We Heart Katamari

Namco. We Love Katamari. PlayStation 2, 2006. ASIN: B000A5K5MI.

Plot
The King of the Cosmos is surprised by the amount fame he has gotten since his son the Prince has rolled up all sorts of katamaris to replace the stars. Now the King wants to please his fans on earth so he sends the Prince back down to earth to roll up even bigger katamaris.

Critical Evaluation
The premise of this game is that these little alien creatures roll around a small ball that is able to pick up objects when it rolls over it. The goal is to make the ball or katamari as big as possible, however here is the catch, you can only pick up bigger things if your ball is big enough and there is also a time limit. The game sounds very simple, but it is surprisingly addictive and entertaining. There are also several tasks and themes so the task does not get old.

Reader's Annotation
In order to please the fans on earth, the King of Cosmo has assigned the Prince to come to earth to roll bigger katamaris for the people.

About the Author
NAMCO was founded in 1955 by Masaya Nakamura in Tokyo Japan. It established a Namco American in 1978 with its head office in Santa Clara. Since then it has become part of the Bandai company. On the official website they state that they are an entertainment company that sells new and unique video games internationally.

In addition to We Love Katamari, they have also produced other games for the Wii, Nintendo DS and other games on the Play Station systems.

Genre
Game

Curriculum
None

Book Talking Ideas
None

Reading Level/Interest Age
All Ages

Challenge Issues
None

Why Included in Selection
This game may seemed aimed towards kids, but it is actually a strategy game that teens will enjoy.

Rayman Raving Rabbids: TV Party Wii

Ubisoft. Rayman Raving Rabbids: TV Party Wii. Nintendo, 2008. ASIN: 008888174950.

Plot
Dangerous crazy rabbids have arrived from outer space. In attempt to attack the earth they have accidentally gotten stuck within the TV. Now there are wacky random games for groups to play with these TV themed rabbids.

Critical Evaluation
The game has colorful and amusing artwork with the rabbids animated in a cartoon style. There are a large amount of group games to play which are presented in TV themed subjects. Groups of teens will enjoy playing these completely random and crazy funny games. If players have access to a Wii balance board there are several games that are especially designed for its use.

Reader's Annotation
Alien rabbits from outer space have invaded your TV. As a result there are new crazy Wii games that are played in a group. Prepare for completely random and crazy fun.

About the Author
Ubisoft is an international company that produces interactive entertainment products. It was first founded in 1986 and is currently headquartered in Montreuil-sous-Bois, France.

The company has sold some very successful games and is the fourth biggest independent publisher in the U.S.

Genre
Game

Curriculum
None

Book Talking Ideas
None

Reading Level/Interest Age
10+

Challenge Issues
None

Why Included in Selection
This is a completely quirky game that teens can use to enjoy some time hanging out with friends.

MarioKart Wii

Nintendo. MarioKart: Wii. Nintendo, 2008. ASIN: 0454969010200100

Plot
Up to six people can play MarioKart at the same time. There is also the option that players can choose their Nintendo character and their own racing car and race on various bright and fun race tracks. Players can also play individually or play multi-player games as a team or versus.

Critical Evaluation
There are several options for teens to play on this game. The race tracks vary from easy to very challenging. The race tracks are also brightly and creatively designed which make them fun to race. Players can also pick from various characters and racing vehicles. The multi-player games are very fun and are addicting to play with friends or online.

Reader's Annotation
Race friends and foes with numerous Nintendo characters and fun vehicles. There are numerous race tracks and multi-player options to keep players hooked.

About the Author
Nintendo first appeared in 1985. It sold over 60 million NES units and got people interested in video games. Since then the company has produced ten additional entertainment systems.

The most recent system that is out is the Wii. Currently it is the best-selling console in the world.

Genre
Game

Curriculum
None

Book Talking Ideas
None

Reading Level/Interest Age
All ages

Challenge Issues
None

Why Included in Selection
This is a fun game for not only teens, but for all ages with multiple playing options and great racing tracks.

Dance Dance Revolution Hottest Party 2

Konami. Dance Dance Revolution Hottest Party 2. Nintendo, 2008. ASIN: B0030U1YYS.

Plot
This game includes over 50 songs for the player's selection. Songs range from soft ballads to fast techno songs. Players have the option to customize their avatars, add dance moves and multiple modes to their player's options. Players receive scores for their performances and can unlock new songs for their scores.

Critical Evaluation
This game gets your heart beating. Players can buy additional dance mats and have competitions or team games. There are various levels so that players ranging from beginners and advanced skills can enjoy the game. Players can use the game as a training or fitness tool besides just playing the games for fun. Teens will enjoy the options to play with friends or as individual players.

Reader's Annotation
Challenge yourself with over fifty high tempo dance songs. The game has more customizing options so you learn actual dance moves in addition to challenging new moves to add to each song.

About the Author
Konami Corporation was started in Osaka Japan in 1969 by Mr. Kagemasa Kozuki. Currently the company is based in Tokyo Japan. In 1982 the company started working in North America.

The company focuses on the home video game market.

Genre
Game

Curriculum
None

Book Talking Ideas
None

Reading Level/Interest Age
All ages

Challenge Issues
None

Why Included in Selection
This is a fun game that gives teenagers the chance to work out as well.

Cooking Mama 2 Dinner With Friends

Magesco Entertainment. Cooking Mama. DS Nintendo, 2006-2007. ASIN 096427015055

Plot
Create eighty new recipes from start to finish by prepping the ingredients, baking or frying the food. Perform each skill well and get good scores to please Mama, if you fail, beware! In this version, cook food for new friends and parties. You can also customize your own costumes and kitchen.

Critical Evaluation
This is the second game for the Cooking Mama series. It has a simple premise asking for the player to perform kitchen skills by using the stylus and interacting with the DS. It is an addicting game with fun graphics and recipes to keep players interested.

Reader's Annotation
Cooking Mama will teach you how to cook over one hundred recipes! Then you can go and cook food for your friends.

About the Author
Majesco is a entertainment company that was incorporated in 1986. They produce software for the Nintendo DS and Wii systems. They have also created products for other systems such as the Xbox 360, PlayStation 2, and Game Boy Advanced just to name a few. They focus on producing diverse games that are family oriented.

Genre
Game

Curriculum
None

Book Talking Ideas
None

Reading Level/ Interest Level
Every Age

Challenge Issues
None

Why Included in Selection
Teen like different kinds of games that may include addicting cooking games.