2008 Top Picks – Video Games for Tweens

UPDATE: For this year’s (2009) selections, click here.

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My family loves video games.  My obsession began back in the 80s with Mario and Donkey Kong (and yes, I even played Pong).  It continues today with my iPhone applications, particularly Wurdle and Tetris.  My entire family now shares my fondness for technology, gadgets and video games.  So each year we compile a list of our favorites.  This year, because we have so many, we’ve decided to break them down into three separate lists.

First, presented to you today, is the best video games for kids over ten on PS3 and Wii.

The second list will include our top picks for video games for handhelds (PSP and DS).

The third list will include our favorite iPhone applications for kids and will be published soon afterward.

And now…here it is:

Top Ten Picks – Video Games for Kids Over Ten

Sony PS3

The following statement is a bit hard for me to make, because I’ve been a solid Nintendo fan for such a long time, but…

my son insists that sports games are significantly better on the PS3.  We have them on PS3 and on the Wii.  He only plays them on PS3.  The graphics are richer, more detailed, the grass looks like real grass (he says they actually took pictures of real grass and developed the picture from there…), the players look more like real players, and the game play is more fun.  Wii, he believes, is too easy.  He says it should be reserved for people who don’t play many video games but still want to play with the rest of the family.

1. Madden ’09

It’s the latest version of the Madden NFL franchise.  If you know them, well, you know all about it.  If you don’t, rest assured that if you have a video game player that has had a Madden game in his/her library, buying this title for him is a safe move.

2. NBA Live ’09

The beauty of this game is that it updates every night.  If a player’s on a hot streak, he’ll be on a hot streak in the game.  If he’s not doing well, the game will reflect that misfortune. For parents who aren’t into video games, be warned that you’ll see oodles of sports games when you shop for this game, but be sure to get the right one.  Here’s a picture of the cover to help you:

3. Little Big Planet

LBP is a creative, fun adventure game where kids create their own world (or play in story mode with existing worlds). We’ve touted the virtues of Scratch on my other website and on our radio show – if your kids love Scratch, they’ll likely love this game.  Hard to explain, just trust us that older, bright kids love it!  Spend a little time on the website for more information.

4. Buzz! Quiz TV Bundle

Have you ever wanted to audition to be a contestant on Jeopardy? Stand on the stage with your family and play Family Feud? This game will satisfy your desire for button buzzing and outwitting other contestants. It’s fun (and much better than the PS2 version). Goofy, British accented host can get annoying, but other than that it’s good old family fun!  Warning: Kids under ten might get frustrated by questions about 70s television shows and such…

5. Ratchet & Clank Future: Tools of Destruction

Exclusive to PlayStation, this series is fun (though a bit violent and not recommended for kids under ten).  We marvel at the graphics and enjoy watching the robot character, Clank.  Here’s the latest title:

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Nintendo Wii

1. Shaun White Snowboarding

(requires a balance board for optimal play).  It seems to be headed for top honors as the most sought-after video game of the season.  I have to insist that other platforms just won’t do it justice.  The balance board makes it feel more realistic and (as my son would say, “Really cool!”)

2. WiiFit

(comes with the balance board) Read my earlier post here about WiiFit.  Or visit the website here. It’s unusual.  It’s groundbreaking.  If for no other reason, get it because it’s cool.

3. DeBlob

We predict this game will be the sleeper hit of the holiday season.  We’ve played it for months on our iPhone and love it.  On the Wii?  Even better!  The blob character colors in colorless towns and defeats villains along the way.  Complications arise (like villains removing colors) and make the game interesting and fun.

4. Mario Super Sluggers

If you like the baseball game on WiiSports (included with the Wii), you’ll love this Mario game.  It takes that simple idea and runs with it.  Fun for the whole family.

5.Rayman Raving Rabbids TV Party

My kids refer to this game as “the first game where you use your butt to play”.  Yep, it’s true.  You sit on the balance board in the Wii version.  Silly, nutty fun.  If you’ve played Rayman, you’ll probably like this game.  Younger kids will love it simply because of that potty humor novelty.

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