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Video Games

Family-Friendly Video Game Release Calendar – June 2022

by Stephen Duetzmann May 31, 2022

Historically, summer has been a slow time for video games. Publishers would often push their games off to the fall to have their games incorporated into the Holiday rush. That doesn’t happen so much anymore. There are so many video games being released each year that there really isn’t any dead time. This June is no exception.

Below is a list of some of the best video games being released to consoles and PC in the month of June. All of them are rated T for Teen or lower by the ESRB.

Silt

PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X/S, PlayStation 4, Xbox One, Switch, PC – June 1

Silt is a black and white, atmospheric adventure game that is a cross between Limbo and Song of the Sea. It’s rated T for Teen by the ESRB, but it has a creepy vibe that might shake some kids.

Card Shark

Switch, PC – June 2

I didn’t think I would ever be writing about a game like this. Card Shark is a game set in 18th Century France and you play as a gambler trying to win games of cards to get access to the King. The key here is that you win by cheating.

Souldiers

PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X/S, PlayStation 4, Xbox One, Switch, PC – June 2

We’ll have to play it and find out if it is any good. But, Souldiers is the combination of Souls-like combat, Metroid-like map exploration, and RPG elements. You choose one of three classes and progress through a fantasy world full of traps, monsters, and other hazards. I’ve been looking forward to this one since it was announced and was pretty bummed when it was delayed from its original release date in May, but the time is almost here!

Unexplored 2: The Wayfarer’s Legacy

Xbox Series X/S, PlayStation 4, Xbox One, PC – June 2

Unexplored 2 is an Open World, Roguelite RPG that is all about exploration. It has a gorgeous hand-drawn art style, snappy combat, and a massive world to explore.

Star Wars: Knights of the Old Republic II – The Sith Lords

Switch – June 8

It’s a good time to be a Star Wars fan. The Disney + TV shows are (mostly) well-loved and there are plenty of great video games to play. Star Wars: KOTOR 2 is a blast from the past that is being pulled forward into the Switch for a new generation of players to enjoy. The only question that remains: Which side of the Force will you choose?

Demon Slayer -Kimetsu no Yaiba- The Hinokami Chronicles

Switch – June 10

Demon Slayer is a very popular anime right now so a video game adaptation was inevitable. This has already been available on PC, Playstation, and Xbox, and is now being brought to Switch. This one earns its T rating with anime blood splatter and some foul language. With that said, the action in the game is no better or worse than the anime so if your kids are watching the show (on Netflix) then you can feel comfortable letting them play the game.

Mario Strikers: Battle League – EFG Pick of the Month!!!

Switch – June 10

I have to be honest. I never thought I would see the day when Nintendo would release another Mario Soccer game, but here we are. Mario Strikers: Battle League is a 5 v 5 soccer game that features Mario characters and over-the-top action. It isn’t a traditional soccer game though. This is a battle soccer game with full contact, an electric fence, and most of the weapons from Mario Kart. Our family has been counting down the days since its announcement and it’s almost time to take the pitch!

Redout 2

PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X/S, PlayStation 4, Xbox One, Switch, PC – June 16

F-Zero and Wipeout are well-loved franchises that are mostly dead in the water right now. Redoubt 2 is a new entry in the Zero-G racing genre and it is FAST. If you liked those games in the past, or think your kids might, then this looks like a great option.

Fall Guys

PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X/S, Xbox One, Switch – June 21

Fall Guys is finally coming to Switch and Xbox! It’s been a huge hit on PlayStation and PC and I don’t see any reason why it wouldn’t continue that success elsewhere. As an added bonus: It’s now a free-to-play game that everyone on those consoles can enjoy!

Wreckfest

Switch – June 21

Wreckfest is a destruction derby simulator with a whole bunch of game modes. There isn’t much to say about it beyond that. If you like the idea of crashing cars into each other, then this is a game to keep on your radar.

Sonic Origins

PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X/S, PlayStation 4, Xbox One, Switch, PC – June 23

This is a collection that includes Sonic 1, 2, 3, and Sonic CD in one package. They are remastered with improved visuals and animations and a bunch of other perks (like being able to play as either Tales or Knuckles in any of the games). The original versions of the games are included in the package as well.

Capcom Fighting Collection

PlayStation 4, Xbox One, Switch, PC – June 24

This is a massive collection of Capcom fighting games. The cynical among us might assume that This is just a collection of Street Fighter games, but that couldn’t be farther from the truth. The collection also includes a number of Dark Stalkers games (some of which were never released in North America), Super Puzzle Fighter II Turbo, as well as Cyberbots and Red Earth (two fighting games that were never even released on consoles before!) Fighting game fans should keep their eyes peeled for this one.

Fire Emblem Warriors: Three Hopes

Switch – June 24

Fire Emblem is an immensely popular strategy RPG series that, somehow, blends perfectly with the bombastic one vs many combat in Musou games. My oldest is a massive Fire Emblem: Three Houses fan and Three Hopes is presenting an alternate universe story with many of the same characters.

DNF Duel

PlayStation 5, PlayStation 4, PC) – June 28

DNF Duel is a wild fighting game from ARC System Works where each of the characters are adventuring classes from a dungeon crawler like Ranger and Berseker as opposed to named characters.

What do you think? Are you picking any of these games up this June? 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!

The EFG Essentials

Video Games for kids on Xbox One
Video Games for kids on PS4
Video Games for kids on Nintendo Switch
Board Games for kids

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May 31, 2022 0 comment

Video Game Definition of the Week: MMO

by Michael Duetzmann April 12, 2022

written by Michael Duetzmann

The gaming definition this week is a term that is applicable to video games: MMO

MMORPG is the acronym for Massive Multiplayer Online Role-Playing Game. This describes a role-playing game that requires a large online player population in order to operate. It typically features dedicated servers and a constant internet connection to play.

MMO games often feature mechanics and narratives that encourage both competition and collaboration between players, to some degree. They will often include encounters that put a fixed number of players into a situation or story meant to provide smaller and specific content to those players without interrupting the play experience of others.

These games can be free to play, available after a one time fee, or can be played through a subscription to the service. The cost and payment style varies depending on the game.

Examples

World of Warcraft
Star Wars the Old Republic
Final Fantasy XIV

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

You can also look at our other video game definitions from previous weeks here!

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!

The EFG Essentials

Video Games for kids on Xbox One
Video Games for kids on PS4
Video Games for kids on Nintendo Switch
Board Games for kids

Like us on Twitter!

Subscribe to our Newsletter!

Subscribe to our Podcast!

April 12, 2022 0 comment

Parent Resources Video Games

EFG Essentials: Great Video Games for Kids on PlayStation

by EFG Staff April 10, 2022

written by EFG Staff

The Engaged Family Gaming team has the mission to provide information and support to families who want to play video games with their kids (and board games too). We work hard to provide parents with the tools they need to make informed decisions about their children’s gaming. To facilitate this, we help parents who might not be “gamers” themselves learn to understand the games their children are playing and help them find great video games for their kids.

The “EFG Essentials” is a core collection of games we frequently recommend across different genres. The purpose of these essentials is to provide a starting point for families to engage with high-quality games. Below are our EFG Essential games for kids for both the PS4 and PS5. We have chosen at the moment to include both of these systems on to one list as there are currently very few PS5 exclusives at the moment and even fewer that would fall under the “Family Game” umbrella.

Minecraft

ESRB rating: E 10+
Survival
Also Available On PS4, Xbox One, and Everything that has an electronic signal

Minecraft is one of the best-selling games of all time, and one of EFG’s family games of the last decade. It is so well known that I questioned whether or not to include it here. But, it is too important of a game to leave off.

Minecraft holds a special place in a lot of kids’ hearts because it is so flexible. It can be so many different games for so many different people. It can be a survival game, a creative outlet, a multiplayer battle game, and more. It even ends up being the equivalent of a popular TV show considering how many hours of the game are consumed globally each month (Hint: It’s a lot.)

Marvel’s Spider-Man

ESRB Rating: T
Action-adventure
Exclusive

Spider-Man was our game of the year in 2018, and would easily hold its own against other games of the year that we’ve announced in the past. Insomniac Games was the perfect developer to bring the friendly neighborhood Spider-Man to life. They were able to capture the true essence of what makes Spider-Man a fun hero to watch and to play: the traversal.

Swinging around New York City looking for backpacks, finding crimes to fight, and battling with supervillains was a blast from the very first second until its emotional end.

Madden 2021

ESRB Rating: E
Sports Game
PC, Xbox One

Madden 2021 is the singular NFL title for all your gaming needs. If you are looking for a high-quality football simulation with all the applicable NFL licenses this is going to be your go-to.

MLB The Show 21

ESRB Rating: E
Sports Game
Exclusive

The exclusive Major League Baseball property across all platforms, MLB The Show 21 is an exceptional baseball simulation. This year’s version brings two changes to the classic game. First, there is now a ballpark creator mode that allows you to custom-build your own ballpark to whatever specifications you desire. Secondly and we believe more importantly this is the first time that this is not a Sony Exclusive and instead has been released on both the Playstation and Xbox platforms, allowing access to the game to a whole slew of players that could only look on from behind a Sony sized wall.

NBA 2K22

ESRB Rating E
Sports Game
Also Available On PC, Xbox One, Xbox Series X, Xbox Series S, Nintendo Switch, PS4, PS5

Buy NBA 2K22 on Amazon.

The NBA 2K games are far and away the most consistent and best performing NBA property on the market today. This is truly a basketball simulation that allows you to play as any of the current NBA teams, customize your own, or even play as some of the iconic teams of the past.

WWE 2K22

ESRB Rating: T
Genre: Sports Game
Also Available On PC, PS4, PS5, Xbox Series X, Xbox Series

Buy WWE 2k22 on Amazon.

In WWE 2K22, you can take your dream of becoming a WWE superstar and make it a reality. With over 200 superstars from throughout WWE’s history to choose from, you and your family will enjoy laying the Smackdown on each other in a family-friendly way.

2K20 was remarkably bad. So bad in fact that they took a year off from publishing in order to refine the game engine. 2k22 is a return to form for the franchise.

This year’s entry gives you the chance to relive highlights from the brilliant career of Rey Mysterio Jr. Some of his biggest highlights are missing because the opponent isn’t in the game. But, it is a fun ride through history nonetheless.

Rocket League

ESRB Rating: E
Sports Game
Also Available On: PC, Xbox One, Nintendo Switch, macOS, Classic Mac OS, Linux

Rocket League is, quite literally, soccer as played by rocket-powered vehicles. It launched in 2015 to great fanfare and has only grown as they added more game modes like “hockey” and “basketball”

This is a great game to play (and watch) because of how wild the matches can be. There is just something exciting about watching race cars flying around a trach crashing into a massive steel ball and trying to score a goal.

The Messenger

ESRB Rating: E 10+
Platform Game
Also Available On PC, Xbox One, Nintendo Switch

Simply put… The Messenger is a modern response to the Ninja Gaiden series from the NES era. Sabotage Studio is a team full of people who love that game and have gone out of their way to show their reverence in game form.

It isn’t an easy game, but the experience is well worth the effort. The soundtrack alone is worth spending time with the game. But, exploring the different levels AND playing with time travel mechanics are rewarding.

This is definitely a game that needs to be on your radar.

Sackboy: A Big Adventure

ESRB Rating: E
Platform Game

LittleBigPlanet gave the world a gift in Sackboy. Sony didn’t really have a mascot until he came along and he finally gets his own dedicated game in Sackboy: A Big Adventure.

Overwatch

ESRB Rating: T
First-person Shooter
Also Available On PC, Xbox One, Nintendo Switch

Overwatch is a great alternative for parents looking to let their kids play a multiplayer shooter. It features cartoonish graphics, a diverse cast of characters, and a number of game modes that keep things interesting. One of the things we love about Overwatch is that the cartoonish aesthetic helped keep the ESRB rating down, and makes this more of an Avengers-like experience than a Saving Private Ryan one.

Ratchet and Clank: Rift Apart

ESRB Rating:E 10+
Platform Game
PS5 exclusive

The sixth installment of the wildly successful Ratchet & Clank series, Rift Apart leverages the capabilities of the PS5 to provide exceptionally smooth gameplay and stunning visuals that were not possible on the previous versions of the Playstation. This game stays true to the themes and style of the previous Ratchet and Clank installments; it introduces plenty of new twists and turns such as the “Rift Tether” that allows the player to instantly change worlds, and the introduction of Rivet, the first playable female character in the franchise.

Kingdom Hearts All-in-One

ESRB Rating: E 10+
Action Role-playing
Also Available On Xbox One

The Kingdom Hearts All-In-One package includes 10 different Kingdom Hearts experiences dating back to the PlayStation 2. This is an amazing value for Disney fans who are looking for an Action RPG series to sink their teeth into. Once you finish this amazing collection you can pick up Kingdom Hearts 3.

Stardew Valley

ESRB Rating: E 10+
Simulation
Also Available On: PC, Xbox One, Nintendo Switch, macOS, Linux, iOS, Android, Playstation Vita

Stardew Valley is a remarkable game. It is a farming and life simulator where you play as a younger person who inherits relatives run-down farm. You need to build it up, explore the surrounding wilderness, meet people, get married, etc. It is a wildly engaging game that has been a sensation since it’s release. This is a great game to relax with.

Final Fantasy XV

ESRB Rating: T
Action Role-playing
Also Available On: PC, Xbox One, Stadia

The Final Fantasy Series is a benchmark against which all role-playing games are weighted. Final Fantasy 15 is one of the best stand-alone role-playing games of the PS4/Xbox One era. The Final Fantasy series incorporates fantasy and futuristic elements into a compelling story.

Final Fantasy 15 is a coming-of-age story, as the young prince Noctis grows from a brash teen to an adult and wielder of magic powers. His journey is assisted by three friends that are as many mentors as they are friends, each with stories in their own right.

With a steady, fast pace in mind, Final Fantasy 15 handles the action in the third person view. It has simple commands mapped to the controller ahead of time. Combat happens in real-time, players can choose to pause the action for an opportunity to plan and strategize which is an anchor point of the RPG experience.

The Final Fantasy Series represents a collection of stories throughout gaming history. All of the games are great in their own right, and everyone has a favorite that can be endlessly argued

FIFA 2021

ESRB Rating: E
Sports Game
Also Available On PC, Xbox One, Nintendo Switch, Stadia

Soccer (Football for our international readers) is the most popular sport on Earth. It stands to reason then that the digital version would be wildly successful as well. If your kids play soccer, then they likely have this game on their wish lists every year. I can’t say that I blame them. FIFA does amazing work each year in crafting as authentic and fun of an experience as they can.

Tetris Effect

ESRB Rating: E
Puzzle
Also Available On PC, Oculus Quest

Just like the original Tetris, Tetris Effect requires you to place tiles in order to clear lines. This update though adds themes and music through different levels based on the beat of the music. It also adds a mechanic that allows you to place several blocks at once and a VR compatibility that varies greatly from your standard Tetris game. This is a high-quality addition to one of the most popular gaming titles ever.

Horizon: Forbidden West

ESRB Rating: T
Action Role-playing

Buy Horizon: Forbidden West on Amazon

Horizon: Forbidden West is an open-world action and adventure title that takes place in a land so far removed from a global catastrophe that civilization has reset again in the ruins of ancient cities. The game encompasses a rich story, beautiful landscapes, and great voice acting. In addition, there is the thrill of hunting giant robot dinosaurs.

The Story of Horizon: Forbidden West continues the story of Aloy, a young woman raised as an outcast, and her struggles to navigate and explore the lands beyond her home. This time around she is recognized everywhere as a hero who has already saved the world. She has to face the ramifications of that newfound fame while trying to save everyone from a dangerous blight that threatens to choke out all life. This takes her to new regions and introduces her to new tools, new people, and new robot beasts to fight.

Rocket League

ESRB Rating: E
Sports Game
Also Available On PC, Nintendo Switch, PS4, macOS, Linux

Hollow Knight

ESRB Rating: E 10+
Platform Game/Metroidvania
Also Available On PC, Xbox One, Nintendo Switch, macOS, Linux

Hollow Knight is an independently developed action game that blends the best of Castlevania and Dark Souls into a beautiful and family-friendly title. You take on the role of a wanderer who is brought to the entrance of The Hollowness from unknown circumstances.

The Hollowness is an interconnected dungeon with multiple entrances and exits to each beautifully crafted zone. Every part of the Hollowness is built to be both journey and destination, with levers and gates revealing backtracking paths to the surface, and many difficult challenges focusing on platform-based movement and fair, but brutal combat.

Hollow Knight is built to unfold by itself in a very organic path. Exploration and curiosity open up alternate paths and entire sections of the world. Your skills and the story are shown rather than told and are left for you to discover through environment and inference rather than straight and simple exposition.

LEGO Games

ESRB Rating: E 10+
Action Adventure
Also Available On PC, Xbox One, Nintendo Switch, macOS

From Harry Potter and Star Wars to Marvel and DC, LEGO has consistently captured the imagination of kids 0-99. That they have somehow managed to consistently do this with their video games titles is somewhat remarkable. Most of their games follow the same basic format of providing you with familiar characters to interact with your environment while collecting blocks either by battling enemies or destroying objects in the world around you. This has proved a winning formula time and time again and has provided tens of thousands of hours of entertainment to its fans.

Plants vs Zombies: Neighborville

ESRB Rating: E 10+
Tower Defense
Also Available On PC, Xbox One

Parents regularly approach the EFG team looking for alternatives to more violent M-rated shooters on the market. We regularly suggest the Plants Vs Zombies Garden Warfare series. This is the latest entry to the series, but any of them are worthy additions to your collection.

Everything about this game is all bright colors and goofy characters. There is even a Disco Zombie character!

Everybody’s Golf

ESRB Rating: E
Sports Game
Exclusive

The latest installment in the series “formerly known as Hot Shots Golf” was published specifically for Sony platforms. Everybody’s Golf is a cartoony arcade-style golf game that allows for single-player or online multiplayer gameplay. The gameplay is refreshing and simple allowing for easier accessibility to players of all ages. In keeping with the theme, Sony has also decided that if you need a break you can feel free to drive your golf cart anywhere you like. This is typically frowned upon by the “establishment” for those that would like to know and infinitely entertaining. Go out, play golf with everybody, and have a great time.

Journey

ESRB Rating: E
Adventure Art Game
Also Available On: Playstation 3, PC, iOS

Journey is one of the best games to come out in the last decade. It is a relatively short experience where you guide a cloaked wanderer through a desert, but the way that this game handles multiplayer will take your breath away.

No Man’s Sky: Beyond

ESRB Rating: T
Survival
Also Available On: PC, Xbox One

No Man’s Sky was released in 2016 and wasn’t very well received. However, Hello Games has been releasing regular, free updates since its launch. It is almost unrecognizable from its original form now. It still has the exploration mode, but it has base building, a creative mode, multiplayer, and more!

Dragon Quest 11: Echoes of an Elusive Age

ESRB Rating: T
Role-playing
Also Available On PC, Nintendo Switch, Nintendo 3DS

Dragon Quest XI is the most recent edition to an ongoing series of role-playing games by Square Enix. The series is known for the art style of Akira Toriyama, the creator of Dragon Ball.

Dragon Quest is a series that consistently comes out with a reliable turn-based combat system that has seen nothing but simple improvements.

Its place as an EFG essential is based on its ease of entry in an ongoing, fantasy story. The fantasy elements that many other games work off of got their start here with a chosen warrior of light and a band of friends and heroes rally to fight the darkness.

Dragon Quest has had a consistent following in Japan since its first incarnation on the NES in the 1980s. That following was earned by creating a game that was as much a storybook as it was a turn-based game.

Addendum: Fortnite

At this point almost every kid on Earth has played Fortnite. But, we wanted to include it here for the sake of completion. It is a worthy recommendation though. Fortnite is huge. It is a great alternative for more mature shooters since there is no blood and most of the action is over the top and silly as opposed to violent.

The EFG Essentials are reviewed and updated every few months to make sure we have the most current information for our readers. Last updated 4/10/2022.

The EFG Essential Guide Collections

Check out our other Essentials Guides for great collections of games!

EFG Essentials: Great Video Games for Kids on Xbox

EFG Essentials: Great Video Games for Kids on Nintendo Switch

EFG Essentials: Great Board Games for 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!

Like us on Twitter!

Subscribe to our Newsletter!

Subscribe to our Podcast!

April 10, 2022 0 comment

Parent Resources Video Games

EFG Essentials: Great Video Games for Kids on Xbox

by EFG Staff April 9, 2022

written by EFG Staff

The Engaged Family Gaming team has the mission to provide information and support families who want to play video games with their kids (and board games too). We work hard to provide parents with the tools they need to make informed decisions about their children’s gaming. To facilitate this, we help parents who might not be “gamers” themselves learn to understand the games their children are playing and help them find great video games for their kids.

Minecraft

ESRB Rating: E 10+
Genre: Survival
Also Available On PS4, Xbox One, Everything that can play video games

Minecraft holds a special place in a lot of kids’ hearts because it is so flexible. It can be so many different games to so many different people. It can be a survival game, a creative outlet, a multiplayer battle game, and more. It even ends up being the equivalent of a popular TV show considering how many hours of the game are consumed globally each month (Hint: It’s a lot.)

Madden 2021

ESRB Rating: E
Genre: Sports Game
Also Available On: PC, PS4

Madden 2021 is the singular NFL title for all your gaming needs. If you are looking for a high-quality football simulation with all the applicable NFL licenses this is going to be your go-to.

NBA 2K22

ESRB Rating: E
Genre: Sports Game
Also Available On: PC, PS4, PS5, Xbox Series S, Xbox Series X

Buy NBA 2K22 on Amazon.

WWE 2K22

ESRB Rating: T
Genre: Sports Game
Also Available On PC, PS4, PS5, Xbox Series X, Xbox Series

Buy WWE 2k22 on Amazon.

New Super Lucky’s Tale

ESRB Rating: E
Genre: Platform Game
Also Available On: PC, Nintendo Switch, PS4

An adorable game perfect for families. This cartoony platformer is the sequel to the original Lucky’s Tale and follows the adventures of a fox, Lucky Swiftail, as you try and protect the Book of Ages and all the characters and worlds within. The gameplay varies from your standard open level 3D worlds to the occasional puzzle levels and even some 2D side-scrolling just to add flavor. This is wholesome entertainment great for the whole family to enjoy together.

Rocket League

ESRB Rating: E
Genre: Sports Game
Also Available On: PC, Nintendo Switch, PS4, macOS, Linux

Rocket League is, quite literally, soccer as played by rocket-powered vehicles. It launched in in 2015 to great fanfare and has only grown as they added more game-modes like “hockey” and “basketball”

The Messenger

ESRB Rating: E 10+
Genre: Platform Game
Also Available On: PC, Nintendo Switch, PS4

This is definitely a game that needs to be on your radar.

Steamworld Dig 2

ESRB Rating: E 10+
Genre: Platform Game/Metroidvania
Also Available On: PC, Nintendo Switch, PS4, macOS, Linux, Playstation Vita, Nintendo 3DS, Stadia

Image and Form games is a small game development studio from Sweden. They have made several games in various genres that are feature steam powered robots as the characters. Steamworld Dig 2 is all about … digging. You are constantly digging deeper into a planet in search of resources and secrets. This is a wonderful exploration game that everyone should try! (The rest fo the Steamworld games are worth a look too!)

Overwatch

ESRB Rating: T
Genre: First-person Shooter
Also Available On: PC, Nintendo Switch, PS4

Kingdom Hearts 3

ESRB Rating: E 10+
Genre: Action Role-playing
Also Available On: PS4

Kingdom Hearts 3 is the culmination of a gaming franchise that dates back to the PlayStation 2. The series is a mish-mash of Final Fantasy characters and Disney worlds that has no right to be as good as it is. The story is … complex… but visiting Disney worlds and battling evil monsters is a lot of fun.

Stardew Valley

ESRB Rating: E 10+
Genre: Simulation
Also Available On: PC, Nintendo Switch, PS4, macOS, Linux, iOS, Android, Playstation Vita

Stardew Valley is a remarkable game. It is a farming and life simulator where you play as a younger person who inherits a relatives run down farm. You need to build it up, explore the surrounding wilderness, meet people, get married, etc. It is a wildly engaging game that has been a sensation since it’s release. This is a great game to relax with.

Forza Motorsports 7

ESRB Rating: E
Genre: Racing
Also Available On: PC

Forza Motorsports 7 is a simulation racer. It is significantly more challenging than its arcade racer cousin Forza Horizon. It is intended to provide a more authentic driving experience. It also happens to be a drop-dead gorgeous racing game that features famous race tracks from around the world.

Forza Horizons 4

ESRB Rating:E
Genre: Racing
Also Available On: PC

Forza Horizon 4 is an arcade racing game that has so many cars in it, that any car person will have trouble recognizing all of them. The game has an amazing single-player campaign but an even better multiplayer. With the wide range of minigames and races to participate in you will not get bored, you can even customize and design your own cars.

Final Fantasy XV

ESRB Rating: T
Genre:Action Role-playing
Also Available On: PC, PS4, Stadia

Final Fantasy 15 is coming of age story, as the young prince Noctis grows from a brash teen to an adult and wielder of magic powers. His journey is assisted by three friends that are as much mentors as they are friends, each with stories in their own right.

With a steady, fast pace in mind, Final Fantasy 15 handles action in the third person view. It has simple commands mapped to the controller ahead of time. Combat happens in real time, players can choose to pause the action for an opportunity to plan and strategize that is an anchor point of the RPG experience.

FIFA 2021

ESRB Rating: E
Genre: Sports Game
Also Available On: PC, Nintendo Switch, PS4, Stadia

Ori and the Blind Forest/Ori and the Will of the Wisps

ESRB Rating: E
Genre: Platform Game/Metroidvania
Also Available On: PC

We went ahead and put both of these games on the list because, while they are separate games, they are both great. These are a pair of Metroidvania games that tell the story of Ori, a nature spirit, and their adventures through a dangerous, magical land. These are pretty challenging games – not for the easily frustrated – but they are beautiful and would be a great additions to your collection.

The Show 2021

ESRB Rating: E
Genre: Simulation Sports
Also Available on PS5

Celeste

ESRB Rating: E 10 +
Genre: Platform Game
Also Available On: PS4, Nintendo Switch, PC

In Celeste, you play as Madeline on a quest to survive her inner issues. This game is a platforming game that is really difficult. Each screen poses its own challenges, of which there are 700+ of them! As you learn new skills along the way, the game becomes more complex. As you run, air dash, and climb you will learn more about Madeline and the difficulties that she must face. If you want an even deeper challenge, you can go for all of the strawberries in the level, which require your best platforming abilities. Each world also has a B-side, which is a more difficult version of that world. Overall, Celeste is challenging but is not unforgiving. Anyone who is up to the challenge of a difficult platformer should give it a try!

LEGO Games

ESRB Rating: E
Genre: Action Adventure
Also Available On: PC, Xbox One, Nintendo Switch, macOS

From Harry Potter and Star Wars to Marvel and DC, LEGO has consistently captured the imagination of kids 0-99. The fact that they have been able to do that with their video games has been remarkable. Most of their games follow the same basic format of providing you familiar characters to interact with your environment while collecting blocks either by battling enemies or destroying objects in the world around you. This has proved a winning formula time and time again and has provided many many hours of entertainment to its fans.

Plants vs Zombies: Battle for Neighborville

ESRB Rating: E 10+
Genre: Third-Person Shooter
Also Available On: PS4

Everything about this game is all bright colors and goofy characters. There is even a Disco Zombie character!

No Man’s Sky: Beyond

ESRB Rating: T
Genre: Survival
Also Available On: PC, Xbox One

No Man’s Sky released in 2016 and wasn’t very well received. However, Hello Games has been releasing regular, free updates since launch. It is almost unrecognizable from its original form now. It still has the exploration on mode, but it has base building, a creative mode, multiplayer, and more!

Riverbond

ESRB Rating: E 10+
Genre: Action Adventure
Also Available On: PC, Nintendo Switch, PS4

Riverbond is a four-player drop-in/drop-out cooperative game that is a cross between Gauntlet and Minecraft with very simple controls that consists of attack, ranged attack, special attack, pick up/throw, block and jump. You and your friends slash your way through more than 100 levels, interacting and destroying everything in your path. The combat was easy to pick up and learn while at the same time being complex enough that I think that veteran gamers will be able to stay engaged and happy for quite a long time. I think it was the simplicity of the combat as a whole that is what made this game so great. There was no need to get used to the controls, we just picked up and played and were able to focus on the game without getting lost in the mechanics of this. This is why I chose this game as my “Game Of The Show” for E3 2017. It hit all the marks for me. Family-friendly, easily accessible, and endlessly playable in any environment.

Slime Rancher

ESRB Rating: E 10+
Genre: Simulation
Also Available On: PC, PS4, macOS, Linux

In Slime Rancher you play a space-faring explorer who has landed on a planet filled with adorable bouncing slimes of different colors. The goal is to capture them, place them in enclosures, breed them, and collect resources they drop to expand your settlement.

This is an adorable exploration game that is a great idea for kids looking for a temporary alternative to Minecraft.

HALO 5: Guardians

ESRB Rating: T
Genre: First Person Shooter
Also Available On: PC

The HALO franchise has never appeared as a recommended game on this site due to its M rating with the ESRB. HALO 5: Guardians, however, is the first time in the series that has a T rating. The conscious decision to create a game with a T rating finally brings this to our table for a larger cross-section of the population is amazing and if you own an Xbox One you need this game in your library.

Minecraft Dungeons

ESRB Rating: E 10+
Genre: Action Role-playing
Also Available On: Nintendo Switch, PS4, PC

Take Diablo but make it Minecraft. Sounds stupid but it makes a really good game. With infinite possibilities for weapons due to the enchanting system, and plenty of different ways to tackle every problem, and a very in-depth difficulty system. Minecraft Dungeons makes a great game for all ages.

Addendum: Fortnite

At this point, almost every kid on Earth has played Fortnite. But, we wanted to include it here for the sake of completion. It is a worthy recommendation though. Fortnite is huge. It is a great alternative for more mature shooters since there is no blood and most of the action is over the top and silly as opposed to bloody and realistic.

The EFG Essentials are reviewed and updated every few months to make sure we have the most current information for our readers. Last updated 11/7/20.

The EFG Essential Guide Collections

Check out our other Essentials Guides for great collections of games!

EFG Essentials: Great Video Games for Kids on Nintendo Switch

EFG Essentials: Great Video Games for Kids on PlayStation

EFG Essentials: Great Board Games for 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!

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April 9, 2022 0 comment

Parent Resources Video Games

EFG Essentials: Great Video Games for Kids on Nintendo Switch

by EFG Staff April 9, 2022

written by EFG Staff

Minecraft

ESRB Rating: E 10+
Survival
Also Available On: PS4, Xbox One

Minecraft is one of the best selling games of all time, and one of EFG’s family games of the last decade. It is so well known that I questioned whether or not to include it here. But, it is too important of a game to leave off.

Minecraft holds a special place in a lot of kid’s hearts because it is so flexible. It can be so many different games for so many different people. It can be a survival game, a creative outlet, a multiplayer battle game, and more. It even ends up being the equivalent of a popular TV show considering how many hours of the game are consumed globally each month (Hint: It’s a lot.)

Super Mario Odyssey

ESRB Rating: E 10+
Platform Game
Exclusive

Super Mario Odyssey is a great Mario game that just about anyone can play and enjoy. In this edition, you can throw your hat at enemies to take control of them and you take over their bodies to use their powers. There is plenty of content here and collecting all 999 power moons is a challenge that does not get old. This is a must-buy for all Nintendo Switch owners

Super Mario Kart 8 Deluxe

ESRB Rating: E
Racing
Exclusive

The Mario Kart series has slowly grown to be the biggest game in their stable of exclusives. Ever iteration is met with thunderous excitement and delivers fun that the entire family can enjoy! Mario Kart 8 Deluxe is the definitive version of the very best that the franchise has to offer.

Every track is masterfully created (or recreated) and the music is jazzy and fun in all the right ways! Not only that, but the deluxe version includes the DLC that introduced Link and Isabelle to Mario Kart and made the case for the next game to just be called, “Nintendo Kart.”

This is the first game I recommend to families who buy the Nintendo Switch. It is an absolute must own.

Legend of Zelda Breath of the Wild

ESRB Rating: E 10+
Action Role-playing
Exclusive

Long time EFG fans will know that this is one of my favorite games of all time and that means that the games above it have to be pretty significant in order to leave Breath of the Wild in the 4th spot. That isn’t to say that this isn’t one of, if not THE, best video games Nintendo has ever made though.

Breath of the Wild was our game of the year in 2017 and it faced stiff competition from Horizon: Zero Dawn.

It earned its place because it took the Legend of Zelda franchise in a bold new direction by eschewing the linear path of item collection and temple dungeon completion in favor of an open world that could be tackled in any order. Open world games are by no means new, but this was a welcome addition to Zelda and I can’t wait to see where they take it next.

Captain Toad Treasure Tracker

ESRB Rating: E
Puzzle Game
Exclusive

Captain toad Treasure Tracker is a simple puzzle game that can be challenging but is very accessible. This was originally a minigame in Super Mario 3D World that was so in-depth they made it into a full game. We love spending time solving these puzzles.

It’s a top-down puzzle platformer without a jump button. Your goal is to get to the star usually at the top of the level, so you have to figure out how to get to the top. Definitely a fun time for all Puzzle game fans.

Super Smash Bros. Ultimate

ESRB Rating: E 10+
Fighting Game
Exclusive

The phrase, “Let’s settle it in Smash!” is very common in our house, and I can’t imagine that it is uncommon elsewhere.

The Super Smash Bros. series has been around since the Nintendo 64 era and it continually grows in scope and in popularity. Super Smash Bros. Ultimate lives up to his name and its fan base is huge as it is the best selling fighting game of all time. There are obviously members of the Super Smash Bros. community that prefer earlier games like Super Smash Bros. Melee. But, as far as we’re concerned it is the best game in the series.

It’s often difficult to recommend fighting games to anything other than fighting game fans. Smash is the exception I can recommend this game to anyone that owns a Nintendo switch and feels comfortable that they will enjoy it.

Super Mario Maker 2

ESRB Rating: E
Platformer +
Exclusive

Super Mario Maker 2 is one of the best creative tools for young and adult gamers alike. This game lets you create Super Mario levels using art styles and mechanics from across the history of Nintendo. It has a well-made tutorial that offers plenty of new ideas. Players can browse player-made content by individual creators or select an endless mode that selects levels based on difficulty. Super Mario Maker 2 is easily the best level creation experience for the Nintendo Switch.

Pokemon Sword and Shield

ESRB Rating: E
Role-Playing
Exclusive

Pokemon Sword and Shield are great Pokemon games and are great RPGs. With a team of six Pokemon, you will travel the Galar Region on your quest to become the champion. Though the campaign is short the post-game content is enough to last hundreds of hours. You can catch all the Pokemon, make a competitive team, and participate in online tournaments, or you can battle your friends.

Donkey Kong Country Tropical Freeze

ESRB Rating: E
Platform Game
Exclusive

Donkey Kong Country Tropical Freeze is one of the best 2d platformers available on the Nintendo Switch. This is actually a rerelease of the original game that was available on the Wii U. It has been polished, and a new gameplay mode featuring Funky Kong has been added to help make the game more accessible to newer/younger players. Funky Kong moves through levels on his surfboard so he doesn’t take damage from spikes and can hover while he comes down from jumps.

Super Mario 3D World + Bowser’s Fury

ESRB Rating: E
Platform Game
Exclusive

One of the best games from the Wii U can now be played on your Nintendo Switch! This includes the original Super Mario 3D World and adds in a whole new adventure with the Bowser’s Fury add on. Bowser’s Fury is an open world type Mario Game that people of all ages can enjoy. If you have a little one, you can even have them play along with Mario as Bowser Jr.

Animal Crossing: New Horizons

ESRB Rating: E
Simulation
Exclusive

Animal Crossing New Horizons is a life sim game where you move to a deserted island with a group of animals. The goal is to spend time on your island making it beautiful, befriending other animals on the island, and earning money (bells). The available tasks change with the seasons, but there is always something to do. This is a must-have for Switch owners looking a relaxing game.

The Adventure Pals

ESRB Rating: E 10+
Platform Game
Also Available On: PS4, Xbox One, PC

The Adventure Pals from Armor Games is an absurd jaunt through a bizarre world where almost nothing makes sense. Turtles can do backflips. Whales complain about “hashtag body shaming.” The hero’s best friend, Sparkles the giraffe, can use his tongue like a propeller to slow their collective fall. The villain wants to turn everyone into hot dog monsters. Every single one of those sentences is true. And here’s one more: This game is just as fun as it is ridiculous.

Shovel Knight Treasure Trove

ESRB Rating: E
Platform Game
Also Available On: PS4, Xbox One, PC, Wii U, 3DS

This wily Kickstarter from 2013 is still alive and kicking. Shovel Knight does an amazing job of taking all of the things that we love about old school platformers like Mega Man, Duck Tales, and even Castlevania and smashing them together into a wonderful, cohesive whole.

Shovel Knight is a fun protagonist whose adventures are silly more often than not, but packs some serious challenge. The other games in the treasure trove are all wonderful and feature different knights from the first game in their own wild adventures; each with their own mechanics and stories.

It’s hard to find a better value than Shovel Knight Treasure Trove and it is easy to recommend it to anyone, especially folks looking for an old school challenge!

Super Mario Party

ESRB Rating: E
Party Game
Exclusive

The most recent update to the Mario Party franchise brings back to 4-player board game mode that has been so beloved as well as introducing a 2 vs 2 mode with grid based maps. You can test your skills against the others in your living room as well as see how you stack up against others across the globe in the new Online Marathon feature. Nintendo has also leveraged the ability to link two Nintendo Switch systems side by side on a table to play arena games or mini baseball. This is going to be the party game that you want for game night.

Snipperclips

ESRB Rating: E
Puzzle Game
Exclusive

Snipperclips is a two-player puzzle game where players each take on the role of different shapes. The goal is to overlap parts of each other’s “bodies” and “snip” off the overlapping pieces. This will let you complete challenges like creating a bowl-like shape to carry a ball across a playing field. This is a fully cooperative experience that is unlike anything else that you’ve seen before.

Rocket League

ESRB Rating:E
Sports game
Also Available On: PS4, Xbox One, PC

This is a great game to play (and watch) because of how wild the matches can be. There is just something exciting about watching race cars flying around a track and crashing into a massive steel ball and trying to score a goal.

The Messenger

ESRB Rating: E 10+
Platform Game
Also Available On: PS4, Xbox One, PC

This is definitely a game that needs to be on your radar.

Stardew Valley

ESRB Rating: E 10+
Farming Simulator / RPG
Also Available On: PS4, Xbox One, PC, Mobile

Click the picture to purchase on the online Switch Store.

Stardew Valley is a remarkable game. It is a farming and life simulator where you play as a younger person who inherits a relative’s run-down farm. You need to build it up, explore the surrounding wilderness, meet people, get married, etc. It is a wildly engaging game that has been a sensation since it’s release. This is a great game to relax with.

Tetris 99

ESRB Rating: E
Puzzle Game
Exclusive

Tetris is an all time classic, but Tetris 99 surprised us by adding in a HECTIC battle royale mode. You play Tetris against 99 other players in a frantic race for survival.

I have spent hours playing this game and building my Tetris skills. Everything moves at a desperate pace so the games move very quickly as well. Its definitely worth a look.

Dragon Quest Builders 2

ESRB Rating: E 10+
Role-Playing
Also Available On: PS4, Xbox One, PC

The Dragon Quest Builders series paints itself in a much lighter tone than the Dragon Quest series. Specifically, Dragon Quest Builders 2 integrates co-op multiplayer that shows promise for both epic exploration, combat, and construction to put it in league with Minecraft in terms of its possibilities. Unlike Minecraft though, the story of Dragon Quest Builders 2 is meant to also serve as a tutorial and narrative focus for its block based construction. This is in contrast to the much more open world that is traditional Minecraft. The play dynamic will give some structure to keep the sprawling options presented in a meaningful way and keep the more casual fan engaged in the gameplay.

Kirby and the Forgotten Land

ESRB Rating: E 10+
Platform Game
Exclusive

Buy Kirby and the Forgotten Land on Amazon.

Kirby and the Forgotten Land is, without question, the best game in the franchise. This time around Kirby takes his adventure into 3D and it is a LOT of fun. When it was first revealed everyone assumed that it was going to be an open-world game like Breath of the Wild. It becomes clear very quickly that it shares more in common with Super Mario Odyssey. That’s not a bad thing though! Each level in Forgotten land is beautifully crafted with all manner of secrets to find and challenges to complete.

Kirby games have always been on the easy side and Forgotten Land is no different. It’s perfect for younger kids who are easing into gaming.

Pokemon Legends Arceus

ESRB Rating: E
Platform Game
Exclusive

Buy Pokemon Legends Arceus on Amazon.

Pokemon games have shared the same formula for twenty-five years. Arceus bucks that trend by taking players back in time within the Pokemon Universe and serving up an action game. Players go on a wild adventure in the ancient Hisui region during a time before Pokemon trainers were common. Some might think that a break from the norm would be a problem, but Arceus ends up being a refreshing change of pace for longtime fans.

The core gameplay loop in Arceus is very fun. You venture into one of several different biomes within the region and run around capturing pokemon. You do this by sneaking up on them in tall grass and throwing pokeballs. You can even do it on the run! Once you run out of Pokeballs (or your bags are filled up with other materials) you return to base to get credit for the work you have done. Then you resupply and head back out! It’s a great experience.

Yoshi’s Crafted World

ESRB Rating: E
Platform Game
Exclusive

After Yoshi’s Wooly World, Nintendo has done it again and added a cute aesthetic to a Yoshi’s Island game. This time around the levels look like a child made them out of craft supplies including cardboard, paperclips, paper cups, and tape. While you traverse the levels, there are the typical Yoshi collectibles, hearts, flowers, and red coins. The collectibles are what really make this game a challenge. You can go through the levels, or you can try and collect everything. At certain points during the game, you will need to replay levels to search for certain items in the background and foreground. Each level also has an opposite view where you much search for a Poochy puppy. While the game can be tedious with replaying levels, sometimes multiple times with different objectives, this is a great stepping off point for your young children to play a platformer.

Dragon Quest XI: Echoes of an Elusive Age Definitive Edition S

ESRB Rating: T
Role-Playing
Also Available On: PS4, PC

Dragon Quest XI is the most recent edition to an ongoing series of role playing games by Square Enix. The series is known for the art style of Akira Toriyama, the creator of Dragon Ball. Dragon Quest is a series that consistently comes out with a reliable turn-based combat system that has seen nothing but simple improvements.

Its place as an EFG essentials is based on its ease of entry in an ongoing, fantasy story. The fantasy elements that many other games work off of got their start here with a chosen warrior of light and a band of friends and heroes rally to fight the darkness.

Dragon Quest has had a consistent following in Japan since its first incarnation on the NES in the 1980’s. That following was earned by creating a game as much storybook as turn/quest based game.

Luigi’s Mansion 3

ESRB Rating: E
Action Adventure
Exclusive

Luigi doesn’t get the spotlight very often. That honor is normally reserved for his brother Mario. The Luigi’s Mansion series is the exception. These spooky adventures feature Luigi while he tries to rescue his lost brother from King Boo. Luigi’s Mansion 3 and includes a lot more variety in the environments than previous editions because it takes place in a massive haunted hotel. This will be a great game for kids who love to explore and solve puzzles. (Note: This game is definitely more silly than it is spooky so don’t be super concerned about kids getting scared.)

Addendum: Fortnite

At this point almost every kid on Earth has played Fortnite. But, we wanted to include it here for the sake of completion. It is a worthy recommendation though. Fortnite is huge. It is a great alternative for more mature shooters since it there is no blood and most of the action is over the top and silly as opposed to violent.

The EFG Essentials are reviewed and updated every few months to make sure we have the most current information for our readers. Last updated on 08/01/2021.

The EFG Essential Guide Collections

Check out our other Essentials Guides for great collections of games!

https://engagedfamilygaming.com/parent-resources/efg-essentials-great-video-games-for-kids-on-xbox-one/

https://engagedfamilygaming.com/parent-resources/efg-essentials-great-video-games-for-kids-on-ps4/

EFG Essentials: Great Board Games for 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!

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April 9, 2022 2 comments

Video Games

Ask the EFG Staff – What Was the First Video Game You Played Online

by Stephen Duetzmann November 4, 2021

written by Stephen Duetzmann

Stephen

I’m an elder millennial (1980) so I was around for some of the first online games. Our family computer wasn’t very powerful, so I was limited to text based games. The first online game I played for any length of time was Dragonrealms. Its a text-based MUD (that is still up and running) operated by a company called Simutronics. Since it was all text it was very focused on the roleplay and I loved every minute of it.

Mike

Dragonrealms. A text based multiplayer RPG, I learned how to type *reaally* fast because of that game and it was my first exposure to reading and writing computer code through computer scripts. Never really got beyond entry level content, but it was my first roleplay experience outside my immediate friends and family.

John

Word Of Warcraft, I apparently don’t know how to ease into anything as a rule. This applies to running obstacle course races, taking up new hobbies or jumping into one of the largest MMORPGs ever.

Jonathan

DOOM because when it came out my friends and I mowed the lawn for this guy that had his house wired for gaming and we had voice chat and everything.

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!

The EFG Essentials

Video Games for kids on Xbox One
Video Games for kids on PS4
Video Games for kids on Nintendo Switch
Board Games for kids

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November 4, 2021 0 comment

Video Games

Video Game Definition of the Week: Class

by Michael Duetzmann October 28, 2021

written by Michael Duetzmann

Every week the EFG staff will be defining a gaming term that is either confusing or ill-defined. Please leave a comment with any terms you are confused by and we will try to include them in future editions!

The gaming definition this week is a term that is applicable to both video games and roleplay games: Class

Class refers to a collection of attributes and abilities that define the overall play experience for a character. Class descriptors can either come from within the game itself using its own story and language to provide definition, or the descriptors can come from the community of players. A game that has classes will often include different, but connected styles of play that are encouraged by a choice of class. Class not only describes what a character is, but defines what that character does, and suggests a specific style of play and interaction with other characters.

Examples

Healer: In many games these are spell casters who focus on healing magic.
Fighter: These characters are proficient in a weapon or many weapons. They focus on taking damage and/or causing damage.
Mage: A spell caster, often their spells can be used offensively.
Rogue: These characters tend to be sneaky and do well hiding in the shadows.

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

You can also look at our other video game definitions from previous weeks here!

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!

The EFG Essentials

Video Games for kids on Xbox One
Video Games for kids on PS4
Video Games for kids on Nintendo Switch
Board Games for kids

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October 28, 2021 0 comment

Parent Resources Video Games

Video Game Definition of the Week: Compulsion Loop

by Amanda Farough October 28, 2021

written by Amanda Farough

Every other week the EFG staff will be defining a gaming term that is either confusing or ill-defined. Please leave a comment with any terms you are confused by and we will try to include them in future editions!

The gaming definition this week is a term that is applicable to video games: Compulsion Loop

Compulsion Loop describes a series of gameplay actions designed to be repeated multiple times. offering feedback in such a way as to encourage constant, continued play and discouraging or penalizing shorter play sessions.

The compulsion loop was first defined in game design by John Hopson, then a researcher at Bungie (now a business intelligence analyst at NCSoft), in a Gamasutra article about Behavioural Game Design. Compulsion loops are often confused with core loops, which is the loop that defines the gameplay experience. However, Adam Crowe defines a compulsion loop as “a habitual, designed chain of activities that will be repeated to gain neurochemical reward: a feeling of pleasure and/or a relief from pain.”

Compulsion loops are composed of three stages: take an action, gain a reward to trigger a biological response with either dopamine or serotonin, and build anticipation.

The key in compulsion loops is the biological response, which is how the game establishes the compulsion. Many mobile and free-to-play (F2P) games have compulsion loops built-in to ensure that players come back over and over again, otherwise known as user retention. It’s important to note that everyone is susceptible to this because of the biological response that the compulsion loops elicit.

For children and vulnerable players, compulsion loops can be particularly challenging to break out of, especially if the rewards might be locked behind paywalls or hefty in-game currency.

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

You can also look at our other video game definitions from previous weeks here!

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!

The EFG Essentials

Video Games for kids on Xbox One
Video Games for kids on PS4
Video Games for kids on Nintendo Switch
Board Games for kids

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October 28, 2021 0 comment

Video Games

Engaged Family Gaming Holiday Gift Guide 2021 – Playstation

by Stephen Duetzmann October 23, 2021

written by Stephen Duetzmann

The PlayStation 5 is still incredibly difficult to find as a result of shortages. This shortage is likely to continue well past the holiday season. That doesn’t mean that there won’t be any available though. Start looking early if that is on your family’s wish list.

The good news is that the PlayStation 4 should be readily available and still has life left in it for families who don’t have a console yet. Noteworthy titles you’ll want to find on deep discounts for the PS4 are Marvel’s Spider-Man, Horizon: Zero Dawn Complete Edition, and the Crash Bandicoot: N-Sane Collection.

Below is a list of games that are great gift ideas for PS5 owners.

Ratchet and Clank: Rift Apart

Buy here!

Ratchet and Clank: Rift Apart is on my shortlist for the game of the year 2021. It is just that good. This is a new game in the franchise that has been built from the ground up to take advantage of the PS5 technology. The levels are designed in such a way that you use rifts to travel through completely different spaces within levels with no load times. It is wild to experience all the different ways that Insomniac takes advantage of the tech.

Kena: Bridge of Spirits

Buy here!

Kena punches way above its weight class. It is a budget title that has gorgeous graphics. It looks and plays like it was made by one of Sony’s high-profile studios. But, it is actually the first game from a company known for fan animations. This is another game in contention for game of the year and it will likely be on our PS5 essentials list for a very long time.

Nickelodeon All-Star Brawl

Lots of games have tried to clone Super Smash Brothers to find success. But, we haven’t seen anything like All-Star Brawl before. Game Mill Entertainment has combined the deep roster of Nickelodeon licenses like Spongebob, Avatar, and Ninja Turtles with retro gameplay that is reminiscent of Super Smash Bros. Melee.

This is also as close to the original as one can get without owning a Nintendo Switch and actually buying Super Smash Bros. Ultimate.

Tony Hawk’s Pro Skater 1 + 2

Everyone of a certain age will have memories of playing Tony Hawk on their PS1 in their dorm room. (Ok. Might just be me.) This is a well-done remaster of the first two games of the series. It is gorgeously remade and includes some quality of life improvements that will help us share the game with our kids as we remember it (as opposed to how it actually was).

PlayStation Plus/PS Now

Buy here!

Look. The reality of our situation this year is that it might be tough to find games in boxes to wrap up and put under the tree. Gift cards for PlayStation Plus and PS Now should be readily available though. These are “practical” gifts (or at least as practical as anything game-related could be). But, they will be appreciated nonetheless.

Essential PS5 Games

If you are looking for more recommendations than what we list here, then check out our PS5 essentials list.

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!

The EFG Essentials

Video Games for kids on Xbox One
Video Games for kids on PS4
Video Games for kids on Nintendo Switch
Board Games for kids

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October 23, 2021 0 comment

Video Games

The Differences Between the Three Nintendo Switch Models – A Parent’s Guide

by Stephen Duetzmann October 23, 2021

written by Stephen Duetzmann

Nintendo has done it again. They have released multiple iterations of the Nintendo Switch console and had them on store shelves at the same time. This can be super confusing for parents who just want to buy a Nintendo for their kids.

We’ve got just the solution! Below is a handy guide to the three different versions of the Nintendo Switch console and our thoughts on each one!

The Original Nintendo Switch

MRSP: $299.99
Weight: .66 lbs or .88 /w Joy Cons
Screen: 6.2 in LCD Screen @ 1280 x 720 pixels
Resolution: 1080 p resolution to TV // Up to 720 p in handheld mode

Battery Life: 4.5 – 9 Hours /w up to 3 hours max charge time

The original model of the Nintendo Switch is still available and is a great system. It is a handheld tablet that can be docked to allow gameplay on the television. Generally speaking the OLED edition (listed below) is the better option for new adoptees. But, this is worth grabbing if it is available!

Nintendo Switch Lite

MRSP: $199.99
Weight: .61 lbs (integrated joy cons)
Screen: 5.5 in LCD Screen @ 1280 x 720 pixels
Resolution: (Implied up to 720 p in handheld mode but not listed on the site)

Battery Life: 3 – 7 Hours /w up to 3 hours max charge time

The Switch Lite is a handheld version of the console that can’t be plugged into the TV. It is lighter, less expensive, and perfect for younger kids who are looking for a replacement for a 3DS. It plays all the same games with less of an investment.

Nintendo Switch OLED Edition

MRSP: $349.99
Weight: .71 lbs or .93 /w Joy Cons
Screen: 7 in OLED Screen @ 1280 x 720 pixels
Resolution: 1080 p resolution to TV // Up to 720 p in handheld mode
Battery Life: 4.5 – 9 Hours /w up to 3 hours max charge time

The most recent edition to the Switch line is the OLED model that came out this fall. It functions similarly to the original model in that it can be used both handheld and docked to play on the TV. This newer model includes an OLED screen that is brighter and clearer so playing games in handheld mode looks better.

This is definitely the model to look for if you haven’t owned a Switch before, but it isn’t worth buying as an upgrade if you already own one.

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!

The EFG Essentials

Video Games for kids on Xbox One
Video Games for kids on PS4
Video Games for kids on Nintendo Switch
Board Games for kids

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Subscribe to our Newsletter!

Subscribe to our Podcast!

October 23, 2021 2 comments

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