When I was 13 there were only 2 things I cared about: cheerleading, and playing video games. My best friend Emily and I had sleepovers and stayed up all night playing Super Mario Bros, Legend of Zelda and Mario Kart. I wish I could still do that! But alas, I am too tired and need my sleep. But these memories are the foundation of why I plan to let my daughter play video games when she’s ready. If she wants to. No pressure.
I remember Emily and I inhaled Oreos and other junk foods, trying desperately to figure out the secret codes or tricks that would let you bypass levels on Mario Bros. I think we even read magazines with cheats (we are that old). Emy and I would be so focused on the game one minute, and doubled over laughing from a dog fart or just being amped up on sugar the next. Our love of video games created a bond that we still share to this day.
Fast forward to many years later and I still love video games. I don’t play them often because when I do, I lose about 4 hours of my day and that’s valuable time I just can sacrifice. I can’t just play for a few minutes, I have to play for HOURS.
I’m looking forward to the time when Chan is old enough to play video games and I really hope she plays with me. I will crush her! I mean, gently guide her into the joys of video games.
Lucky for her, Nintendo is still cranking out awesome games for kids to play. We just went to a fun launch party for the new Kirby Planet Robobot (3DS) game and got our hands on that cute little guy. Chan is still a little too young to grasp the concept of all the controls, but I could tell she was immediately drawn to images and idea behind it.
This Kirby is tricked out with new mechanized Robobot Armor giving him the ability to scan enemies, and shape-shift into various power modes. Without getting too technical, he wears an awesome suit that let’s him kick butt and take names while saving his planet. The sci-fi bent on this Kirby so much fun and will really appeal to kids who are into science fiction.
While we still have a few years to go (I’m guessing) before Chan amps up her interest in playing video games, I’m excited that there are games like this on the market. I’m not an advocate of violent first-person shooter games although I know they are extremely popular. Nintendo has always found a way to offer age appropriate games as long as I can remember. Which is probably another reason why I have such a special place for their games in my heart.
Kirby Planet Robobot (3DS) is available online now in hard copy or digital formats. It also features several game modes like time attacks, boss battles, and 4-player co-op and is recommended for ages 6 and up.
