Club Penguin: Elite Penguin Force

$30, Nintendo DS

Teaches: reading, strategy, problem solving

CTR Rating: 90%

CTR Review

Imagine the look of Club Penguin on a Nintendo DS, and you get the idea of this mostly one-player adventure game. There's one key difference, however. You're not online, and there's no live chat. In addition, there is no penguin avatar representing you, as there is at www.clubpenguin.com. In this game, you explore an abbreviated version of the Club Penguin world, collecting clues, finding lost items, using gadgets, accessories, vehicles and locations to investigate mysterious events. Minigames include adaptations of popular Club Penguin games such as Cart Surfer, Jet Pack Adventure and Ice Fishing, all using the DS stylus and adapted for the DS two-screen view.A good deal of reading is required which is both a strength and a weakness. In addition, the cartridge comes with Disney�s DGamer connectivity, so kids can join Disney's online community, either on their DS or on their home computer. Using the DS wireless web connection, you can unlock new features and upload coins to your online penguin account, a process we tried, but could not get to work. (Note that our review was conducted on the first week of launch -- it is best to give it a bit of time.)Nick (age 13) played for three hours and thought it was a lot of fun. In this time, he was able to complete the main missions of the game. Daniel (age 9) also had a turn, and loved it. As an avid player of Club Penguin (the Internet site), he thought this was a fun way to take "Club Penguin on the go." The missions were great and he loved solving mysteries. Even if you don't play Club Penguin, you'll like the friendly, welcoming feel to this DS title. Published by Disney Interactive Studios and developed by 1st Playable Productions. See also Club Penguin: Herbert's Revenge.