Les Miserables Cosette's Fate Video Game, by Anuman Interactive

Cover:

Bibliographic Information:

Title: Les Miserables Cosette's Fate

Developer: Microids

Publisher: Anuman Interactive 

Released: 2016

Reader’s Annotation:

Will poor Cosette be doomed to this sad existence? 

Plot Summary:

Cosette is the young daughter of Fantine.  Fantine is unable to care for her daughter, so she leaves her in the care of the Thernardiers.  The Thernardiers are cruel, and treat Cosette like a slave.  Cosette longs to hear from her mother, so she hopes to find a letter from Fantine hidden in the house, in order to escape the Thernardiers and go to her mother's address.  The game play centers around solving small puzzles that will assist in Cosette's escape to seek out a better future.

Critical Evaluation:

The game art is done in a somewhat cartoon manner.  While the images are visually appealing, they are not the sharp graphics many teens would be used to in modern game play.  The style is somewhat more reminiscent of games from about a decade ago- less sophisticated than even those found on a Nintendo Wii.  Teens who play a lot of puzzle style computer games may be somewhat disappointed in the graphic quality.

Similarly, the game mechanics themselves are overly simplistic.  While game play does involve navigating through various scenes, combining tools, and solving mini-puzzles.  I encountered minor glitches with several of the interactive scenes, which resulted in frustration and prevented me from really enjoying the game very much.

Author Biography:
Not applicable

Genre(s): 

Video Game

Curriculum Ties:

Not applicable

Booktalk Ideas:

A brief discussion on the general story of Les Miserables, and its various representations in popular media.

A discussion on what makes for a good video game

          

Reading Level:

Not applicable

Interest Age: 

12 and up

Challenge Issues: Could be challenged intimations of mild violence within the game.

  If this game were challenged I would:

·         Listen to the concerns of the person raising the challenge

·         Consult the library’s collection development policy

·         Explain how this work meets a library need based on the collection development policy 

·         Consult YALSA’s Dealing with Challenges to Young Adult Materials

·         Consult reviews on VOYA, Amazon, Common Sense Media, and Kirkus

·         Discuss any awards or notable commendations the game received

·         Explain the library’s commitment to intellectual freedom as discussed in the ALA Library Bill of Rights

·         Give the patron the procedure for a formal challenge should they seek to pursue it

Why was this game selected:

Hidden picture games appeal to a different kind of gamer than shooter style games.  In order to have a well rounded collection, I wanted to include a game that was more puzzle oriented.  I especially liked that this game was based on a classic work of literature.  Another aspect that made me select this game is it is available for free download through OnePlay, which is part of the e-resource collection at many of the libraries in my area.  This means the game could either be added to the library's computers for in house use, or patrons can download it for free to their own computers as part of the services and resources provided through the library.  I want to stress that this game can either be purchased as a stand alone piece of software or as part of the OnePlay package, this is not a free internet game.  The library would be investing materials money to acquire this game.  I was disappointed that the game was not more enjoyable.

Super Smash Bros. Brawl Video Game, by Nintendo

Cover:

 

Bibliographic Information:

Title: Super Smash Bros. Brawl

Developer: Nintendo

Publisher: Nintendo of America

Released: 2008

Reader’s Annotation:

Sometimes, you have to pick your battles.

Plot Summary:

Players can select from a variety of play characters from popular Nintendo games for gameplay focusing on battle showdowns.  This game can be played with single or multiple players, and there are different game play modes, including a solo adventure mode.  Players have a high degree of control over game play, including character and setting selection, difficulty, and even the ability to design their own play levels.  Various trophies and additional game features can be unlocked through game play achievements.

Critical Evaluation:

One of the greatest strengths of this game is the versatility of play; players have control over so many aspects of game play, with over 30 characters to choose from in game play.  Each character has different strengths and weaknesses, as well as signature moves.  There are also different brawl settings, and mode of gameplay.  Players can even randomize their character and setting selections.  With such variety of choice, there is long term playability of the game.  The combinations are endless, which makes this game able to appeal to a wide variety of players.

The game has high quality graphics.  Because all the characters and settings are based on other Nintendo brand games, the way things look can vary widely, which actually keeps game play very interested.  For example, some of the characters or settings may look like old school 16 bit animations, while others are more slick and modern looking.  There is a strong nostalgia factor in this game, because players can choose their old favorite characters, like Mario, Donkey Kong, and Jigglypuff.  Players do not have to be familiar with past Nintendo games to appreciate this game’s play.

Author Biography:
Not applicable

Genre(s): 

Video Game

Curriculum Ties:

Not applicable

Booktalk Ideas:

A brief discussion on who their favorite characters to play are and why.

A discussion on what real world figures would make for good brawling opponents in the game.

          

Reading Level:

Not applicable

Interest Age: 

12 and up

Challenge Issues: Could be challenged intimations of mild violence within the game.

  If this game were challenged I would:

·         Listen to the concerns of the person raising the challenge

·         Consult the library’s collection development policy

·         Explain how this work meets a library need based on the collection development policy 

·         Consult YALSA’s Dealing with Challenges to Young Adult Materials

·         Consult reviews on VOYA, Amazon, Common Sense Media, and Kirkus

·         Discuss any awards or notable commendations the game received

·         Explain the library’s commitment to intellectual freedom as discussed in the ALA Library Bill of Rights

·         Give the patron the procedure for a formal challenge should they seek to pursue it

Why was this game selected:

I have to admit it; this is one of my favorite video games ever.  I spent many nights playing this game into the wee hours of the morning when it was first released.  So, when the teens at my library requested we add this the our in house video game selections, I was super excited.  It goes to show that, despite this game being 8 years old, it still competes with newer games in terms of entertaining teen patrons.  I really think this is to do the fact that there are so many choices and options available to players.  Teens can organize their own tournaments, and make up their own subrules for game play (for example, they can all play as the same character for a round).  This game is a good investment for libraries who encourage video gaming as part of their collections.