With winter breaks happening across the country, we tested two new video games (Mario Sports Mix for the Nintendo Wii and Pokemon Black/White for the Nintendo DS) to see if they'd keep our kids occupied, while staying in our comfort zone.
* Parents should know that all the games listed here have a component which allows players to either interact or compete with strangers. It's a good idea to have an open (judgment-free) conversation in your household outlining expectations and rules around interactive gaming. Always have an awareness of your child's activities when using these modes of play.
Mario Sports Mix
Why we love it: Mario was the hero of our own youth, back in the days when gaming was a 2-D, sit-on-the-couch experience. Mario Sports Mix offers all the cuteness and incredibly fun game play we've come to expect from this franchise, with Mario and friends competing against each other in various sports activities. You can play together (up to four players), so Mom and Dad can relive some of that Nintendo magic.
Of note: The Nintendo Wii has spoiled us for sports games that get us up off the couch and moving as a family. (While the results are never as intense a workout as actually playing sports, we appreciate breaking a light sweat while playing — makes us feel less guilty.) So while it bears the Sports moniker, we were surprised to find that the game was mostly about sitting and pushing buttons.
Who it's for: Mario fans ages 8 and up, preferably who have had plenty of physical activity already that day (or are planning to do some later in the day.
Mario Sports Mix for the Nintendo Wii, $47. Available at www.amazon.ca.
Pokemon Black for the Nintendo DS
Why we love it: If your under-eight year-old has the same Pokemon obsession as ours, you should consider one of these slick-looking DS games. Fortunately the games seem fairly easy to play (or pretend to play — so many rules to Pokemon in general that we don't quite get!) and great for long car rides. (Though Mom had to grab the DS a few times to maneuver a tricky move or two, which was way over our heads.)
Of note: We couldn't really see a huge difference between the two games. We had to research it and fortunately our friends at Common Sense Media broke it down for us: one character that is unique to each game and one world that is unique to each game. Hard to justify the double buy. Though if your kid is a very serious (very whiny) Pokemon lover, Best Buy is offering a $10 discount for those who buy both games.
Who it's for: Pokemon fans who are fast with their fingers (and able to understand all the wacky rules involved) ages 6 and up.
Pokemon White or Pokemon Black Versions for the Nintendo DS and DSi, $34. Available at www.bestbuy.ca.
Don't forget to check out our guide to choosing a game system.
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