The Xbox 360 version of Instant Artist, the title that comes bundled with the $80 uDraw game tablet package, includes all the drawing basics — pencils, brushes, chalk and charcoals, and an infinite number of colors. You can easily fill or undo with one button, and a redraw feature lets you review your painting, as you drew it. A smart pallet system remembers your most frequently used colors and tools. 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.
Skylanders Spyro’s Adventure combines a video game with collectible toys, with a set of 32 plastic figurines (three come with it) that interact with the game using a “Portal of Power”. The toys “come to life” within the game for you to control when placed upon the Portal of Power. You take on the role of a powerful Portal Master and can control 32 different characters, including the fire-breathing dragon Spyro. As you explore the 3D world, you fight creatures, collect gold and solve puzzles while trying to save your world from Kaol, the evil Portal Master. Each interaction figure remembers your shared experiences and leveled-up abilities, allowing you to customize and power-up your toys, and bring them to life on a friend’s Portal of Power for co-op play and player-versus-player arena battles. This feature makes this one of the most innovative toy/video game marriages to date. 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.
We tried the Kinect version of Puss in Boots: The Video Game, and quickly became exhausted — in a good way — as we kicked, waved our arms, balanced, strummed a guitar, clawed and snuck our way through the first of what looked to be about four levels (we cannot confirm this). We also did not try the two player features. The PS3 Move compatible version lets you use your controller, or choose to use the Move remote and transform the gameplay into a full-motion sword fighting experience. In the Wii version, you use the Wii Remote to slash with Puss’ sword, the Nunchuk to dodge attacks, and button combinations to deliver damage to enemies. The handheld DS/DSi version continues the movie’s storyline with a new plot that has Puss engaging in swordfights, flamenco style dance battles, dozens of mini games, and rhythm-based activities. 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.
If you’ve ever tried to roll a marble through a maze (by tilting the game board), you get the idea of the Mercury games. In this new edition, called Hg (the element symbol for mercury), 60 new levels offer nearly unlimited challenge. Why? You can always go faster. The game uses the six-access motion sensing in the PS3 controller (we’re not sure how the Xbox version works) to move a ball of Mercury through a series of creative twists and turns. 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.
Here’s what you get when you cross a frozen Antarctic world full of penguins with a Guitar Hero theme. The musical rhythm adventure game for one or two players is inspired by the of the upcoming film Happy Feet Two. In the game, new dancers are threatening the penguin nation and everyone must work and dance together in rhythm to save them from extinction. How? By dancing, carefully matching the beat by tapping on your game controller or touching the screen (with the DS). 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.
PRESS RELEASE FROM SONY, SEPTEMBER 15 2011
Sony Computer Entertainment to Offer Software Development Kit for PlayStation®Suite Starting This November
SCE to Provide Strong Support to Content Developers for PlayStation®Suite With the Distribution of the Newly Developed Content Starting Next Spring
TOKYO, Sept. 14, 2011 /PRNewswire/ — Sony Computer Entertainment Inc. (SCEI) today announced that it will offer software development kits (SDK) for PlayStation®Suite (PS Suite), called “PlayStation®Suite SDK,” *1 for content developers starting this November. PS Suite is an initiative solution to deliver the world of PlayStation® to Android™ based portable devices.
This fast-paced shooting/fighting game gives you the fight you’d expect from a Transformer’s game. A new gameplay mechanic called Stealth Force lets you turn into a third, hybrid state that combines the weapons and firepower of Robot Mode with the agility and maneuverability of Vehicle Mode. Environments include Jungles of Central America, Siberian military facilities, Urban Cityscapes, and more, along with a diverse roster of Transformers characters to choose from as you try to save mankind. The PS3, Xbox 360, and Wii versions also allow for you to compete with or against friends around the world in multiplayer modes. Subscribers, please log into our database using your password to read the full review along with our rating.
In this game, you play as Po (a panda) and try to become a Kung Fu master by taking on enemies that vary in ability. This requires carefully timed punches and kicks and, with the Kinect version, plenty of room for this type of activity. The Wii version uses the uDraw Tablet, letting you customize your environment and control Po using the stylus; the DS version also gives you the ability to level up and choose from an array of moves as you perform team attacks. Subscribers, please log into our database using your password to read the full review along with our rating.
This newest Ben 10 game (based on the television series) lets you take control of Ben Tennyson and up to 17 alien forms including Armodrillo, WaterHazard and AmpFibian, as you jackhammer through enemies, unleash water blasts, and emit explosive radiation beams. You will journey to Paris, Tokyo, China and Rome in search of an ancient alien artifact that will help save humanity from a mysterious cosmic storm. You will use the power of the new Ultimatrix, an upgraded alien watch that transforms Ben into the most powerful, hyper-evolved alien forms ever in the game. The new Quick Switch feature allows you to transform from alien to alien quickly, and create custom alien combos, and the new Upgrade System lets you enhance your alien’s strength, speed, defense and special attacks by gaining experience from defeating enemies, collecting rare sumo slammer cards, and crushing cars, forklifts, furniture, and various objects throughout each level. Subscribers, please log into our database using your password to read the full review along with our rating.
This sequel to “StarWars: The Force Unleashed” (2008) is a “hurriedly thought out excuse for you to plow through a bunch of Storm Troopers” according to Chris, our intern tester. He reported “if you wanted to, you could skip all the cut scenes and really not miss anything. And this is coming from someone who tends to like cut scenes.” Even if a game is lacking a compelling story, it can still be fun. There’s something cathartic about slashing your way through wave after wave of essentially defenseless enemies. Aside from learning a few new attacks here and there things can get old. The bottom line? This edition isn’t as good as its predecessor. While this game had its moments and might be worth a borrow, it’s hard to justify the investment.
Teaches: fighting, timing, logic. LucasArts. www.lucasarts.com, $30. Best for ages 8-up.
Rating: 
or .775%
This edition follows the same design formula as its two predecessors, as well as many of the other LEGO games. At its heart, it’s really a puzzle game. During each level, you control one of a small party of characters. At any point, you can switch which character you control with the press of a button. Different characters have specific attributes, which are needed to solve each puzzle and progress through the game. For example, you may need a Jedi character in order to move a large block into place. Another interesting thing about the game play is that if a character runs out of health, he or she simply jumps back 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.
This third of the Hasbro Family Game Night series contains five classic board games from Hasbro. There are both classic and remixed versions of The Game of Life, Clue, Twister, Mouse Trap, and Yahtzee Hands Down. You can play in either local multiplayer capability (for up to four players) or — for the PS3 or Xbox versions — online. 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.
Content includes 40 new story levels across six themes. A new Create Mode lets you make better levels and new games across multiple genres. Some features have been simplified. You can reset the controller button for any object and change the rules to any level using Direct Control. Other new features include four-player offline/online multiplayer that lets you include scoreboards and other elements in your creations. There are new gadgets including a grappling hook for swinging, and power gloves for picking items up and throwing them; Customizable Sackbots; a cinematic cut-scene maker; new create materials including Filters, Plasma, and Electrical Neon; and new create tools including a Level Link Badge to jump from level to level. Developed by Media Molecule Ltd. for Sony. 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 game features play-by-play announcing by Tim Kitzrow, two campaign modes (Classic and Remix Tour), realistic looking players modeled after famous NBA players, Boss Battles against basketball legends, the rosters and logos of 30 NBA Teams, plus 100 unlockable items that include teams, characters, privileges, and mascots. 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 latest in the SingStar series, this party pack comes with the SingStar Dance game, two microphones, and SingStar USB converter. It combines both singing and dancing and is compatible with the PlayStation Move motion controller, allowing you to accurately track your dance moves as you follow the choreography of the on-screen avatar (note both the PlayStation Move motion controller and PlayStation Eye camera, both sold separately, are required to utilize the dance functionality). The game features music from artists such as Lady Gaga and Kid Cudi, as well as classic pop music from The Jackson 5 and Blondie. 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 third edition of Rock Band plays the same as previous versions, but includes more music (up to 1,500 songs via download), a new handheld keyboard peripheral, and up to three-part harmonies that can accommodate bands with up to seven members. Besides the additional content, the game play is similar. Content includes 83-songs, plus access to existing Rock Band tracks (Rock Band and Rock Band 2 discs, downloaded songs, track packs, AC/DC Live: Rock Band Track Pack, LEGO Rock Band and Green Day: Rock Band). That’s quite a mix of music. New three-part vocal harmonies that were introduced with The Beatles: Rock Band are included in this version, providing you have the microphones, so up to seven players can play at once. Developed by Harmonix and published by MTV 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.
Featuring a darker theme and limited game play, this mostly one player action adventure lets you explore a beautiful 3D rendition of the Deathly Hallows, as Harry Potter. Content includes 12 levels, with eight types of spells. Subscribers, please log into our database using your password to read the full review along with our rating.
This inventor’s toolkit lets you mix various objects such as basketballs, ropes, ramps and rockets in order to reach a goal, such as to get an ice cream truck through a flaming hoop. Like “The Incredible Machine,” each puzzle has multiple solutions, and increases in difficulty as you play. The goal is to earn spark points by solving mechanical puzzles. Each set of puzzles is found on a themed island that is floating on a cloud. For example, on the transportation island you use a ramp and a rocket to get a moving truck across a bridge. Other islands deal with outer space or a circus. The program was made by EA’s UK-based Bright Light Studio. Subscribers, please log into our database using your password to read the full review along with our rating.
This edition of The Sims gives you millions of hair/clothing/facial feature/body type combinations; along with many of the features of the Sims games. You can give your Sims unique personalities, make them them evil, romantic, paranoid, kleptomaniacs or a mix of something completely different. You can control their destinies, determine whether or not to fulfill their desires or let their dreams die, or let them try to become a rock stars. 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.
EA’s promise of “simpler, quicker, and deeper” has come true with Madden NFL 11. The new GameFlow playcalling system automatically selects the best play for your team based on authentic NFL game plans. This means you can now spend less time in the huddle and more time on the field, and play a full game in as little as 30 minutes. The Dual Stick Control allows you to play using only the two control sticks for easier play. Developed by EA Tiburon. Prices are $60 for Xbox 360 & PS3 versions, $50 for the Wii, and $40 for PS2 and PSP. 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.
Content includes 90 tracks from bands including Black Sabbath, Megadeth, Queen, and Kiss. Other new features include a Quick Play mode, where you can test your skills and earn rewards with up to 13 challenges per song, and Party Play Mode which allows you to jump in/jump out of game play or switch instruments without the stopping the music. The stand alone game is $60. A $100 bundle includes the game and new guitar; the complete set (with controller, drum set, and microphone) costs $180. 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 game mechanic is very similar to Guitar Hero, requiring timing, matching and beat awareness. Modes include Freestyle (mix, scratch and sample during set points), Play (start and stop spinning on the fly, drop-in or drop-out of lyrical gameplay, and switch difficulty level without interrupting the party), Competitive (includes DJ Battle, Star Battle, Accumulator, Checkpoint and Streak) and Empire (start as an up-and-coming DJ and become head of a major entertainment empire). Developed by FreeStyleGames for Activision. Prices are $60 for the standalone game, $100 bundled with one turntable controller, and $150 bundled with two turntable controllers and a microphone. 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.
Tiger Woods PGA Tour lets you play as either the U.S. or European squad and play your way through the Rider Cup tournament on the Celtic Manor Course, taking on the role of the team captain if you like as you participate in various competitions including foursomes, fourballs and singles. An online mode lets you play with or against up to 24 players. 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.
Sports Champions is the game that comes bundled with the Sony Move controller, which is required in order to play the game. You start by choosing an avatar, and then choose from Disc Golf, Gladiator Duel, Beach Volleyball, Archery, Table Tennis and Bocce. Each controller must first be calibrated — a 30 second or so routine in which you line yourself up with an animated figure on the screen. 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 game takes place in four universes from Spider-Man lore, each with a distinct art style(Amazing, Noir, Ultimate, and 2099). Each Spider-Main has special skills and strengths. The game takes you to new locations not seen in previous Spider-Man games including jungles, deserts and urban terrain’s as you try to contain the magical energy of the Tablet of Order and Chaos, which has been shattered and sent hurtling across parallel universes. 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.
MySims SkyHeroes is a flying simulation with race and dogfight modes. In the game, you try to shoot down Morcubus and his drone army, and his plans to take over the skyways. Better flying earns you plane upgrades better engines, and things like camouflage to conceal the plane and avoid enemy fire. Subscribers, please log into our database using your password to read the full review along with our rating.
This interactive comic book lets you become either Iron Man or The Incredible Hulk as you save the universe. In the story, the Super Hero Squad must find the lost Infinity Stones and battle evil villains, including Thanos and Dr. Doom, who are trying to destroy the universe. You smash your way through each level, in the three game modes, unlocking new costumes, powers and challenges. The DS version features six levels. 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.
LEGO Harry Potter: Years 1-4 features levels inspired by the first four Harry Potter stories. Designed with TT’s famous drop in, drop out interactivity (so you can explore and collaborate with a second player). As you explore, you can do more than walk — you can can also drive a cart and fly a broom. 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.
Testers found this year’s FIFA Soccer 11 to be more realistic and hard to stop playing. New features include the ability to compete 11 versus 11 in online play, with control of all 22 players in your hands, including the goalie. The game also introduces new Pro Passing where pass accuracy is determined by your ability on the control pad, and player skill, situation, and urgency on the pitch. Prices are $60 for Xbox 360 and PS3 versions, $50 for the Wii, $40 for PS2 and PSP, and $30 for Nintendo DS. We tested the PS3 verison. 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 latest game in Disney’s Sing It Series, this karaoke game turns your Wii or PS3 into a well designed, pitch-sensing vocal coach. Content includes 30 songs with on-screen lyrics from the most popular Disney classics. The song list includes Cruella De Vil from 101 Dalmations, Be Our Guest from Beauty and the Beast, and The Bare Necessities from Jungle Book. Subscribers, please log into our database using your password to read the full review along with our rating.
On a recent visit to India, I was videotaping in a preschool. During a music lesson, I flipped the viewfinder on my camera around, so the children could see their own faces. The effect was immediate. Faces became animated, and eyes started to sparkle, and the teachers wouldn’t let me leave until everyone had a turn. The event was a reminder of how powerful it is to see yourself on a screen. This trick is being exploited by both Microsoft Kinect and the Sony PlayStation Move, with titles like EyePet (page 16) and Kinectimals (page 18). What does this expanding form of human computer interface (HCI) mean for children? Here’s a starter list:
• New exercise, sports and dance games will watch, score and rate a child.
• The line between concrete and abstract could blur with augmented reality techniques (see http://bit.ly/9h0rva). A traditional block, toy, book or playing card could jump to life, inside a 3D screen.
• Point, click, drag and drop will be replaced by a voice and motion.
• Skype-like plugins could make game sharing as routine as starting up a game and giving a voice command.
• New motion-based methods could help children learn to read and hard-wire abstract math relationships to their hand.
This welcome step away from abstraction has created a new set of research questions for educators and designers. There’s never been a better time to ask “how can we tap this power for the benefit of children?”
Here’s a video that shows off the latest features of the Sony PlayStation Move.
Enjoy our Back to School issue!
We tried the PS3 version of this game (with a load time of nearly 10 minutes!) and found the game to deliver on the kinds of battles you’d expect to find in a Transformers game. In the story, your goal is become the ultimate weapon as a Transformers character in the final, epic war that will determine the survival of their entire race. Features include a variety of weapons, and the ability to convert from robot to vehicle at any time for air or land battles. There are different multiplayer modes and you can play through story missions, using the drop in/drop out online co-op play. Prices are $60 for Xbox 360 and PS3, and $40 for PC. There are also two versions available for the Nintendo DS — Transformers: War for Cybertron Autobots and Transformers: War for Cybertron Decepticons, rated E10+ and priced at $30 each. Subscribers, please log into our database using your password to read the full review along with our rating.
In this game, you play as Buzz, Woody or Jessie as you run, ride and fly through scenes inspired by the film. For example, in one scene, you jump along the cars of a moving train, ducking under low poles or swinging buckets, and navigating across train cars with moving logs. You can complete missions to earn rewards such as gold and new customizations, and purchase new toys with your virtual earnings. Or you can customize new buildings, and then change how they look with paint and accessories. A “Toy Box” mode lets you add new characters and game elements. Developed by Avalanche Software for Disney Interactive. 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 action-arcade racing game is set within a reality TV show, in a made-for-TV city. As you race, you try to collide with other vehicles to send them off the track, in order to trigger events that change the race. The game features a variety of game modes in 2-player split screen, along with online racing for up to eight players. Subscribers, please log into our database using your password to read the full review along with our rating.
We tested the Wii version of this third-person action shooter, designed for one player. You can choose to play as either Iron Man, or War Machine, as you shoot bad guys and try to save the world from destruction. You can either run around, or fly using your jet packs, using a rather complicated menu system to track such things as damage. Subscribers, please log into our database using your password to read the full review along with our rating.
Join the world’s largest soccer tournament from the comfort of your home, as you battle your way through 199 teams from around the world. The World Cup is the largest sporting event and this is the only official and exclusively licensed video game for the 2010 FIFA World Cup in South Africa. You can take your home nation team from qualification through a virtual re-creation of the World Cup Final. And, for the first time, you can play out the World Cup in a full online tournament mode against fans from other countries. You will compete under the same conditions that your team will face in South Africa, from the group stage through the knockout rounds, to the chance to win the 2010 FIFA World Cup. Subscribers, please log into our database using your password to read the full review along with our rating.
In Avatar The Game, you either fight with the Na’vi, Pandora’s indigenous people, or against them, as a soldier of the RDA Corporation, using customizable weapons or clan-specific skills. As you unlock levels, you acquire new skills. You can also create your own character, drive the vehicles and ride the animals of Pandora. 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.
Based on the DreamWorks Animation movie, this game lets you train dragons, explore the Island of Berk as Hiccup or Astrid in Story Mode, and battle in dragon tournaments for Viking victory in Action Mode. The “Create Your Dragon” feature allows you to customize six different types of dragons. You can also “level up” your dragon’s speed, power, fire and other abilities through training to face the Viking challenge and become the ultimate dragon trainer. You can then use your trained dragons to battle friends. Subscribers, please log into our database using your password to read the full review along with our rating.
Coming this fall, LEGO Star Wars III: The Clone Wars, the next chapter for the series that was one of the first to bring drop-in, drop-out interactivity to the games.
DJ Hero Renegade Edition Turntable
This game expands on the gameplay mechanics of Guitar Hero but instead of pressing buttons, you use a turntable controller which, at times, has you bending streams of notes to earn a higher score. There are 100 songs highlighted in 93 mixes that blend genres of music, including hip-hop, R&B, pop, rock and electronica.
The turntable controller allows you to use and master various DJ techniques including scratching, crossfading and sampling. So you can learn some real DJ techniques. The game features five levels of play: beginner, easy, medium, hard and expert. Subscribers, please log into our database using your password to read the full review along with our rating.