With my recent acquisition of a Wii, and the release of LittleBigPlanet 2 for PS3, I began wondering why “serious/hardcore” gamers tend to ignore so many great games which are perceived to be “childish” based on superficial evaluation. It is a shame, since there is so much goodness and fun to be had with these titles, if you can swallow your pride.

Sure, they seldom, if ever, have mind-bending plots, and usually lack life-like textures, opting rather for a brighter colour palette, but what they do offer, in spades, is FUN! You know, that stuff that so many gamers have forgotten about over the years, due to gaming becoming “SRS bizness”.

Some of you may think these games are just too easy, or lack challenge, which is just not true. Some of them can challenge even the most hardened gaming vets.

So, I bring you a look at some of the more recent “childish” titles that could easily put any square-jawed, wall-hugging space marine to shame.

Kirby’s Epic Yarn

Wii
Platforming
Metacritic score – 88

What will strike most people off the bat, is the game’s art direction. The world and its inhabitants are made up of all kinds of yarn, string, cloth and textiles. This creates an extremely different and vibrant look, and is a treat to see in action. Interacting with the environment, Kirby can pull on loose threads, buttons and zippers, changing terrain and unlocking new areas in the process.

For those not in the know, Kirby is a pink ball, basically with the ability to eat things and morph into all kinds of things. For example, in Kirby’s Epic Yarn, Kirby can morph into a rocket spewing tank, a car, a dolphin, a UFO, and even unwind himself into a long piece of thread. 

Despite its uber kid-friendly nature, the gameplay is just plain fun! It is a pretty standard platformer, in the same vein as the Mario titles, but with a few “Kirby-esque” twists.
 
A fantastic title on the Wii which, despite its cutesy visuals, is extremely enjoyable.

Super Mario Galaxy 1+2

Wii
Platforming
Metascore score – 97 for both

Some consider the Super Mario Galaxy titles almost perfect, and I would have to agree.

Set in outer space, Mario is up to his usual business – saving Peach. This time Mario is lost in outer space, which provides a backdrop for some incredible level design and fun physics based gameplay.

These games make superb use of the Wii Remote and Nunchuk, using the pointer to collect objects and manipulate the scenery. Featuring power-ups which range from changing into a ghost or bee, to staples, like the fire-suit which allows for the tossing of fiery death balls.

Cooperative multiplayer also makes an appearance here. One player controls Mario while a second player controls a secondary pointer to shoot at enemies, enabling timed higher jumps, as well as the ability to prevent some monsters from moving – a very different take on multiplayer.

What is great about both titles is that the challenge can vary to entertain all skill levels. It can cushion the most novice of gamers, and challenge the most hardcore, if you have the mettle to collect all of the stars.

Each game is truly spectacular and something all gamers worth their salt should play.

LittleBigPlanet 1+2

PS3
Platforming
Metascore – 95 and 93

One of the few titles of its kind on the PS3, LittleBigPlanet uses a mixture of traditional 2D platforming with 3D execution. Like Kirby’s Epic Yarn, LittleBigPlanet is a joy to behold with its creative use of textures and real-world objects and stage design. Physics are used to a great degree and play a huge role in gameplay, so expect to drag, be tossed, and float all over the stages finding unlockables.

LittleBigPLanet also offers a strong multiplayer aspect. Up to four players can help each other to reach areas otherwise unobtainable when playing solo. This can be done online as well, and is a great blast, I must say!

There is one feature which truly makes LittleBigPlanet shine, and that is the ability to create and share content with others via the PlayStation Network. With a robust built-in editor, one could easily create totally unique and creative stages for others to enjoy. You would be shocked at what some people can create using this editor!

What better time to get into LittleBigPlanet than with its 2nd outing, available this Friday!

Pokemon RPG Titles

DS
RPG
Metascore – 80s

The Pokemon RPGs have been around since around 1998, in the forms of Pokemon Red and Green. Released on Nintendo’s handheld systems, the Pokemon series spans over numerous iterations that include: Pokemon Red + Blue, Pokemon Silver + Gold, and the soon to be released Pokemon Black + White (just to name a few).

Each new game is usually released in a pair, containing slight differences between the two variations. For the most part, the differences concern unique Pokemon that are only available in each version. There is a feature, however, that allows Pokemon (Pokemons? Pokemen?) to be traded and moved between games and players so you can truly try “Catch them all!”

Being fairly traditional turn-based role-playing games, the typica Pokemon RPG can take quite some time to fully complete, so they are great value for money. They are highly addictive (as I can attest), and potentially very dangerous for the obsessive compulsive.

Pokemon Black and Pokemon White will be released this March.

More classics to watch out for

Super Scribblenauts – DS

Zelda franchise – DS, Wii

Okami – PS2, Wii

Final Fantasy: Chocobo’s Dungeon – Wii

Kirby: Canvas Curse- DS

Assorted Some LEGO Titles – Varying

Mario & Luigi: Bowser’s Inside Story – DS

de Blob – Wii

Zack & Wiki: Quest for Barbaros’ Treasure – Wii

Have your own favourites to add to the list? << Share your views in the forums