Best 2007 video games for kids

Looking to buy a child a video game for the holidays? We've got you covered. After reviewing the new releases in 2007, here's our list of best video games for kids ages 3 to 16.
The key to finding that perfect game is to know what systems the recipient owns, and then to factor in the child's age and interests. All of the games on our list are rated E, E+10, or T by the Entertainment Software Ratings Board so that you don't have to worry about inappropriate content.
For the youngest gamer (ages 6 and under)
For the under-6 crowd, it is important that games talk to the player, since many of these children can't yet read. Here are four that do.
'Guess How Much I Love You' DVD storybook game
Snap TV Games (www.snaptvgames.com), for TV with DVD, $25
FIND MORE STORIES IN: Nintendo Galaxy Mario Nintendo Entertainment System Adventure Nancy Drew Super Mario Bros Disney Interactive
• Best for ages 3 to 6
Not only does this game read Sam McBratney's beloved classic book, "Guess How Much I Love You," but it also animates all the beautiful illustrations and provides simple games for kids to play using the DVD remote.
'Animal Genius'
Scholastic (www.scholastic.com), for the Nintendo DS, $30
• Best for ages 5 to 10 (Rated E)
As one of the few DS games that talks to you, "Animal Genius" helps kids become animal experts, as they learn facts by playing four different animal games. Kids will also help place 25 animals in their correct habitats.
'JumpStart World Kindergarten'
Knowledge Adventure (www.knowledgeadventure.com), for Windows PCs, $10
Best for ages 5 to 6 (Rated E)
Kids explore an enchanting 3-D world, while going on missions to solve problems. The game is filled with talking animal friends and educational games, and as kids master the content, new vibrant areas open up. (Also good is "JumpStart World First Grade" and "JumpStart World Second Grade.")
'Leapster Game: Scholastic Get Puzzled'
LeapFrog (www.leapfrog.com) and Scholastic (www.scholastic.com), for the Leapster, $19
• Best for ages 5 to 8
Kids play through more than 300 puzzles that teach logical thinking. They are cheered on by a group of zany characters, including talking heads and cute monsters.
For kids ages 7 to 10
'Super Mario Galaxy'
Nintendo (www.nintendo.com), for the Nintendo Wii, $50
• Best for ages 7 and up (Rated E)
Mario is off to explore out-of-this-world environments in this best-ever Mario game for the Nintendo Wii. The game offers a two-player cooperative mode.
'Drawn to Life'
THQ (www.thq.com), for the DS, $30
• Best for ages 7 and up (Rated E)
A platform puzzle game reminiscent of the Mario series, but with an important creative twist: you draw your own heroes, their weapons and other objects in the world.
'Zack & Wiki: Quest for Barbaros' Treasure'
Capcom (www.capcom.com), for the Wii, $40
• Best for ages 7 and up (Rated E)
Little pirate boy Zack and his whirly-gig sidekick Wiki star in this fantastic puzzle adventure that makes great use of the Wii remote. A gem.
'Hannah Montana: Music Jam'
Disney Interactive (www.disneyinteractive.com), for the DS, $30
• Best for ages 8 to 14 (Rated E)
Join Hannah Montana to help her learn how to play guitars and drums. The game turns the DS into a guitar and drum set and enables you and your friends to jam to create music together.
'Snapshot Adventures: Secret of Bird Island'
IWin Inc. (www.iwin.com), for the PC, $20 (only available by download)
• Best for ages 6 and up
An outstanding mystery adventure where you become a wildlife bird photographer. This unique game is perfect for families looking for a gentle mystery.
For kids ages 10 & up
'Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix'
Electronic Arts (www.ea.com), for the Wii, Sony PlayStation 2, PS3, Microsoft Xbox360, PCs, DS, Nintendo Game Boy Advance and Sony PlayStation Portable, $20 to 40.
• Best for ages 10 and up (GBA and DS rated E, all rest E+10)
A great way to relive the movie and explore the massive castle of Hogwarts. Playing it on the Wii lets your remote become your wand — a truly magical experience.
'Rock Band Special Edition Bundle'
MTV Games (www.mtv.com/games), for PS3, Xbox360, and PS2, $160 to $170
• Best for ages 10 and up (Rated T, for lyrics)
Grab some friends for a fabulous cooperative rhythm gaming experience. The Bundle comes with a guitar controller, collapsible drum set controller and microphone to use as your band tries to master over 50 rock hits. Great family fun.
'Mario Strikers Charged'
Nintendo (www.nintendo.com), for the Wii, $40
• Best for ages 10 and up (Rated E+10)
Mario and his gang take to the soccer pitch to play some of the wildest games ever imagined. Madcap fun for up to four players.
'Nancy Drew: Legend of Crystal Skull'
Her Interactive (www.herinteractive.com), for PCs, $20
• Best for ages 9 and up (Rated E)
You become literary sleuth Nancy Drew to solve a spooky case set in a cemetery in New Orleans. Great puzzles, cinematic setting and a compelling mystery combine to deliver a top-notch PC game.
Gudmundsen is the editor of Computing With Kids magazine (www.ComputingWithKids.com). Contact her at gnstech@gns.gannett.com.