Nintendo Wii Screenshots: Mario & Sonic at the Olympic Winter Games

I absolutely loved playing the first Mario & Sonic game, so I have been excited about this release. It took a long time for me to get around to playing it, as I had to cancel Gamefly to save money. My brother finally got it from his Gamefly rental queue and let me try it while he had it. It did not disappoint. Now I just wish I could get to own.

The events are better then the summer ones, but mostly just because I love the winter Olympics a little more than the summer ones overall. The playability is also way better because of the addition of Wii Balance Board play. It is really cool to play Bobsledding by sitting on the balance board. I have not been in a real bobsled unless you count the Matterhorn, but this new way of control makes it a lot of fun and at least seem realistic. It is also great to still be able to play with just Wii remotes for those that do not have nunchucks other than the one that came with the Wii (we only have two around because my bro and I each have our own Wiis).

Overall it is a lot of fun if you are into Sport mini game stlye games, as really there is limited overall depth. You do not get the sport specific depth of gameplay games like Shaun White Snowboarding can offer, but it is still fun to get to try different sports in one title. It is also more in depth then the summer one with the addition of more modes to play and the shopping customization of gear and stuff aspect (I did not really get a chance to check this out, though). A must have for Winter Olympic fans as well as those that loved the Summer one. If you only slightly enjoyed the summer one you might not like this more, but the addition of features may make this one great if you just felt it needed something a little more.

Click on the thumbnails below to see a larger version of the screenshots.

iPhone Game Screenshots: Street Racing Update

I posted about Street Racing about a month ago. Recently, they upgraded it and it has some new cool features. The main thing is that you can now get rank and master the different jobs. When you master the max rank 4 for a job you get a special item. It sure adds a whole new dimension to the game and more things to accomplish, especially since it can take quite a while to get the larger stamina requirement jobs mastered. More addicting than ever.

Click on the thumbnails below to see a larger version of the screenshots.

Click below to get Street Racing for your iPhone or iPod Touch.

iPhone Game Screenshots: Paper Toss New Level

I wrote about Paper Toss a few months ago. Back then there was not Basement level, though. Now it is even better with more scenery. Still basically all the same. Not a major game I play, but it is still fun to play every once and a while.

Click on the thumbnails below to see a larger version of the screenshots.

Click below to get the app for yourself.

Make Your Own Movie with Moviestorm

This is a Sponsored Post written by me on behalf of Moviestorm. All opinions are 100% mine.

Moviestorm makes making movies easy. It is something most people can do, since it does not require any previous experience in movie making or animation. For those that want something very beginner they even have Photostorm that puts your photos into a movie. Now that is something I can easily do on my own with iMovie.

The whole easy movie making idea sounds interesting, though. It would be fun to make an animated movie version of some of my Penguin History Comics ideas, especially the Liberty Bell issue that currently has me stumped in comic format, but the script would be great for a short animated clip. The plot involves mostly one scene with flashbacks to the past, but it keeps seeming odd. Perhaps with animation it would work better at least transition wise.

The basic set up for Moviestorm is free. There is also additional features such as more characters and props. They also have Moviestorm subscriptions, which give you a discount on the added ons. Overall it looks like a decent deal. Only issue is it is only for Windows or newer Macs. I use an older Mac and nothing will entice me to stop. I would rather just not do things than switch computers.

iPhone Game Screenshots: Diamond on Papaya

Diamond is a game from Papaya. Not sure if they have it on its own, but it is in the Papaya pack of games. It is fun because it is like Bejeweled, but free and played live against opponents. The graphics are not a cool as Bejeweled, but the online aspect of playing against others is awesome. I find this game addicting even though it can be a battery sucker, but so are pretty much all apps.

Click on the thumbnails below to see a larger version of the screenshots.

Note: Papaya apps are currently missing from the app store. A note in the app yesterday (12/2/09) said that they are working with iTunes to get the issue fixed.

iPhone Game Screenshots: Puzzle Bobble on Papaya

Puzzle Bobble is part of the Papaya mobiles games. It is one of the fun puzzle games. I really like that you can play live against others. However, sometimes it is annoying as the other person can just sit there doing nothing and you can never beat them without a special. Overall pretty decent colorful graphics game.

*Note: As of 12/2/09 the Papaya games seem to be missing from the app store. Here's to hoping they come back, though, as they are awesome.

Get Your Masters of Arts in Teaching Online from USC

This is a Sponsored Post written by me on behalf of USC. All opinions are 100% mine.

Are you a teacher or aspiring teacher looking to get your Masters of Arts in Teaching? Did you know you could get it with an online degree program from a prestigious university? The University of Southern California's School of Education is not only ranked #22 in the United States, but it also offers an online degree option. The program revolves around a very interactive online aspect that is coupled with doing field experience in your local area. There is even an accelerated program that allows you to get the degree in as little as a year. The program includes offerings for aspiring teachers to gain their Masters as well as ones geared towards current teachers wishing to elevate their careers.

One of the most unique aspects of USC's Masters of Arts in Teaching program is that it offers a special groundbreaking reimbursement program. It is also offers the benefits and status of being a full time USC student even if you are doing the online program. The benefits include participating in the commencement ceremony and lifetime Alumni Association membership for free. Request program information from USC whether your just want to enhance your teaching credentials or want to get started on the path of becoming a teacher.