If you only think video gaming involves blank stares at the screen and idle bodies stuck on the couch, then you haven’t seen the Nintendo Wii. They’re changing the face of gaming by getting kids and families up and off the sofa. We’re talking highly interactive participation from everyone involved.

And so our bloggers have been trying out EA’s Boogie, a game where you shake, sing, and create it. A mix of dancing, karaoke (with an actual microphone), and video making, this game is aimed at kids 10 and older. It sounds complicated, but it is, in fact very simple (as you will read). And what’s more fun than dancing and singing to your heart’s content with your own family?

The bloggers thought that this game is great for family, but also a fantastic party game. “It is fun for groups of half-drunk friends cheering you wildly despite your abilities and singing the words (because they’re on screen). And it can easily suss out whether your husband really loves you (tone deaf much? just a little thanks).” And considering we all don’t have a ton of brain cells to spare, it’s very simple to figure out. Plus, you’re not taking up half the night reading instructions. “This is fast fun and, I suspect, not too difficult game for someone who knows what they’re doing.”

Our bloggers’ kids (and some of the parents) enjoyed creating their own videos. “…my daughters had a great time with the Video Maker, which allows you to create a music video using your character and a song of your choosing. Using the pre-fab effects, camera angles and backgrounds anyone can create a YouTube masterpiece.” “A huge bonus was the ability to capture, edit, and replay the songs and dancing. Oh yes, it was sometimes painful to watch but still fun.”

Many of our bloggers noted that it really is great in getting families involved in doing something fun together. “I also love the fact that we can play the game together, and it requires an enthusiastic effort with the Wii remotes. Like the other games for the Wii console, Boogie gets you up off the couch and happily flailing to the beat. For a family that spends plenty of time stationary, whether at school or at work, having a fun dance break gets the blood flowing and everyone laughing. ”

A couple of bloggers commented on the variety of song choices that range from a couple of Jackson Five songs, to more popular songs by The Pussy Cat Dolls. “The song selection is a mixed bag for me - some I love and others I wouldn’t want to admit to listening to. I would have really preferred a larger selection of songs to choose from, but I can’t help wondering [hoping?] that obtaining more songs is in someone’s larger vision for the future.” Bloggers did note that as you gain points with dance moves, you can use those points to “buy” new songs (from this century, as one blogger’s kids requested — interestingly, I didn’t know many of the songs because I thought they were so current. God I’m old). And certainly, there’s enough choices that if you find a song you don’t like (or don’t approve of), you can skip right over it!

A couple of bloggers (and their girls) were disappointed that there was only one girl character in the game who just so happened to have a penchant for short, tight clothing. Even so, the girl did have a bunch of different ‘personas’ and the kids had almost as much fun dressing her up as they did playing the game!

Lest you forget how many crazy video games are out there today, let this be a wonderful reminder. “The dance part is a great activity for younger and older kids, though honestly I just used moves to score extra points in karaoke. I think any game that requires kids to move (trust me, it’s a cardiovascular workout), doesn’t involve violence, and isn’t lame gets my stamp of approval.”

One blogger summed it up well:

I was right: this is totally my kind of game. You don’t need to come into it with an astounding skill set or your hands permanently curled to fit the curve of a controller. It’s fun, it’s a great way to spend a few minutes decompressing and you get to put yourself - or, at least, your own personal character - on screen, in your own music video. I’d absolutely harass Mr.Q until he bought Boogie. I may have even set foot in the games store myself. And getting me into the store? That’s a coup in and of itself.

This game has ENDLESS possibilities, and includes a microphone (extra cool). Check it out for yourself and also what our other bloggers have to say about this game. Dare I say the holidays are just around the corner? (There I just did!).

8/31 - Suburban Oblivion
9/4 - Her Bad Mother
9/5 - Karianna
9/6 - Radioactive Girl
9/7 - Mommy Needs Coffee
9/10 - Mother May I

9/11 - Final Round Up