Need Help on Game Consoles

[TrashMaster G]

It looks like this may be the Christmas where we finally break down and buy the boys a game system. What's the best for us?

X-box? Nintendo? Something else?

Here are the facts: My boys are 7 (almost 8) and 6. We also have a 2 year-old girl, but that's not as important here. We are going to limit the boys' exposure to the shoot-em up games and prefer more whimsical and thinking stuff to the extent it's available. Not a complete ban on shooting and violent games, but we don't want that to be the largest portion of their game collection.

So, what's best? What are games that are included with the systems? How much are the systems and how much are additional games? What kind of game are available?

Any help would be appreciated. Thanks.

 

[twid]

gamecube is probably the way to go for kids, it has a larger number of games that would probably be acceptable for kids.

 

[Frank the Tank]

I'll second the gamecube for kids. Although x-box kicks a**

 

[2002_Horn]

I think you need to sell the wife on the fact that the PS2 or XBox are most kid friendly, and find some appropriate games. Then, on the side, have Halo or GTA for yourself.

 

[TrashMaster G]

2002 - Thanks, but I actually prefer the kid-friendly games myself. I still love Ms. Pac-Man and Mario Brothers. Never really got into the shoot'em up games. A few of the driving games are pretty cool, however.

 

[MeaHorn]

We got a PS2 last Christmas and have had some trouble finding really good games that the kids like (and that we are comfortable with.) It's especially hard to find good ones to rent at places like Blockbuster.

The Gamecube is probably the best bet because of the Mario Franchise. BTW, we're probably going to get the GameCube MarioKart DoubleDash bundle for our kids for Christmas. It comes with the console, two controllers and MarioKart DoubleDash for $99. MarioKart is worth the $99 by itself. Extremely fun and addicting game for kids of all ages.

The only downside to the GameCube is that it can't play DVD movies the way the xbox and ps2 can. But that may not be an issue for you.

 

[2002_Horn]

In reply to:

---

---

 

[simihorn]

We had the same debate a couple of years ago. I have a 2nd grader and a K (both boys) plus 2 much younger.

In talking to other dads and from what the kids say, basicallly, it is GC thru elementary school, PS2 in Jr High/HS and XBoz in HS/College/Adult. Not that you can't play those other consoles at an older age, but that is the age range that the majority of kids will be playing or have that console. So, when they go to sleepovers, those are the consoles that you will be most likely to find in that house.

Hope that helps.

 

[hellbunny]

Gamecube. Particularly for 2-player games which, if your kids are like me and my brothers were, is going to be fairly important.

Mario
Zelda
Smash Brothers
Ikaruga
Metroid
Viewtiful joe
Mario Kart
Monkey Ball

and you can get some sports games (SSX/Madden/etc) and star wars games.

 

[UberHorn]

gamecube for kids

xbox or ps2 for adults

 

[SLBBQ]

Get them a PS2, and the "Silent Hill" series of games.

 

[YChang]

that's rich SLBBQ

I guess you want TrashMaster G's kids to not fall asleep and wonder if there is zombies and such around every corner.

Hell...I can't even stomach those type of games (Silent Hill, Resident Evil, et al).

BTW I suggest Gamecube also. It has a good mix of adult/children games. You'll find inventive games in the gamecube library that's not dependent on being violent or shoot'em ups.

Right now I think a gamecube is $99 to $150 bucks and most comes with a free game, Mario Kart Double Dash (which is a great party game). Additional games retail from $40 to $50 bucks a pop new.

 

[wherzwaldo]

Double Dash is greatness, especially the battle modes.

Don't forget Smash Brothers Melee. Yeah it's a "fighting" game, but it's fun for hours.

BTW, most older games can be had for $20-30 now. I think Melee, Mario Sunshine, Zelda Wind Waker, Animal Crossing, Metroid Prime 1, etc. are all $20.

 

[linux]

The sterotyping is stupid, I own a PS2 and a Gamecube, I rarely use the PS2 simply because the games are subpar on average, If I wanted mature gaiming I would NEVER find it in the PS2 the PC is far better in that regard, the Xbox is similar to the PS2.

Trust a gamer and not a lamer, get the Gamecube and the assortment of First party software.