Hobbies And Interests
Cosmic Family
Nintendo lists Cosmic Family in the education and action genres, though the "action" is not intense, as you might expect in a title appropriate for 3- to 5-year-olds. Game play includes minigames, exploration and piloting a rocket and using the Wii remote as a magic wand. Cosmic Family is a one-player game that only works for the youngest of children.
Zack & Wiki: Quest for Barbaro's Treasure
Who doesn't like pirates? This game features Zack the pirate, whom child players of about 6 years old and older guide through a quest to become the best pirate. Though it's a one-player game, Zack & Wiki features puzzles as well as action, so friends can figure out puzzles together. The game uses the Wiimote with the Nunchuk attached.
Ultimate I Spy
If it's mental exercise you want in a game for younger children, I Spy might be the title for you. The game has created a 3-D environment in which to play, with children not just searching for items, but also solving riddles. Many activities can only be solved with physical action, using the Wiimote and Nunchuk to, for instance, play the maracas, juggle or throw darts. The game can be played by two people simultaneously.
Dance Dance Revolution: Disney Grooves
As the title suggests, players dance to 40 well-known Disney tunes. To play the game, you'll need to buy dancing mats, which some retail game versions include. Playing this game, two to four players get a workout while improving rhythm and coordination. The game will appeal to a wide age range of children.
De Blob
If a young child will be playing with older children or even parents, de Blob, a platformer game for up to four, might be a good choice. (Platformer gamers are those that involve making an on-screen character jump.) The title capitalizes on kids' urge to make a mess, especially with paint. They play de Blob, who, by painting Chroma City, saves it. The game will age well with children, who can also play in online mode.
Boom Blox Bash Party
If you want a game that will last for a long time, that everyone in the family can play and that provides action, puzzles and a group experience, Boom Blox Bash Party is a good bet. Steven Spielberg helped develop this game, which can be played cooperatively, competitively or in teams. There are more than 400 levels, taking players from the sea to outer space. During the game, players aim at and break blox, using tools like slingshots and cannons. Players can also design levels to share through Nintendo's Wi-Fi with friends or other players throughout the world.