RSS
Home
Kid-friendly games: Boom Blox
Print
Email
RSS
Subscribe
As a parent, sometimes I fear for the games that my daughter will play when she’s old enough (she just turned two a month ago and is still learning to feed herself with a spoon, so it looks like it might be a while). Places that sell games are an attack on the senses. Many of them have mature rated games being demoed for people to try or displayed in a video, or at the very least, have posters and cardboard stand ups for these games. As a guy who has a little one stomping around my house this very minute, I can relate to the worries that other parents might have when it comes to choosing video games for their children.
However, it should be noted that gaming can be a very positive experience for children, and I believe that games where parents can interact with their kids can have a lot of benefits. The problem is that most people don’t want to drop $50 or $60 dollars a pop to find out if the game is appropriate or not for their kids. Fear not, I’ve spent the money for you, and am here to report my findings.
Today I’m going to cover Boom Blox for the Nintendo Wii.
Boom Blox (Nintendo Wii)
Is it just for kids? No. This one is for everyone who likes party games like Jenga. In fact, there’s a mode that is distinctly similar to Jenga, where players take turns pulling out pieces without making the structure fall. However, instead of just regular towers, these structures can be more complex in design, and take more thought for pulling pieces out. But besides pulling pieces out, there are plenty of modes that all feature something different. Most of them require problem solving skills, something great for kids and adults alike.
Can my kids play it? Absolutely. While the concept may sound intimidating, it really isn’t. The Wii-motion and pointing controls are used to perfection, and there are also game modes that require figuring out puzzles, or throwing balls (like baseballs) at structures to knock them down. The number of modes is definitely robust enough that there will be at least one mode your child will definitely enjoy.
What is the recommended age? I can’t say this across the board, but my friend plays this game with his three-year-old son, and they have a blast knocking over little wooden towers and saving the cubic animals that inhabit the game (which are often over-the-top in their goofy design). If your child is old enough to understand what video games are, and is able to hold and control a Wii-mote, chances are there is a mode in this game they will have fun with.
Bottom line: Boom Blox is an incredibly fun and original title for the Nintendo Wii. It makes great use of the Wii’s unique controller, and offers plenty of modes for everyone. You can play against someone, or team up with them to complete a level. There are some truly funny moments to be had with Boom Blox.
Related Articles:
Add a Comment
