PRINTFor every age
July 24, 2008 | 12:00 a.m. CST
Choosing age-appropriate video games for kids can be a challenge. Start with these recommendations from commonsensemedia.org.
5-7 years old
Related Articles- Gaming issue glossary
- A new grip on rehab
- Rated ‘E’ for exercise
- It’s my turn to play
- Kings and queens of strategy
- Girls who game
- Doc hunt
- Tabled obsessions
- On the job with a pinball wizard
- Off-screen games
- Where virtual meets reality
- What’s next?
- Bent on experimentation
- Guess who games?
- Table-Top Gamer: Patrick Nolan, 38
- Negin Rising
Look for games marked “E – For Everyone.” Recommended: Madagascar Animal Trivia, a trivia game the whole family can participate in; LeapPad Learning System, a “smart toy” that helps teach children to read; and Hit it, Maestro!, a musical game on the LeapPad system that introduces children to the classical stylings of composers such as Tchaikovsky.
8-10 years old
Look for games marked “E – For Everyone.” Recommended: Zoo Vet, a veterinarian simulation that allows players to use more than 30 realistic medical tools and examine 25 species of animals; Big Brain Academy, where the whole family
can compete in reading, math and other educational skills; Mario Party 8, a game that enhances socialization.
11-13 years old
Look for games marked “E +10 – For Everyone age 10 and up.” Recommended: The Political Machine 2008, a simulation game that teaches families the ins and outs of the American political system and current events in a competitive way; Battle of the Bands, a game that enhances musical cognition while allowing for children to interact socially; Wits and Wagers, a quiz game that enhances educated competition.
14-16 years old
Look for games marked “T – For Teen, ages 13 and older.” Recommended: Final Fantasy X-2, which, despite mild violence, focuses more on quests, relationship building and world stabilization than fighting evil; Rome: Total War is a historical thinking game that has large-scale battles (but no blood!) and can be played online; Real Lives 2004, which lets players walk in the shoes of people from different cultures.
17+ years old
Look for games marked “M – For Mature, ages 17 and older.” Recommended: Brothers in Arms: Road to Hill 30, a WWII battle game that doesn’t spare battlefield details and incites discussion about historical events and the book the game is based; Metal Gear Solid 4: Guns of the Patriots, a game that’s for an adult audience but is philosophical in nature and reflects on world conflicts.
