COG’s Christmas 2014 Family Games Buyer’s Guide

 

Previously released buyer’s guides:

COG’s Christmas 2014 Wii U Buyer’s Guide, COG’s Christmas 2014 Xbox One Buyer’s Guide, 

COG’s Christmas 2014 3DS and PS Vita Buyer’s Guide, COG’s Christmas 2014 Multi-Platform Buyer’s Guide,

COG’s Christmas 2014 PC Buyer’s Guide, COG’s Christmas 2014 Accessories Buyer’s Guide,

COG’s Christmas 2014 PS4 Buyer’s Guide

There’s no doubt that it can be difficult to search around for games that are age appropriate. With so much to choose from on store shelves and digital markets it can be overwhelming. We’ve put together a quick list of the games that are sure to please any kid this holiday and parents can rest easy that they’re appropriate for pretty much anyone.Even better, parents will have just as much fun as the kids if they choose to jump in on the action too!

Super Smash Bros – Wii U and Amiibos

The recently released Super Smash Bros was the fastest selling Wii U title ever, and with good reason. It’s a fantastic game to play with the entire family, jammed packed with tons of content. Both kids and adults will love the classic Nintendo characters and music, and with game modes such as 8 player Smash and Smash Tour, the competitive, frenzied gameplay is fun for players of all skill levels. Special characters can be added to the roster via Amiibos, Nintendo’s entry into the “toys to life” genre, which can be used not only with Super Smash Bros, but other recently released titles, including another great family game,, Mario Kart 8. With fan favourites such as Link and Yoshi, these adorable collectible figures are a hot commodity this holiday, with many characters quickly selling out, and make a fantastic gift both young and old gamers in the family.

For more information on Super Smash Bros, CHECK OUT OUR REVIEW

 

Just Dance 2015 (Wii, Wii U, Xbox 360, Xbox One, PS3, PS4)

Breaking out a dance game at any family party is sure fire way to bring laughter to the event, and Just Dance is one of the best. The sixth game in the series, Just Dance 2015 sticks to the same gameplay of simply dancing along with the characters on screen, with the addition of a few new games modes like Community Remix and Dance Challenge mode.  The hilarious Autodance feature automatically records some of your finest moves into short videos, so you can share your sweet moves or the embarrassing video of Mom dancing to the Macarena with your friends. The calorie tracking mode is perfect for anyone looking to lose a few pounds after all of the holiday indulgence too. With a soundtrack that ranges from One Direction, Pharrell Williams, Disney’s Frozen, and Marvin Gaye, Just Dance 2015 offers something for all ages to enjoy.

For more information on Just Dance 2015, CHECK OUT OUR REVIEW

 

Skylanders Trap Team (Wii, Wii U, Xbox 360, Xbox One, PS3, PS4)

Toys for Bob’s popular Skylanders are back for a fourth year, and no doubt will be on many Christmas lists this holiday. The gameplay has a new gimmick, this time, specially magically traps used to capture bad guys. Once they are trapped, they can be used for good and are more powerful than the typical Skylanders. Of course, these traps are physical items that are purchased and placed on the all new portal, along with new mini figures can be used now be used as a playable character, alongside their regular sized counterparts. Along with the minis, the new powerful Skylander type Trap Masters and the core Trap Team, there are a whopping 48 new characters to collect, along with those special traps. But parents take note, all of those Skylanders characters you’ve purchase in the past can be still be used on the new portal. Kids love the new figures, and parents can play right alongside them and enjoy a surprisingly good RPG game.

For more information on Skylander’s Trap Team, CHECK OUT OUR REVIEW

 

Disney Infinity 2.0 (Wii U, Xbox 360, Xbox One, PS3, PS4, PC)

After a very successful launch in 2013, Disney Infinity is back with a bang. This time around they’re adding the awesome Marvel Heroes with the likes of Iron Man, The Black Widow, and Thor joining in on the fun. There’s much co-op fun to be had in the Playset mode, and the possibilities for creativity are seemingly endless in Toolbox mode. A few welcome changes have been made to the core gameplay, including bigger levels to make room for flying characters, a radar, an increased level cap and a newly added skill tree. The newly released action figures include Marvel characters from Guardians of the Galaxy and Big Hero 6, and Disney Originals like Meridia, Stitch and Tinkerbell, making the new Infinity 2.0 characters and playsets a must own for both Marvel and Disney fans alike.

For more information on Disney Infinity 2.0, CHECK OUT OUR REVIEW

 

Lego Batman 3: Beyond Gotham (Wii U, Xbox 360, Xbox One, PS3, PS4)

Lego games have always made for some fantastic couch co-op fun, and Lego Batman 3 is no exception.  This time, Batman teams up with the Justice League and other characters, to stop the evil Brainiac from destroying the Earth. The collectible characters are always one of the best parts of a Lego game, and the huge roster of 150 heroes and villains, including some that are quite obscure, will please the DC universe fan. Celebrity voices like Kevin Smith, Conan O’Brien, even Adam West are a pleasant surprise for adults, and kids will love the gameplay, the exploration, the puzzles to solve, and the silly script, making Lego Batman 3 a great family gift to have under the tree this season.

For more information on Lego Batman 3: Beyond Gotham, CHECK OUT OUR REVIEW