Whenever you think of downloading affordable, wholesome video games, chances are that you don’t think of Amazon.com as a resource; however, that may soon change.

On February 3rd, 2009; Amazon introduced the Amazon Game Downloads store. For the most part, this service promotes games that are relatively educational or downright amusing. In my opinion, many of the games are a welcomed change from the blood gushing, sexually overt choices that currently dominant the market.

Because I’m a big kid at heart, I couldn’t resist the temptation to investigate this event.

Apparently, the online retail conglomerate is targeting the causal game player.Amazon is also targeting  gamers who are interested in affordable games or wholesome video games. Currently, the casual game market is more than 200 million players strong. If you take pleasure in simple video games, chances are that you’ll be impressed with Amazon’s selection of more than 600 casual games.

What’s really impressive is that anyone can try the games for 30 minutes at not cost. The price for actually purchasing a game is a mere $6.99 or $9.99. With the current state of the economy, it's a sure bet that causal gamers will appreciate those rates. The Amazon Games & Software Downloader is required to download your game. The game categories include:

• Action
• Adventure
• Card and Casino
• Puzzle
• Shooter
• Simulation and Strategy

Because Amazon Game Downloads is initially free; and I’m a cheapskate, I decided to try several games for myself and thereafter write a short review. So if you're ready to have fun at Amazon’s expense (so to speak), let’s get started.

(Actual Video Games Listed Below)

Review #1

Build-a-lot (4 Stars) (Windows XP / Vista)

Build-a-lot is fairly straightforward. The objective is to accumulate money while building houses, selling houses, or adding an addition to an existing house. Each task must be completed within a specified time.

What caught my attention almost immediately are the wonderful graphics, and the pleasant melody that accompanies the game. In effect, the music is so soothing that it heightens the overall game-play experience. Also, although 'The Sims' is much more complex; I couldn’t help but notice the similarities between the two games.

While this is definitely a casual game, the building process becomes more challenging as you progress. Yet, if you're accustomed to playing more multifaceted games, you may grow bored with the tediousness of Build-a-lot. Nevertheless, if you’re looking for an enjoyable, inoffensive game; Build-a-lot is worthwhile.

Review #2

Burger Shop (5 Stars) (Windows XP / Vista)

After playing Burger Shop in Story Mode, I was pleasantly surprised. The Story Mode level provides instructions on how to use a machine known as the Burgertron 2000. The Burgertron 2000 places various parts of a customers order onto a conveyor belt. It’s your job to complete the order, and thereafter deliver it to the customer in a reasonable amount of time. If you’re too slow, the customer will become irritated and leave.

Another interesting aspect of the game is that the Burgertron 2000 is apparently concealing some type of secret. Seemingly, the mystery unfolds as players advance from level to level. Since I didn’t make it past the Story Mode level, I can’t confirm this (I’m a loser).

The overall goal is to earn a predetermined amount of money during each stage of the game, even while providing good customer service. Burger Shop is deceptive as it’s very easy to play, but moves quickly enough to keep you coming back for more. This game is very addictive. If you’ve ever played ‘Dinner Dash’, you’ll appreciate Burger Shop. According to the games product description on Amazon.com, Burger Shop has more than 60 upgrades and 96 trophies to win. Not bad for a game that has great graphics and retails for only $9.99.

Review #3

Orchard (4 Stars) (Windows XP / Vista)

Orchard is a fairly involved farmer simulation; however, the graphics aren’t especially great. Generally, I’m not keen on farming games (I’m just a simple city boy), but Orchard is interesting enough.

Throughout the game you’re responsible for completing task such as Tilling the Land, Planting Seeds, Harvesting Crops and selling what you’ve harvested.

Although I didn't advance beyond the Story Mode level, Orchard doesn’t seem to have a win or lose ending; the game is played according to each gamers level of comfort. Also, the game can evidently be played in Timed Mode and Untimed Mode. While this is probably not a game that I would buy, if you’re into games like ‘John Deere Harvest in the Heartland’ and ‘Cake Mania’, you’ll almost certainly enjoy Orchard.

Review #4

Chicken Invaders 3 (Windows XP / Vista)

Chicken Invaders 3 starts with a narration that’s reminiscent of the original Star Wars. However, you won’t be battling against the evils of the ‘Death Star’ space station; you’ll be opposing the ‘Yoke Star’.

The objective of the game is to save the galaxy from attacking chickens. You gain points by shooting your adversary while avoiding their egg bombs. As you discharge your firearm, chicken casualties are turned in to cooked chicken parts (chicken wings, chicken burgers, drumsticks and so forth). So in this case, the chicken’s goose is actually cooked (you probably saw that one coming). You gain additional points by catching, or crashing into, the various cooked chicken parts. Although there are other forms of attacks, most of the assaults are carried out by giant chickens, chicken air strikes, or chickens flying enemy space crafts.

This game is a comical throwback to Nintendo’s “Galaga” of 1981. However, unlike Galaga, players aren’t confined to maneuvering their ship back-and-forth (to the right and left) across the bottom portion of the screen. Players can actually move in various directions (up, down, left, right and diagonally). When the game commences, you have the option of playing in “Rookie Mode” or “Veteran Mode”. You’ll almost certainly want to play in “Veteran Mode”, as “Rookie Mode” is not very challangeing.

Although Chicken Invaders 3 may not be a non-stop action fest; it certainly is a lot of fun. No blood, no guts; just wholesome entertainment. Its well worth the price of $6.99 as it provides more entertainment than you might expect.

If you’re interested in casual or wholesome video games, Amazon Game Downloads hits the nail on the head in my estimation. Although violent video games currently dominate the market, I expect that conscious consumers will embrace this service with great enthusiasm. Whatever happens, it’s great to have options. Check it out for yourself!