Lawrence Public Library » Phillip K.

Puzzle Games

bmichener — Wed, 10 Apr 2013 22:55:25 +0000

The following list of games all fall under the category of “Puzzle Games”. They ask a player to use logic, creativity, and critical thinking to form solutions. Most importantly, a player of any age will have fun while testing and developing those skills. As always, each game comes with an ESRB rating of E for Everyone, meaning they can be played by a puzzle solver of any age. More information about the ESRB rating system can be found here.
Tetris Party Deluxe – Nintendo Wii
A reimagining of the classic, Tetris Party Deluxe features the traditional falling block and line clearing action gamers are familiar with along with multiple new ways to play. New modes include a beginners mode with easier to manipulate blocks, a balance board mode where players may use the Wii Balance Board to play, shadow mode where players race to fill in a specific shape, and many other new ways to play!

Portal 2 – XBox 360 (Also Available on PS3)
It’s difficult to describe and classify the exact genre of Portal 2. It’s best described as a first person shooting puzzle platformer. A player must use creative manipulation of portals that can be shot on the walls, floors, and ceilings to make it through obstacle filled rooms. Portal 2 has received nearly universal critical acclaim for its unique play experience, and it’s a game that needs trying out to fully understand and appreciate.

Angry Birds Trilogy – Playstation 3
The popular phone-app makes its way to the console and your television! Known for its simple but addictive gameplay, a player must control the flock of angry birds to rescue the eggs from the thieving pigs Game contains the first three titles in the angry birds series: Angry Birds, Angry Birds Seasons, and Angry Birds Rio.

America’s pastime…digitally

bmichener — Fri, 15 Mar 2013 15:00:54 +0000

Opening Day for America’s pastime is right around the corner. Celebrate the upcoming baseball season with a baseball video game in the Library’s collection. As usual, every game listed comes with an “ESRB rating of E for Everyone” so the games are playable for anyone ranging from the youngest rookie to the most veteran of players. For more information about the ESRB rating system, check here.

Playstation 3 – MLB 12 – The Show
So real, it’s unreal. Take your player from the Minors to the Majors in an improved Road to the Show mode. The first Show in the series to be fully compatible with the Playstation Move!

XBox 360 – Major League Baseball 2k12
For the first time ever, play along with the real-life MLB season as it unfolds over a six month period. Just as in real life, opposing pitchers and hitters will learn your tendencies from one at-bat to the next, challenging you to mix up your approach on both sides of the plate as each game unfolds. A revamped throwing system presents a classic risk vs. reward situation, as you choose to queue up throws before fielding the ball to save time, or take a moment to set your feet for better accuracy. All-new player types let you decide your path to the Majors, as goals, expectations, ratings and progression are all customized by position and player type.

Nintendo Wii – Mario Super Sluggers
Join Mario and his friends in a baseball game with Wii controls. Use a pitching motion to toss the ball and swing the remote to smack a home run. Challenge up to 3 friends, control over 40 playable characters, explore Baseball Kingdom, and recruit new teammates.

Searching for eC

bmichener — Fri, 15 Feb 2013 13:30:39 +0000

Last fall the Library announced on its webpage that ESRB rated “eC for Early Childhood” games are available as part of the Family Video Games section. The staff at the Children’s Desk thought it might be helpful to highlight the current and coming Early Childhood games in the collection.

The following list of games are all rated eC meaning they are intended for young audiences between 2 and 4 years old. Any and all ESRB ratings can be searched in the catalog by typing “ESRB Rating” followed by the desired rating. More information on the ESRB rating system can be found here.

As you can see, the selection at the library is fairly limited if you don’t have a Wii or are not a fan of Sesame Street. Please help us out by suggesting a purchase of a rated eC game your child has enjoyed!

Kinect Sesame Street: season 1
“Watch, play and learn with Elmo, Grover, Cookie Monster and the rest of your furry friends as you interact with real segments from the 2011-2012 season of Sesame Street”–Container. System: Xbox 360

Elmo’s Musical Monsterpiece: the game
“Play instruments, explore music and dance with Elmo, Abby Cadabby, Count von Count and the honkers as they travel through a music-themed land of wonder!”–Container. System: Nintendo Wii

Sesame Street: Ready, Set, Grover
“Get up and go with Grover, Elmo, and Abby Cadabby and move through an exciting obstacle course that encourages healthy habits through fun, active gameplay. Promotes healthy habits for life including good nutrition, hygiene, and rest and relaxation.”–Container. System: Nintendo Wii

Sesame Street: Elmo’s A-to-Zoo Adventure
“Join Elmo and Zoe on an alphabet adventure!”–Container. System: Nintendo Wii

Sesame Street: Cookies Counting Carnival
“Math is fun at the counting carnival”–Container. System: Nintendo Wii

Racing Games

bmichener — Fri, 08 Feb 2013 13:00:27 +0000

This post’s theme in game recommendations brings the race to your home. The following three games for the three major systems in the library’s collection will show a racer of any age the joys of the road. As always, these games are considered children friendly, with ESRB Ratings of no higher than E10+. More information on the ESRB rating system can be found here:

Xbox 360: Sonic & all-stars racing transformed

On the container: “Prepare to boost, drift and barrel roll in your transforming vehicle through land, sea and air while unleashing your devastating All-Star Move on the competition– this is no ordinary race! 20+ characters and 25+ dynamically changing tracks! Unleash your All-Star Move, weapons and power-ups! World Tour, Grand Prix, Battle Arena modes and 10 person multiplayer. Race as Danica Patrick and Wreck-It Ralph!” Can’t beat that. ESRB Rated: E for Everyone

Playstation 3: Gran Turismo 5

With some critics dubbing it, “The Greatest Racing Series of All Time”, the Gran Turismo series has created a legacy as the most realistic racing games on the market. Players are able to customize, race, and upgrade over 1,000 detailed cars including, NASCAR, rally, kart, and drift. If races on 20+ tracks with 70+ layouts isn’t enough variety, you are able to create your own with Course Maker. ESRB rating: E for Everyone

Wii: Mario Kart Wii

With entries in the series on every Nintendo system dating back to the Super Nintendo, Mario Kart is one of the classics in racing game series. Players will race across Mario universe themed tracks where players will compete in both racing prowess along with braving the power up items and hazards that opponents will throw their way. Choose any one of up to 24 unique characters to operate the karts, which are separated into various classes of weight. Includes 32 different tracks, half of which are remakes of tracks from previous Mario Kart games. ESRB rating: E for Everyone

Gaming Adventure

bmichener — Mon, 07 Jan 2013 17:00:06 +0000

The theme for this set of recommendations is adventure. The following three games feature iconic characters and mascots that have inspired the imaginations across the spectrum of gamers regardless of age. As always, these games are considered children friendly, with ESRB Ratings of no higher than E10+. More information on the ESRB rating system can be found here:

Xbox 360: Sonic Generations

Sonic travels back in time where he runs into his original, classic self and now these two Sonics must defeat their enemies, save their friends, and find out who is behind it all. ESRB Rated: E for Everyone

Playstation 3: Rachet and Clank Collection

Play the first three games of the popular Rachet and Clank series for the Playstation. The collection features Rachet and Clank, Rachet and Clank: Going Commando, and Rach and Clank: Up Your Arsenal. That means triple the fun for the gismo and gadget adventurer in you! ESRB Rated: E10+

Wii: Pikmin 2

Discover the planet of the Pikmin! A tiny explorer on a strange alien world, Captain Olimar must enlist the help of the curious Pikmin creatures to find treasure and save his company from financial ruin. ESRB Rated: E for Everyone

More Games for All Systems and Ages

bmichener — Thu, 06 Dec 2012 13:30:14 +0000

There is a new Family Video Game collection in the Media Room, right next to the Family DVDs. If you aren’t sure what to borrow that’s age appropriate for a child, it helps to look at the ESRB rating on the back of the box (see What is ESRB? at GameQuest). Browse the list of Family Video Games at the library, and a list of C, E and E10+ rated games in the whole Video Game collection. For E10+ players, try these games for each of the three major systems Xbox 360, Playstation 3, and Wii. Enjoy!

XBox 360: Child of Eden
The first human born in outer space takes her first breath on the International Space Station. Her name is Lumi. As Lumi grows older, she dreams of touching the beauty of Earth. She expresses her feelings through song and sends her messages to the people of Earth. After her death, her body is preserved and all of her memories are recorded and archived as data. The collective knowledge of human history is stored as archives, connective and accessible from anywhere in space. People now refer to the Internet as Eden. Eden is the fountain from which all knowledge flows. In the 23rd century, using Lumi’s preserved data archives, scientists attempt to recreate her persona within the confines of Eden. This experiment is called “Project Lumi.” Save Eden. Save Lumi.

Playstation 3: Sorcery

Sorcery is a single player action role-playing game (RPG). “Darkness is sweeping the land and Finn, the sorcerer’s apprentice, must stand against the Nightmare Queen and save the realm. Perfect for the fantasy / action-adventure reader and gamer.

Wii: Worms: A Space Oddity

The Worms are in trouble! After a mix-up at the controls of their spaceship, they’ve found themselves stranded in the murky depths of outer space. Help them repair their ship and find their way back to Earth. This artillery based strategy game is sure to bend and work the mind!

A Game for All Systems and Ages

bmichener — Fri, 09 Nov 2012 18:44:10 +0000

The video game collection found in the Media Room can give patrons of any age the feel and excitement of a new game without the need to drop $50 to $60. However, if you aren’t sure what to get that’s age appropriate for a child, it helps to look at the ESRB (Entertainment Software Rating Board rating) on the box. Anything rated E is generally rated suitable for a 10 year old. Here is an example on each of the three major systems, Xbox 360, Playstation 3, and Wii:

XBox 360: NCAA Football 12
Description: Imagine a situation where you and/or your child can escape the reality of the Jayhawk’s current football situation and create your own championship dynasty. With this game, not even KU Football’s current losing streak can get you down. Find it here in our catalog.

Playstation 3: Just Dance 3
Description: Featuring a whole new playlist of music, this installment of the “Just Dance” series of games can be the life of the family party. With multiple modes of play, it’s the perfect excuse to let go and just dance. Find it here in our catalog. If you do check this game out, make sure you have a Playstation Move accessory as it’s necessary for gameplay.

Wii: Kirby’s Epic Yarn
Description: Go on an adventure with Nintendo’s loveable puffball-like mascot, Kirby. In this installment of the franchise, Kirby’s normal vacuum copying powers have been rendered useless as he’s been transformed into fabric. Kirby must learn to harness the power of yarn in order to save his beloved home, Dream Land. Find it here in our catalog.