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New Games that Cross Genres, Without Violence

Many games for Xbox, Playstation 2 and Nintendo DS lack the violence that makes parents cringe.
Many games for Xbox, Playstation 2 and Nintendo DS lack the violence that makes parents cringe.

There are many choices this holiday season for those in the market to give -- or receive -- video games. But if you haven't played one since Pac-Man, it can be a bit confusing. Game editor Brian Ekberg from gamespot.com offers a guide to the current crop of games.

Ekberg tells NPR's Renee Montagne that while most of the current game titles are meant to appeal to children, many are also complex and clever enough to win adult fans as well. Paper Mario, a role-playing game that puts players through lighthearted adventures, is one example Ekberg cites.

There are also plenty of other alternatives to popular -- and heavily publicized -- violent games for the holiday season, says Ekberg. Feel the Magic: XY/XX from Nintendo DS is one game with a wide array of deceptively simple activities, with quirky details that keep players interested.

For PC users, Sid Meier's Pirates! is an imaginative remake of a popular 1980s game that also involves strategy and fun, according to Ekberg. For instance, to advance their pirate's career, players must occasionally tap in time to music as their hero dances with ladies at a ball.

Copyright 2022 NPR. To see more, visit https://www.npr.org.

Renee Montagne, one of the best-known names in public radio, is a special correspondent and host for NPR News.