Tech Blog

Top Kid-Friendly Games for the Xbox 360

by Blogger ‎08-04-2012 08:04 AM - edited ‎01-04-2013 09:38 PM

kid-friendly games.jpg
Having worked at a video game store a few years back, I had a whole range of customers to advise on a daily basis. Sometimes the most challenging customers to help were the parents looking for video games appropriate for their children.  Many of these parents had no idea what was worth it and what wasn't, and frequently determined the value of a game by the front cover alone. I was left scrambling for quality options that were entertaining and fun to play. Of course, kids aren't the easiest to please either, and didn't always like those options no matter how good those games may have been.  

 

If you're one of the many who's looking for just the right kid-friendly game, think of this new column as a way to help you make your next purchase a fulfilling one.  I've compiled a list of E-Rated and T-Rated Xbox 360 games that cover a whole spectrum of genres and are appropriate for both young boys and girls 5 yrs. and up as well as 13 yrs. and up.  These are just a few brief examples of many games worth checking out. Stay tuned for more console game releases in the coming weeks!  

 

Suggestions are always welcome, just leave your tips in the comment section below. 
 
 
E-Rated Games
 
 
Mini Ninjas 
 
I adore this game.  Not just for its simplistic gameplay, but also for its deep exploration.  The gameplay never feels too kiddy and is great for young and old alike, much like the popular Lego game series.  There's lots to appreciate. 
 

SKU: 10128937

You are the last Ninja that anyone would expect to save the world. Yet that is exactly what you're called to do when an Evil Samurai Warlord hatches a plan bent on total domination. Use your special Ninja training to battle a magical army of twisted Samurai, ride the rapids of the Great Central River, walk into the very heart of the Lost Volcano, and finally confront the Samurai Warlord in his Evil Fortress of Doom.




Sonic & Sega All-Star Racing
 
If you're looking for a kid-friendly racing game, you really can't go wrong with Sonic & Sega All-Star Racing.  It's fun, competitive and plenty entertaining with its responsive controls and awesome track design.  Need I say more? 
 

SKU: 10139279

Join Sonic and Sega All-Stars in an all-new, high-speed, racetrack showdown. Explore stunning new circuits including Sonic Seaside Hill, Curien Mansion and Blizzard Castle as you zip around medieval castle ramparts, hurtle under lush rainforest canopies and tear through bustling cityscapes.




 
Skylander's Spyro's Adventure Starter Pack 
 
When I first tried out this game, I was amazed by how unbelievably fun this family-friendly game is. The drop-in/drop-out co-op is really impressive and utilizes an intuitive collectable figure system worthy of checking out.  
 

SKU: 10178823

For generations, the Skylanders have used their magical powers and weapons to protect Skylands. But now, an evil tyrant has frozen them and banished them to Earth. Only you can put them on the Portal of Power and bring them to life to save Skylands forever.




NHL 12
 
If you're buying for a sports lover, NHL 12 might be just the choice.  This is yet another terrific hockey game by EA with its enhanced AI and physics engine.  
 

SKU: 10169470

With real-time physics technology and realistic graphics, NHL 12 is the closest you can get to actually playing in the NHL. Shatter the glass, knock over rivals, and deke your opponents with incredible responsiveness. NHL 12 lets you play the game like never before.




 
 
Disney Universe 
 
Much like the Lego game seris, Disney Universe is an action-adventure game capable of 4 player co-op.  It's simple, yet entertaining and features all of your favourite Disney characters in chibi form.  
 

SKU: 10182660

Disney Universe is an off-the-wall non-stop action adventure where Disney worlds and characters mix up for the first time. Suit up in iconic costumes and face challenges in legendary Disney worlds. Defeat enemies, collect coins and power-ups, unlock new costumes and explore with friends as you battle in a mix-up of worlds inspired by numerous Disney and Pixar films.




Rayman Origins
 
Rayman Origins is another one of those games that's great for young and old alike.  Its gorgeous, zany hand-done graphics are a treat and the multiplayer is fun with great retro game appeal.  You won't be disappointed.
 

SKU: 10172097

When the Glade of Dreams is overrun by "nefurrious" Darktoons, the Fairy Council hastily invokes Rayman to save the day; but the hero of light isn't quite all there... To help him, Rayman teams up with his best friend, Globox, and two crafty wizards, the Teensies. Together, the world's most hilarious team of heroes will need to restore peace to the Glade or watch as their beloved home vanishes like a bad dream...




 
Lego Game Series 
 
While I was originally only going to include Lego Batman 2: DC Super Heroes I decided to tackle the whole gamut of Lego games because of their simple, mindless gameplay, collectables and familiar skins like Star Wars, Batman and Indiana Jones.  These games are sure to suit a wide range of tastes. 
 

SKU: 10203919

The Dynamic Duo returns in the much anticipated sequel, Lego Batman 2: DC Super Heroes, and this time they're not alone!




SKU: 10096680

Building on the success of both LEGO Star Wars video games, LEGO Star Wars: The Complete Saga enables families to play through the events of all 6 Star Wars movies in 1 video game. Developer traveler's tales takes full advantage of the unique capabilities of all 3 next-generation consoles.




SKU: 10107361

With a tongue-in-cheek take on these original adventures, Lego Indiana Jones follows Dr. Jones' escapades through the jungles of South America to the mountaintops of India where you will build, battle and brawl your way through your favourite moments, from Indy's entanglements with snakes to his dashing boulder run.




SKU: 10136940

Play as Harry Potter, Ron Weasley, Hermione Granger as well as other favourite characters; over 100 playable characters. Attend lessons, cast spells, mix potions, fly on broomsticks and complete tasks to earn house points. Conjure up fun with a friend and play through Harry's first four years at Hogwarts.




Burnout Paradise
 
Oftentimes praised for its open world environment, Burnout Paradise is a remarkable game full of fun minigames and places to explore.  I'll admit, it can be a little daunting at first but it's worth every penny. 
 

SKU: 10103536

Welcome to Paradise City! Make action your middle name, as you control what happens when and where in Burnout Paradise! Immerse yourself in the open roads of Paradise City from the downtown streets through the hectic freeways to the sweeping mountain roads; the world is waiting to be explored!




 
And if you have a Kinect, consider checking out these fun, interactive games: 
 
 
Kinect Triple Pack
 
This cost-efficient Triple Pack includes Kinect Sports, Kinect Joy Ride and Kinectimals Now with Bears!, 1 Month of Xbox LIVE Gold and 480 Microsoft Points.  That's a great deal considering all you're getting in the bundle, plus it gives you more game options on XBLA.  
 

SKU: 10206573

XBOX 360 Kinect 3-Pack includes Kinect Joy Ride, Kinect Sports, Kinectimals Now with Bears!, 1 Month of Xbox LIVE Gold and 480 Microsoft Points.




Kinect Sports: Season Two
 
If you loved Kinect Sports and looking for more sports-oriented fun, you have to check out Kinect Sports: Season Two. While some minigames are better than others, there's still plenty to enjoy. 
 

SKU: 10172020

Kinect Sports: Season Two sprints out of the box at full speed, taking full advantage of the revolutionary Kinect technology and its latest exciting features like in-game voice commands and enhanced motion tracking.




Child of Eden for Kinect
 
If you're looking for something a little different Child of Eden might be just the game.  This rhythm-action game is a surreal and breathtaking experience you have to see to believe. 
 

SKU: 10158854

Child of Eden is the "multi-sensory shooter" that will send players diving into a kaleidoscopic matrix of synchronized music and mind-blowing visuals. Child of Eden thrusts you in the center of a battle to save Project Lumi, a mission to reproduce a human personality inside Eden, the archive of all human memories. As the project nears completion, the archive is invaded by an unknown virus. Save Eden from the virus to restore hope and peace.


 
If the kid you're buying for is a little bit older, you can also check out these Teen-Rated games: 
 
 
Super Street Figher IV/Super Street Fighter IV Arcade Edition
 
This is a popular mainstay worthy of any gaming library.  Fun to play and tough to master, Street Fighter IV is a competitive game perfect for when you want to duke it out with friends. 
 

SKU: 10139011

Super Street Fighter IV, the ultimate vision of Street Fighter, will be coming in Spring 2010. The follow-up to Street Fighter IV will further redefine the fighting game genre with classic 2D Street Fighter fighting action, a host of new and returning characters, more advanced online gameplay, new ultra combos and much more.




SKU: 10169656

Super Street Fighter IV Arcade Edition features a roster of 39 characters such as Ryu, Chun-li, Juri, El Fuerte, and Rufus, while adding 4 new characters to the roster including classic combatants from previous Street Fighter games like Yun and Yang as well as the all-new Oni. Beyond characters, Super Street Fighter IV Arcade Edition adds all-new balancing as well as an enhanced Replay Channel.


 
Alan Wake
 
When Alan Wake was released back in 2010, people were wowed by its impeccable pacing, suspense, gripping story and tight combat mechanics.  This third person psychological thriller is still just as impressive as it was two years ago. 
 

SKU: 10125802

From the creators of the award-winning Max Payne series comes Alan Wake; a disturbing psychological thriller about a writer with a seemingly permanent case of writer's block. Turns out he's a little more prolific in his craft than he originally thought – for better or for worse.




Arkham Asylum/Arkham City
 
Quite possibly the best video game adaptation of a comic book out today, Arkham Asylum and Arkham City are groundbreaking games.  Half beat 'em up and half stealth, these games truly put you in the shoes of the Dark Knight himself.  There's no better comic book experience. 
 

SKU: 10144415

Batman: Arkham Asylum returns with a Game of the Year Edition on Xbox 360 that includes extra content and now, for the first time, Trioviz 3D vision on home consoles. Batman: Arkham Asylum launched to critical acclaim in summer 2009.





SKU: 10179706

Batman: Arkham City builds upon the intense, atmospheric foundation of Batman: Arkham Asylum, sending players soaring into Arkham City, the new maximum security home for all of Gotham City's thugs, gangsters and insane criminal masterminds.


 
 
 
 
 
 
Dirt 3 Complete Edition
 
If rally racing is more your thing then you've got to try out Dirt 3 Complete Edition.  With its smooth controls and varied settings, this edition includes 12 new routes at two new locations plus 13 extra cars for even more options. 
 

SKU: 10195535

Dirt 3 Complete Edition includes the Dirt 3, expanded with extra content included in the box. Race through the snow, rain and dirt and experience dramatic night races as Dirt 3 is extended with 12 new routes at two new locations plus 13 extra cars.



Golden Eye 007: Reloaded
 
If you still miss the days of GoldenEye 007 on the Nintendo 64, this might be just what you're looking for.  GoldenEye 007: Reloaded is a re-imagining of the popular first-person shooter.  Fit for any nostalgic gamer.  
 

SKU: 10182383

Refined. Recharged. Reloaded. Experience the GoldenEye game updated for the X360 with beautiful graphics, upgraded multiplayer capabilities, and enhanced gameplay customizations.




 

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