- American Idol Encore
- (Konami, $40)
Using a mic that monitors pitch, sing along with one of a roster of hit songs, then hear critiques from Randy, Simon, and Paula (or turn the blabbermouths off). —Ages 5 and up
- Viva Piñata
- (Microsoft, $50)
The vibrant, colorful Viva Piñata offers children an in-depth—if somewhat surreal—look at the food chain and the circle of life. Players start off with a barren tract of land, which they transform into a fertile, verdant garden. But the goal isn't just to grow vegetables and pretty flowers—it's to attract piñata animals. Simply tilling the soil should be enough to attract piņata worms; the worms will, in turn, draw piñata birds into your garden. Planting certain crops can also entice animals to choose your little kingdom for their home (carrots, for example, will bring piñata rabbits). Once the animals arrive, the player must keep them housed and well fed. As odd as the premise is, this game is brilliant, both in aesthetics and design, providing players with a thoroughly captivating experience. — Ages 5 and up
- Thrillville
- (Lucas Arts, $40)
In this fantasy-fulfillment game, players build a theme park from the ground up—choosing rides, setting up midway games, designing roller coasters, hiring a staff. But unlike in other simulation games, kids don't play from an omniscient perspective; instead, they get characters who can run around and interact inside the world they've built. In multiplayer mode, up to four players can challenge one another at mini games like bumper cars, trampoline stunts, or shooting galleries. They also have to keep up the park, though—and that means using repairmen to patch circuitry on the rides, making groundskeepers sweep up litter, training costumed entertainers to dance, and keeping up with finances. The whole experience is likely too complicated for younger kids to keep up with, but for the right child, there's a lot to learn here. — Ages 6 and up
- Eternal Sonata
- (Namco, $60)
In this unconventional action-adventure role-playing game, Frédéric Chopin (yes, the composer) leads a group of heroes in a quest to free the Dreamworld from the clutches of a ruthless tyrant and his horde of monsters. Along the way, players discover and compose pieces of music while learning details about Chopin's real life. The vibrant, lush environments are enhanced by a dramatic piano score. — Ages 10 and up
