When I saw this http://www.crispygamer.com/features/2008-12-03/10-nobullshit-rules-nongaming-parents-should-follow-when-buying-videogames-for-their-kids.aspx I wasn’t sure if the source was trying to be funny or if they were serious. If they are serious, then allow me to give them a few rebuttals:
1. Kids have more taste than they are given credit for–It’s not unheard of for kids nowadays to learn to read thanks to Zelda and Final Fantasy.
2. Wii Fit=/=cheesy sweater. In fact, it could be a way to get little Timmy moving, and he have fun exercising.
3. Likewise, mini games=/=bad….why else do you think the Mario Party series and games like them keep selling like hotcakes? Because they’re fun to play against other people, and kids like a little competition.
4. Family on the cover=/=bad. It’s SUPPOSED to appeal to everyone in a family…see my point above too
5. Superheroes=/=bad. Yes, a lot of these games are meant for the older crowd, but if your kid can handle them maturely, let them play.
6. Do not shun a game just because of a certain maker. You could be passing up a hidden treasure no one has ever heard of.
7. Yeah, Sonic’s fallen on hard times, but that doesn’t mean he’s down and out–you might just find his games fun and wonder why they got all the flak. Or better, Sonic and the Black Knight might be the spark that gets him back on his feet for all we know.
8. The Nintendo seal still means you’re getting a good game, be it Zelda or Cooking Mama.
9. Spelling with a Z=/=bad game. It’s the gameplay that matters…plus, some of these may just be hidden treasures.
10. At least consider the salesperson’s advice when buying your new system. If you don’t want any of the games s/he says you have to play, just say so.
