Pokemon Platinum (Nintendo DS)

Educational value of pokemon I began playing Pokemon when I was six. My parents have attested to the fact that it helped me develop some serious memorization, reading, science, problem-solving, and mathematics skills. The games are text-based, meaning that all information is conveyed through the written word. This will force kids to read, and in the process, learn new words. The language is in no way dumbed-down to suit young children; this challenging grammar and vocabulary will facilitate reading. The game is chock-full of positive role models, as the constant theme of the game is that the Pokemon grow stronger and happier when they are loved and cared for, not used as tools. The game teaches simple math skills such as addition and multiplication by forcing players to manage their Pokemon's health and power points, their stat values, and their own money very quickly, as their calculations can mean the difference between victory and defeat. The game also introduces incredibly high-level, complex mathematics if slightly older kids decide to research the game's core formulas; all events in the game are determined by complicated probability equations that will intrigue a student old enough to say "will we ever do this in real life?" to his math teacher. Problem solving and adaptive strategey are central elements of gameplay. Outside of battle, the player will be forced to solve puzzles and navigate mazes. In battle, players are perpetually challenged to essentially outwit their AI opponents using their knowledge of their opponents Pokemon, their own Pokemon, and their understanding of the fact that even the best plan can be bested by bad luck. This situation teaches basic logical reasoning and strategics. The only danger? The game can be addicting. Moderate younger children's play time. But please, coming from a kid who lost all too many hours of hard work from a hasty parent, give them a few seconds to save their game before they put it away.