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Family Gamer TV 1.5

19/10/2011 Family Family Gamer TV Article
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Family Gamer TV introduces a new family. Tobi, Mary and their three kids have never owned a videogame console. As the sun sets on our San Francisco trip Tobi talks about playing games Limbo, Flower and Skylanders: Spyro's Adventure. I look ahead to Super Mario 3D Land and Mario Kart 7 3DS and Dance Central 2, Disneyland Adventures and Kinect Star Wars.

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Family Gamer TV Season 1

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Previously on FGTV...
Pilot Episode: Pestridge Family Start Gaming
Episode 1.1: Pestridge Family Try Kinect
Episode 1.2: Pestridge Family Kinect Favs
Episode 1.3: Pestridge Family Tries PS3
Episode 1.4: Skylanders visit in San Francisco
Episode 1.5: Emmens Dad Kids Starts Gaming
Episode 1.6: Pestridge Mum Talks Kinect
Episode 1.7: Pestridge Super Young Gamers
Episode 1.8: Pestridge Dad uDraw and 3DS
Episode 1.9: Pestridge Mum tries Mario 3DS
Episode 1.10: Pestridge Mum Skylanders
Episode 1.11: Emmens Family Lego Games
Episode 1.12: Your Shape Fitness Part 1
Episode 1.13: Your Shape Fitness Part 2
Episode 1.14: Pestridge Mum Disneyland
Episode 1.15: Emmens Try Forza 4
Episode 1.16: Emmens iPad Gaming
Episode 1.17: Emmens Try 3DS and Mario
Episode 1.18: Guided Tour of the DS
Episode 1.19: Mum's Gaming Reality check
Episode 1.20: Emmens Plays Kinectimals
Episode 1.21: Emmens Try Skylanders
Episode 1.22: Season One Outtakes
Episode 1.23: Emmens try AppMates
Episode 1.24: Hilsons try PS Vita
Episode 1.25: Skylanders Giants
Episode 1.26: Skylanders Giants Devs
Episode 1.27: Kinect Rush Devs
Episode 1.28: Grand Slam Tennis 2
Episode 1.29: Skylanders Giants CEO
Episode 1.30: Hilsons try Runescape
Episode 1.31: Mum talks WiiU and Layton
Episode 1.32: Kinect Rush Gameplay
Episode 1.33: Kinect Star Wars
Episode 1.34: Right to Play Kinect


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What We've Been Playing

I've often been warned off putting new players in front of unusual games like Limbo and Flower. The consensus seems to be that they should start with family friendly games like Just Dance and Boom Blox. While I appreciate the sense in that sentiment, many of these family friendly games are actually very confusing for a grown-up new to gaming.

Recently I've been having some really interesting conversations with people new to gaming who I've got to play Limbo and Flower. For me these games are a much more interesting place for an adult to start, and offer a more meaningful experience without the clutter of other titles.

When I had the chance to have Tobi and his family on FGTV I thought I would try this approach out on him. You can judge for yourself in this episode, but I think it worked pretty well:

Gaming Surgery

We'll be back next time with another gaming surgery question for you. If you have anything you'd like us to tackle leave a comment below.

Appearing in this Episode

Andy Robertson appears in this podcast. "Videogame reviews for the whole family, not just the kids. I dig out videogame experiences to intrigue and interest grownups and children. This is post-hardcore gaming where accessibility, emotion and storytelling are as important as realism, explosions and bravado."

Tobi Emmens appears in this podcast. "I'm looking at videogames to consider how they affect our well-being. Without wishing to simplify things that are very complex, how we spend our time has some kind of impact on how we think, feel and behave. Videogames are no different."


Written by Andy Robertson

You can support Andy by buying Family Gamer TV 1.5



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Andy Robertson writes the Family Gamer TV column.

"This Family Gaming TV show is broadcast every other week. We talk about the latest games, and how we find time to play them with busy family and work lives."


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