Roku 2 XD Streaming Player 1080p {Review}

We've been in the market for another streaming player for an additional room in our home and were on the verge of purchasing one when we were introduced to Roku. If you are like us, our first thought was... what's a Roku? What I wasn't ready for was something more impressive than I could have ever imagined. 


About Roku

Roku is a small device that streams movies, TV shows, music, and other entertainment to your TV via the Internet. Since Roku streams (rather than downloads) video, you get instant access to a huge library of entertainment without having to store any video files on your computer or hard drive.

Once you set up Roku, you do not need a PC to use it. Roku connects directly to your TV and your high-speed Internet service home using your wireless home network. It then lets you access the streaming entertainment channels that you sign up for (like Netflix) right from your TV, using a handy remote. 


What's Included

• IR remote
• 2 x AAA batteries
• A/V cable
• A/C Power adapter
• Getting Started guide
• 30-day money back guarantee
• 90-day hardware warranty

ace and friends thoughts

For the purpose of the this review, we were supplied the Roku 2 XD. Upon it's arrival, admittedly I was extremely skeptical. We have a competitive device in the house (Apple TV) and I wasn't sure how well this new streaming player would live up to our current device. We love the ability to wirelessly stream movies, television shows and more throughout our home. 

Right off the bat, we were immediately impressed with many of the Roku 2 XD's technical abilities. First, it gives you access to Netflix, Hulu Plus as well as other pay-for-type of shows/movies through other providers. You can also stream Pandora (which I absolutely LOVE), Disney, HBO, even Facebook, as well as hundreds of other channels, practically free. Some channels charge a very small fee for additional premium features.

If you store movies on your computer and want to access them via your Roku, there is the ability to add your OWN channels. Although it takes a little internet research and tech savvy, it's possible and not really very difficult. Installing the PLEX media server on your computer, then adding the PLEX channel to Roku makes accessing your files super simple.

Pros:

• Quick performance speed
• Great wireless range
• Amazing picture quality
• Easy to install and operate
• Great interface, colorful menus
• 300+ channels

Cons:

• HDMI cable not included
• Takes about 20 second seconds to load a show via Netflix
• Also takes another 20 seconds for the picture to fully come clear on the screen
• Show actually froze while on pause and had to unplug to reboot

Roku offers four different products in a variety of prices, but nothing super expensive (and less than it's competitors). The entry level model is just $49.99 and they offer FREE Shipping. The high end model Roku 2 XS features a Bluetooth remote with sensors for motion-based game play, as well as game-ready buttons. Popular games available include the Angry Birds series, PAC-MAN Championship Edition, Galaga, and Storm in a Teacup. In addition, they are continuously improving and growing their game collection. 

I have had the opportunity to watch several movies and TV shows as well as listened to music using my Roku 2 XD box and playback has been more than impressive. It always started quickly (less than 30 seconds) and only encountered one small glitch with freezing and had to reboot. Works well with all the channels I have added as well as the channel I have added on my own. The included remote works well to control the box. You can also add an App to your smart device to control the box. I added the Roku App to my iPhone/iPad and device control was even better than with the included remote.

Overall, I'm super pleased with the performance of the Roku 2 XD. This little unit works great. Simple to set up and operate. Picks up my wireless signal with no issues (upstairs and furthest room away). I would recommend this to anyone looking for a streaming player 1080p HD.

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Buy It

Roku products are available on their site or

  visit HERE, to find a retailer near you.

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[Product review & giveaway disclosure: I received one or more of the products mentioned above for free from the manufacturer of a PR Agency. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will be good for my readers. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commissions 16 CFR, Part 255 "Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising." See ace and friends Disclosure Policy HERE.]

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Burger King CROWN Program {Review & Giveaway}

IMAGINATION IS KING™ at BURGER KING^®. The new BK CROWN^TM/MC Program, built to inspire every kid’s imagination and encourage kids to help choose how BK^® gives back, brings families together to enjoy not just a meal but a mealtime experience.

• The BK CROWN^TM/MC Program comes in a fully interactive Kids Meal box. Sitting atop each box is a newly redesigned BURGER KING^® crown, because every kid deserves to be treated like royalty at BURGER KING^®! With crowns on their heads, kids can dive into the box, taking it apart, playing fun games and activities that challenge their minds, inspire their imagination and engage with the whole family.


• With the BK CROWN^TM/MC Program, Burger King Corporation invites kids to tell BURGER KING^® what matters to them most. BKC has established a fund to help support the Wildlife Conservation Society, National Parks Conservation Association, DonorsChoose.org and Have It Your Way™ Foundation. By visiting BKCrown.com, kids learn how BKC’s charitable partners make a difference. Upon entering BK CROWN^TM/MC Codes and clicking on their favorite cause, each kid’s vote helps BK^® choose which charity to give back to.


• The fun doesn’t end at the restaurant; the BK CROWN^TM/MC Program experience lives on at www.BKCrown.com where kids can place their vote for how BKC should give back, as well as find more games, win prizes and enjoy interactive play.


• Also at BURGER KING^®, for just $9.99 your family can enjoy the “BK™ Family Bundle” which includes a WHOPPER^® sandwich, WHOPPER JR.^® sandwich., two small fries, two small soft drinks and a Kids Meal. Now that’s a deal worth getting together for! Limited time only. Price and participation vary. Prices higher in HI.

The new interactive kids meals has a fun new crown included.

We are fortunate to have many wonderful things in life and we continually strive to instill in our children that we should always try and give back to others. What I really like about the new Burger King Crown Program is that the Burger King will donate on the kids' behalf the charity that they select including: Wildlife Conservation Society, National Parks Conservation Association, DonnorsChoose.org or Have It Your Way Foundation.

A perfect way for the kids to give back!
 

Check out Burger King's new family meal pack for just $9.99.

The meal pack includes a Whopper, Whopper Jr, Two Small Fries, Two Small Drinks, and a Kids Meal.

What a genius idea!

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Win It 

Thanks to Burger King, one LUCKY *ace and friends* reader will win a "BK Crown Program" prize pack which includes: (1) $25 BURGER KING® Crown Card* to purchase a kids meal featuring the BK CROWNTM/MC Program.

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Finish Jet-Dry Rinse Agent {Review & Giveaway}

My dishwasher is getting a better workout than I am this holiday season. As soon as I empty it, it is off and running again. Wish I could say the same for me! Thankfully, my dishwasher has a great assistant in it's workout, Finish Jet-Dry.

Have you ever opened up your dishwasher and your supposed dishes have spots or food residue still left on them? If you are like me, that leaves me feeling super frustrated! When I started using Finish Jet-Dry Rinse Agent, it helped eliminate those issues along with my frustration. 

If you aren't familiar with a Finish Jet-Dry Rinse Agent, let me fill you in. Without the use a rinse agent, residue from from food (as well as dishwasher detergent) can redeposit back onto your dishes and glasses. The result - not so clean dishes, cloudy glasses and spotty flatware. 

Adding Finish Jet-Dry Rinse Agent aids in rinsing away leftover food and detergent residues for sparkling dishes, glasses and flatware. It's easy to use, simply fill your rinse agent dispenser with Finish Jet-Dry Rinse Agent and it's  automatically released in the rinse cycle every time your dishwasher runs.

Benefits of Finish Jet-Dry Rinse Agent:

• Eliminates spots on glasses
• Aids in removal of food residue on dishes
• Removes detergent residue on flatware
• Assists in drying cycle
• Dishes are left sparkling clean

A few Dishwasher Facts

Did you know that using a dishwasher actually saves energy and is the most hygienic way to wash your dishes and flatware?

Dishwashers clean your dishes at higher temperatures and kills germs that may otherwise survive if you washed your dishes by hand*.

Over the course of a year, dishwashing could save up to 3 weeks of your precious time compared to washing by hand! (I could use all the additional time I could get) That big pile of dishes building up in the sink can be daunting, but with a dishwasher all you need to do is load your washer and go!!

Finally, according to a recent study, automatic dishwashers use in average 4-6 gallons of water per wash, whereas manual dishwashing uses 27 gallons in order to clean the same number of dishes. Therefore, automatic dishwashing saves up to 85% of water compared to hand-washing.

Ok seriously, save time, save money... who doesn't want that?

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Win It

Thanks to the Mom Central Consulting on behalf of Finish Jet-Dry, ONE LUCKY ace and friends reader will win a Finish Jet-Dry Rinse Agent product sample.

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iCaughtSanta.com {Review}

 Featured Sponsor

 

Have fun catching Santa in the act this holiday season with iCaughtSanta.com.

Want to catch Santa coming down the chimney? How about munching on those treats you left for him? Now you can in just 3 easy steps... turn your typical holiday photo into something magical!


Here's all you need to do... First, take a digital photo of your fireplace... your tree is another fun option, this will be your background. Next create your photo by choosing one of the several Santa poses... you can adjust his size and position, and even add a festive border for your photo. Once you're finished, just download, email, or print your photo... Sharing is easy to do to instantly with over 30 popular sites like Facebook, Twitter and more!

Think of the surprise on your kids' faces... Santa in *their* home! I know my kids will certainly get a good kick out of seeing him in our house Christmas morning!

If you'd like to see the looks of surprise on your kids' faces by showing them a picture of Santa in their own home, these photos can be created and purchased at iCaughtSanta.com.


[Product review & giveaway disclosure: I received one or more of the products mentioned above for free from the manufacturer of a PR Agency. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will be good for my readers. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commissions 16 CFR, Part 255 "Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising." See ace and friends Disclosure Policy HERE.] Pin It

*ABBA You Can Dance* for the Wii {Review} #UbiABBA #spon

"Dancing queen... Feel the beat from the tambourine, You can dance, You can jive, Having the time of your life, See that girl,Watch that scene, Dig in the dancing queen..."


Lyrics sound familiar... if you are a big of a fan as I of ABBA... you will definitely have no problem recognizing them.  With that said, I am so excited to introduce to you the new release of ABBA - You Can Dance for the Wii. Yep, that's right... a game featuring many of ABBA's amazing song collection in a fun new Just Dance game.


About ABBA You Can Dance for the Wii


From the creators of the award-winning Just Dance® franchise comes ABBA You Can Dance. Featuring 26 timeless songs, including “Dancing Queen,” “Mamma Mia,” “Fernando,” “Waterloo,” and “Take A Chance On Me,” ABBA You Can Dance invites you to unleash your inner dancing queen and hit the dance floor with one of world’s biggest music sensations. Dance with up to four players or join in on vocals; ABBA You Can Dance is unforgettable fun for friends and family of every generation.


Key Features

The Timeless Music of ABBA
Enjoy all the hits – 26 in all – from ABBA’s rich catalog of classic songs, now digitally remastered for Wii™ and your home entertainment system.

You Can Dance
Unleash your inner dancing queen and play for fun or to set a new top score to challenge yourself and others. Play any way you want with up to four friends.

Mini-Musical
Perform a story through the music of ABBA! Experience the magic as you play a role in a mini-musical of ABBA’s songs.

Karaoke Mode
Up to two additional friends can join in on vocals. Simply follow along with the on-screen lyrics.*

A Must-Have for Fans
Get immersed in the amazing world of ABBA with authentic content including their music videos, live concert footage, and classic photos!

Rated: 

Check it out: 

ace and friends thoughts


As our family is a huge fan of all of the Just Dance games/series, we were excited to try out the newest addition to the collection. I was a huge fan of ABBA growing up (and still am), so when I saw this game, I thought I HAVE to have it right away!


This game makes the perfect theme for a fun friends' night in. It super fun and highly entertaining. What we like about this game, not only could it serve as a fun night with friends, but also the perfect game for a family night in too! 


To get started, all you need to do is insert the game in the Wii console and you are ready to go. We wanted the full ABBA experience, so we turned it up a notch and played it via surround sound. We were so glad we did because the songs sounded fantastic!


The ABBA songs certainly brought back lots of childhood memories of singing along to these super catchy tunes. The moves are easy to follow and you can even benefit from a little exercise while dance, dance.... dancing! I am the Dancing Queen... lol.


In comparison to other Just Dance games in the series, this has to be, by far, my absolute favorite. In addition to the dance part of the game, there is also the option of karaoke. Now who doesn't LOVE  a little karaoke, especially when singing along to ABBA songs.


Final Thoughts: Overall, the game was super entertaining, family friendly and a great time. If you are fan of the Just Dance series, this will make a great addition to your collection. Now, if your adore ABBA as much as I do, you will, without a doubt, find great enjoyment in this game!


Please make sure to stop back to see the amazing ABBA You Can Dance for the Wii Party I will be hosting. There will sure to be some funny and entertaining photos!

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Buy It

ABBA You Can Dance for the Wii is available at Amazon for just $29.96!

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Disclosure: Thank you to Ubisoft for sponsoring this blog post. Please click here to learn more about Ubisoft. I was selected for this sponsorship by the Clever Girls Collective. All opinions are my own.

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2011 Holiday Gift Guide: Gourmet Gift Basket {Review}

Featured Sponsor

Who doesn't love the arrival of a beautiful gift basket? I know I certainly do! I especially love the variety of snacks and treats that a gift basket has to offer. That is one of the many reasons why I love to give and receive from Gourmet Gift Baskets. Gourmet Gift Baskets is a perfect one-stop shop for any occasion. The use of their quick and easy online ordering system makes it inviting and extremely convenient. If I don't have to fight the holiday shopping crowds (with the exception of Black Friday, of course) then I am all for it! Gourmet Gift Baskets is the home to award winning gift baskets, fruit baskets and much more!

I tried out their incredible Christmas Gift Basket Classic™. This large gift basket was attractively packaged and would be the perfect gift for the upcoming holiday season! The shipment arrived securely and the arrangement of each item was perfectly placed. Admittedly, I have to say that I snacked on ALL (yep, all) of the items and just couldn't stop. It was a delightfully tasty treat! By far, my favorite was the Morley's Almond Pecan Crunch. The buttery flavor of the popcorn was delectable. Also the Raspberry Honey Mustard Pretzel Dip had a wonderfully unique flavor and was the perfect compliment to the included Dipping Pretzels.

The Christmas Gift Basket Classic™ includes:

• Almond Pecan-dy Crunch by Morley Candy Makers 
• Chocolate Chip Pecan Cookies by J&M Foods 
• Dipping Pretzels by East Shore Specialty Foods 
• Raspberry Honey Mustard Pretzel Dip by Robert Rothschild Farm 
• Salted Peanuts in Box by Feridie's 
• Signature Dark Chocolate Bar by Lake Champlain 
• Buttered Peanut Crunch by Old Dominion Peanut Company 
• Metropolitan Trail Mix by GourmetGiftBaskets.com 
• Parmesan Artichoke & Garlic Cheese Biscuits by Salem Baking Company 
• Chocolate Covered Cherries by Marich

Gourmet Gift Baskets has a variety of gifts to satisfy anyone on your gift list. Whether it's a birthday, the holidays or even just because, there is definitely something fitting for every occasion! You and/or your gift recipient won't be disappointed!

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You can visit Gourmet Gift Baskets to buy any of these fabulous products. 

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[Product review & giveaway disclosure: I received one or more of the products mentioned above for free from the manufacturer of a PR Agency. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will be good for my readers. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commissions 16 CFR, Part 255 "Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising." See ace and friends Disclosure Policy HERE.]

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2011 Holiday Gift Guide: Guylian Belgian Chocolate {Review & Giveaway}

Featured Sponsor

  

Chocolate. Is there any other PERFECT gift? How about Belgian Chocolate? There is just something that makes Belgian chocolate taste smoother, creamier... divine! Over the years, I've tried my fair share (and then some) of chocolate and when I tried Guylian Artisanal Belgian Chocolates, I was in heaven.

About Guylian - A Chocolate LOVE story (does it get any better than this...)

Guy Foubert - born in 1938 in Sint-Niklaas - was a passionate Belgian chocolatier making handmade chocolate truffles.

The story of Chocolaterie Guylian began in the late 1950’s with the marriage of Guy Foubert and Liliane. Guy and Liliane joined their names in our company name: Chocolaterie Guy-lian. Guy soon realized that the world was ready for something totally new. With that, the young couple created for the first time chocolates in the shape of seashells. Guy developed the recipe of a signature hazelnut praliné filling; Lilliane added the artistic touch by designing the shining marbled look and the delicately sculptured shapes. A true love story of romance and chocolate. Ahhhh.... LOVE at it's finest!

ace and friends thoughts

Guylian was super generous and sent over wonderful selection of chocolates to sample. I received the Guylian® No Sugar Added Bars (both milk and dark chocolate), Artisanal Belgian Extra Dark Chocolate Truffles (assorted sizes) and the Artisanal Belgian Chocolate Truffles (assorted sizes). Seems like a lot, right... I know... it was difficult, but I managed. lol.

Since dark chocolate is my all time favorite... I immediately tore into opened the Artisanal Belgian Extra Dark Chocolate Truffles. These truffles DID NOT disappoint. They were rich in flavor and smooth in texture. An absolute slice of heaven.

Over the next few days, I began to sample my other little treats. The Guylian No Sugar Added Bars were next. Ugh, first thoughts... no sugar.... uh-oh... sugar substitutes = bad aftertaste. Then I came to my senses and figured, it's chocolate, how bad can it REALLY be?? Again, since dark chocolate is a favorite, I would try that first. I wondered how it would compare to the Belgian Extra Dark Chocolate Truffles I had tried just a few short days ago. Well, to my amazement and (for lack of a better word) surprise.... it was just as delicious and also had quite a smooth texture. What was even more impressive was that Guylian doesn't use the typical sugar substitute. They actually replace the sugar with Maltitol, a 100% natural sugar free sweetener that is derived from natural sources. It's also lower in calories and doesn't raise blood sugar levels, making it perfect for diabetics to enjoy. Impressive!

Finally, I HAD to try the Artisanal Belgian Chocolate Truffles. It was a tough task, but I suffered through and ate some more chocolate. lol. Joking aside, these truffles were truly delicious. They combine dark, milk and white chocolate and then are filled with a rich, creamy and flavorful truffle.  Still using the original recipe of Guy & Liliane, their signature truffle recipe is still made in small-batch copper kettles exclusively by Guylian's Master Chocolatiers in Sint-Niklaas, Belgium. It was hard to eat just one... or two... absolutely AMAZING!

Final thoughts: Guylian chocolates were tasty, delicious and very enjoyable. They are made of superior quality ingredients and definitely had a much better flavor than many of it's competitors. Guylian Artisanal Belgian Chocolate Truffles would make a great gift for the holidays. Now c'mon, who doesn't LOVE chocolate?

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Buy It

Check HERE to find Guylian products in a store location near you.

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Win It

Thanks to the Guylian, one LUCKY ace and friends reader will win
a Box of 22 Guylian Artisanal Belgian Original Chocolate Truffles!

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Marzetti Otria Greek Yogurt Veggie Dip {Review} #CleverVeggieDip

I love dip!

There, I said it. It's true, I definitely LOOOOVE dip. However, what I DON'T love are ALL the calories that are associated with most typical dips. More recently, I've discovered Greek yogurt. Greek yogurt is rich in protein and low in fat. What I've learned is, Greek yogurt is not the typical "yogurt", that I've been accustomed to my entire life. Greek yogurt is strained yogurt, a natural straining technique that removes excess water, dissolved salts and sugars. The end result is a thick, creamy yogurt with more protein and less carbohydrates than common yogurt.

Marzetti, one of my favorite brands, recently introduced Otria, a unique line of Greek Yogurt Veggie Dips. Ummm, hello, genius!! So, what do you get when you combine the rich creamy texture of Greek yogurt and a wonderful blend of herbs and spices, an amazing line of dips that will satisfy my your dip craving. 

Marzetti Otria offers the following flavors:

• Chipotle Cheese Greek Yogurt Veggie Dip
• Cucumber Dill Feta Greek Yogurt Veggie Dip
• Garden Herb Ranch Greek Yogurt Veggie Dip 
• Salsa Cilantro Greek Yogurt Veggie Dip 
• Spinach Artichoke Greek Yogurt Veggie Dip

Each serving of Marzetti's Otria Greek Yogurt Veggie Dip only has 60 calories and also contains that important, Omega 3. Oh... and more importantly, it's gluten free. Bonus!

I recently had the opportunity to try Otria Spinach Artichoke Greek Yogurt Veggie Dip and I was happily surprised at the flavor. The herbs and spices were a nice compliment to the spinach and artichoke. This dip was quite creamy and rich in taste. This dip paired nicely with a variety of different veggies. It was also quite delicious with some pretzel thins and pita chips.

Here's another way to incorporate Otria Greek Yogurt Veggie Dip into a recipe.

Spinach Artichoke Pizza

Prep Time: 15 minutes

Cook Time: 20 minutes

Ingredients:

3/4 cup Otria® Spinach Artichoke Greek Yogurt Veggie Dip

One 10 to 12 inch prepared pizza crust or homemade pizza crust

1 cup packed baby spinach leaves

1 cup canned artichoke hearts, cut into slivers

1 cup halved cherry tomatoes

1/3 cup pitted and halved Kalamata olives

1/2 cup crumbled feta cheese

1/2 tsp ground black pepper

Preparation:

Preheat oven to 400 degrees F. Generously mist a pizza pan with non-stick vegetable oil spray.

Pre-bake pizza crust for 8 to 12 minutes or until golden brown. Baking times may vary depending upon type of pizza crust.

Spread Otria® Spinach Artichoke Greek Yogurt Veggie Dip onto hot crust. Top with spinach, artichokes, tomatoes, olives, feta cheese and pepper. Return pizza to oven for 5 to 7 minutes. Cut and serve.

ace and friends thoughts (our spin on the Spinach Artichoke Pizza

As I didn't have all the ingredients for the recipe, I used it as a guideline instead for a delicious lunchtime meal. I used a tortilla as the thin crust, added Otria Spinach Artichoke Greek Yogurt Veggie Dip as my "sauce" and then topped with spinach, red pepper, kalamata olives, artichoke and feta. Popped it in the oven for 5 minutes and immediately devoured  ate this directly out of the oven!

Otria Greek Yogurt Veggie Dip will be a perfect appetizer for all of my upcoming holiday entertaining. I like the ability to serve it in a variety of ways. I look forward to trying other Otria Greek Yogurt Veggie Dip flavors in the very near future!

Disclosure: I was one of the bloggers selected by T. Marzetti Company and Clever Girls Collective to host a Marzetti Otria Greek Yogurt Veggie Dip review. They provided me with product to test and compensation for my time. However, my opinions are entirely my own.

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Assassin's Creed: Revelations {Review} - Amazon Gold Box Special - Just $35.99

Without a doubt, we are a game system house. Wii, check... Playstation 3, check.... LOTS of games.... the more, the better. So when Clever Girls Collective on behalf Ubisoft offered Assassin's Creed: Revelations game for review... we, or shall I say... my husband was ALL over it!

Since the beginning, my husband has played every Assassin's Creed game, so he was familiar with the basic storyline. Although it is a continuation of the series, you don't have to have expertise of the previous games to actually play this game.

 ace and friends thoughts (or shall I say DG's thoughts)

DG was happy to see the return of characters past. There are of course, new weapon, scenery and equipment. The game play of visiting various cities is similar and the graphics are simply amazing. If you are a fan of past Assassin's Creed games, this particular one in the series will certainly not disappoint!


Final Thoughts: Good plot, lots of game play. Although you can play this game immediately, it would be helpful to play prior installments first as to acclimate yourself with characters, plot  and more.


Rated: 

Check it out: 

Today only... Amazon's Gold Box Special! JUST $35.99!

Makes a great holiday gift for the gamer in your life!

Check out the amazing AMAZON deal HERE!

Disclosure: Thank you to Ubisoft for sponsoring this blog post. Please click here to learn more about Ubisoft. I was selected for this sponsorship by the Clever Girls Collective. All opinions are my own.

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