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Mario Kart Tour – Review

Gaming Chickadee — Tue, 14 Jul 2026 15:04:00 +0000

Mario Kart Tour is a racing game for mobile devices like Apple or IOS. The game plays similarly to Mario Kart 8 Deluxe, only with mobile friendly controls. There’s loads of courses, characters and karts to choose from as well. In my review you can find out more!

Unfortunately, the game will end services on September 30th, 2026. But until then, let’s have fun with the game!

Why Mario Kart Tour?

Mario Kart Tour brings the excitement of the Mario Kart series to mobile devices while adding its own unique ideas. Instead of trying to recreate the console experience exactly, the game introduces a tour-based format, frequent content updates, and a huge collection of characters, karts, and gliders to unlock. Although it plays differently from games like Mario Kart 8 Deluxe, I like Mario Kart Tour a lot because it’s fun, colorful, and easy to enjoy whether I have a few minutes or a longer gaming session.

One of the game’s biggest strengths is its Tour system. Every couple of weeks, the game features a new tour with a different theme. Some tours celebrate real-world cities, while others focus on holidays, seasons, or specific Mario characters. This keeps the game feeling fresh because there is almost always something new to see or collect. Even when familiar tours return, they often include different featured drivers or rewards, giving players another reason to participate.

The variety of courses is another highlight. Mario Kart Tour includes many classic tracks from previous Mario Kart games alongside brand-new courses created specifically for the mobile game. Racing through famous locations from earlier games is enjoyable for longtime fans, while the original city-inspired tracks add something unique to the series. The game also includes reverse versions, trick versions with extra ramps, and reverse trick versions of many tracks. These alternate layouts help familiar courses feel different and add variety without requiring an entirely new track every time.

The gameplay is designed specifically for touchscreen controls. At first, steering can feel unusual compared to using a controller, but after a little practice it becomes comfortable. Drifting is especially important because it helps players build mini-turbos and earn higher scores. While the controls are simpler than those found in console Mario Kart games, they work well for short mobile play sessions.

One of my favorite parts of Mario Kart Tour is collecting drivers. There is an enormous roster featuring classic Mario characters, alternate costumes, and seasonal versions that are exclusive to certain tours. My favorite character is Fairy Daisy. I absolutely love her design because it gives Daisy a magical and whimsical appearance while still keeping her cheerful personality. Whenever I have the chance, I choose Fairy Daisy because she’s both fun to play as and one of the most beautiful character designs in the game. Seeing her return during special tours is always exciting for me.

In addition to drivers, collecting karts and gliders adds another layer of progression. Each one has different special skills that can improve your score on certain courses. Building combinations that match the featured tracks becomes an enjoyable part of the strategy. Unlocking new equipment always feels rewarding, especially during themed tours.

Another feature I enjoy is completing cups and challenges. Every tour contains multiple cups filled with races, bonus challenges, and missions that reward players for trying different objectives. This structure gives players clear goals and keeps gameplay from becoming repetitive. There is almost always another challenge to complete or another reward to earn.

Visually, Mario Kart Tour looks fantastic for a mobile game. The environments are colorful, the character animations are smooth, and each course has plenty of personality. The soundtrack also deserves praise, featuring upbeat music that matches the fast-paced racing perfectly.

Of course, the game isn’t without its weaknesses. Progression depends heavily on collecting drivers, karts, and gliders with favorable course bonuses. Players who don’t have the best combinations may find it more difficult to earn high scores on certain tracks. This can sometimes feel limiting, especially when trying to compete for top rankings.

Another drawback is that some tours eventually repeat. While returning content gives newer players opportunities to earn older rewards, longtime players may wish for more completely new tracks or themes. Additionally, because the game emphasizes score chasing, players who simply want straightforward races may not enjoy replaying courses multiple times to improve their scores.

Even with these issues, the game remains enjoyable because of its steady stream of content and collectible elements.

How We Test Games

For testing games we use a Nintendo Switch firmware version 2H. Hardware includes Joy-con and Pro controller on a large screen TV. Tests are done with up to 5 players. We take turns playing and evaluating games.

Whenever possible we play multiple players. We also use a Nintendo 2DS, DS XL, and for PC games we use a Ryzen 7 1700x CPU, AMD RX580, running on Win 10. This game is up to 1-player with online match making on one Android or IOS device, or 4-player on multiple Android or IOS devices.

Pros

Fun and accessible gameplay designed for mobile devices
Frequent themed tours keep the game feeling fresh
Huge variety of classic and original courses
Reverse and trick versions add replay value
Large roster of drivers, karts, and gliders to collect
Bright, colorful graphics and excellent music
Plenty of challenges and rewards to work toward
I like the game a lot because there’s always something new to do

Cons

Touchscreen controls take time to master
High scores often depend on having specific drivers, karts, and gliders
Some tours and content eventually repeat
Progression can feel slower without collecting stronger equipment
Focus on score chasing may not appeal to every player

Summary

Overall, Mario Kart Tour successfully adapts the Mario Kart formula for mobile devices while introducing its own identity through themed tours, collectible characters, and an ever-changing lineup of courses. The combination of classic tracks, creative tour themes, and frequent events makes it easy to keep coming back. I like this game a lot because it’s fun, easy to pick up, and always offers new goals to achieve.

My favorite part of the game is using Fairy Daisy. She’s my favorite character, and her magical appearance makes every race even more enjoyable. Whether I’m collecting new drivers, competing in tours, or revisiting classic Mario Kart courses, Mario Kart Tour provides an entertaining experience that captures the charm and excitement of the Mario Kart series while offering something unique for mobile players.

As I stated before, the game will end services on September 30th, 2026 but players can still enjoy the game until then.

Mario Kart Tour – Review brought to you by Gaming Chickadee

Chickadee loves to have family gaming days. She loves birds, unicorns, ponies She also likes the Nancy Drew Games. She loves to play as Princess Daisy in the Super Mario Games, Her favorite games change a lot but right they are: Mario Party Superstars, Super Mario Bros. Wonder and Pretty Princess Party.

Spy Fox 2: Some Assembly Required – Review

Gaming Chickadee — Sat, 11 Jul 2026 20:48:00 +0000

We loved playing the Putt Putt games growing up and Spy Fox is another game series by the makers of Putt Putt. Combining mystery solving, a fox and how we enjoyed Putt Putt and the first Spy Fox game in the series? We just had to try it! And we liked it a lot. In my review for the game you can learn more.

Why Spy Fox 2: Some Assembly Required?

Spy Fox 2: “Some Assembly Required” builds upon the foundation of the first Spy Fox adventure while expanding its humor, creativity, and puzzle variety. Once again starring the smooth-talking secret agent Spy Fox, this sequel keeps the same kid-friendly point-and-click format but introduces a slightly more ambitious storyline and larger environments. The result is a colorful, comedic spy adventure that feels both familiar and refreshed.

The story centers around an evil toy manufacturer who plans to create a line of mind-controlling toys. Spy Fox is called in to stop the scheme before children everywhere fall under the villain’s influence. The premise cleverly mixes the world of espionage with playful childhood themes, creating a tone that feels dramatic yet lighthearted. The villain is exaggerated in a cartoonish way, ensuring the story never becomes too intense for young players.

Gameplay follows the classic point-and-click adventure structure. Players guide Spy Fox through various locations, interacting with characters, collecting items, and solving puzzles. Like its predecessor, the interface is simple and accessible, making it easy for children to navigate. The game avoids frustrating mechanics — there are no dead ends, no ways to permanently fail, and no time limits. Players are free to experiment and explore at their own pace.

One of the biggest improvements in this sequel is the scale. The environments feel more detailed and varied, giving players a stronger sense of progression. Locations range from toy factories to secret hideouts, each filled with interactive objects and hidden jokes. Clicking on random background items often triggers amusing animations, which rewards curiosity and encourages exploration beyond the main objective.

The gadget system continues to be a highlight. Spy Fox collects and uses various spy tools throughout the mission, and these gadgets are creatively tied to the toy theme. Using them feels satisfying and adds variety to puzzle-solving. Rather than simply combining items in obvious ways, players must think about how spy tools can be applied in playful scenarios.

The humor remains sharp and layered. Dialogue is filled with puns, wordplay, and exaggerated spy-movie references. Younger players will enjoy the silly situations and expressive characters, while older players may appreciate the parody elements woven throughout. Fully voiced dialogue brings personality to every character, and the performances are energetic and engaging.

Replay value is another strong point. Like the first game, certain puzzle elements and item placements can change between playthroughs. This means solutions may vary, encouraging multiple runs. For a children’s adventure game, this design choice significantly boosts longevity.

However, the sequel retains some of the same limitations as the original.

The puzzles, while slightly more varied, are still fairly easy. Older children or experienced adventure gamers may not find them particularly challenging. The game can also be completed in a relatively short amount of time once players understand the structure. Additionally, the pacing remains dialogue-heavy, with much of the experience focused on exploration and conversation rather than action.

The visuals, though colorful and expressive, reflect the era in which the game was produced. Compared to modern animated games, the graphics may appear dated. Movement between screens can also feel slow at times, especially for players accustomed to faster gameplay styles.

Despite these limitations, the sequel succeeds in expanding what worked well in the first game. It maintains accessibility while offering a bit more scope and creativity.

How We Test Games

Whenever possible we play multiple players. We also use a Nintendo 2DS, DS XL, and for PC games we use a Ryzen 7 1700x CPU, AMD RX580, running on Win 10. This game is up to 1-player on Steam/PC.

Pros

Expanded environments and creative locations.

Clever, kid-friendly humor with layered jokes.

Fully voiced dialogue with lively performances.

Fun and thematic gadget-based puzzles.

No fail states or frustrating mechanics.

Randomized elements increase replay value.

Encourages logical thinking and exploration.

Cons

Puzzles remain relatively easy for older players. The game’s overall length is moderate and can feel short on repeat playthroughs. Dialogue-heavy pacing may feel slow to some players. Graphics and mechanics show their age compared to modern games. Limited difficulty progression reduces long-term challenge.

Summary

Overall, Spy Fox 2: “Some Assembly Required” is a strong sequel that builds confidently on the original formula. With its imaginative toy-themed storyline, humorous writing, and accessible puzzle design, it remains an enjoyable and family-friendly adventure. While it may not provide deep challenge, it delivers creativity, charm, and replayability in a way that continues to make the Spy Fox series memorable.

Game Before in series

⬅Spy Fox in “Dry Cereal”

Next Game in series

Spy Fox 3: “Operation Ozone”➡
(no post available, yet!)

Spy Fox 2: Some Assembly Required – Review brought to you by Gaming Chickadee

Star Stable Summer Daze: Quickest way to Complete all Quests and Races

Gaming Chickadee — Tue, 07 Jul 2026 12:14:00 +0000

We love playing Star Stable Online and the summer daze event. In this post, I list the quickest way to complete all quests and races, I hope it helps you out!

If you’d like to learn more about the event, try checking out my review here.

What is the Quickest way to Complete all Quests and Races?

In my opinion this way is the quickest: Start off by accepting all of Tim’s quests, then go over to the fishing guy and collect his quests, fish at the two spots nearest to him then get back on your horse and go around collecting trash leading you the plastic race and Bruce the Shark, do the race then feed bruce and do Ben’s shark memory quest and Bruce’s race while your there and then do the fishing spot right next to them.

After that, do Zara’s decorating quest and just click on the floor’s section once and that will be enough to claim the quest, do the ducks next and after that gather any trash you need on the one back to Tim and the fishing guy, after claiming their complete missions go over to Mariposa and collect her quests (you could also do collect her quests earlier), then run up into fort pinta and grab the crates and collect the fireworks quest and along the way you’ll be collecting any moths or butterflies if they’re at fort pinta that day (which one of them is almost there every day).

After shooting up the firework claim her quest and then do the rainbow race and after that finish gathering any moths or butterflies you need and go back to the beach and claim both Tim’s and Mariposa’s quests. After all that you should go ahead and do the water race with Isebell Figg.

You can do the Champ quest also if you wish, but the champ may take longer since you have to wait for one to start.

Summary

The total time it takes in this way of doing things is roughly 20-40mins which may sound kinda long but is greatly improved from the time it could take just doing them in any order.

Here is the breakdown of my speedrun:

Accept Mariposa and Tim’s quests plus the fishing quest
Fish at the two closest spots to the fishing guy
Gather trash on the way to the plastic race and ben’s and bruce’s quests
Do the fishing spot closest to ben and bruce then do the decorating and ducks then head back to tim and the fishing guy
Go up into fort pinta and grab the crates and fireworks quest
Set off the fireworks and do the rainbow race, collect any bugs if available before heading back to the beach
Do the walking on water race and do the other bug quest that hasn’t been done yet
Then the championship quest in between when one is available

If you’re more of a video person, I’ve also made a video showcasing my speedrun!

Star Stable Summer Daze: Quickest way to Complete all Quests and Races brought to you by Gaming Chickadee

Spy Fox in “Dry Cereal” Review

Gaming Chickadee — Sat, 04 Jul 2026 20:48:00 +0000

We enjoy mystery games and the Putt Putt games, so we decided to give Spy Fox a try, we enjoyed it a lot and found it to be fun, funny and great for younger kids to learn problem solving skills. In my review for the game, you can find out more!

If you like this game, you’ll be sure to like the sequel: Spy Fox 2: Some Assembly Required!

Why Spy Fox in Dry Cereal?

Spy Fox in “Dry Cereal” is the first entry in the Spy Fox series, blending classic point-and-click adventure gameplay with spy movie parody humor tailored for children. Starring the suave secret agent Spy Fox, the game delivers a clever mix of light puzzle-solving, witty dialogue, and cartoon-style storytelling. While clearly designed for younger audiences, it contains enough charm and humor to entertain older players as well.

The story centers around a villainous cow named William the Kid, who plans to steal the world’s dairy supply and replace it with goat milk. As Spy Fox, players must stop this scheme by exploring various locations, gathering gadgets, and solving puzzles. The narrative unfolds like a comedic spy film, complete with dramatic music cues, secret hideouts, and playful twists.

Gameplay follows the traditional point-and-click format familiar to fans of classic adventure games. Players guide Spy Fox across different environments, interacting with objects, collecting items, and using them to solve puzzles. The interface is intuitive and accessible, making it easy for children to navigate. Unlike many older adventure games, there are no dead ends or permanent mistakes. Players cannot lose or render the game unwinnable, which removes frustration and encourages experimentation.

One of the game’s standout features is its humor. The writing is full of puns, visual gags, and exaggerated spy clichés. Characters are quirky and memorable, each with their own personality. The dialogue often includes layered jokes — simple enough for children to understand, but clever enough that adults can appreciate them too. This makes it enjoyable as a shared family experience.

Another strength is the gadget system. Spy Fox collects and uses spy tools throughout the adventure, reinforcing the spy theme in fun and creative ways. The gadgets are simple to use but add variety to puzzle-solving. Instead of only using inventory items in predictable ways, players sometimes activate tools that feel thematic and imaginative.

The art style is colorful and cartoonish, with expressive character animations. Backgrounds are lively and packed with interactive details. As with other games in the same era, clicking on random objects often triggers amusing animations or hidden jokes, rewarding curiosity. The voice acting is fully performed and adds significant personality to the characters, enhancing immersion.

Replayability is another major strength. Some puzzles and item placements are randomized between playthroughs. This means the exact solutions may differ each time, encouraging players to replay the game and discover alternative approaches. For a children’s adventure title, this adds surprising longevity.

However, the game’s design choices also come with some limitations.

The puzzles are intentionally simple. While they require logical thinking, they rarely become challenging. Older children or experienced adventure game players may find the difficulty level modest. Additionally, the overall length of the game is moderate; it can be completed relatively quickly, especially once players are familiar with the structure.

The pacing is slower compared to modern games. Much of the experience involves walking between locations and engaging in dialogue. Players who prefer fast action or high-stakes gameplay may find it less exciting. The visuals, while charming, reflect the era in which the game was produced and may appear dated to some players.

Even so, these aspects are part of the game’s charm. It prioritizes humor, creativity, and accessibility over complexity or intensity.

How We Test Games

Whenever possible we play multiple players. We also use a Nintendo 2DS, DS XL, and for PC games we use a Ryzen 7 1700x CPU, AMD RX580, running on Win 10. This game is up to 1-player on Steam/PC.

Pros

Clever, kid-friendly spy parody humor.

Fully voiced dialogue with strong character personalities.

Safe gameplay with no fail states or dead ends.

Fun gadget-based puzzle mechanics.

Randomized elements increase replay value.

Bright, expressive cartoon visuals.

Encourages logical thinking and exploration.

Cons

Puzzles are fairly easy and may not challenge older players. The game can be completed relatively quickly. Pacing is slower than modern action-oriented titles. Graphics and mechanics show their age. Limited difficulty progression reduces long-term challenge.

Summary

Overall, Spy Fox in “Dry Cereal” is a charming and humorous adventure game that successfully combines light puzzle-solving with spy-themed comedy. It stands out for its personality, replayability, and accessibility, making it a strong choice for younger players or families looking for a safe, story-driven experience. While it may not offer deep challenge, it delivers plenty of laughs and clever moments along the way.

Game Before in series

None, this is the first game in the series!

Next Game in series

Spy Fox 2: Some Assembly Required➡

Spy Fox in “Dry Cereal” Review brought to you by Gaming Chickadee

Super Mario Maker 2 – Review

Gaming Chickadee — Tue, 30 Jun 2026 20:48:00 +0000

Super Mario Maker 2 is the sequel to Super Mario Maker in which you can make your own Mario levels! you can chose different styles as well, from the original Mario Bros. to Super Mario 3D World! Anyway in my review you can find out more.

Why Super Mario Maker 2?

Super Mario Maker 2 is a creative platform game for the Nintendo Switch that expands on the ideas introduced in the original Super Mario Maker. Like its predecessor, the game allows players to design their own Mario levels and share them with others around the world. However, this sequel adds many new tools, features, and modes that make the experience even bigger and more creative.

The main attraction of the game is the level creation system. Players can build their own Mario courses by placing blocks, enemies, pipes, coins, and many other objects into a level. The building tools are easy to use, allowing players to drag and drop items onto the screen. With practice, players can create simple beginner levels, tricky platforming challenges, puzzles, or even creative mini-games.

One of the most exciting aspects of the game is the ability to create levels in different visual styles based on classic Mario games. These styles include Super Mario Bros., Super Mario Bros. 3, Super Mario World, New Super Mario Bros. U, and Super Mario 3D World. Each style changes how the characters and environments look, and some styles include unique items or mechanics that only appear in that theme.

The addition of the Super Mario 3D World style is one of the biggest improvements in the sequel. It introduces new elements such as special enemies, moving platforms, and unique power-ups that give creators even more options for designing interesting courses.

Another major improvement is the Story Mode. Unlike the first game, Super Mario Maker 2 includes a single-player adventure where players complete many pre-made levels created by the developers. In this mode, Mario helps rebuild Princess Peach’s castle by collecting coins and completing various challenges. The levels in Story Mode are creative and varied, showing players many ideas that they can use when designing their own courses.

The game also improves the online sharing system. Players can upload their levels so others can play them, and they can browse an enormous number of courses created by people around the world. These levels come in many different styles, from relaxing adventures to extremely difficult obstacle courses.

Super Mario Maker 2 also introduces multiplayer modes. Players can compete or cooperate with others while playing courses. In some modes, players race to reach the end of a level first, while in others they work together to complete challenges. Multiplayer adds a fun social element to the experience and makes playing community-created levels even more exciting.

The game’s visuals are bright and colorful, staying true to the playful style of the Mario series. Each visual theme captures the charm of the original games it represents, and watching a level instantly change its appearance when switching styles is always fun.

The music and sound effects are also familiar and nostalgic. Each theme includes classic Mario music that longtime fans will recognize. These sounds help make the experience feel like a celebration of the entire Mario series.

However, despite all of its creativity, the game does have a few drawbacks.

One of the main challenges is that not every player-created level is well designed. Since anyone can upload courses, some levels may feel confusing, unfair, or extremely difficult. While there are many amazing levels created by talented players, others may be less enjoyable.

Another issue is that the building tools, while powerful, can feel overwhelming for beginners. New players might need time to learn how all the pieces work together before they can create more advanced levels.

Online multiplayer can also sometimes feel chaotic, especially in competitive modes where multiple players are racing through complicated courses.

Additionally, players who prefer traditional Mario games with long stories and carefully designed worlds may find the focus on player-created content a little different from the usual experience.

Despite these minor issues, the amount of creativity and replay value in the game is enormous.

How We Test Games

Whenever possible we play multiple players. We also use a Nintendo 2DS, DS XL, and for PC games we use a Ryzen 7 1700x CPU, AMD RX580, running on Win 10. Story mode is 1-player, Maker Mode is up to 2-player and playing any level is up to 4-players all on one Nintendo Switch.

Pros

Powerful and flexible level creation tools.

Multiple visual styles from classic Mario games.

New elements and mechanics expand creativity.

Story Mode provides developer-created levels.

Huge number of community-created courses.

Multiplayer modes add social gameplay.

Cons

Some player-created levels may be confusing or overly difficult.

Building advanced levels can take time to learn.

Multiplayer races can feel chaotic.

The game focuses more on creation than a traditional story adventure.

Summary

Overall, Super Mario Maker 2 is a huge playground for creativity. With improved tools, new gameplay styles, and thousands of community-created levels, the game offers nearly endless possibilities. Whether players enjoy designing their own courses or exploring the imaginative creations of others, the game provides an exciting and constantly evolving Mario experience. For fans of platform games and creativity, Super Mario Maker 2 is one of the most imaginative entries in the Mario series.

Super Mario Maker 2 – Review brought to you by Gaming Chickadee

The Sisters 2 Road to Fame – Review

David M. — Sat, 27 Jun 2026 11:38:00 +0000

The sisters are at it again. Sisters 2 The Road to Fame has the sisters competing to see who can get more famous on sister tok. We enjoyed the first version so we thought we’d try the second version. The first was overall a good game and the sequel doesn’t disappoint however we’re in it for the party modes.

The adventure mode is similar to the first game. Random tasks involving some mini games with some dialog advancing the story. The party mode makes all the minigames available for those who want to cut to the chase.

Target Audience

This game is for people who like party games. The adventure mode doesn’t offer much to a solo player. It’s just filler in my opinion. The main appeal of this game is party mode. It offers 24 mini games.

If you’re looking for some four player action then this is worth checking out. It’s definitely better playing with a crowd of rowdy sisters. Light enough nobody that it won’t permanently damage any relationships. Yet, engaging enough to keep everyone’s interest.

Comparable Games

Sisters 2 is comparable to Party Party Time, Smurfs Party, or Carnival Games. All fun party games is my opinion. We tend to favor Party Party Time due to the amount of mini games. But Sisters 2 has some favorites too.

Sisters 2 is probably most similar to Smurfs Party. There’s a lot of similarities between the games, cut scenes, and overall vibe. However, Smurfs Party has twice the games.

Sisters 2 is much better than Carnival Games. Carnival Games uses too many of the same games with a different skin. There is diminishing returns with playing Carnival Games. Sisters 2 definitely has more unique games which hold more interest.

Pros and Cons

Adventure mode isn’t that interesting. The roller skates do speed it up but look funny skating through the sandy beach. Party mode is better, but I wish they included more games.

The summer fun vibe and sibling rivalry adds carries this game. I can’t say why exactly but the game seems just made for sisters.

Summary

Our Sisters 2 Road to Fame review gives it 7 out of 10 stars. The sequel is pretty much the same as the first. It’s not as good as Party Party Time, which genuinely has good content every release. Sisters 2 is light on mini games. If you loved Sisters Party Game of the Year, then you’ll like Sisters 2.

You might also want to take a look at my Sisters Party Game of the Year post.

The Sisters 2 Road to Fame – Review
brought to you by: David M.

I’m David M. I’ve been playing video games a long time, my pong game was fire. Now, my kids run circles around me but we always have a good time. We mostly play party and family games. Strategy and battle games are still among my favorites. I like writing about games almost as much as I do playing them. My favorite games are: Moving Out 2, Out of Space and Overcooked All You Can Eat.

Gift Guide for Sonic the Hedgehog series Fans

Gaming Chickadee — Tue, 23 Jun 2026 10:54:00 +0000

We love the Sonic the Hedgehog series and so I put together this gift guide for fans like us! Within this gift guide I have games, toys, LEGO, Apparel and more. Did you know that this year is Sonic’s 35th anniversary and my parents 31st anniversary, that’s right they got married on Sonic’s 4th birthday! Anyway, enjoy!

Video games

If you’re looking for just the classics from the genesis then you’d like Sonic Origins Plus. The game is a collection of Sonic the Hedgehog 1, 2, 3 & Knuckles and CD. Now only that but they include missions, Sonic, Tails, Knuckles and Amy playable in all modes, and more classic games like Sonic Drift.

Sonic Racing CrossWorlds is a racing game great for families and friends. Race as Sonic, Tails and the usual cast along with Pac Man, Mine Craft, Mega Man and more cross over characters.

Sonic Frontiers is the first open world Sonic game and it’s a great one. Play as Sonic as he explores the Starfall Islands, rescues his friends and more.

Sonic Superstars is the closest to a modern Sonic the Hedgehog 1. It has Sonic, Tails, Amy, Knuckles and Trip as playable characters as they race though side scroller levels and defeat bosses. They have all new levels and bosses but it feels like Sonic 1 style wise.

If you’re looking for a more casual party type game then Mario & Sonic at the Olympic Games Tokyo 2020 is a great choice. In the game you play events based on the real life Olympic Games in Tokyo 2020. You can also choose from a variety of characters like Mario, Sonic, Tails, Luigi, Peach and more!

And here are some more Sonic related games!

Boards and Card games

If you love a good laugh like we do then Sonic the Hedgehog Mad Libs is for you!

Sonic WHOT! card game is a lot like Uno and we enjoyed it a lot so you might want to check it out too.

Growing up I LOVED this game and now they have a Sonic Edition of the classic Trouble board game.

Here are some other great Sonic themed games!

And play almost any game with Stock Sonic the Hedgehog playing cards!

LEGO

These sets are great for both LEGO and Sonic fans!

Figurines and Collectibles

These Figurines are great additions to one’s collection.

Plushies and Squishmellow

These plush toys are perfect for snuggling or collecting!

Apparel

This Sonic the Hedgehog costume is great for Sonic fans plus a Set of Rings to collect when dashing around. and For those who need a sidekick costume I recommend this Tails the Fox Costume!

Of course a Team Sonic t-shirt is an ideal t-shirt for Sonic fans!

and these Apparel are great too!

I hope my gift guide helps!

Games Gift Guide brought to you by Gaming Chickadee

The Super Mario Galaxy Movie – Review

Gaming Chickadee — Tue, 16 Jun 2026 06:12:00 +0000

The Super Mario Galaxy Movie is a great sequel to The Super Mario Bros. Movie, we were very happy when they added Rosalina and Yoshi to the group and hope they bring in Daisy and Toadette in the next one! The movie was great like the first and in my review you can learn more.

You might also want to check put my review for the first movie here.

Why The Super Mario Galaxy Movie?

The Super Mario Galaxy Movie builds on the success of its predecessor in a bold and imaginative way, taking the familiar charm of the Mario universe and launching it into a much grander, more visually spectacular setting. Expanding the story beyond the Mushroom Kingdom and into outer space, the film manages to feel both fresh and faithful, delivering an experience that captures the magic of the games while elevating the emotional and cinematic scope.

Right from the beginning, the movie establishes itself as something bigger. While The Super Mario Bros. Movie focused on introducing audiences to Mario’s world, this sequel wastes no time diving into a galaxy-spanning adventure. The shift in setting immediately changes the tone, adding a sense of mystery and wonder. Instead of just colorful landscapes and castles, we’re treated to a universe filled with glowing stars, strange planets, and gravity-defying environments. This cosmic backdrop gives the film a unique identity while still feeling unmistakably like Mario.

Visually, the movie is stunning. The animation takes a noticeable step up, especially in how it handles space environments. Each planet feels distinct, with creative designs that make them memorable. Some are bright and cheerful, full of life and color, while others lean into a more mysterious or even slightly emotional atmosphere. The use of gravity mechanics—characters running around spherical worlds, jumping between floating platforms, and navigating shifting perspectives—adds a dynamic quality to the action scenes that keeps them exciting and unpredictable. It often feels like watching a playable Mario level brought to life, which is a huge part of the film’s appeal.

The characters are just as strong as before, if not stronger. Mario continues to be a determined and relatable hero, but this time he feels more confident and experienced. His growth from the first movie carries over naturally, and his role in this larger story gives him more depth. Luigi also gets more opportunities to shine, stepping out of his brother’s shadow in meaningful ways. His mix of humor and bravery adds heart to the film, and some of his moments are among the most memorable.

Princess Peach once again proves to be a standout character. She’s not just a leader but an active participant in the adventure, helping guide the team through the unfamiliar dangers of space. Her intelligence and courage make her an essential part of the group, and her interactions with Mario feel more developed this time around. The film continues to present her as strong and capable, which adds to the overall balance of the cast.

One of the biggest additions to the story is Rosalina, who brings a completely different energy to the film. Calm, wise, and slightly mysterious, she adds emotional depth that sets this movie apart from the first. Through her character, the story explores themes like loss, hope, and the vastness of the universe. These moments give the film a surprising level of emotional weight without ever becoming too heavy. Rosalina’s presence helps ground the story in something more meaningful, making the adventure feel like more than just a series of action sequences.

The introduction of other characters like Yoshi and Bowser Jr. adds even more variety and fun. Yoshi brings a playful, energetic vibe that fits perfectly with the tone of the series, while Bowser Jr. adds a new dynamic to the villain side of the story. Speaking of villains, Bowser returns in a bigger and more ambitious role. His goals feel larger than ever, fitting the scale of the galaxy setting. At the same time, the film doesn’t lose the humor that made him so entertaining in the first movie. He remains both intimidating and funny, striking a balance that works really well.

The pacing of the movie is fast, but it feels more balanced than before. While there are still plenty of high-energy sequences, the film takes more time to breathe. Quiet moments—like traveling through space or reflecting on the journey—give the audience a chance to connect with the characters. These slower scenes help build emotional investment, making the action feel more impactful when it happens.

The music is another highlight. The score leans into a more orchestral and cinematic style, perfectly matching the grand scale of the story. Familiar Mario themes are woven in beautifully, reimagined to fit the cosmic setting. The soundtrack enhances both the exciting and emotional moments, making the entire experience feel more immersive.

In terms of storytelling, the movie is more ambitious than its predecessor. While it still maintains a straightforward structure that’s easy to follow, it introduces deeper themes and a greater sense of scale. The idea of exploring the unknown, facing overwhelming odds, and finding strength in friendship all play a role in shaping the narrative. These elements give the film more substance without taking away from its fun, accessible nature.

Of course, the humor and charm are still very much present. The movie includes plenty of lighthearted moments, visual gags, and playful interactions between characters. These moments ensure that, despite the larger scale and slightly more emotional tone, the film remains enjoyable for all ages. It never loses sight of what makes Mario stories so fun.

Summary

Overall, we enjoyed the movie a lot, just like the first. In fact, it stands right alongside it as one of our favorites. It takes everything that worked before and builds on it in meaningful ways, creating a sequel that feels both familiar and new. The expanded world, stronger emotional elements, and creative visuals make it a standout experience.

What really makes The Super Mario Galaxy Movie special is how it captures a sense of wonder. Watching the characters travel across the stars, discover new worlds, and overcome challenges creates a feeling of adventure that’s hard to forget. It’s the kind of movie that stays with you, not just because of its visuals or action, but because of how it makes you feel.

In the end, The Super Mario Galaxy Movie is a fantastic continuation of the Mario film universe. It delivers excitement, humor, and heart in equal measure, proving that there’s still so much potential in these characters and this world. For fans of the first movie, it’s an easy recommendation—and just like the original, it’s something we’d happily watch again and again.

Spoiler alert, but I’m also super excited about Daisy in the next movie! I hope they add Toadette as well.

The Super Mario Galaxy Movie – Review brought to you by Gaming Chickadee

The Sisters Party of the Year – Review

David M. — Sat, 13 Jun 2026 17:10:35 +0000

Sisters: Party of the Year is one of our party games in our collection and it came out in June 2021 but we got it a little later. We love party games so we had to check this one out. It didn’t disappoint. There are better party games, such as Party Party Time, but we couldn’t help enjoying the Sister theme from this game.

The story is about a rivalry between two sisters competing to see who gets to plan an upcoming parity The adventure mode is a single player exploring the sisters environment, doing quests and challenges in the form of minigames. The computer, aka AI players, are predictable and boring. They are too easy or impossible, nothing in between.

Adventure mode is okay for what it is but we were there for the four player action. Which is the better way to play the games in our opinion. Just straight to the mini games.

Target Audience

The people who would enjoy this game the most are looking for a party game. They aren’t going to waste too much time in adventure mode. It is basically pointlessly exploring the house while throwing in a few minigames.

The party mode cuts to the chase making all 24 mini games available for up to four players. They can be played individually, combined to make a tournament, or all around the world which plays all of them.

The party mode is much better than the adventure mode. It offers four player head to head action which is what most people will enjoy from this game. The single player mode is there to putt around in but isn’t a reason to get this game. If you want multiplayer action the party mode won’t disappoint.

Comparable Games

Sisters is most comparable to Smurfs Party, Party Party Time and Carnival Games.

Party Party Time has much more games plus co-op games. Sisters seems to focus on the sister theme than overall amount of games.

Carnival Games is closer in style and type of games but we prefer Sisters over Carnival Games. It isn’t quite as good as Party Party Time though.

Smurfs Party is made by the same people who made Sisters and you can tell that the Sisters was a template for Smurfs. They do both offer unique minigames but the systems are the same.

Pros and Cons

The theme carries this game. It’s a fun sister type of rivalry. This game is full of summer fun, contagious laughter, and good nature competition.

The story mode is lacking. It would have been nice to include a few co-op games but nether the less it’s still fun.

Summary

Our Sisters: Party of the Year review doesn’t agree this is the party game of the year, but it isn’t a total bomb either. It offer great minigames that the whole family can enjoy for a while just not hours on end. We give it 8 out of 10 stars.

Not as great as the title suggests, but does provide some good party games.

If you enjoyed this game then you should check out my review of the sequel Sisters 2 Road to Fame.

The Sisters Party of the Year – Review
brought to you by: David M.

Star Stable Online Summer Daze Festival -Review

Gaming Chickadee — Thu, 11 Jun 2026 10:12:58 +0000

We love playing Star Stable Online together and this review is a review of one of the seasonal events available in the game and it’s called “Summer Daze Festival”. In my review for the event you can learn more about what you do in the event, how much fun it is and more!

Why the Summer Daze Event?

The Summer Daze event in Star Stable Online is one of the game’s most relaxing and visually appealing seasonal events. Set primarily around the beaches and sunny coastal areas of Jorvik, it focuses less on intense gameplay and more on capturing a laid-back summer atmosphere. Compared to some of the game’s larger or more story-heavy events, Summer Daze stands out as a calmer, more social experience that encourages players to slow down and enjoy the world.

One of the biggest strengths of the Summer Daze event is its atmosphere. The developers do a great job transforming parts of Jorvik into vibrant summer destinations, complete with beach decorations, warm lighting, and cheerful music. It genuinely feels like a vacation within the game. Whether you’re riding along the shoreline, hanging out near beach parties, or exploring small seasonal areas, the event creates a cozy and immersive vibe that’s easy to enjoy even if you’re not actively completing tasks.

The activities in Summer Daze are generally simple and accessible. Players can take part in daily quests, casual races, and small mini-games. These tasks are usually easy to understand and don’t require much grinding, which makes the event appealing for both newer players and those who just want something low-pressure. It’s a nice change of pace from more demanding events that require strict schedules or long hours of gameplay.

Another highlight is the social aspect. Summer Daze tends to bring players together in shared spaces, encouraging group participation and casual interaction. Whether it’s gathering for races or just hanging out in the themed areas, the event feels more community-focused than competitive. For many players, this is where the event really shines—it’s less about winning and more about enjoying time in the game world.

Cosmetics and rewards are also a key part of the experience. Summer-themed outfits, tack, and accessories are usually available, often featuring bright colors, beach styles, and fun seasonal designs. While not always the most elaborate items in the game, they fit the theme well and give players a reason to participate. However, some players may find that the rewards don’t feel as exciting or unique compared to those from larger events.

Despite its strengths, the Summer Daze event does have some drawbacks. One of the most common criticisms is the lack of depth. The activities, while enjoyable, can feel repetitive after a few days. Since many of the quests and races are fairly simple, there isn’t a strong sense of progression or challenge to keep players fully engaged over a longer period.

Additionally, the event doesn’t always introduce major new gameplay features or story elements. For players who prefer narrative-driven content or more complex mechanics, Summer Daze may feel a bit too light. It’s clearly designed as a “chill” event, but that also means it may not hold everyone’s attention for the entire duration.

Another minor issue is that some content can feel limited if you’re not playing consistently. Missing a few days might mean missing out on certain rewards or experiences, which can be frustrating for more casual players.

How We Test Games

Whenever possible we play multiple players. We also use a Nintendo 2DS, DS XL, and for PC games we use a Ryzen 7 1700x CPU, AMD RX580, running on Win 10. This game is up to 1-player but with online players on PC and Mobile devices.

Pros

Beautiful summer-themed atmosphere and environments
Relaxing, low-pressure gameplay
Easy-to-understand activities suitable for all players
Strong social and community-focused elements
Fun seasonal cosmetics and customization options

Cons

Limited depth and long-term engagement
Activities can become repetitive
Fewer story elements compared to other events
Rewards may feel less exciting to some players
Some content can be time-limited

Summary

Overall, The Summer Daze event in Star Stable Online is best enjoyed as a relaxing break rather than a major gameplay milestone. It excels in creating a warm, inviting atmosphere and giving players a chance to unwind and connect with others. While it may not offer the depth or excitement of larger events, it succeeds in delivering a charming seasonal experience that fits perfectly within the world of Jorvik. If you approach it with the right expectations, it can be one of the most enjoyable and refreshing events in the game.

If you’d like a guide of how complete all Quests and Races the fastest, I made one you can view right here!

Star Stable Online Summer Daze Festival Review brought to you by Gaming Chickadee