Operation Mania
© 2009 Electronic Arts, Inc.
Addictive and humorous, this game of skill is a bit like running a very busy restaurant, only with sick patients. Available either as a download from Pogo (EA's online gaming site) or sold at retail, this Windows game is inspired from the classic Hasbro board game, Operation. In this on-screen edition, you race the clock to treat patients who have "funatomy" ailments, like butterflies in the stomach (carefully move a net around to catch the flying bugs). The more cases you cure, the more money you make. There are two modes of play: story and marathon. Content includes 22 maladies, 16 types of trophies to collect, and 51 ranks. The game starts easy and can get very challenging. For $15, this is a fun addition to any software library, with no worrisome content. If you're looking for real medical information, you won't find it in this game -- just a fun spoof on medical care. Note that the game has a "mini-mall" with links to EA's online store at www.pogo.com.
$15, Windows
Teaches: fine motor coordination, timing, logic
CTR Rating: 92%