As someone with lots of
whippersnappers in my family, I have impeccable insight into what kids like.
Well, that and the fact that I'm about 12 years old mentally.
On that note, here are my top 10 console gaming picks for kids this year. I did it … for the children. Interested in the best video games regardless of age? You also can check out my Big Game List for the top 10 video games overall for 2014.
10. Pokemon Art Academy: Learning to draw different Pokemon is the obvious hook for this title. However, I really like this game for three reasons. One is that it directly encourages creativity in kids, which is rare in a video game. Two is that it actually teaches you real drawing techniques. Three is because your in-game classmate Lily is just hilarious. Just don't blame me if it encourages your child to be a starving artist in the future.
— Nintendo 3DS
9. Disney Magical World: Disney's take on the "Animal Crossing" formula features lots of activities in a magical world. Yes, the activities typically involve being a glorified gopher and doing errands for Disney characters but hey, at least your child will actually listen to someone who's telling them to what do. Kids who love collecting in-game stuff and coordinating outfits will especially enjoy this one.
— Nintendo 3DS
8. Professor Layton VS Phoenix Wright Ace Attorney:
The two champions of logic finally meet each other in a game that combines puzzle solving with crazy courtroom antics. I like this game because it'll make kids think and laugh at the same time. Some of the content may be a tad mature for little children but kids who love stuff like Harry Potter or reading adventure books will likely enjoy this one.
— Nintendo 3DS
7. LEGO Batman 3: Beyond Gotham: Kids love LEGOs and the LEGO games are no exception. You can probably plug in any of the LEGO games that came out this year here but I think the quality of the LEGO Batman series is usually a notch above the rest of the LEGO games. Otherwise, alternatives from this year include LEGO The Hobbitand The LEGO Movie Videogame.
— 3DS, PC, PS4, PS3, Vita, Wii U, X360, XB1
6. Pokemon Omega Ruby & Alpha Sapphire: Yes, it's another 3DS game. Hey, it's not like I'm doing it on purpose. Pokemon ORAS reintroduces kids to one of the beloved Pokemon titles of old by re-imagining the classic Ruby and Sapphire games with improved graphics and game mechanics. What's nice about Pokemon is it's suited for kids of all ages, including teens.
— Nintendo 3DS
5. Mario Kart 8:
Mario Kart 8 is a great game for kids for several reasons. For starters, it's a lot of fun and is perfect for both casual and hardcore gamers. It also provides a great lesson in how unfair life is, thanks to an assortment of evil items and mechanics that were apparently conceived by a creature living under a bridge. Get a bunch of players together in your living room for added enjoyment.
— Wii U
4. Disney Infinity 2.0 Marvel Super Heroes: I never, ever lined up for a Black Friday sale in my WHOLE life. That is, until this year so I could get a hugely discounted copy of this game's starter pack for my niece, who really wanted the game. Man, I can still remember the weird smells from that line. Admittedly, getting extra toys can be expensive but the game's Toy Box will be appreciated by any kid who likes Minecraft.
— PC, PS4, PS3, Wii U, X360, XB1
3. Skylanders Trap Team :Hey look, another toy-based game. Skylanders doesn't have a Toy Box like Disney Infinity but the actual adventure mode is more polished and doesn't feel as scattered as its Disney-made competitor. Getting additional toys to unlock more characters in the game can be just as expensive, though, so make sure to exert self control. I've actually seen parents who are more crazy about the toys than their kids!
— 3DS, iOS, PS4, PS3, Wii U, X360, XB1
2. PvZ: Garden Warfare:Call of Duty meets Plants vs. Zombies in this third-person shooter. Yes, Call of Duty is a first-person shooter but you know what I mean. Out of all the games I played with my young relatives this year, this one logged in the most hours. I'm talking enough hours to grow Lion-O from a child to a young adult. In short, kids love it.
— PC, PS4, PS3, X360, XB1
1. Super Smash Bros.:Nintendo's crazy fighting game just came out but it's now dominating my living room every time my young relatives come in. I'm talking pre-teens, kids in high school and even relatives in college. Get an eight-player match going on and you can sit back and watch the crazy unfold. Easily one of the best party and couch multiplayer games ever made for kids and kids at heart.
— Wii U
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