Console Video Games

Young children play video games with their friends, siblings, and even parents—it’s one of their major forms of entertainment. A 2005 USA Today article states, “A child is six times more likely to play a video game on a typical day than to ride a bike.” With this in mind, what should adults be aware of concerning children’s use of these games?

The Media Awareness Network is a non-profit Canadian group that promotes media and Internet education. The organization’s web site points out many of the benefits as well as the negative aspects of youngsters playing video games. For example, it encourages teamwork, increases self-confidence as games are mastered, and improves hand and eye coordination. On the negative side, children may have trouble distinguishing fantasy from reality in the games, and they may be exposed to negative gender and racial stereotypes. The web site also provides suggestions for parents on how to select video games, such as choose age appropriate video games that fit a child’s interests and look for games with problem-solving elements. Another good web site for parents is The PBS Parent site which offers suggestions on selecting age-appropriate console video games for children.

The ten titles listed here provide a core collection of video console games for elementary and middle school students. All of these games have been rated E (everyone, ages 6 and older) or E10+ (ages 10 and older) by the Entertainment Rating Software Board. To find out more about their rating system, visit their web site at esrb.org/ratings/index.jsp. Many of the games listed here are for the GameCube since this platform’s primary focus is games for a younger audience.

Librarians can purchase video games from distributors such as Baker and Taylor, Amazon.com, BarnesandNoble.com, and Thomas Klise/Crimson Multimedia. Also, consider taking a non-traditional route and work with local retailers because of the wide distribution of games and the huge number of high quality used games. We have not included the manufacturers list price because prices fluctuate widely depending on the market and popularity of a game.

Gr 3-6–This is the latest installment of the Ape Escape series which features Specter, an evil monkey with a genius level intelligence, and his monkey sidekicks. Players must stop the monkeys from broadcasting TV shows which will turn viewers into mindless couch potatoes so they can take over the world. Players choose between either Yumi, a cheerful girl, or Kei, an energetic boy. Cell phones, using verbal and written communications, give players instructions on how to complete the different tasks. The game levels progress from simple to more complex. Players catch the thespian monkeys by using the monkey net, monkey radar, and monkey cam. On each level, gamers collect gold coins which can be spent at the Hobby Shop, Book Store, and other places. They can also safely watch the TV shows at the Simian Cinema. This game provides a fun environment with little violence, making it appropriate for the youngest players. Who could resist saving the world from overacting monkeys?

Gr 4 Up–Harry is back with Hermione and Ron to compete in the TriWizard Tournament. But first, they must master several different levels. The game retains the same feel as the book and the movie. Gamers choose which of the three characters they would like to play. As the game begins, Harry, Hermione, and Ron must escape from the Quidditch World Cup and fight their way to the portkey. The action moves on to Hogwarts where more tasks await them, including Defense Against the Dark Arts Class, Moody’s Challenges, Herbology, and the Triwizard Tasks. The ultimate challenge at the end is Voldemort. Each level provides new spells. Instructions on which spells and buttons to hit for each task are provided to guide players throughout the game. Players must complete one level to unlock the next one. To succeed, gamers use their combined skills to solve puzzles and fight off monsters. A great game for Harry Potter fans.

Gr 3 Up–This is one of a long-running series of simulation video games and is akin to the Sims for the younger set. The player assumes the character of a young person going to work on a farm and continues through the character’s adult life. (Several years get skipped over in the course of the game.) Players must learn how to take care of animals, plant and harvest crops and take care of themselves. Detailed information on how to do all these things is available to the character through books and information gathered from non-playing characters. This is a great choice for younger players who aren’t ready for some of the more mature themes of the Sims.

Gr 6 Up–This is one of the latest versions of the Legend of Zelda series, which was first brought to console video games in 1986. The player takes on the character of Link, as all the heroes of the Zelda games are named. Link takes his adventures to the high seas to locate his sister, who has been kidnapped by a giant bird. In addition to battling the forces of evil, this game requires the player to investigate the surroundings and talk to NPCs (non-player characters) who give Link hints on how to proceed and teach him the skills necessary to win the game. The patience required to solve all the riddles to get Link to the next stage of the game as well as the violence (although not graphic) involved in battling the forces of evil make this a game better suited for older children.

Gr 3-6–Enter the Star Wars’ universe as rendered by Lego. The game is designed for younger children who want to join in on the Star Wars action but are too young for Star Wars Battlefront. Each level in the game is a different chapter from the newer Star Wars movies. The game begins at Dexter’s Diner where Obi-Wan Kenobi and Anakin Skywalker embark on the first episode of the Phantom Menace. Before leaving the diner, players can find out basic game playing tips. Players’ tools include the Force to move objects or light sabers to fight off enemies. As gamers travel through the adventure, they encounter other Star Wars characters who join their group. Players make use of each of the different characters’ attributes by switching between them in order to overcome the game’s obstacles. Battles take place in the game and defeated characters disintegrate into Lego pieces, but gamers never die. Game play is easy, so it will attract younger players, but older gamers may not feel challenged enough.

Gr 5 Up–In this popular Mario racing game, players choose two characters to race go-karts—the characters can change places and each character has unique skills. Winning cups unlocks better karts and more characters. There are options for racing in Grand Prix style or in Time Trials. This game requires the ability to manipulate controls in a very face-paced environment. While it is a competitive game, it does require cooperation in multi-player mode. A great choice for action-oriented kids.

Gr 3 Up–This is one title in a long line of video board games. Featuring many of the characters from other Mario games, it will appeal to kids who enjoy the whole Mario universe. Game play is set up on one of several “party cruises” or game boards. The Deluxe Cruise allows up to 8 players at a time; the CPU plays characters if there is only 1 live player. An online tutorial and on-screen prompts make play easy. The purpose of the game varies by the cruise chosen and which board is selected, but most involve collecting stars while in competition with other characters. Minigames can require some manual dexterity, but overall this is a good choice for younger players.

Gr 6 Up–Outrun 2006 can trace its origins back to the 1980’s Outrun arcade game. Outrun 2006 takes racing games out of the race track and onto the street. Players can choose multiple cars such as the Spider and the Testarossa, and then select the racing mode: the complete race missions or heart attack. With the complete race missions, players must finish their first course to unlock the remaining courses. In heart attack, Clarissa wants players to collect as many hearts as possible while performing challenges she has set. Players who want more of a challenge can race against a ghost car for the course record. Players can also explore the arcade version of Outrun 2SP. Along with a variety of tracks, players get to choose a soundtrack ranging from cool jazz to hot rock. New players can easily pick up the controls. This street racing game is a fun ride but heavily geared towards guys.

Gr 5 Up–Honor Among Thieves is the third game in this action trilogy that features Sly Cooper, head of a gang of thieves out to defeat the bad guy, Dr. M. With graphics slightly reminiscent of Hanna-Barbera cartoons, players must defeat smaller “level bosses” (bad guys) before confronting Dr. M. A tutorial is provided with the Hazard Room that allows players to practice movement of the characters and other tasks required to complete the game. This installment is a good choice for those who want to fill the need for action games, but with mild violence and likeable cartoon characters.

Gr 3 Up–Sonic the Hedgehog, a rival of Mario, has been vying for the hearts of gamers since 1991. He returns with his friends in this extreme sports version of racing. Sonic is out to prove who is the fastest airboard surfer around. This test of speed ranges over a multitude of courses from Green Cave to Metal City to Splash Canyon. Players start the game by choosing to play a character from previous Sonic Hedgehog games. The character is selected on the basis of the desired strengths and weaknesses. There are several different game modes: normal which includes free race, time attack, World Grand Prix, story mode, tag mode, and survival mode. Beginners may want to start with the story mode because it provides some background to the game. More advanced players will enjoy tag mode where two players face-off against two computer characters to determine the best team. The extreme racing combined with Sonic’s world will be a hit with young players.