Shawn Johnson Gymnastics

 Review

Common Sense Media says

Great active game for players interested in gymnastics.
greenON: Content is age-appropriate for kids this age.
yellowPAUSE: Know your child; some content
may not be right for some kids.
redOFF: Not age-appropriate for kids this age.
not for kidsNOT FOR KIDS: Not appropriate for kids any age.

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Quality
 
Sometimes media can be age appropriate but a real waste of time. Our star rating assesses the media's overall quality.

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Parents say

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Kids say

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What parents need to know

Parents need to know that Shawn Johnson Gymnastics lets players follow in the footsteps of a young world-class gymnast and participate in their own competitions. Players can rise up the ranks from amateur athlete to global champion in a story mode that encourages practice to become the best you can be. The game also rewards players for good performance with unlockable content from Shawn Johnson. It is geared toward players with a genuine interest in gymnastics but can be enjoyed by anyone who wants an active gaming experience.

  • This game encourages players to get up off their feet and compete in gymnastic events alongside an Olympic athlete. Its message is practice makes perfect, and that with a lot of effort, you can reach the top. The game can be played with a standard Wii Remote controller or the Balance Board, but either way requires physical effort from the player. As such, it also promotes exercise in a friendly, unintimidating setting.
  • The role model of this game in Shawn Johnson, a 16-year-old girl who has already become a silver Olympic medalist and the winner of the TV show Dancing with the Stars. She has written a book and risen to fame as a clean, hard-working athlete, an epitome of the adage that you can do anything you set your mind to. Her appearance in the game is a positive reinforcement to players of all ages that anyone can accomplish great things.
  • This game is designed for anyone to pick up and play. The simulated gymnastic exercises can be performed either by moving the Wii Remote controller to match movements performed by Shawn Johnson, or by following more complex directions on the Balance Board. There is a dynamic learning curve in the game, so players can continue to play at the setting they are most comfortable with. This makes it ideal for families with players of multiple ages and skill levels. That said, very young players may not be able to comprehend even the easiest levels, which require a moderate degree of hand-eye coordination.

What's it about?

SHAWN JOHNSON GYMNASTICS lets players climb up the ranks of gymnastics from hopeful, novice athlete to number one world champion. It is inspired by the real career of Shawn Johnson, a young gymnast who has grown into a global superstar because of her dedication, skill, and perseverance. She is the perfect kind of role model for children, girls, athletes, and anyone else who believes the sky is the limit. Players get some idea of the hard work that professional gymnasts go through, as the active nature of the game brings players off the couch and forces them to swing their arms and move their feet in a series of choreographed activities.


Is it any good?

 

When it comes to star athletes that young players can look up to, few are as genuine and respectable as Shawn Johnson. To that end, Shawn Johnson Gymnastics is a fantastic product for impressionable, young players. It teaches them the value of being athletic and gets them moving and motivated to exercise, all from the comfort of their living room. It's a great way for players who may be interested in gymnastics to get an idea of some of the sport's basic moves. Plus, its motivational story mode emphasizes the importance of practice and how being devoted and giving a strong performance will lead to rewarding outcomes.

Young players with gymnastic aspirations or who are interested in competitive sports in general will likely find this game fuels those dreams and keeps them active in the process.


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What families can talk about

  • Families can talk about how video games can help them stay active. Why is it important to stay in shape? Why should you continue to practice, even if you think you have everything down pat?

  • Families can also discuss their role models. How do you think these top achievers became so successful?


This review was written by Mark Raby
Teen, 14 years old
December 9, 2011
 
Fun!
This game is fun. I'm a gymnast so I am probably more into it than others who aren't. The controls are kind of hard because they don't always do what you want them to do. I recommend this if your a gymnast and/or a fan of Shawn Johnson. Or if your interested in gymnastics.

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This review was written by Mark Raby
Platforms:Nintendo Wii
Available online?Not available online
Genre:Exergaming
Developer:Zoo Games
Release date:November 10, 2010
Price:$29.99
ESRB rating:E for No Descriptors

This review was written by Mark Raby

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About our rating system
ON: Content is age-appropriate for kids this age.
PAUSE: Know your child; some content may not be right for some kids.
OFF: Not age-appropriate for kids this age.
Learning ratings
BEST: Really engaging, great learning approach.
GOOD: Pretty engaging, good learning approach.
FAIR: Somewhat engaging, OK learning approach.
NOT FOR LEARNING: Not recommended for learning.

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