGITAL EDITION

BIG & little Reviews Pokémon GO!

Publisher: Niantic Labs Developer: Niantic Labs Systems: Android, iOS Players: Single-player, Multiplayer Release Date: July 6, 2016 ESRB Rating: E Content Descriptors: N/A

8.4 BIG REVIEW SCOTT

8

little REVIEW

6

little REVIEW

It’s been decades since I’ve seen a game bring people together like Pokémon GO. It is more than just capturing cartoonish creatures on a screen, it is something that encourages people to go out and experience new things within their own communities. The ultimate game for family and friends.

little REVIEW ISABELLA

Average Score

Pokémon GO was incredibly hyped for its release, but not everyone was satisfied upon its arrival. Being a fairly new game, it’s laggy, the graphics are a bit clunky, and it often doesn’t work in some areas. Even though the idea of finding Pokémon in real life areas sounds fun, it wasn’t very well executed. However, I can still find some enjoyment in the game.

BRODY

10

I think Pokémon GO is really great!

There is a lot of fun to have searching for and capturing new Pokémon and then training them. I think it would be neat if they had certain Pokémon show up based on the weather outside. I really like visiting Pokéstops and seeing what they are all about.

AIDEN

9.5

Pokémon Go is a new type of virtual exercise game. You have to walk around the real world to catch Pokémon, find Pokéstops to get Pokéballs and do battle at Pokégyms. My favorite part is the upgrading of my Pokémon. It’s also cool to evolve Pokémon into higher forms. Personally, my best catch so far is Vaporion.

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Little Player Magazine 43

BIG & little Reviews Pac-Man 256

Publisher: Bandai Namco Games Developer: Hipster Whale Systems: Android, iOS, PS4, XO Players: Single-player, Multiplayer Release Date: June 21, 2016 ESRB Rating: E Content Descriptors: Mild Fantasy Violence

7.6 BIG REVIEW SCOTT

9

little REVIEW

6.5

little REVIEW

BRODY

TIM

I enjoyed spending time with Pac-Man 256. It reminded me of the old-school games I grew up on. The gameplay is quite simple. You slide your finger across the screen to control Pac-man collecting fruits and other powerups along the way while trying to avoid the ghosts and other hazards. A fun little game that also happens to be free!

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8

Pac-Man 256 is an awesome game that can be had for free! It can be a bit challenging to control at first, but not much practice is needed to start playing it like a pro. The graphics are neat and the sounds remind me of the old arcade version. I really like all the different skins that are available.

It truly amazes me how Namco can make new Pac-Man games that maintain the spirit of the original while still being fresh and new. I was as instantly hooked on this one as I was with the original 35 years ago. The great game play and retro graphics made me feel like a Little Player myself again.

BIG REVIEW

Average Score

ISABELLA

7

Pac-Man 256 is an addictive game that’s easy to pick up and play. I get a kick out of smashing through ghosts with the various power-ups added to the game. The 3-D graphics are a one-up from the old 1980 version, and it also includes different maps to play on. It’s a fairly decent game that I would play again and again.

DIGITAL EDITION

Reader Reviews Your Favorites, Your Reviews, Your Voice! little REVIEW SPIRO G.

little REVIEW

9

LEONA S.

10

Geometry Dash - Mobile

Kirby’s Dreamland 3 - SNES

I really like Geometry Dash because of the cool graphics and music. It was very challenging and really lots of fun. I finally got 100% in Stereo Madness, beating both practice and normal modes and that was hard! I am better than my Dad! The main thing I don’t like is that you cannot play other people.

This is an extraordinary game. You play as Kirby, but you also choose from other characters that help him, and you fight enemies that look too cute to destroy! The graphics are fantastic, with bright, colorful backgrounds. The music is perfect, making each stage unique.

And if you like a challenge, you’ll find one here.

little REVIEW NICOLAS L.

10

little REVIEW KAI A.

10

LEGO Marvel Super Heroes - PS4

Super Mario Maker - Wii U

I like this game because you can be every Marvel super hero as a LEGO figure. The levels have many puzzles that are fun to solve. The bosses are very challenging.

There are many side missions to unlock characters for you to free roam in New York City as those characters.

It’s my favorite. It has everything I want - all of the places and characters. I get to make new places. The places are pretty. Playing the game is really, really fun. It looks good.

I really like the songs. I could play it for 100 minutes. I’d like everyone to play Super Mario Maker with me.

We want your Reviews!

Get your very own game review published in the pages of Little Player Magazine!

Here’s how you do it... Write a small review (60 words or less) about your favorite EC, E, or E10+ rated game and be sure to give us the number score and what system you play it on.

Be sure to ask a parent first. Good luck!

Send your reviews to: letters@littleplayermag.com or Little PLayer Magazine P.O Box 512, Wheeling IL 60090

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46 Little Player Magazine

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