Kazumi Reads

Product Summary:
Fans of the manga and anime will not only love the nonstop action of this game, but the battles, themselves will give players an extreme upper body workout they were not anticipating. In this game, players can choose their favorite character from "Bleach" and spar with with the computer or another player. Each characters has their own unique weapon and moves, which require a few rounds of fighting to master. When players complete certain rounds they can unlock a ton of special features, which can be used as the battles become more difficult. Not only can players unlock these features, but they can unlock new players on top of the 30+ characters already provided.

When the players decide their character they can choose from several different scenes, which are beautifully animated. Like most fighting games,  there are bars that measure life force and power source so players know when to use hidden tricks without inadvertently killing themselves. The game, since it is a fighting game, is violent, but nothing too horrible or a 'tween can not handle. However, the real test of the game is not withstanding the violence, but how physically fit the player is; in order to operate the character, players must use the remote and nunchuck to move their fighter, which can be exciting and exhausting.

Product Information:
All hail the Gods of Rock! In this installment of the ever popular "Guitar Hero" provide players with even more songs to play PLUS a variety of venues and gear to earn. Moreover, in this version of the game, players can actually form their own bands, which makes the competition even more exciting as the participate in the "Battle of the Bands." Another great feature of this game is the eclectic mix of music that includes 311,Jimi Hendrix, the Bestie Boys, Alice Cooper, Interpol, The Eagles, The Cult, Rage Against the Machine, Van Halen, Silver Sun Pickup's, Bon Jovi, Ozzy Osbourne, Sublime, and Tool The list of these greats go on and on!

If players are  want to create their own rendition of popular hits, or compose all original pieces, there is another great feature called "Music Studio" music program. Not only will 'tweens have a million hours of playing, and perfecting their guitar skills ,they will have the opportunity to make their own music or just have a plain old good time beating the game as they rock out to some of the greatest music ever!

Rating: 
Ages 9 & up

Product Information:
If 'tweens are looking for a way to fight boredom, or need a great work out, this game is perfect! Carnival Games, which allows four players to participate. After users have created their characters, they go straight to the beginning of the carnival and select a direction they would like to take (each direction has a selection of games that vary each way). The best aspect of this game is that players are literally playing their favorite carnival games by holding their remote. For example, if players want to play shooting games, they will hole their remote just they would at the ally. Or, if players want to play ring toss games, they would position their remotes as if they were throwing a ring. The one game, that really gets the hear rate going, is the game that tests your strength (players use their remotes to pump up pressure and then slam their invisible sledgehammer on a target). The graphics are not the best, but what makes this game challenging is that the remote connection can be rather sensitive so if players overshoot their target, or throw something too hard, they will not win the game.

When players run out of turns, they will collect raffle tickets, which can be used in the carnival store to buy new outfits and other stuff for their characters. They can also open up additional games, which adds to the variety that is already available. This game is another great family game, but also fun for 'tweens who want to play with their friends after school or any other occasion.

Product Summary:
As one of the first video games for the Nintendo Wii, Mario Kart sold out immediately and was on back order for several months. When I purchased this game, I went bananas for it! Players have several options as to what courses, characters, and vehicles that they would like to use during the game. Plus, Mario Kart can be played with a special wheel, game controller, and nun chuck. When players finish choosing their characters thye can also choose what kind of race they would like to play (Battle or one on one racing). Mario Kart allows up to flour players to participate in races, which makes this an excellent friends and family game.

The graphics in this game are just stunning. When players reach the race track that takes place in outer space, the colors and the track, itself, is just amazing especially on a high definition television. The sound effects and the music is as cute as can be, especially "Moo Moo Meadows." The game does take a few trials to understand the rules and the functions, but once players know when to use the prize cubes they collect then the competition is on! 'Tweens will definitely enjoy unlocking all kinds of prizes and vehicles as they conquer each course, and ultimately, the entire game.

Product Information: