Home » Holiday 2018
Tag:

Holiday 2018

Here at Engaged Family Gaming we want to help you with your holiday shopping.  These are some of our favorite new games for a range of ages and gaming styles.  For additional ideas of games that would best suit your family or friends you can check out recommendations by age articles, which are linked at the bottom of the gift guide.

Azul

 

[amazon_link asins=’B077MZ2MPW’ template=’ProductAd’ store=’engafamigami-20′ marketplace=’US’ link_id=’235c0483-db11-11e8-a602-2fc724510bb9′]

Azul is an abstract game for two to four players ages eight and up, and won the 2018 Speil De Jahar. Players are working to replicate the design on their board.

Azul plays in rounds. Players score points as  they place their tiles.  Adjacent tile or completing a column or row on their “wall” earn additional points.  The game ends when one or  more players have completed a row by the scoring phase of a round. This is a beautiful game and a great addition to anyone’s game collection.

Photosynthesis

[amazon_link asins=’B074K5W5N5′ template=’ProductAd’ store=’engafamigami-20′ marketplace=’US’ link_id=’35884556-db11-11e8-a3be-19d1252311e4′]

Photosynthesis is a beautiful science-themed game that features the tree life cycle and a rotating sun to collect light points. The game plays two to four players ages eight and up. In Photosynthesis the sun moves around the board three times and players plant and progress trees through their life cycle to collect points.  The trees are three dimensional and provide a beautiful visual as the forest “grows”.

Photosynthesis plays in rounds. Each round consists of two phases: the Photosynthesis Phase and the Life Cycle Phase. The game ends after the sun makes three complete revolutions around the board.  Points are then calculated based on scoring tokens and unused light points.

See our review here.

Go Nuts For Donuts

[amazon_link asins=’B06XDLYVK3′ template=’ProductAd’ store=’engafamigami-20′ marketplace=’US’ link_id=’54094312-db11-11e8-be4a-dd2b1b8b5c1c’]

Go Nuts For Donuts is a card drafting and set collection game for two to six players ages eight and up where players are trying to collect the best donuts to eat.  Player bid on the different donuts available in the donut row. Players bid in secret, and at the end of the bidding players may only collect those donuts where they are the sole bidder.

Each kind of the 21 kinds donut ( and two beverages) has either points it gains you, an action you can take immediately upon retrieving the card, or both. The kinds of donut cards available to players increases with the player count. While the game is recommended for ages eight and up, it can be scaled down to age five by reading the text on the cards for them and a little coaching.

Funky Chicken

Funky chicken, which is found in a chicken shaped carrying case, is more or less an expansion to Happy Salmon. It is for three to six players ages six and up, and includes four new moves:  Swing, Bump, Spin, and Funky Chicken.

Funky Chicken is a great party game where everyone is laughing and being silly.  At the encouragement of the publisher North Star Games the Engaged Family Gaming team successfully combine Happy Salmon and Funky Chicken into one massive silly game! 

Monster Match

The Monster Match Game is a matching game for two to six players ages six and up. A series of cards are laid out on the table, and players roll a pair of dice. One of the dice represents an number between zero and five. The other will show either eyes, arms, or legs. Players then race to pick an card featuring an monster that has the appropriate number of arms/legs/eyes indicated on the dice. The game is adorable, fast, and accessible for almost all ages. Each card has a stack of doughnuts on them and the winner is determined by who has the most doughnuts on their total cards at the end of the game.

Forbidden Sky

[amazon_link asins=’B07CXZD92P’ template=’ProductAd’ store=’engafamigami-20′ marketplace=’US’ link_id=’8ad48dc9-db12-11e8-9c9a-55cd450760d8′]

Forbidden Sky is the next installment in the Forbidden series by Gamewright.  It is a cooperative game where players work to lay tiles to create the paths on a floating platform in the sky.  As players build, large and small circles are created on the board and they lay disks.  Players also  lay circuit components. Meanwhile, players are trying to survive against the wind and lightning.

As in previous Forbidden games each player has a role with special powers, and players are all trying to get the the rocket before the circuit is complete to indicate it takes off. Completing the circuit lights up the rocket and includes sound effects.

See our reviews of the predecessors:  Forbidden Island, and Forbidden Desert

 

Queendomino

[amazon_link asins=’B075ZT3DB2′ template=’ProductAd’ store=’engafamigami-20′ marketplace=’US’ link_id=’f2038b50-db13-11e8-bfaa-3fb32573598f’]

Queendomino takes the Kingdomino game that we recommended in last year’s holiday guide (click here for the 2017 guide )  and adds several interesting elements to it.  In Queendomino there is a new land tile and that tile that allows you to place buildings. These buildings can give you a range of perks including, knights, towers, and crowns.  In each round if player has the most towers or matches another player in number of towers they get to have the queen visit their lands and the player enjoys some perks from her presence. This is a great tile laying game for two to four players ages ten and up with elements beyond just basic tile laying.

Ice Cool 2

[amazon_link asins=’B07CSD78FH’ template=’ProductAd’ store=’engafamigami-20′ marketplace=’US’ link_id=’7ba2a487-db16-11e8-a592-955b86095e64′]

Ice Cool2 is the sequel to the original Ice Cool game.  It is a flicking game about penguins in a frozen high school. The game is for two to four players ages six and up. If you combine it with the original Ice Cool game you can play up to eight players and set up multiple layouts.  New to this game there are: Tasks on the 1-point cards, Fish-moving power on the 2-point cards, and there are optional tournament scoring.  This takes a silly flicking game and adds even sillier components to it.

Rhino Hero Super Battle

[amazon_link asins=’B075MNMD8C’ template=’ProductAd’ store=’engafamigami-20′ marketplace=’US’ link_id=’4481a2cd-db16-11e8-a8d7-7d83b52bb116′]

Rhino Hero- Super Battle is the sequel to Rhino Hero and is a dexterity game where you build a tower with the cards.  The game is for ages five and up and plays two to four players. This game adds three more superheros:  Giraffe Boy, Big E. and Batguin.  The walls now come in two sizes; tall and short and there is a superhero medal.  Additionally there are spider monkeys which attack.

The gameplay has additional steps they includes: 1. Build!, 2. Spider monkey attack (place a spider monkey hanging from the floor if there is a spider monkey symbol and see if it makes the tower fall), 3. Climb the skyscraper! by using a die to determine how many floors to climb, 4. Super battle if two superheros are on the same level, 5. Superhero medal goes to the players if their super hero is the furthest up at this phase in their turn, 6. Draw another floor card.  The game ends when all or part of the tower collapses or all the playable floors are used.

Roller Coaster Challenge

 

[amazon_link asins=’B071KT3MSN’ template=’ProductAd’ store=’engafamigami-20′ marketplace=’US’ link_id=’cee752d1-db16-11e8-949f-c36beea47817′]

 

Roller Coaster Challenge is a single player STEM game focusing on engineering for ages six and up.  It come with 60 challenge card in a range of difficulty.  The player sets up the posts and required pieces on the challenge card.  They then need to design a roller coaster that travels to the bottom successfully using some of the additional posts, 39 tracks.  The roller coaster is successful if the roller coaster car makes it to the end.  This was a Toy of the Year Finalist in 2018.

Additional Resourced by age:

Games for 2-4 year olds
Games for 5-7 year olds
Games for kids 8 and up 

What do you think? Sound off in the comments and let us know your thoughts!

Make sure to keep your eyes on Engaged Family Gaming for all of the latest news and reviews you need to Get Your Family Game On!

Follow us on Facebook!

Like us on Twitter!

Follow us on Instagram!

Subscribe to our Newsletter!

Subscribe to our Podcast!

0 comment
0 FacebookTwitterPinterestRedditEmail

The Holiday season is fast approaching! Games are coming out so fast that it can be very difficult to keep track. We take  time every year to list the very best family games of the year that came out on every console.

Take a look below for our list of the best video game gifts for PlayStation 4 owners!

(Full disclosure: These Amazon links are affiliate links. Purchases made using these links will help us earn revenue.)

Spider Man – PlayStation 4

[amazon_link asins=’B01GW8YDLK’ template=’ProductAd’ store=’engafamigami-20′ marketplace=’US’ link_id=’82df404c-d30b-11e8-ac53-717e213d8697′]

Spider-Man may well be our game of the year this year. It is a fantastic game that features a character that kids love. It is rated T for teen and earns that rating thanks to frequent combat with gun toting enemies, but it is a great story that features interesting takes on long time villains and heroes. I can’t understate how wonderful the movement feels though. Web swinging through Insomniac Games’ s interpretation of Manhattan is invigorating. This is a must own for PS4 owners this year.

Dragon Ball FighterZ – Xbox One, PlayStation 4, Nintendo Switch

[amazon_link asins=’B0793GS8NL’ template=’ProductAd’ store=’engafamigami-20′ marketplace=’US’ link_id=’a0d98166-d30b-11e8-abbe-f7fae2d39d7c’]

Dragon Ball FighterZ is one of the best fighting games and the bestDragon Ball of the year. It is a three on three tag team brawl with a character roster than pulls from the deepest corners ofDragon Ball lore. It was developed by Arc System Works, a company known for high quality animation and flashy combat.Dragon Ball FighterZ is a beautiful game to watch thanks to its tag and assist system, but the real fun starts when you take the controls yourself. This is a very accessible fighting game that is great for tweens.

Ni No Kuni 2 Revenant Kingdom – PlayStation 4, PC

[amazon_link asins=’B01N7VUOPH’ template=’ProductAd’ store=’engafamigami-20′ marketplace=’US’ link_id=’b8878484-d30b-11e8-959f-0f57b79b7289′]

Ni No Kuni 2 is an adventure role playing games set in a world with both anime and western fantasy appeal. The art style and thematic soul of this epic comes from Level 5 studios working with the same studio headed by Hiyo Miyazaki (Spirited Away, Howl’s Moving Castle). The story of a fallen leader’s return to power after a sudden betrayal features a supporting cast that would be just as home in Redwall or [The board game about mouse soliders?] The story and game play is more approachable to younger adult gamer than its original title, replacing an in game strategy guide and Pokémon style monster collection with a more organic tutorial and explanations centered around a steady cast of playable characters. This game was loads of fun to play and has themes and stories for both parents and children alike, if you can get through all of the puns that show up in the supporting cast and side missions. Definite Recommend for this holiday season.

Mega Man Legacy Collection 1 and 2 – Xbox One, PlayStation 4, Nintendo Switch

Purchase these games on the PSN here!

Mega Man is a well loved character and Mega Man 1 through 10 are the reason why. These two collections include 10 devilishly challenging platformers that have inspired a generation of gamers. This is a must own for families that have an interest in gaming history.

Mega Man X Legacy Collection 1 and 2 -Xbox One, PlayStation 4, Nintendo Switch

[amazon_link asins=’B07BZ3L76B’ template=’ProductAd’ store=’engafamigami-20′ marketplace=’US’ link_id=’d5dbc1d5-d30b-11e8-a1c1-71c4cc7f53fe’]

You can also purchase just the first collection digitally here!

Mega Man X is one of the best platformers on the Super Nintendo and it spawned a series of sequels that kept ramping up the action. Capcom released two Mega Man X collections this year. The second collection falls flat, but collection 1 included Mega Man X through X4 and is a great value.

Adventure Time: Pirates of the Enchiridion – Xbox One, PlayStation 4

[amazon_link asins=’B07GH67TGY’ template=’ProductAd’ store=’engafamigami-20′ marketplace=’US’ link_id=’16ee63a6-d30c-11e8-a511-bd028ccecdf8′]

Adventure Time may have come to an end on September 3rd, but there are still adventures to be had. Pirates of the Enchiridion is a great way to keep the fun going. It is an open world RPG where you explore the land of Ooo one last time with a party of classic Adventure Time characters. The animation is of particular note here as it captures the irreverent nature of the show perfectly.

Sonic Mania Plus – Xbox One, PlayStation 4, Nintendo Switch

[amazon_link asins=’B07GBYLQCM’ template=’ProductAd’ store=’engafamigami-20′ marketplace=’US’ link_id=’6710c2f2-d30c-11e8-b524-d70b10fd73e3′]

Sonic Mania was a big deal when it came out initially. Many critics lauded it as the best Sonic the Hedgehog game in decades. (Some went so far as to say it was the best Sonic game of all time). Sonic Mania Plus is a re-release that also includes two new characters: Mighty the Armadillo and Ray the Flying Squirrel. They both move differently from Sonic, Tails, and Knuckles and have different powers.

Dragon Quest 11 -PlayStation 4, Nintendo Switch

[amazon_link asins=’B07BP3J6RG’ template=’ProductAd’ store=’engafamigami-20′ marketplace=’US’ link_id=’cdedebd7-d30c-11e8-8f31-a3496c7e476b’]

Sometimes you just want to play an epic-length, gorgeous, JRPG. Dragon Quest XI is just that. DQXI is a simple game that rewards exploration and experimentation. The cast of characters is interesting and different enough that everyone will have their favorites. This will be a great game to help spend some of the cold winter days that will come after the Holidays.

Valkyria Chronicles 4 -Xbox One, PlayStation 4, PC, Nintendo Switch

[amazon_link asins=’B07BCFVDX5′ template=’ProductAd’ store=’engafamigami-20′ marketplace=’US’ link_id=’004668a5-d30d-11e8-9f4f-69ec52a898c6′]

Valkyria Chronicles 4 is the spiritual successor to the popular PS3 title after two offshoot titles launched for the PS Vita. The game is a tactical strategy game set in an alternate, and more fantastical, version of Europe during the Second World War. The game unfolds in a series of journal entries placing the battles in context of a series of well told cut scenes and storyboards. Game play alternates between battles where you control each character in a unit as you advance and fight your way to an objective, and coordinating and upgrading your ever increasing squad in an offstage headquarters. This is a family friendly title that bridges the gap between the popular title XCOM 2 and Mario + Rabbid’s Kingdom Battle. It also has a playable demo with a save that can be rolled over to the full title. A strong title for strategy or warfare fans.

Mega Man 11 -Xbox One, PlayStation 4, PC, Nintendo Switch

[amazon_link asins=’B07DCLW2F3′ template=’ProductAd’ store=’engafamigami-20′ marketplace=’US’ link_id=’197232b5-d30d-11e8-9970-2dc117421a42′]

It’s been eight years since the release of a new official Mega Man game and we have been long overdue. Mega Man is one of the essential franchises that gave birth to the platforming genre, and this newcomer to the Mega Man family is a most welcome addition. It promises new mechanics and challenges that will push the series to new heights. If you are a fan of the series or a fan of retro platforming games, then Mega Man 11 is a no brainer.

Starlink: Battle for Atlas -Xbox One, PlayStation 4, PC, Nintendo Switch

[amazon_link asins=’B07DF35Y2B’ template=’ProductAd’ store=’engafamigami-20′ marketplace=’US’ link_id=’381389b4-d30d-11e8-8bb8-23941e36487b’]

Starlink: Battle for Atlas was my game of the show at E3 this year. I was stunned to see a toys to life game (not called Skylanders) in 2018 and I loved it.

This is releasing this holiday season on all three major consoles and on PC, but the best place to play Starlink is going to be on Switch where it will feature exclusive content based on the legendary Star Fox franchise.

Just Dance 2019 -Xbox One, PlayStation 4, Nintendo Switch

[amazon_link asins=’B07DD7T1CS’ template=’ProductAd’ store=’engafamigami-20′ marketplace=’US’ link_id=’551b2d7a-d30d-11e8-83e9-e90f53b1bd56′]

What is there to say about Just Dance that hasn’t been said before? This is becoming one of the most venerable franchises in gaming. Just Dance is released every year with new dance routines and new songs to very little coverage from gaming sites. Just Dance 2019 has a large audience and you’ll know if your family falls into it. Do you love music? Do you love dancing? If the answer to either of those questions is yes, then this should be on your radar.

Spyro Reignited Trilogy – Xbox One, PlayStation 4

[amazon_link asins=’B07BX4CVXG’ template=’ProductAd’ store=’engafamigami-20′ marketplace=’US’ link_id=’91a3642c-d30d-11e8-bc19-d103d8ca5d37′]

Spyro is more than just a Skylander. He was the mascot for a whole bunch of 3d platformers. His games where some of the first in the genre though so they are both well loved and in need of a fresh coat of paint. Vicarious Visions has rebuild the first three Spyro games with loving detail. I went hands on with the Spyro collection while I was at E3 and I loved what I saw so far. This is going to be a great gift for your family. This is especially true if you are a parent who loved the Spyro games in the past and want to share them with your kids.


What do you think? Sound off in the comments and let us know your thoughts!

Make sure to keep your eyes on Engaged Family Gaming for all of the latest news and reviews you need to Get Your Family Game On!

Follow us on Facebook!

Like us on Twitter!

Follow us on Instagram!

Subscribe to our Newsletter!

Subscribe to our Podcast!

0 comment
0 FacebookTwitterPinterestRedditEmail

The Holiday season is fast approaching! Games are coming out so fast that it can be very difficult to keep track. We take  time every year to list the very best family games of the year that came out on every console.

Take a look below for our list of the best video game gifts for Nintendo Switch owners!

(Full disclosure: These Amazon links are affiliate links. Purchases made using these links will help us earn revenue.)

Super Smash Bros. Ultimate

Nintendo Switch

[amazon_link asins=’B01N5OKGLH’ template=’ProductAd’ store=’engafamigami-20′ marketplace=’US’ link_id=’58a21e51-d31a-11e8-af23-a1bd7dfdca7f’]

Fans of our podcast will know that this is one of our most hyped games of the year. We haven’t been able to play this game a great deal so far, but everything that we have seen points to Ultimate being a great Smash experience. If your family has enjoyed Smash Bros on other platforms and owns a Switch, then this should be under your tree.

 

 

Pokemon Let’s Go Pikachu/Eevee

Nintendo Switch

[amazon_link asins=’B01MT8AIBE,B01N7RE3HB’ template=’ProductCarousel’ store=’engafamigami-20′ marketplace=’US’ link_id=’7f189d80-d31a-11e8-a986-47a7bf6d8a6d’]

The next Generation of Pokemon games won’t be out until next year. But, younger players and players who have come to the Pokemon fandom will have their own game this year. Pokemon: Let’s Go Pikachu! and Pokemon: Let’s Go Eevee! Are coming out just in time for the holidays. They are different versions of the same story, but they each feature a different partner Pokemon for your trainer. 

 

 

Dragon Ball  FighterZ

Xbox One, PlayStation 4, Nintendo Switch

[amazon_link asins=’B07DL1RJW8′ template=’ProductAd’ store=’engafamigami-20′ marketplace=’US’ link_id=’9836ab8c-d31a-11e8-a417-ad719983a0d3′]

Dragon Ball FighterZ is one of the best fighting games and the best Dragon Ball game of the year. It is a three on three tag team brawl with a character roster than pulls from the deepest corners of Dragon Ball lore. It was developed by Arc System Works, a company known for high quality animation and flashy combat. Dragon Ball FighterZ is a beautiful game to watch thanks to its tag and assist system, but the real fun starts when you take the controls yourself. This is a very accessible fighting game that is great for tweens.

 

 

Kirby Star Allies

Nintendo Switch

[amazon_link asins=’B071JRG7RW’ template=’ProductAd’ store=’engafamigami-20′ marketplace=’US’ link_id=’ac1556f0-d31a-11e8-b1d9-6506a493d3fd’]

Kirby games have always been great for kids, but Kirby Star Allies is just as great for families to play together. It features up to four player co-op so whole family can get in on the action (most of the time). My favorite part of Star Allies is the theme. It’s all about love, cooperation, and friendship. Your family is in for a lot of fun together if you pick this one up.

 

 

Nintendo LABO

Nintendo Switch

[amazon_link asins=’B01MY7GL3O,B01N4N8NAL,B07FYN3JDL’ template=’ProductCarousel’ store=’engafamigami-20′ marketplace=’US’ link_id=’38da5383-d31b-11e8-945f-413f77afa9a1′]

Who doesn’t want a cool activity to do with your family on a Holiday morning? The advantage to Nintendo LABO kits is that they are both a game AND a STEM construction activity. There are three kits available right now. The Variety Kit includes several smaller kits including a fishing rod, a piano, and a house. The Robot Kit includes a massive backpack powered device that lets you control a giant transforming robot. The Vehicle Kit includes materials for three steering devices; one for a car, one for a plane, and one for a submarine.

 

 

Mega Man Legacy Collection 1 and 2

Xbox One, PlayStation 4, Nintendo Switch

[amazon_link asins=’B07DHNMDBC,B07DHN2BV6′ template=’ProductCarousel’ store=’engafamigami-20′ marketplace=’US’ link_id=’6f062003-d31b-11e8-9ab8-11c66210f09a’]

Mega Man is a well loved character and Mega Man 1 through 10 are the reason why. These two collections include 10 devilishly challenging platformers that have inspired a generation of gamers. This is a must own for families that have an interest in gaming history.

 

 

Mega Man X Legacy Collection 1 and 2

Xbox One, PlayStation 4, Nintendo Switch

[amazon_link asins=’B00005JH8O’ template=’ProductAd’ store=’engafamigami-20′ marketplace=’US’ link_id=’dd723fff-d31b-11e8-ad04-5fa14a17baae’]

Mega Man X is one of the best platformers on the Super Nintendo and it spawned a series of sequels that kept ramping up the action. Capcom released two Mega Man X collections this year. The second collection falls flat, but collection 1 included Mega Man X through X4 and is a great value.

 

 

 

Mario Tennis Aces

Nintendo Switch

[amazon_link asins=’B078XYF9SV’ template=’ProductAd’ store=’engafamigami-20′ marketplace=’US’ link_id=’3fafa277-d31c-11e8-96bd-37d06343d7d4′]

Mario Tennis was a huge disappointment on the Wii U. I was super nervous about whether or not Mario Tennis Aces on the Switch would be a repeat. Fortunately, it wasn’t. Aces is gorgeous, mechanically sound, and full of multiplayer fun. This one should definitely be on your radar if your family has (or will have) a Switch.

 

 

 

Sonic Mania Plus

Xbox One, PlayStation 4, Nintendo Switch

[amazon_link asins=’B07CCZXHVV’ template=’ProductAd’ store=’engafamigami-20′ marketplace=’US’ link_id=’cf6cdb0a-d31d-11e8-8c19-9d0fd186b260′]

Sonic Mania was a big deal when it came out initially. Many critics lauded it as the best Sonic the Hedgehog game in decades. (Some went so far as to say it was the best Sonic game of all time). Sonic Mania Plus is a re-release that also includes two new characters: Mighty the Armadillo and Ray the Flying Squirrel. They both move differently from Sonic, Tails, and Knuckles and have different powers.

 

 

Valkyria Chronicles 4

Xbox One, PlayStation 4, PC, Nintendo Switch

[amazon_link asins=’B07BCFVF9Z’ template=’ProductAd’ store=’engafamigami-20′ marketplace=’US’ link_id=’751b79f2-d31c-11e8-a065-a779b17e6354′]

Valkyria Chronicles 4 is the spiritual successor to the popular PS3 title after two offshoot titles launched for the PS Vita. The game is a tactical strategy game set in an alternate, and more fantastical, version of Europe during the Second World War. The game unfolds in a series of journal entries placing the battles in context of a series of well told cut scenes and storyboards. Game play alternates between battles where you control each character in a unit as you advance and fight your way to an objective, and coordinating and upgrading your ever increasing squad in an offstage headquarters. This is a family friendly title that bridges the gap between the popular title XCOM (and XCOM 2) and [Mario and Rabbid’s Tactics battle?] and also has a playable demo with a save that can be rolled over to the full title. A strong title for strategy or warfare fans.

 

 

Mega Man 11

Xbox One, PlayStation 4, Nintendo Switch

[amazon_link asins=’B07DDG73GD,B07J2YW83R’ template=’ProductCarousel’ store=’engafamigami-20′ marketplace=’US’ link_id=’8b73d79f-d31c-11e8-8463-e1cf7cbad4f6′]

It’s been eight years since the release of a new official Mega Man game and we have been long overdue. Mega Man is one of the essential franchises that gave birth to the platforming genre, and this newcomer to the Mega Man family is a most welcome addition. It promises new mechanics and challenges that will push the series to new heights. If you are a fan of the series or a fan of retro platforming games, then Mega Man 11 is a no brainer.

 

 

Starlink: Battle for Atlas

Xbox One, PlayStation 4, PC, Nintendo Switch

[amazon_link asins=’B07DF43L23′ template=’ProductAd’ store=’engafamigami-20′ marketplace=’US’ link_id=’f3f9c4e6-d31b-11e8-bc4a-fb5c7963ebbf’]

Starlink: Battle for Atlas was my game of the show at E3 this year. I was stunned to see a toys to life game (not called Skylanders) in 2018 and I loved it.

This is releasing this holiday season on all three major consoles and on PC, but the best place to play Starlink is going to be on Switch where it will feature exclusive content based on the legendary Star Fox franchise.

 

 

Just Dance 2019

Xbox One, PlayStation 4, Nintendo Switch

[amazon_link asins=’B07DDDB4BK’ template=’ProductAd’ store=’engafamigami-20′ marketplace=’US’ link_id=’09a4f262-d31c-11e8-88cb-cfc145c42718′]

What is there to say about Just Dance that hasn’t been said before? This is becoming one of the most venerable franchises in gaming. Just Dance is released every year with new dance routines and new songs to very little coverage from gaming sites. Just Dance 2019 has a large audience and you’ll know if your family falls into it. Do you love music? Do you love dancing? If the answer to either of those questions is yes, then this should be on your radar.


What do you think? Sound off in the comments and let us know your thoughts!

Make sure to keep your eyes on Engaged Family Gaming for all of the latest news and reviews you need to Get Your Family Game On!

Follow us on Facebook!

Like us on Twitter!

Follow us on Instagram!

Subscribe to our Newsletter!

Subscribe to our Podcast!

0 comment
0 FacebookTwitterPinterestRedditEmail

The Holiday season is fast approaching! Games are coming out so fast that it can be very difficult to keep track. We take  time every year to list the very best family games of the year that came out on every console.

Take a look below for our list of the best video game gifts for Xbox One owners!

(Full disclosure: These Amazon links are affiliate links. Purchases made using these links will help us earn revenue.)

Dragon Ball FighterZ

Xbox One, PlayStation 4, Nintendo Switch

[amazon_link asins=’B0794QSXP5′ template=’ProductAd’ store=’engafamigami-20′ marketplace=’US’ link_id=’604fdaa0-d315-11e8-9177-ed82b465f701′]

Dragon Ball FighterZ is one of the best fighting games and the bestDragon Ball of the year. It is a three on three tag team brawl with a character roster than pulls from the deepest corners ofDragon Ball lore. It was developed by Arc System Works, a company known for high quality animation and flashy combat.Dragon Ball FighterZ is a beautiful game to watch thanks to its tag and assist system, but the real fun starts when you take the controls yourself. This is a very accessible fighting game that is great for tweens.

 

 

Mega Man Legacy Collection 1 and 2

Xbox One, PlayStation 4, Nintendo Switch

[amazon_link asins=’B074T6531H’ template=’ProductAd’ store=’engafamigami-20′ marketplace=’US’ link_id=’bfb6c3d2-d315-11e8-8df3-85cae160e139′]

You can purchase a combo pack of these two games on the Microsoft Store!

Mega Man is a well loved character and Mega Man 1 through 10 are the reason why. These two collections include 10 devilishly challenging platformers that have inspired a generation of gamers. This is a must own for families that have an interest in gaming history.

 

 

Mega Man X Legacy Collection 1 and 2

Xbox One, PlayStation 4, Nintendo Switch

[amazon_link asins=’B07CF6WDXP’ template=’ProductAd’ store=’engafamigami-20′ marketplace=’US’ link_id=’4192d3b9-d317-11e8-aa15-e3ef46770807′]

Mega Man X is one of the best platformers on the Super Nintendo and it spawned a series of sequels that kept ramping up the action. Capcom released two Mega Man X collections this year. The second collection falls flat, but collection 1 included Mega Man X through X4 and is a great value.

 

 

 

Adventure Time: Pirates of the Enchiridion

Xbox One, PlayStation 4

[amazon_link asins=’B078HFLLYB’ template=’ProductAd’ store=’engafamigami-20′ marketplace=’US’ link_id=’82d6217e-d317-11e8-8bd7-930499715cde’]

Adventure Time may have come to an end on September 3rd, but there are still adventures to be had. Pirates of the Enchiridion is a great way to keep the fun going. It is an open world RPG where you explore the land of Ooo one last time with a party of classic Adventure Time characters. The animation is of particular note here as it captures the irreverent nature of the show perfectly.

 

 

 

Sonic Mania Plus

Xbox One, PlayStation 4, Nintendo Switch

[amazon_link asins=’B07GBZKMZM’ template=’ProductAd’ store=’engafamigami-20′ marketplace=’US’ link_id=’aedb0d27-d317-11e8-97c6-ff448c638009′]

Sonic Mania was a big deal when it came out initially. Many critics lauded it as the best Sonic the Hedgehog game in decades. (Some went so far as to say it was the best Sonic game of all time). Sonic Mania Plus is a re-release that also includes two new characters: Mighty the Armadillo and Ray the Flying Squirrel. They both move differently from Sonic, Tails, and Knuckles and have different powers.

 

 

Valkyria Chronicles 4

Xbox One, PlayStation 4, PC, Nintendo Switch

[amazon_link asins=’B07BCHGV24′ template=’ProductAd’ store=’engafamigami-20′ marketplace=’US’ link_id=’e330e1b6-d317-11e8-8ac1-4905adbdfb48′]

Valkyria Chronicles 4 is the spiritual successor to the popular PS3 title after two offshoot titles launched for the PS Vita. The game is a tactical strategy game set in an alternate, and more fantastical, version of Europe during the Second World War. The game unfolds in a series of journal entries placing the battles in context of a series of well told cut scenes and storyboards. Game play alternates between battles where you control each character in a unit as you advance and fight your way to an objective, and coordinating and upgrading your ever increasing squad in an offstage headquarters. This is a family friendly title that bridges the gap between the popular title XCOM 2 and Mario + Rabbid’s Kingdom Battle. It also has a playable demo with a save that can be rolled over to the full title. A strong title for strategy or warfare fans.

 

 

Mega Man 11

Xbox One, PlayStation 4, PC, Nintendo Switch

[amazon_link asins=’B07DD5VW5Q’ template=’ProductAd’ store=’engafamigami-20′ marketplace=’US’ link_id=’0060f56e-d318-11e8-944c-1d2a1f0d5e37′]

It’s been eight years since the release of a new official Mega Man game and we have been long overdue. Mega Man is one of the essential franchises that gave birth to the platforming genre, and this newcomer to the Mega Man family is a most welcome addition. It promises new mechanics and challenges that will push the series to new heights. If you are a fan of the series or a fan of retro platforming games, then Mega Man 11 is a no brainer.

 

 

Starlink: Battle for Atlas

Xbox One, PlayStation 4, PC, Nintendo Switch

[amazon_link asins=’B07DF22DYM’ template=’ProductAd’ store=’engafamigami-20′ marketplace=’US’ link_id=’4deec6fa-d318-11e8-a1d0-49babe8993f4′]

Starlink: Battle for Atlas was my game of the show at E3 this year. I was stunned to see a toys to life game (not called Skylanders) in 2018 and I loved it.

This is releasing this holiday season on all three major consoles and on PC, but the best place to play Starlink is going to be on Switch where it will feature exclusive content based on the legendary Star Fox franchise.

 

 

Forza Horizon 4

Xbox One

[amazon_link asins=’B07DJZHQPX’ template=’ProductAd’ store=’engafamigami-20′ marketplace=’US’ link_id=’6df727e2-d318-11e8-8b45-7121dd28e6e3′]

The Forza Horizon series has always been a hit and they keep getting better. The fourth entry in the series takes players to the countryside of England. It also adds seasons to the game that will pass every real world week. Xbox One families should definitely look at this one

(This game is also available for download if you are an Xbox Game Pass Member!)

 

 

Just Dance 2019

Xbox One, PlayStation 4, Nintendo Switch

[amazon_link asins=’B07DD7QTBM’ template=’ProductAd’ store=’engafamigami-20′ marketplace=’US’ link_id=’8345b71a-d318-11e8-ba8e-7f3c38023c2e’]

What is there to say about Just Dance that hasn’t been said before? This is becoming one of the most venerable franchises in gaming. Just Dance is released every year with new dance routines and new songs to very little coverage from gaming sites. Just Dance 2019 has a large audience and you’ll know if your family falls into it. Do you love music? Do you love dancing? If the answer to either of those questions is yes, then this should be on your radar.

 

 

Spyro Remastered Trilogy

Xbox One, PlayStation 4

[amazon_link asins=’B07CDSX3Z5′ template=’ProductAd’ store=’engafamigami-20′ marketplace=’US’ link_id=’9655c7e1-d318-11e8-ab3e-d14150c0296b’]

Spyro is more than just a Skylander. He was the mascot for a whole bunch of 3d platformers. His games where some of the first in the genre though so they are both well loved and in need of a fresh coat of paint. Vicarious Visions has rebuild the first three Spyro games with loving detail. I went hands on with the Spyro collection while I was at E3 and I loved what I saw so far. This is going to be a great gift for your family. This is especially true if you are a parent who loved the Spyro games in the past and want to share them with your kids.


What do you think? Sound off in the comments and let us know your thoughts!

Make sure to keep your eyes on Engaged Family Gaming for all of the latest news and reviews you need to Get Your Family Game On!

Follow us on Facebook!

Like us on Twitter!

Follow us on Instagram!

Subscribe to our Newsletter!

Subscribe to our Podcast!

1 comment
0 FacebookTwitterPinterestRedditEmail

The holiday season is fast approaching and that means it’s time to start finding gifts for the gamers in your family! The EFG staff has ranked the video game consoles available today. Take a look below!

(Full disclosure: These Amazon links are affiliate links. Purchases made using these links will help us earn revenue.)

Nintendo Switch

[amazon_link asins=’B01MUAGZ49′ template=’ProductAd’ store=’engafamigami-20′ marketplace=’US’ link_id=’180adfac-d2fb-11e8-baba-d7d37b36959d’]


We are all in on the Nintendo Switch this year. It is the console to own for families.

We have had a Switch in our house since (almost) launch day and it has been well loved ever since. It has seen use in both of its hybrid forms throughout its life. It feels like every member of our family uses it differently. I use it almost exclusively docked, for example, whereas our middle son Jake almost never plays with it that way unless he is playing multiplayer.

I can’t understate how valuable that versatility has been in our house. We have multiple consoles, five people, and only one real gaming space. Being able to play console games on the Switch in handheld mode has been a godsend. This is especially true because of Fortnite. I don’t even want to think about how stressful our life would be if Fortnite was competing for our main television time as well.

The biggest strike against the Switch last year was the lack of Fortnite. That issue was resolved over the summer when it was announced during E3. It joins Mario Kart 8 Deluxe, Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild, and Super Mario Odyssey to form the best library of family friendly titles out there.

Looking for some Switch games to give? Here’s our list of Switch games for this holiday!


PlayStation 4

[amazon_link asins=’B071CV8CG2′ template=’ProductAd’ store=’engafamigami-20′ marketplace=’US’ link_id=’59dfbf02-d2fb-11e8-b45e-052b9f7d70e5′]


The PlayStation 4 is our second choice this year. It doesn’t have the strongest lineup of exclusive games, with the exception of Spider-Man, but it is home to all of the major third party games like Destiny 2. You shouldn’t have any problems finding games to play with your family here. The catalog is full of great games.

The biggest decision that new PlayStation owners will have to make when shopping for a PS4 is whether to purchase a base model or to spend a little bit extra for a PS4 Pro. The main difference between those two systems is going to be the graphics performance. Both of them will play the same games, but the PS4 Pro will make them look better if your family owns a 4k television.

Looking for some PS4 games to give? Here’s our list of PS4 games for this holiday!


Xbox One

[amazon_link asins=’B07B9P4677′ template=’ProductAd’ store=’engafamigami-20′ marketplace=’US’ link_id=’adc4ccde-d2fb-11e8-8f25-e181534b9181′]


The Xbox One is a great console on its own, but it is hard for us to recommend it this year when compared to the Switch or the PS4.

2018 has been a challenging year for Xbox fans. The exclusives have been in short supply. There is, however, hope on the horizon. Microsoft announced that they have purchased five new studios to help produce exclusive games.

There is a ray of hope though. The Xbox One X has been announced and it looks like a great console for families looking for a powerful console to help show off their new 4k television.

Looking for some Xbox One games to give? Here’s our list of Xbox One games for this holiday!

What do you think? Sound off in the comments and let us know your thoughts!

Make sure to keep your eyes on Engaged Family Gaming for all of the latest news and reviews you need to Get Your Family Game On!

Follow us on Facebook!

Like us on Twitter!

Follow us on Instagram!

Subscribe to our Newsletter!

Subscribe to our Podcast!

0 comment
0 FacebookTwitterPinterestRedditEmail

This website uses cookies to improve your experience. We'll assume you're ok with this, but you can opt-out if you wish. Accept Read More