GeekSugar

Video Games For Family Gatherings

Kristy Korcz — Wed, 16 Nov 2011 04:38:42 PST

The holidays aren't just a time to stuff your face with home-cooked meals, it's also a time to reconnect with your family. Don't just huddle around the TV to watch the football game on Thanksgiving and Christmas Day - try getting the whole clan involved in some friendly video game competition. Who says family gatherings have to be boring?

Wii Sports - ($30) - It's the hit that keeps on kickin! Wii Sports is still a crowd-pleaser at my house - and many others - during the holidays, since it gets everyone moving (which seems to help with digestion of a big meal). And as you'd expect, bowling is an age-defying favorite, but the other games, including golf, tennis, baseball, and boxing, provide endless hours of entertainment.
Dance Central 2 ($50) - Just imagine Uncle Joe shaking his groove thang to Lady Gaga, and Auntie Sissy battling it out against you on the dance floor. This game is a lot of fun, and even more entertaining to watch.
Wii Party ($34) - Leave the old-timey board game in the closet and play this game instead. Wii Party lets you use your Mii to compete in over 13 different party games and 17 minigames that are fun for the kids and grandparents alike.
Mario Kart ($49) - Use your Wii controller or a special Wii wheel to race your friends and fam through courses set along Mario-themed tracks.
Kinect Sports ($44) - Sure, there's a newer version of Kinect Sports, but the original is still a fave. The original features soccer, beach volleyball, bowling, table tennis, track and field, and boxing to get your family off the couch post-Thanksgiving pig-out.

Nintendo Releases New Wii Bundle, Color in US on May 9

GeekSugar — Mon, 03 May 2010 11:30:56 PDT

The sexy black Wii has been entertaining Japan since last year, but on May 9, residents of the US can finally get their hands on one - along with bonus games and accessories in the new standard Wii bundle.

Coming stocked with Wii Sports Resort and Wii MotionPlus (as well as the über-famous Wii Sports), the new Wii bundle will set you back $200 and comes in your choice of either a white or black console. That's a big savings, considering the Wii MotionPlus adapter and the Wii Sports Resort game retail for $20 and $50 (respectively) when bought separately. This bundle will become standard fare for gamers after next week, so if you darker-hued lovers want to coordinate all of your gadgets and consoles, now is your chance!

What Is the Best Video Game of the Decade?

GeekSugar — Tue, 15 Dec 2009 17:30:51 PST

It was pretty hard to narrow down the top games of the year, so imagine how painful it was to pick just a choice few games of the decade! It's almost impossible to cast one game aside for another, but ruthless decisions must be made. So out of these fine titles here, tell me what is the best video game of the decade?

And don't stop here - check the rest of my Best of 2009 polls, too!

The Sims (2000)

24%(108)

Halo (2001)

9%(40)

Grand Theft Auto: San Andreas (2004)

5%(24)

World of Warcraft (2004)

19%(84)

Resident Evil 4 (2005)

2%(10)

Wii Sports (2006)

8%(38)

Rock Band (2007)

10%(46)

Super Mario Galaxy (2007)

7%(30)

BioShock (2008)

4%(17)

Mass Effect (2008)

4%(18)

Metal Gear Solid 4: Rise of the Patriots (2008)

4%(17)

Uncharted 2: Among Thives

5%(22)

Total votes: 454

Are You Surprised Wii Sports Is the Best-Selling Video Game?

GeekSugar — Tue, 06 Jan 2009 05:00:07 PST

Software company VGChartz says that Wii Sports is the world's best-selling video game, which has raised more than a few eyebrows. I certainly credit the game for being a great introduction to the Wii itself (there's a reason that it comes with the console), and to selling people on the Wii and casual gaming in general.

Best-selling is certainly different than saying it's the best (you said the best for 2008 was the Wii Fit), and I also wonder if the fact that the sales of the Wii are so good that Wii Sports is getting the props because it's included. In any case, it has surpassed Super Mario Bros. in sales, which could not have been an easy feat.

So tell me, all things considered, are you surprised that the world's best-selling video game is Wii Sports?

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Games Can Get You In Shape For the Big Day Too!

GeekSugar — Tue, 13 May 2008 15:00:36 PDT

I guess it's a rite of passage that you freak out before your wedding - whether it's over the flower arrangements, the cake, or your body. Although you should never stoop to crash dieting (I know Fit would tell you the same), it may actually help you to chill out by playing a video game. Bonus, if those games are interactive and get your blood pumping, you might just lose a few pounds while you're at it and tip the scales in your favor.

We all know what a workout you can get by playing Dance Dance Revolution, right? While having a blast matching your foot movements with the beat, in one hour you could be burning up to 900 calories! Not to mention, it might help you learn a few moves for the reception.

There are a few more great games to get you into shape. Find out what they are when you

Wii Fit is the most anticipated excergaming device of the year! With the Wii being totally family friendly, Wii Fit is sure to make a dent in the child obesity rates, right? Although you probably aren't going to get a killer cardio workout like you would in step class at your gym, you'll learn relaxation with yoga, tone your muscles, and amp up your coordination so you can walk down the aisle calm, cool, and super toned.

My Weight Loss Coach is hitting the shelves in the fall and I can already tell it will be one of my fave weight loss devices yet. Not only is it super portable – made just for your Nintendo DS – it has the potential to help you make leaps and bounds with your eating habits. . . as well as keeping you honest about your activity.

Wii Sports has been an excergaming fave since it "bowled" its way into our hearts in 2006. Not only used for rehabilitation in hospitals, preventing sedentary lifestyles in seniors, and of course weight loss, but possibly improving your golf swing so you can be sure to impress your new hubby while on your honeymoon!

Source

Geek Out! What Do You Wear For Wii Tennis?

GeekSugar — Tue, 27 Feb 2007 13:00:39 PST

City Magazine put together a fun mix of outfits for Wii tennis, baseball, golf, boxing and bowling and when I showed Fab, she challenged all of us geeks to find the ultimate Wii sports outfit. Eleganteazucar put together what I think is a cute, comfy and chic Wii bowling outfit. Now all we need is a great Wii tennis outfit that beats the one City Mag found.

Just search the web for your favorite geeky Wii sports-inspired clothes, bookmark them on TeamSugar under the tag "Wii sports outfit" and if we like your picks FabSugar and I will feature our favorite ensembles on our sites. For tips on bookmarking, just

Criteria: Search the web for cute, comfy clothes that would be functional and chic for playing Wii tennis. Ideally, you'll find a top/tee shirt, shoes, fun accessory and geeky tennis bag.

To start bookmarking, just add this link to your browser's favorites: Save to TeamSugar
For a more detailed explanation of bookmarks click here.

Don't forget to come back and tell me that your Geek Gear is up, or just tag your finds with "Wii sports outfit."

5 Fitness Games to Help You Burn Off Holiday Bulge

Kristy Korcz — Mon, 26 Dec 2011 09:22:56 PST

The family binging events are over, so now it's time to talk resolutions and fighting off some of that bulge you may have picked up during the holiday season. Good news is there are plenty of ways to burn some calories without spending half an afternoon in the gym. Fire up your favorite gaming console and pop in one of these titles that will have you working up a sweat in no time.

Your Shape Fitness Evolved ($34) - Working with the Xbox 360 and Kinect sensor, this game provides a personalized fitness program based on your skill level, but the Kinect actually senses where your joints are to give you proper form tips while you're playing. Add in special martial arts and weight loss classes led by actual celebrity trainers, and you have yourself a pretty amazing fitness game that really isn't a game at all.
The Fight: Lights Out ($20) - I like The Fight (which works in conjunction with the PlayStation Move), and in comparison to other fitness specific video games it doesn't feel like a workout; it just feels like fun.
Get Fit With Mel B ($) - Another PlayStation Move title, Get Fit With Mel B seems like it would be a good alternative to the gym; mostly cause Mel B is ripped, and if this helps her stay fit, it's gotta work for me, right?
Just Dance 2 ($34) - Like DDR before it, the Wii-compatible Just Dance 2 lets you work up a sweat with some awesome moves, and sing along to popular music. It doesn't get any better than that!
EA Sports Active 2 ($45) - I'm already a big fan of the EA Sports Active titles, so pairing it with the Kinect system is sure to give me an even better, more engaging workout experience.