Games for Children/Child's Play

Before I begin this week's reviews, I would like to make you all aware of something. As the holidays approach, it's about time for Child's Play to start up again in their mission to make the holidays better for children in the hospital. The guys at Penny Arcade have teamed up with over 60 children's hospitals worldwide to give toys and games to the children interned in them. It's an excellent opportunity for we gamers, as a community, to give back and spread the joy of the holidays to those who need it most. Last year, Child's Play raised over $1.4 MILLION in cash, toys and games, and they're looking to beat that this year. With the economy in the toilet, and these families having to deal with medical expenses, the contributions you make could be the only Christmas these kids get this year.
I'm not trying to guilt you into giving. I'm simply saying that we all know someone whose life has been touched by a children's hospital. Wouldn't it make sense that the gaming community give back? It's an expensive hobby we have. On top of that, wouldn't it be nice to know that the game you bought would be helping some kid across the country stay alive and happy? You don't have to give much. There are so many of us. If you don't want to give cash, you can even make a donation toward the purchase of a toy, game or gaming system. Just think about it; that copy of MW2 you've been wanting could wait 'till next paycheck, and it could be a DS for a kid with leukemia. Just think about it.
I'll get off my soapbox now. In honor of Child's Play, today I've got four games for children lined up.
What's Bothering Carl? There are those who would say that interactive storybooks like this one aren't really games, and to them I say, "You are a poop-head" or somesuch silliness. However, they are right. If taken in the context of being a game, it wouldn't really be all that impressive. If viewed as a storybook, however, it does some really neat stuff. Think modern pop-up book without the papercuts or eventual worn out tabs and cutouts. What's Bothering Carl is a story about young Carl, a giant cyclops who isn't bothered by much. Normally, he's a pretty laid-back guy, but something has been tormenting him recently, and it's up to you to find out what it is. Colorful and imaginative with neat little secrets and fun songs, What's Bothering Carl won't just keep your kid quiet for a while, it might improve their reading skills too. Available for purchase ($9.99) on Mac and PC.
Magic Pen I reviewed this last month, but I believe it bears repeating. Magic Pen is a physics puzzle game with very playful graphics and animation, designed to engage the player's creative mind. What you draw becomes a real object in the world, and reacts to the laws of physics in realistic ways. Great for building critical thinking and problem-solving skills.
Red Remover Another for building critical think and problem solving, this color based puzzle game sends you on a mission of mercy. The red shapes are sad to be on the screen. To make them happy, you must remove them. The green shapes, however, are quite content to stay on the screen, and the blue shapes don't care either way. Very bright and colorful with a very happy and positive attitude. Children must be getting smarter, because the difficulty curve gets pretty steep after level 20.
Wake Up the Box Finally, Wake Up the Box was my favorite. Critical thinking and building skills come into play as you use the pieces you are given to wake up the very sleepy Mr. Box. The art in this game is very well done, and the aesthetic is entirely endearing. Poor Mr. Box gets beaten up a lot in this game, as most of the ways I found to wake him up involved bonking him on the head or knocking him off the screen. One thing did rather trouble me about the game. It takes place at night. It's entirely natural for Mr. Box to be asleep, and they never mention why he must be awake. If it was the middle of the day, I'd understand waking him up, but with the current time setting, it just made me feel like a jerk.

As you've probably noticed, three of the four I mentioned are on a flash platform. See? the internet isn't as scary for kids as we thought. Unless it is. Let's not stress the point.
Do the right thing, People. Play indie games. Give to Child's Play (what, I can't do a serious one every now and again?).



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