High on the agenda for many young people at this time of the year is compiling the ultimate 'Christmas list', which often includes the latest video games and systems. Many parents are hesitant to invest in such gifts as they feel they promote laziness and create an unwelcome distraction from their schoolwork.
Techno the constructive way
But what if you could give them something as equally entertaining which can improve their thinking, fitness skills or music intelligence? Outlook Youth took a look at some games that can accomplish these goals.
Goal: Fitness
Type of game: Wii Fit
Console: Nintendo Wii
How it works:
It encourages you to become fit through a selection of 40 activities and exercises, including strength training, aerobics, yoga and balance games.
The game allows you to control on-screen actions with your movements on the balance board provided.
Wii Fit allows up to eight persons to create profiles with basic information on their body type. After that, they can create goals, monitor their progress, test their balance and gradually unlock more exercises and activities.
Who is it good for? This game is ideal for anyone with an interest in health or fitness. The various activities offered are intended to appeal to every personality.
Goal: Developing brain power
Type of game: Brain Age
Console: Nintendo DS
How it works:
Although it many not be emphasised enough, mental exercise is just as important as physical exercise. Brain Age seeks to foster mental development in a simple, fun and competitive way.
It fully utilises the touch screen as well as voice recognition software in order to complete the challenges in the shortest time span possible.
Brain Age features a series of puzzles designed specifically to improve certain areas of the brain. Though the tasks are somewhat simple, they are challenging enough to give positive results.
At the end of each challenge the player is given a summary of performance, as well as tips for further improvement.
Who is it good for? It was created to appeal to both causal and traditional video gamers. It is can also develop mathematical and reasoning skills.
Goal: Raising a musician
Type of game: Guitar Hero
Console: Playstation 2, Xbox 360
How it works:
The feeling that you're actually playing the guitar is one of the mains pros of the game. The graphics and excellent sound effects add to this truly captivating game. It's packed with high entertainment and educational values that will hold gamers' attention for a long while.
Also, the choice of eight characters that are equipped with unique personas and playing styles help to make the experience even greater.
The mechanics of Guitar Hero are rather simple. A virtual fret board appears on your screen that corresponds with the buttons on your guitar controller, which also caters to left-handed persons.
A meter on the right side of the screen shows you how well you're doing. If you miss too many notes and meter goes into red, be careful, as the song will prematurely end if you're playing too badly.
Who is it for? If you are interested in music but want to learn it the unorthodox way, then this game is ideal for you.
The games reviewed were courtesy of Royale Computers and Accessories telephone#: 906-1067, 906-1068,754-5048.
For the most interesting teen issues and styles, get your copy of Youthlink magazine on news-stands on Tuesday.