Games have certainly evolved in the past few decades. While they were originally meant for a young audience of children, we’re now getting more mature, thought-provoking titles like The Last of Us games and God of War.
Since we don’t really expect kids to brave the apocalypse or tackle the complicated feelings of fatherhood, we’ve come up with a list of family-friendly titles that your kids can enjoy without them requiring therapy in the future.
10. Fall Guys: Ultimate Knockout
Colorful and cute, Fall Guys from Mediatonic was one of the surprise hits of 2020. Take control of your customizable ‘bean’ and compete with 59 other players in crazy obstacle courses inspired by Wipeout and Takeshi’s Castle. Not only is it fun to play, but it’s also fun to watch.
9. Guacamelee! 2
A sequel to the 2013 hit Guacamelee!, this 2D action-platformer is filled to the brim with colorful locations and characters, and brings back that retro feel of Mega Man games, what with the different moves and giant bosses. Let your kid play by themselves or join in on the fun with the local co-op.
8. Sackboy: A Big Adventure
One of the launch titles of the PS5, Sackboy: A Big Adventure is a spinoff of the LittleBigPlanet games which launched back in 2008. Take control of Sackboy and run around the ragdoll realm of Craftworld in this platformer that can accommodate up to four players.
7. Overcooked! 2
If there’s anything you can teach your kids early, it’s the power of teamwork, and Overcooked has proven to be a great new franchise based on the concept. Choose from a myriad of colorful characters and team-up to make one efficient kitchen.
6. The Witness
The Witness is an indie game that came out back in 2016, and it offers a mysterious world full of puzzles and mystery. While it isn’t as straightforward as most games, this open-world urges your kids to explore, and you can have fun trying to solve puzzles with them.
5. Overwatch
More PG than other Blizzard titles, Overwatch is a family-friendly shooter game chock-full of colorful characters from every corner of the globe (even Moon).
Although it's rated for Teens, kids can have fun adapting to the different playstyles of each character, and they can also learn the value of good communication and teamwork. Not to mention there are some Disney-level cinematics to help get you and your child immersed in the lore.
It can be a great first FPS if your kids are into it, but it's best with guidance, especially on its online features.
4. Crash Bandicoot – N. Sane Trilogy
A lot of adults who love video games today have likely spent hours playing Crash Bandicoot back in the 90s, and this remaster of the original trilogy should bring the world of Crash to a new generation of players.
While the world is cartoonish and cutesy, the platforming is still rough; but that’s probably an opportunity for mom or dad to take the controller and flex their old video game skills.
3. Gris
While failure is an essential lesson we all must learn, Gris promises a world ‘free of danger, frustration, or death.’ Soak in the colors and music of this beautifully animated game, solve puzzles, and hone your platforming reflexes. This should be a hit if your kids love Steven Universe.
2. Patapon Remastered
Originally released for the handheld PSP, Patapon (pata, a Japanese onomatopoeia for ‘marching’ and pon for ‘drumming) is a rhythm game where you play the role of a god that controls a tribe of cute little creatures who bow to your whim—that is, if you can hit the buttons at the right time. You and your kid will love the minimalist art and catchy music.
1. Unravel
Take control of Yarny in this physics-based puzzle platformer from Coldwood Interactive. Travel as far as your yarn can take you, and take in the tiny, rustic world. You can also try Unravel Two just in case you want to bring someone along for the ride.
For a more extensive list of highly-rated family-friendly games, you can click here.