THE SMURFS DREAMS VIDEO GAME

From French-based video game publisher Microids comes THE SMURFS: DREAMS which allows players to pretend they've stepped into the cartoon adventures of the tiny blue gnomes who live in mushroom homes hidden away within a magical forest. THE SMURFS: DREAMS is available now for the Nintendo Switch and Sony PlayStation gaming consoles as well as via Steam for PC. The game can be played in one or two player modes so you can go solo or team up with a friend to try and foil the evil wizard Gargamel's most recent plot to capture the Smurfs so he can use them as an ingredient for his magical potions.

In Gargamel's newest scheme to catch the Smurfs, he has cast a cunning curse on the sarsaparilla bushes they eat causing any of them that take a bite out of the delicious leaves to fall into a deep slumber. Discovering the wizard's plot, the lone Smurfs not to have fallen into his trap must magically enter the dreams of those who have been enchanted to attempt to wake them up. Each dream is a unique adventure in a setting tied to the personality of the cursed Smurf where players must overcome challenges and solve mind-boggling puzzles to break Gargamel's enchantment. Hurry there is no time to waste as you must wake up the sleeping Smurfs before Gargamel reaches their village.

Michael Duport and Thomas Freund who headed the video game development team for Microids shared an interview dubbed into English for American audiences with ageekdaddy.com. They share with us some insightful tips about THE SMURFS: DREAMS including how it was inspired by an earlier Nintendo Game Boy title and how they attempted to match the quality of the animated tv series and movies within their game's scenery and action sequences. It is really amazing how much attention they put into this game to ensure it was true to the vision of the Smurfs' creator, Belgian artist Peyo.

This video game takes fan favorite aspects of classic 2D scrolling video games like Super Mario Bros and Sonic the Hedgehog and adapts them to a 3D platform with modernized graphics to provide a delightful gameplay experience. The game will have you singing la la la la la enjoying yourself while playing it instead of screaming ugh in disgust. It is not the most challenging game but it isn't meant to be. The Smurfs: Dreams is about enjoying an adventure and playing the game is meant to be a relaxing activity not something to get you stressed. Therefore, because it is a good old fashioned fun game to play that makes me nostalgic for '90s era side scrollers enhanced with outstanding eye-catching animation that makes you truly feel like as you've become part of a Smurfs' cartoon, THE SMURFS: DREAMS has earned a Geek Daddy nod of approval.

Highlights of THE SMURFS: DREAMS include:

Solo or with a friend? Prevent Gargamel's evil plans from suceeding, alone or with a friend for a smurfabulous 2-player experience 

Dive headfirst into other Smurfs' dreams. Visit unique and vibrant worlds as you hop from dream to dream, and discover all of the Smurf Village's secrets 

Delve into the Smurfs' imagination. Each dream hides a nightmare - help the Smurfs overcoming their fears through puzzles, boss fights and many other surprises.

A Smurf like you. Collect magic orbs and patterns to customize your Smurf 

Jump, hop and dash. Use your movements and tools to overcome the many challenges dreamed up by the Smurfs.

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RAILROADS ONLINE VIDEO GAME COMES TO PLAYSTATION AND XBOX

For those of you who share Sheldon Cooper's love of locomotives, you'll be GEEKED to know that the PC railway train simulator RAILROADS ONLINE is coming to the PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X/S video game consoles.  In Railroads Online, developed by Stefan Kelnberger and published by astragon Entertainment, players create the railroad network of their dreams alone or in a multiplayer with up to 16 players. In a large open game world, rails, switches, and stations must be built to transport different goods in authentic locomotives. The game uses the advanced physics systems of the Unreal Engine to create the most authentic railroad simulation possible, rendering collisions and forces dynamically in real time for maximum immersion. Railroads Online will be released digitally this Fall priced at $39.99.

In the game more than 20 authentic locomotives are available for transporting different goods. These locomotives hail from the golden era of steam engines in the United States, spanning from the 1870s — when steam power was rapidly transforming transportation — through to the height of steam locomotive innovation in the early 1900s. 

Among the collection are legendary models like the Montezuma, renowned Baldwin steam engines, the powerful Class 125, and the iconic "Betsy". Many of the steam locomotives featured in Railroads Online no longer exist or a very limited number are still around. The development team used specialist magazines, preserved documents, and surviving models in North American museums to recreate these locomotives as faithfully as possible in the game.

Game features include:

• Open sandbox game world to explore;
•  Online multiplayer mode with up to 16 players; 
• Build your own railroad infrastructure, including tracks, switches, stations and more;
•  Authentic, detailed locomotives and equipment;
•  Realistic railroad physics system and operation of locomotive controls, valves, brakes and equipment;
•  Earn money by transporting goods to develop your own business and buy more locomotives, cars and equipment;
•  Customizable locomotives

For more information, please visit: railroads-online.xsollasitebuilder.com

LEGO DC SUPER VILLAINS VIDEO GAME

You have to admit sometimes it's good to be bad! The newest LEGO themed video game being developed by TT Games for Warner Bros Interactive Entertainment is going to let you have a good time playing through adventures as LEGO mini-figure versions of bad guys and gals from the DC Comics universe.  My family has had some great times playing video games that have provided LEGO style portrayals of franchises like Jurassic World, Harry Potter, and Star Wars; so we're excited that in October a new DC universe themed one is being released.

LEGO DC SUPER-VILLAINS is going to have a unique twist as it will be the first LEGO game to put players at the center of a villain-centric adventure filled with favorite locations and characters from across the DC universe.  It will let you create and play your way through it as your own customized super villain through a story filled with the tongue and cheek humor and wacky vibe that has become a trademark of LEGO cartoons and video games.  This customized character actually becomes the focal point of the game's adventure teaming up with a variety of iconic villains from the pages of DC Comics to do the unexpected … save the day!



In LEGO DC SUPER-VILLAINS, the Justice League has disappeared, leaving Earth’s protection to a newcomer group of heroes from a parallel universe, proclaiming themselves as the ‘Justice Syndicate’. Renowned DC super villains from the ‘Legion Of Doom’ discover Earth’s newest heroes may not be the heroes they claim to be. With each player’s completely customizable super villain character in command, this team of misfit lawbreakers must join forces to discover and foil the evil plans the incognito strangers have in store.

At the beginning of the campaign, players create their own unique villain who serves as the main character throughout, while also teaming up with a variety of DC super villains throughout the story mode. As players progress, they will unlock new abilities, powers and can continue to customize their character to take on the evil threat. Friends and family can join story mode at any time for fun, two-player, local co-op experiences where players can team up.

“The original story in LEGO DC SUPER-VILLAINS flips the DC universe upside down as players embark on an unforgettable adventure starring memorable villains set across notable DC locations,” Ames Kirshen, Vice President, Interactive & Animation, DC Entertainment informed A Geek Daddy in announcing the game's release. “DC’s roster of iconic Super-Villains is unmatched and fans will love teaming up with The Joker, Harley Quinn, Lex Luthor and a host of others to save Earth from a greater evil.”

“LEGO DC Super-Villains gives players a new way to play with their favorite DC characters with a splash of light-hearted, villainous antics,” added Sean McEvoy, VP Digital Games, The LEGO Group. “Players will enjoy exploring the expansive DC universe in the way only a LEGO game can deliver.”

LEGO DC Super-Villains will be available October 16, 2018 for PlayStation4 computer entertainment system, Xbox One X, Nintendo Switch, and PC.  A Deluxe Edition of the game, featuring the main game content, Season Pass content and early access to the DC SUPER-VILLAINS: TV Series DLC Character Pack, is now available for pre-order. An exclusive LEGO mini-figure, Lex Luthor Superman, also comes with the physical version of the Deluxe Edition, while digital consumers will receive the Justice League Dark DLC Character Pack with their Deluxe Edition. For more info:  chaos-is-coming.wbgames.com

Tis the season for some N. Sane Crash Bandicoot deals

A perfect holiday gift for the video game lover in your life, Activision is bringing back one of their most characters from the '90s!  Crash Bandicoot N. Sane Trilogy will let Playstation 4 owners play a fully-remastered high definition collection of Activision's original collection of  Crash Bandicoot™ video games.  In the updated version of the games, Crash's sister, Coco, also joins in the action coming to her brother's rescue.  In Crash Bandicoot N. Sane Trilogy, Coco is included as a playable character who has hacked into the Time Twister to travel back in time to help Crash in his previous adventures.



This Black Friday don't miss out on some great Crash Bandicoot deals from retailers like Walmart and GameStop:

Walmart Black Friday Exclusive

Snag this Walmart-exclusive Black Friday Crash Bandicoot™ N. Sane Trilogy. You get all three Crash™ games that started it all AND the Stormy Ascent bonus level – an unbelievable offering! Only available on Black Friday for PlayStation 4!

GameStop Black Friday Sock Bundle

 

Looking for the perfect gift AND stocking stuffer for your favorite person? The GameStop Black Friday Bundle is all you need to bring joy this holiday season, featuring the Crash Bandicoot™ N. Sane Trilogy game and a never-before-released pair of collector’s edition Crash Bandicoot™ socks.  These premium socks feature an iconic in-game image of Crash’s face with his tongue sticking out, perfect for fans who want to spin, jump and wump just like Crash!  Only available on GameStop during Black Friday for the PlayStation 4!

Changes Crash Apparel

While you are out shopping on Black Friday pick up some t-shirts featuring characters from Crash Bandicoot N. Sane Trilogy. Who doesn't love t-shirts?! Always a great holiday gift.  Available at Hot Topic and Macy's.

Funko Crash Bandicoot

Funko collectible figurines are a hot commodity with both kids and adults right now.  Pick up some Funko Crash Bandicoot figures during your Black Friday shopping spree at Best Buy, GameStop, Hot Topic, Target, Toys R Us, and Walmart.

Official Crash Bandicoot Merchandise by Numskull

Online shopping Cyber Monday.  Check out the official Crash Bandicoot Merchandise by Numskull available on Amazon.com.  Numskull rounds out the Crash™ merchandise by offering something for every fan – from keychains, to mugs, to shirts and much more. Got a Crash™ fan on your holiday shopping list who’s got everything? I doubt he has Crash Bandicoot™ scented candles. Need a unique mug to make you stand apart in your boring board meetings? Numskull has a Crash Bandicoot TNT Crate mug to fit the bill. 

When it comes to the video game, Activision is honoring the heritage of Crash throughout the trilogy in a variety of ways, including a fully remastered game soundtrack packed with all the didgeridoos, xylophones and thumpin’ bass lines you can handle, as well as newly recorded dialogue from some of the familiar voice actors who appear in the original Crash Bandicoot games, including Jess Harnell, Lex Lang and Debi Derryberry, among others.  Crash Bandicoot N. Sane Trilogy is available now on PS4™ and PS4™ Pro. For more information about Crash Bandicoot N. Sane Trilogy please visit www.crashbandicoot.com or follow @CrashBandicoot on Twitter, Facebook and Instagram..

LEGO NINJAGO Movie Video Game

My kids have been looking forward all year long to The LEGO Ninjago Movie arriving in theaters.  So they were ecstatic when after going to see the film on its opening weekend, I surprised them with The LEGO Ninjago Movie video game when we arrived home from the theater. The twins loved playing the game so much it was really hard pulling them away from it when bedtime rolled around.  With movie quality graphics and an impressive variety of ninja moves that players can utilize while controlling their favorite LEGO NINJAGO heroes this game absolutely gets A Geek Daddy nod of approval.



The video game allows players to battle against Lord Garmadon and his Shark Army as their favorite NINJAGO heroes:  Lloyd, Nya, Jay, Kai, Cole, Zane and Master Wu.  Learning and mastering martial arts moves such as Rushing Boar (a dash attack to charge an enemy), Floating Butterfly (a jumping lunge attack that allows a ninja to leap at a foe from above), Swooping Hawk (a jump slam attack) and Stinging Bee (a flurry of stinging strikes against an opponent).  Utilize these and other powerful combat moves to tackle adrenaline pumping fight sequences that will make you feel like a part of the big screen action from The LEGO NINJAGO Movie.

In addition to learning fighting moves, master the art of Ninja-gility as you play The LEGO NINJAGO Movie Video Game by running on walls, high-jumping and learning other ninja skills.  As players progress in learning fighting skills and athletic abilities, they will rank up acquiring new maneuvers and skills plus additional combat techniques on the way to mastering the art of Spinjitzu.  Plus each character has their own unique elemental powers and upgradeable weapons to develop and utilize in the game.

Players must overcome the challenges presented in eight levels each based upon locations from the movie's story and the LEGO NINJAGO television series.  Each location has a number of hidden secrets to discover to help you make your way through the game's storyline. Explore a variety of environments ranging from NINJAGO City to the jungles of NINJAGO Island as you battle your way through these locations trying to overcome the evil menace of the dreaded Lord Garmadon.

Also each of these locations has its own unique Challenge Dojo where players can have fun testing their ninja skills in different ways.  The main storyline for the game can be played either by a single player or two players can play cooperatively.  The twins really enjoyed partnering up to battle the bad guys in The LEGO NINJAGO Movie Video Game.  Special Battle Maps also allow up to four players to compete in three different game modes against one another through a split screen format.  My wife and I joined in the Battle Map action with the kids providing for some great family time together enjoying this game.

Bring home from the theater the action and humor of the big-screen animated adventure The LEGO NINJAGO Movie with this great video game.  Created by TT Games, the developers behind LEGO Dimensions, and published by Warner Bros. Interactive Entertainment, The LEGO NINJAGO Movie Video Game allows players to immerse themselves within the film's adventurous story so they can experience what it is like to be a NINJAGO warrior themselves.  The LEGO NINJAGO Movie Video Game is available for PlayStation 4, Xbox One, Nintendo Switch and Steam.  For more information, please visit lnmvg.wbgames.com.  Ninja go!

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The LEGO NINJAGO Movie Video Game

Warner Bros. Interactive Entertainment along with TT Games and The LEGO Group have just announced that a The LEGO NINJAGO Movie video game will be released in conjunction with the upcoming theatrical film.  The game licensed by The LEGO Group to be developed by TT Games and published by Warner Bros. Interactive Entertainment will be available on September 22, 2017, the same day as the movie opens in theaters across the United States, for Playstation 4, Xbox One, Nintendo Switch and PC.

In the game, players battle their way through waves of enemies with honor and skill as their favorite ninjas Lloyd, Nya, Kai, Cole, Zane and Master Wu to defend their home island of Ninjago from the evil Lord Garmadon and his Shark Army.  To do so, they must master the art of Ninjagility which allows them to traverse Ninjago by wall-running, high jumping, and battling foes of Ninjago to rank up and upgrade the ninja's combat skills.  Players can harness the power of Spinjitzu combat to defend Ninjago together.



The game features eight large, action-packed locations based on the story from The LEGO NINJAGO Movie.  Each location includes its own unique Challenger Dojo where players can put their combat skills to the test and battle with increasingly tougher enemies.  And with Battle Maps, players can go up against their friends and family in four different game modes, with competitive split-screen local gameplay for up to four players.

Stay tuned for more information about this game from A GEEK DADDY as we get closer to its release date.

CARS 3 DRIVEN TO WIN VIDEO GAME

 ** A Geek Daddy received the featured product for free to review **

My kids and I have been having a good time playing the new Cars 3: Driven to Win video game that features racing competitions with characters and locations from all three of the Disney PIXAR Cars movies.  The controls are easy enough to use so that young kids can comfortably play the game without getting frustrated or overwhelmed yet it is also challenging enough so that adult will enjoy participating in the races as well.  With the ability for four players to race against one another at the same time in split screen head-to-head action it is really easy to get the whole family engaged in competing against one another. Perfect for a weekend game night, Cars 3: Driven to Win is a video game families can have a lot of fun playing together.

The setting for the video game takes place after the final big race in Cars 3.  Note there are some spoilers in the game if you haven't already seen the movie.  Based upon its game play and great graphics though, you'll have an entertaining time playing it even if you've never seen a Cars movie.  Is there anyone out there who has never seen a Disney PIXAR Cars movie?

Cars 3: Driven to Win includes a variety of customizable playable characters including Lightning McQueen, Mater, Mack, Cruz Ramirez and Jackson Storm.  Some of the characters are playable right away and others need to be unlocked by winning races, completing stunts and achieving a variety of objectives as you progress through the game.  Cars 3: Driven to Win also features 20 unique tracks that highlight 13 iconic race environments from the Cars movies.

There are six exciting modes of game play in Cars 3: Driven to Win.  The variety of racing options keeps the game interesting for repetitive play.  Race Mode lets you challenge a pack of characters from the Cars movies in a first to complete a number of laps is the winner challenge.  Battle Race allows you to collect power-ups including missiles, oil slicks, and rocket engines to take out your competition with during the race.  In Takedown Mode the player who takes out the most opponents during the race wins instead of the first to cross the finish line.  Best Lap Challenge has players race against themselves to set a track record.  Playground Mode lets players explore a fantastic obstacle course.  Stunt Showcase has players perform stunts to earn points.  The player who earns the most points before time runs out wins the competition.

Then there is Piston Cup mode.  Combine a variety of locations and modes to create your own unique racing series.  For example engage in Race Mode at Florida International Speedway, Stunt Showcase at Thunder Hollow Destruction Derby and Battle Mode at Radiator Springs Interstate Pass.  Whoever has the best record among the three races will win be crowned your family's Piston Cup champ!  Have fun mixing up the locations and modes to make every Piston Cup competition you play on Cars 3: Driven to Win exciting and unique.

The ability to allow players to personalize the attributes of their favorite Cars characters and race as them, great visual effects and backgrounds, a variety of playable game modes, and its overall fun factor, have earned Cars 3: Drive to Win the nod of approval from A GEEK DADDY.  Whether you are a fan of the Cars movie series or just enjoy automobile racing, this is a video game you are going to repeatedly want to play over and over again. This really is a very fun family-friendly game to play!

Cars 3: Driven to Win is being distributed by Warner Bros. Interactive Entertainment under license from Disney Consumer Products and Interactive Media.  The game was developed by Avalanche Software, the same video game studio that created the popular Disney Infinity video games.  It is available for Playstation 4 and Playstation 3 computer entertainment systems, Xbox One, Xbox 360, Nintendo Switch, and Wii U.

Moto Racer 4

** A Geek Daddy received the featured product for free to review **

Moto Racer the popular motorcycle racing video game franchise from the late '90s is making a comeback with an updated version for a new generation of players on Sony Playstation and Microsoft XBOX home entertainment consoles.  MOTO RACER 4 is being released for the XBOX ONE and PLAYSTATION 4 video game consoles on January 24, 2017 but the video game's publisher MICROIDS provided it to my kids in advance to try out and they've really been enjoying themselves playing it.  Spectacular graphics make viewing the race courses within this video game just as much fun as the aspect of striving to have the fastest time steering your virtual motorcycle through challenges as you compete in the game.   These great visual elements combined with advanced computer processing that allows players to experience a 60 images per second frame rate enhance the simulated feeling of riding a motorcycle in this arcade style game.

While MOTO RACER 4 provides a great virtual motorcycle racing experience it isn't a complex, in-depth simulation full of difficult control features to learn and master making it a great video game that a family can play together.  A control knob steers your bike left and right, a button controls the gas, another the brake and another jumps and tricks....simple as that!  Within 5 minutes my 8 year old twins were racing each other like two kids who had already earned their drivers licenses.  Soon my wife and I joined in and everyone was having fun seeing who would win the bragging rights for being the best racer in the family playing the video game.  MOTO RACER 4 has a split screen feature that lets you race head to head against someone in the same room or an online feature where 2 - 10 players can join in to race against one another at the same time.  Players can also participate in solo matches where they are pitted again AI (artificial intelligence) opponents.

My kids really like that there are a variety of colorful characters to choose playing as in the game with each one having unique outfits and traits.  One character may be better at handling the bike making it easier to steer while racing but may be slower than the opponents on the track putting you at a disadvantage.  On the other hand, another character might be able to go really really fast but isn't as adept at handling corners on the track. and may be more likely to crash letting a slower racer pass you by.  Picking a character that best fits your own game playing style adds a bit of strategy to your races.  A nice touch is there are plenty of female characters available to select from so this isn't a completely guy focused game which my daughter really appreciated.

Another nice feature our family really enjoyed is the ability to either race on asphalt on a motorcycle or go off road to race dirt bikes.  With the dirt bikes there are lots of jumps and stunts you can do while with the motorcycles you'll be challenged weaving through cars and trucks as there can be traffic on the road.  Whether racing on asphalt or dirt there are several competition modes to choose from:

KING OF THE HILL -- each rider starts with the same time on the clock.  As time runs down for the leader the other racers get extra turbo speed.  The player in the lead when the clock reaches zero wins the race.

LAST MAN STANDING -- the last player to pass each checkpoint on the race course is eliminated.

SURVIVAL -- the race starts with a minimal amount of time on the clock.  Each time a player passes a checkpoint time is added to the clock.  In single player mode the goal is to survive for a specific length of time.  In multi-player mode it is to be the last racer with time left on his or her clock.

CATCH UP -- Your opponents start the race with a head start and you must finish the race in first place.

WOLF PACK -- You start the race with a head start and must maintain it without being passed by an opponent.

GOLDEN HELMET --   Competitors must earn the one golden helmet up for grabs during the race.  To do this, they must be first to go past the initial checkpoint.  Once a player is wearing the golden helmet if another player knocks against them while racing that opponent gets the helmet.  If a player wearing the helmet crashes or falls off their bike the golden helmet is transported to the next checkpoint where the first player to reach the spot gets it.  The player wearing the golden helmet crossing the finish line wins the race.

Of course in addition to these special modes, players can also just compete in a normal race where the fastest person to complete their laps and cross the finish line first wins.

MOTO RACER 4's non-violent game play and simple controls make it a great game for children and parents to play together.  The game's multitude of vibrant courses that are as fun to explore as to race through, its numerous competition modes that provide a variety of challenges to players, and the ability for each competitor to have its own unique sense of style and racing skills combine to provide  a family with hours of entertainment having fun together playing this video game. MOTO RACER 4 definitely gets  A Geek Daddy nod of approval for being a great kid-friendly video game to play!

Moto Racer 4 Video Game Giveaway

My kids have been having a blast playing the new MOTO RACER 4 video game for XBOX ONE and PLAYSTATION 4.  Video game publisher, Microids provided us with this arcade style motorcycle racing game to play and our whole family has really gotten into the competition of playing it for the bragging rights of being the MOTO RACER 4 champion!  The video game allows players to choose to ride either dirt bikes or motorcycles in races through a variety of spectacular looking courses that also provide a variety of exciting competition modes to choose from.  It really is a fun game to play!  Plus very family-friendly as its controls are very simple and easy for children to use and the game doesn't contain any violence or mature content that parents would want to steer kids away from. It does contain features though that let you do some pretty cool jumps and tricks!

To share A Geek Daddy's enjoyment of MOTO RACER 4, I also have a couple of codes to giveaway to download the PS4 version of the game from the Playstation online store. For a chance at winning this video game we're doing two separate giveaways -- one on Twitter and one on Instagram.

Twitter Giveaway
You must follow @Geekdad248 on Twitter  and retweet our original contest tweet embedded below before  January 24, 2017 @ 11:59 pm ET to be eligible to win. Must be a US resident over 18 years old to participate.

Follow @Geekdad248 & RT before January 25 for a chance to win the new MOTO RACER 4 #PS4 video game https://t.co/C5GuGXLCvM @Microids_off #ad

— A Geek Daddy (@GeekDad248) January 19, 2017

Instagram Giveaway
You must follow @Geekdad248 on Instagram and LIKE our original contest tweet embedded below before  January 24, 2017 @ 11:59 pm ET to be eligible to win. Must be a US resident over 18 years old to participate.

Follow @geekdad248 & LIKE this post for a chance to win a digital download of #motoracer4 for #playstation 4! @microids_official #ad -- #motorcycle #videogame #ps4 #giveaway

A photo posted by @geekdad248 on Jan 19, 2017 at 8:41am PST

CONTEST RULES & DISCLAIMER

A Geek Daddy has not been financially compensated for this endorsement or hosting the giveaway but was provided the same items being provided as a prize for personal use. The prize is provided by Microids and A Geek Daddy is hosting the promotion as a benefit to our readers. Must be a US resident over the age of 18 to participate.  Must RT the original contest tweet embedded in this post by January 24, 2017 at 11:59 pm ET.  One entry per person and winner will be randomly selected from all eligible entries. The selected winner must reply back with a valid email address to accept the prize within 48 hours of being notified of winning.  A Geek Daddy will email the digital download code to the winner upon receiving an email address.  Email addresses will only be used for providing the prize.  By participating in this promotion you waive any liability of any kind against the publisher of this blog. 

Hyundai exhibit at Detroit Auto Show is place to be

** This post was sponsored by She Buys Cars & Hyundai **

There are a lot of dazzling and glitzy vehicles on display at Cobo Center in downtown Detroit for the 2017 North American International Auto Show (NAIAS). If you are looking to expand your visit beyond just looking at the cars and trucks being showcased, you'll want to make sure to swing by Hyundai's exhibit which has some fun experiences to participate in.  Compete for prizes in a mock game show,  race a Hyundai concept car in a video game or check out the NFL themed activities taking place at the exhibit.  Current Hyundai vehicle owner can also take advantage of nice lounge where you can get off your feet and relax for awhile which is something to appreciate as you'll be doing a lot of walking if you want to see everything being displayed at the auto show.

The Hyundai Swag Competition will have auto show attendees participate in a mock game show taking place at the exhibit for a chance to win some great prizes.  You might want to peruse the HyundaiUSA website if you are interested in competing just in case they ask some trivia questions.  Registration for this contest is first come, first serve with it being limited to 26 contestants per day so you may want to make Hyundai the first stop of your Detroit Auto Show visit.

Test your racing skills as you drive the Hyundai N 2025 concept car during a game of Playstation's Gran Turismo 6.  Players don't use a video game controller to maneuver though, you actually climb into a game-pod that provides gas and brake pedals plus a steering wheel to simulate your racing around a track.  All ages are welcome to participate in the Hyundai Racing Challenge.  Can you achieve the best lap time and earn the #1 spot on the leader board?

Hyundai is an official sponsor of the NFL and they're showing off their ideal football tailgating mobile.  Look in the trunk and you'll find it full of blue miniature footballs.  Correctly guess the number of balls to win some prizes from the National Football League.  You can also play some Madden football while visiting the Hyundai exhibit.

 It is an auto show so of course Hyundai has cars on display for consumers to look over and knowledgeable staff on hand to answer any questions people may have.  One of the models Hyundai is highlighting during the NAIAS is its new IONIQ which is world's first vehicle platform to provide three different electrified powertrain options -- electric / hybrid / plug-in hybrid.  A car's powertrain is the mechanism that transmits the drive from the engine of a vehicle to its axle -- in other words what allows a vehicle to get up and go  .The electric option it completely fueled by battery power.  Hybrids still run on gasoline but utilize battery power to increase the vehicle's fuel efficiency.  A plug-in  hybrid allows the vehicle to be powered just by batteries or alternatively the driver can also utilize the hybrid option use gasoline as fuel as well.  Plus in addition to these three varieties of powertrains, Hyundai is also utilizing the IONIQ as the model for the autonomous vehicle it is developing (self-driving cars are the hot topic at this year's NAIAS).  The IONIQ is the  future of Hyundai and it is on display at NAIAS.

Also take a look at the popular Sonata while you are at the Hyundai exhibit which offers a plug-in hybrid  model as well.  These cars provide the fuel savings of a battery powered electric car with the peace of mind of being able to utilize gasoline when you need to flexibility to drive longer distances so not to be totally dependent on its plug-in charging.  Sonata Plug-in Hybrid's lithium-ion polymer battery pack has the largest capacity of any midsize hybrid sedan with a class-leading all-electric range of approximately 27 miles and an estimated range of 590 miles in its gas/battery hybrid mode.

In addition to visiting the Detroit Auto Show for more information about what Hyundai has to offer consumers, please visit SheBuysCars.com.  This informative website has a section filled with information, news, and reviews of Hyundai's products. SheBuysCars is a community of online automobile writers working collectively to provide information designed to empower women as owners and buyers of cars, help them become more thoughtful about their vehicles capabilities and functionality and to foster a closer relationship between auto manufacturers and female customers.  A Geek Daddy had the great experience of being able to attend the Press Preview Days of this year's  North American International Auto Show to help She Buys Cars share news and highlights from the event.  I'm appreciative that She Buys Cars believed A Geek Daddy's perspective would be a valuable contribution to their coverage of NAIAS 2017 and encourage you to check out their website and social media channels.

Speed up your home's wi-fi with some help from Linksys

The reviewer has been compensated in the form of a Best Buy Gift Card and/or received the product/service at a reduced price or for free

A few years ago we set up a Wi-Fi router primarily so that our family could stream movies on Netflix from our personal computer located in the home office at the back of our house to the living room television  at the front of it.  How we use the Internet has changed between now and then though.  On any given evening you'll find my twins each on a tablet working on homework, my wife on her smart phone playing Candy Crush, and I'll be updating this blog from a laptop.  While our use of the Internet has evolved over the years we hadn't made any changes to how we were accessing it.  That original router meant primarily to watch an occasional movie was now being overwhelmed as apps, games, and videos were tapping into it from a variety of sources at the same time often bringing our connections to a standstill.

It was time for a change and thanks to Best Buy we've had the chance to switch our old wireless setup with a brand new WRT 3200 ACM Wi-Fi Router from Linksys.  I have to say the change is amazing! Without upgrading our cable internet connection bandwidth, we found that lag times and disconnections disappeared when using multiple wireless devices around the house.  Troubles with apps not performing, movies not downloading and our wi-fi in general crashing went away as soon as our family installed the Linksys WRT3200 ACM Wi-Fi Router. The reason it works so well is this new router is powered by Tri-Stream 160 technology, which doubles the bandwidth on all spatial streams making it the fastest dual-band router on the market.  What does that mean in plain English?  Instead of sending out a single signal to one device at a time as traditional routers do, the WRT 3200 ACM sends a variety of signals to multiple devices at the same time and at the speed. The WRT 3200 ACM Wi-Fi Router also allows users to gain access to restricted DFS channels at full bandwidth for the clearest Wi-Fi not available with most other routers.  The clearer your signals are the stronger the connection will be leading to faster speeds.

Talking about speed -- in addition to improving our mobile device's internet connectivity, the router was also really fast to set-up.  I have to admit really dreading taking the WRT 3200 ACM out of the box because adding hardware to my computer always turns out to be a pain; but thanks to its great installation software you essentially just needed to plug the router into an ethernet connection and follow some prompts go get the wi-fi up and running around the house.  It is very easy to do and can be done fairly quickly.  A real plus from my point of view.

So here are this router's specs:

• 1.8 GHz CPU for high-powered performance;
•  MU-MIMO technology for high-speed Wi-Fi to multiple devices at the same time, same speed;
•  Open-source ready with OpenWrt and DD-WRT® for complete flexibility and customization of functions;
•  Upgraded Smart Wi-Fi app to manage and monitor your home Wi-Fi from a mobile device, anytime, anywhere;
•  256MB Flash and 512MB of RAM Memory;
•  4 Gigabit Ethernet Ports

If your family is like ours and often has multiple devices using a home Wi-Fi network at the same time, I'd encourage you to check out the Linksys WRT 3200 ACM Router.  It has really worked well for us. For more information or to purchase one please CLICK HERE.

Supergirl Incorporated Into LEGO Dimensions Experience

Supergirl has received a burst of popularity since the launch last year of a new television series.  Now the super heroine is leaping into the action of the LEGO Dimensions video game as a playable character. Beginning in late September of 2016 for a limited time, LEGO Dimensions Starter Packs for Sony PlayStation 4 computer entertainment systems will include an exclusive, bonus Supergirl LEGO minifigure.  In addition to Supergirl, the LEGO Dimensions PS4 Starter Pack will include the videogame, bricks to build the LEGO Gateway,  LEGO minifigures of Batman, Gandalf, and Wyldstyle, plus the LEGO Batmobile and the LEGO Toy Pad, which allows players to transport special LEGO minifigures and models into the game.



The Supergirl LEGO minifigure will have a number of extraordinary in-game abilities to help solve puzzles and battle enemies, including Super Strength, Flying, X-Ray Vision, and Beam Attacks which enable her to shoot heat beams out of her eyes.  She can also transform into Supergirl Red Lantern with additional abilities such as firing powerful Red Lantern energy bolts and energy beams from her Red Lantern Ring.

If you aren't able to obtain the Supergirl minifigure through this limited edition PS4 Starter Pack, the character will also become available in the near future as a "Hire-a-Hero" option for all consoles.  This is a feature in LEGO Dimensions that allows players to sample characters using studs collected in the game.  Players can select the hologram minifigure near certain hint stones to unlock characters for a limited time to try out their special abilities to solve problems and complete puzzles.

LEGO Dimensions is developed by TT Games and published by Warner Bros. Interactive Entertainment. For more information about the video game, visit lego.com/en-us/dimensions

SKYLANDERS IMAGINATORS CELEBRATES CRASH BANDICOOT'S 20TH ANNIVERSARY

In celebration of the 20th anniversary of Sony PlayStation's popular CRASH BANDICOOT® video game franchise, SKYLANDER IMAGINATORS Starter Packs for PS3 and PS4 consoles will feature a special Thumpin' Wumpa Islands level that is steeped in nostalgic gameplay. The level includes special Crash Zones that bring back the classic massive boulder chases from the original games. Plus in paying homage to this iconic character on his 20th anniversary, the level is packed with TNT boxes, crabs, hazards, temple ruins, Wumpa Fruit, exploding crates and many more elements from the original Crash Bandicoot video game. All the action in this new level though takes place in the Skylands -- which means a new twist of Skylanders combat and action in a Wumpa Islands setting.

The Thumpin’ Wumpa Islands level will be available to players who purchase the Skylanders Imaginators Starter Pack featuring Crash Bandicoot for PlayStation consoles at launch. The level will also be available to all platforms via purchase of the Skylanders Imaginators Thumpin’ Wumpa Islands Adventure Pack this holiday for the suggested retail price of $29.99. The Skylanders Imaginators Thumpin’ Wumpa Islands Adventure pack also will include Crash Bandicoot and Dr. Neo Cortex as fully playable toys.

In Skylanders Imaginators, a “Synchronization Celebration” has aligned the world of Skylands with the Wumpa Islands. Upon arriving, Spyro and Mags discover that Dr. Neo Cortex (voiced by Lex Lang) has created a terrible machine to harness the rhythmic power of the island’s celebration for his newest evil scheme! When the machine goes awry, something occurs that throws the whole party out of sync. Crash (voiced by Jess Harnell) must team up with the Skylanders and his old enemy Neo Cortex to restore the celebration before the Wumpa Islands are syncopated right out of existence!

Skylanders Imaginators immense possibilities empowers players to unleash their imaginations by giving them the freedom to create their own Skylander. Portal Masters will enjoy the available in the game -- including appearance, powers, abilities, names, catchphrases, musical themes and much more -- to create the wildest Skylanders imaginable. Developed by Toys For Bob, Skylanders Imaginators supports all 300+ Skylanders from previous games and will launch on October 16, 2016 in North America. The Skylanders Imaginators Starter Pack will be available for the suggested retail price of $74.99. For more information, visit
skylanders.com/Imaginators