Winter Wonderland at ElectronicArts LA

My son has been looking forward to this event ever since I mentioned it a few months ago!  Electronic Arts, the game company who releases such titles as  MySims, EA Active, and Family Game Night hosted this event to showcase their new games coming out this holiday season.  They invited local bloggers to try out the games first-hand, and get a chance to talk to some of the wonderful folks who made the games.

My son headed straight to the game he enjoyed playing last time, Steven Spielberg’s Bash Party.  I had to remind him to keep himself in control, as he tends to jump up and down with excitement when playing this game.  The guy sitting at the game, ready to answer any questions,  didn’t seem phased at all.  Guess they get used to crazy-jumping-around kids at these events.

After a quick snack from the Chipotle Mexican Grill booth, we were back to game play, this time trying out the new EA Active More Workouts.  Using the Wii, the player follows the personal trainer through a number of workouts.  I had to give it a try, even thought I was not dressed for it.  Though I only tried out a few of the workouts, I was tiring.  It was harder than it looked and would be a perfect way to get in shape at home.  Maybe I would have to convince my husband we needed a Wii now.

We tried out a few other games, but I couldn’t get the Active game out of my mind.  A week later I treated myself (and my family) to a new Wii.  The Active game came in the mail the other day and I am loving it.  Now to get my husband to join me in the fun.

Here are a few other games that were being demo’ed.  We only watched, as my son was not interested in playing any “girl” games.  They looked like fun and I’m sure my daughter would love them.

Blogging with benefits

I started blogging because I had more to say then I think my husband or friends were interested in listening to. It started as a creative outlet, with no intention of being more than that. I admit I was naive, but I never imagined anyone other than my close friends and family tuning in. But thanks to my wonderful friend, Sarah, I have found a whole new side of blogging.

I started writing for LA Mom’s Blog, and became more than just a food blogger. I was now a mom blogger. As such, I was invited to EA’s Summer Block Party, to test their new summer video games. To be honest, I am not a big gamer.  My husband and son LOVE it, but I have mixed feelings about it.  I think there are some good things, such as hand-eye coordination and just plain fun.  But I see more of the negative stuff, such as contributing to over-stimulation(there are too many things going on at once, on the screen-it makes me feel overly anxious) and lack of physical activity.  I suppose if it is balanced with other activities, it can be a good thing.  But if I know my boys, balance is not in their vocabulary!  They could play the weekend away!

Anyway, I digress.  Seeing this event as an opportunity to spend some quality one-on-one time with my son, I went.  He was overjoyed!  We arrived early, and played Mercenaries 2(his dad had worked on the game) in the lobby, while we awaited the other attendees.  Next we were escorted to the event, set up in a large room full of couches, tvs, ballons, and a buffet.  It was obvious from the start that this event was made for kids!  There was a popcorn machine in one corner, fun kid games on the tv screens, cotton candy machine, kid food buffet, and ice cream bar!  My son was in heaven!

We first tried out the Boom Blox: Bash Party.  There was staff at each game station, ready to show us how to play and tell the parents about the game, or answer any questions.  He informed us the game was designed by Steven Spielberg, to play with his family.  Even I, the non-gamer, enjoyed watching and playing.  It has cute little characters and a multitude of levels.  There is no real violence, just knocking down things, and everyone can play together.  The only drawback, for me, for this game, is the fact that it is a Wii game, and we do not own Wii.  I would consider buying it just for this game though.

I pulled my son away, so other people could have a turn, and he was drawn to HASBRO FAMILY GAME NIGHT, with a number of classic board games turned digital.  He tried out Battleship and enjoyed it much better in this form, than the old version.  It also includes such family favorites  as Connect Four, Yahtzee, Boggle, SORRY! and the all new, SORRY! Sliders.  It was alot of fun, but since we already have many of the board game versions, and I’m trying to balance my boy’s video game obsession, I don’t think this will be one to buy.

Since my son is not too much into sports, he skipped over the number of games of that nature.  But he did try out the Littlest Pet Shop game for the Nintendo DS, for his sister.  Neither one of my kids have the DS, so it was really pointless, but he wanted to do something nice for her anyway.  What a sweet boy!

After some more game play, we helped ourselves to the buffet and chatted with other mom bloggers.  It was a really great event, and I was glad to have been invited.  A nice way to spend a Friday afternoon, one-on-one with my son and spend some time in his world.  I thank EA for putting it together and look forward to next year.  What a great way to show off their newest games and involve the community.