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Posts tagged Nintendo
The Importance of Play
Jul 30th
My son Finn exploring "The Legendary Starfy" on the Nintendo DS.
From such an early age, we’re taught the importance of play. In their publication titled The Importance of Play in Promoting Healthy Child Development and Maintaining Strong Parent-Child Bonds, the American Academy of Pediatrics stresses the importance of play for young children.
Play is essential to development because it contributes to the cognitive, physical, social, and emotional well-being of children and youth.
I couldn’t agree with them more. In watching my son Finn grow over the past year and a half, I have seen how his playing with toys, dirt, sticks, pots, pans, and more have helped him develop his personality and skills. Through playing with pots, pans, and spatulas, the kid now has the motor skills to do very specific and focused tasks. I remember back to when he was 6 months old and how he was nothing more than a little blob that crawled around a bit and screamed for his mom’s breastmilk and think, “holy shit, play is really like his third parent.” It’s taught him so much.
However, I don’t fully agree with the American Academy of Pediatrics. They go on to talk about the decrease of free play in our society and how the “routine” of childhood has changed. One of their key factors as to why free play in childhood has changed has to do with, yup, video games:
The decrease in free play can also be explained by children being passively entertained through television or computer/video games. In sharp contrast to the health benefits of active, creative play and the known developmental benefits of an appropriate level of organized activities, there is ample evidence that this passive entertainment is not protective and, in fact, has some harmful effects.
Really? Call me a hippie, but I think video games are just a new form of free play and it’s about time we quit labeling them as something negative in regards to childhood. As someone who grew up on video games and turned out alright, I’m walking proof that video games are not as detrimental as we like to think they are.
Video games expanded my mind as a child. I would spend part of my days exploring the vast world of Hyrule as Link, scaling Death Mountain, collecting fairies, and exploring dungeons. The other part of my day was playing in the woods, discovering nature, and dreaming that this was my own Hyrule. It was a great childhood and I often look forward to the days where my son and I can enjoy life and explore both the real and virtual world together in the same way that I did.
Recently, my son Finn and I began experimenting with the Nintendo DS game The Legendary Starfy. A simple 2-D side scrolling game that features a star named Starfy as the main character, I got absorbed into this title not only because the simplicity and fun of the game but I also identified it as a good title to use to introduce the world of video games to Finn. He took to it quickly, at first because Starfy is as cute as hell and really, who can resist him? After Finn got the hang of the controls (and by hang, I mean he figured out that the buttons made Starfy do cool things like walk and spin), that’s where the fun began. I saw Finn moving Starfy left and right and use the buttons to make Starfy spin and interact with the bubbles around him. There was a giggle and a smile. Finn was not only enjoying the title, but he was picking up a new skill: “Hey, if I do this, it makes this star do cool things! What else can I do?” His focused changed and grew the longer he played the game. He explored the other elements of the game. He interacted with other characters on the screen. He pushed more buttons. One of the best moments came when he realized that the start button pauses the game and changes the screen to a giant, hopping Starfy. He looked at me and smiled. It’s as if he has found the holy grail of video games. And he did it all by himself. With this in mind, I ask you to recall the quote that I used to open up this post: “play is essential to development because it contributes to the cognitive, physical, social, and emotional well-being of children and youth.” Heck yes it is. I saw my son grow and learn before my eyes all because of a giant star named Starfy on the Nintendo DS.
The key is balance. The American Academy of Pediatrics report talks a lot about balance, but at no point does it mention that a balance between virtual play and free play being an essential element towards having a healthy child. Instead, it gives video games the brand that they’ve been long marked with: mind numbing technology that will turn your child into a blob who can’t identify with society. Balance between different types of play (not just video games and free play) contributes to a healthy child, one who will develop the necessary cognitive, physical, social, and emotional they need to face the 21st century world.
In closing, I’d like to ask this: As librarians, we’re dealing with the public day in and day out. One of the great opportunities we have is the chance to educate our communities. How can we move forward towards a world where all forms of play are seen on a balanced level? It goes back to
the idea of Gamer’s Advisory that I had a few days ago. What types of programs and initiatives can we come up with to show the world the importance of many different types of play?—-
- You can find the publication The Importance of Play in Promoting Healthy Child Development and Maintaining Strong Parent-Child Bonds here.
- Read more about The Legendary Starfy here
- Thanks to The Unquiet Librarian and the Libraries and Transliteracy blog for helping me think outside the box about education and learning.
Super Mario Brothers in the Classroom (Part 4 of 7)
Jun 22nd
Released in 1990 as the flagship title for the Super Nintendo, Super Mario World didn’t change how we play video games but it gave the Super Mario Brothers universe some wonderful features that are still featured in the games that we play today.
In particular, two things about Super Mario World stood out to me as I recently replayed the game:
1. The Spin jump: Basically, you jump gets some more firepower. In addition to being able to KO enemy by stomping on their head, the spin jump allowed you to bust bricks and defeat some enemies that couldn’t be killed with the standard jump.
Doesn’t sound too fancy, right? BUT IT IS! Think about modern Mario games and his ever popular butt thump. This is where it came from. The butt thump is a central feature in 3D Mario games.
2. Yoshi: Mario’s always been the star of his games, but Yoshi gives him a major run for his money. It was in Super Mario World that Yoshi made his first appearance. Since then, Yoshi’s had so many spin offs (read my review of one of those here) that he’s almost become his own franchise.
This is what Nintendo does so very well. They’ll add one small element to a game that won’t seem like a big deal, yet over time it becomes almost as important as the original game itself. Yoshi is a perfect example of how a simple idea can be taken to the next level.
So how can we incorporate Super Mario World into the classroom?
- Examine how Yoshi has changed the landscape of Super Mario Brothers. Look at the Yoshi character over a large period of time (1990 to present) and trace the path of his humble beginnings to his current status as a gaming icon almost as big as Mario.
- The little details: The spin jump changed how we play Mario games forever. Has this element been translated into any other games that you can think of? Have students look at the history of games over a time period and focus on the little details. What elements have changed the way we play games?
Sorry for the long overdue part 4 of this installment. I promise to not make you wait for part 5 as long! -Justin
Check Mii
Jun 21st
One simple way to add some fun to your Wii Sports, Sports Resort and other Wii gaming is to add celebrity or character Mii’s.
The Check Mii Out channel is a free downloadable channel. There are Wii artisan contests to create character Mii’s (Marie Antoiniette, someone who loves plants). You can download these Mii’s to your system, and then when students/you play, they appear.
You can also choose from the Top 50 Popular Mii’s.
On my home system, I still get a kick when I am bowling and Chuck Norris or Batman is watching. Or if I run on Wii Fit, and pass Snoop Dogg. A friend created all the Lost characters, and playing Wii baseball, I had Sawyer pitching to Kate and Claire in the outfield.
Of course, allowing your regulars to customize their own Mii for playing can be great too.
Just a few minutes of time every few months can add just a little extra to your Wii experiences! 
Dear Nintendo (An open letter from 8BitLibrary)
Jun 4th
First up, I gotta say this. I LOVE YOU. You had me at hello in 1986 when I received my Nintendo Entertainment System, complete with Super Mario Brothers, Duckhunt, and two additional titles my folks picked up for me, Trojan, and Mighty Bomb Jack. I even bought Virtual Boy and I LOVED IT! Heck, I still love it!
Now that I got that out of the way, let’s get down to business.
If you haven’t noticed, libraries are playing video games
Whether it be as huge as the gaming program at the Public Library of Charlotte Mecklenburg County or as tiny (but powerful!) as the Cape May County Library Game Night Central program, the simple fact is that we’re gaming in libraries. Lots of kids and teens are turning out for these events. Just look here and here. We’re having lots of fun playing and talking about games.
We’re also buying your games and lending them out to our patrons. Up until March 2010, I was the Teen Librarian at the Cape May County Library and one of my proudest moments was creating a circulating video game collection for our patrons. They loved having access to games. Nintendo Wii games, in particular, flew off the shelves.
Look at the Glenside Public Library. They have 534 games at their library. Look at the Cape May County Library. They have 254 games at their library. Considering games go for about $50 a pop, that’s around $12,000-$25,000 spent. The case I’m trying to make? We’re spending lots of money on you. And that’s not even counting the games that patrons buy after they first test them out at the library. Who knows what that number is, but all in all, it’s money in your pocket.
Let’s put this all together. LIBRARIES LIKE YOU VERY MUCH NINTENDO. This has got me thinking. Why are we not working together?
What I’m proposing is this:
We’re a team! You help us and we’ll help you. We’re in it to provide quality services to our patrons. We want them to experience and enjoy all that life has to offer. Video games are a part of that. The problem is that many libraries simply can’t afford to invest in video games. We’re under enough budget stress as it already is. This leaves a significant portion of the population that we serve without any chance of enjoying video games at the library. So, it comes to this. Help us get video games in our public libraries. In return, think of us as another way to advertise your products.
We’re out there on the front lines with our patrons everyday. Oh, patron? You are wondering what that means? I believe you call them your target audience. They’re the ones buying your games and systems. So, not only are we pretty much enjoying and advertising your products, but we’re also finding out what games your target audience wants to be playing. Yes, like any good library, we are an excellent source of information.
Remember your Play Choice 10 arcade machines? You know how you put display units for people to play in video games stores? Yeah, we’re like that. But instead of casual interaction, we’re right there with our gamers. I’m playing Super Smash Brothers Brawl with the teens at my library. I’m going on 4 player quests on New Super Mario Bros. with video game fans. I’m not a salesperson, but damn, it sure sounds like I am.
So, let’s talk. I’m not gonna ask for specifics. For now, I just want to talk. How can we work together? What can we do to develop a beautiful friendship?
—–
There’s a good chance Nintendo will never even read this post, so I’ve gotta take it a step further. The library community needs to bond together and make some changes. We’re gonna start small and work our way to the top. Let’s try to get in touch with Nintendo.
Are you gaming at your library? Do you want to have gaming at your library? Here’s where you come in. Nintendo wants partners. They say it right on their blog, that “our mission is to put smiles on the faces of anyone who experiences our brands”. Our patrons are experiencing their brands at our libraries. In order to keep doing that, we need to have Nintendo on our side.
HEY LIBRARIES! CLICK HERE TO TALK TO NINTENDO ABOUT HOW YOU’D LIKE TO WORK WITH THEM!
I urge you to click on the link above to contact Nintendo about partnering with or sponsoring your library gaming program. I’m gonna do it. You should too. One voice isn’t gonna make much noise, but if we all bond together, we can shout. A positive shout for libraries, a positive shout for Nintendo.
What have we got to lose? Let’s give it a try.
Justin Hoenke
June 4, 2010
Review: Nintendo DSi
May 19th
WHAT? Hello Nintendo. It’s about time you put something like this out. The Nintendo DSi is the newest in the line of handheld DS series put out by Nintendo. The perks of this new model: two cameras, connection to an online store, and external content storage (via SD card). The bad? The GBA cartridge slot (which opened up a totally different catalog for gamers to play) is gone. Crap.
WHY? The Nintendo DSi seems to be Nintendo’s answer to the Sony PSP. Whereas the PSP has multimedia and internet capabilities, the original DS was rather lacking in that department. The addition of two cameras, the online DSi store, and external content storage has changed that. Can the DSi do what the PSP does? Not really, but that’s not the point. Nintendo manages to incorporate some of those features and twist it up in the Nintendo style. It’s like they’re trying to create their own slightly odd yet refreshing version of a portable gaming/social media device.
WHO? Of course I’m gonna encourage libraries to lend out these systems. Not only are they fun, but they’re teaching users about creating content and sharing it. I’m gonna take this one step further…they’re especially wonderful in pairs. Imagine a family of four being able to swing by the library and rent out four DSi systems for some Saturday night family gaming. Heck, give them Mario Kart DS (see yesterday’s review) and send them on their way. Everyone will have fun as a unit and they’ll get to explore and understand new technology TOGETHER.
And that my friends, is what gaming is all about.
Review: Mario Kart DS
May 18th
WHAT? The immensely popular Mario Kart racing series hits the Nintendo DS with full force. Mario Kart DS was the first title playable via the Nintendo Wi-Fi Connection online service, thus cementing its place in history as a title MADE for gaming in libraries.
WHY? Let’s talk about community gaming for a moment. Perhaps one of the most wonderful features of the Mario Kart series is that its versus mode not only creates competition but also community. The 8 player Wi-Fi play mode used in conjunction with DS Download Play (players can use only one game card to play multiplayer) will get the crowds together and gaming. This type of play is also cost effective for libraries that are programming (have a copy of Mario Kart DS handy at your gaming events and encourage participants to bring their own DS systems)
WHO? Most of my reviews on Nintendo games always say the same thing…”these titles are so easy to pick up and play that any age can do so with ease.” Mario Kart DS is in the same vein. This title will fly off your library shelves, so I’m gonna recommend extra copies of this game at your library.
(I played this game on the new Nintendo DS-i system, which I will be reviewing here at 8BitLibrary tomorrow. Stay tuned.)
Review: Punch Out!!
Apr 21st
WHAT? Little Mac and Doc Louis are back on the Nintendo Wii. Their quest for the Heavyweight Championship continues in this excellent update of the classic Nintendo series.
WHY? Let’s face it…the series was due for an update. Both the Nintendo 64 and Gamecube didn’t get an updated Punch Out!! In fact, the last title in the series was the excellent Super Punch Out which came out in 1994 (which you can download it on the Wii Virtual Console). The Wiimote/Nunchuck control combination is perfect for the game. It gives the game a classic Wii feel while still remaining an easy to pick up arcade style boxer.
WHO? Think of Punch Out!! as not only a beautiful re-visioning of the classic NES title, but also as an extension of Wii Sports Boxing. Fans of that title (and there are a lot, both young and old), will enjoy Punch Out!! as well as hardcore fans. Each opponent makes the player think about weaknesses and will find them developing strategies for each match. Highly recommended for library collections.
Review: Netflix for the Wii
Apr 19th
WHAT? It’s finally here. Instant streaming from Netflix for the Nintendo Wii. Netflix subscribers can use their Wii now to stream movies, tv shows, and more directly to their Wii console.
WHY? The XBox got Netflix streaming in 2008. PS3 came next in 2009. Us poor lonely Wii owners have had to wait (yes, I only own a Wii. Boo on me) quite some time. But it is finally here and boy oh boy it is wonderful. The navigation screens are easily managed and the Wiimote works like a charm. The bad? There isn’t a search option that I can find and it doesn’t support HD. Not that I’m complaining though. Having a library worth of movies, tv shows, and documentaries at the flick of my Wiimote has made me a happy camper.
WHO? If you haven’t signed up for Netflix and you own a Wii, this may be the time to do so. With this service and your local library, why would you need to own any DVDs anymore? I mean, really? You’ll see me at my local store trading in my collection soon.
8BitLibrary.com: The Video Game
Apr 1st
COMING THIS SUMMER TO A NINTENDO WII NEAR YOU.
You’ve read the blog.
Now play the blog.
8BITLIBRARY.COM: THE VIDEO GAME features everything you want in a game. Action. Mystery. Puzzles. One on One Fighting. Co-Op Online Play. Blogging. All wrapped into one game.
Select your favorite 8BitLibrarian and take them on a journey of a lifetime. Help Librarian JP gain respect for Pokemon in the Education World! Join Justin The Librarian as he tattoos every librarian he can find! Feed the world with Andy Woodworth and his endless supply of Ben and Jerry’s! Join in on Laverne’s quest to be the #1 gaming and comic geek of all time! Erin needs your help…becoming a librarian! Join Craig as he just walks around in Second Life! The fun never stops in this one of kind video game for the Nintendo Wii.
Featuring 33 levels of non-stop entertainment, all ages will enjoy this title. Online, 4 player, or solo…8BITLIBRARY.COM: THE VIDEO GAME is a load of fun for you and your family!
This is your chance to life the dream that we all have: BECOME AN 8BITLIBRARIAN!
COMING SUMMER 2010 TO THE NINTENDO WII.
