Yogi Bear: The Video Game (DS)

$30, Nintendo DS*, Wii

Teaches: logic, timing, spatial relations

CTR Rating: 80%

CTR Review

Based on the animated film, this game lets you take on the role of Yogi Bear in his efforts to save Jellystone Park from shutting down. We tested the DS version, and found it to be a traditional side-scrolling platformer for one player, where you try to steer Yogi through a maze, collecting food and parts to gadgets, while avoiding skunks, mean squirrels and tourists (who can send you back to the start of a level). The controls can be hard for younger children to master, for example, some two button presses are required to jump higher. The DS version has two minigames -- a fun maze game, and a more frustrating food throwing activity. There are three game-save slots, and progress is saved automatically. All in all, this is a good weekend activity. Progress is saved automatically. Developed by Monkey Bar Games for the Wii ($40) and by 1st Playable Productions, LLC for the Nintendo DS ($30).