Available in both free and “Pro” ($.99) versions, TonePad lets you compose rhythmic simple songs by arranging dots (or notes) on a 16×16 grid. Like the pins on a music box, each dot activates a tone, making it easy to make rhythmic and melodic patterns. The Pro version lets you compose your own ringtones. Subscribers, please log into our database using your password to read the full review along with our rating, and see why this received our Editor’s Choice Award.
Seek Your Own Proof is a web-delivered detective adventure that follows the story of three investigative siblings – Aidan, Milanie, and Heiko Munro on a series of missions. Each Flash-based mission is sold for $4 (the first one is free, after you register); or you can buy ten for $20. Created by Canadian-based Rocketfuel Productions, in partnership with Discovery Kids. Subscribers, please log into our database using your password to read the full review along with our rating, and see why this received our Editor’s Choice Award.
Play as Grace Styles, a young designer at the Satisfashion Design House. You travel about to different famous cities around the world, displaying fashions at two shows in each. Each show consists of three parts – the first is where you put clothing and makeup on your models that match the theme and season of the show (each piece of clothing has two symbols associated with it). The next phase is the show itself, which is again, matching symbols. Then you determine which buyers to present your clothing to, once again, matching symbols. Finally you can create your clothing by coloring inside the lines and connecting the dots on the touch screen. Subscribers, please log into our database using your password to read the full review along with our rating.
Book Buddy is a small, mouse-sized digital audio player and a book. The idea is to start the audio, and follow along with the text; listening through the included headphones. The stories are narrated with a human voice with sound effects. Two books come pre-loaded on the device, and are included in the $30 price: Home Run (reading level 3-4) and Touchdown (Level (5-7). There are 15 titles in the series including Bold Moves: A Dancer’s Journey, Full Speed Ahead, and The Biz. Prices are $30 for the Book Buddy with one title (two levels), $70 for six copies of any Future Star Series title, and $300 for the entire library of 15 titles. Includes batteries and headphones. Subscribers, please log into our database using your password to read the full review along with our rating.
These 1/2 inch thick musical instruments are good for pretend jamming. There are three components — a guitar, a drum set, and an amp. Each is powered by batteries. The surface of each instrument is touch sensitive, covered with a capacitive paper Wowee calls “Active Graphics Technology.” This allows you to strum the guitar or tap on the drums by merely brushing the tip of your finger across the surface of the instrument (not unlike an iPhone or mousepad). Each instrument includes 3 songs that you can play along with, and there are six versions of the guitars and drums, for added variety. You can also control the guitar & drum rhythm for each song. There are 18 songs in Series One (3 per guitar/drum pad) including Sweet Home Alabama, Hey There Delilah, All Star, Born to Be Wild, Rock Star and others. Subscribers, please log into our database using your password to read the full review along with our rating.
In case you needed a reminder you’re living in a digital age, how about 100 full-length books, like The Wonderful Wizard of Oz and Robinson Crusoe, for $20, on a single Nintendo DS cartridge. After you choose your book, you can hold your DS sideways like a book, and turn the pages by swiping the screen, or pressing the arrow keys. The game cartridge contains an assortment of books, ranging from The Jungle Book for kids, to The Adventures of Sherlock Holmes for teens, to Pride and Prejudice for adults. Each book includes a biography of the author and a synopsis of the plot and characters. Subscribers, please log into our database using your password to read the full review along with our rating, and see why this received our Editor’s Choice Award.
Like it’s 2007 predecessor, you find yourself immersed in a planetary hopping theme, where the conventional rules of physics don’t always apply. You steer Mario through each maze-like level; flying, jumping or working upside down. New power-ups include a drill that Mario uses to tunnel through the planet’s surface all the way to the other side of the planet. Your goal is to collect as many Power Stars as possible, rescue Princess Peach and defeat Bowser. Other content includes the ability to transform yourself into either Cloud Mario or Rock Mario, which enables Mario to create temporary cloud platforms, or to smash through obstacles. With the Spin Drill, he can tunnel from one side of a planet to another. Subscribers, please log into our database using your password to read the full review along with our rating, and see why this received our Editor’s Choice Award.
The original game was a number-based grid puzzle where players filled in squares to reveal the hidden picture. In Picross 3D you must reveal a 3D image that is hidden inside a larger rectangular block composed of smaller squares, using the stylus to remove the blocks. You use a variety of numerical clues placed upon the rows and columns of the larger form. The clues indicate the number and possible grouping of blocks within that row or column. When there are no clues present, you must use logic and the clues on surrounding areas to determine where blocks should be removed or left in place. Subscribers, please log into our database using your password to read the full review along with our rating.
As you move around the map of a town, you can visit ten locations where you “talk” (read dialog boxes) to shop keepers or other characters. At various points, some of the words are highlighted, and by touching them you can look them up in a dictionary and add them to your word list, earning you points. The more words you collect, the more points you earn, and the faster you level up. In other places, you can earn more points by completing word multiple-choice style games. Content contains 45 new words per level, for a total of 450 vocabulary words, that cover math, science, and social studies. The game was funded by a Star Schools grant from the U.S. Department of Education Office of Innovation and Improvement. It was created by Pacific Resources for Reading (PREL). Subscribers, please log into our database using your password to read the full review along with our rating.
The Club Penguin gang (complete with Puffles) comes to life, in this one-player problem solving adventure for the Nintendo DS or DSi. In the game, you become one of the agents of the Elite Penguin Force, as you attempt to finish a secret mission. After you log into your game from the main menu, you can choose to either start (or continue) your adventure, or play one of four mini games. Subscribers, please log into our database using your password to read the full review along with our rating, and see why this received our Editor’s Choice Award.
In the story, you’re stranded on a mysterious island when you come upon a book titled Myst, and you have no idea how old it is or where it came from. You read through the book and are provided with a description of an island world. As you search the island by choosing directions, multiple-choice style, you will solve mysteries and puzzles which will “challenge your skills of perception and thought”. The game features six worlds, called ages, including Stoneship and Channelwood. Borrow it if you’re a game historian. Otherwise, pass. Originally created by Cyan. Subscribers, please log into our database using your password to read the full review along with our rating.
Kung Fu Panda World (KFPW) is a richly animated Flash-10 based online destination for children aged 8-up that is free to register and play, or available as a subscription for $6/month sans commercials. In many ways, the site resembles a “design your own avatar, explore a movie-themed world” type of experience.
After you register, you can design your own avatar and start exploring the first levels of the game. A sponsored play game model lets you play for free, as long as you watch a commercial for a “kid friendly” sponsor like McDonalds. If you subscribe, you can skip the commercial and reach the highest levels of the game. There is no in-game commercial content. Subscribers, please log into our database using your password to read the full review along with our rating, and see why this received our Editor’s Choice Award.
Turn your Nintendo DSi into an ebook, with this series of six titles, found in Nintendo’s DSiWare store for 500 points (roughly $5). To buy the book, you must locate the store from your DSi or DSi XL (wireless Internet connection required) and select one of the titles. After you download the title from the DSi Store, you turn the DSi sideways, to open like a book. You can flip the pages by swiping across a page, or by using the arrow keys. Other features include the ability to unlock an additional bonus story, and the ability to beam a book to a nearby DSi owner, for sharing. The print version of the book was published by Egmont. The FLIPs title was created by EA’s Bright Light Studio. Subscribers, please log into our database using your password to read the full review along with our rating.
If there were such a thing as a “coffee-table book” for the iPad, it would be this one. It’s the kind of book you pick up once in a while to admire the aesthetics, but then forget about it, for possibly a very long time. Featuring 50 beautiful color prints (or pages) with creative fonts, Alice for iPad (short for “Alice in Wonderland” on the iPad) is a beautifully crafted, abridged version of the story of Alice in Wonderland, with the words take directly from the Lewis Carroll book. Subscribers, please log into our database using your password to read the full review along with our rating.
WarioWare D.I.Y includes 90 pre-made games, although you can download more. To create a game, you can use a library of pre-made graphics and a sound editor, or you can borrow elements from other games. The games can be shared over a local wireless connection (providing friends have the program), or swapped online with friends who have your friend code. Subscribers, please log into our database using your password to read the full review along with our rating.
Imagine Bikini Bottom as a demolition derby for up to four players, and you get the idea of this game. Content includes 100 boat mobiles that you try to knock off track. You play as one of nine SpongeBob characters and “crash-n-bash” your way to victory within demolition arenas throughout Bikini Bottom. The multi-player game allows up to four players to drive more than 100 customized boat mobiles, while trying to knock off and collect other boat parts in order to earn points and move up levels with the hope of ultimately earning your boat mobile license. Subscribers, please log into our database using your password to read the full review along with our rating.
This handheld GPS receiver is designed to lead you to one of the 250,000 geocache locations that are pre-loaded into the device’s memory. After you insert the two AAA batteries, you turn on the unit and go outside in order tune into the GPS satellites. The display shows compass heading, latitude and longitude as well as the ability to save your finds in memory. Subscribers, please log into our database using your password to read the full review along with our rating.
Based on the book Dragonology, this scavenger hunt game for the Nintendo DS lets you explore an interactive journal, travel the world, and learn ancient tracking skills to find dangerous dragons to study, protect and preserve. As you progress from apprentice to Master of Dragonology, you will build your own Dragonological Encyclopedia, and collect dragon curiosities which include dragon claws, scales, and teeth. Subscribers, please log into our database using your password to read the full review along with our rating.
In the story, you help Sylvie Leroux, a young archaeologist, as she travels to Malta at the request of her uncle, a world renowned historian. When she arrives, she discovers he is missing and it is now up to you to help her save the professor and decipher the clues to the secrets of the Knights Hospitaller order. Content includes 50 locations, 14 minigames, and a special game mode called Hidden World, that allows you to play classic hidden object levels. Subscribers, please log into our database using your password to read the full review along with our rating.
Inspired from the UK television show with the same name, this DS-only game puts you in the role of the sheep, Shaun. In the story, the other sheep have escaped and you must find the rest of the flock before the Farmer returns home. As you explore the barnyard, you must find hidden items, and interact with characters from the show such as Shirley, Blitzer and Timmy.
There are three modes: Story Mode, Mini-game Mode, and Collection Mode, with eight unlockable mini-games such as Baath Time and Bend It Like Shaun. Based on the television series from Aardman Animation. Subscribers, please log into our database using your password to read the full review along with our rating.
Update 2010: Now a thriving social community, (much like Club Penguin) Moshi Monsters (www.moshimonsters.com) is a family of six zany monsters that live in their own virtual home. The site is free to get into, but uses a velvet rope model; showing children content that requires a subscription to access. The cost is $6/month and up. Subscribers, please log into our database using your password to read the full review along with our rating, and see why this received our Editor’s Choice Award.
Easy and fun to play, Pony Friends 2 gives you what you’d hope for in a virtual horse game. After you customize and name your pony, you can earn points with good care, love, and winning at contests. In the Wii version, the Wii Remote and Nunchuk become the reins. Lift one higher to turn, or pull back to stop. We did not test the PC or DS versions, although we did notice that the DS version lets you talk to your horse using the microphone. Created by Tantalus and Eidos for Square Enix. Subscribers, please log into our database using your password to read the full review along with our rating, and see why this received our Editor’s Choice Award.
This one player helicopter flying game lets you buzz around a fictional Pacific island, shooting at tanks, buildings, boats and so on. There are 18 missions that use homing missiles, rockets, and cannons. You can fight against enemy helicopters, tanks, gunboats, troops and AA-guns, using the Wii remote to steer, control speed, take-off and land, and attack. Created by Team 6 Game Studios for Zoo Games. Subscribers, please log into our database using your password to read the full review along with our rating.
Combining a musical guitar game with a scavenger-hunt, this game lets you move around the Jonas Brothers studio, as one of the band members. The goal is to collect items, wake up the other band members, and perform in six concerts. As you explore, you can visit with the Jonas Brothers’ friends Macy & Stella, visit the TV show, and play along with songs including Live to Party, Keep It Real, and Why. Created for Disney by Altron. Subscribers, please log into our database using your password to read the full review along with our rating.
Like a lot of horse care and riding simulations, this one follows a familiar script. You are in charge of a horse, and must keep it healthy and happy by completing a variety of tasks. You start by signing into one of three game save slots, and choose a horse: French Saddle, English Thoroughbred, or Arabian. You can assign your horse a name and coat color, which is saved on the game cartridge. You can use the touch screen and microphone to soothe your horse, ride it and feed it treats. To ride in a ring, you must carefully follow a moving dot in a circle. If you get behind, you are faulted and must start over. Other times, you must tap on a set of dots, in rhythm. If you do a good job, you can purchase up to 80 items. The goal is to do well in the competitions to earn enough money to be able to unlock a hidden horse breed. Created by Neko Entertainment for D3 Publisher. Subscribers, please log into our database using your password to read the full review along with our rating.
Giving the term “computer bug” new meaning, Hexbug Nano is the fifth and latest model in a line of five types of single button-cell powered micro-robots on display during this year’s Toy Fair in New York. Created by the education company Innovation First, the bugs are great for introducing concepts like micro-mechanics, clean randomness, and the fine motor skills required to replace a single AG13 button cell battery, which gives the Nano it’s zip. Subscribers, please log into our database using your password to read the full review along with our rating, and see why this received our Editor’s Choice Award.
See it in motion here
Fantage, or “fantastic age” is a responsive, safe and no-fail MMO that resembles Club Penguin back in the good old days, minus the penguins. The Fantage theme is a bit like Disneyland with nine-themed areas, including a castle, a forest, a lighthouse, uptown, downtown and others. In each you can chat (freely but filtered) with others, invite others to become friends, decorate your room, or play 11 Flash-based games. Subscribers, please log into our database using your password to read the full review along with our rating, and see why this received our Editor’s Choice Award.
The second in the Endless Ocean series, this one player diving simulation and exploration game lets you learn about 300 species of marine life, from jellyfish to whales. If you played the first game, you’ll find this version to have a nearly identical look, feel and control mechanism. New features include the story element and the addition of content. Developed by ARIKA for Nintendo. Subscribers, please log into our database using your password to read the full review along with our rating, and see why this received our Editor’s Choice Award.
As in many scavenger hunt types of games, you explore, earning points and health by smashing statues, park benches, and hedges as you try to find your way to the next level. You can also become one of five Alice in Wonderland characters; each with different attributes. Note that the DS version has a very different design than the Wii version. It requires reading, and uses a different animation style; not like the movie. Subscribers, please log into our database using your password to read the full review along with our rating.
Are you hungry for more virtual cooking? This third Cooking Mama game for the DS includes new recipes, the ability to shop, dish combinations and multiplayer cooking challenges. Using your DS stylus, you will chop, grate, catch falling marshmallows and much more — in over 200 minigames. You can create 80 new recipes including chili con carne or mushroom quiche, and the recipes progress from simple to complex, from small to large dishes. Based on the quality of your cooking, you can earn bronze, silver and gold medals from Mama, while impressing your friends with your dishes. Developed by Cooking Mama Limited. Subscribers, please log into our database using your password to read the full review along with our rating, and see why this received our Editor’s Choice Award.
Now available for the DS, this Bookworm game features three game modes: classic, action and multiplayer. After you turn your DS like a book, and log into one of the three game save slots, you see a screen full of letter tiles. By connecting the letters with your stylus (up, down or diagonally) you can discover words. As with the game Scrabble, the longer the words, the more points. Note that versions are also available for the iPhone/iPod Touch and computer. Subscribers, please log into our database using your password to read the full review along with our rating, and see why this received our Editor’s Choice Award.
Zon is a free (registration required) virtual world — or MMOG — designed to teach English speakers Chinese language and culture through games and chat. There are five levels of play. First, you design your avatar, and then become a tourist at the Beijing Airport. You must pass through customs and get to your hotel, while completing challenges designed to accomplish various tasks.
You start by exploring to learn about myths and legends, investigating famous temples or shopping in public markets. Players can advance to rent apartments, buy a car, or own their own business. The site was funded by the Office of the Chinese Language Council International (Hanban) and Michigan State University. Disclaimer: I (Warren Buckleitner) went to this graduate school; one of the principle designers was on my doctoral committee. Learn more at www.enterzon.com. Subscribers, please log into our database using your password to read the full review along with our rating.
Great science and ecology content is combined with low levels of interactivity and a didactic presentation in Wonder Rotunda (www.wonderrotunda.com), a subscription-based ($45/year) web delivered service first released in the summer of 2009. In order to make the site work, you need a Flash-enabled browser and a credit card. No other software or downloads are required. We evaluated the service using a complimentary password provided by the publisher.
After you create a male or female character to represent yourself in the game show portion of the experience, you see a map representing 11 topics including: orchestra, rain forest, great barrier reef, American government, digestive system, Apollo 11, planet earth, kangaroos, healthy eating, the Serengeti and business adventure. By clicking on an area of the map, you launch a 20 minute or so animated adventure, in which pop-up facts appear. Subscribers, please log into our database using your password to read the full review along with our rating.
This follow-up to the My Baby virtual baby doll games lets you take care of a realistic onscreen baby (yes, you change diapers) from their 1st birthday until they’re 30 months old. You begin by choosing whether you want a boy or a girl and then give your baby a name. Next, you can customize your baby with new items such as outfits, toys, and decorate their room. Made in France by Dancing Dots Studios for Southpeak Interactive. Subscribers, please log into our database using your password to read the full review along with our rating.
How’d you like to become a sea turtle? This interesting app puts you inside the shell of a large sea turtle, and asks you to explore a 3D undersea environment in a race to label radioactive waste canisters. The game takes place in the future — the year 2016 and scientist have figured out how to turn turtles into living robots. Developed by Hiccup Studios. Subscribers, please log into our database using your password to read the full review along with our rating.
Designed to improve math skills, this math app uses a 3D tile-matching metaphor to deliver practice with addition, subtraction, multiplication, division and fractions. The goal is to touch two tiles that have the same amount (e.g., 4 and 2+2). If they match, the tiles disappear, and you search for the next pair, until all the tiles are gone. Subscribers, please log into our database using your password to read the full review along with our rating.
If you don’t mind the crude drawing resolution of the Wii Remote, the Wii version of Drawn to Life: The Next Chapter ($30) offers a lot of play value, with a creative twist. (Nintendo DS specific comments, later). As you explore, you draw characters and tools needed to find the Artifacts of Power and rid the Raposa village of evil. In addition to the one player side-scrolling platform environment, there are several two player minigames, including soccer, hockey and basketball.
The Nintendo DS version costs less ($20) and you can draw humans, animals or multi-limbed creatures easily, and use them to find hidden coins. Created for THQ by 5th Cell. For more information, visit www.drawntolife.com. See also ScribbleNauts. Subscribers, please log into our database using your password to read the full review along with our rating.
This very addicting $.99 app is best described as a vertical maze game, where you tilt your screen left or right in order to move a bouncing bug to the next floating platform. As you bounce higher, you run into harder challenges; some of which require shooting. Subscribers, please log into our database using your password to read the full review along with our rating.
Based on the young adult book by James Patterson, this explore and fight game lets you jump into the book, and possess the power of creation in order to save the earth from aliens that are bent on destroying the Earth. The setting looks like an old factory with elevators, boxes, portals, and magical walls. Made by Griptonite Games (A Foundation 9 Entertainment Studio) for THQ. Subscribers, please log into our database using your password to read the full review along with our rating.
A procedure in progress
MEET Ellen, a 59 year-old woman with advanced Parkinson’s Disease, waiting for you at http://www.edheads.org/activities/brain_stimulation/. She’s the patient, you’re the surgeon. During a 20 minute or so procedure, your mouse becomes a shaver, scalpel, drill and swab, as you work through each step of Ellen’s brain surgery. At the end, you can get a happy patient and a deeper understanding for what a real neurosurgeon does.