Go Back To School With EA Playground

Electronic Arts' latest title lets players revisit childhood fun with a collection of mini-games that mimic playground favorites.

Electronic Arts is delivering on its promise to offer games for the casual gaming crowd with Monday’s announcement of EA Playground for the Nintendo Wii and DS. Although it’s being developed by EA Canada and not the newly formed casual gaming division, EA claims that Playground will rope gamers of all ages into a recreation of schoolyard playground fun.

“Young, old, male or female – EA Playground has something for everyone,” said executive producer Dave McCarthy, in a statement. “EA Playground transports you to your fantasy playground, packed with interesting characters, over-the top gameplay, and a ton of collectables. Kids can bring the excitement of the playground home, and parents or even grandparents can re-experience their childhood thrills.”

Much like Wii Sports, EA Playground will be a collection of mini-games that harness the Wii’s unique style of control. For instance, players will be able to swing the Wiimote for a game of tetherball, or blow into the system’s microphone to spit fireballs (I don’t recall spitting fireballs on the playground, but I guess EA took some creative license.)

Although many of the games will be collaborative or multiplayer, there will also be activities to keep players busy when there’s no one to play with. The playground world will be explorable, with different locations unlocking new activities, offering in-game friends and rewards to upgrade player abilities.

Electronic Arts didn’t offer a definite release date for EA Playground, only revealing that it will be available sometime this fall for those of us in North America.