Scholastic I SPY Games for Wii and DS (review and giveaway)

Were you aware that Scholastic sells video games along with their many, wonderful books? Now, don't get excited. These aren't video games without purpose. These are games that are stimulating, challenging, and fun for children and grown ups alike.

There are a handful of games and apps available on the Scholastic website but I'd like to highlight 2 games for you here. 

I was sent I SPY Universe for Nintendo DS to review. I tried to sit with Alex {my 3 year old} to do puzzles with him but his attention span isn't quite ripe enough for a video game it seems. No worries. I've been more than happy to play the game myself. You know, for the sake of review. :)

If you're familiar at all with the I SPY series of books, you'll be happy to know that this game follows that format. There are puzzles and games to be completed to continue to move on in the game.

When you select a board to play, there is a riddle of hints {just like in the books} explaining the items to look for. Once an item is "spied", it can be selected using the stylus and then that item is highlighted in the riddle to help you keep up with what you've found and what's left to find. It's challenging but it's not too difficult. However, if you find yourself in need of help, hints are available to keep you moving. 

Once you complete a board {of 2 separate puzzles}, you'll collect an item to use in constructing a generator. Once all items are collected, you'll win the game. Also, in between the I SPY hunts, there are games of patterns, "what's different?" and more. 

I love playing this game as I find it's a great way to unwind. I don't think looking at the pictures for the I SPY puzzles could ever get boring. I see new things every time. 

Here's Scholastic's description of the game:

BUY IT: You can purchase I SPY Universe for Nintendo DS for $29.99

Another game available is called I SPY Spooky Mansion. This game is the same premise as I SPY Universe but it's a different setting altogether. I haven't played this game but I'm sure it's just as fun and interesting.

Here's Scholastic's description of the game followed by a link to a video to give you a quick peek at what it looks like. 

{video link} http://video.scholastic.com/services/player/bcpid1909906994?bctid=524245155001

BUY IT: You can purchase I SPY Spooky Mansion for Nintendo Wii for $29.99

THE GIVEAWAY!! (NOW CLOSED)

I have I SPY Spooky Mansion for Nintendo Wii to give to one winner!!

To enter: Visit Scholastic and tell me one, specific item you'd like to buy for the little one in your life.

For additional entries:

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Please leave a separate comment for each entry. This giveaway will run until December 7th at 11:59pm ET. The winner will be selected by using random.org and will be contacted and announced on or around December 8th. If the prize is not claimed within 48 hours of initial contact, I will randomly select another winner. Void where prohibited. No purchase necessary. Open to US.

**Thanks to the pr company who supplied the complimentary, mentioned items to facilitate this review. I wasn't compensated in any other way for this review. In this post I share my thoughts and opinions of the products being reviewed. Others may have a different experience or opinion.**