I’ve gotten a lot of feedback over the past week from people that don’t own consoles. PC gaming is alive and flourishing so I had no intention of leaving non console gamers out in the cold. The vast majority of major console releases are also released on PC as well, but I have listed some game ideas for families looking to find something unique.
The vast majority of these games are available on Steam.
It’s getting to the point now where I am convinced that the President plays Minecraft. This game is available on every non-Nintendo, non-Sony device on the market. Every where you go you will find school ages kids talking about Minecraft and what they have built.
If, somehow, you have missed out on it so far all you need to know: It is a Digital LEGO building game. Players are encouraged to explore and discover combinations of different materials as they find them. This game is everything that you make of it. Kids who love to express themselves creatively will fall in love with this game.
(Ok. You caught me. This one isn’t unique. But, it is a very good idea. Your PC gaming kids will love this one.)
Lilly Looking Through
Lilly Looking Through is an adorably animated point-and-click adventure game. It was brought to us thanks to a successful Kickstarter campaign and was a beautiful experience.
It is on the short side, with only 10 different “scenes” to explore, but the storybook art-style and interesting story will keep your kids going.
Kerbal Space Program is an “early access” game, which means that it is regularly being updated as the developer installs more features to the game. It is *technically* not ready for a full retail release.
With that said, there is a lot to do with the game right now that children and families can enjoy. KSP is built around the idea that the player is in control of the space program for a cute race of creatures called “Kerbals.” Players are responsible for building rockets and space shuttles while they try to achieve things like orbiting the planet, landing on the moon, and colonizing other planets. The game is complex, and any number of things can go wrong (to hilarious effect).
Kids, and parents, who enjoy science and exploration will likely find a lot of value here.
Reach for the Sun
Reach for the Sun is yet another science themed game that hides a lot of learning behind some addictive game play. Players control a flower as it grows by balancing three key ingredients (starch, nutrients, and water) as they attempt to grow and reproduce before the winter chill.
These are some of the PC games that I have been able to find. What about all of you? What suggestions do you have? Sound off in the comments!
