Little Player - Video Game Magazine for Kids - 08 Digital Edition

DIGITAL EDITION

July/August 2017 $6.99 USA $8.99 CANADA

Splatoon 2 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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Supporting kid-friendly content can shape the future of video gaming.

When I was a little player in the 1980s, there were no ratings for the games I played. Most of the games that were developed and released were appropriate for kids of all ages. As console technology evolved in the 90s, video game content became more mature and often times extremely violent. The need for guidelines, such as the ESRB ratings system, became a good way for parents to better watch what their kids were playing. Today, most of the video game content available is meant for Teens or Mature audiences and truthfully isn’t good for young players. Although hundreds of new titles come out each year, only a small percentage are rated EC, E, or E10+. As young minds develop, it is so important to manage the kind of content they absorb. One way to ensure that the video game industry takes notice is to support kid-friendly games with your purchasing power.

The more E-rated games you buy gives the developers a message that there is a real demand and a growing market for them. This issue we preview the best kid-friendly video games at the E3 2017 convention and we are very excited for the upcoming holiday season. Thanks for reading and enjoy the latest issue of the magazine!

Martin Alessi Publisher / EIC

little player

®

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

July/August 2017, Issue 8 1st Printing

Publishers Martin Alessi & Shelly Alessi Editor-in-Chief / Creative Director Martin Alessi Managing Editor Shelly Alessi Senior Editor / Content Director Jason Kaplan Associate Editor Nathan Alessi Junior Editors Isabella Ocampo, Brody Patterson Hannah Friedman, Aiden Friedman Contributing Editor Todd 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: 7/21/2017 ESRB Rating: E10+ Content Descriptors: Cartoon Violence

Splat ink and defend your turf in the freshest title on Switch! By Martin Alessi

Get ready to join Inkling Boy, Inkling Girl and other squid-like characters for some colorful and chaotic action! Up to eight players can partake in the fun and you can play local multiplayer or go online for even more competition. Check out the new dual-wielding Splat Dualies for ultimate coverage. You even have a new move to master, the Dodge Roll, which lets you get out of the way in a hurry. The Splat Roller and Splat Charger are back and have also been updated. Just like with the Wii U original, updates will roll out after launch, adding tons of new content.

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Did someone say “Let’s have a TURF WAR”?

The fun is about to begin again as Splatoon 2 brings back the iconic Turf War battles that made the first one a blast!

The goal is to splat as much ink on the territories as possible.

All the while you have to submerge yourself in your team’s colors and blast your opponents with your color ink to win the match. You can play four players vs. four players in local and online multiplayer battles while in TV mode, handheld mode, or tabletop mode.

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Get ready to face huge boss enemies!

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More ways to play!

There are so many different ways to play Splatoon 2. You can use the Joy-Con controllers or a Pro Controller, both have gyro controls for better aiming and control. You can play a single player mode and challenge yourself to complete all of the game’s arenas. The real fun starts when you battle your friends and family in local multiplayer mode.

Nintendo is also working on a smart-phone app that will enhance matchmaking and allow for voice chat. Whatever mode you choose, you can be sure that the action will be fun and frenetic.

Look for Splatoon 2 exclusively for the Nintendo Switch to arrive in stores on July 21, 2017.

There is also a new set of Splatoon 2 amiibo coming out around the same time the game releases.

Using these special amiibo may get you new characters, new weapons, new gear, and much more.

Inkling Boy

Inkling Girl

Inkling Squid DIGITAL EDITION

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BLAST.FROM.THE.PAST! Publisher: Atari Developer: Atari Systems: Atari 2600 Players: Multiplayer Release Date: 9/11/1977 ESRB Rating: E Content Descriptors: N/A

Take a look at one of the first competitive home video games ever made!

By Todd Friedman

With the release of Splatoon 2 for the Nintendo Switch, we decided to look back at a classic title that paved the way for these types of friendly competitive games. The name of the game is Combat, and it was one of the original titles that came out when the Atari 2600 system was released in 1977.

The one cartridge is able to play up to 27 different games which include Tanks, Biplanes and Jets. Tank games involve two tanks battling around different arenas. The object is to hit your opponent’s tank before they hit you. Biplane and Jet Games were similar to Tanks, but take place in the sky. There are many options for the flying games such as multiple planes and controlled firing. Combat’s game play is considered to be the roots of multiplayer console gaming.

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Combat came out when video game controllers only had one button!

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E3 PREVIEW

Publisher: Nintendo Developer: Nintendo Systems: Switch Players: Single-player, Multiplayer Release Date: 10/27/2017 ESRB Rating: RP Content Descriptors: N/A

Rescue Princess Peach before Bowser tries to marry her!

By Shelly Alessi

The latest 3D adventure in the Mario series gives a respective nod to Super Mario 64 and Super Mario Sunshine. There’s a huge emphasis on Mario’s hat in this game because it serves as a tool to do many different things. Mario has several new moves which involve the hat.

Cap Throw is when Mario can throw his hat like a weapon to thwart enemies. Cap Jump makes the hat become a step to jump on. Capture allows Mario to take control of enemies and objects so they bend to his will.

Mario can also wear different costumes to interact with the environment around him.

Grab your hat and get ready to explore the world of Super Mario Odyssey!

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You can use Mario’s hat to Capture enemies and take control of them. Yes, you can even control this awesome T-Rex!

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E3 PREVIEW

Publisher: Nintendo Developer: Bandai Namco Systems: Switch Players: Single-player, Multiplayer Release Date: 9/22/2017 ESRB Rating: RP Content Descriptors: N/A

Pokémon is coming to the Switch in a big way!

By Martin Alessi

This is the first Pokémon title for the Switch and it’s packed with fun and excitement! Take control of 21 different Pokémon fighters to defeat your opponent in special arena battles. You can also call in Support Pokémon to help and use your Burst Attacks to give you the winning edge. An all-new Team Battle mode lets you battle with a Pokémon party and Group Match let’s you play against your friends in tournament style play. A brand new Replay mode let’s you record and share your battles.

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E3 PREVIEW

Publisher: Nintendo Developer: Good-Feel Systems: Switch Players: Single-player, Multiplayer Release Date: 2018 ESRB Rating: RP Content Descriptors: N/A

Yoshi for Switch

By Shelly Alessi

The latest Yoshi adventure takes a cue from Paper Mario with interesting paper textures and the ability to play the back side of the screen. Each course has a main path to follow, with an option to take the hidden path for unexpected surprises.

Explore new worlds in single or multiplayer modes.

Publisher: Nintendo Developer: HAL Labs Systems: Switch Players: Single-player, Multiplayer Release Date: 2018 ESRB Rating: RP Content Descriptors: N/A

Kirby for Switch

By Todd Friedman

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Kirby is coming back with an allnew adventure in 2018, this time on the Nintendo Switch. Each new Kirby game has been more advanced than the last, and this upcoming title is no exception.

You can use your enemies to help you overcome obstacles. The copy feature will allow you to become items such as a sword or water to assist in completing the levels.

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E3 PREVIEW

Publisher: Nintendo Developer: Mercury Steam, NEPD Systems: 3DS Players: Single-player Release Date: 9/15/2017 ESRB Rating: E10+ Content Descriptors: Animated Blood, Fantasy Violence, Mild Suggestive Themes

Samus Aran returns to finish what she started...

By Martin Alessi

Become the legendary bounty hunter, Samus Aran, in this classic title remastered for the 3DS. Fight against all sorts of alien creatures and battle huge bosses as you unravel the mysteries of planet SR388. Engage in intense, side scrolling action and find dozens of special weapons and enhancements as you seek out Metroids in order to put an end to their menace in the universe.

Can you find all the secrets? Do you have what it takes to save the galaxy? Find out when this amazing game releases in September of 2017.

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E3 PREVIEW

Publisher: Nintendo Developer: ALPHADREAM Systems: 3DS Players: Single-player Release Date: 10/6/2017 ESRB Rating: E Content Descriptors: Mild Cartoon Violence, Mild Suggestive Themes

The Mario Bros. are back in an all new adventure for the 3DS!

By Shelly Alessi

Team up as Mario and Luigi to explore Beanbean Kingdom to save Princess Peach’s voice in this remade classic game. The brothers must work together as a team and use Bros. Moves to solve puzzles and progress through the game. If you time your attacks and dodges right, you can dish out mass damage using the special Bros. Attacks. Something new to the Superstar Saga Series is a game mode called Minion Quest, where you get to play the game as the enemy. Playing as Captain Goomba, you must recruit other characters to build an army large enough to fight bad guys and find Bowser.

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E3 PREVIEW

Publisher: Sony Interactive Ent. Developer: JAPAN Studio Systems: PS4 Players: Single-player, Multiplayer Release Date: 9/5/2017 ESRB Rating: E10+ Content Descriptors: Fantasy Violence

Use Relic power to defeat the enemy and save your world!

By Todd Friedman

The sequel to the original Knack game, which came out in 2013, will push the envelope with its graphics and gameplay.

Knack is a living humanoid organism that consists of Relics. You can use the Relic power to jump, dodge and punch your way to progress in the game. In the second installment of this series you will be able to upgrade your abilities using Relic Energy. Coming to the PlayStation 4 in September of 2017, Knack 2 looks as good if not better than the original.

In addition to 20 awesome moves such as boomerang, whip sword and body slam, you can also jump in to a robot or a tank and take control. There is also an awesome co-op mode so you can play together with a friend whenever you choose.

When playing in Co-Op mode you can team up with a friend and take out the enemy hordes together!

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E3 PREVIEW

Publisher: Accolade Developer: Black Forest Games Systems: PS4 Players: Single-player Release Date: 9/2017 ESRB Rating: RP Content Descriptors: N/A

Bubsy the Bobcat is back, wisecracks and all!

By Shelly Alessi

Watch out Woolies, after 20 years Bubsy is back in a new 2D platformer! The wisecracking bobcat has returned to take on the Woolies and other enemies in search for the golden fleece. The game is like his past adventures, find yarn balls, power ups, and exclamation points to help you on your way.

Explore exotic new worlds using Bubsy’s classic moves, such as floating and jumping, and some new ones to fight enemies.

Known for his one liners, Bubsy has no shortage of jokes in this game as well. Let’s just hope it’s enough to help him defeat the UFO bosses and save the world! The return of Bubsy welcomes the game brand of Accolade back into the gaming world. Accolade created action, arcade, and sports games from the mid 80’s to the 2000s.

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Bubsy is a platformer that has you running and jumping to defeat or avoid enemies throughout the giant levels.

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E3 PREVIEW

Stunning new updates coming to make Minecraft even better!

Publisher: Microsoft Game Studios Developer: Mojang Systems: XO, XOS, XOX Players: Single-player, Multiplayer Release Date: Fall 2017 ESRB Rating: E10+ Content Descriptors: Fantasy Violence

By Nathan Alessi

The block-based ever-popular adventure game Minecraft is back at it again with another massive update. Known as the Better Together update and releasing sometime this summer, Minecraft will soon support cross-platform play, which means you can play with your friends even if they don’t own the same console as you. This new update also brings servers from the PC to the console version, allowing dozens upon dozens of people to play in one massive world. Minecraft will be launching with four servers– Lifeboat, Mineplex, InPVP, and CubeCraft - with more to follow. Finally, Minecraft will also be getting a free graphical update called the 4K Update in the fall, along with a new DLC called the Super Duper Graphics Pack, which also adds dynamic lighting, realistic water textures, and more.

The Super Duper Graphics DLC will make Minecraft look better than ever before in stunning 4K resolution!

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E3 PREVIEW

Publisher: Microsoft Game Studios Developer: Moon Studios Systems: XO, XOS, XOX Players: Single-player Release Date: 2018 ESRB Rating: RP Content Descriptors: N/A

Join Ori on another magical platforming adventure!

By Nathan Alessi

Ori and the Blind Forest received over a dozen awards, so it’s no surprise that a sequel was in the works. No gameplay footage for Ori and the Will of the Wisps was shown at E3, but the game will continue to star it’s protagonist as Ori - a nimble catlike guardian spirit.

These screens are the only preview we have of what is certain to be one of the best Xbox One games next year!

The trailer debuted at E3 displays the same beautiful landscapes of deep blue hues and glowing rays of sunlight commonplace in the first game, before panning over to show Ori comforting a young owl creature grieving over what appears to be the decayed remains of it’s family.

No further information regarding it’s release date has been announced.

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E3 PREVIEW

Publisher: Microsoft Developer: Playful Systems: XO, XOS, XOX Players: Single-player Release Date: 11/7/2017 ESRB Rating: RP Content Descriptors: N/A

Can you “outfox” the enemy and rescue the Book of Ages?

By Nathan Alessi

Standing as a sequel to the critically acclaimed original game Lucky’s Tale, Super Lucky’s Tale made it’s debut as an upcoming Xbox One game set to release on November 7th, 2017. You play as Lucky, an energetic and lovable fox trying to help his sister in rescuing the Book of Ages from the evil villain Jinx.

The player jumps, dodges and runs through challenging puzzles and riveting boss battles.

Super Lucky’s Tale is also set to release on the Xbox One X, where it will run smoother than ever and have improved 4K visuals. With a funny supporting cast of allies and enemies in a rich, colorful environment, Super Lucky’s Tale is a title you won’t want to miss.

Play as Lucky the Fox as you try to rescue the Book of Ages from the evil villian known as Jinx.

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SPECIAL E3 HARDWARE PREVIEW

Introducing the most powerful video game system ever made!

By Nathan Alessi

Having it’s world reveal at E3, the Xbox One X is being regarded as the most powerful console ever created. With 6 teraflops of graphical processing power and a 50% faster hard drive than the original Xbox One, every game you play will look better than ever before. The Xbox One X is built to take advantage of 4K visuals, but even if you don’t own a 4K TV, your games will look even better on a 1080p screen. Every Xbox One game also plays on the Xbox One X, so you don’t have to worry about your games not working on the new console. The Xbox One X is set to release on November 7th, 2017 at $499.

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SPECIAL

CONTEST! You could win a copy of Splatoon 2!

(Switch console not included)

We want your Reviews!

Get your very own game review printed 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.

Make sure to ask a parent first. A winner will be randomly selected from submissions and their review will be printed in the next issue.

Good luck everyone!

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

little REVIEW COLTON P. (7yo)

9.0

EXAMPLE

Roblox is a game I really like and think is really awesome. I like that you can favorite every level you want to play again and again. I also like how it is like video game LEGOs and how no two worlds are the same. It is like playing a new game every time.

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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.

Nintendo released a small mountain worth of amiibo at E3 this year. It’s almost too much to keep track of! For Super Mario Odyssey we’ll get Mario, Peach, and Bowser all very nicely dressed up for a wedding. They should be out at the same time as the game in late October. For The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild we’ll have the champions Mipha, Daruk, Revali, and Urbosa. They should be arriving later this year with the 2nd DLC pack. Then there will be another Samus and a Metroid from Metroid: Return of Samus on 3DS. Those will be arriving in stores in early October with the release of that game. As of right now no functionality has been provided for any of these amiibo.

Daruk (Goron)

Series: Zelda - Breath of the Wild Release date: Fall 2017

Urbosa (Gerudo)

Series: Zelda - Breath of the Wild Release date: Fall 2017

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For fans of Skylanders and Lego Dimensions there isn’t anything new going on right now. Activision still says they’re supporting Skylanders so that’s something positive at least. There won’t be anything for Lego Dimensions until Wave 9 in September.

Mipha (Zora)

Series: Zelda - Breath of the Wild Release date: Fall 2017

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Revali (Rito)

Series: Zelda - Breath of the Wild Release date: Fall 2017

Mario

Series: Super Mario Odyssey Release date: Oct. 2017

Princess Peach

Series: Super Mario Odyssey Release date: Oct. 2017

Koopa Troopa

Series: Super Mario Odyssey Release date: Oct. 2017

Samus

Series: Metroid - Samus Returns Release date: Oct. 2017

Bowser

Series: Super Mario Odyssey Release date: Oct. 2017

Goomba

Series: Super Mario Odyssey Release date: Oct. 2017

Metroid

Series: Metroid - Samus Returns Release date: Oct. 2017

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BIG & little Reviews Meet the Crew

BIG Players

little Players

SHELLY ALESSI

ISABELLA OCAMPO

JASON KAPLAN

HANNAH FRIEDMAN

NATHAN ALESSI

BRODY PATTERSON

MARTIN ALESSI

AIDEN FRIEDMAN

Shelly is looking forward to staying cool indoors and playing some games! She really enjoys mobile games because she can take them anywhere. She is patiently waiting for Super Mario Odyssey to be released.

Jason thinks Nintendo won E3 this year! He is absolutely thrilled about Super Mario Odyssey! Don’t forget a new Yoshi, Kirby, Metroid, and Splatoon 2!

It’s truly an awesome time to be a Nintendo fan!

Nathan has been busy playing various games on his Xbox One, along with occasionally playing some mobile games. He’s really excited for Ori and the Will of the Wisps, as the original Ori is one of his favorites.

Summer means E3 and all the great new games that are coming soon. Martin is really impressed with how Super Mario Odyssey is developing. He is most excited about Metroid: Samus Returns for the 3DS!

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As of late, Isabella has been getting busy with the incredible new set of games that the Switch has to offer, with a new flood of games to the system such as the energetic ARMS and the artsy Wonder Boy. Hannah has joined ballet as well as other fun summer activities. Her favorite game is still SnipperClips and she loves Minecraft: Switch Edition. She also really enjoyed playing Wonder Boy for the Switch this issue.

Brody is working on a strong life balance this summer, combining the fun of video gaming with other activities such as camping and swimming. He is excited about many of the upcoming games seen at E3.

Aiden is enjoying summer break by playing tennis and baseball. He also likes going to Six Flags Great America. Currently he is playing Minecraft and Super Mario Kart 8 Deluxe on the Nintendo Switch.

BIG & little Reviews ARMS

Publisher: Nintendo Developer: Nintendo Systems: Switch Players: Single-player, Multiplayer Release Date: 6/16/2017 ESRB Rating: E10+ Content Descriptors: Cartoon Violence

8.1 BIG REVIEW MARTIN

8.5

little REVIEW

8.5

little REVIEW

ARMS is a fun and exciting game that is best played with groups of people.

The motion controls are a little tough to grasp at first but once you get the hang of it, it’s easy to have a blast! There are plenty of cool characters and lots of special moves to master. I really enjoyed this unique and futuristic take on boxing.

little REVIEW ISABELLA

A fast-paced, incredibly energetic game that utilizes the motion controls of the JoyCons to reenact the real-life sport of boxing, ARMS is a fantastic competitive and fun family game, easy to pick up and learn for all ages. Its diverse selection of characters are all unique in many ways, the motion controls are fantastic and most important of all, the game is rip-roaringly fun!

HANNAH

Average Score

7.0

ARMS is a boxing game. It’s called Arms because your arms are springs and they can stretch really far. You can choose your character. My favorite character is Ribbon Girl. This game can only be played on the Switch. I found this game to be difficult. There were too many moves to learn and I got stuck.

AIDEN

8.5

This game is cool because there is a lot of action. My favorite character is Byte & Barq. I like this character because Byte has a little dog to help you fight.

The controls are hard to use because you have to hold the Joy-Con a certain way. I think the graphics are really good for this type of game.

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

8.4 BIG REVIEW JASON

8.0

How does Minecraft: Nintendo Switch Edition stack up to the other consoles? Really well actually. It can’t match the resolution and draw distance of PS4 and XBOX but makes up for it by being portable. Plus, you get the sweet Super Mario Mash-Up Pack with music and skins. It’s worth picking up to play on the go if you’re still a fan, and who isn’t?

BIG REVIEW NATHAN

8.0

Minecraft is always the same no matter what platform it’s on, so the highlight of the Switch Edition is the Super Mario Mashup pack. The Super-Mario-themed world is beautifully constructed and contains easter eggs from every Mario game within it. It felt nostalgic to fly through the pixelated world and see Koopas from Super Mario World and Goombas from Super Mario Sunshine.

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little REVIEW ISABELLA

Average Score

7.5

This game is nothing too special - just a Minecraft port to the Switch. It plays and feels the same as previous installments, with the same smooth controls, although being a bit far behind the PC edition in terms of updates. The only thing that sets it apart from the others are the addition of Minigames and a Mario texture pack, which even in itself isn’t too much to brag about.

little REVIEW AIDEN

10

This is the best game ever because when you buy the game there is Super Mario texture pack that Minecraft built for the Switch. I like playing online.

The controls for the Switch are different than the Xbox because the buttons are flipped. The graphics are just as good as any other Minecraft game.

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Wonder Boy: The Dragon’s Trap Publisher: DotEmu Developer: LizardCube Systems: Switch, PS4, XO Players: Single-player Release Date: 4/18/2017 ESRB Rating: E10+ Content Descriptors: Fantasy Violence, Use of Tobacco

7.0 BIG REVIEW SHELLY

6.0

The graphics of this game were cool, but I was hoping for better gameplay. Some of the jumps and controls were frustrating which made the game a challenge to play.

There wasn’t much of a storyline and it wasn’t clear where to go next to forward the story. Visually the game was great, but the gameplay dynamics are what made me give it a lower score.

BIG REVIEW JASON

ISABELLA

8.0

This blast from the past is a wonderfully (no pun intended) remastered game, featuring two modes of art style; one being the original 8-bit game, and the other the diverse and beautiful remastered edition, with oil-painted backgrounds and smooth pencilled animation reminiscent of old Sega concept art. However, the game proves to be quite difficult for kids, the difficulty shying away from it’s young audience.

6.0

I tried hard to enjoy Wonderboy but I just couldn’t. The controls are too floaty which made the game feel like a chore, and there’s not enough variety in combat to help fix that. The new graphics were great though. Can you believe this is a remake of a twenty-eight year old game? You can switch modes on the fly to see how it originally looked on the Sega Master System.

little REVIEW

Average Score

little REVIEW HANNAH

8.0

Wonder Boy is a style of game like Super Mario. You go around and look for keys to unlock doors. When you go through the doors you must find the exit.

This game is one of my favorite games.

The graphics are futuristic but if you hit a button they become retro. You can collect coins if you defeat the bad guys.

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BIG & little Reviews Ever Oasis

Publisher: Nintendo Developer: GREEZO Systems: 3DS Players: Single-player Release Date: 6/23/2017 ESRB Rating: E10+ Content Descriptors: Fantasy Violence

7.5 BIG REVIEW MARTIN

8.0

Although it’s not my favorite genre, this new RPG title from Nintendo has lots of promise.

The graphics have an Egyptian feel to them and are really vibrant. The gameplay is fun and easy to get into but there is a catch.

The lack of an Autosave will frustrate you, especially if you die early on and have to start all over. This game is good but might be a little too tough for the younger crowd.

BIG REVIEW SHELLY

7.5

If you like RPG’s then you will enjoy playing this game. The game was a little tough in the beginning because you start out with few resources and going out exploring solo. But in time, you can bring other characters with you to help, and you can make weapons and gear. My advice is to keep your residents happy and to save your progress often.

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BIG REVIEW NATHAN

Average Score

7.5

Ever Oasis is slow-paced in the beginning, but after a long opening cutscene, it finally starts to pick up. After completing a few quests and gaining access to the desert, the game became fun and I actually enjoyed it.

A few moments after the peak of my joy, I died from an evil snake and found out there isn’t an Autosave feature in the game, so I had to start over from the very beginning.

little REVIEW ISABELLA

7.0

This game is very odd in it’s choice of genre, the gameplay leaping from left to right as if it can’t decide whether it wants to be an RPG or a social sim. There isn’t much structure to the game, no urge to keep you playing- just side-quest upon side-quest thrown at you until you advance. Although, despite all the negativity, I can appreciate the very unique character designs and the lush environments.

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BIG & little Reviews Sling Kong

Publisher: Protostar Developer: Protostar Systems: Android, iOS Players: Single-player Release Date: 6/7/2017 Updated ESRB Rating: E10+ Content Descriptors: Mild Cartoon Violence, Fantasy Violence

7.4 BIG REVIEW NATHAN

7.5

AIDEN

7.0

I like this little game because you sling your animal from dot to dot all while trying to beat your high score. In addition to getting a high score, you can get coins to try to get a new prize and unlockables.

The farther you go the harder the levels become and it can get frsutrating rather quickly. I really like the cute graphics!

little REVIEW HANNAH

5.5

Sling Kong is a game where you pull back your animal and sling shot it to the next spot. You have to go higher and higher. You can collect coins and spend them on a bonus level to win prizes.

This is a typical mobile game. This game is not hard but sometimes there are obstacles that make it difficult.

Sling Kong is a mobile arcade game that serves as a simple and fun stress reliever.

Through its basic premise of pulling your finger back and launching the character of your choice like a slingshot, anyone can become a master of Sling Kong very quickly. Personally, it’s not my style of game, but I enjoyed playing it nonetheless and would recommend it as something to pass the time.

little REVIEW

Average Score

little REVIEW BRODY

9.5

This is a free puzzle game that has some fun physics. I honestly think that the game should consider some sort of multiplayer to see who can survive the longest. There is a world leaderboard, which is really fun to compare yourself to.

You have to pay extra for themes. I think this game is as fun as Crossy Road.

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www.shoplittleplayer.com 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.

DIGITAL EDITION