Common Sense Media Review
By Chris Morris
,
based on child development research. How do we rate?
Move controller makes all the fun of a carnival feel real.
Parents Need to Know
Why Age 6+?
Any Positive Content?
Where to Play
Videos and Photos
Carnival Island
What's It About?
When two unnamed children find a pair of tickets to an island carnival, they discover it is in a state of disrepair, having lost its color and liveliness. As they play the mini-games, however, they restore the carnival to its previous magical state. Visually, this is shown by transforming it from a black and white (and grey) state to a colorful one that feels more alive. As players win stuffed animals, those companions come to life to cheer them on. Players can also play any game that supports multiple players from the Party mode (with up to four able to play at once).
Is It Any Good?
The Midway makes a smooth transition to the PlayStation 3 in CARNIVAL ISLAND, with some familiar favorite games as well as modern spins on them to make them a bit livelier. The game is incredibly upbeat, which is a nice change of pace, but it's also a lot of fun for both kids and adults, making it a great family gaming choice. Instructions are spoken aloud, so kids who can't read still know what to do if they play by themselves, also. While it's easy to play for long stretches, adults might find the games to be a bit repetitive, even with the variations, but kids won't be able to get enough.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about which style of the classic carnival games do they like more -- the original version or the variations? Also, are the games more fun in a video game or when you're playing in real life?
Families can also talk about how these games cost money at a real carnival and why parents can't pay for endless replays, as is possible in this game.
This is an active game. Have you played others?
Game Details
- Platform : PlayStation 3
- Pricing structure :
- Available online? : Not available online
- Publisher : Sony Computer Entertainment
- Release date : November 15, 2011
- Genre : Mini-games
- ESRB rating :
- Last updated : November 11, 2020
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