Mario Kart DS

Image from: http://www.gamerankings.com/ds/920788-mario-kart-ds/images/box60877.html

Mario Kart DS is part of the popular Nintendo racing series, in which players race their favourite Nintendo characters in karts against each other on different tracks. These "tracks include everything from simplistic figure-eight circuits and beach courses to street races that task [players] with avoiding traffic and racing around a giant pinball table" (Calvert, 2005, ¶ 2). This isn't the average kart race though, because the karts can be armed with weapons such as banana peels, opponent-seeking red shells, and opponent-shrinking lightning bolts to power-up the racer (Calvert, 2005, ¶ 1). As Harris states, "the series has never been about realistic racing, but that's its charm -- players still have to employ some proper racing skill and strategy, but the power-up element can throw off even the best driver" (2005, ¶ 4).

A great single or multi-player game, Mario Kart DS features: (1) eight single-player grand prix competitions that consist of four races each; (2) fifty-four single-player missions that consist of six groups of nine missions with a boss battle at the end of each group; and (3) battle-mode games, Balloon Battles, and Shine Runners, which can be played as either single-player or multi-player (Calvert, 2005, ¶ 2, 5, 7). In addition, this game allows players to connect with friends (up to 36 of them), rivals (players of similar ability), and regional or worldwide opponents through Mario Kart DS online, so there are lots of opportunities to race against real-life competitors (Calvert, 2005, ¶ 9). Finally, this game can be played in one of three classes (difficulty levels) - 50cc, 100cc, and 150cc - and as players progress through the different classes, there is a discernible increase in the speed and in the aggression of the players (Calvert, 2005, ¶ 2).

For reviews of this game, please refer to: Game Rankings.com http://www.gamerankings.com/ds/920788-mario-kart-ds/articles.html

This game made the play list, because it is a classic award-winning game. In fact, Mario Kart first appeared on the Super Nintendo in 1992 (Calvert, 2005, ¶ 1). As Harris asserts, "there's absolutely not a doubt in my mind: Mario Kart DS is the greatest Mario Kart game ever, which, in turn, makes it the greatest Kart racer game ever created" (Harris, 2005, ¶ 1). The delightful visuals and sounds effects associated with the series, make it a great gender-neutral game that children aged 10 to 12 would enjoy. In addition, Mario Kart DS makes good use of the functionality of the DS by utilizing both of the screens, which was one of our criterion. Namely, the top screen displays a close up of a player's character and the bottom screen displays a map, which not only shows the player's location on the circuit, but also the locations of power-ups, traps, and opponents (Calvert, 2005, ¶ 4). This game is also great for children, because it has a short learning curve due to the forgiving handling of the carts (Calvert, 2005, ¶ 6), which is remarkably tight and responsive (Harris, 2005, ¶ 5). However, the game also has lasting appeal, because there are numerous advanced techniques that racers can learn to shave a few seconds off of their times (Calvert, 2005, ¶ 6). Finally, one of the best reasons why this game would be a good addition to a library collection is that players, with some restrictions, can use a single copy of the game to race and battle against up to seven other people (Calvert, 2005, ¶ 7). The restrictions on circuit and character choice when using only one copy of the game, are lifted when each player has his/her own copy of the game (Calvert, 2005, ¶ 7). In conclusion, players aged 10 to 12 can learn good hand-eye coordination and strategy while playing this fun kart racing game.

SOURCES:

Calvert, J. (2005). Mario Kart DS review. Retrieved from http://www.gamespot.com/ds/driving/mariokartds/review.html?om_act=convert&om_clk=gssummary&tag=summary%3Bread-review&tag=stitialclk%3Bgamespace

Harris, C. (2005). Mario Kart DS. Retrieved from http://ds.ign.com/articles/666/666125p1.html

Mario & Luigi: Bowser's Inside Story

Winner of the Interactive Achievement Award for Best Portable Game of the Year, Bowser’s Inside Story is a completely unique, multi-character experience featuring mini-games, epic battles, and a hilariously-executed storyline and cast of characters. The storyline is born of the wonderfully bizarre premise that Bowser, Mario and Luigi’s most fearsome enemy since the original instalment of Super Mario Bros., has inhaled the two heroes after eating a poisonous mushroom fed to him by his own worst enemy, Fawful. For the duration of the game, Mario and Luigi’s gameplay exists inside Bowser’s stomach, while Bowser himself fights to regain his kingdom.

Bowser’s Inside Story features hilarious dialogue (Fawful was actually runner-up for GamesRadar’s Platium Chalice Award for most quotable character), accessible role-playing, and plenty of variety with its smaller puzzles and adventures. Due to the unfortunate situation that finds the Mario Bros., the gameplay is absolutely innovative and unique to the DS. Players are responsible for controlling Bowser, who stomps around on the upper screen in his typical loutish fashion, while switching often to Mario and Luigi, who are left to contend with various catastrophes in Bowser’s stomach. Negotiating between the two landscapes creates a cause/effect scenario where players’ actions with Bowser will affect what happens to the characters in his belly, and vice versa. Each succeeding level is appropriately difficult in relation to the previous levels, so players can develop their skills at a proper pace to prepare for what comes next. The game makes excellent use of certain DS features, using both screens as well as the microphone to increase the intensity of some of Bowser’s more ferocious attacks.

Bowser’s Inside Story has an E (for Everyone) rating, and contains comic mischief and mild cartoon violence. The game promotes teamwork between characters (allowing players to experience the effects of their choices and movements), fine motor skills, and offers a completely distinctive storyworld with countless opportunities for discovery and amusement. The early levels are playable by newcomers, but the later levels are demanding enough to challenge more seasoned players.

Image source: http://www.giantbomb.com/

Video source: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nW6YDv_EhnY

Some of the information contained in this post was gathered from reviews published on the following sites. Click the links below to read the full reviews:

Gamespot: http://www.gamespot.com/ds/rpg/marioluigirpg3/review.html?om_act=convert&om_clk=gssummary&tag=summary%3Bread-review

IGN: http://ds.ign.com/articles/102/1023475p1.html

1Up: http://www.1up.com/reviews/mario-luigi-bowser-story-review



The Legend of Zelda: The Phantom Hourglass

Awarded Game of the Year by IGN, Gamespot, and Gamespy, the most recent DS version of Zelda is an engaging, visually compelling role-playing game suitable for most age groups. Comprised of smaller puzzles, well-developed characters, a delightful over-arching narrative, The Phantom Hourglass presents a satisfying balance of a vibrant story and engrossing gameplay.

The story follows the character Link on a quest to save his friend Tetra, who has been kidnapped by the monstrous Bellum. Link meets and joins up with a number of vivid characters along with way, including the Ocean King, a fairy with a secret identity, and a treasure-hungry sea captain. The primary quest finds Link seeking out the spirits of Wisdom, Courage, and Power with the use of his Phantom Hourglass, and forging the coveted Phantom Sword. Optional side quests allow players to catch fish, tinker with their boat, and more – players can choose to settle into some of these smaller projects for more immediate payoffs and to develop their imaginative sense of the story world, or they can rush onward to find their missing friend.

The Phantom Hourglass uses traditional cel-shaded cartoon animation, which gives the game a polished and charming look. Use of the Nintendo DS stylus in this game is intuitive, and tutorials are consistently provided throughout for players having any difficulty with the mechanics of the game. Link’s movements, use of weapon, etc, are largely achieved by the player making circles, slashes, and other such motions with the stylus. The game makes excellent use of both DS screens, providing a map on the top screen on which players can make notes with the stylus, while gameplay occurs on the lower screen. As with other Zelda games, movement backwards to previously completed levels creates opportunities for new discoveries. Some fantasy violence garnered an E (for Everyone) rating; the tutorials, smaller puzzles, storyline, and innovative interface will appeal to the 10-12 age group and any fan of the Zelda series. The Phantom Hourglass promotes fine motor skills through use of the stylus, and allows players to be creative with their gameplay and approach to the scenario. The characters, world, storyline, and puzzles foster players’ investment in the game as a whole.

Image source: http://www.mobygames.com/

Video source: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yE6jTYVWjAc

Some of the information contained in this post was gathered from reviews and articles published on the following sites. Click on the links to read the full reviews:

Gamespot: http://www.gamespot.com/ds/adventure/thelegendofzeldads/review.html?om_act=convert&om_clk=gssummary&tag=summary%3Bread-review

IGN: http://ds.ign.com/articles/822/822825p1.html

Wikipedia:http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Legend_of_Zelda:_Phantom_Hourglass

Brain Age

Developed to provide stimulation to all parts of the brain at all levels, Brain Age has a wide variety of puzzles and can be played with groups of people. It focuses on making learning easy, fun, and socially interactive, and encouraging competition and group play. It has functions for all kinds of learning, including math, logic, music, memory recall, and writing. Whether or not its effects on the brain can be scientifucally supported, it is definitely a fun way for kids to solve problems from a lot of different disciplines. It has won a few awards connected to its intelligent game play and generally received positive reviews.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uGMOeYCa_jw

Sources:

http://www.brainage.com/launch/index.jsp

http://brainage.com/launch/what.jsp

http://www.brainage.com/launch/howto.jsp

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Brain_Age:_Train_Your_Brain_in_Minutes_a_Day!

Meteos Disney Magic

Based on the game Meteos, Disney Magic has players work through different levels, which involves trying to get three meteos in a row as they fall from the top of the game and then projecting them off the screen, which are themed like different Disney movies. Players are guided by Jiminy Cricket and Tinkerbell in their quest to help organize the vaults. It can be played individually, or with up to four players, and either vertically or horizontally. It differs from the original Meteo because the blocks can be moved left to right as well as up and down, except at the highest levels. The game generally received very positive reviews as a good puzzle game for children.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hR8qEXnV09Q

Sources:

http://www.gamespot.com/ds/puzzle/meteosdisneyedition/index.html

http://ds.ign.com/objects/824/824982.html

http://ds.ign.com/articles/740/740576p1.html

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Meteos

http://www.amazon.com/Meteos-Disney-Magic-Nintendo-DS/dp/B000GG5JO0

http://www.cduniverse.com/productinfo.asp?pid=7118033

WarioWare: D.I.Y.

WarioWare: D.I.Y. allows players to play and design their own microgames that they can then share with others. Players can also create their own music and comics. Helpful tutorials explain the design process step by step, but if players want to play games right away, they can play one of the 90 preloaded games. The story line is simple; Wario wants to make money by making and distributing games and needs players to help him. Wario himself is not the best role model: he is lazy and greedy; however, as you play more games, you meet a variety of other character common to the WarioWare universe. Each has its own unique personality and back story – although these characters are of minimal importance to the game itself and are primarily there for atmosphere. The games themselves are usually quite simple, with the player simply tapping the touch screen. The challenge is usually in the speed at which players must figure out the object of the game and complete it within the time limit. The short sequences and quirky humour would really appeal to both girls and boys ages 10-12. Check out a demo to see some of the microgames being played or the official website for more information. 

This DS game made the playlist because it was original and very highly rated:

http://www.metacritic.com/game/ds/warioware-diy
http://www.gamespot.com/ds/puzzle/madeinore/review.html
http://www.gamerankings.com/ds/954390-warioware-diy/index.html
http://www.commonsensemedia.org/game-reviews/warioware-diy

This DS game was designed to take advantage of the DS touch screen, relying heavily on the stylus to play and design games, create music, and draw comics, but it also takes advantage of the microphone, allowing players to hum notes that can be recorded when composing music. The amazing aspects of this game, though, are how educational and creative it is. When creating games, players learn how animation works, and have to draw and design backgrounds and objects. They have to learn how to create rules and win conditions using basic programming and an understanding of logical if-then statements to make their games playable. They also have to create music for their games, practicing music composition while learning about different instruments and creating notes and rhythm patterns. All the elements of game design are present, giving players an appreciation for the complexities, but also allowing them to be creative in their approach. The games can be quite simple and short, but that makes it easier for younger children to learn how to play and make games. The tutorials are a bit involved with a lot of reading, but the process is broken down into manageable steps. Players can use their creativity to not just create games, but music and comics as well. Sharing is also encouraged as there are three different ways to share newly created games: between DSs, online, and through the Wii. Libraries could host programs that involve children creating microgames and then sharing them with other DSs or with a Wii console. Players can enter competitions online to create a game based on a specified theme; therefore, this idea could be adapted to work in a library program that hosts theme game design competitions where children would create games on their DSs and then share the games with the group by playing the newly created games on a Wii console. Voting could take place and prizes could be awarded. In addition, the library could link this game to their collection by showcasing books on game design or music, or by featuring comics and graphic novels to accompany the comic making aspect of the game.

Overall, WarioWare: D.I.Y. made the playlist because it is gender neutral; has quirky humour and short games that are appealing to children ages 10-12; is highly rated by reviewers and users; takes advantage of the special DS features, such as the touch screen and microphone; teaches all aspects of game design, including drawing, animation, music composition, and programming; encourages creativity and sharing; can tie in well to library collections and programming; and is fun!

(Game description information was gathered from the review sites listed and the official WarioWare:DIY site: www.wariowarediy.com.)

(Image from: www.metacritic.com/game/ds/warioware-diy)

Elite Beat Agents

Elite Beat Agents is a rhythm game inspired by a similar Japanese DS game called “Osu! Tatakae! Ouendan!” but made to be more appealing to Western audiences. The main characters, Elite Beat Agents, are secret agents who use the power of dance to solve problems. A manga-style comic outlines the situation, and then a song is played and the agents dance to help save the day. Players make the agents dance by using the stylus to tap on numbered circles on the screen, in order and in time with the song, to successfully complete a level. There are also more complex stylus moves required where the player must drag a ball or spin a wheel. There are 19 songs to start, with further songs unlocked as players complete levels.  This game can be played by up to four players, playing either cooperatively (sharing notes to pass the song) or competitively (playing in teams to get more notes). It has a broad appeal because it is gender neutral (although the agents are male), and because there are a variety of new and old popular songs to please a wide range of music listeners of all ages. For some, it may be hard to visualize this game, so watching a demo may be helpful.

This DS game made the playlist because it is very highly rated and considered by many to be the best rhythm DS game out there:

http://www.metacritic.com/game/ds/elite-beat-agents
http://ds.ign.com/articles/743/743324p1.html
http://www.gamerankings.com/ds/933052-elite-beat-agents/index.html
http://www.commonsensemedia.org/game-reviews/Elite-Beat-Agents.html
http://www.gamespot.com/ds/puzzle/elitebeatagents/review.html?om_act=convert&om_clk=gssummary&tag=summary%3Bread-review

Not only do many people enjoy playing it, but it has inspired some fun fan videos:

http://www.escapistmagazine.com/news/view/95102-Elite-Beat-Ace-Attorneys-Is-the-Best-DS-Fan-Project-Ever
http://kotaku.com/5154943/mega64-takes-elite-beat-agents-to-the-streets

This DS game was designed to take advantage of the DS touch screen, relying heavily on the players’ skill and timing using the stylus to make the agents dance to the song. The game is educational in that it introduces players to the idea of discovering and mastering rhythm patterns and may inspire them to pursue more music and dance activities. The cut scenes, presented as manga-style comics, involve some reading, but may also introduce players to the graphic novel or comic format. This is especially relevant to libraries that could tie in playing this video game in gaming programs with their comic book and graphic novel collections. As the game can be played either cooperatively or competitively, libraries could design programs around this game by hosting competitions or combining this DS game with games for other consoles, such as Guitar Hero and Dance Dance Revolution, to host a themed music video game day. 

Overall, Elite Beat Agents made the playlist because it is gender neutral; appeals to a wide range of ages; is highly rated by reviewers and users; takes advantage of the special DS features, such as the touch screen; can tie in well to library collections and programming; develops a good sense of rhythm and hand-eye coordination; emphasizes helping others, and is fun!

(Game description information was gathered from the review sites listed.)

(Image from: www.metacritic.com/game/ds/elite-beat-agents)

Animal Planet: Vet Life

In this game, players will take on the role of a young veterinarian working under the instruction and guidance of Dr. Rogers. Gamers will have the option to play the male vet, Jack, or the female vet, Abani; a selection feature that truly makes this game gender-neutral. Players will perform 60 procedures, varying in complexity and urgency; from routine check-ups to life-saving surgery. Travelling around the globe, these young veterinarians help 40 animals, from the house pet to farm animals and wildlife, improving their skills with each successful procedure.

Albeit not classified as an educational game, there are several pedagogical aspects within the game. Specifically, the animal and medical facts that appear on the top screen during a procedure are of educational value, as are the fine motor skills that are developed through continued game-play. Additionally, medical jargon is used and defined throughout the game, allowing players to gain familiarity with these specialized terms.

This game is acceptable for the 10-12 age range, as it is visually pleasing and engaging, and is sophisticated enough to maintain this fickle age-group’s interest. The imagery is quite neutral, wherein the animals are portrayed with both ‘cute’ or feminized features, as well as ‘tough’ or masculine features. Such neutrality allows the game to be enjoyed by both sexes, which was a deciding factor during the selection of games for this playlist. Additionally, the game provides educational opportunities while maintaining a fun and engaging interface, which was another criterion for game selection.