Tools for this page
Print

Barbie iDesign Ultimate Stylist CD-Rom Game

(2008, Computer Software - Girl Video Games, Rated NR, Play it on: Windows)
  • Is it age appropriate?

    About our ratings

    (Flash is loading. If this text does not disappear you need to install the latest flash version)

    Not age appropriate for kids under 0, age appropriate for kids over 5; suggested age 5.
  • Is it any good?

    4.0
  • Common Sense says

    Doll fashion play gets clever hi-tech makeover.

Why We Rated This on for Ages 5 and Up

The good stuff

  • Educational value:

    Some of the card games teach about fashion combinations.
  • Messages:

    This is all about designing fashion looks. The fashion models represent different races.
 

What to watch out for

  • Violence & scariness:

    Not an issue.
  • Language:

    Not an issue.
  • Consumerism:

    This is software that is all about playing with the Barbie brand. Because the cards can be traded and more are available in add-ons packs, parents may get pressure to buy the add-on packs.
 

What Parents Need to Know

This review of Barbie iDesign Ultimate Stylist CD-Rom Game was written by Jinny Gudmundsen

Parents need to know that this game takes traditional Barbie doll play and makes it high-tech. By using scannable cards, kids can play both on the computer and away from it. Because the cards can be traded and more are available in add-ons packs, parents may get pressure to buy the add-on packs. The card games within the software encourage kids to look at fashion in different ways in terms of what goes together and why.

Families Can Talk About

Talk to your kids about the media in their life. We have more tools and tips that can help
  • Families can talk about the role of fashion in society. Should you judge people by what they wear? Are there times when wearing the wrong outfit can be inappropriate? What do the clothes you wear say about you? Does this game make you want to dress up more? Shop more? Or better coordinate what's already in your closet?
Did this review help you decide?
Do you play it? Review It!

More on Barbie iDesign Ultimate Stylist CD-Rom Game

What’s the Story?

BARBIE iDESIGN ULTIMATE STYLIST CD-ROM GAME is a computer software game that lets kids experiment with fashion, play fashion games, create their own fashion show, and design fashion magazine covers. What makes it different is its method of adding fashion items into the game. It comes with a USB-connected scanner, 60 scannable fashion cards, and a vinyl carrying case for the cards. Each card has a unique barcode so that when it's swiped through the scanner, its fashion item appears on the computer screen and within the game. The cards are clear plastic with the model or fashion item painted on the card. The position of the painting is specific so that you can stack them on top of each other to create a "look." You start with a model (there are five: Barbie, Teresa, Nikki, Summer, and Raquelle) card on the bottom, and then add clothing (top and bottom, or a dress), shoes, and accessories until you build a "look" that you like. You can then scan those cards into the computer to watch your model stroll down the runway wearing your "look." Close

Is It Any Good?

For kids who are drawn to fashion, this game has lots to offer. Not only can you experiment with different fashion looks both on and off of the computer, but the software makes use of the fashion cards to play games that make kids think. Because the cards can be sorted in different ways, including by fashion style (Sporty, Rocker, Party, Bling, Beach, Princess, School, and Casual Apparel), by sparkle quality (one to three sparkles are designated on the cards), and by clothing type, the card games use these attributes to challenge kids to think about fashion in different ways. These games can be played by two people. In addition, the cards can be collected, traded, and stacked to experiment with different "looks."

Barbie iDesign takes traditional doll play and turns it into a creative hi-tech experience. The card play adds excitement to fashion role-playing and encourages girls to play together while using the computer. The system is reasonably priced at $29.99 for the software, 60 cards, and the vinyl case, but parents will want to know that there are 200 cards available and that the add-on Fashion Cards come in packs of nine scannable cards for $4.99. Close

Publisher’s Details

Released on 01/07/2008, price $29.99, not online enabled
ESRB rating: NR

Want more? Get Common Sense recommendations delivered to your inbox.

Our Members Say

Do you play it? Review It!

  • What did you think about Barbie iDesign Ultimate Stylist CD-Rom Game?
  •  I think this game is

    for ages

  •  I also give it

  •  Any concerns?

  •  Any highlights?

  •  Love it? Hate it?

  • or to post a review

Most Recent Reviews

  1. Kid Reviewer Age 8
    I rate this title on for age 6 and give it 5.0
    My concerns are:
    • Safety is an issue

    • My highlights are:
    • Easy to play

    I want to try it and give it a try .

  2. Kid Reviewer Age 10
    Lives in New York
    I rate this title on for age 10 and give it 1.0

  3. Kid Reviewer Age 9
    I rate this title iffy for age 2 and give it 5.0

  4. Adult Reviewer
    Lives in California
    I rate this title on for age 5 and give it 5.0

  5. Kid Reviewer Age 11
    Lives in Ohio
    I rate this title on for age 2 and give it 2.0

More Great Stuff For Your Kids

  • New in Theaters

    Fantastic Mr. Fox

    Fantastic Mr. Fox

    Offbeat family adventure may charm adults more than kids.

  • Advice for Parents

    Are Your Kids Obsessed with Twilight & New Moon?

    Are Your Kids Obsessed with Twilight & New Moon?

    Discussion pointers for parents of "twilighters."

  • Book of the Week

    Lips Touch Three Times

    Lips Touch Three Times

    Wildly inventive, wonderful fairy tales for mature teens.

  • Member Buzz

    Sending Mom a TXT

    Sending Mom a TXT

    Is it easier for parents to communicate with their kids via text?

  • Download This

    The Twilight Saga: New Moon Soundtrack

    The Twilight Saga: New Moon Soundtrack

    Dark, cool tunes OK for kids too young for the movie.

Give Us a Minute, Get a Lot of Common Sense!
  • Age-appropriate best bets for your kids
  • Weekly email alert with the latest picks, reviews & advice
  • Post your own reviews and share them with friends

This will never be displayed to others.
Your email will never be displayed to others.
Your password should be 6-10 characters long.
A screen name protects your privacy
To post a review or comment you must become a Common Sense Member. It's easy!

Set-up your account
This will never be displayed to others.
Your email will never be displayed to others.
Your password should be 6-10 characters long.

Choose a screen name
It will appear when you post your own reviews and recommendations.
A screen name protects your privacy

Tell us your children's ages
You'll see the movies, games, books, shows, music, and sites our editors select just for them. As your children get older, our picks will grow with them!Why we ask for this
We never display your children's names, (or nicknames) to anyone, but you. Providing your children's ages allows us to personalize information on our site, so you get better information, faster.
is
until
(optional)
is
until
is
until
is
until
is
until
is
until
Add another child

We can make Common Sense just right for you. With a little info about you and your family, you'll get the most out of our site.

Set-up your account
This will never be displayed to others.
Your email will never be displayed to others.
Your password should be 6-10 characters long.

Tell us your children's ages
You'll see the movies, games, books, shows, music, and sites our editors select just for them. As your children get older, our picks will grow with them!
Why we ask for this
We never display your children's names, (or nicknames) to anyone, but you. Providing your children's ages allows us to personalize information on our site, so you get better information, faster.
is
until
is
until
is
until
is
until
is
until
is
until
Add another child

Choose a screen name
It will appear when you post your own reviews and recommendations
A screen name protects your privacy
Register to add this school to your profile. You'll be able to see and share reviews from parents, teachers, and kids at your child's school.
I'm already a Common Sense member.
Kids under 13 must use a screen name