Back-To-School Time: Top 5 Educational Games

First of all, my college semester starts tomorrow and my daughter's school starts in a few weeks. As much as we love gaming, school is our priority. I'll try to update this blog at least twice a week, whether the post is by Mikey, my daughter, or myself.

Anyway, today's post is about our Top 5 educational games. My daughter and I worked on this together and it does not limit itself to any single platform.

Top 5 Nintendo DS games
Co-written by a 9-year-old girl
1. Jump Start series
I know that we normally try to stick to a single game, but with this category we decided that an entire series would be more valuable. I first purchased a Jump Start game when my daughter's preschool recommended one. She loved it then and she still loves the series now. It's available for Mac and Windows XP through 7.

"The games are always so much fun! I can play the games several times and not get bored with them. They have games for so many different topics!"

My Current Top 5 Nintendo DS Games!

I posted my daughter’s Top 5 Nintendo DS games yesterday. Today, I’m going to post my current Top 5 favorite DS games!

Top 5 Nintendo DS games

1. Dragon Quest IX
I grew up playing Dragon Warrior on the Nintendo Entertainment System (NES). I saved up my money and bought Dragon Warrior II, Dragon Warrior III, and Dragon Warrior IV for the NES. My love for this series is stronger than ever. I adore all the customization available to players, although I always gear my characters for stats. I'm a severe completionist and have logged well over 100 wonderful hours trying to fill out the alchemy and monster lists. The treasure map feature is highly entertaining (as well as frustrating) and make the game playable well after you defeat the final boss.

My 9-year-old's Top 5 Nintendo DS Games List

She wants to be just like me, when I can managed to call her in from the pool. We have a deal that she can get one new game a month. The fine print is that she must maintain at least a B (3.0) average in school, finish all her chores, not post anything inappropriate or personal online, and maintain overall good behavior. Not only has she always earned her game, but she's sometimes chosen to borrow one of my age-appropriate Nintendo DS games. (During the month that she is borrowing one of my games, it is considered hers so long as she doesn't lose it.) She asked me if she could share her Top 5 favorite DS games, so here it is!

Top 5 Nintendo DS games By a 9-year-old girl

1. Pokemon White
Why White instead of Black?
"Someone else had borrowed your copy of Black, so I only got to play White. Pokemon White is really different compared to all the others, even Heart Gold and Soul Silver. Pokemon White is awesome! I like all the new Pokemon, but Pachirisu is still my favorite. Does this mean I get to keep White now for myself? :P"