Lovely Lisa and Friends (Nintendo DSi)
common sense media says
Clothing design with a tad too much girly-girlness.
parents & educators say
What parents need to know
Parents need to know that Lovely Lisa doesn't only exist in the world of this video game -- she's a popular Japanese doll as well. However, Lovely Lisa and Friends never appears to be trying to sell Lovely Lisa toys (which are not even readily available in the U.S.). Parents should also be aware that, among the many, many activities that Lisa can try in this game, most perpetuate gender stereotypes (taking care of children, cooking, shopping, doing laundry, putting on makeup, walking the runway of a beauty pageant, etc.), although a few don't such as helping her father build furniture.
Educational value:
A number of the mini games reinforce genuinely educational concepts (recognizing patterns, adding the value of different coins, etc.).
Positive role models:
Despite her prediliction for stereotypically "girlie" activities, it's almost impossible to call Lisa anything but a good role model. She's possibly the most responsible child ever depicted in a video game. She happily helps around the house, takes care of her younger siblings, and tries hard to excel at pretty much everything.
Ease of play:
All the mini-games are designed very well in order for younger children to not only grasp the rules and controls, but to be able to do well. There's a well-plotted distinction between the three difficulty levels.
Violence & scariness:
Not applicable.
Language:
Not applicable.
Consumerism:
Lovely Lisa is a popular doll and toy line in Japan, and while the game introduces American children to the Lovely Lisa dolls and even has a photo gallery that shows the history of the doll line in Japan, there is no outward sales pitch.
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