We love finding new video games and sharing fun ways in which families (like ours) can spend more time, together. Especially, on days (like today) when the snow just keeps on coming and, well, with 6 people, living in a 7 room house, it doesn't take long for cabin fever to set in!
There are times, however, when I can't help but wonder, do these kids REALLY need another video game?
Still, playing the same board games, over and over again, can get, you know, sort of boring.
I was contacted recently by the really creative folks at KingsIsle Entertainment about a new online, magical 3D world, called Wizard101 and, seeing as we are ALL really HUGE fans of Harry Potter AND it's been, you know, snowing a lot, we agreed to give it a whirl.
More about Wizard101: Wizard101 is an online, multi-player, Wizard school adventure game with collectible card magic, wizard duels, and far off worlds! The game allows players to create a student Wizard in an attempt to save Wizard City and explore many different worlds.
Truth be told, I haven't been able to get near it (stupid work) but, I've been glancing over their shoulders and asked each of my kids (yes, nicely) to take notes.
Heather (14) and Holly (16):
- The graphics and tutorials are easier and more detailed than that of other online games they've played.
- There are a lot of pretty villages to visit.
- More to see and do, like more graphically-detailed villagers with quests.
Glen (10) and Hope (8):
- You get to ride brooms, dragons and other cool animals.
- Mini-games are fun and it's easier to earn "manna," which powers your wand, this way.
- Headmaster helps when you need it.
Mom (that's me):
- I agree, the graphics are awesome, but our desktop is older than dirt and I had to download it on my laptop.
- ALL of my children enjoy playing along with Wizard101.
- Each profile can have up to 6 wizards and many "pre-selected names" to chose from.
- With a "parent account" parents "enable/disable chat" for children under 13.
- Click here to learn more about Internet Safety on Wizard101
Wizard101 offers 3 types of player options - free, crowns and subscriber.
As a free player, you get:
- Access to most of Wizard City and a preview of Grizzleheim.
- To participate in practice Player vs. Player.
- To decorate a dorm room or a Wizard City house.
As a Crowns player, you can buy:
- Access to ALL play areas in ALL worlds with individual one-time purchases
- Ranked Player Vs. Player matches in the Arena
- Your own Castles & Lands to decorate (in worlds beyond Wizard City)
- Access to Crafting in ALL worlds.
As a subscriber*, you get:
- Access to ALL play areas in ALL worlds!
- Access to Practice and Ranked Player Vs. Player matches in the Arena
- Access to Lands and Castles to decorate (in worlds beyond Wizard City)
- Access to Crafting in ALL worlds
- Posting permissions on the Message Boards at wizard101.com
- Any type of chat (depending on age)
* All subscriber benefits are valid only while you have an active subscription- click here for billing options!
DOWNSIDE: The younger kids were frustrated whenever one of their spells "fizzle" which they insist happens randomly. However, my oldest explained that it happens mostly during training and how, "It would be boring, if you win, right away."
On this point, they still disagree.
BOTTOM LINE: ALL my kids really enjoy playing Wizard101. It's a fun and family-friendly online role-playing game (rated E 10+ by the ESRB) especially, for Harry Potter fans (like us) with quests that are both challenging and entertaining - sort of like World of War Craft, for kids.
Want to try?
Wizard101 is FREE, however, we've got 10 promo codes to share with ten (10) of our readers. Each code redeems for 5000 Crowns ($10 value), which can be used to buy areas of the game or buy special/gear equipment in-game.
Because, we roll like that!
For more information -- not to mention, make sure you double-check any offers or claims, as you would, IRL -- please remember to visit the website.
FIND IT HERE: http://www.wizard101.com
GET IT HERE: To enter, leave a comment below, like, what your magical power is [mine, is being able to listen and respond to, 4 conversations, at once] along with a valid email address on this post by 10:00 a.m. on Friday, January 15th and you're automatically entered to win. Ten (10) winners will be picked (via random.org) and announced via email and posted on My Prizey Giveaways Page!
'CAWSE WE LOVE TO SHARE & SOME EXTRA CHANCES TO WIN, TOO:
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Good luck and, you know, wake me when New Years ends!
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DISCLOSURE: NO PAYMENT OR CONSIDERATION, OTHER THAN A CHANCE TO SHARE STUFF WE REALLY LIKE, BY HOSTING A GIVEAWAY, WAS RECEIVED FOR THIS BLOG POST.
