Many people this holiday season will be getting a big ticket item as a gift. Gaming consoles such as the Playstation 5 and the Nintendo Switch will be under some people’s trees this year and are bound to have a major impact for years to come.
However, when you get a new gaming console, the equipment can not be used without fun games for them to play. For those first-time buyers of consoles, picking out games for these systems can be very overwhelming.
See our list below for some fun, family-friendly games you could give as a present to those who love gaming.
2021 Game of the Year: It Takes Two
It Takes Two recently took home this year’s Game of the Year award at the 2021 Game Awards. This game in particular can be found on multiple platforms, such as online stores for your personal computer and PlayStation 5. It was developed by Hazelight Studios and published by Electronic Arts in March.
The game tells a story about a married couple on the verge of divorce adventuring through their daughter’s playroom after being shrunken down into her dolls. The pair is forced to work together in an action-packed platforming scenario to help rekindle their relationship. Because It Takes Two is best played as a co-op adventure, the game is a perfect buy for those having to share a console.
It Takes Two can be purchased as a digital code or as a physical copy here: https://amzn.to/3EU9lBL.
Classic character favorites
Since video games rose in popularity in the 1980s, several franchise characters have worked their way into the hearts of millions over the course of the past several decades. Even today, these characters are continuing to release games and even movies with their image.
A prime example of this is the latest game featuring Sonic the Hedgehog. Sonic Colors: Ultimate was released in September and also can be found on multiple platforms. The game actually is a port of an older game, Sonic Colors, which was released in 2010 for other platforms and follows Sonic and his friends on a new adventure in a classic platforming game.
Sonic Colors: Ultimate can be purchased here and is currently on sale for multiple platforms: https://amzn.to/3ywxb4k.
Independently developed games
Over the past several years, games from independently-owned game developers have taken a high rise in popularity. These games perfectly showcase the talents of game developers without having the restriction of being under a strict deadline for content by a big-name developer.
Take Concerned Ape’s farming simulator Stardew Valley into this consideration. Originally released in 2017, the game has had several massive content updates that have been released at the developer’s own pace, all while remaining one of the best-selling indie games of the past few years. With a relaxing soundtrack and no set objectives, Stardew Valley is perfect for very casual video game players.
The game can be purchased on several platforms, including as a mobile app and the PlayStation 4: https://amzn.to/324Rfyz.
Think outside the sandbox
Another popular category for casual gamers comes in the form of sandbox games. These are the genre of games that allow the player to choose freely what they do with their time, with multiple different gameplay options for their choosing.
A prime example of this type of game is the popular Microsoft game Minecraft. The game has several different settings depending on the play level of those enjoying the game that changes the difficulty and game mode. Because of this and the different gameplay aspects associated with it, Minecraft is a game that mostly anyone can get some level of enjoyment out of.
The game also is available on multiple platforms: https://www.minecraft.net/en-us/get-minecraft.