Let us start out with: No, this is not the same post as Games + Education = _____ only under a different name – this post is more like Games + Education Part 2.

As stated before, educational games are usually not fun – sad but true. Having your kids play videogames is probably not as beneficial as having them play outside is obvious too.  Games make your kids violent – that’s your own fault, there are plenty of non-violent games available, do your homework next time before buying – or send us a comment or email, we’ll help you out.

Let’s assume that your kid is just as addicted to games as our kid. What to do? How many hours should you let them play? We don’t have a PHD and even the “experts” are not sure – use some common sense. Fact is that the biggest problem associated with playing videogames and watching TV is eye-tracking – especially for kids that are still growing. To limit eye-strain (this is different then eye-tracking) use a small screen with high resolution. Ideally kids play games on a modern PC/Mac, which offers far better resolution compared to your TV. But chances are that you have a console such as PS2, PS3, Xbox, 360, Wii or a Gamecube. If you have a newer “3rd generation” console do yourself (and your kids) a favor and buy an HD TV – you’ll notice a difference on your eyes too. By the way – Nintendo’s Wii could be considered 3rd gen, but it’s not HD.

Anyway, back to learning – (more…)

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Here is Cola’s 100% unscripted and improvised review of WarioWare: Smooth Moves. Considering that this turned out rather well - we might be doing some more of these on selected games. Let us know what you think…

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Educational Videogames are not fun! – at least that’s what your kids will tell you. If you are honest, you must agree. The situation might have improved slightly, thanks to Nintendo’s Brain age and Brain Academy (and all the rip-offs that were to follow). Recently Ubi Soft even announced plans to publish educational games for the Wii. The classic “Edutainment” companies like Leapfrog and V-tech are still around and continue to offer the most sophisticated learning experience, but these games come at the expense of “fun”. What’s so difficult about making a game that is fun and educational, you may ask?

In our opinion, the first step should be to put “fun” first. Notice that the word “Edu-tainment” focuses on “Education” first… Let’s change this to “Enter-ucation”. Second, let’s put the learning part into context – Sponge Bob jumping over numbers is not going to cut it here. A great example is Microsofts/BlueVang “Zoo Tycoon 2”. Kids can learn about animals while building a Zoo – also the game is not perfect, but it is definitely a step in the right direction! On the other hand it’s a shame to see games like Activision’s Seaworld “Shamu Deep Sea Adventure” which has an Orca feeding on Grill (Orcas are toothed whales, only Baleen whales feed on Grill) which shows how ignorant many of today’s developers and publishers still are.

The United Nations World Food Program (WFP) “Food-Force” game still remains one of the best examples of how to provide educational information in form of an action packed entertainment experience. Food Force was developed for only $250,000, compared to Microsofts Gears of War for $10 Million – given this is not a fair comparison, but just imagine the impact a small budget Food Force game has – and what impact it could have with a couple more $$$.

BBC’s “Climate Challenge” is the latest educational game to make international headlines. This game may not be action packed, or feature great graphics, but it’s very unique “card-game” style offers a compelling learning and playing experience. Climate Challenge is designed for teens and adults.

Check it out!

By Thomas and Cola

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…this explains why the game industry can’t seem to attract girls to play videogames!

Let’s take a look at today’s options for the female player under the age of 12.

Barbie in the 12 Dancing Princesses (By Mattel for PS2)
Oh my – where to start? Is it the un-imaginative gameplay or lame storyline that makes Barbie a failure? Pretty Princess meets handsome Prince while battling evil relative to save father – to do so jump Barbie (X) over moving platforms, collect keys and play short minigames, level after level the same drill. And by the way the games graphics don’t look good either.

Strawberry Shortcake - Sweet Dreams Game (By GameFactory for PS2)
Well at least Strawberry tries to be fun. Strawberries friends can’t dream anymore – it’s up to her to save the day. Strawberry is another platform jumper. The game starts out promising and easy enough for even the youngest of players. But levels start to get difficult and way to big an hour into the game. Nothing new is being offered to “spice” things up, hence it gets very repetitive.

Winx Club (By Konami for PC)
We have not spend much time with Winx Club. The game had good potential but the controls are somewhat of an issue.

Bratz Forever Diamondz (By THQ for PS2)
Besides pursuing the questionable goal off being the best dressed, most make-up wearing and hippest doll of them all, the game lacks somewhat in depth and quality. But compared to the other games mentioned above, Bratz is at least “playable”.

So what to do???
If your girls are 8 or older buy Sims 2 Pets (EA for PS2) – yes we know the game is rated T – but there is nothing to worry about (for you more conservative type out there: yes Sims can kiss and if you put a lot of effort into it a girl can kiss a girl and a boy can kiss a boy – we live in San Francisco, so no big deal here) But other then that it’s a well designed – super addictive “interactive doll-house” game that mom and dad will enjoy too.

By Thomas and Cola

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Back in the old days you went to the amusement park for a fun time outside with the family, to ride rollercoaster and to eat cotton candy. Apparently that’s not going to cut it anymore.

Six Flags announced a partnership with Nintendo, who will introduce complimentary Wii video game stations throughout selected Six Flags amusement parks.

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