In the olden days, parents used to spend time with their kids playing outside. But now, thanks to the ubiquity of computers and consoles, and the sheer fun of computer games, entertainment has moved inside. But is that a bad thing? Not necessarily.
You might think that videogames are the death knell for family bonding as we know it, but you’d be wrong. There are plenty of games out there that parents can play with their kids. And there’s plenty of game advice out there too, telling parents which games are suitable for which age group. In this post, we’re going to have a look at some of the most exciting games that parents and kids can enjoy together. So let’s get started.
Minecraft
I’m sure that by now you’ll have at least heard the name, “Minecraft.” The game is something of a cult classic. And it continues to rack up fans with every passing week. Last year, Microsoft even showcased their new augmented reality headset using Minecraft.
Image via Pixabay
But the real reason for Minecraft’s success is its openness. Yes, it might look blocky. But that’s the whole point. It’s the sandbox game, par excellence, and one you can get lost in with your kids for hours. Just set up a private server on your homegroup network and log on to play with your children. And as with any online game, just beware the trolls.
Super Smash Bros
If you’re a parent, you probably remember Mario and a few other characters from 1990s video games. Well, since then, the Mario universe has expanded. And now he’s invited all his friends to tag along with him in the Super Smash Bros universe. Unfortunately, they’re not all getting along so well these days. So they’ve decided to hire out a range of arenas where they can pummel each other all day long.
Image via FlickrIt might sound violent, but it isn’t. It’s more a game of tactics and skill. And one that is perfectly set up for multiplayer. You can play as any number of the characters from the Nintendo universe, including the likes of Zelda and do better with your kids.
Disney Fantasia: Music Evolved
Walt Disney probably never predicted his brand would be at the forefront of family video gaming. But here we are in 2016, and that is precisely the reality. Disney Fantasia: Music Evolved is all about remixing music on the fly using a Kinect controller. You’ll be able to play in competitive mode while listening to the likes of Lady Gaga. This is definitely a game that will get you and your lazy kids moving about in all sorts of weird ways.
Never Alone
Who said that video games couldn’t be artistic? Not me. Never Alone is a beautiful platform game about a young girl named Nuna and her arctic fox companion. She’s lost and has to find her way back to her Inuit village, and encounters various challenges along the way. You can play with your kids as either Nuna or the fox.