The GameBoy Advance unit provides a fun way for kids to take games with them--whether it's simply to another (well-lit) room in the house or in the car. Barbie Groovy Games for the GameBoy Advance features a pleasant set of kid-pleasing favorite games, dressed up Barbie-style. In other words, fluttering butterflies and pretty flowers decorate the screens. Interesting variations on tried-and-true games add much to the overall entertainment value of Barbie Groovy Games.
There are nine games to choose from--enough to keep kids busy for some time. Most are variations of classic games, such as the activity at the record store. This one is a game of concentration in which players match CDs to their cases. Some cards are "wild" and others, called "mix", mix up the remaining cards in the game.
Although some thinking skills are required in a few of the games, this collection is more entertaining than anything. However, the presentation is appealing, and the option for two-player competition is a great bonus. Many GameBoy games are rather solitary, but this one allows two children to play. Otherwise, kids are playing against computer opponents, such as Ken, Lea, Christie, and Barbie.
The games feature three difficulty levels--easy, medium, and hard. Tic-tac-toe is played with flowers and butterflies; Four Scoops is a turn-taking game that involves dropping scoops of ice cream onto cones with the objective of getting four scoops in a row (horizontally, vertically, or diagonally) before the opponent does; Bubble Machine is similar to Snood and Bust-A-Move; there is a game of Checkers with hearts, bows, and similar types of game pieces; Daisy Derby is a form of hangman that is particularly enjoyable at the varying levels of challenge; kids follow dance moves using the control pad in Groove and Move; in Conga Line, children lead their character along a floor, collecting new characters along the way; and Gems and Jewels is a strategy board game.
All in all, the game is satisfying and provides children with a pleasant break during the day. Barbie Groovy Games features games that are easy to learn and fun to play, making it light and manageable fare. The two-player option is an enjoyable feature that is particularly fun in the hangman-like Daisy Derby activity. Children can create their own mystery words with which to challenge their friends and siblings.
