On the surface, it sounds like a game that has promise: a story about a widely popular band, music games featuring their music, and mini-games. But it isn't anything special. The story mode is ...
Common Sense Editor
- Jinny Gudmundsen
- Virginia
- 2 kids
About Me
Kids think I have the greatest job in the world because I am a professional video game reviewer with a specialty in kid-tech. One of my sons was a kid-tester for the original Reader Rabbit.
What My Kids Love Now
LEGO Rock Band
House Rules
How do you manage media in your home? No texting at the dinner table, and don't post anything up on your Facebook page that you wouldn't want me to see.
When the Kids Are Asleep…
A new iPhone game called Eliss
My Biggest Challenge Is:
Titles You’ve Reviewed
Game: JONAS
I rate this titleonand give itMega teen band's likeability gets lost in lackluster game.
Game: ItzaZoo
I rate this titleonand give itExciting learn-to-read game incorporates your drawings.
ItzaZoo is truly a remarkable piece of software. It brilliantly uses funny, silly characters to attract kids to the game, and then delivers a story in a way that motivates kids to read. By ...
Game: Dora the Explorer: Dora Saves the Crystal Kingdom
I rate this titleonand give itMagical preschool adventure is perfect starter game for Wii.
Dora Saves the Crystal Kingdom is a great preschool game. The controls are perfect for preschoolers because all they have to do is hold the controller sideways and then tilt it in the ...
Game: LEGO Rock Band
I rate this titleonand give itSimplified, no-fail Rock Band with a whimsical story.
This version of Rock Band is perfect for families who are new to music gaming. It has excellent tutorials that explain how to use the different instrument controllers. It creates a no-fail ...
Game: Nancy Drew: Warnings at Waverly Academy
I rate this titleonand give itFab fun as teen super-sleuth goes undercover at prep school.
This is a wonderful addition to the Nancy Drew series, and one that will resonate with tween and teen girls. The mystery is good, and it plays out, in part, by using Nancy's onscreen phone ...
Game: Where the Wild Things Are
I rate this titleonand give itAll-new adventure story is fascinating but edgy.
The game is fascinating to explore. Each monster has its own personality which translates into a unique gaming level. When Carol monster puts Max on top of his head, players must direct Carol's ...
Game: Wii Fit Plus
I rate this titleonand give itExpanded version has great games and personalized workouts.
Yes, this is an improvement over the excellent Wii Fit. If you have been thinking about buying Wii Fit but haven't gotten ...
Game: Spore Hero
I rate this titleonand give itKid-focused Spore spin-off combines thinking with thwacking.
Spore Hero is a fascinating save-the-world adventure because you must constantly tweak your hero's attributes so that it can succeed in this world. If your character keeps drowning every ...
Game: MySims Agents (Wii)
I rate this titleonand give itBest MySims yet, with secret agent vibe, cool spy gadgets.
MySims Agents is a fantastic mystery adventure for kids. The interconnected mysteries help to keep your interest as you explore an expanding world, which takes you all the way to the top of ...
Game: Toy Story Mania
I rate this titleonand give itWoody and Buzz host zany arcade shooting gallery minigames.
Toy Story Mania is a solid addition to the minigames genre and like most in this field, is best if played with others. While these minigames can be played with up to four kids, it is better ...
Game: Scribblenauts
I rate this titleonand give itUnique puzzles wow with ability to write objects into game.
With this think-it, write-it, play-with-it mechanic, puzzle solutions are limited only by your imagination. This kind of gameplay puts you in the driver's seat by letting you solve puzzles the way ...
Game: JumpStart Pet Rescue
I rate this titleonand give itEducational game best for kindergartners, not preschoolers.
The educational activities are excellent. Unfortunately, the controls aren't. This is a game targeted at kids ages 3-6, but the method of interacting with the screen is not intuitive to ...
