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However, when it comes to selecting the right game, it can feel overwhelming with numerous titles available and advertising themselves as kid-friendly. Some child-appropriate games may feel too advanced for some kids or maybe boring for older ones. So where does one start? Gamers typically cite the usual roster of child-friendly games which include Minecraft, Fortnite, and Animal Crossing, amongst others. While those are excellent games, there are many other gems out there for parents and their kids to fall in love with.
10 LEGO Star Wars: The Skywalker Saga
The latest entry on this list, LEGO Star Wars: The Skywalker Saga is a great game for any parent looking to game with their child, regardless of age. A must-have for any Star Wars fan or enthusiast, this game allows players to experience all 3 trilogies through a hilarious and epic lens. The game is also perfect for introducing younglings to the Star Wars franchise as a whole as it contains harmless violence and remains light-hearted throughout the entire playthrough
Whether it’s playing through the iconic Star Wars narrative or exploring off the beaten path to nab those collectibles, thegame provides hours of pure fun and awesomeness for parents and their children.
9 Trine 4: The Nightmare Prince
Set in a beautiful and mesmerizing medieval fantasy world, Trine 4 is a platformer that can be perfect for the whole family. Although being the 4th installment of the Trine series, players won’t need to have played the previous titles. The game is light on story and has more emphasis on wow-ing players with its visuals and puzzles.
Trine 4 also allows up to 3 players which means more can join in on the fun. The 3 heroes within the game have very different playstyles, which means parents and their whole family can fight over who they want to play as.
8 Rocket League
What does one get when combining football and team sports with Hot Wheels? That’s right, it exists. Rocket League pits 2 teams of revving cars ready to rumble against each other. Although simple as a concept, the game utilizes skill in being able to maneuver the vehicle and ball control.
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Moreover, the game arena is littered with power-ups such as speed boosts or a grappling hook that can pull players towards the ball that can dynamically affect the game. Fun, competitive, and whacky, parents can train all their kids and assemble them into a team as this game is also a professional esport.
7 Mario Kart 8 Deluxe
With hundreds of amazing Mario titles, the Mario racing franchise has always had a special place in the hearts of many gamers. Mario Kart 8 Deluxe, though not the latest entry of the series, is a great game. Featuring a vibrant level design and being easy to play, the game is an ideal choice for any family and suitable for all ages.
As the game boasts multiple maps and different game modes, there is a ton of great content that will make families come back to it over and over again.
6 Untitled Goose Game
The concept is simple: It’s a lovely day in the village and players play as a goose, a nasty, naughty little goose. Players take on the role of a goose who disrupts or destroys everything in its path as their primary goal is to annoy people. Seems like a counterintuitive thing to have children experience but the game is innocent mischief and reminds people to not take life too seriously.
A rather short experience, the game is laid back and casual allowing for kids to take their time exploring the game and the surroundings. What’s better is that the game offers local co-op so parents and their kiddo can go break stuff together.
5 Lovers In A Dangerous Spacetime
As pilots of a mega spaceship, players are tasked with defending the ship from a wide variety of enemies seeking to blow it all up. Supporting up to 4 players, each person is tasked with operating a specific station within the ship, be it the engine, shield, big canon, or map. However, each player only controls 1 avatar meaning that players will have to move from station to station to balance out and look after other areas of the ship.
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Sound chaotic? Of course, it is. As players progress, they can pick up additional friends and upgrades along the way after defeating bosses. This game is a perfect choice for parents looking to encourage teamwork amongst their kids in a fun, silly, and light-hearted way.
4 Unravel 2
Unravel 2 has players work together as 2 ‘yarneys’, creatures made of yarn who are tethered to one another. Being tied together, players will have to solve multiple puzzles and use their skills to manipulate the world. It’s a simple game that is also very nice to look at.
Featuring a light storyline and folk music soundtrack, the game is for parents and kids who enjoy solving puzzles together that increasingly become more complex. The game also offers customization of players’ little ‘yarneys’ in different colors and shapes.
3 Super Animal Royale
Super Animal Royale is a 2D, top-down, free-to-play battle royale game that has players compete to become the alpha animal. Every round, up to 64 players are deployed into a battle arena reminiscent of an abandoned safari park and can compete in solo, duet, or squad game modes. Here, players play as cute little animal avatars that dropped into an arena and must acquire weapons and gear along the way to improve their survivability.
The game is fast-paced, easy to pick up, and competitive, making it a perfect game to play in bursts. Although killing is involved, the violence within the game is extremely mild and cartoony.
2 Sea Of Thieves
As the quintessential pirate experience, Sea Of Thieves allows players to experience the pirate life. From sailing and exploring to fighting and looting, this game is extensive and a delight for any child that is going through a hard pirate phase. The game has no set objectives or rules, allowing players to do whatever they want and approach however they like. The game showcases gorgeous ocean and island environments, humongous sea monsters, and fun roles for players to explore.
As a multiplayer experience, parents can crew up with their kids and sail into adventure, allowing for hours and hours of pure pirate fun.
1 Terraria
Imagine Minecraft but as a 2D platformer. Terraria has been around for more than 10 years and has a team that continues to add content to it. Like Minecraft, players can explore, craft, build, and fight in a procedurally generated world. The game is more objective-based than its 3D cousin, as it encourages players to complete tasks and bring in new villagers to the buildings players have constructed.
Every playthrough is different and each game of Terraria offers hundreds of hours of gameplay, meaning that parents and their children will have an ample amount of time exploring and crafting together.
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