50. Carnival Games: Monkey See, Monkey Do (2K Play)

VIDEO GAME: (rated E for everyone)

Brief Description: In a carnival style, this game, appropriate for all ages including teens and adults, contains 20 different games. From Pop Darts to Ring Toss to Pig Race and even the Strength Test, players will feel as though they're truly at the carnival. Players collect tickets which are good for spending in the four different shops - items to be purchased may include hair and other outfits for your avatar.

Awards: None

Personal Opinion: Of the six Kinect video games I've recently sampled, this one was only moderately entertaining. I can see that I just don't have the skills to excel, which is frustrating, and usually pretty funny; it's obvious that I'll need to really work at getting good at any of the games. It's definitely for younger kids, but the entire family will find something to entertain them.

Curriculum/Programming: This specific game will be incorporated into my Tuesday afternoon gaming program at the library - it's perfect to draw in the younger kids. I'll serve popcorn and other snacks to complete the carnival atmosphere.

45. Lego Star Wars III The Clone Wars (LucasArts, 2011)

VIDEO GAME (ages 10+)

Brief Description: The game opens in the Geonosis Arena from the "Attack of the Clones" animated series, and players must try to escape being chained and subjected to hungry beasts. Once you escape this "level" you go on to the next difficulty. The game may be played with two players.

Awards: None

Personal Opinion: Okay, so I'm video game inept and had a really hard time figuring out how to play this without the aide of my 10 year old patrons. Now I have a better understanding of the controls and what I'm supposed to be doing - thanks to them! Do I like this game? Not really. I have really enjoyed the XBox 360 with Kinect, but this one relies on the hand held controller; maybe I'm just not coordinated, and maybe I just need A LOT more time playing, but I think I'll pass on this game. The graphics were great, the humor was interesting (this was also my first Legos video game) and I think I enjoy watching the kids play much more than trying to play the game myself!

Programming/Curriculum: I've been featuring video games every Tuesday since around mid-June, and when I advertised Lego Star Wars, the younger crowds came out in huge numbers. A good programming idea is to simply set up the game and let the kids alternate turns. They love to play AND watch others play so they can learn the tricks. A competition could take place with prizes to the highest scoring players.