Skating/surfing and SpongeBob come together in game for the Kinect (we did not test the DS version). In the game, you must move down a hill (or a river ) and steer to avoid obstacles. In the story, the friends have strayed from Bikini Bottom and landed on a beach. The game features a two player mode that lets you surf or skate side-by-side. The DS version contains a wireless multiplayer function that we did not test (ratings apply to the Xbox version), and a single player mode lets you set off on a road trip with SpongeBob and friends. Content includes 12 courses (six waterways and six seaside streets). The DS version contains 24 boarding maps and 10 unlockable snowboarding stages. Developed by Blitz for Xbox ($50) and by Sabarasa for the Nintendo DS ($30). Subscribers, please log into our database using your password to read the full review along with our rating.
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.
This game came from an extremely non-educational company, called Double Fine, best known for games that the ESRB says are not for children. See for example, Brütal Legend. This time, Double Fine has taken on an even harder-to-please audience — preschoolers. After you log into your Xbox account (required in order to bookmark your progress) a storybook is introduced by Elmo and friends, and you are shown how you can turn pages with a slow wave of your arm. To jump into the page to play an activity, you move both arms slowly as if doing a slow breast stroke. Each page features a different activity, including jumping through an obstacle course (jumping, ducking and leaning left or right), growing a garden by tossing seeds and squirting a hose, flying through a maze by flapping your “wings,” dancing, pulling weeds, and calling out your name, to have it recorded by the Kinect 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.
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 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.
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.
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.
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.
Designed by the same team that made Brain Age for the Nintendo DS back in 2006 (Dr. Ryuta Kawashima), Namco’s Body and Brain Connection takes advantage of the Kinect’s ability to know where your body is at any given time, bringing an exciting new twist (at times literally) to the puzzles. To enter your answer, you might have to kick balls into a goal, or move your arms in order to line up bridges to direct a moving stream of traffic. Like the older Brain Age title, you are given a pre-test, and your progress is recorded as you play. If you do better, the challenge increases, but if you start getting wrong answers, the challenge decreases. Content includes twenty activities designed to cover math, logic, reflex, memory and physical-related exercises. 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 first Sonic to have hands free controls, Sonic Free Riders lets you and another player (optional) go head-to-head on 30 tracks. As you score points, you can unlock new accessories for your character. There are several modes of play, including free race; tag race; and relay race. In each, you can pick up and use items to slow down your competitors. For example, you can throw a target torpedo to take out a racer or roll a giant bowling ball to clear a path. Subscribers, please log into our database using your password to read the full review along with our rating.
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.
Five sports — for 1 to 4 players — are designed specifically for Microsoft’s Kinect controller. After you sign in, you can choose from skiing, horseback riding, hang gliding, football, soccer and boxing. As you play, commentators evaluate your progress, and your photo is taken, displayed on billboards after each challenge. 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 animal simulation experience for one player takes the Nintendogs concept to the big screen, with “extremely cute” realistic-looking tiger cubs and plenty of opportunities for jumping, throwing, driving and dodging. After you watch an introduction that can’t be skipped, you get to adopt one of five pet cubs (all giant cats), who will lead you through different areas of a remote island, full of movement challenges. Content includes an obstacle course (move through a maze, balance logs, duck to crawl through a tunnel, and so on), and a copy-cat experience where you teach your cat tricks using motions or voice commands. Created by Frontier Developments Ltd. for Microsoft Game Studios. 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.
One of the original set of Kinect games available at launch, this a collection of six sports: soccer, table tennis, volleyball, track & field, bowling and boxing. There are both one and multiple player modes, including a Party Mode. Developed by Rare for Microsoft. See also Kinect Motion Sports from Ubisoft. Subscribers, please log into our database using your password to read the full review along with our rating.
Designed for 1 to 4 racers (in split screen mode, if necessary), Kinect Joy Ride is a classic driving simulation where you “drive” by holding an invisible steering wheel in your hand. The more you drive, the more tracks and cars you unlock. Five games include Race, Stunt, Dash, Trick, and Smash. You control your car by steering with your hands, throw your hips into it to drift through the turns, and move your body while flying through the air to perform tricks. Developed by BigPark Inc. for Microsoft. Subscribers, please log into our database using your password to read the full review along with our rating.
This is the collection of 20 fast paced Kinect activities that comes bundled with the Kinect Sensor ($150). After you sign in and choose your profile, you pick an activity by waving your hand left or right. By holding your hand over an activity icon, you can start playing. Games include Rallyball (swat at balls and hit targets), River Rush (stand up rafting), Reflex Ridge (a high altitude fitness course), Space Pop (fly around the room, waving your hands to pop bubbles) and our favorite, 20,000 Leaks (move your hands and feet to stop leaks in a glass wall). Developed by Good Science Studio for Microsoft. 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 one-player game for Microsoft Kinect (required)features fights inspired by illegal free fighting tournaments to compete against opponents who are trained in different fighting styles. Fight settings include rooftops and alleys and content contains 70 moves that can be mixed and matched. The more you win, the more you unlock; and progress is saved automatically. Subscribers, please log into our database using your password to read the full review along with our rating.
Ten fun, typical sports games come to Kinect, but are buried behind a frustrating setup menu. The sports include boxing, skating, skiing, tennis, snow boarding, volleyball, fencing, archery and shooting. Subscribers, please log into our database using your password to read the full review along with our rating.
See yourself on the stage, as you try to keep up with a cast of experienced dancers in this dancing program. Content includes 30 tracks of music, each with a dance, from a variety of genres including Hip Hop, R&B, Pop and Techno. In order to know how to move, you have to first learn a system of markers, step ripples, poses and streams. There are four levels: Light – one or two markers per bar; step ripples and posing, and occasional streams; Standard – one or two markers per bar; step ripples and posing, with moderate normal ripples, front ripples, rock ripples and streams; Extreme – two or more markers per bar, markers in eighth will appear, and entire variation of the ripples will appear; and Stealth – hardest of all levels with extreme mode with markers off screen, just follow the model’s movements. Subscribers, please log into our database using your password to read the full review along with our rating.
After you log in, choose a song and a difficulty level, you see yourself represented on the screen by a male or female dancer. Your goal is to follow along, copy-cat style. The better you match the moves, the higher your score. Content includes 90 dance routines for both beginners and experts, plus 650 dance moves and a soundtrack of 32 songs from current pop, hip-hop and R&B artists. You can choose from one of eight characters to dance in one of ten venues including a school cafeteria or a mansion. A Dance Battle mode lets you compete against another dancer to see who wins. Other features include tracking calories burned as you dance, the ability to download additional songs and routines, and an open-ended photography mode where your picture is taken, in a variety of poses. Developed by Harmonix/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.
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 snowboarding simulation for 1 or 2 players contains a good tutorial and up to seven themed courses. As you move down the hill, you can do tricks, leaning left or right to steer. Subscribers, please log into our database using your password to read the full review.
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.
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.
Realistic but hard to learn, this hunting game contains ten North American hunting regions, stocked with whitetail deer, mule deer, elk, moose, bears, boars and big horned sheep. There are three gameplay modes: Quick Hunt, Season Hunt, and BPS Challenges. You can also battle other hunters in single-console multiplayer and five social arcade games: Target Range Shooting; ATV Racing; Blind Fire; Duck Hunt and Forest Frenzy. Content includes a variety of weapons, supplies and gear including rifles, shotguns, bows, calls, scents, blind, an ATV and GPS mapping technology. The Wii version comes with a rifle controller ($40/bundle) that, when paired with the Wii remote is designed to create a more realistic hunting experience. 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!
