Pokémon Pearl
© 2007 Nintendo of America
This continuation of the Pokémon card-dueling game contains new competitors, battles and the ability to fight against other players using the DS wireless system. It is a great early reading experience. The storyline is very much like previous versions—a young boy or girl explores a maze of towns, caves and houses in search of new Pokémon critters to duel in command based battles using spells. The goal is to be the best trainer. Wireless gameplay can be found by visiting any Pokémon center building and going to the second floor, called the "Union Room" that opens if there is at least one eligible player in range. First, you visit the counter, where you can find out if there is any other player in range. If so, you can chat using a multiple-choice alphabet system, trade critters, or have a battle. Parents with multiple children will want to note that only one game can be saved per cartridge, creating an ideal scenario for a family feud when/if a little brother/sister erases a game. Reading is required, along with a good deal of deductive reasoning, making this a nice general cognitive activity. But it can also become socially isolating and addicting, even with the highly-touted multiplayer features—remember that these features are not the core part of the game. This is yet another excellent title in the Pokemon series. Buy it. Developed by Game Freak for Nintendo.
$35, Nintendo DS
Teaches: reading, math, logic, math
CTR Rating: 96%