| In the old days, choosing a video game system for | | | | LEGO Star Wars (rated E) is available for the |
| children wasn't all that hard. After all, parents didn't | | | | GameCube, PS2 and Xbox; Activision's Madagascar |
| have to worry about games carried by systems like | | | | (rated E10+) is available on the same platforms, while |
| Atari (there was nothing threatening about Pac-Man or | | | | Global Star Software's Dora the Explorer (rated EC) is |
| Space Invaders). Today, however, with the proliferation | | | | available on the PS2 and Xbox, but not on the |
| of games with mature content available on games | | | | GameCube. |
| supported by the major system manufacturers, | | | | What about parental control options? Among the four |
| parents want to know which system carries the most | | | | systems, the Xbox and the Xbox 360 have the most |
| kid-friendly games, ones that the young ones will enjoy | | | | efficient parental lock functions. Parents are able to set |
| and one that parents will not regret spending money | | | | limits on the games and films to be played on the |
| on. | | | | systems. If you set the system to play only E-rated |
| Let's start with the Sony PlayStation 2, the best-selling | | | | games, kids won't be able to play DVD's or games |
| game console on the market today. There are literally | | | | that have Teen, Mature, or Adults Only ratings. The |
| thousands of titles available for this system, which | | | | GameCube also has a parental lock feature, albeit a |
| cater to every age range. There are approximately | | | | less effective one. Users note that all it does is tone |
| 600 games for the PS2 that have the "E" rating, | | | | down certain effects that might be troubling for |
| meaning that it is suitable for players ages six and | | | | children (for example, the amount of blood seen in |
| above. However, many of these games are too | | | | games) but do not block the playing of games at all. It |
| complicated for young children to play. Games that | | | | doesn't even screen or bleep offensive language. The |
| children ten years old and above can enjoy are rated | | | | parental control function of the PlayStation 2 is even |
| E10+, while those that are rated EC (Early Childhood) | | | | worse -- it doesn't allow parents or anyone to restrict |
| are of course, suitable for the very young. The PS2 | | | | access to video games at all. The most parents can |
| carries about a dozen E10+ games, including | | | | do is to set the PS2 to prevent their kids from |
| movie-based titles like Shrek Super Slam for | | | | watching DVD movies with inappropriate content. |
| PlayStation 2 and Chicken Little. EC titles that little ones | | | | When it comes to price, the GameCube comes out |
| can enjoy include Dora the Explorer: Journey to the | | | | tops. Available for only $99, it's significantly cheaper |
| Purple Planet, Eggo Mania and At the Races Presents | | | | than the PlayStation 2 and Xbox, whose prices range |
| Gallop Racer. | | | | from $150 to $199 (or more if bundled with game titles). |
| Nintendo's GameCube console continues to be popular | | | | The Xbox 360, being the newest of the bunch, is the |
| because it carries titles that are popular with children. | | | | highest-priced. For $299, you get the system and a |
| The Entertainment Software Rating Board (ESRB) lists | | | | wired controller. For $399, you get a wireless controller, |
| 263 video game titles rated E for the GameCube, and | | | | a headset that players can use to talk to other people |
| these include some of the most popular and beloved | | | | online, a 20 GB hard drive that is loaded with |
| among the children of today and years past, such as | | | | game-related videos and music, and a remote. |
| Sega's Sonic GEMS Collection, Nintendo's own Mario | | | | Parents should go out and try each system personally |
| Party 6 and Mario Tennis. The Legend of Zelda series | | | | as well as look at the different titles available for them |
| and several Pokemon titles are available exclusively on | | | | before deciding which one to buy. Factors such as |
| the GameCube as well. | | | | number and age of users at home, game title |
| Microsoft's Xbox and Xbox 360 video game consoles | | | | availability, and budget should also be considered. Each |
| likewise have many, many titles that are rated E; the | | | | system has its own pros and cons, and families will |
| Xbox with approximately 270 games and the Xbox | | | | differ in their preferences: some will be content with |
| 360 with so far about a dozen -- but count on the | | | | the limited but popular games of the GameCube; some |
| number of Xbox 360 titles to increase since it's a new | | | | might prefer the wider offering of the PlayStation 2 or |
| release. Some games published by Microsoft | | | | the Xbox; others might opt for the high-tech features |
| exclusively for the Xbox and the Xbox 360 and which | | | | of the Xbox 360. But all things considered, making the |
| have the E rating are Astropop and Feeding Frenzy. | | | | right choice will provide hours of wholesome, fun, and |
| However, remember that most game publishers | | | | worry-free entertainment for the little ones and for |
| release crossover titles, or games that are available on | | | | their parents as well. |
| multiple platforms. For instance, Eidos Interactive's | | | | |