There are quality racing games abound, but not with the comedic antics of Nickelodeon’s Ben 10 gang. The latest PSVita version looks and sounds more real than ever, with 25 tracks and the ability to unlock additional cars. You can play as Ben, or one of the 15 aliens. Content includes 25 grand-prix tracks from five planets. Even if you don’t like the show, you’ll like the game. Teaches: racing, fine motor skills. D3Publisher of America, Inc.. www.d3publisher.us, $40. Best for ages 6-up.
Rating: 
or .9%
A cross between a Pokémon game and Animal Crossing (with a bit of “Carnival Games” tossed in), PokéPark 2: Wonders Beyond lets you play as one of four different Pokémon, including Pikachu, Oshawott, Snivy, and Tepig, as you make your way through PokéPark and try to save the missing Pokémon. Once you get to the Park (an exotic theme park) you can try your hand at different game attractions that can be played with up to four players using the Wii Remote. These include a shooting gallery, dancing, and flying through space in a race around the stars. As you explore, you can make friends with other Pokémon by playing games such as Chase or Hide and Seek. 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 themes in the last three Harry Potter books and the final four films, this single game, for nearly every platform, takes you through Harry Potter’s adventures in such places as Privet Drive in Little Whinging to Diagon Alley, Hogsmeade and Hogwarts, as well as new locations like Grimmauld Place. As you explore and collect LEGO parts, you prepare for the ultimate battle against Lord Voldemort. The game builds upon the gameplay, lessons and potion-making skills learned in LEGO Harry Potter: Years 1-4 to equip you with the tools necessary to challenge new and old enemies (including He Who Must Not Be Named). 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.
After you choose one of the four game save slots to save your progress, you can take the tutorial, which is recommended, to learn how to master each one of the 50 levels. This requires expertly matching button presses on the Wii controller with events on the screen to make parts on an assembly line or sink golf shots. If you hit the target beats, you are rewarded with an enhanced version of the song. Features include some additional 2-player rhythm 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.
This mashup from vintage 1980 cartoon super heroes combines actual footage from the Power Rangers TV show with a well designed fighting format for one or two players. In the DS version you use your stylus, and in the Wii version your Wii Remote as your sword to morph into a Red, Blue, Green, Yellow or Pink Ranger. Each has different properties, required to defeat each enemy. There’s a lot to explore — You can unlock secret passageways, access hidden levers, and follow mystical pathways to get hints on how to defeat the MegaMonster. Subscribers, please log into our database using your password to read the full review along with our rating.
Looking for a serious soccer game? Pro Evolution Soccer (PES) delivers plenty of sharp, realistic graphics and mixes it in with a set of intuitive controls. PES 2012 features include a more detailed career mode, improved teammate AI (artificial intelligence) so the players work better, better zonal marking and positional defending, and a new collision detection system. 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 second Just Dance Kids contains 40 new dances for 1 to 4 players, plus some new platform options (the last version was Wii only). The dances are led by a squad of real kids, who model the moves. Content includes songs from The Wiggles and Yo Yo Gabba, as well as covers of popular songs including Whip My Hair, Just the Way You Are and Burning Up. A shuffle mode lets you select your favorite songs for non-stop dancing, and there’s a playlist option, say, for a party. The Wii version features a four player cooperative mode, as well as a Balloon Mode where kids compete against each other to get more items and earn more points by shaking their Wii Remotes. The Kinect version tracks kids movements with the sensor and features a Create mode that lets kids star in their own music video and create their own original dances for any song. The Playstation Move version lets kids capture their dance moves using the PS3 camera to snap photos while dancing, and can be played with up to four 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.
Are you ready to “enhance your mind-body connection?” Drop this DVD into your XBox Kinect system, and you’ll have your own Indian meditation guru, at your service. The game is organized into seven types of meditations, each designed to help you focus and connect to your personal “flow state.” Each activity is introduced by Deepak Chopra, the relaxation expert best known for a long association with Michael Jackson.There are seven lessons, each introduced by Chopra’s relaxing, authoritative voice coaching you to relax– “imagine the air as water.” Subscribers, please log into our database using your password to read the full review along with our rating.
This cartoon adventure contains excellent music and fast-paced sidescrolling, with plenty of fights in between. On the DS, all the dialog requires reading, which makes this a language enrichment activity, as well. Created by WayForward for Warner Bros. Subscribers, please log into our database using your password to read the full review along with our rating.
Turn your living room screen into a hair and nail salon, with this mix-and-match type of creativity experience. In the story, Barbie is running an operation called Jet, Set & Style Inc. You will travel around the world on the Barbie Jet Salon to do hair, nails and to consult on fashion advice. As you play, you earn “fashionista points” which can be used for the chance to style Barbie herself, for a show in Milan. Developed by Game Machine Studios for THQ. Subscribers, please log into our database using your password to read the full review along with our rating.
Content of this two player game for Kinect and Wii includes 30 songs that feature Dora, Diego, and the Backyardigans as models. It is easy for a second player to jump into the dance, say for a mom or dad to dance along. Created by High Voltage Software, published by 2K Play for Nickelodeon Kids & Family. Subscribers, please log into our database using your password to read the full review along with our rating.
In the story, an alien spaceship crashes in the otherwise peaceful realm of Planet Pop Star, and its pieces are scattered throughout the land. You must guide Kirby to find the ship’s parts and help an alien return to its home planet. But, this time, Kirby is not alone. At any time during the game, up to three more players can join in and play as Meta Knight, King Dedede, Waddle Dee or a different color Kirby. The game features Kirby’s Copy Ability, which allows him to inhale, spit and transform as he encounters enemies. Other features include classic and new abilities including: Sword – Kirby dons a green cap and wields a sword; Beam – Kirby wears a jester hat and can shoot energy from a magic wand; Whip – Kirby wears a cowboy hat and can lasso enemies; and Leaf – Kirby is surrounded by a whirlwind of leaves. 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 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.
Combine the board game Monopoly with the zany spirit of Nintendo and you get Fortune Street, a fast-paced business game that contains 15 game boards based on popular Mushroom Kingdom and Dragon Quest locales. Using virtual dice, you move around one of 15 themed boards in random intervals, buying shops to build your portfolio and collecting symbols you can cash in at the bank to earn gold. You can play the stock market, purchase shops and collect shopping fees. Players with multiple shops adjacent to one another see them grow in value and their shops level up, and if another player lands on those squares they have to pay an increased fee. A beginner setting lets you learn the basics, and there is an advanced mode with more challenges, options, and the ability to play the stock market. 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.
After you plug in one or two mats into your Wii (for one or two players, or one player with two mats), you can choose from 80 music tracks that include classics and original music created specifically for the game by Vanilla Ice and Maxi Priest. There are three modes of play:School Mode, for new dancers, offers an option for training. More skilled players can choose the Challenge difficulty level, which also features a new Doubleplay functionality that allows a single player to play on two DanceDanceRevolution mat controllers simultaneously. The Workout Mode lets you enter your weight and track your fitness progress and estimated calories burned. The game features all new dance characters and is compatible with your Mii so dancers can capture a likeness of themselves or the dance partners. Prices are $50 bundled with the Dance mat and $30 for the standalone game. 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.
This collection of resort games takes place on a trip to Kawawii island, a virtual family resort. The game features co-operative and competitive events, and you can play with up to four players. Activities include sky diving, surfing, white water rafting, beach volleyball, tennis, miniature golf, snowball fights and shooting water guns. It is also possible to explore the island on horseback, through scuba diving, or riding snowmobiles. Subscribers, please log into our database using your password to read the full review along with our rating.
This playful baseball simulation features a roster of Nickelodeon characters that take on professional players from 30 MLB teams. The Nicktoons roster includes SpongeBob SquarePants, ZIM, Dudley Puppy, Fanboy, Chum Chum, and Ren and Stimpy. Major League players include Matt Holliday (St. Louis Cardinals), Andre Ethier (Los Angeles Dodgers), Miguel Cabrera (Detroit Tigers), Jason Heyward (Atlanta Braves), Cliff Lee (Philadelphia Phillies), and Robinson Cano (New York Yankees). 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.
Nearly identical in spirit to The Incredible Machine (1995, Sierra Online), this is a virtual invention lab with 100 levels, and 100 gadgets. The title is part of the thinkSMART series from Mentor Interactive. There are four modes of play: Action Mode – play alone and break the riddles; Co-op Mode – break the riddles with a friend; Party Mode – play against another; and Sandbox Mode – edit your own level to set up chain reactions and share with friends. Subscribers, please log into our database using your password to read the full review along with our rating.
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 seek and solve game you must unravel the mystery behind the Malgrave Island by using the Wii Remote to search for clues, solve puzzles and find concealed items in multilayered hidden object scenes. There are three multiplayer modes for up to four players, consisting of three rounds, and you can choose options such as skill level. Multiplayer games include: Swift Pick – compete to find hidden objects; Tick Tick Pick – find hidden objects and pass the bomb before it explodes; and Classic Pick – race to find the most hidden objects. 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 exercise program contains 155 exercises in eight categories including Hip Hop, Latin Dance, Aerobics, Boxercising, Karate, Karate Forms, Yoga/Pilates and Stretching. After you construct a profile, you are given a lesson on each exercise. The number of calories burned as well as METs (intensity of the workout) are displayed for each exercise. ExerBeat is compatible with both the Wii Balance Board and Wii MotionPlus. Subscribers, please log into our database using your password to read the full review along with our rating.
These twelve ingenious activities marry logical thinking with body motion, further establishing the Wii system as the leader in the kinesthetic interface. Note that you’ll need to have one of the newer Wii Remote Plus controllers (or an older one with the Remote Plus attachment) to make the games work. Fortunately a new black controller comes in the box. In Wind Runner, the controller becomes an umbrella handle that you must tilt to ride gusts of wind along a race course. In Spooky Search, you hunt for invisible spirits using the controller as a ghost detector. And in Veggie Guardin’, you use the Wii Remote Plus to swat away pests. The game features multiple difficulty levels for up to four players, and all the games can be played in both single player and multiplayer modes. The game comes bundled with one Wii Remote Plus controller. 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 Wii-only, follow-along dancing program is based on the movie, The Smurfs. Content includes 20 dances, each with different sets of moves illustrated by a small squad of strange looking Smurfs. Using a Wii Remote in each hand, you can dance alongside your favorite characters and heroes from the film, including Smurfette, Pap Smurf, Clumsy, Brainy, Gutsy and Gargamel. Songs include both popular tunes such as One of the Boys and Higher and original songs from the The Smurfs incluidng Smurfberry-licious and Gargamel. 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 two-player drop in, drop out game lets you take on the role of one of four fantasy characters from the Gormiti cartoon. In the story, Razzel is cleaning the library and knocks some old books into a Portal. The books travel down to the Island of Gorm, where a battle between vast armies is going on. The books land at the feet of Magmion, the evil Lava Gormiti, who reads a book and learns the legend of five sacred amulets which have been scattered across Gorm. Once the amulets are reunited the holder will have the ability to open an inter-dimensional portal to Earth. The Lords of Nature need to use all their powers to stop Magmion and save Earth. Got all that? The story is explained with subtitles in an introduction. Subscribers, please log into our database using your password to read the full review along with our rating.
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.
Grab your uDraw Game Tablet ($70, sold separately and required for play) and jump into SpongeBob’s world in this collection of mini-games. Like WarioWare, this game contains over 100 challenges that last no more than five seconds each, and require extremely fast reaction time. You must lean the tablet left or right to avoid a fly swatter, or tap the tablet to pop balloons. If you can successfully complete 20 challenges (which takes about 10 minutes), you can unlock a new set of puzzles. The games take advantage of the uDraw touch tablet, for example, you might scribble to uncover a hidden drawing, or draw a path through a maze. 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 35 level fighting game lets you become a Samurai fighter in ancient Japan. The title is more about strategy and exploring the levels than purely gory fighting. There are both free play and mission modes of play. The more you play, the more fighters and areas you can unlock. Progress can be saved in one of four game save slots. You control the weapons and armor, and decide which course to take to complete your mission. Content includes 35 warriors who can fight on foot or horseback. and can be customized. 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.
You can play with up to four players in various virtual game boards, in both competitive and cooperative challenges featuring Pac Man characters. Content includes 45 minigames including racing, eating, and rolling a giant snowball. There are three modes of play: Story Mode (lets you explore all the game board worlds); Mini-Game Mode; and Party Mode. Extra content includes the original arcade versions of Pac-Man, Galaga, and Dig Dug. Subscribers, please log into our database using your password to read the full review along with our rating.
Mario Sports Mix brings four sports to the Wii console. The games — volleyball, basketball, ice hockey and dodgeball, can be picked up and played with 1 – 4 players, with or without a Nunchuk (although a Nunchuk is preferred), in tournament or exhibition play, or against other real players, online. You can play as one of 12 Nintendo characters or as one of your Miis. There are some usual Mario style twists, for example, you can collect coins while you play to earn extra items, like a Koopa Shell to use as a shield in Dodgeball. 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.
Designed exclusively for the Wii, this game features characters from seven Disney channel shows, including Camp Rock, Sonny With A Chance and Wizards of Waverly Place. You can jump to a tutorial at anytime — even in a game, which is a nice feature, and the controls are explained well. The more you play, the more games you unlock. There are both circuit mode and free play mode, and high scores can be saved. Developed by Page 44 for Disney Interactive Studios. Subscribers, please log into our database using your password to read the full review along with our rating.
Based on the animated film, this game lets you take on the role of Yogi Bear in his efforts to save Jellystone Park from shutting down. The DS version is a traditional side-scrolling platformer for one player, where you try to steer Yogi through a maze, collecting food and parts to gadgets, while avoiding skunks, mean squirrels and tourists. There are three game-save slots, and progress is saved automatically. Subscribers, please log into our database using your password to read the full review along with our rating.
Designed to give future gymnasts a taste of competitive gymnastics, this is a collection of step-by-step exercises. After you sign in (progress is saved) to one of the three game save slots, you can take a tutorial, compete, or design your own routine. As the title implies, the game features Olympic Gold Medalist Shawn Johnson, in four events (uneven bars, balance beam, floor and vault). Subscribers, please log into our database using your password to read the full review along with our rating.
This one player exploration game is only Pokémon’s second appearance on the Wii. Using the Wii Remote turned sideways (handlebar style), you navigate through the PokéPark or participate in one of the races or other skill games that are scattered around the park. In the story, the rare Pokémon Mew summons Pikachu to the PokéPark to find the missing Sky Prism Pieces. You play as Pikachu in each zone of the PokéPark, exchanging bits of dialog (reading required) with different characters who need things, in order to get to the next level. Once you befriend a Pokémon, you play as them in a puzzle, making this game a fun way to meet a variety of better known Pokémon characters. It also keeps things interesting. 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.
Designed to work with the uDraw GameTablet (required) this is a screen adaptation of the board game where you sketch and guess clues. Content includes 3,000 clues, for up to four players or teams, and games can be saved for long-term play. The clues range in difficulty level. There are three game modes: Pictionary; Pictionary Mania; and Free Draw. 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.