Konami Kids Playground

$4020, PlayStation 2

Teaches: movement, gross motor movement, classification

CTR Rating: 80%

CTR Review

This is one of four titles for the PlayStation 2 that resembles DDR (Dance Dance Revolution) with content geared toward preschoolers instead of teens. Children jump to the correct shape in order to match colored bugs, find a flower hiding the correct shape and so on. Most games follow this simple timed, multiple-choice format. The titles come bundled with a special vinyl mat that plugs into one of the PlayStation USB ports. (Note that these titles won't work with existing dance pads.)The 12 games vary in quality and developmental appropriateness for children, and progress can't be saved, so there's little or no continuity to the experience. That said, several of the games succeed in getting children moving, and it is easy for children to learn where these activities are. (Note that younger children may need to be shown how to exit from the games.)The game is a good idea, but it could be better. It succeeds in turning a PlayStation/TV context into a playful movement activity. If you already own the mat, you can buy additional titles alone for $20. Other titles (each beginning with the Konami Kids Playground prefix) include Alphabet Circus, Dinosaurs Shapes & Colors, and Toy Pals Fun with Numbers. Designed by ImaginEngine for Konami.