2014 Holiday Gift Guide – Family Games
Multiplatform
Skylanders: Trap Team
Available on: PlayStation 3 | PlayStation 4 | Xbox 360 | Xbox One | Wii | Wii U | Nintendo 3DS | iOS | Android
Skylanders has firmly established itself as the most popular interactive gaming experience that uses collectible figurines directly to affect gameplay. The latest installment in the series hit store shelves in October and brought with it new features, stories and a new gameplay mechanic that allows players to capture villains in the game using special trap items that can be placed on the portal.
While it isn’t really a title that will captivate older players it is perfect for younger children and the fact that there are so many different Skylanders to collect means that other relatives can get in on the act and buy additional figurines to be used.
LEGO Games
Available on: PlayStation 3 | PlayStation 4 |Xbox 360 | Xbox One | Wii U | Nintendo 3DS | PlayStation Vita
The LEGO series of games have become the epitome of family games over the past few years. Featuring colorful environments, familiar characters and enjoyable gameplay they are ideal for youngsters. Meanwhile the deep collectible options and challenging sections mean that older gamers can get plenty of fun out of them too. This year has seen a variety of LEGO titles, so it’s a case of getting the one you think would be the best fit. You can choose from LEGO The Hobbit, which sees players take on the role of Bilbo and the rest of the heroes from the first two Hobbit films; LEGO Batman 3: Beyond Gotham, a follow up to previous LEGO Batman games that takes place in space and The LEGO Movie Videogame that takes inspiration from the hit film The LEGO Movie.
There is also an exclusive game called LEGO Ninjago: Nindroids that is only available on the two portable consoles, the PlayStation Vita and the Nintendo 3DS. It is a direct sequel to the Nintendo DS title LEGO Battles: Ninjago
Just Dance 2015
Available on: PlayStation 3 | PlayStation 4 | Xbox 360 | Xbox One | Wii | Wii U
The latest Just Dance game is available across a range of platforms. While similar to other dance games such as Dance Central, it puts less emphasis on getting the moves exactly right and focuses more on just having fun. Featuring a variety of different modes, including brand new ones that allow you to try to mimic the dances pulled off by other players, and songs from the likes of Avicii, Jessie J, One Direction, Katy Perry and Pharrell Williams there is plenty to keep the entire family entertained.
Disney Infinity: Marvel Super Heroes
Available on: PlayStation 3 | PlayStation 4 | Xbox 360 | Xbox One | iOS | Wii U | PC
Similar to Skylanders, Disney Infinity uses collectible figurines to affect gameplay via a platform that is connected to the console using the USB port. The latest release is the Marvel Super Heroes starter box, also known as Disney Infinity 2.0, which brings in a host of new characters from the Marvel universe. The game also has multiple stories that interconnect with each other and with additional Disney universes, with selected material provided by comic book writers.
As well as the new characters, Disney Infinity: Marvel Super Heroes also introduced a series of brand new features. Chief among them is the ability to customize characters, a new skill tree and an expanded range of tools to use in Toybox mode. The figurines themselves are also far hardier and look much better than Activision’s own offering.
2014 Holiday Gift Guide – Family Games Intro | Multiplatform Games | Wii U | Nintendo 3DS | Playstation and Xbox