Game and Music Reviews by Young Adults
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Yes, it's football season again, and fans will be clamoring for the latest Madden game—with the added realism of grass stains and snow, players may need to put a tarp down before firing up Madden NFL 12. Wondering about the new Zumba exercise craze? Zumba Fitness will let you try it out at home before throwing down a gym membership. In music, our reviewer discovers a sort of sleeper artist, Maria Taylor, and shares her thoughts on Overlook, the singer-songwriter's fourth solo album. Madden NFL 12 (Electronic Arts) Football fans will enjoy Madden NFL 12. It has improved graphics, multiple camera angles, and pregame scenes-all of which really makes you feel like you're watching a live televised game. The tackling and punting are more realistic than ever. Grass stains appear on players' legs and knees and snowflakes are kicked up from the field's surface. One of the most significant changes has been in the kicking and punting system. The simple flick motion is now a click to start, click again for power, and then another click to aim. This is much more controlled and competitive than the previous setup. You can also access custom playbooks, which have about 50 formations and 400 plays to choose from. Overall, this is a more polished and slicker game than past versions, and it should be included in your gaming collection. Platform: Xbox 360, PlayStation 3. Rated E for Everyone.—James M., grade 9, Floral Park (NY) Memorial High School Zumba Fitness: Join the Party (Majesco) You start with a warm-up and then get into the routine, which changes pretty regularly so you won't get bored. There are also online routines to play with others, which give the game a true gym feel. It can also be a great workout motivator. Zumba Fitness has great rhythms and a lot to offer—but if you're a really serious Zumba fan, this game is probably not for you. Rating E for Everyone. Platform: Xbox 360, PlayStation 3 and Wii.—Maureen L ., grade 11, Floral Park (NY) Memorial High School Overlook, Maria Taylor (Saddle Creek) Funky and almost spooky tracks like "Matador" and "Master Plan" can be classified as indie, while "Bad Idea?" and "This Could Take a Lifetime" lean toward pop and country. The first four to five tracks are pretty strong, but the rest of the album is a bit aloof-and a bit all over the place. This is an original album worth checking out, but needs to be more defined to be truly memorable. Along with the above tracks, also give a listen to "Like It Does" and "Happenstance."-Frecelyn D., grade 11, Floral Park (NY) Memorial High School This article originally appeared in School Library Journal's enewsletter SLJTeen. Subscribe here.
Zumba is a high-energy fitness program that's all the rage right now, and this is the only video game version of it. Those unfamiliar with Zumba should take the tutorial class first. An onscreen instructor demonstrates each routine slowly so you just have to copy the moves. Green means you're doing well, yellow means OK, and red means you need help. As you master each step and routine, you advance to more complicated and difficult ones. When you're ready, it's time to Zumba.
While browsing in a local music store, I came across an artist I've never listened to before even though she has been around for a while. Four albums into her solo career, Maria Taylor is as diverse as they come. Her latest album, Overlook, consists of nine tracks that'll touch all of your emotions. Her songs range from dreamy and folky to rough and indie sounding. With clear and sometimes poetic lyrics mixed with electronic and experimental acoustics, this album is definitely not everyone's cup of tea.
