POKEMON PLATINUM VERSION RELEASED!
GAM R
Premiere E-Issue
V I D E O
G A M E
July 2009
FOR KIDS TM
M A G A Z I N E
www.GamerForKids.com
and away! Get excited, get Exitebots™ DSi™ madness-what does it boil down to? Collect more pets in new Littlest Pet Shop™ games
CONTENTS
EDITORIAL Publisher FourKids Publications, Inc. Publisher@GamerforKids.com Editor Daniel Perkins Editor@GamerforKids.com CONTRIBUTORS SonyTM THQTM EA AtariTM Kings ActivisionTM
NintendoTM SCEATM
GamesTM IsleTMand
ADVERTISING Adversising@GamerforKids.com (336) 337-3441 OPERATIONS Info@GamerforKids.com (336) 337-3441 for
Kids Video Game is published by:
04| UP! 29 10| Loco Roco2 17| GFK Comic 18| Monsters Vs. Aliens 25| Tried and True 29| Shout Out 30| Littlest Petshop Page
PRODUCTION Design Manager Dayna Perkins Design@GamerforKids.com
Gamer
July 2009
Magazine
FourKids Publications, Inc. 4105 Palladium Dr. Greensboro, NC 27410 SUBSCRIPTION To request a subscription visit us online at www.GamerforKids.com
Legal Information Gamer Video Game Magazine for Kids™ is published bi-monthly by Four Kids Publications, Inc. 5101 Leary Ct, Greensboro, NC 27410. Volume 1, Issue 1. Single issue rates: $5.99, yearly newsstand value: $35.94. The one year (6 issue) subscription rate is $19.99 in the U.S., $44.99 in Canada, and $64.99 in all other foreign locales. Checks must be made payable in the U.S. currency only to Gamer for Kids. Send address changes to P.O. BOX XXX, Summerfield, NC 27410 or email PerkinsD@GamerforKids.com For subscription service questions, call (336) 337-3441. We periodically make lists of our customers available to mailers of goods and services that may interest you. If you do not wish to receive such mailings, please write to us and include a copy of your mailing label. Please allow 6-8 weeks before receiving your first issue, as well as for any subscription changes to take place on any existing subscription. The editors and the publisher are not responsible for unsolicited materials; all unsolicited material becomes the property of Four Kids Publications, Inc. Without limiting the rights of copyrights reserved herein, no part of the publication may be reproduced, stored in, or introduced into a retrieval system, or transmitted, in any form, or by any means (electronic, photocopying, recording or otherwise) without the prior written notice of Four Kids Publishing, Inc. To reuse any material in the publication, obtain a permission request form by contacting Four Kids Publications, Inc. at (336) 337-3441. All other products and the characters contained within this publication are owned by the respective trademark and copyright owners. Characters portrayed in the enclosed trading card series: Monster Deck and associated comic series are © of Four Kids Publications, Inc. To reuse any characters or references to this trading card and comic series, obtain a permission request form by contacting Four Kids Publications, Inc. at (336) 337-3441. All materials listed in the magazine are subject to manufacturers change and the publisher assumes no responsibility for such changes. All opinions shared in this magazine are not necessarily those of FourKids Publications Inc. or Gamer For Kids Video Game Magazine.
Dsi P ho Cont to est
Friends, Spring, Online
36 Platinum 44| Excite Bots | Pokémon
-BLOCK 02| X-Box BLOCK
The youngest generation of video gamers finally has a publication of their own. This new venue is the perfect place to get age-appropriate video game information and much more.
14| PC BLOCK 22| DSi BLOCK 26| PSP BLOCK 34| Kids BLOCK
Our mission is to provide an engaging and informative platform
that features only E-rated material from cover to cover.
The E-rating categories
(early childhood, E for everyone, and E10+) - established by the Entertainment
Gamer for Kids’
Software Board™ - offer information regarding the suitability of the game content own comic star for different ages of young gamers. We go one step beyond this and use an ad- “Zorrito” the ditional rating system, the Gamer for Kids Scale (GFK scale), to describe the level fox is hidden 12
times through-
of game difficulty for kids ages 4-10. This system was developed to offer general- out this issue, ized guidance to kids and parents alike. Another important aspect of the Gamer not counting in his own for Kids publication is to address games on every platform, so there is something for everyone.
I hope you enjoy looking through the pages of Gamer for Kids and
begin exploring the wonderful possibilities for the youngest generation of gamers with us.
Dan Perkins – Editor in Chief
GAM R V I D E O
G A M E
feature on page 17. Look carefully, he is very mischievous!
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M A G A Z I N E
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Older kids may be challenged throughout the game.
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Older kids may find it challenging, but most may find it rewarding.
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Older kids may find only certain elements of it challenging.
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Older kids may master the game.
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Appeal to both younger and older children. Older children may easily master the game.
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FIND FOX
Dear Gamers
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Younger kids may be challenged throughout the game.
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Younger kids may be challenged by this game, but still rewarding.
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Younger kids may find only certain elements of it challenging.
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2
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Younger kids may master the game.
40| Wii BLOCK
www.Gamerforkids.com · JULY 09
1
perience a race game, as so many are out of touch with how you would actually drive. racing simulator.
It’s basically a
There are also a lot of options in
the game to keep it interesting, boosting the length of playability.
You can get up to 12 friends to join
into a race, but some people have experienced a lag Released Feb 2009
X-BOX BLOCK
and jerky graphics in online play.
Published by Atari™ ESRB rating: E Minuses: The scenery is not exactly the focus of the The difficulty can be set to two levels: NORMAL
game, and as a result, some boring landscape must be
and DIFFICULT.
tolerated.
The most difficult setting is intense
and you will be frustrated because even the slight-
that it feels like you are driving a race car.
est movement may send you spinning.
be thought of as a “minus” to some that the game
However, the
easier settings will allow the older kids (8-10 year
G
FK SCORE
8 Scale 1-9
2 2
However, this is quickly offset by the fact It might
really excels at single-player gaming.
olds) to quickly get into the action. You probably won’t notice the occasional boring-lookPluses: Great selection of cars to choose from, each
ing scenery, because your attention will be focused on
with their own way of movement. This game is based
the extreme options and car dynamics, which make
on real-life physics, which is a fantastic way to ex-
this game playable for many, many hours. n
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UP The Video Game Published by: THQTM Available on: All major platforms Release date: May 2009 ESRB rating: E10+
T
he Up video game will take you on an exotic adventure with Carl Fredricksen and his young sidekick, Wilderness Explorer Russell, as they set off on a wild journey through the undiscovered jungles of South America.
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GAMER VIDEO GAME MAGAZINE FOR KIDS 路 www.GAMERFORKIDS.com
You will be able to play as all four main characters from the movie - Carl, Russell, Dug the lovable dog or Kevin the prehistoric bird. Each main character has special abilities that you need to complete the journey. You can even play with a friend as a team throughout the entire game.
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Some interesting side-notes in this game are: Options to compete in airplane ‘dogfights’, gather merit badges throughout the game in order to earn Quest Cards, and crazy game actions like teeter-tottering, swinging on vines, pushing boulders, walking tightropes, and much more. Oh, by the way, watch out for man-eating plants, giant anacondas and ferocious crocodiles. n
You will adventure through treacherous jungle terrains, battle dangerous creatures and trek the slippery slopes of the Amazonian Tepuis. In addition, Up also features multiplayer game modes, including an “epic level” that allows up to four players to compete in aerial combat. Graphically, this game is high-powered, but the game play is simple enough for a younger audience, right around the 7-10 year range. Up has truly impressive, colorful graphics. There are not many actions to remember, but performing them in 3-D space maybe challenging at times. This may be part of the reason why the game has an E to E+10 ESRB rating. 6 6
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Minuses: Loading times in the “Road Show” happen a lot and take a long, long time.
Get used
to getting up and getting a drink, using the restroom, or whatever to do something while you wait. It can be challenging at first, es-
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BLOCK
pecially for those who are just
Released Mar 2009 Published by: SCEA ESRB rating: E
casual players.
One of the main reasons that this game has been scaled on the higher end is due to the precise timing needed in pitching and swinging. Even then, there is
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a new “guess the pitch” feature that basically overrides your timing (how precise you are in hitting the buttons to make the players pitch and swing).
You
will find more opportunities to steal bases, which creates a more fast-paced gameplay.
But, if you are
really into baseball, or happen to have the previous versions of MLB, then with some time under your belt, you will become a MLB master.
exceeds expectations, with only the occasional “I wish it didn’t do that” moments (like the computer missing
This
triple play to go for a double, or a tag out situation
The real-
where the sliding and tagging does not quite happen
Pluses: The visuals and graphics are un-beatable. game has such lifelike pitching and batting.
istic element, from the wind to the fans in the crowd
at the base).
create a fantastic graphical experience.
many new features that should keep your interest for
disappointed. 8 8
Throughout the many MLB releases by Sony™, this one
GAMER GAMER VIDEO VIDEO GAME GAME MAGAZINE MAGAZINE FOR FOR KIDS KIDS ·· www.GAMERFORKIDS.com www.GAMERFORKIDS.com
You won’t be
a long time.
However, this has radical graphics and
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Gameplay
Published by SCEA Available on PSP Release date: Feb 2009 ESRB rating: E
St
e n i l ory
IS LOCO! Having triumphed over the invasion of the Moja army corps, the LocoRoco have been living happily on their joyous planet. Unwilling to concede defeat, the boss (Bommucho) of the Moja army ran back to his home world and started preparations for a new attack, helped by his cunning mother. They came up with a new plan, and a new weapon: a terrible song that can suck the life-force out of living things. Armed with this brutal song, the Moja boarded their meteorite and set off on a mission to conquer the LocoRoco planet. Can the LocoRoco protect their planet from this new terrible weapon?
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Not only rolling from place to place, LocoRoco can now swim underwater, jump between blades of grass and leap inside a shell to roll safely across spikes and burrs. LocoRoco 2 also features new story-driven and deeper stages, unlockable quests, and a new use for the game’s muchloved and catchy music. In this sequel, collecting musical notes helps raise the stage level, unlocks bonuses and changes the background soundtrack.
LocoRoco™2 is the follow up to the original LocoRoco™ released in 2006 for PSP, a platform/action game that has a universal art style and exciting new characters. LocoRoco 2 allows players to use the PSP system’s shoulder buttons to “tilt” the game’s colorful and quirky world and help guide the LocoRoco.
In LocoRoco 2, each of the seven LocoRoco types has their own voices and personalities, as well as their own enchanting theme song that captures the happy creature’s’ colorful world. Bonus features include mini-games, Stamp Collecting Mode, and the MuiMui House, a customizable playhouse with dozens collectibles throughout the game.
www.Gamerforkids.com · MAY 11 www.Gamerforkids.com · JULY 09 09 11
Key es r u t Fea
12 GAMER VIDEO GAME MAGAZINE FOR KIDS · www.GAMERFORKIDS.com 12 GAMER VIDEO GAME MAGAZINE FOR KIDS · www.GAMERFORKIDS.com
• Roll, Bounce and Tilt the LocoRoco through a vibrantly animated world • Colorful New Stages filled with hidden items to collect • Enhance LocoRoco by collecting music notes in a rhythm based mini-game along the journey • 6 Exciting New Mini-Games, including an ad-hoc 4 player battle • New LocoRoco Actions, including climbing inside of shells and destroying obstacles, jumping from grass blade to grass blade, singing together and collecting music notes, and swimming underwater • Decorate MuiMui’s House by collecting items in a stage or mini-game • Collect Character Stamps and complete over 20 stamp sheets, which can be used as a wallpaper on the player’s XMB • Morph to the Environment: Stay round to roll, become slim to squeeze through narrow passages, and disassemble into smaller LocoRoco to collectively pass through small crevasses and paths. Eat to increase the size and quantity of LocoRoco and to gain access to secret areas and hidden rewards. • Simple Intuitive Gameplay: Press the L and R buttons to tilt the landscape or bump the LocoRoco into the air. • Music: Captivating, light-hearted original songs communicate the joyous world of LocoRoco.
New Characters The LocoRoco are not the only creatures on this strange and distant planet – there is a whole host of new characters to meet in LocoRoco 2, including: Olmy: Sing near the
sleeping mouse to curl it into a ball which will roll and crush rocks blocking the player’s path.
Basket Worm: Shake the
basket worm from his basket and let LocoRoco hop inside. Shake the basket to excite the LocoRoco and release collectable items. BuiBui: Nothing
like a MuiMui, the BuiBui are unpleasant creatures who like nothing more than hurling objects at LocoRoco and is never happier than when LocoRoco falls in a hole or gets gobbled up.
Hippory: The
Hippory help the LocoRoco. Players can fall down to his head and watch it expand to help the LocoRoco jump higher and get to hard to reach places.
Tingaro: This
friendly Helmet Crab will lend the LocoRoco his Helmet so they can escape injury when getting through dangerous places.
Bee: Ready to
chase LocoRoco with their venomous stingers, players must watch out for this angry enemy in the new garden level or cope with a collection of stung and sore LocoRoco. BuiBui Aeroplane: A
terror in the sky, the BuiBui have taken to the air to hurl thorns from above and steal fruit before the LocoRoco can eat them.
BuiBui Robot: Another
new BuiBui construction, this one ready to spike the LocoRoco with its thorny claws. n
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Beta version released for online play: Aug 2008 Published by: Kings Isle ESRB rating: E10+
This game has been rated by the ESRB as E 10+ for
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mild fantasy violence and crude humor.
As for the
GFK scale, we gave it a 5 because the difficulty level
Pluses:
is also at a level that younger kids may also enjoy
There are some game areas that are free to roam
it.
The mini-games are probably the most challeng-
around, fight some lower-level monsters to gain expe-
ing element – intentionally so – because this is the
rience, add and talk with friends, play mini-games, and
main way to earn money to buy items. The battles
challenge your friends in duels. The battle animations
This game may hook you from the start.
If you accept quests
are pretty neat too, with the spells really coming to
from NPCs, there is an easy-to-follow
life in the shape of flaming dragons, ice monsters,
arrow that leads you to the
sand bugs, and many more and crazy and exciting
next step in the chain of ac-
shapes.
are quite easy to get used.
tions that you need to do to complete it.
There is some depth to the characters as
well, with six schools of magic and 101 spells.
In
addition, there is a good amount of parental control over the game, as password protection over credit card information, language and content filtering, and
14 14
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moderated forums.
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Minuses: The free version of the game has some quests built into it as well as some mini-games, however, the paid version is where players would experience the bulk of the game.
Of course, if you
like the free areas enough, it may not be a minus to pay the $6
PC BLOCK
C I & CARD M O C FK S
G Zorrito and Beanie I don‛t get it??
What?
gameplay and experience.
Garbage filled rockets to Mars
What do we do with all of it?
Some of the menus and especially the
menu chat is clunky and takes some getting used to, but these are things that you will get used to in little time.
Build cities on top of it?
ED
K LOO ! ! OUT
+10
-6
-2 Like many other massive multi-player online role playing games, this game will appeal to a specific audience (mostly young wizards).
Many aspects of the game contain
+3
elements of a kids trading card game, which improves the appeal and ease of play. Within the layers of dynamic animations in battles, more subtle strategy and a sense of “quest” will keep your fingers on the keyboard. 16 16
Millions of people make lots of garbage
a month to have a subscription, because it really does extend the
NU I T N O
C
TM
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n
BOLT
! O P B
There‛s only one thing we can do!
RECYCLE!
Gamer for Kids Trading Card Series Coming soon, a collectible trading card series from Gamer for Kids called “Elements™” will be available in future editions of the printed magazine. Here is an exclusive preview of the character “Bolt”, who belongs to the element class: FUSION. Collect the cards and battle friends or team up and fight against enemy creatures. More on this game and the characters coming soon at www. gameforkids.com and future issues of this magazine! www.Gamerforkids.com ·· JULY www.Gamerforkids.com JULY 09 09 17 17
Monsters Published by: Activision Available on all major platforms ESRB rating: E10+
B
ased on the DreamWorks Animation 3D feature film, the Monsters vs. Aliens™ video game puts the fate of the planet in your hands to – what else – save the world!
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Vs. Aliens Bash robots and battle the alien menace as the macho half-ape, half-fish The Missing Link, the gelatinous, indestructible, and brainless B.O.B., and the 49’11” tall woman, Ginormica, with the help of the monstrous 350’ tall grub Insectosaurus. Plus, team up with the brilliant but insect-headed Dr. Cockroach, Ph.D. in co-op mode, to save the earth from the megalomaniacal alien Gallaxhar.
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Some moves that you can do as you may have seen in the movie are: The Missing Link: Bash, bounce, swing, tail whip, climb, and take over vehicles. B.O.B.: Ooze through cracks, stick to ceilings, and absorb and spit out enemies. Ginormica: Speed through the landscape using cars as roller-skates and test your strength shoulder-bashing bosses to finish them off. Adventure across 12 distinct levels set in locations from the film and beyond, including
the streets of San Francisco, Gallaxhar’s gargantuan spaceship, and the government’s super-secret monster containment facility. You should enjoy the graphics, but some of the game-play with B.O.B. might get frustrating, as it is somewhat difficult to tell how close to a ledge he is (resulting in you falling to an untimely death). The Missing Link should be really cool to play, as he does the most bashing and smashing. Ginormica skating around will test the younger player’s reflexes, but shouldn’t be too hard. One really great feature of this game is that a second player can pick up a controller and drop in at anytime as Dr. Cockroach Ph.D. As the most brilliant scientist in the world, players can blast apart robots, toss away enemies with the tractor beam, plus grab hard-to-reach upgrades and other rewards. This is good for friends who show up at your doorstep when you are in the middle of tail-whipping enemies.n
20 GAMERVIDEO VIDEOGAME GAMEMAGAZINE MAGAZINEFOR FORKIDS KIDS· www.GAMERFORKIDS.com · www.GAMERFORKIDS.com 20 GAMER
www.Gamerforkids.com· JULY · JULY09 09 21 21 www.Gamerforkids.com
2 cameras: one on the inside (which may be used in the WarioWare game – where the game uses the camera to see what you are doing) and one on the outside cover (used to take pictures).
Once you take pictures,
you can pass them through funny and interesting filters and apply written text, stamps, and many more personalized elements.
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This camera presents many neat chances
to play around outside of a video game, but it also is being used in some games like Real Soccer 2009 (Nintendo).
In Real Soccer 2009, you can put your face on
a player in the game or use pictures you take to be on your team’s flag.
Launched Apr. 5, 2009 in the U.S., the Nintendo DSi available in either black or blue is armed with a trimmed look and feel, as the screens get
Connect to the internet using the Opera™ browser: this is
bigger, the system gets
actually really easy to use, and you can zoom around pages
slimmer, processor gets
Better speakers: Well, that’s just it, they are better.
This is
faster (2x faster) and the
quickly and blow up things to make them easier to see.
really nice for gaming, but is also great when you are using
buttons get easier to use.
Careful though, the memory in the DSi gets used up quickly
the new sound/song recording, editing, and altering software
In addition, there are a
and websites stop loading after a while (until you reset). This
(available through the DSiShop)
feature allows you to go to a DSiShop, where you can down-
few major additions. SDI card: used as a portable memory drive, this card will let 22 22
you take images and files from the DSi to a computer. GAMER GAMER VIDEO VIDEO GAME GAME MAGAZINE MAGAZINE FOR FOR KIDS KIDS ·· www.GAMERFORKIDS.com www.GAMERFORKIDS.com
load game demos, DSi apps (some of which cost money), and post images of your gaming successes in online forums.
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N D A T D R E I U R E T
Parental Control: An easy-to-use option that allows parents or guardians to manage access to Nintendo DSi exclusive and compatible software based on the ESRB rating, PictoChat, DS Download Play, Nintendo DSi Browser, and certain user-created content that may be inappropriate for some members of their household. It can also help manage the use of purchases at the online Nintendo DSi Shop and wireless exchange of photo
DSi BLOCK
data. Nintendo DSi Parental Controls are not compatible with existing Nintendo DS software. Even with these safety features available, parents and guardians must implement and enforce them constantly.
Out of the thousands of online reviews by users over the last year or so, the Wii Fit earns a spot in this “Tried and True” category. After the initial buzz about the new Wii Balance Board has worn off a bit, there is still a big draw to the game. Here are some reasons why:
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Release Date: May, 2008 Published by: Nintendo
You can create your own character (called a Mii) on your personal profile, only playable by you. There are quite a few activities and exercises to choose from, which keeps it interesting
While this is a video game, Wii Fit does take it to a new level and expands the realm of possibilities with a gaming console. It is a great idea and, while there is no promise that you’ll burn off the weight, you will certainly be hooked on it for a long time to come. n
5
At the same time, many new
games are being tailored to some of the unique features of the DSi. Be aware that the Gameboy Advance games are not compatible with the DSi, however the trade-off may be worth it for many of you.
The sensitivity of the Balance Board is amazing and it is a Wii accessory that should be around for a long time for other upcoming games.
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The Nintendo DSi has gone beyond the world of gaming and created a device that can do many new and exciting things.
Your progress is automatically tracked and stored in your profile.
Scale 1-9
The DSi seems like such a
neat toy and there are certainly other features that you can discover in detail here, so you should definitely take a serious look at the new DSi system.n 24 24
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Pluses:
All kinds of new stuff like:
longer levels, more songs, more monsters, more mini-games, and more items. These new features really exPublished by: SCEA Available on PSP
tend the re-playability. There is also
Release date: May 2009
PSP BLOCK
a new character “Hero”, who becomes key in getting through some of the
Don’t let the fresh, kid-like stylistic graphics of this game fool you,
harder levels, as you will customize
Patapon 2 is a game that will challenge the best of you. You must
him for each battle. The new multi-
match the beat of the music in the game to sequences of buttons, which gets faster in Fever mode.
player mode is also a great addition
However, with some time under
that really enhances the gameplay
your belt, you will get the hang of it, especially if you have played Patapon™.
by including friends in the fun.
Patapon 2 has some layers of gameplay that may take
P.S.
you can download it.
some time to wrap your head around, like evolving your 9 different
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classes of Patapons before you even get into battle and getting them equipped with battle gear.
Minuses:
However, unlike Patapon™, This
Some of the highest evo-
lutions of your Patapons will take
sequel will better guide you with tips throughout the game and a
some
demo mode that will help you get going.
real
stamina
and
patience.
Some of the equipment and evolution strategies can be confusing and the tips won’t tell you everything you need to know.
It is possible
that you may play for 40 hours and not unlock the highest level of evolution for a class, just because the special items are so hard to find.
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T OUT! U O H S
With that said, there are many reasons why Patapons 2 is leaps and bounds beyond the original, even though the styling looks nearly identical (and why
PSP BLOCK
shouldn’t it?).
paced action of the game, combined
with
elements
of strategy and teamwork should at least keep your
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The fever-
interest, if not make you hopelessly addicted to it.n
KEEP YOUR EYES PEELED FOR THESE SELECT TITLES COMING THIS YEAR: • Ice Age™: Dawn of the Dinosaurs video game, summer 2009 released on all platforms by Activision™. • All Star Cheer Squad 2, fall 2009 released on Wii™ by THQ™ • Harry Potter Half Blood Prince, summer 2009 released on all platforms by EA Games™ • Littlest Pet shop Friends and Online, fall 2009 released on all platforms by EA Games™
• FIFA Soccer 10, fall 2009 released on PS3™ and Xbox™ by EA Games™ • Wii Sports Resort, summer 2009 released on Wii™ by Nintendo™ • The Legendary Starfy™, summer 2009 released on Nintendo™ DS/DSi by Nintendo™
GAMER FOR KIDS DSi™ CRAZY PHOTO CONTEST Take and modify your most creative photo using the DSi, save it, submit it in on our website at www. gameforkids.com and you are entered to win our DSi Crazy Photo Contest! First place winner will be featured in the November 2009 issue of Gamer for kids. You must be a member to be eligible to win, sign up today! 28
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www.Gamerforkids.com · JULY 09 29
Littlest Pet Shop Friends for Nintendo DS™ and Wii™ Release Date: Oct. 2009
Both platforms of Littlest Pet Shop Friends will feature 16 new cute
ESRB rating: E
T
pets such as a peacock, Great Dane and lady bug.
The Nintendo DS
versions will also offer exclusive pets in each of the three games: Lit-
his new game, scheduled to be released in
tlest Pet Shop City Friends, Littlest Pet Shop Country Friends and Lit-
October, 2009, will center on party prepa-
tlest Pet Shop Beach Friends. Every pet has a bigger personality and
rations as girls and their favorite pets get ready
special traits that help players navigate through the game and each pet
to celebrate. Littlest Pet Shop Friends will be
has a best-friend who supplies the additional skills necessary to ac-
brimming with new elements that girls love, from
complish fun tasks or adventures.
an all-new, adorable collection of pets and their
These engaging game elements help
players to advance through the story and get a paw step closer to the
pet best-friends, to a large array of customiz-
big celebration.
able accessories, fun mini-games, and a deep story with all new adventures set in a vibrant
Littlest Pet Shop Friends allows girls to take their favorite pets on
world that features delightful new graphics Lit-
quirky, fun quests such as delivering party invitations, serving up cake
tlest Pet Shop: Friends will also offer coopera-
and ice cream and gathering party decorations, all in preparation for the
tive play as girls play together side-by-side.
biggest Littlest Pet Shop party ever.
n
Who’s Peeking? 30
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PEACOCK Littlest Pet Shop Spring
Littlest Pet Shop Online
for Nintendo DS™
ESRB rating: E
Accessory choices will also expand al-
Released Mar. 3rd, 2009
lowing pets to step into spring in high
ESRB rating: E
fall is Littlest Pet Shop
style. With the addition of 20 new acThe latest in the line of highly suc-
Online,
cessories, girls can select from well
online
for girls ages 6 to 10, Littlest other fun items.
brand.
vious Littlest Pest Shop Nintendo DS
world is a girl’s gateway
features unique to this latest release.
to fun and exciting online
the Nintendo DS features a In addition to playing with six new pets
games and endless activi-
exclusive to Littlest Pet Shop Spring,
ties, tools to customize and
girls to explore alongside their including a Lop Ear Bunny, a Fox, a
play with her favorite Lit-
favorite sidekicks, including six Jack Russell, a Dwarf Bunny, a Porcunew, exclusive pets. The fun
pine, and a Kitty, girls can now explore
also gets turned up with a vari-
a new, spring-themed environment that
ety of playsets as well as four
features new play areas. Girls can also
tlest Pet Shop Online pets, and daily events to connect with friends and make new ones too. Littlest Pet Shop
mini-games for a total of make sure their pets head into spring 20 including those in style by outfitting their pets in the
GREAT DANE was peeking!
previous latest seasonal fashions with new ac-
versions.
DS
cessories.
Additionally, Littlest Pet
Shop Spring, girls can play up to 20 mini-games, including four new games -- Snack Sort, Volley Paws, Remem-
32
ber Me, and Fruit Fling. GAMER VIDEO GAME MAGAZINE FOR KIDS · www.GAMERFORKIDS.com 32 GAMER VIDEO GAME MAGAZINE FOR KIDS · www.GAMERFORKIDS.com
The web-based
Littlest Pet Shop Online
versions, plus brand new content and
Nintendo
and
popular Littlest Pet Shop
expand their Littlest Pet Shop the favorite activities from the pre-
from
entertainment
girls based on the globally
addition for girls who want to Littlest Pest Shop Spring includes all of
colorful spring environment for
innovative,
community destination for
Pet Shop Spring is the perfect
Littlest Pet Shop Spring for
an
beautifully designed, safe
cessful Littlest Pet Shop video games over 100 hats, glasses, scarves and
collection.
Also being released this
n
Online is a fun online community that stretches the imagination and allows girls to enter the coolest Littlest Pet Shop world ever. Sign up for the newsletter at http://www.lpso.com.n www.Gamerforkids.com · JULY 09 33 www.Gamerforkids.com · JULY 09 33
Lego It’s
KIDS BLOCK
Star
very
War
ente
s Th e
Com
plet
e Sa ga is a ls fu beca ll o grea u se o f co t fa f its nstu mily also ctib h has u frien mor le a a co dly o nd us s gam o d p t e o play stru r feat e. y clips ctib ure thro l e en whic ugh a n d it viro h le all s 36 nme Ove ts y 6 m rall n o o t u p s vies . I’d lay This . Th say two ere gam it’s p i l s e a a 4 yer over out a n 1 d 0 0 ch of 5 lets arac you star ters expe y ou rien can ce. be! leve
game on the rt a p favorite My first Blue Res Dungeon ry te s y M Pokemon fogy forwe go to n e h w is cue Team when te part is ri o v fa d secon est. My ming te is tea ri o v fa d ! My thir the future rk to in d g the da ucke is fightin we get s h rt u fo y emon. M vole Pok ra G e th up with ou any n’t tell y a c I . ir ka type dus more .
rtain
ing
Kirk, age 15
Canyon, age 9
all
time
My favorite game for the Wii is
favorite
game
“Sing It”. I like that it is a competi-
is Mario Kart for
tion to see who is the best singer. I
the Wii. I love it because it is something
also like that you get to pick your
that my entire family can play together and even
favorite song to sing.
though all of us are different ages, we still love it
My
Abbi, age 15
just the same.
I like the free play. You can pick whatever character you want. You
What I like about my littlest pet shop
can take them apart like when you
game is you have so many pet shops as
play with real Legos. You can also go
Nathan, age 6 34 34
Sydnee, age 8
you go through the game. You can switch animals if you have two or
to the secret lair. I like that Batman
more animals.
has a boomerang. Batman Legos is my
There’s four worlds in the game you can switch to.
favorite game.
switch to different worlds is there’s a sign that has arrows and take
GAMER GAMER VIDEO VIDEO GAME GAME MAGAZINE MAGAZINE FOR FOR KIDS KIDS ·· www.GAMERFORKIDS.com www.GAMERFORKIDS.com
There’s places to go to like a beauty shop and more. The way you can
Juliana, age 7 1/2
your pet there.
www.Gamerforkids.com ·· JULY www.Gamerforkids.com JULY 09 09 35 35
This is the third Pokémon game in the DS series, following Pokémon Diamond and Pokémon Pearl, but is not exactly a sequel.
While there
are many upgrades and new tweaks, Pokémon Platinum version uses the Diamond and Pearl games as its foundation. So, for those of you who have either of the first two games, be prepared to re-play many of the same things that you have already played. That being said, there are tons of extra features that may entice you to buy it anyway.
Pokémon Platinum
36
GAMER VIDEO VIDEO GAME GAME MAGAZINE MAGAZINE FOR FOR KIDS KIDS ·· www.GAMERFORKIDS.com GAMER
These are: Distortion
World:
As
the
story
unfolds, players will encounter the
Published by Nintendo for on DS
mysterious new Distortion World, an
Released Mar. 22, 2009
area unlike any seen in a Pokémon
ESRB rating: E
video game before. The normal
I
rules of time and space don’t apply n this edition of Pokémon, you are
to this world, allowing the area to
a young trainer who is leaving your
push the limits of the Pokémon
home in TwinLeaf Town to become
game world. Players leap from
the greatest pokémon Trainer. You
pieces of land suspended in midair,
will collect badges and capture
walk sideways and even upside-
pokémon to make your way to the
down. The Distortion World, where
ultimate battle stage of Pokémon:
the powerful Giratina resides, is
“The Elite 4”. On your journey, you
somehow connected to the regular
will also have little side-quests and
Pokemon world.
do battle with Team Galactic, no-
offers extra puzzles that have to
gooders who want to use the power
be solved before you can move on
of legendary pokémon to rule the
to the final gym battle, but you will
world of Pokémon.
put in a lot of time to get here.
This new area
www.Gamerforkids.com · JULY JULY 09 09 37
New Characters: Nearly 60 NEW Pokémon added to Sinnoh’s native Pokédex. Although much of Pokémon Platinum Version is recycled from
the
Diamond
and
Pearl games, the numerous upgrades
make
it
feel
fresh. Pokémon Platinum’s Wi-Fi Plaza: You can explore the
timeless
new Wi-Fi Plaza a virtual Pokémon
replayability create a highly
amusement park filled with activities,
satisfying adventure that’s
including
worth it for newbies and
three
new
mini-games
where up to 4 players can compete at
and
extensive
Pokémaniacs alike.n
once. Up to 20 players from around the world can connect together in the Wi-Fi Plaza to experience games, post Pokémon to trade (even across consoles) and video of their favorite pre-recorded battle.
The Global
Trading Station, renamed the Global Terminal, is upgraded with plenty of new features for a more enjoyable experience online. New Pokémon Forms:
Some
Pokémon
can
be
transformed into more powerful forms by utilizing certain items. In these new forms, they can learn new attacks, have better stats, and some even get new abilities.
38 38
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dif-
ferent to invest time into
Minuses: Some of you may have played the Nintendo GameCube version of this Wii version.
This is one of the biggest criticisms.
Do
not expect to have the same type of game experience with this Wii version if you have played the GameCube version.
Wii BLOCK
Released Mar 2009
game itself has been re-released on the Wii platform, expecta-
Published by: Nintendo™
tions are that the swing response and technique will be the same
ESRB rating: E
as the GameCube. This is not the case. You will likely find that the Wii version will take time to get used to if you have played
Most of the youngest players can swing the remote,
the GameCube version before.
it’s getting the timing down that may take a little practice for the youngest gamer.
Since this game is
This re-release of the GameCube version is a fun game and has
geared toward 2-player gameplay, “training” the littlest
K SCALE F G
5 Scale 1-9
While the
ones to get the timing may not be a big chore.
game elements for all players.
For
Players with similar
skill levels will find fun in challenging each other,
many of the slightly older gamers (7-10 years), there
while players with dif-
are some special ways to swing the controller to make
ferent levels can still have fun to-
different and fancy offensive and defensive moves.
gether in a “training” sense.
Learning how to master these will take some time,
Power Tennis on Wii offers enough new
but – hey – that’s part of the game, right?
elements and different gameplay to warrant the
Mario
attention of kids of many ages. Pluses:
The GameCube version of this was a huge
success and many of the sceneries and courts have been blown to newer and even cooler heights. The on-court action is never predictable, which increases the longevity and re-playability of the game.
In addition to the
tournament and player-vs-player game modes, 40
there are also great mini-games that offer something GAMER VIDEO GAME MAGAZINE FOR KIDS · www.GAMERFORKIDS.com
www.Gamerforkids.com · JULY 09 41
The wild multiplayer action of the Nintendo
Play multiplayer games with friends or progress
GameCube™ hit, Mario Power Tennis™, returns
through tougher and tougher tournaments in
with added Wii controls and widescreen pre-
singles and doubles play. As players win tour-
sentation.
•
naments, clear minigames or challenge Gimmick Courts, they unlock new characters, courts and
With Wii controls, players simply swing
challenges.
the Wii Remote™ controller to hit forehands
Wii BLOCK
and backhands and to apply spin. The motion controls open this classic game to new gamers and offers experienced gamers the option
Mario, Luigi™,
precision.
Wario™,
ED
NU ONTI
C
to attach a Nunchuk™ controller for additional
Waluigi™, •
Players can play as familiar characters from
Donkey Kong™,
the Mario™ universe. Every character has a
Bowser™,
defensive and offensive Power Shot that can
Bowser Jr.,
send opponents reeling or return out-of-reach
Peach™,
balls.
Daisy™, Yoshi™,
•
Players can be as crazy as they like. Play
Shy Guy,
traditional tournaments, or hit the Gimmick
Koopa Troopa
Courts for wild matches not possible in the
other Mushroom
real world.
Kingdom characters.
•
This game was originally released for the
With simple swing movements, players can hit topspin, backspin and smashes, and by
Nintendo GameCube system. The ability to
charging up, they can hit with varying degrees of power or perform other character-specific
use Wii controllers has been added to this
moves that make even crazier things happen on the court.
n
version. 42 42
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ROBO IC IN ANITM AL RSECT A ACER ND S
EXCITEBOTS TRICK RACING
H G HIEED SPTION H AC
Published by: NintendoTM for Nintendo Wii Release date: Apr 2009 ESRB rating: E
igh-speed action. Robotic insect and animal racers. Wii Wheel controls. Bowling, poker, clowns – and sandwiches! Add them all together and you get the wild, nonstop fun of Excitebots: Trick Racing. This game takes the big-air thrills and simple pick-upand-play controls of Excite Truck™ and ramps up the
fun with a constant barrage of funky challenges and minigames performed at blinding speed. Players shoot goals, throw pies and even play poker in the middle of rowdy races around off-road tracks. Having your vehicles drive, walk or fly around the track quickly is one thing, but it’s more important to go around in style. Players earn stars for huge jumps, cool tricks and daring feats at high speed.
ghost data via WiiConnect24™ and challenge their friends to outdo their most daring tricks. (Note that broadband access is required for online play. Players race around tracks at high speeds while performing stunts and participating in mini-games, all in an effort to earn stars. Players win bonus stars for crossing the finish line sooner, but stunts and style are as important as
Six players can race online via Nintendo Wi-Fi Connection in both Excite Race and Poker Race modes. If friends can’t join online, players can exchange
Wii WHEEL CONTROLS
44 44
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speed. Stars can be traded for a variety of goodies, like new vehicles, icons and statues. The 2 Button on the Wii Remote™ controller is the gas. The + Control Pad gives drivers a speed boost. Players turn the Wii Wheel accessory left or right to steer, tilt the Wii Wheel in mid-air to glide or to adjust pitch for perfect landings, swing the Wii Wheel in circular motions around boost bars to build up speed and press the A Button to activate items or to cash in hands in Poker Mode. Note: The Wii Wheel accessory is recommended but not required to race.
Wii Remote controllers can be pins and attempt to get a used on their own as well. strike. Just as in Excite Truck, drivers can hit blocks that morph the terrain before their eyes and create ramps from which players can launch megajumps. Players can aim for and swing around boost bars or open presents that unleash a variety of wild items, such as bottle rocket boosts or clacker mouths that chomp on other racers to slow them down. Players also can activate in-race mini-games including:
• Darts: Line up your bot and let the dart fly. Try to hit bull’s-eye in the distance. • Clowns: Hit the clown in the face with a pie by throwing it at just the right angle and speed. • Sandwiches: Drive through the ingredients in the proper order to make a delicious sandwich.
Do you know of any other game that features high-speed • Soccer: Drive into the soc- robotic racers combined with cer ball and attempt to hit it bowling, poker, clown faces into the goal. and sandwich making? Didn’t think so.n • Bowling: Drive through the
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ALL E RATED ALL THE TIME We only feature kid-appropriate games and ads with an E-rating
July 2009
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www.gamerforkids.com and get connected to the youngest and most enthusiastic generation of gamers
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