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Kid Friendly Alternatives to Grand Theft Auto IV
The Grand Theft Auto series of games have always featured huge non-linear, living breathing city environments and break neck driving action. Unfortunately it is probably the most inappropriate game for kids to get their little grubby gaming hands on. Here is a list of titles that I would recommend to give out a GTA like kick but without all the massive dose of the ultra violent.
Simpson's Hit and Run
Platform : PS2, Gamecube and Xbox (Should work in some PS3s, and all Wiis and Xbox 360 with hard drives)
This game is a GTA like open city game with lots off driving action but set in the cartoon world of The Simpsons. Since it is a cartoon world if you happen to hit someone they go flying, bounce and then get back up. You can take cars but there is no real violence. It has all The Simpsons voices and sense of humor. Even if you are not playing this game for kids it is one of the best GTA like Non-GTA games.
Crazy Taxi (and Crazy Taxi : Fare Wars for PSP)
Platform : PS2, Gamecube, Dreamcast and PSP
The original insane driving game in a big city features folks that will always jump out of the way at the very last minute. Crazy Taxi was originally a super fun Sega arcade game and my friend BBQ has achieved a zen like ability at it. It is a shame that Crazy Taxi 3 is not backwards compatible on the Xbox 360
The Simpson's Road Rage
Platform : PS2, Gamecube and Xbox (should be backwards compatible on all newer systems)
Road Rage is a well done clone of Crazy Taxi but with Simpson characters driving around the city hectically but it is not possible to hit any of the pedestrians.
Project Gotham Racing 4
Platform : Xbox 360
PGR4 is hands down my favorite racing game on any platform. The graphics are incredible, the racing is fast and I could see kids pick this one up.
Blue Dragon
Platform : Xbox 360
Blue Dragon is an awesome Japanese RPG about a group of young heroes out to save the world. It is the closest that the Xbox is ever going to get to a DragonQuest game. Its cinematic anime eye candy animations really add to a well done lengthy story.
Psychonauts
Platform : Xbox 360 (via Xbox Originals and an Xbox one disc if you can find it), Playstation 2 and PC via Steam
The cult classic story of a twisted world of a summer camp for power full psychic kids has finally gotten a decent chance to find an audience.
Harry Potter and the Order of The Phoenix
Platform : Xbox 360, Wii, PS3
There have been other Harry Potter games but what sets this one apart is the amount of detail that they spent in building a massive environment for Hogwarts castle. It is sort of Grand Theft Harry Potter but with drive by wandings.
Jake at May 12, 2008 
Games
