2014 has been a GREAT year for family friendly video games. We have seen new editions of Minecraft. The Toys to Life category is exploding thanks to new editions of Skylanders and Disney Infinity and more competition in the form of Angry Birds Transformers and Nintendo’s amiibo line. Most importantly we have spent the year bearing witness to the phoenix-like resurgence of Nintendo who have slowly started to right the ship with the once maligned WiiU console.
Below is a list of five games for the Microsoft Xbox One that are great for families and will be great gifts even if they aren’t number one of your child’s list. (And you know what… YOU might even enjoy them too!)
1. Forza Horizons 2
The Forza Motorsports series is a simulation racer. This makes it very difficult for younger players to play. Fortunately Forza Horizons 2 is designed to be more of an arcade racer. Players don’t have to pay as much attention to driving mechanics and can, instead, focus on driving fast cars through beautiful scenery.
2. Plants vs. Zombies: Garden Warfare
PopCap knew they had a hit on their hands when Plants Vs Zombies started dominating the PC gaming world several years ago. We knew that more was coming, but no one would have ever guessed that it would have morphed into a team based online shooter.
The best part is that said online team-based shooter is also really good!
3. Minecraft
OK. So I’ll keep it simple here. If you have a child old enough to play video games then you have probably heard more about Minecraft than you will ever want to know. The good news is that Minecraft is budget priced so if you are a bit strapped after shelling out for a new console this is a great addition that won’t break the bank.
4. LEGO Batman 3: Beyond Gotham
It’s LEGO Batman. ‘Nuff said.
Seriously though, Traveler’s Tales has been doing an amazing job with their LEGO titles recently. Last year’s LEGO Marvel Super Heroes was amazing and this looks like it will be a similar experience with a DC comics spin.
5. Fantasia: Music Evolved
Fantasia: Music Evolved is difficult to describe. Suffice it to say that it is a fascinating Kinect enabled, musical experience. The Fantasia license should say it all. This game is buolt around bringing music to life in wonderful ways.
