Digital Games for Girls

It has been hard to find digital games for girls. Most games are some form of shoot 'em up and most girls are not interested in these games. Finally, the games industry is beginning to come up with games that most girls will enjoy. If we are worried about the level of violence in games for boys, we might worry about the superficial values in the digital games for girls which focus on appearance or on the ability to shop. Parents can and should limit the time spent playing these games and can and should promote deeper values. That said, bring on the digital games for girls.

DIGITAL GAMES FOR GIRLS: DIGI MAKEOVER

This digital game for girls comes out on Oct. 5, 2006, and if you want one run, don't walk, to get it. It is going to be hot. The game features a touch pad and digital camera that plugs into a TV set. Girls take their own pictures and then use the touch pad to change hairstyles, makeup, accessories and clothes. There are over 50 hairstyles and colors alone. Different looks can be saved and the game can be used for friends also. It is priced around $60 at most stores but a surprise is that Wal-Mart is pricing it at $60.

DIGITAL GAMES FOR GIRLS: DESIGNER'S WORLD

This game is out and is very highly rated by girls. It is a console that plugs into a TV set. The player tries for fame and fortune through a combination of fashion design and business skills. She produces a clothing line from a variety of colors, fabrics, and wardrobe pieces. She then chooses her models and a show from choices around the world. She also chooses her runway models. The clothing lines are then evaluated by judges who are also from around the world. This game costs about $40 and is for girls eight and up.

DIGITAL GAMES FOR GIRLS: MALL MADNESS

Strictly speaking, this isn't a digital game but it does have digital electronic talking. Mall Madness is basically a board game where players have a shopping list and race through the stores searching for the best buys and then make purchases. The idea is to finish the shopping list in the least amount of time while getting the best buys. However, there can be roadblocks. Sometimes the item is not in stock or the player may need to take time out to go to the ATM for more cash. The game is for two to four players from nine up. Cost is around $30.

DIGITAL GAMES FOR GIRLS: THAT'S SO RAVEN GIRL TALK GAME

This game is based on four episodes from the popular TV show "That's So Raven." and runs on Game Boy Advanced. There are 20 levels and her friends and family can help Raven out of jams.

Raven can be disguised to learn new abilities and to get out of sticky situations. Raven's psychic vision provides clues to help Raven solve problems. The player can learn to use the "camera". She will need to learn new moves like purse swinging and perfume spraying. Raven models on the catwalk and the player can choose clothes and accessories and take pictures of her in her outfits.

DIGITAL GAMES FOR GIRLS: DREAM LIFE

This is another TV plug in. It is operated by a remote control. The player tries to live her dream life. She chooses her own clothes and room design. She goes to the beauty salon to get a new hairstyle. She can make friends, join a sports team, or just hang out. She can go shopping. However, there is some reality built into this game. If she goes to classes and gets good grades she can get cool rewards. She needs money for shopping and she must earn it by doing chores or by getting a job.

Both parents and girls give this game a high rating. Parents like it because it places a value on schoolwork and chores (although doing the dishes pays $20, a bit more than most parents would pay).

For ages eight to twelve. About $38.