Games for kids

[NuShuttle]

We currently have a Gamecube that is still going strong, but I'd really like to upgrade to an Xbox 360. My main stopping point at the moment is the lack of games for kids, although there's plenty I'd like (Gears of War, Dead Rising, Guitar Hero). I have an 8 year and a 13 yr old and finding the right balance is tricky. Currently they are addicted to Phantasy Star and enjoy the usual Mario fare but apart from Viva Pinata and Kameo it looks a little bleak. Any ideas?

[digit]

Guitar Hero I'm sure is a game your kids would like and get on with, set it to easy and they will both be away! There is a lot of stuff on xbox live arcade that is fairly simple. They might enjoy Boom Boom Rocket which is a rhythm game where you press buttons as an arror hits a line to explode fireworks Feeding frenzy, uno, novadrome, zuma, geometry wars, and the excellent JetPack Refuelled are worth looking at, demo's can be downloaded of all arcade titles before you commit yourself! You could perhaps get Dance Dance Revolution Universe, which gets very good reviews, but I can't seem to find it anywhere!

[Blackmage]

Rayman Raving Rabbids!

If money isn't a problem, i say buy them a wii.
360 Really hasn't got many games suitable for a younger audience

[Steven W]

I would have suggested Viva Pinata which should keep them very busy, although it is pretty challenging.

Harry Potter game is coming up and Shrek The Third which should be suitable. Rayman Raving Rabbids is great fun for kids.

Lego Star Wars II - cheap now as well!

I'm running out of ideas now. Ah, Ratatouille looks good but that's not out till September.

Have to admit, the PS2 is the console for kid's games. Final Fantasy XII will keep them busy forever.

The 360 is all about the hardcore games. If you're buying the action games as well for yourself it's worth it, but if it's just for kids games you'd be better off picking up a PS2 on the cheap or wait till you can get your hands on a wii - making Mii characters is a game in itself for the kids.

[Veles]

FFXII a kids game? I admit I was a kid when I played my first FF games, but it's pretty complicated, although I suppose you can get by without much worry about the fine details. But your characters won't be uber powerful.

I recommend Disgaea on the PS2, fantastic strategy game, good for kids and adults.

For the 360, I'd say LEGO star wars II, Full Auto is pretty good too if your kids like blowing the crap out of cars.

[Steven W]

[QUOTE=Veles;1063638]FFXII a kids game? /QUOTE]

I see what you mean, but it's still pretty accessible and simple if you want it to be, or as complicated and as in depth as you want.

[directhex]

i think i'd agree with the ps2 suggestion

games don't have to be violent to be fun, and much as viva pinata is great, it's about the only choice on the 360. conversely, the ps2 has games like we love katamari or okami which are both good and accessible for all ages

[Parm]

It's a tough one with your kids ages and your own personal wants.

My first recommendation would probably be the Wii, it's the cheapest new console and easy for anybody of any age to pick up and play. It's definately a great family console and if you want to play together with your kids, the Wii would be my suggestion. I did a review of it here if you fancy a read: http://www.parmmann.com/2007/01/26/a-wii-review/

My second suggestion would be the Xbox 360 with the main reason being that you 'really want to upgrade' to it. You personally would most likely love the 360, great collection of games, stunning audio and visuals and a whole host of media functionality. Your kids however might not like it as much as you.

There are kids games out there for the 360, Kameo, Viva Pinata, Guitar Hero, Lego Star Wars and Rayman to name a few. For your 8 year old however I think that the Xbox Live Arcade could be a delight, lots of smaller, cheaper yet fun games available to play. Usually one released every Wednesday too so no shortage of things to keep them occupied.

For the 13 year old, I'd say there's a lot more choice. Though the kids games above might still be fun I figure your 13 year old will probably also enjoy all the racing games available as well as all the sports titles.

[Blademrk]

The games that I can think of which haven't been mentioned are
Project Gothem Racing, Burnout Revenge, Tomb Raider, TMNT, Table Tennis.

There aren't that many games which are kid friendly at the moment - but that will change over time.


Oh, and I think I'd avoid Shrek the Third, downloaded the demo last night and it was dire to say the least (also made me feel motion sickness)

[Veles]

I think a 13 year old would also jump at the chance to chainsaw a locust in half in gears of war I know I would've at that age