| 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 all, | | | | and Xbox; Activision's Madagascar (rated |
| 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. |
| proliferation of games with mature content | | | | |
| available on games supported by the major | | | | What about parental control options? Among |
| system manufacturers, parents want to know | | | | the four systems, the Xbox and the Xbox 360 |
| which system carries the most kid-friendly | | | | have the most efficient parental lock |
| games, ones that the young ones will enjoy | | | | functions. Parents are able to set limits on |
| and one that parents will not regret spending | | | | the games and films to be played on the |
| money on. | | | | systems. If you set the system to play only |
| | | | E-rated games, kids won't be able to play |
| Let's start with the Sony PlayStation 2, the | | | | DVD's or games that have Teen, Mature, or |
| best-selling game console on the market | | | | Adults Only ratings. The GameCube also has a |
| today. There are literally thousands of | | | | parental lock feature, albeit a less |
| titles available for this system, which cater | | | | effective one. Users note that all it does is |
| to every age range. There are approximately | | | | tone down certain effects that might be |
| 600 games for the PS2 that have the "E" | | | | troubling for children (for example, the |
| rating, meaning that it is suitable for | | | | amount of blood seen in games) but do not |
| players ages six and above. However, many of | | | | block the playing of games at all. It doesn't |
| these games are too complicated for young | | | | even screen or bleep offensive language. The |
| children to play. Games that children ten | | | | parental control function of the PlayStation |
| years old and above can enjoy are rated E10+, | | | | 2 is even worse -- it doesn't allow parents |
| while those that are rated EC (Early | | | | or anyone to restrict access to video games |
| Childhood) are of course, suitable for the | | | | at all. The most parents can do is to set the |
| very young. The PS2 carries about a dozen | | | | PS2 to prevent their kids from watching DVD |
| E10+ games, including movie-based titles like | | | | movies with inappropriate content. |
| Shrek Super Slam for PlayStation 2 and | | | | |
| Chicken Little. EC titles that little ones | | | | When it comes to price, the GameCube comes |
| can enjoy include Dora the Explorer: Journey | | | | out tops. Available for only $99, it's |
| to the Purple Planet, Eggo Mania and At the | | | | significantly cheaper than the PlayStation 2 |
| Races Presents Gallop Racer. | | | | and Xbox, whose prices range from $150 to |
| | | | $199 (or more if bundled with game titles). |
| Nintendo's GameCube console continues to be | | | | The Xbox 360, being the newest of the bunch, |
| popular because it carries titles that are | | | | is the highest-priced. For $299, you get the |
| popular with children. The Entertainment | | | | system and a wired controller. For $399, you |
| Software Rating Board (ESRB) lists 263 video | | | | get a wireless controller, a headset that |
| game titles rated E for the GameCube, and | | | | players can use to talk to other people |
| these include some of the most popular and | | | | online, a 20 GB hard drive that is loaded |
| beloved among the children of today and years | | | | with game-related videos and music, and a |
| past, such as Sega's Sonic GEMS Collection, | | | | remote. |
| Nintendo's own Mario Party 6 and Mario | | | | |
| Tennis. The Legend of Zelda series and | | | | Parents should go out and try each system |
| several Pokemon titles are available | | | | personally as well as look at the different |
| exclusively on the GameCube as well. | | | | titles available for them before deciding |
| | | | which one to buy. Factors such as number and |
| Microsoft's Xbox and Xbox 360 video game | | | | 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. |