My family has a pretty tight regiment when it comes to the allowable amount of “screen time” per kid. What I mean by screen time is the amount of time (per day) each kid has to spend either watching television, sitting in front of the computer, or playing games (console or otherwise). This is a challenge, but the oldest is starting to realize if he watches an extra program on TV it is going to bite into his time in front of the computer.
Our feelings about video games and children are the same as children and any form of media (books, TV shows, movies, et al), we only choose age appropriate material, and we’re with them when the choice is made and we discuss the pro’s and con’s of each along the way. That said, once you spark up the console and slip the game in, playing a game with your kids can be a great way to bond with the kids and fun way to blow off a rainy afternoon.
I understand that there are a lot of “Best Gifts” lists out right now, this list is looking at the following aspects of each game; superior and original game concept, fantastic and unique visual direction, and “play” factor (meaning does it ‘hook’ you in for the full ride).
OKAMI
[PS2/Wii]
This artful CapCom title originally developed by the famed Clover Studio for PS2 (2006), has recently been released for Wii [ESRB: TEEN]. In the timeless battle against stagnant and redundant gaming concepts (when was the last time you were really blown away by the sheer creativity and ingenuity of a video game?), Okami blasted onto the scene during the waning hours of PS2′s heyday (if you can call it that) and gave us this unique gaming experience, and now developer, Ready at Dawn, has transposed this little beauty with great affect to the Wii console;
There’s a blissful moment in the first hour of Okami, one that is repeated several times throughout the game’s epic tale: Tasked with restoring an afflicted sapling to its former beauty, you bring it to life with a swirl of your virtual paintbrush. The sapling bursts with light, a melody of soft pink flowers blooms on its young branches, and lush green meadows breathlessly sweep away the cursed countryside, returning vitality to the diseased landscape. It’s a moment that stays with you, and it represents the sheer joy of playing Okami.” ~ Okami GameSpot Review (Wii)
See for Yourself What the Critics Say:
GameSpot
MetaCritic
GameRankings
WORLD OF GOO [PC/Mac/Wii]
This innovative, dreamy physics-based puzzler is totally addictive. I can only hope they are developing it for the iPhone as well as the PSP, since the game controller potential is already there. Let me point out – you will not find this on the shelves or at Amazon for the Wii, but you can get it as a download via WiiWare.
Since this game has been filed under “casual” as in Casual Games [ESRB: Everyone], I walked into it blind, knowing very little about it. Needless to say, I was pleasantly surprised by the visual beauty and stunning simplicity levied against the easy-to-play, hard-to-master puzzle aspect of it. Give it a go!
See for Yourself What the Critics Say:
GameSpot
MetaCritic
GameRankings
DE BLOB [Wii/PC/IP/DS]
In short, it is a thoroughly enjoyable romp for the whole family [ESRB: Everyone]. This title is fresh and clever for the kids and also smart and very playful for the parents. The evil INKT Corporation, led by the dictatorial Comrade Black, has drained all the color from Chroma City, turning it into a drab, monochromatic metropolis. It has also turned its once diverse and colorful citizens, the Raydians, into sullen, homogeneous Graydians. Blob joins forces with a resistance movement called the Color Underground to bring color back to Chroma City and liberate its people. Obviously, the game dwells (albeit light heartedly) on the theme of political oppression, yet it can be viewed as one big visual metaphor about the role of art in a free society – how many games out there do that!
See for Yourself What the Critics Say:
GameSpot
MetaCritic
GameRankings
GUITAR HERO | WORLD TOUR [Xbox 360/PS3/PS2/Wii]
Now capable of the full band experience, you can rock out with the entire family and show your kids how bad your voice really is! Priceless!
If you have any of the previous Guitar Hero title you can forgo the whole bundle and play solo or for a pretty penny you can buy the whole thing ($79.99-199.99 currently). It is rated T for TEEN no doubt because of some of the themes and lyrics contained in the initial 80 song set (additional down-loadable tunes available).
See for Yourself What the Critics Say:
GameSpot
MetaCritic
GameRankings
LEGO INDIANA JONES [Xbox 360/PS3/PS2/PC/Wii/PSP/DS]
You had me at “Lego.” I must admit, this one was a no-brainer being a huge fan of the original Indian Jones movies (definitely not the recent one) and Legos, in general. I flew to this title like a mosquito to a flame, fortunately it is a fun ride [ESRB: Everyone 10+].
This title spans all three movies in clunky charming Lego-style, it is primarily a puzzle-solver that is much less cumbersome as the Lego Star Wars title. Not to fret if you haven’t experienced any of the films referenced, I trust it will still be a fun ride.
The most amusing and innovative (for me anyway) puzzles involve the severe phobias with which certain characters are cursed. Indiana has no fears swinging across pools of molten lava or leaping over spikes, but if you put a snake in front of him, he’ll freak out. The game is as entertaining as they get regardless of which console you play it on.
See for Yourself What the Critics Say:
GameSpot
MetaCritic
GameRankings
Tags:
3-5 years,
6-8 years,
9-12 years,
computers,
games,
holidays,
technology
