Madden NFL 13 (Videogame)

Madden NFL 13

Madden NFL 13 [Wii] Electronic Arts, 2012, 1 disc. Rated E for Everyone.

Summary

Madden NFL 13 is one of the newest releases in the popular line of the National Football League (NFL) video games.  Players can play and control their favorite football team either against the computer, friends, or people online.  Using the Wii remote, game players can throw passes, tackle, and score touchdowns as their favorite NFL players. There are options to play through practice, a training camp, or a regular NFL game. Players can also manage their own team, act as coaches, and draft new players.  There are real audio clips from NFL sportscasters, and several famous dance and celebration moves from NFL players.  Players can choose to play as or face off against all 32 NFL teams and can play in virtual NFL stadiums. Much like other video games, there are also awards and trophies that can be unlocked, as the player wins games and scores touchdowns.

Critical Evaluation

The game is fun to play, once you get a handle on how to control the players and make passes. There’s no real tutorial in the game, instead players learn as they go. The game can seem a little overwhelming at first to a novice player, or someone who's not really familiar with football.. The game is probably easier for NFL fans to pick up and enjoy, especially if they've played other Madden games before. 

The sound  and visual effects are a nice touch. It does make the player feel like they are watching a real football game and not just playing in a virtual one. The look of the stadium and the dance moves were my favorite parts, as well as the option to play as your favorite team.  Madden NFL 13 isn’t the most artistically beautiful or plot driven game out there, but it’s a lot of fun to play either by yourself or with friends.

Reader’s Annotation

Wish you were part of the NFL? Now you can be, by playing and experiencing Madden NFL 13.

About the Author

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Genres

Games

Curriculum Ties

N/A

Booktalking Ideas

N/A

Reading Level/Interest Age

12+

Grades 8+

Challenge Issues

N/A

Why Included?

I included this game, because it’s a popular pick with our patrons. I included it originally for the teen boys, but I think even teen girls would enjoy playing it.  There’s no questionable content in the game, and it’s fun to play. 

Just Dance 4 (Videogame)

Just Dance 4 [Wii] Ubisoft, 2012, 1 disc. Rated E 10+ for everyone 10 and up.

Summary

Just Dance 4 is one of the newest installments in the “Just Dance” videogame line.  The main goal of the game is players to match an onscreen dance routine by moving around with their gaming remote. Players can earn trophies and points depending on how well they follow the dance moves.  Each song also has their own “Dance Quests,” where players can earn more “Mojo” points by reaching various milestones.

This Just Dance version contains fifty songs with players able to unlock and buy more tracks. Some of the game’s songs include “Call Me Maybe,” “The Final Countdown,” “Moves like Jagger,” and “Want U Back.” There are two main features to the game: Just Dance, and Just Sweat. In Just Dance, players can choose songs to dance to for fun, either by themselves or with other players. In Just Sweat, players can choose different themed workouts, such as “Swinging 60’s,” and “Cheerleaders Boot Camp,” as well as create their own personalized workout.

Critical Evaluation

Just Dance is both fun and engaging for players. There is a good mix of new songs and old favorites, which makes it easy for any age to play along.  It’s easy enough to set up and play and the game graphics are bright and modern. Only a few songs are done by cover artists, with the majority covered by the original artist. Most of the language in the “questionable” lyrics is censored, so all ages can play along without worrying about the songs.

The quests and stars give the game a nice competitive feel, without being too demanding. Having the quests in a checklist format makes it easy for players to see what they have to do next.

While the Just Sweat feature may seem a bit rigorous for beginner players, it is a nice feature for players who want to start an easy exercise routine. Overall, Just Dance is a great game that gets players moving, all while having fun.

Reader’s Annotation

Get off your couch and get moving to your favorite songs, with Just Dance 4.

About the Author

N/A

Genres

Videogames

Curriculum Ties

N/A

Booktalking Ideas

N/A

Reading Level/Interest Age

12+

Grades 8+

Challenge Issues

N/A

Why Included?

I included this game because it’s popular with both teen girls and boys patron. It gets players off their seat and moving, and there’s a good quality of songs included in the game. 

Mario Kart Wii (Videogames)

Mario Kart Wii

Mario Kart  [Wii] Nintendo, 2008, 1 disc. Rated E for everyone.

Summary

Mario Kart is a racing video game with characters and locations from the “Super Mario” videogames.  In this Wii version players use their remote and a Wii wheel for control and steering.  Players can either play by themselves, in multiplayer mode, or go online to play people from around the world. Players can race in a four-track race, try to beat their own score in “Time Trials,” race other players by creating teams, or create their own racing rules. In the popular “Battle” mode, game users race other players to pop balloons or gather coins all while racing for first place.

Along with choosing which characters to be, (players can either choose classic Super Mario characters, or have their Wii Mii play)  players get their choice of their vehicles, (go karts or bikes) automatic or manual transmission, and which track to race on. As with other racing games, players can earn trophies, unlock special race tracks, and beat out their own personal finish time.

Critical Evaluation

The Mario Kart games  are classics, and it’s easy to see why.  Mario Kart Wii is great for all ages and for playing with friends or by yourself.  Steering with the Wii wheel makes the players feel like they are controlling a real car. After a few tries, figuring out how to control the go kart and how to race  is simple and easy to understand. The background music and sounds give the game a classic arcade feel, and the graphics are eye-popping and bright. The race tracks themselves are a nice mix for beginning and more advanced racers: the infamous Rainbow Road, a difficult route for many players is also included in the game as well as the more low-key Moo Moo Meadows.

Some parents might object to teens being able to play anyone in the world, but the game gives out limited information: plus, it’s easy to turn off the wi-fi features in the game. There’s no questionable content, making it a great game for younger teens to play alongside their older siblings.   

Reader’s Annotation

Race with your friends or with people around the world with the classic Mario Kart Wii.

About the Author

N/A

Genres

Videogames

Curriculum Ties

N/A

Booktalking Ideas

N/A

Reading Level/Interest Age

12+

Grades 8+

Challenge Issues

N/A

Why Included?

I included this game because it’s a classic and popular pick. It’s one of the more simple racing games out there and there’s no questionable content.