Nintendo Console | Stuff Kids' Stockings With Fun, Family Games

November 19, 2009 – 5:02 am

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November 19, 2009

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Pre-teen gamers are known for pushing limits, and I have a hunch that many young gamers’ wish lists include a few titles grown-ups won’t find very merry.

Parents, you don’t have to give in — friendlier fun abounds. Surprise your pre-teen gamer with 2009′s best E-for-everyone to T-for-teen rated games.

This week marks the end of the pre-holiday releases for video games and store shelves are packed with new titles. If you’re looking to wrap up a great gift for your tween while avoiding M-rated (mature) titles, then you’ve hit the jackpot.

It’s likely your gamer owns a Wii since this latest Nintendo console has been the No. 1 seller for nearly every month since its inception. When the price dropped to $199 last month, more than 500,000 units were sold in America alone, according to the marketing research firm, the NPD Group. The young Wii crowd enjoys the more kinesthetic experiences, such as “Wii Sports” (included with the console). For more active gaming fun, try “Wii Sports Resort.”

“Wii Sports Resort” has a multitude of mini games for the included Motion Plus controller add-on. Also, make sure to get a second Motion Plus ($20) for multiplayer games. Older players will find “Wii Sports Resort” does not have the same staying power as “Wii Sports.”

For those who remember last year’s holiday guide, I strongly recommended “Boom Blox” for the Nintendo Wii for young players and the whole family. This year, Electronic Arts and producer Steven Spielburg didn’t disappoint with the sequel: “Boom Blox Bash Party.” At just $30, this half Jenga-clone and half Lego destruction set is a blast. It is rare to find a game this safe for kids that also is this appealing for adults.

If there is a gold standard in video games, it’s Mario. This week, Nintendo dropped a bombshell called “New Super Mario Bros. Wii” ($50). For the first time in many years, we have a new console side-scrolling Mario game, and it has never felt so good.

This is old-school Mario at his best, even on the new console. Jumping and running are as tight as ever and getting to work together with others makes this one of the best solo and multiplayer games made for kids. Be warned though, this game is very challenging. Nintendo was smart to offer in-game videos and new hint and help mechanisms to get through rough patches.

Nintendo has this season well in hand for the young and young-at-heart. If your gamer owns a PlayStation 3, I recommend “Ratchet and Clank: A Crack in Time” or “LittleBigPlanet: Game of the Year Edition” platforming fun.

Next week, check back for M-rated games for the mature gamer on your shopping list.

Marcus Anderson is a freelance writer and video game reviewer.

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Ratchet and Clank: A Crack in Time (Courtesy photo)

Anderson

Buyers’ Guide: Best kid-friendly games

• Super Mario Bros. Wii
• Wii Sports Resort
• Boom Blox Bash Party
• Ratchet and Clank: A Crack in Time
• LittleBigPlanet: Game of the Year Edition.

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