Kinect Sports: Season Two ... 
Xbox360 Kinect; £39.99; cert 3+; Microsoft
A definite family game and a solid sequel for those looking for a compliment to the first title, Kinect Sports: Season Two offers six new games, most of which can be cracking fun if you have the chums to play it with. Darts, tennis, baseball, American football, skiing and golf – there is very little innovation in the series and it all seems very familiar, though it has to be said that none of the games are terrible. Skiing, for instance, is easy to play and should be a first stop for newcomers, with its easy to grasp concept and simplistic controls; and though tennis can feel stodgy and forced, it can still be an engaging multiplayer pursuit. However, for those who don't care much for American football, this game is hardly going to change your mind. There is no capacity to play in defence against your opponent and it is difficult to gain ground no matter how much on-the-spot jogging you do when on the offensive. That said, show-boating after a touchdown is very satisfying – especially as it can be tricky to get anywhere near the end zone. Darts can also be slightly problematic with some sensor issues making it a struggle for accuracy in a game where precision is vital. Baseball is only interesting if played alone and golf is nothing extraordinary, but it is the addition of voice commands that adds the most to the overall experience. It allows easy navigation through the menu system and boasts an impressive array of in-game commands, whether it be a quick "hike" to the quarterback or switching to a "nine iron" to do whatever that is used for in a game of golf. Occasional sensor issues aside, there will be at least one game on there you'll enjoy – though it is essential you round up some friends before attempting any.
Sam O'Neill
School 26 ...
iPhone/iPad; £1.99; cert 12+; Silicon Sisters Interactive
School 16 is a rarity – a game for teenage girls that's neither bright pink nor covered in hideous stereotypes. The story arc about your first experiences of a new high school combines nicely with a series of memory games that ask you to balance situations by choosing cards, and simple personality quizzes. The game is let down a little by the dialogue advancement – which simply asks you to mirror the emotions of the people you're speaking to – and it's not clear how well it translates outside the US market, but it's still an engaging, interesting little game that I'd gladly recommend to young teenagers. Mary Hamilton
Sesame Street: Once Upon a Monster ...
Xbox 360 Kinect; £39.99; cert U; Warner Bros Interactive
Everything is A-OK with this charming interactive storybook and even a grouch couldn't complain at the easily accessible world in which Cookie Monster (who, it transpires, is really quite fat) and Elmo serve as guides. The Kinect is sure to never get in the way as the motion detector always gives you the benefit of the doubt when performing actions and, as there is no way to fail outright in any aspect of the game, temper tantrums should not abound. While some dialogue can be a tad repetitive, it is never enough to be greatly annoying and with cameo appearances from the likes of Grover and Oscar the Grouch, familiarity and humour generally overrule irritation. It's easy to see that the soul of Sesame Street has been poured into this title – the content teaches valuable lessons, such as the importance of friendship and a healthy environment while never straying far from entertainment and fun. Without ever being tedious, Once Upon a Monster is simple in every crumb of it's cookie-shaped being and extremely young players are bound to feel immersed in the bright and colourful world. Sam O'Neill
