LeapFrog Enterprises, Inc., a leading developer of technology-based learning products, today announced two new web-connected video game systems that are tied to the proprietary LeapFrog(R) Learning Path. The Leapster2 Learning Game System, the latest handheld in the popular Leapster(R) family, expands the gameplay online with fun activities and rewards that encourage continued play while allowing parents to see what their child is learning and share in their accomplishments. The online capabilities in the all-new Didj Custom Gaming System connect gameplay with schoolwork, allowing grade-schoolers to customize the game with spelling lists, math problems and more. (more…)
Rats in the kitchen are usually not desirable – unless of course the rat’s name is Remy, lives in Paris, France and knows how to cook…
Ratatouille for the Leapster is based on the popular Disney/Pixar Movie. Rather then following the movie-plot, this edutainment game offers 5 different Ratatouille themed mini games. The game is suited for players ages 4 to 7 years. Kids will encounter Remy the main movie character, Emile –Remy’s food-loving brother and culinary hero, Auguste Gusteau. (more…)
Woof Woof! Our beloved big red phonics friend Clifford is now available on the LeapFrog Leapster and Leapster L-Max. The edutainment game is for the pre- and beginner reader. (more…)
LeapFrog’s Sonic X for the Leapster is a Sonic themed Edutainment game. Sonic, a.k.a. “Sonic The Hedgehog” is one of the best-known video game characters in the world. Sonic X is an animated television series, featuring the video game hero Sonic the Hedgehog and is based on the storylines of the Sonic Adventure series. The series was animated and produced in Japan by TMS Entertainment with the partnership of Sega and the Sonic Team. In 2003, 4Kids Entertainment licensed Sonic X for American U.S. licensing, allowing companies like LeapFrog access to the popular video game character.
Sonic X for the Leapster and Leapster L-Max is suited for player’s ages 5-7 years old. Players will enjoy navigating Sonic thru 3 different worlds, while improving their Counting, Addition, Subtraction skills. The game can be best classified as an educational “platform jumper” or “platformer”, where the player must jump from and to platforms or over obstacles. The game does a great job of letting the very youngest of players experience some of Sonics most famous moves, such as the ability to run uphill and thru Roller coaster-like loops. Your youngster will not have control over Sonic during these preset action sequences, but we are certain that most kids will not notice - leaving your child satisfied and thrilled at the same time. Different math problems must be solved in order to advance. These exercises range anywhere from very basic counting and sequencing to additions and subtractions with numerical and visual support. Three different educational mini games will be encountered throughout the game, which can also be accessed directly thru the main menu along with the three different worlds of Sonic X. We found Sonic X to be very similar, if not identical in game-play to “Numbers on the Run” for the Leapster L-Max”. Looks to us like Leapfrog is “recycling” game-play, which makes the customer end up with essentially the same game, only with different graphics.
Overall Sonic X is a fun game that offers a good balance between education and entertainment. The animation and action is far more immersive compared to Sonics “Numbers on the Run” clone. That’s why we are giving Sonic X our Thumb’s Up.
Visit our Sonic X Review Page for Screenshots, Member Reviews, Tips and more.
Pet Pals is a Virtual Pet edutainment game for Leapfrog’s Leapster and Leapster L-Max. The game is suited for players ages 4 to 7.
Kids of all ages love virtual pets! A look at Nintendo’s sales data reveals 13.6 Million copies sold, making their virtual pet simulation Nintendogs for the handheld DS the most successful DS game to date. It appears that Leapfrog looked across the Pacific to the “big N” in search for some game-play ideas…
Pet Pals let’s your children adopt one out of three different puppies. After giving it a name and signing the “Pet Pals Puppy Pledge” it’s of to feeding, bathing and entertaining the pet. All of the different activities offer a good mix of fun and education. We enjoyed seeing math, phonics and letter writing combined in one game. Pet Pals makes good use of the stylus and offers enough variety in mini-games to keep your kids edutained for some time.
We recommend Pet Pals because it feels and plays like a real “Game”, rather then an educational exercise with some button pressing.
…Here is one for all who enjoy nitpicking: Leapfrog used Scooby Doo’s “running feed” sound effect in the game which feels a little cheap and out of place – but we are sure your kids won’t care…
