If one word could describe this year’s Electronic Entertainment Expo, it would probably be “motion.” If that were expanded to three words, it might be “geeks looking silly.” Fortunately we had our camera, and the resulting mashup is called “The E3 Waltz.”
So now that we’ve reached the mid-point of 2010 and Toy Fair, E3 and ISTE are behind us, we’re able to start connecting some dots.
1. Nintendo is still in first place in the children’s software quantity and quality race. They also had the star of this year’s E3 — the 3D edition of the Nintendo DS, called the Nintendo 3DS. For the first time, a child can play with 3D photography.
2. Microsoft and Sony are playing catch up. But at least they’re in the race. It will be interesting to see if the Kinect connects with the public, at the estimated $150 to $180 estimated price. Based on the title list, they’ve definitely been drinking the Wii Kool Aide. The optical based Sony Move controller are also interesting.
3. The App Flood Continues. Flip through the feature reviews of this issue, and you’ll see some very exciting iPad experiences for children.
Video Games in Libraries? Absolutely!
“You can check out a movie or a book at a library. Why not a video game?” Starting with this issue, we’re beginning a series of articles designed to help children’s librarians use and circulate hardware. This includes a listing of recommend titles for starting a collection. Do you have experience with this topic? If so let us know! We’re also offering a new white paper, “Building Your Collection: 100 Library Friendly Video Games” for $25, in PDF format. Visit the order form.
NO MORE ESRB PARENTOOLS IN CTR
This will be the last issue of CTR to contain ParenTools, because the ESRB has discontinued the email service. It will be replaced by a web resource that will list the recently rated games. The plan is to push out a link to that page on a weekly basis through Facebook and Twitter, so if you follow the ESRB on either you’ll get a reminder. The ESRB is working to promote a set of mobile tools so that you can get summaries in the store, when you need them. Visit http://www.esrb.org/mobile.
HOW MUCH DO YOU KNOW ABOUT INSECTS?
In this month’s LittleClickers, we examine bugs, a timely topic for the summer. See page 4, visit http://www.littleclickers.com.
We hope you have a wonderful July!
If you can’t wait, have a look at our YouTube channel for some of our recent E3 footage, including highlights from the IndieArcade, and an advance look at Super Scribblenauts; one of the most exciting literacy titles of the year (now it recognizes adjectives, like “amazing.”)
On behalf of all of us at CTR, see you next week, and have a great July 4 holiday.
Alpine Skiing Downhill
This is a collection of 27 games for 1 to 4 players, set in a cartoon rendition of Vancouver, Canada, the host city of the 2010 Olympic Winter Games.
After you choose from the four game-save slots, you select an avatar — either one of your Miis or a Nintendo or Sonic character — and your country. If you have other players, you can play either cooperatively (e.g., from the same country) or head-to-head in competitive events.
Events include Alpine Skiing Downhill, Speed Skating, Figure Skating, and more. Most games are easy to pick up and play, although it is hard to win without good times. The game was developed by Sega of Japan, under the guidance of Shigeru Miyamoto. All in all, this is a fun collection of games that is well organized into a playful Winter Olympics theme. Borrow or buy. Made by Criware and Weathernews for Sega. Please log into our database using your password to read the full review along with our rating.