Little Big Planet is Huge March 20, 2009
Posted by Lyle in Just For Fun, News.Tags: Family-Friendly, Little Big Planet, PS3
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600,000+ Huge, that is. Media Molecule has sent out an email to the cooler video-game blogs out there (um… no I didn’t get one) that there are now 646, 135 user-generated levels available for Little Big Planet. Most of those are simple points and trophies collecting levels that are silly and fast, but there are some really awe-inspiring and very professional looking levels as well.
Little Big Planet is one of the best family-friendly games of all time in my book (my 5 and 3 year olds are always wanting to play it with me)! For those of you that are on the fence about purchasing a PS3, this could be the game to win you over.
Resistance and Resistance 2, Heavenly Sword, and Warhawk are all jealous of Sackboy and the amount of attention he gets at our house…
Parents: Nintendo Does Have Some Mature Games March 18, 2009
Posted by Lyle in Must Read, News.Tags: Family-Friendly, Grand Theft Auto: Chinatown Wars, GTA, Madworld, Mature Rated Games, Nintendo
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Some folks I’ve talked with are under the impression that the Nintendo systems (Wii & DS) are the “family friendly” video game systems. I would agree to a point. I’d say they are the most family-friendly systems available.
In the light of recent releases on both the Wii and the DS that should concern the concerened parent, I thought I would do a little experiment. I navigated over to the esrb website and did some simple searches. Here’s what I found:
A search for M-rated games on all major platforms (some games are rated and have yet to be released – some are download titles):
- Xbox 360: 135 games out of 751 (18%)
- Playstation 3: 89 games out of 450 (20%)
- Nintendo Wii: 26 games out of 954 (3%)
- Nintendo DS: 7 games out of 1072 (<1%)
- Playstation Portable (PSP): 41 games out of 532 (8%)
- PC Games: 770 games out of 7963 (10%)
- Playstation 2: 259 games out of 1892 (14%)
- Xbox: 193 out of 1006 (19%)
Unscientific but common sense conclusion – Nintendo has a smaller amount of Mature rated games than any other console. There are some very mature rated titles on those systems however. Grand Theft Auto (which has been on every system BUT Nintendo until last week is now available on Nintendo DS in the form of Grand Theft Auto: Chinatown Wars. Some titles on the Wii to be wary of are the recently released Madworld and House of the Dead: Overkill; as well as older titles No More Heroes and Manhunt 2.
I recently read an analyst’s report on the GTA Chinatown (DS) game. It is believed it will sell 2 million copies. That’s a lot of potential for unknowing parents to allow their kids access to a very mature rated game. Head’s up mom and dad! Your kids could be playing GTA right under your nose…
And hey I’m not calling for any boycotts or for developers to be shut down or anything – I just hope parents are aware of what’s out there…
Super Mario Galaxy – Up For A Spike Award May 12, 2008
Posted by Lyle in News.Tags: Family-Friendly, Super Mario Galaxy, Wii
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But, really I just thought the video was cool! This is one of the most refreshing games I’ve played this year and as the video commentator mentions; is a great change of pace from the content-heavy titles that are getting all the press these days. Check it out! I haven’t reviewed the game for this site yet, but will post a Now Playing Review asap…
FTC Says It’s Getting Harder For Kids To Buy M Rated Games May 8, 2008
Posted by Lyle in Must Read, News.Tags: Content, Family-Friendly, Game Ratings
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The Federal Trade Commission has been investigating retailers and how strict they are about selling M-rated games and other mature media to kids. The report is right here and it’s worth a read. Check out this chart:
So things are getting better. I know that my Gamestop guys are enforcing the rules. How is it in your neck of the woods? What are the restrictions at your house when it comes to Mature or R+ rated content in media? Do you have any guidelines in place? I believe the best way to fix this issue is for parents to know and be involved in what they’re kids are into.
Wii Sports – Review April 18, 2008
Posted by Lyle in Reviews.Tags: Family-Friendly, Wii, Wii Sports
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I did it… I finally found a Wii. Turns out Nintendo did a cool thing and packaged a very cool little game along with the console called Wii Sports. Wii Sports is a great way to spend an evening with your family, friends, and youth group. And while some hardcore gamers out there tend to dismiss it’s mini-game casual-friendly happiness and joy, it sure feels like a breath of fresh air with all this jabber about Grand Theft Auto’s and blood and guts and such.
Games included are Baseball, Tennis, Golf, Bowling, and Boxing. All of them are really fun ways to get off the couch and still be playing a video game! I have my personal favorites – Golf and Baseball – and you will probably have yours. When you get your Wii hooked up you will probably (and should) spend some time creating a little cartoony look-a-like called a Mii. What’s really cool is that this Mii character that may or may not actually resemble you will be available as a playable character in all of these games. Awesome!
The only violent content in the game is in the very cartoony and silly-looking boxing. And how badly your arm hurts after your first week of Wii Sports. “Wii-Arm” – can I get a witness? Make sure to always wear the wrist-strap and have plenty of room (the game will CONSTANTLY remind you of this). In all seriousness, it’s all fun and games until someone loses an eye (or an HDTV screen, window, flower vase, cat)…
I would recommend this game to all Wii owners, but all Wii owners already have it, so nevermind… But the game is great and is very family friendly and easy to pick up and play. Odds are if you have a family member or friend who would NEVER play a video game, they would play this one. It’s simple, fun, and addictive. The replay value may wane a bit if you don’t have people playing with you, but it’s just about the perfect party game!
Bottom Line:
- No real questionable content
- Easy and simple to pick up and play (not necessarily easy to master)
- Great multiplayer – really that’s where the fun is
- No online multiplayer – the only bad thing about it
- Comes with the Wii – Hey it may be a short game, but at least its free! (sort of)
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