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2K Play (Wii; DS)
• Publisher: 2K Play
• Developer: Cat Daddy Games
• Release Date: 7-14-09 (Birthday Bash); 12-30-09 (Ringling Bros.)
• What We Saw:
It’s a Birthday Party in a Box! At least, that’s what I was told. Bash is a party/minigame collection that’s birthday party themed (duh), with games like Pin the tail on the Donkey and Piñata. It’s fully customizable (so you can put your little one’s name on everything), and there are kid, adult and “grandparent” avatars available. It also comes with a coupon for a cake and 12 birthday invitations – hence the “party in a box” shtick.
• What We Think:
Bill: I think kids and parents will love Birthday Bash (free Duncan Hines coupons!) as well as the Ringling Brothers Circus game. Critics will hate them both, they will sell a gazillion copies just like Carnival Games did, and 2K will make a lot of money that can be used to make more games like BioShock 2 and Borderlands. Also, I need to add -- do NOT get Danielle mad. I have witnessed the fury that is Danielle playing virtual pinata. She will mess you up. For real.
Danielle: Well, the game looks like a generic kids/party/minigame title, but it was responsible for one of the most hilarious experiences I had at E3, so it really can’t be that bad. Picture this – a grown man (cough, Bill Abner, cough) participating full on in a battle of sack race. He’s hopping right along, going the distance, while a very odd businessman and his two mute lackey’s (and me, laughing my butt off) stared on. I suppose my Piñata beating was pretty amusing as well, but that’s a story for another day.