Gaming is a popular hobby for kids, but what do you do if you're not a gamer yourself? It can be difficult to find the best titles to suit your children when you don't know where to start but don't worry, we have you covered. If you don't know what to get your kids, then check out these suggestions.
Every game on this list is a great family option released in 2022, but there's still a lot you need to know to find the right fit. For this reason we've listed the platform, age rating, genre, and numbers of players for each title. There's also a summary of any content issues you may encounter. Happy gaming!
Pokemon Scarlet & Violet
- Platform: Nintendo Switch
- Age Rating: PEGI 7 / E
- Genre: Role-Playing, Adventure, Creature Collecting
- Players: Single-player, Multiplayer - Up to four players can explore the world together with local or online multiplayer. Each one requires a console and a copy of the game.
- Content: No blood or gore, opponents in battle vanish and sleep, rather than die.
Pokemon is a popular series for all ages, exclusive to the Nintendo Switch, and Scarlet and Violet are the latest mainline titles. As with previous games, you play as a Pokemon trainer, locating and capturing Pokemon through battles.
This time around the game is set in the open world of Paldea, which can be explored by up to four people at once. As expected, players can also trade with and battle against their friends.
Get Pokemon Scarlet on Amazon here! Get Pokemon Violet on Amazon here!
Sonic Frontiers
- Platform: PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, Xbox One, Xbox Series X and S, Nintendo Switch, Windows PC
- Age Rating: PEGI 7 / E
- Genre: Platform, action-adventure
- Players: Single-player
- Content: Battles, but no blood or gore, opponents in battle vanish
Sonic Frontiers sees Sega's well known mascot return to his platforming roots. While Sonic The Hedgehog may be in a 3D open world this time around, the game remains true to its roots, featuring chaos emeralds and rings to collect.
Sonic fans will recognise the mechanics and characters in this title, and gain a little more depth to the backstory. However, previous Sonic experience isn't required, and the game still offers platforming fun for all ages.
Lego Star Wars: The Skywalker Saga
- Platform: PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, Xbox One, Xbox Series X and S, Nintendo Switch, Windows PC
- Age Rating: PEGI 7 / E
- Genre: Platform, action-adventure
- Players: Single-player, Split-screen two-player co-op
- Content: Battles but no blood or gore, opponents in battle vanish
Lego Star Wars: The Skywalker Saga puts the main story beats of all nine movies in the Skywalker Saga into one interactive and engaging story, set in a Lego universe. It's split into three trilogies; preqeuels, original, and sequels, and you can tackle them in any order you wish.
You'll explore planets, collect important items and play through the stories of the Star Wars movies. The difficulty isn't steep, and you can play local co-op with up to two people.
Kirby And The Forgotten Land
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- Platform: Nintendo Switch
- Age Rating: PEGI 7 / E 10+
- Genre: Platform, action-adventure
- Players: Single-player, Local two-player co-op
- Content: Battles but no blood or gore
Kirby And The Forgotten Land sees the adorable pink puffball going on a 3D platforming adventure through a mysterious world. Along the way he can swallow various objects and take their form to defeat obstacles in the way. There is some combat, but it's all cartoon style with lots of vanishing enemies.
Kirby will rescue waddle dees as he seeks the secrets of this unfamiliar land. It's a fun adventure that may be a little difficult for very young children in places but makes a great family game. A second player can join in as Waddle Dee, who doesn't have the same abilities but is a useful ally.
Goat Simulator 3
- Platform: PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X and S, Windows PC
- Age Rating: PEGI 12 / T
- Genre: Action-Adventure, Sandbox
- Players: Single-player, Local or online four-player co-op
- Content: Cartoonish violence, Goat is indestructible, but property isn't.
Goat Simulator 3 is the perfect game for kids who are a little older and enjoy chaos and mayhem. You play as a goat and wander through the sandbox game licking, headbutting and jumping to complete quests, find collectibles and play minigames.
You can cause as much damage and mischief as you like while exploring the world, while also looking stylish with accessories and outfits. Up to four people can play together online or locally. For those unaware of the series, it's worth noting that while Goat Simulator exists, there isn't a Goat Simulator 2, so don't waste time trying to find that one!
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