Top Five Wii Games for Kids

The new digital-minded generation need not be completely reliant on touch screens and consoles with buttons; there exists a popular medium that merges physical activity with computer amusements.  

Released in November 2006, the Nintendo Wii was intended for a much wider demographic.  Its novelty was apparent as it allows gamers to physically interact with their character through a handheld console and a remote detector. Even while Sony released its Playstation Move in September 2010, the Nintento Wii is for now still the more popular choice in the Philippines for motion control family gaming, despite its competitor’s edge in high definition graphics and advanced software.  

According to Datablitz, Metro Manila’s leading distributor of original gaming software, a brand new Wii game would cost anywhere from P995-P2200. On online markets, second hand games can go as low as P500-P1800.

Remember though to always practice “responsible gameplay”: restrict your tot’s playtime, maintain a three- to ten-foot distance between player and screen, keep  your console strapped snugly, and be aware of your surroundings (a player might hit another player or an object). Check all four and you’re good to go.  

Here are our top five picks for the young ones:

 

1. Super Mario Bros Wii

Developer: Nintendo

Yes, the classic game you grew up with on your Family Computer or your SNES comes back for your children! As wholesome as it was a generation ago, this game promises the same good ol’ Mario and Luigi antics and characters. The player still gets to rescue Princess Peach from the evil Bowser and his Koopa Kids using the Wii remote alone, or the Nunchuck attachment to control your character of choice. Super Mario takes us back to the days of non-ambiguity, where the good guys actually look like good guys, and the bad guys are in for quite a ruckus, giving children a nice colorful glimpse of another world while somehow instilling the value of wrong versus right. Photo by Dekuwa via flickr creative commons 

 

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2. Epic Mickey

Developer: Disney

A visual and creative treat for children of all ages is yet another classic character, taken in for a modern spin. In this game, your child becomes a virtual Mickey in a paper-like world called the “Cartoon Wasteland” inhabited by forgotten cartoon characters. Players get to move Mickey along to rescue, and paint, as every decision has implications in this developing world. Less dismal places include rides and other installations taken from actual Disneyland theme parks.  Enjoy this renewed vintage set-up and its stunning 2D visuals with your child! Photo by Luisus Rasilvi via flickr creative commons 

3. New Carnival Games

Developer: 2K Play

With the holiday rush, it may be quite difficult to schedule trips to the arcade, theme park or local carnival, plus the latter option isn’t typically safe with non-regulated and outdated rides among other elements that can pose as hazards. Enter New Carnival Games, which doesn’t exactly replace the actual experience, but in all practicality provides an unthreatened atmosphere. This game hosts about 30 of your favorite town fair diversions, such as the ring toss, ball toss games and even bingo. A four-player set up ensures family fun. There is also an option for Nintendo Wii’s Motion Plus, a device that allows for more integrated player-to-character movement.

 

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4. Bash Party

Developer: EA

Being a child, one has natural and primal urges to grab and bash. Dr. Marilyn Benoit, a clinical professor of Psychiatry at Georgetown University’s Medical Center, tells us that taking things apart through his or her own capabilities (i.e. breaking, bashing) is a great opportunity for “incredible learning and creativity”. She asserts that “To understand things together, kids first have to pull them apart”. Parents are therefore strongly advised to channel this through positive ways and to make sure their child is being responsible, reasonable and not destructive. Conveniently merging with the digital wave is Bash Party, a fun strategy game if the kids decide to forego the Lego for the moment.  

 

5. Sim Animals Africa

Developer: EA

This is a great way to instill a love for all creation in our children. In the African Savanna, children encounter lions, zebras and elephants among other animals, feed and pet them while learning about their natural behavior and habitat. Kids get the opportunity to aid the animal’s development. A special plus is being able to control the animal and complete challenges from magical tribal totems. Allow your child’s mind to explore further through books you can read together after gameplay.  Enjoy the wild!

Main photo by Wolfgang Lonien via flickr creative commons