xbox 360

Disney Interactive Delivers “Best of Disney” to Fans’ Homes with New App for Xbox 360

27 June 2013 by Suzannah Otis Leave a Comment

Recently Disney Interactive launched the new Disney app for Xbox 360, delivering new and original digital video to homes in the U.S. Featuring original web series, classic animated shorts, clips from Disney shows and the latest Disney movie trailers, the new app lets users access the best Disney content from across the web. The Disney app for Xbox 360 furthers Disney Interactive’s goal to bring quality Disney videos and experiences across all platforms and devices.

With Disney on Xbox 360, fans can look forward to:
· Episodes of the popular web series, Disney Where’s My Water? Presents Swampy’s Underground Adventures

· Classic shorts starring Mickey Mouse and friends

· Music videos, clips and trailers from Disney Channel, Disney XD and The Walt Disney Studios

· Future series and programming from Disney Interactive’s upcoming slate of original video

Disney for Xbox 360 is now available in the Xbox Live Marketplace.

REVIEW: Epic Mickey 2: Power of Two for Xbox360

30 November 2012 by Suzannah Otis 2 Comments

For this review, I enlisted the help of the gamers in my household, my husband and son, to get some more official opinions from those that know what they are doing with a controller. Below are their thoughts, and then head over to read my reaction after playing the Power of Illusion version on Nintendo 3DS back in September. Happy playing!

If you hadn’t heard about Epic Mickey 2 – here is a synopsis of the game: In “Disney Epic Mickey 2: The Power of Two,” gamers will play as Mickey Mouse and for the first time ever, Oswald the Lucky Rabbit, Walt Disney’s first cartoon star, in an all-new adventure of creativity and discovery. Created by industry luminary Warren Spector and Disney Interactive’s Junction Point game development studio, “Disney Epic Mickey 2: The Power of Two” returns Mickey Mouse and Oswald the Lucky Rabbit to Wasteland, an alternate world filled with 80 years of forgotten Disney characters and theme park attractions. But for the first time, Mickey and Oswald will join forces as true partners – Mickey with his magical paint brush that wields paint and thinner, and Oswald with his powerful remote control that allows him to command electricity.

My 13 year-old had this succinct review of his time playing: The art design was really cool and the scenery and backgrounds were really fun to play through and walk around in. Overall gameplay was really fun, with lots of items to collect and lots to keep you entertained. Playing as a single player was a bit frustrating as you had to wait for Oswald to come over and do his parts of the game, but that was the only downside.

Whereas my husband had a bit more to say:

The much anticipated followup to Epic Mickey is a great game on the Xbox360. Dazzling graphics highlight the game, and fans of the original game will not be disappointed. However, Epic Mickey 2 is not without its problems, minor as they are.

Although they are rare, there are still some camera issues left over from the first game. You will find yourself cursing the camera as it auto-zooms to awkward angles while you are climbing rock piles or running into rooms.

Unfortunately the story seems to get in the way of the game. The graphics and game-play draw you in and really make you want to play. Just as you get into a groove running around Mean Street, you realize that you are stuck having to go back collect an item, or take a picture, or complete a task that you overlooked. A little bit of “free play” would have made this game perfect. The story is not linear, even though it seems like it would have been easy enough to make it so. When you first enter the game you are bombarded with side-quests and story details that are hard to remember and juggle.

Now for the good news. Many of the control issues that plagued the first game have been taken care of in Epic Mickey 2. You will no longer find yourself losing at critical points because Mickey does not move or paint in the directions you expect him to. The movement is smooth, and game-play is very enjoyable.

Also, the developers did a good job of interweaving side-scrolling platform levels into the game. They do so in a way that is not obtrusive to player and does not have you stalling to remember how to control the game. You can effortlessly move from the 3D, third-person view of Mean Street, to the side-scrolling of the D.E.C. without losing a beat.

But, by far, the biggest plus to this game is the two player action using Oswald. A second player can control Oswald and join in the game, helping Mickey along in his adventure. Oswald has his own powers and his own part to play in completing puzzles and tasks. This makes the game a far more rewarding, fun, and collaborative experience for two players.

Single people; fear not – if you play the game on single play, the computer controls Oswald, completing his tasks for you automatically. This leaves single players open to worry about the unfolding story tasks.

“Disney Epic Mickey 2: The Power of Two” is rated ‘E’ for Everyone by the ESRB, and is now available for the Playstation 3
computer entertainment system, Xbox 360 and Wii U for a suggested retail price of $59.99 and Wii for a suggested retail price of $49.99. “Epic Mickey: Power of Illusion” is also rated ‘E’ for Everyone by the ESRB and is now available on the Nintendo 3DS for a suggested retail price of $39.99.

Disclosure: I was provided with a complimentary Xbox360 and Nintendo 3DS game for review purposes. Thoughts and opinions expressed here are those of the authors. Links included are affiliate links.

Brave Video Games Get Set To Hit The Target On Consoles and Phones

18 June 2012 by Suzannah Otis Leave a Comment

After seeing Disney Pixar’s Brave last week, I can’t wait to get more Brave action in the form of some amazing video games that Disney Interactive Studios has lined up for us. Merida’s archery skills and her action-packed encounters within the film set the perfect backdrop for video games the whole family can enjoy.

A third person action-adventure, “Brave: The Video Game” expands the tale beyond the movie’s storyline. Gamers can play as Merida, an expert archer and heroine, and in the console versions, players can also play as other entertaining characters from the film. In addition, they will be able to go on quests through a magical world and solve puzzles to uncover secrets. Available for Xbox 360, Nintendo Wii, Playstation 3, PC/Mac, and also Nintendo DS consoles.

Check out the Brave video game trailer below:

In addition, Disney Interactive Studios has created a Brave version of the insanely popular Temple Run app for both Android and iPhones. From Imangi, the makers of Temple Run, and Disney comes a new take on the most exhilarating Android app. Join Merida from Disney/Pixar Brave as you run, slide, jump, turn and shoot your way across the wilds of Scotland on an endless running adventure!

New features just for Temple Run: Brave —
• Introducing ARCHERY — tap targets to shoot a bullseye and earn extra coins
• New, amazing visuals. It looks better than ever!
• All new environments inspired by Disney/Pixar Brave and the wilds of Scotland
• Play as Merida from Disney/Pixar Brave
• Outrun Mordu, the demon bear, to earn running glory

Here’s the Brave Temple Run trailer below:

Brave Temple Run is available for download now and Disney Pixar’s Brave the Video Game for consoles is out tomorrow, June 19!

LEGOLAND Florida Hosts LEGO Club Weekend for Father’s Day

8 June 2012 by Suzannah Otis Leave a Comment

LEGOLAND Florida has been growing brick by brick since opening last Fall. With the recent addition of LEGOLAND’s Water Park now there is even more fun for all down in nearby Winter Haven. Just in time for Father’s Day weekend, LEGOLAND is now hosting a fun LEGO Club Weekend with lots of fun activities and prizes. Check out the news from LEGOLAND below:

Holy LEGOLAND Batman! LEGOLAND® Florida, Central Florida’s newest theme park with over 50 rides, shows and attractions, offers a chance to play like your favorite super hero during LEGO® Club Weekend Jun. 16 and 17. Celebrate with Dad this Father’s Day during this special weekend and let him show off the super hero we already know he is.

LEGO® Club Weekend will be action-packed with fun for the whole family:

Whether you’re young or just young-in-spirit, come dressed in your favorite super hero costume to have a chance to win cool prizes. Prizes include a LEGO® prize pack filled with Super Hero product and LEGOLAND® Florida tickets and the ultimate Warner Brothers® grand prize of an XBOX 360 Console.

Be among the first to preview the all-new LEGO® Batman 2: DC Super Heroes video game at the all-new Warner Bros.™ Games Zone. Compliments of our partner, Warner Bros.™ Interactive Entertainment, the first 200 guests to come and play will get a free LEGO® Batman 2 poster. Warner Bros.™ Games Zone, an all-new attraction in the Imagination Zone at LEGOLAND® Florida, is every gamers dream and a great way to take a break from the heat. This interactive game zone is where kids can test and play the latest LEGO® video games and interact with high-tech technology such as, iPads and playable video kiosks.

Become an official certified super hero by defeating the villains at Super Hero Training Camp. The Gardens have been transformed into the ultimate training facility so you can practice your super powers.

Challenge your family to a Super Hero Scavenger Hunt. Your favorite heroes and villains have invaded Miniland USA and it’s up to you to save it. And for your hard work, the winner will take home a LEGO® prize pack filled with Super Hero product and LEGOLAND® Florida tickets.

Meet Max, the LEGO® Club mascot, and get your picture with him.

Enjoy special discounts on food and beverage.

All events are included with park admission and subject to change without notice. The best way to experience LEGOLAND® Florida for the best value is with the Premium Pass, which offers 12 months admission to LEGOLAND® Florida and seasonal access to the all-new LEGOLAND® Water Park for just $179 for adults and $149 for child/senior. Single-day LEGOLAND Florida guests may upgrade to a water park attraction ticket for an additional $12 per person (children under 3 are $3). The Premium Pass is now available for purchase at www.LEGOLAND.com or AAA Auto Group branches.

All who attend the LEGO® Club Weekend event can register to become a LEGO® Club member for free.

New Epic Mickey 2 Release Date, E3 Trailer and Warren Spector Interview

6 June 2012 by Suzannah Otis Leave a Comment

Disney is showing a huge presence at the E3 (Electronic Entertainment Expo) conference going on in Los Angeles this week. We’ve seen an amazing Epic Mickey 2 booth, including Oswald ear hats and game demos, along with some fantastic pieces from the Disney Archives and other new merchandise.

Also released at E3 was a new Epic Mickey 2: The Power of Two trailer, with an emphasis on Oswald the Lucky Rabbit. This makes me even MORE excited to play this game!

Also check out this great interview with Warren Spector Creative Director and Vice President, Junction Point and Disney Archives Director Becky Cline discussing the amazing history of Oswald:

Epic Mickey: The Power of Two will hit shelves November 18, 2012 – see you there! You can check out screenshots and more info at my other Epic Mickey 2 post.

Disney Movie and Video Game News and Releases

2 April 2012 by Suzannah Otis 1 Comment

Disney has been so busy creating and updating apps and video games and dvds that I’d be posting 10 times a day to keep up, so I thought I’d throw all of this news into one convenient post in case you hadn’t seen the announcements:

First up – Brave: The Video Game. Disney Pixar’s Brave premiers in June and the game will follow suit this summer. I like that this will be a video game that appeals to girls, without being about puppies or Barbie, and I have high hopes that Disney Interactive Media Group will do it justice!

BURBANK, Calif. — (March 19, 2012 ) – Disney Interactive Media Group announced today that “Brave: The Video Game” is currently in development for PlayStation®3 computer entertainment system, the Xbox 360® video game and entertainment system from Microsoft, Wii™ system from Nintendo, Nintendo DS™ handheld system and Windows PC/ MAC. Inspired by “Brave,” the upcoming Disney•Pixar animated fantasy adventure movie, the video game invites players to run, jump and battle their way through the rugged landscape of mythical and mysterious Scotland. By using their wits and bravery, gamers will also be able to wield a sword and bow to defeat fierce enemies, break a magical curse and save a kingdom. The video game will release summer 2012, in conjunction with the film.

A third person action-adventure, “Brave: The Video Game” expands the tale beyond the movie’s storyline. Gamers can play as Merida, an expert archer and heroine, and in the console versions, players can also play as other entertaining characters from the film. In addition, they will be able to go on quests through a magical world and solve puzzles to uncover secrets.

“We’re excited to offer a compelling game across multiple platforms for fans of the upcoming Disney•Pixar film ‘Brave’. Whether gamers want to play on their own or with others, they can relive highlights from Merida’s journey and go on new adventures inspired by the legends of Scotland and Disney•Pixar storytelling,” said Javier Ferreira, senior vice president of publishing, Disney Interactive Media Group. “With Kinect™ for Xbox 360 and Move on the PlayStation®3, gamers will feel like they are using a bow and arrow in an archery range and have a truly immersive experience.”

The console versions of “Brave: The Video Game” offer a variety of gameplay, including single-player, co-op for family and friends, and a special Bear mode, where players will be able to play as a bear. Several new opponents created exclusively for the game will challenge the player throughout the experience, culminating with an ultimate boss battle to complete the adventure. The Nintendo DS game is filled with its own exciting missions and a myriad of characters to engage single players.

“Brave: The Video Game” launches Summer 2012 for PlayStation®3 computer entertainment system, the Xbox 360 video game and entertainment system from Microsoft, Wii™, Nintendo DS™ and Windows PC/MAC.

Next up, Disney Interactive launches original web series for gamers “Power Up” hosted by Christina Grimmie and presented by Kinect for Xbox 360

Power Up, Disney Interactive’s new original web series gives families an inside look at the exciting world of video gaming. Presented by Kinect for Xbox 360, the weekly show on Disney.com is hosted by YouTube and musical sensation, Christina Grimmie, who will cover a wide range of game-related topics, including reviews of popular console, mobile, social and casual games. The series will also feature comedic game-based skits with other popular YouTube stars, as well as original songs and music by Grimmie. Fans can also check out Power Up on Disney’s network on YouTube, Disney Mobile and Xbox LIVE.

To celebrate the launch of Power Up and the highly anticipated “Kinect Rush: A Disney•Pixar Adventure” video game, players can enter the “Power Up Sweepstakes” for a chance to win a family trip to San Francisco, for a private tour of Pixar Animation Studios, behind-the-scenes look at the making of the game, as well as the opportunity to play “Kinect Rush: A Disney•Pixar Adventure” with Christina Grimmie. To enter the sweepstakes, guests can visit Disney.com/PowerUp or text “POWERUP” to 347639 (DISNEY).

And lastly, a new release in the Tinker Bell and friends series – Tinker Bell and the Secret of the Wings:

BURBANK, Calif., March 23, 2012 – The Walt Disney Studios unveils an all-new, original full-length CG-animated feature film, “Secret of the Wings,” starring Tinker Bell, one of Disney’s most beloved and iconic characters, along with her fairy friends (Fawn, Iridessa, Rosetta, Silvermist and Vidia) and introducing a sparkling new winter fairy, Periwinkle. Debuting on Blu-ray™ Combo Pack, DVD and Digital on October 23, 2012, the film marks the first time ever Tinker Bell will fly on Disney Blu-ray 3D.

For Tinker Bell and the other warm season fairies, the Winter Woods remains a mysterious and forbidden place. “Secret of the Wings” takes audiences on an amazing journey of discovery with Tink, into this forbidden world where she discovers a magical secret that changes her life forever.

A magical fairy adventure for the whole family, “Secret of the Wings” features a spectacular voice cast including Academy Award®-Winner Anjelica Huston (TV’s ‘Smash’), Timothy Dalton (TV’s ‘Chuck’, The Living Daylights), Lucy Liu (TV’s ‘Southland’, Charlie’s Angels), Raven-Symoné (TV’s ‘That’s So Raven’), Megan Hilty (TV’s ‘Smash’), Pamela Adlon (TV’s ‘Californication’), Matt Lanter (TV’s ‘90210’), Debby Ryan (TV’s ‘Jesse’) and Mae Whitman (TV’s ‘Parenthood’), and introducing the sparkling new winter fairy, PERIWINKLE, voiced by Lucy Hale (TV’s ‘Pretty Little Liars’). A DisneyToon Studios production, the film is directed by Peggy Holmes, co-directed by Bobs Gannaway, and produced by Michael Wigert. John Lasseter serves as Executive Producer.

“Secret of the Wings” is Disney’s highly-anticipated all-new movie in the Tinker Bell Disney Fairies film franchise. These beautifully-animated films have ranked at the top of the home entertainment charts every year they have been released.

In addition to the all-new feature film, the spectacular animated release includes a host of exciting bonus features that extend the viewing experience, taking audiences deeper into the magical world of Disney Fairies. (More details forthcoming)

To celebrate the upcoming release of “Secret of the Wings,” Disney has launched a new destination in Facebook for parents to stay updated on Disney Fairies news as well as receive the best new content and activities that they can share with their children. Audiences can become a fan now at: https://www.facebook.com/DisneyFairies.

For the latest information on “Secret of the Wings,” fans can head to www.Disney.com/SecretofTheWings to view film clips, and more.

I’ll share more news and releases as they come in!

Free Downloadable Demo of Disney Universe Online

10 November 2011 by Suzannah Otis 4 Comments

A downloadable demo of Disney Universe is now available free of charge on Xbox Live and PlayStation Network! Players can jump in and swashbuckle their way through the game’s first world, based on the Pirates of the Caribbean movies, and choose from four of the game’s 45 iconic character costumes, from Stitch, Mike Wazowski, Jack Sparrow, and even the classic Disney hero, Mickey Mouse

In addition to the downloadable demo of the game, consumers who are interested in getting a first-hand look at Disney Universe can also visit a participating Best Buy store beginning December 12. Select store locations will have an Xbox 360^®video game and entertainment system available for consumers to play the demo of the game.

Disney Universe offers a four-person multiplayer action experience, with frenzied gameplay that appeals to players of all ages. The game features 45 classic and contemporary iconic character costumes inspired by well-known and legendary properties, such as the Disney•Pixar hits WALL•Eand Monsters, Inc., Tim Burton’s Alice in Wonderland, Pirates of the Caribbean, and the Academy Award® winning classics, The Lion King and Aladdin. You can check out a review at my friend and fellow Disney blogger’s site DisneyEveryDay.com, with review from another friend, John Saccheri, who you may remember from his touching Give Kids the World post here last year. Check out the trailer below:

The downloadable demo available now features swashbuckling adventures with the first level of the game’s Pirates of the Caribbean world and includes costumes inspired by Stitch from Lilo & Stitch, Mike Wazowski from Monsters, Inc., Jack Sparrow from Pirates of the Caribbean and one of Disney’s most beloved characters of all time, Mickey Mouse.

Disney Universe is now available for the Xbox 360^®video game and entertainment system from Microsoft, PlayStation®3 computer entertainment system, the Wii™ system from Nintendo and Windows PC.

Published by Disney Interactive Studios, Disney Universe is rated E10+. Please visit www.DisneyUniverse.com for more information.

For more information about Disney Universe, please visit www.DisneyUniverse.com. DisneyUniverse is now available for the Xbox 360, PlayStation, Wii and Windows PC.

Kinect Disneyland Adventures Gameplay Preview

4 November 2011 by Suzannah Otis Leave a Comment

During our first Disneyland visit we managed to squeeze a little D23 Expo in, including this fun preview of the Disneyland Adventures game for Xbox 360’s Kinect. Santa brought my eldest a Kinect last year, and he has loved playing Dance Central, Kinectimals and Kinect Sports. There are absolutely no controllers for the Kinect, because YOU are the controller. It’s pretty amazing and once you get used to it, a great immersive game experience.

Friend and zannaland correspondent Nicole Siscaretti got to experience Disneyland Adventures first hand, as one of the games creators explains the ins and outs of the game. Things like “you never die in Disneyland” (you just splat and come right back) and how you collect coins and can then purchase costumes for your avatar in Bibiddi Bobbidi Boutique within the game.

Kinect Disneyland Adventures arrives in stores November 15th. Be sure to pick it up for your adventurer or the whole family!

…Here are some screenshots of the game to entice you, the created world is just breathtaking!

Main Street, USA in Disneyland Adventures — Walk right down the middle of Main Street, U.S.A.

Alice Croquet Ball — Become Alice's croquet ball!

NEWS: Toy Story 3 Avatar Items Hit the Xbox Live Marketplace!

10 June 2010 by Suzannah Otis 5 Comments

ts3xbox This update comes to you from my son, who greeted me this morning with this news and advised me to blog about it. Not one to turn away a good story when I see one, I’m now sharing this info with you! I’m not embarrassed to say my son is rather addicted to video games. We monitor his play and actions but in addition to playing with local friends on Xbox Live, he’s also met some great same-aged friends from across the globe. His interest has led him to start his own game review site with a few of those friends: ArcticHawk.com where he shares reviews of all games from their point of view and will be venturing into the world of vlogging soon too. I’m proud of him for wanting to start something like this and for having a creative outlet outside of the game play itself that he can carry with him and change as he does.

So in conjunction with the new Toy Story 3 video game, set to release along with the Toy Story 3 movie on June 15, 2010, Xbox Live Marketplace is offering some items to allow your avatar to dress up like Jesse, Woody or Buzz and even wear a Green Army Men jacket or a Star Command or Sunny Side Daycare t-shirt. You can also use Xbox Live points to purchase toys in the likeness of your favorite characters, including my new favorite – Lotso Huggin Bear! (There’s also the creepy one-eyed Baby Head Toy from the original Toy Story movie, which I’m sure will be a popular item for the tween boy set.)

To check out all the items, which range in Xbox Live Points price from 240 down to 80 points a piece, and see some screenshots from the upcoming Toy Story 3 game release on Xbox 360, head over to the Xbox Marketplace and check them out. Thanks to my son Christian from ArticHawk.com for the heads up!

Xbox 360 Controller Cake!

6 February 2010 by Suzannah Otis 2 Comments

xboxcake6 — Xbox 360 Controller cake with glowing buttons

As you know, I discussed my past cake creations earlier and it was within the comments of that entry that the suggestion came in from my good friend Luis to make an Xbox controller cake. I instantly agreed that would be the perfect idea for my Xbox Live-addicted 11 year-old. It also seemed like it could be do-able with some fondant and a little creativity. So last night, I embarked on the journey to create the ultimate Xbox 360 controller cake! (Thank goodness I had the help of my husband or I’d still be working on it now.)

Click to see more of the Xbox Controller Cake!