The Score - Cool Springs, TN

The Score’s Best Games for Younger Children – Spring/Summer 2010

If you’re looking for a new video game for your family, heading into the summertime, then consider one of these titles.

The Score’s staff is frequently asked which games are the most fun to play, among those rated E for Everyone. We constantly use the ESRB’s software ratings to inform our game choices within the store and to help parents select games for purchase or for use in birthday parties and private events. This list is biased toward games released in the prior quarter and will be published regularly by The Score and made available within our store and online.

HONORABLE MENTIONS: LEGO Rock Band (Wii, Xbox 360, PS3, DS); Major League Baseball 2K10 (Wii, Xbox 360, PS3, DS)

5. Sega and Sonic All-Stars Racing (Nintendo Wii, Microsoft Xbox 360, Sony PlayStation 3, Nintendo DS)

Wait…a racing game without Mario? That’s any good? Well…yeah!

Tons of fun for both kids and parents await in this Mario clone that gets it right: lots of different racers, flyers, and other vehicles at your disposal, well-designed and vibrant, exciting levels on which to race, and a ton of unlockable content to pursue as you progress through the game. Race in the “Grand Prix,” a six-cup series of races, or head over to the “Mission Mode” for a variety of specific challenges. The Sega All-Star characters are surprisingly recognizable, as many of them have been included in fairly recent games such as Samba de Amigo, Super Monkey Ball, and the Banjo and Kazooie series. A very enjoyable racing experience for the entire family awaits with this one.

4. Pokemon HeartGold/SoulSilver (Nintendo DS)

These remakes of the previous Pokemon Gold and Silver games for the Nintendo Gameboy are also considered the best games in the long-running series so far. These games encourage players to think strategically: from sizing up opponents and looking for weaknesses, to assembling complementary teams of Pokemon that provide the best chance to emerge victorious, these games do more than just entertain – they challenge. Perfect options for families on the go this summer, as the two distinct games (Pokemon HeartGold and Pokemon SoulSilver) can be played by different family members and can connect wirelessly, allowing players of both to explore both games and challenge each other.

3. LittleBigPlanet (Sony PlayStation 3)

If you have a Sony PlayStation 3 and have younger children, this is simply a must-have. Using the lovable Sack Boy character to explore (and even develop, later on) new worlds is easy for all ages and even fun to watch. Up to four players can participate at a time in using their own Sack Boy to team together to figure out ways through each innovatively and creatively imagined level in the game. This is considered one of the greatest games on the system, and is one of the greatest games on any system rated E for Everyone.

2. The Legend of Zelda: Spirit Tracks (Nintendo DS)

Few games inspire young minds like the Zelda series. From solving puzzles to conquering evil, the features of the Zelda franchise of video games is great for younger kids capable of taking on a challenge. An inspiring soundtrack and atmospheric visuals help create a game world that is both memorable and entertaining. Rated by many as the greatest video game franchise of all time, the Zelda series’ latest offering on the Nintendo DS is worth a strong look if you’re in the market for a new portable video game for your family.

1. New Super Mario Bros. Wii (Nintendo Wii)

The gold standard for family-oriented video game fun. Easy to pick up and play by 6-year-olds as well as 60-year olds, the new Super Mario Bros game for the Nintendo Wii is a blast. Ever wondered what it would be like to have your young child pick you up and ‘lovingly’ throw you off a cliff? The game is built around cooperative play, where all players are working together to complete the many ingenious levels, but the constant threat of your “friends” within the game picking you up and offering you to the nearest Piranha plant keeps it fresh and fun for a long time. If you have a Wii, and don’t have this game, you are truly missing out.