The Runaround

So, did you see The Who perform last night on the Superbowl? We are big Who fans around here, so we were beyond delighted to hear that the Superbowl Mashup medley they performed would be available to to download for play on Rockband. We immediately tried to download this awesome medley after the game and encountered an error code. The code sends you to Nintendo's website where you can look up error codes and discovered this was an issue with Wii Shop issue and it suggested waiting a few hours and trying again. That's exactly what we did, trying again this morning. It still wouldn't wortk, so we called Nintendo's customer service as the website suggested. The lady we talked to was nice but had to refer us to someone else to troubleshoot the problem. I was impressed that the "troubleshooter" called us back in less than 30 minutes. But, he determined this was not a Nintendo issue, but an EA Games issue and sent us off with their number. Guess what? EA says it's a Nintendo issue. We've spent the better part of two hours trying to get this straightened out. We spent $2 on a song that it says we've purchased, but won't actually download and play.

I feel like the kid going from parent to parent with the same question! Ugh! After pursuing the Rockband message boards, it seems we are not the only ones with this problem. But it also seems that everyone is getting a different explanation from SD card problems to credit card authorizations. I really think that since the error code implies this is a Wii Shop issue, that Nintendo needs to get it fixed and fast. Hopefully we will hunt down the right person to talk to and Won't Get Fooled Again!

Holiday Gift Guide: Wii Boom Blox Bash Party

About the Game:
"Get ready for even more blox-busting action with BOOM BLOX™ Bash Party for Wii™, the sequel to the critically-acclaimed BOOM BLOX™ game for Wii. Developed by EA in collaboration with director and producer Steven Spielberg, BOOM BLOX Bash Party takes destruction to new heights, providing the ultimate social gaming experience! BOOM BLOX Bash Party will get your party started with new Versus, Co-Op and Team Play challenges - twice as many multiplayer challenges as the original BOOM BLOX."

Game Features:

* More than 400 new blox-busting levels

* The Ultimate Party Experience

* Spectacular New Worlds

* New Blox! New Shapes! New Tools!

* Wacky New Characters

* New Rewards System

* Content Available Online

My Thoughts:
This is a great option if you are looking for a game the whole family can play. I found nothing objectionable in it at all. It offers several ways to play including competitive and cooperative game play, which is something the whole family really enjoys. This game seems to bring out the competitive spirit in us all, as it seems we are always trying to best each other. If you are looking for a game the whole family will really enjoy, Boom Blox Bash Party is a great choice.

Ramblings of a Texas Housewife Product Review and/or Giveaway Disclosure- I have received no compensation other than the offer of free product to review and/or giveaway. Any opinions expressed on Ramblings of a Texas Housewife are my own. My reviews are never reviewed or edited in any way by sponsors.

Holiday Gift Guide: Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey Wii and DS Game Review

The greatest show on earth is coming to your house! 2K Play and Feld Entertainment proudly announce that Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey, the ultimate circus experience for Wii, is now available at retailers across North America. This holiday season, your family can clown around, preform hair raising stunts, and much more under the big top in your own home! My kids were so excited to review this Wii game. We are a family of gamers, so we all enjoyed trying this one out.


About the Game:
Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey for Wii features more than 40 action-packed games that test the circus skills of even the most highly trained professionals. Gamers can soar through the air as a human cannonball, perform with magnificent Bengal tigers, defy gravity on a motorcycle in the Spherical Miracle, dazzle the crowd with aerial acrobatics, and dance with an exotic Asian elephant. Only the best will become certified to perform in front of thousands in the exciting ZING ZANG ZOOM™ and Barnum’s FUNundrumSM show venues!

Plus, the circus fun has come to Nintendo DS too! Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey: Circus Friends Asian Elephants for Nintendo DS, gives pachyderm enthusiasts the ability to care for their very own Asian elephant. Gamers must ensure their playful pal eats well, stays clean and healthy, and gets daily exercise. Once the proper training program has been implemented, their circus friend can star and show off in The Greatest Show on Earth™!


Our Thoughts:
This game had the whole family for hours the first time we put it in. There is so much to do, it offers something for everyone. I think it is one of the best family friendly games I've ever seen. The kids especially loved it and it is now their first choice when playing the Wii. I highly suggest this game for families with kids both small and bigger. The games would appeal to little ones as well as grown ups. We love it!

As for the DS game, I wish I could offer my thoughts. But, my daughter has refused to let anyone else play it since it arrived. She has spent countless hours taking care of her elephant. I'm guessing if she's that involved and unwilling to share, it must be a hit with her!

Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey for Wii is available for $39.99 and Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey: Circus Friends Asian Elephants for Nintendo DS is available for $29.99 at major retailers across North America. They are rated E for Everyone.

For additional information about the Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey games, visit www.Ringlingbrosgame.com or to view a complete Ringling Bros. tour schedule, visit www.Ringling.com.

Ramblings of a Texas Housewife Product Review and/or Giveaway Disclosure- I have received no compensation other than the offer of free product to review and/or giveaway. Any opinions expressed on Ramblings of a Texas Housewife are my own. My reviews are never reviewed or edited in any way by sponsors.

Games Mamas Play

I have a confession to make. I am a Mom Gamer. My games of choice at the moment are The Sims 2 on pc and Rock Band 2 on the Wii. I love both these games and can get lost in them for hours. While I'm not the teenage boys you see chugging power drinks and staying up for 48 hours straight, I can play for quite awhile. It normally happens that I'll sit down to practice playing the bass on RB for just 15 minutes and the next thing I know it's two hours later. The Sims @ is the same way. Why is it so hard to limit myself when gaming.

I've been playing the Sims 2 for years. My little sister actually introduced me to Sims and the Sims 2. This game is hard for me to stop once I start for several reasons. The main problem is I always think I'll just decorate this house and then stop, but then I have to make sure the Sim functions well in the house, blah, blah, blah. Or, I'll just play until this baby is born, but then I have a burning desire to see if he grows into a cute toddler, and on and on it goes. The Sims 3 comes out in June. I must learn some self disciple before then or my house will be a disaster and my family will be living off peanut butter and jelly sandwiches!

I am not as bad about losing myself during the day playing Rock Band 2. This is a game that we all play as a family, and only twice since we've owned it have I even turned it on when it was just me playing. The whole family loves this game and one night a week we all play together. We set goals and then go at it. A few nights a week Dan & I will play once the kiddos are asleep. The two of us are the worst about thinking we'll just play a three song set, but end up not stopping until we've completed all the gigs in a city. The worst part is that we think we've only been playing for a little while when we've been playing away hours. But, at least this game promotes team work and we are spending time together having fun!

What about y'all do any of you game? I desperately hope I'm not the only mom Sims 2 addict out there. If you do, what games are your favorites?

We Love Our Wii

Apparently, the key to happy family bonding has been discovered. It is the Wii. We all love how it is a much more family friendly game system than our old Xbox. The four of us bowl together quite a bit and have a great, family friendly night. The past two nights we've been working on becoming the next Partridge Family with the help of this -

The four of us have had an absolute blast with this! Listening to Ashley & Tristen belt out Spirit in the Sky is so fun! I am thrilled to have something to do that holds the interest of all of us. I think this is going to be great entertainment for family and friends!

SAVING is good.