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