Imagine (video game series)
Imagine is a series of simulation video games primarily for the Nintendo DS, Nintendo 3DS, Microsoft Windows, and Wii game consoles, released from October 2007 to February 2013. Imagine video games are aimed primarily at girls aged six to fourteen and are published by Ubisoft.
Background
The Imagine series of games allows players to take on the role of various occupations, such as a fashion designer, rock star, movie star or teacher. Ubisoft became a leader in publishing "games for girls" for the Nintendo DS and Wii through the Imagine, Ener-G, and Petz series.Reception
IGN stated that Imagine games vary wildly in quality, describing some games as "boring and soulless cash-ins that serves no purpose other than to financially take advantage of uninformed teenage girls" and others as "surprise hits turned out pretty darn well." Likewise, a 2008 feature in Game Developer opined that Ubisoft's "casual titles"—specifically mentioning the Imagine and Petz series—had distinguished themselves by being "well-made non-shovelware" that didn't try to "take advantage of the innocence of the target market."On the other hand, social researcher Laura Fantone, thought the series reiterated "dated ideas about female achievement" in which beauty—"followed by virtue and exceptional luck"—is foremost in attaining improvement of status.
Games
A large number of games have been released under the Imagine banner. These include:| Title | Original release | |
| Imagine: Master Chef •Imagine: Happy Cooking EU | October 2007 | |
| Imagine: Fashion Designer | October 2007 | |
| Imagine: Animal Doctor •Imagine: Pet Vet EU | October 2007 | |
| Imagine: Babyz •Imagine: Babies EU | October 2007 | |
| Imagine: Figure Skater | January 29, 2008 | |
| Imagine: Rock Star •Imagine: Girl Band EU •Imagine: Girls Band AU | March 1, 2008 | |
| Imagine: Teacher | April 15, 2008 | |
| My Secret World by Imagine | May 3, 2008 | |
| Imagine: Babysitters •Imagine: Baby Club EU | June 5, 2008 | |
| Imagine: Modern Dancer •Ener-G Dance Squad NA | June 28, 2008 | |
| Imagine: Fashion Designer New York •Imagine: Fashion Model EU | July 20, 2008 | |
| Imagine: Champion Rider | August 11, 2008 | |
| Imagine: Pet Hospital | September 4, 2008 | |
| Imagine: Interior Designer | October 6, 2008 | |
| Imagine: Wedding Designer •Imagine: Dream Weddings EU | October 31, 2008 | |
| Imagine: Party Babyz | November 12, 2008 | |
| Imagine: Ballet Star •Imagine: Ballet Dancer EU | November 27, 2008 | |
| Imagine: Movie Star | December 2, 2008 | |
| Imagine: Gymnast | December 18, 2008 | |
| Imagine: My Restaurant •Gourmet Chef: Cook Your Way to Fame NA | January 1, 2009 | |
| Imagine: Fashion Party | January 28, 2009 | |
| Imagine: Cheerleader | February 14, 2009 | |
| Imagine: Ice Champions | March 11, 2009 | |
| Imagine: Family Doctor | March 27, 2009 | |
| Imagine: Makeup Artist | April 12, 2009 | |
| Imagine: Music Fest | May 16, 2009 | |
| Imagine: Boutique Owner •Imagine: My Boutique AU | June 2, 2009 | |
| Imagine: Soccer Captain | July 11, 2009 | |
| Imagine: Teacher: Class Trip •Imagine: Teacher: School Trip EU | August 5, 2009 | |
| Imagine: Detective | September 5, 2009 | |
| Imagine: Party Planner | September 15, 2009 | |
| Imagine: Salon Stylist •Imagine Beauty Stylist EU | September 19, 2009 | |
| Imagine: Reporter •Imagine Journalist EU | September 28, 2009 | |
| Imagine: Zookeeper | October 6, 2009 | |
| Imagine: Artist | October 23, 2009 | |
| Imagine: Fashion Designer World Tour | October 20, 2009 | |
| Imagine: Rescue Vet | October 29, 2009 | |
| Imagine: Babyz Fashion | February 3, 2010 | |
| Imagine: Resort Owner •Imagine Dream Resort EU | June 22, 2010 | |
| Imagine: Sweet 16 •Sweet 16 EU | October 9, 2010 | |
| Imagine: Animal Doctor Care Center | January 18, 2011 | |
| Imagine: Fashion Stylist •Imagine: Fashion Paradise EU | June 21, 2011 | |
| Imagine: Fashion Life | May 8, 2012 | |
| Imagine: Babies 3D | August 6, 2012 | |
| Imagine: Fashion World 3D | October 27, 2012 | |
| Imagine: Championship Rider 3D | February 23, 2013 |