It is a lot of fun for my daughter! She is playing it for all of her alloted "tech" time. (30 min)
Tools for this page
Carnival Games
(2007, Video Games - Party Games, Rated E, Play it on: Nintendo Wii)
-
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 5, age appropriate for kids over 7; suggested age 7. -
Is it any good?
-
Common Sense says
Collection of all-ages, midway-themed mini-games.
Why We Rated This 
for Ages 7 and Up
The good stuff
-
Educational value:
What to watch out for
-
Violence & scariness:
-
Language:
-
Consumerism:
What Parents Need to Know
This review of Carnival Games was written by Chad Sapieha
Parents need to know that this is a party game composed of the classic pay-per-play games that line carnival midways. It contains no sexuality, profanity, or violence. There are a couple of shooting mini-games, but these challenges see players firing air rifles at inanimate targets such as wooden ducks and paper stars rather than other players or characters. The mini-games are easy to learn with intuitive controls, and consequently, this is a game that parents and kids can play together at roughly the same level.
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 difference between games of skill and games of chance. Through practice, can a player become good at Carnival Games' activities, or do they rely more on luck than proficiency? Do you find any of the mini-games more difficult than you thought they would be at first glance? This conversation can segue into a discussion about actual carnivals, and how the real-life versions of the games found in this video game are often cleverly designed to appear easier than they actually are in order to attract players.
More on Carnival Games
What’s the Story?
CARNIVAL GAMES is a collection of mini-games that collectively recreate the classic midway experience. Players will toss coins onto small plates, squirt water into a clown's mouth to fill a balloon with air, and throw baseballs at stacks of milk cans. Each game makes use of the Wii remote's unique capabilities. For example, players need to make an overhand throwing motion to throw baseballs at clown faces, and an underhand lobbing motion to roll balls down an alley. All told, there are more than two dozen activities, almost all of which will be known to experienced carnival-goers. You can play alone to earn virtual prizes, or with up to three friends in competitions composed of five randomly selected games.
Close
Is It Any Good?
Party games are a staple of the Wii's rapidly expanding game library, and Carnival Games sits comfortably in the middle of the pack. Its collection of boardwalk-themed minigames is modest but pleasant; thanks to the familiarity of midway activities like tossing pigskins through swinging tires and rolling a bowling ball on rails into a U-shaped dip. And keep in mind that, should you start to feel frustrated because you just can't toss that baseball into the bucket, it's probably not the fault of the game's natural, motion sensitive controls, but rather a testament to its authenticity -- after all, how often do you get the ball in the bucket at a real midway? On the bright side, it might just teach your family a lesson about the odds of winning a real world carnival game (and help save a bit of money on your next trip to the fair, to boot).
Still, some players have a low tolerance for games that depend on luck, as many of these minigames do. It can be frustrating to watch your coins repeatedly bounce off the plate as you toss them when those of other players inexplicably stick in place. What's more, Carnival Games suffers from a distinct lack of depth. It has no story, offers just a few simple modes of play, and there are no long-term goals other than reaching the top of the leader board. It can be fun for a while, but it's unlikely that Carnival Games will become a regular part of your family's gaming regimen.
ClosePublisher’s Details
Released on 08/27/2007, price $39.99, not online enabled
ESRB rating: E
ESRB rating: E
Our Members Say
See all 7 member reviews
Most Recent Reviews
- I rate this title on for age 6 and give it
- My highlights are:
- Easy to play
Really fun. NOT educational
- I rate this title on for age 2 and give it
cry
lololo
- I rate this title on for age 2 and give it
This a fun game to play in a group!
Ths is a great game and it is so fun to play in a group! the games are really cool! there isn't anything bad unless you think darts and target shooting is bad. some games are more challenging and it will take kids a little longer to get the hang of but some are short and simple! Great family game! 6+
- I rate this title on for age 8 and give it
DO WORK!
ok this game is flat out fun ok you can play over 20 games and there all fun you can also win prizes like bears toys and pictures its realy fun!!!!!!! its totally i family game so if your into FUN go get this gameee!
- I rate this title on for age 2 and give it
Safety zone
This game is really just your average collection of carnival games, as the name suggests. I really don't see any issues after playing...
Give Recommendations, Get Them, Too!
Become a member and get recommendations from other parents based on your child's age.Tell us your child's age:
Already a member? Log inOur Members Rate It
Ratings at a Glance
| 100% | of parents say kids find it easy to play |
Do you play it? 
For Your Family
Get age-based recommendations for your kids:
Customize based on your child's age
