Bakugan: Battle Brawlers is the first video game based on the smash hit Bakugan toys, card game and anime show.  Released October 20, 2009, this has been a raving hit among tweens who play video games.  While this game likely appeals to boys more than girls, Amber my 13 year old daughter (who is decidedly very ungirly), got a chance to review this on the Nintendo DS platform and this is what she said about it:

Bakugan: Battle Brawlers is another one of those games I've really enjoyed playing.  When I was told what the game was about, Mom gave me a simple line that really got me interested in learning what Bakugan was about, she said; 'It sounds kind of like Pokemon'.

For those of you not aware, I'm a Pokemon fan, so I was all over trying Bakugan: Battle Brawlers.  After playing it, I've come up with this  - while the concept is the same as the Pokemon games (with overpowered creatures beating each other up) the game play is MUCH different.

Bakugan is a hit anime show (although I've never seen it, but that didn't matter to the game play at all).  The game itself has two modes, story and battle arena.

In story, you create your own Bakugan battler (sorry girls, the avatar can only be male!) and go through a plot alongside the show's characters.  Along the way, you unlock arenas and characters to use in the battle arena mode, where you set the rules for your own Bakugan battle.

The graphics in the game are amazing, the 3D effects on the DS version had me stunned when I started playing it.  In the different arenas farther in the game, the detail put into their design had me wowed.

The individual battles can get time-consuming depending on how hard your opponent is and how many times you lose.  Also, it can sometimes get frustrating when you keep losing to the same guy.   But, hey, that can happen with most games.

For those that are familiar with the Pokemon franchise this is a game you would probably enjoy playing also.

Bakugan: Battle Brawlers is available nation wide on Nintendo Wii, Nintendo DS, Xbox 360, Playstation 3 and Playstation 2.  (Published by Activision and Developed by NOW Productions)

My Baby: First Steps, is geared more toward young girls, however, you can choose to be a dad as well as a mom while playing.  This simulation game is all about caring for your baby doll from their 1st birthday until they are 30 months old.

You can choose to have a baby boy, baby girl or let the game choose for you!  Other customizable options are the baby's room, accessories and toys, and their name.

Your baby will grow as you love and nurture it, playing with new toys, climbing stairs and learning to speak.  Oh and like every parent, you can dress your baby in tiny outfits, and of course take photos for memories!

This is not a compilation of mini-games, and the interactive game play is based on the stylus, touch pad, voice recognition and motion control when using the Wii, and the DS microphone. 

What a fun new way to play with a baby doll!  The suggested retail value of this game is $29.99 available nationwide.  My Baby: First Steps is available on the Nintendo DS and Wii platforms.  (Published by SouthPeak Games and Developed by Nobilis).

Both games require some basic reading skills.

I have a copy of the My Baby: First Steps on Wii as a giveaway for one lucky reader.

 To enter this giveaway let me know who would be playing this game?

The first entry must be completed and then you can enter an additional comment one time for each of the following:

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Open to US & Canadian Residents ages 18+, ends January 26, 2010 at 11:59 pm cst. Winner will have 48 hours to respond or a new winner will be chosen. Email must be in comment or available in profile. By entering this giveaway you are stating that you have read my **Privacy/Rules statements and agree to them.

*I was sent Bakugan: Battle Brawlers on Nintendo DS in order to complete my review. The opinions expressed in my review are my own and are not influenced in any way.