EA Playground is EA's latest game that appeals to the "family fun" crowd, as it attempts to involve Mom and Dad in their kids' gameplay activities. In the game, you choose from one of various kids and head right to a small playground after a tiring day of classes. There are other kids in this play area as well, offering advice for your "new kid" and giving an opportunity to take part in one of seven mini-games.

These games include Slot Car Racing, a visceral racing game where you bump other cars out of the way while gathering a series of power-ups and boosts; Dodgeball, where you hit opponents with balls while avoiding incoming attacks; Kicks, a mixed variation of soccer and volleyball; Paper Racers, a swooping game of paper airplane throwing; Tetherball, a game where you knock a ball on a string around a pole until it reaches the very end; Wall Ball, a variation of Racquetball, but you use your hands instead of a racket and Dart Shootout, a first-person shooting game where you shoot darts while deflecting incoming ones with a shield. There are also basketball hoops to throw balls through, along with more challenging "dares" thrown out by various kids. Win enough of these games and more areas open up, with more children to interact with.

One thing worth noting about Playground is its novel sticker collection system. Win a mini-game and you receive a sticker to put in your personal booklet, keeping track of your records. You can also buy new stickers with your marbles, which become power-ups that enhance your performance in future mini-games. However, it doesn't really make much of a difference in the end, since the AI-powered kids are so easy to beat.

Things pick up with the multiplayer component. Depending on the activity, up to four people can take part in an event. Dodgeball in particular is a lot more fun against your buddies, due to their unpredictable nature. Online play would've been a nice addition, but the game doesn't hurt too badly without it.

EA Playground needs only the Wii remote for play. You'll have to get used to moving around the playground with the D-pad, as the game doesn't support the Nunchuk. Past that, all the motions work fine, thanks to smoothly read hand movements.

The presentation doesn't really amaze, but it maintains a friendly status quo. The graphics look colorful and bright and the kids resemble... well, kids. They don't really have distinct personalities, however. The music is cheery and upbeat without going overboard and the sound effects consist of incomprehensible "kid babble" (similar to the language in MySims) and other little noises. The playground opens up with new areas as you progress, although the game is still beatable within a matter of hours.

EA Playground doesn't stand tall amongst the Wii's better party games, but its fun mini-games and multiplayer action still make it an ideal place to visit on a rainy day.