Just as the holiday fray began in 2007, I introduced you to the first of two video games for youngsters that I was asked to review, called Smart Girl's Playhouse. Today I'd like to share our review of the other game, Smart Boy's Gameroom, with you. If you've got younger kids to shop for, this might give you some ideas for family-friendly, non-violent games to consider. Thanks to this review opportunity I became open to considering the Nintendo DS system for my daughter (who will turn 7 in April).
Here are our thoughts - with a pretty candid review and plea for a DS from her *chuckle*:
A while back Chatty and I were asked to review two new award winning games from UFO Interactive called Smart Girl's Playhouse and Smart Boy's Gameroom. Well, Chatty had a wonderful time with Smart Girl's Playhouse, and then headed off to Washington for her visitation. Oops!Now that she's been back home for a bit, I finally got her to tell me what she liked (and didn't) about Smart Boy's Gameroom. Here's what she had to say - nothing like the straight-up perspective of a six-year-old girl:
"I liked the boy game but not quite as much as the girl game. The cool part about the boy game is the music part [where kids can play a keyboard with piano, organ, or dog sounds] because I like to make the barking music. I also like the coloring part, especially the motorcycle. The other stuff is okay, but tell them [meaning you, the blog readers] that it is DEFinitely better for a boy than a girl. And the girl one is better for a girl than a boy, unless they like dolls and pink. I like the tanks too, they are cool if you like Army guys; I like Army guys. Both of them are fun and I'm glad they let me have them. It was really nice of them and now I want a DS for my birthday since I didn't get one for Christmas. I will save the boy's game for {Winky} for when he is old enough to play; I'm sure he'll like it too. The coloring is the second best part, but the piano is the very best. It's too bad I don't have my own DS yet, isn't it?"
Hmm. Can you tell what she's been bucking for? *chuckle*
Anywho, I can see why these games are award winners. They are both age-appropriate, fun, and make kids think, while bringing in themes and concepts they are already familiar with. As a parent I also appreciate that the games are marketed toward both parents and children (they are for ages 3 and up) - younger kids can enjoy the fun on an older sibling's Nintendo DS with the help of the sibling or parent, while older kids like Chatty can feel like they've really achieved something by being able to play well alone. Now if only they would get her to read without fighting it... oh UFO????? Have I got a request for YOU!
(Disclaimer: no monetary compensation was offered to, or received by, the author of this review or Know More Media, the blog host. This is not a sponsored review. This review is (c) 2007, Melonie Kennedy, and originally appeared on the Momma & More blog. It is mirror-posted on Workerette.com in the interest of providing information to women who may seek ideas for gift-giving or children's media.)
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