Congrats to the winner: John
Oh my goodness. There were so many games released during the month of August. Since we’re a Wii and DS family, I’m giving my top two picks for each game system. At the end of this post, you’ll be able to win one of the games.
DS/DSi
-Fossil Fighters
Basically, the game allows you to build a collection of 100+ dinosaurs (“vivosaurs”). At first, we had a hard time figuring out how to dig for the fossils. For some reason, when I left Michael alone, he figured it out (?!). After that, it was a lot more fun. Michael enjoyed digging for fossils, cleaning them up and collecting the various parts. It’s especially fun, when you find all of the parts and the vivosaur comes to life. Note to parents: there is a role-playing storyline, so you’ll have to help young kids read. Also, you might want to “edit” some of the lines. Although it’s rated “E” for Everyone, some of the humor is a little off-putting. Also, there is a little fantasy violence. It’s nothing extreme, but it’s important to think about your kid (what will/won’t affect them).
*-Professor Layton and the Diabolical Box
If you like mysteries or brainteasers, then you’ll love this game. I recommend this one for the moms. (It is rated E10+.) In fact, I sent it to my mom, who is a major mystery buff, to review it for me. Even though she thinks that it is “hard”, she really enjoys playing it. She gets thrilled every time that she figures out a new puzzle. Since we both have the game, it was fun to share tips over the phone.
I have also played it. I did so as part of a team at the tea that I mentioned last week. It was interesting to see how everyone approached the puzzle. I’m very left-brained, so I’m good at the ones that are straight logic. I’m not as good with the ones that are so obvious (when you finally get them!) I think too hard. For instance, there’s a puzzle that talks about honest and lying cows. You have to figure out which cows are lying and which are telling the truth. In the instructions they mention that one of the lying cows is a “nowhey” cow. I couldn’t figure that puzzle out for the life of me. I showed it to my husband and he figured it out easily. He figured out the lying cow, because the cows said, “No way”. What (?!) In any event, there are over 150 brain teasers, riddles and logic puzzles in this game. The mystery buffs will also enjoy the animated movie scenes and story line as you ultimately try to solve a murder mystery.
Wii
-Active Life: Extreme Challenge Bundle with Mat
I enjoyed the Active Life Outdoor Challenge game that I reviewed back in September of 2008. That game really worked up a sweat. This version is even livelier. I especially love games like this for days when I don’t want to take the kids outdoors. This is a great way for them to run around and get rid of some of their energy in a constructive way! There’s a lot of variety, which keeps the game interesting.
I especially like that the game allows kids to “try out” extreme sports without my heart having to catch in my throat. Players can try street luge, skateboarding, kite-surfing along with BMX biking and other sports. (God bless Terry Adams’ and other professional BMX riders’ moms!) This game isn’t just for the kids though. It’s a great way to get in an unconventional workout, because you really sweat. There are 15 different sports to play, so there’s something for everyone. (On a side note, if you already have the control mat from the other version of ACTIVE LIFE, you can save $20 by buying the game without the mat for $39.99.)
-Jumpstart Pet Rescue
Last month, I wrote about the online version of the JumpStart educational game. The experience with the Wii game is pretty similar. I like it a bit more because I don’t have to download it on to my computer. My son likes it a bit less because the game stops a lot in order to load new areas. It’s good for his patience though! I also like that it has an ESRB rating of “Early Childhood”. (As a Wii family, it’s rare for us to find “EC” games that keep the kids’ interest for any extended period of time.) In any event, JumpStart is having a contest on their blog for a chance to win copies of this game. It’s educational and your young kids will probably enjoy it.
*Since I received one of the games (in the “barter” for the Del Monte Fruit Chillers Freeze & Eat Tubes), I’m giving away a copy of Professor Layton and the Diabolical Box ($29.99) to a lucky Mom in the City reader. To win, please tell me the name of your favorite mystery book/series in the “Comments” section below by September 30th.
