Super Bust-a-Move

$19.99, PlayStation 2

Teaches: strategy, problem solving, colors, planning ahead

CTR Review

Upbeat and addicting, this is aTetris-like game where players try to line up balls of matching colors. Logic and strategy are a must as kids guide the balls into groups of like colors. The puzzles get progressively harder, and children have to think quickly before the ball shooter runs out of time. Control of the puzzles isn't always easy, as kids must pay attention to numerous variables at once-- colors of both the current and upcoming ball, and the way in which the balls will hit the targets. We had kids as young as six playing this one, though they rarely beat the later levels. Tetris lovers will be hooked. (Note that an Options menu allows players to adjust critical game features.) See the Nintendo DS version.