Little Player 07 - Video Game Magazine for Kids - Digital Edition

DIGITAL EDITION

May/June 2017 $6.99 USA $8.99 CANADA

Mario Kart 8 Deluxe and characters represented are © & ™ of Nintendo.

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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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Playing video games as a family is more important than you think!

Some of my favorite childhood memories are of playing video games with friends and family. In the past, competitive or co-operative gaming had to be done in the same room on the same screen as the other players. Now that online gaming is the standard, we have seen this experience all but disappear on most consoles. Luckily for this generation, Nintendo’s Switch has a bunch of games that focus on getting players in the same room and that means more potential for quality family time. Playing video games together can be as rewarding, if not more so, than simply watching TV or films. You can learn a great deal about each other when competing or working together as a team to solve a tricky puzzle. You can also pass along good sportmanship and the life lesson of having a good attitude whether you win or lose.

Most of my lifelong friendships also happen to revolve around playing video games.

In this issue, we review many games with great opportunities for playing together. Look out for Snipperclips on the Switch which requires players to really focus on teamwork to win the game. It is the sleeper hit of the entire Switch launch in my opinion and one of my favorite games this year!

Martin Alessi Publisher / EIC

little player

®

Video Game Magazine for Kids A Massive Impact, Inc. Periodical ISSN 2572-6145 (Print) ISSN 2572-6153 (Online)

May/June 2017, Issue 7 1st Printing

Publishers Martin Alessi & Shelly Alessi Editor-in-Chief / Creative Director Martin Alessi Managing Editor Tim Wilkus Content Editor Jason Kaplan Associate Editor Nathan Alessi Junior Editors Isabella Ocampo Brody Patterson Hannah Friedman Aiden Friedman Copy Editor Jenny Kaplan 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 2017, 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: Nintendo Developer: Nintendo Systems: Switch Players: Single-player, Multiplayer Release Date: 4/28/2017 ESRB Rating: E Content Descriptors: Comic Mischief

Race to the finish line in the ultimate Mario Kart!

By Martin Alessi

Mario Kart 8 Deluxe for the Switch is quite possbily the most action-packed and fun filled game in the series. This game is enhanced with new features and tons of options that make the gameplay even better than previous games. You will be able to choose from over 40 different characters and dozens of different vehicles.

Selectable characters from Splatoon such as Inkling Girl and Inkling Boy are new to the series. There is an all new Battle Mode loaded with eight special courses and five battle modes to compete in. Many different multi-player options will make this game a blast for you and your friends.

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Pick from over 40 of your favorite characters!

More exciting new characters to choose from!

Bowser Jr.

Inkling Girl

King Boo

Inkling Boy DIGITAL EDITION

Dry Bones In this game all base and DLC characters from Mario Kart 8 on the Wii U are selectable from the menu. There are unlockable characters and variants too!

Look for Gold Mario along with amiibo support for even more options! This is the largest collection of playable characters in a Mario Kart game so far!

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Race with Karts, Bikes and ATVs!

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Easier to play!

Mario Kart 8 Deluxe features the addition of Smart Steering and Auto Accelerate. The Smart Steering feature helps younger players get through some of the more challenging gameplay by assisting with controlling their vehicle which makes it easier to stay on the track. Auto Accelerate makes the vehicle zoom down the track automatically so players can focus on the race.

Defeat your opponent with the Boo or Feather!

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Play local Split-Screen or Online Multi-Player modes!

There are so many ways to play Mario Kart 8 Deluxe. You can play single-player mode and race against the computer. If you have some friends over you can play up to four players in split screen mode, you will just need four controllers to do so. If everyone has their own Switch, you can link them and up to eight players can join in on the fun! Don’t forget about online competitions, you can challenge your friends even if they are not in the same room with you! With this many options, the fun will never stop!

Get ready for the greatest Mario Kart action ever!

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BLAST.FROM.THE.PAST! Publisher: Nintendo Developer: Nintendo Systems: Super NES Players: Single-player, Multiplayer Release Date: 9/1/1992 ESRB Rating: E Content Descriptors: N/A

Mario and the crew go to the race track in this all time classic!

By Tim Wilkus

Little Player’s youngest readers might not know this, but Mario Kart has been around a very long time. In fact, Super Mario Kart debuted on the Super Nintendo back in 1992. Throughout the years there has been many iterations of the series on the Nintendo DS, 3DS, Gamecube, Nintendo 64, and even Nintendo’s newest console, the Switch.

So why was Super Mario Kart on the Super Nintendo such a big hit? Back when it launched on the Super Nintendo it had what most considered the best graphics to ever grace the console thanks to “Mode 7” enhancements. Add in all of Nintendo’s beloved characters, great track design, a ton of mischief thrown in during a race, and you have one of the funnest racing games ever created!

Super Mario Kart truly laid the foundation for something really special and Nintendo has been tweaking the winning formula for years.

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PREVIEW

Publisher: Mojang AB Developer: 4J Studios Ltd./Microsoft Studios Systems: Switch Players: Single-player, Multiplayer Release Date: 5/11/2017 ESRB Rating: E10+ Content Descriptors: Fantasy Violence

Create and explore new worlds on the Switch!

By Martin Alessi

Get ready to explore randomly generated worlds and of course build your own amazing things in Minecraft NIntendo Switch Edition! You can play in Creative mode with virutally unlimited resources or take a chance in Survival mode for more of a challenge. This updated version of the game will feature 4-player local split screen or up to 8-players at one time with multiple Switch consoles. There is also a Super Mario Mash Up pack that features 40 Super Mario themed skins including Mario, Luigi, Peach as well as Bowser and his minions. Play in Super Mario World itself with professionally designed versions of the Mushroom Kingdom, Bowser’s Castle, Bowser’s Ship and so much more!

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You can ride wild horses in this updated version of Minecraft for the Switch!

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Up to 4 players can play in Split-Screen Mode!

Enjoy all new Mario-themed worlds and more!

There are so many Mario-inspired surprises to discover such as giant scuiptures of popular characters and islands shaped like Warp Pipes.

Another cool feature is the addition of the original music from Super Mario 64! Not only are there Mario-themed levels to explore and enjoy, there are the classic-themed Minecraft worlds too! The Mineshaft, The Nether, The Village and The Vista are all there for you to explore. Minecraft Nintendo Switch edition will release on the Switch eShop on May 11th and as a cartridge later this year.

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Mineshaft

Nether

Village

Vista Little Player Magazine 13

PREVIEW

Publisher: Activision Developer: Vicarious Visions Systems: PS4 Players: Single-player Release Date: 6/30/2017 ESRB Rating: RP Content Descriptors: N/A

Crash Bandicoot is back in HD and better than ever!

By Tim Wilkus

Little Player readers might not know this, but Sony actually had their own mascot nearly 20 years ago. It was their answer to Nintendo’s Mario. His name was Crash Bandicoot. He was featured in nearly all of Sony’s commercials and featured in his own platforming series. A trilogy of games were released and Sony has decided to bring them back remastered with all-new lighting, animations, and newly-recreated cinematics under the name Crash Bandicoot N. Sane Trilogy. The trilogy will include the original Crash Bandicoot, Crash Bandicoot 2: Cortex Strikes Back, and Crash Bandicoot Warped.

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Run, Jump and Spin through this classic platformer!

Crash Bandicoot has the moves to win the day!

In Crash Bandicoot, Crash will run, jump, and spin his way through 30 levels in hopes of saving the animals the evil Dr. Cortex has kidnapped.

In Crash Bandicoot 2: Cortex Strikes Back, Doctor Neo Cortex needs Crash’s help to save the world‌ or does he? Finally, in Crash Bandicoot Warped, Crash is back with all-new moves such as the double jump, a super-charge body slam, and a super-slide in a time traveling adventure!

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PREVIEW

Publisher: Codemasters Developer: Codemasters Systems: PS4, XO Players: Single-player, Multiplayer Release Date: 6/23/2017 ESRB Rating: E10+ Content Descriptors: N/A

Racing with Micro Machines is truly no small adventure!

By Tim Wilkus

As a youngster growing up, there were a handful of toys and games that captured my imagination and interest. One of those toys were Micro Machines. Micro Machines were sized down vehicles, even smaller than Hot Wheels that were popular in the 1980s. What made these toys so cool was that the body of the larger vehicle connected with a hinge, and opening it up revealed the smaller vehicle which was a different model of car! Well, we’re excited to say that an all new Micro Machines game will be releasing this summer for the Playstation 4 and Xbox One.

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Classic courses like Hungry Hungry Hippos are a blast!

The cars may be small, but the action is BIG! This will be the first Micro Machines game released since 2006 and will feature chaotic environments such as an air hockey table, Hungry Hungry Hippo game, and breakfast tables with ramps made of toast! The 80’s nostalgia is big and it is sure to capture the imagination of today’s younger players. Look for this exciting racing game which releases on June 23, 2017!

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PREVIEW

Publisher: Nintendo Developer: Arzest Systems: 3DS Players: Single-player Release Date: 7/28/2017 ESRB Rating: E10+ Content Descriptors: Mild Cartoon Violence

Join Captain Olimar and the Pikmin on a brand new adventure!

By Tim Wilkus

For the first time ever, Nintendo’s beloved Pikmin series will be launching on the 3DS! You will guide Captain Olimar and his Pikmin on an all-new side-scrolling adventure through many different worlds. You will have to throw different Pikmin via the touch screen to solve puzzles and avoid or defeat enemies.

Watch out for hungry creatures that fill the screen who will try to make a meal out of your Pikmin. Many natural hazards await you and your Pikmin along your grand adventure.

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Avoid hungry creatures and other natural hazards!

Unlike previous adventures in the series, Hey Pikmin will allow you to deposit your Pikmin in a place called Pikmin Park after each stage. You will then be able to deploy them to different sections of Pikmin Park to help clear out hazards.

They will do this while you’re out exploring new worlds! Nintendo is even launching a new Pikmin amiibo which will add more Pikmin to Pikmin Park alongside its release on July 28, 2017.

Can you save the Pikmin and get them to Pikmin Park?

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SPECIAL EVENT

NY LAUNCH EVENT AND TOURNAMENT Nintendo and Little Player Magazine held a special on Mario Sports Superstars Gaming Tournament on March 24th, 2017 at the Nintendo NY Store.

Young players met with each other to try the new 3DS game and compete for prizes. They also had a chance to meet Mario and get their own copy of Little Player Magazine. We would like to thank Nintendo for including us in this special event!

We were so proud to be featured on the signage at the Nintendo New York Store!

Mario spends some time with Gia P. and Alyssa P. as they prepare for the gaming tournament.

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A nice group of kids get the scoop on Mario Sports Superstars for the 3DS in a question and answer session before the actual tournament begins.

There were five winners who got a copy of the game and Tristan B., who won the Grand Prize, received a New 3DS XL Galaxy Style!

Luke P., Harrison P., Natalie P., and Tristan B. compete to be named the MVP!

There were plenty of free copies of Little Player Magazine’s latest issue.

It was awesome introducing Little Player Magazine to such amazing young players across the country!

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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 soon.

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

Pikmin

Series: Hey Pikmin Release date: July 2017

Link

Series: Zelda - Majora’s Mask Release date: June 2017

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There’s some sweet new amiibo on the way! Starting June 23rd, you’ll be able to get your hands on three new Link amiibo! You’ll have Link from Skyward Sword, Twilight Princess, and Majora’s Mask where he’s holding the Goron Mask. In Majora’s Mask the Goron Mask lets Link transform into the Goron Darmani. Will the same happen with the amiibo? We’ll have to wait and see! Then in July there’s four new amiibo coming out! On the 21st we’ll have three Splatoon 2 amiibo releasing alongside the game!

Those will be all an all new Inkling Girl, Inkling Boy, and Inkling Squid. One week after that on the 28th we’ll be getting a new Pikmin amiibo. Whew, July is a busy month!

So far, we don’t know what functionality these amiibo will have but we think it’s safe to say the Link amiibo and the Splatoon amiibo should work like their counterparts do.

Link

Series: Zelda - Twilight Princess Release date: June 2017

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Link

Series: Zelda - Skyward Sword Release date: June 2017

Inkling Boy

Series: Splatoon 2 Release date: July 2017

Inkling Girl

Series: Splatoon 2 Release date: July 2017

Inkling Squid

Series: Splatoon 2 Release date: July 2017

It looks like sometime soon the 5th wave of Skylanders figures should be out. They’re on sale in the UK right now so hopefully the US release is just around the corner. As for this wave, there’s three new figures. We’ll have sensei’s Blaster-Tron, Ro-Bow, and Master Tidepool.

Ro-Bow may be part of an adventure pack but that couldn’t be confirmed by the time we went to print.

Blaster-Tron

Series: Skylanders 5th wave Release date: 2017

Ro-Bow

Series: Skylanders 5th wave Release date: 2017

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Master Tidepool Series: Skylanders 5th wave Release date: 2017

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BIG & little Reviews Meet the Crew

BIG Players

little Players

SHELLY ALESSI

ISABELLA OCAMPO

JASON KAPLAN

HANNAH FRIEDMAN

TIM WILKUS

BRODY PATTERSON

MARTIN ALESSI

AIDEN FRIEDMAN

Shelly likes games that make her think and really got into Puyo Puyo Tetris and Realm Defense while putting this issue together.

She is also having a total blast with Mario Kart 8 Deluxe on the Switch!

Jason is glad the weather is warming up so he can be outside more but staying in and playing a lot of Breath of the Wild is a good trade. He’s looking forward to more E-rated games at this year’s E3.

Now that he has finished Zelda on the Switch, Tim is determined to perfect his skills at Puyo Puyo Tetris and Mario Kart 8 Deluxe.

He is getting excited about E3 and hopes there will be plenty of good games.

Martin is thrilled with all the new kid-friendly games on the Switch. It’s really hard for him to pick a favorite although Zelda and Mario Kart are the games that take really him back to his childhood.

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Isabella has been spending much time battling Bokoblins and raiding treasures from shrines in Zelda BotW, her favorite game this issue! Warmer days make for better weather for adventuring outside.

Hannah is currently doing Lyrical Dance this spring.

She is excited about being on the honor roll again this quarter. Hannah’s new favorite game is Snipperclips for the Nintendo Switch.

Brody is gearing up for a fun summer vacation, including going on his school trip to Washington D.C. His dad has been busy finding a lot of old classics on his game hunts that Brody looks forward to playing.

Aiden is currently on the honor roll this quarter.

Aiden is looking forward to his second season of football starting up this summer. He loves playing Mario Sports Superstars for the Nintendo 3DS.

BIG & little Reviews

The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild Publisher: Nintendo Developer: Nintendo Systems: Switch, Wii U Players: Single-player Release Date: 3/3/2017 ESRB Rating: E10+ Content Descriptors: Fantasy Violence, Mild Suggestive Themes, Use of Alcohol

9.9 BIG REVIEW MARTIN

9.8

TIM

10

The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild is one of the most engrossing games I have ever played. The world is beautiful and the way the gameplay is introduced is unique to the franchise. Unlike previous Zeldas, Breath of the Wild doesn’t hold your hand.

You are given the freedom to do almost anything from the beginning. This is a must play for any fan of the series.

10

JASON

The world you can explore is enormous and filled to the brim with content. If you can see it you can get there. There’s shrines and dungeons to explore and solve puzzles in, and you can even go hunting, bug catching and even cooking! You’re even free to do things how and when you want to do them because it’s not linear. I really think this is a sure win for game of the year.

This game is the closest to perfection I have played in quite some time. The vastness of the world combined with the freedom to go anywhere and do just about anything make it an adventure worth taking. The only aspect that is a liability is the game can be frustrating and difficult for younger (and older) players as the learning curve is quite steep.

Do not miss this absolutely amazing game!

BIG REVIEW

BIG REVIEW

Average Score

little REVIEW ISABELLA

10

This glorious open-world game has to be one of the most intriguing and beautiful games I have ever played. It’s gorgeous, diverse worlds and sense of unbridled freedom unleashes and encourages a feeling of creativity to scrounge the great world for weapons, enemies, treasures and crafts. The difficulty curve, though a strong one, teaches players to adapt to the world around them to improve their experience. Breath Of The Wild is one in a million.

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BIG & little Reviews Mario Kart 8 Deluxe Publisher: Nintendo Developer: Nintendo Systems: Switch Players: Single-player, Multiplayer Release Date: 4/28/2017 ESRB Rating: E Content Descriptors: Comic Mischief

8.5 BIG REVIEW SHELLY

8.5

This is a fun multi-player game to play with friends. It gets competitive as you knock out your opponents to cross the finish line first! You get to choose your character and type of cart you want to drive, then choose a track to race on.

The graphics and gameplay are solid and I like how well the game controls.

BIG REVIEW JASON

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ISABELLA

8.0

It is an updated port of it’s former game, Mario Kart 8, only with the addition of all-character and track access. A fantastic job was done in solving the problems of porting the game to the Switch, such as thumb ache in constantly pressing the drive button. The game is a fun addition to the Switch’s current collection, great for casual and hardcore play.

9.0

If you played this on the Wii U before it’s worth playing again. Everything (even the dlc!) from the Wii U version is included along with new characters, karts, courses, and game modes! Most importantly the controls are spot on here. There’s even a smart steering option to help keep even the littlest of players on the track. This is definitely the ultimate version of Mario Kart.

little REVIEW

Average Score

little REVIEW AIDEN

8.5

This game is really cool because it is an upgrade to the original Mario Kart 8 version on Wii U. The graphics are so much better. There is a double power up, and new characters with new maps. The menu page has so many different options on it. I really recommend this game to Mario Kart fans.

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BIG & little Reviews 1-2-Switch

Publisher: Nintendo Developer: Nintendo Systems: Switch Players: Multiplayer Release Date: 3/3/2017 ESRB Rating: E10+ Content Descriptors: Mild Violence

7.6 BIG REVIEW MARTIN

8.0

little REVIEW

7.0

little REVIEW

My first impression of this tech demo style game is that it was mildly fun with just two people, luckily I gave it another chance.

Once I played it in with a big group and saw how much laughter and fun we were having I really warmed up to the idea. My favorite of the 28 mini-games by far is the always hilarious Eating Contest!

BIG REVIEW JASON

Get some friends together and you’re going to have a wonderful time with 1-2-Switch!

The controls are super simple to figure out and you get a quick tutorial before every mini game. Even though there are many different mini games there’s not a large amount of variety in how they play. If you’re not playing solo you won’t mind. This will surely be a hit at parties and sleepovers.

HANNAH

Average Score

6.0

1-2-Switch is a fun game that needs two players. It has 28 different mini games.

One mini game is called “Quick Draw”.

You hold your Joy-Con facing the floor, after you hear a ding, you point your controller at your opponent and hit the trigger. Whoever shoots first wins. This was my favorite of the mini-games.

AIDEN

9.5

I love this game because there are 28 mini games you can play. My favorite is Quick Draw because when the narrator says “fire”, you quickly aim your arm at your opponent. I love the graphics because they put real people in to demonstrate the game. I recommend this game to people who like mini games.

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BIG & little Reviews Snipperclips

Publisher: Nintendo Developer: SFB Games Systems: Switch Players: Multiplayer Release Date: 3/3/2017 ESRB Rating: E Content Descriptors: N/A

8.4 BIG REVIEW MARTIN

9.0

This game is the sleeper hit of the Nintendo eShop and totally worth the download! Don’t let the cute and colorful graphics fool you... your brain is in for a challenge with this innovative title. Not only must you think things through, working out the various puzzles with your partner is must to win. A refreshing little co-op game that focuses on teamwork instead of competition for a change!

BIG REVIEW SHELLY

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ISABELLA

7.5

This game encourages teamwork and cooperation in order to solve entire worlds of puzzles. Packed with enough for a fun family night that everyone can enjoy. The stylization of the game’s level design and characters is also charming and a gleeful addition to an already enjoyable game. The only flaw is some of the more difficult levels, which can cause frustration in younger players.

8.0

This game was kind of difficult to learn at first, but once you get the concept, it becomes a lot of fun. You learn a lot about teamwork as it takes two or more players to move from level to level. As the levels progress, the more challenging the puzzles become and really get you thinking. The graphics are cute and the game responds very well to the Joy-Con game controller.

little REVIEW

Average Score

little REVIEW HANNAH

9.0

This is a game that can be played only on the Nintendo Switch. It is a game that you need to work together with a friend to complete levels. One level you need to work together to balance a baseball on your head and try to get it in the hoop. Snipperclips is one of my favorite games in recent history.

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BIG & little Reviews Puyo Puyo Tetris

Publisher: Sega Developer: Sega Systems: Switch, PS4 Players: Single-player, Multiplayer Release Date: 4/25/2017 ESRB Rating: E10+ Content Descriptors: Comic Mischief, Mild Suggestive Themes

8.1 BIG REVIEW SHELLY

9.0

This game is a lot of fun to play, either solo, or as a multi-player. I am used to playing classic Tetris, but this game mashes up Puyo Puyo along with Tetris and brings in an interesting twist! I like the different game types you can choose to play, and you get to pick out a character to represent you.

BIG REVIEW TIM

ISABELLA

8.0

This exciting fusion between two games is a fast-paced multiplayer mania that satisfies all. The modes are invigorating and thrilling for both casual and serious gameplay, and suitable for all ages as a game easy to pick up and difficult to master. It has an undeniable charm that compliments the smooth and fast gameplay, making this a party classic for everyone.

8.5

Puyo Puyo Tetris is a hybrid puzzle game of Puyo Puyo and Tetris mixed together. This may look like a simple time waster game, but there is a ton of strategy built into it. It’s very easy to learn and a ton of fun. Challenging your friends in VS. mode is a blast! I highly recommend you give this a try!

little REVIEW

Average Score

little REVIEW HANNAH

7.0

This is a fun puzzle game. Not only are there Tetris blocks, but also Puyos. Puyos are cute colorful things that kind of look like rain drops. You can play on your own or there is a game mode where the screen is split and there are two people playing at the same time. The first person to hit the top of the screen loses.

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BIG & little Reviews Mario Sports Superstars Publisher: Nintendo Developer: Namco Bandai / CAMELOT Systems: 3DS Players: Single-player, Multiplayer Release Date: 3/24/2017 ESRB Rating: E Content Descriptors: N/A

8.1 BIG REVIEW MARTIN

8.0

This fun little sports game is easy to pick up and play and yet offers deeper challenges for those willing to give it a chance. Choose from your favorite Mario characters and then pick from five different sports. You can play alone or better yet with a friend in multi-player mode for even more fun!

BIG REVIEW SHELLY

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AIDEN

9.0

I like this game because you can play five fun sports. They are tennis, golf, soccer, baseball and horse racing. I think the graphics are very good. My favorite game is baseball because you can pick your own captain and coach. I recommend this game to people who love sports video games.

8.0

This game was fun to play and has a great variety of sports games to play. You get to choose from soccer, tennis, golf, baseball, and horse racing. There is something for everybody! Choose from one of many Mario characters to play as, such as Peach, Bowser, and Yoshi for example. You can play in either single or multi player mode.

little REVIEW

Average Score

little REVIEW BRODY

7.5

Mario Sports Superstars is a cool concept but the gameplay mechanics are sometimes a little off. I liked all the different sports you can choose from. The horse racing and the soccer are really challenging but not really clear when playing in 3D mode. I like that it came with an amiibo trading card inside the case.

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BIG & little Reviews

Transformers: Forged to Fight Publisher: Kabam Developer: Kabam Systems: Android, iOS Players: Single-player, Multiplayer Release Date: 4/15/2017 ESRB Rating: E10+ Content Descriptors: Fantasy Violence

8.4 BIG REVIEW MARTIN

8.5

If you love Transformers like I do, then do yourself a favor and try out this game. The graphics and sounds are some of the best I’ve seen and heard on a mobile game! The gameplay is easy to learn too! Play as your favorite Transformers and unlock even more characters as you progress.

BIG REVIEW TIM

AIDEN

8.0

In this awesome mobile game you can find and battle new Transformers to level up your own. The more you attack your opponent, it will charge up power. The graphics are awesome because even though there is a lot of action it is clear and not laggy. If you’re a Transformers fan, you will really love it!

8.0

As a huge Transformers fan growing up, this was a game I was really excited about. I like how the story is told through comics, and just how much fun the game is to play. The graphics are great and the controls are tight.

The only negative I noticed were the load times, which seemed a bit longer than I had hoped. This download is a no brainer. Tons of fun on your mobile device!

little REVIEW

Average Score

little REVIEW BRODY

9.0

This is really the Transformers version of Marvel’s Contest of Champions game. The use of the Transformers makes it unique and I like how they have Transformers characters from all the different shows and movies, even the old school ones my dad liked when he was a kid. It’s fun to use the blasters and I really like the story missions.

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BIG & little Reviews Realm Defense Publisher: Babeltime Inc. Developer: Babeltime Inc. Systems: Android, iOS Players: Single-player Release Date: 1/27/2017 ESRB Rating: E10+ Content Descriptors: Fantasy Violence, Mild Blood

8.0 BIG REVIEW SHELLY

8.5

I am a huge fan of tower defense games, and this one is right up my alley! The game is easy to learn and yet packs quite a challenge. The graphics are well done for a mobile game, and I like that the game is free to play. This game has a lot of replay value and new levels are coming soon to add even more fun!

BIG REVIEW TIM

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HANNAH

6.5

In this game you use your coins to buy either archers, cannons or more. Then you tap the skull and a bunch of enemies will start walking out and the people will attack. The graphics are decent and the game is free to try, so that is good if you just want to see if you like it. I found the game challenging and a bit frustrating.

7.5

Realm Defense is a tower defense game with over 40 levels to challenge your skills. Waves of enemies will challenge your defenses, but you’re not alone. You will have an archer to shoot arrows, a canon to drop bombs, a swordsman, and even a mage to use magic. The game is a lot of fun if you’re willing to put the time in.

little REVIEW

Average Score

little REVIEW BRODY

9.5

Realm Defense is one of my favorite mobile games so far! It is easy to play and very challenging. I really like all the boss levels because they have really unique designs and characters. I always like it when a game is free to play on our devices because we can get a lot of fun without having to pay to see if we like it.

DIGITAL EDITION

SPECIAL HARDWARE PREVIEW

New Nintendo 2DS XL

Nintendo has just announced the New Nintendo 2DS XL and it looks awesome! The system can play all of the massive library of 3DS games just without displaying them in 3D. It is a clamshell design with black and turquoise colors and it is a bit lighter than the 3DS. The system also has NFC support for amiibo figures and cards. There are over a 1000 games in the 3DS libary that can be played on this new protable. The New Nintendo 2DS XL comes out on July 28th along side two new games: Hey Pikmin! and a new RPG called Miitopia.

Hey Pikmin!

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Miitopia Little Player Magazine 33

34 Little Player Magazine

DIGITAL EDITION

DIGITAL EDITION

Little Player Magazine 35

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