Do you know what video games your kids want for Christmas?
If you're thinking of buying the kids (or yourself) a new video game for Christmas, but aren't sure what to buy, Lifehacker has your back. Here are some great choices for the kids in your life (or your inner child), and who they are appropriate for:
Games for the Whole Family:
Just Dance 2020. This fun game will get everybody up off the couch and doesn't require extra gear like Kinect or Playstation Move.
Madden NFL 20. While this will mostly appeal to sports lovers, it is appropriate for any age. Plus, it's a classic: Madden has been putting out a football sim since 1988.
Games for Ages 6 to 10:
Cat Quest II. This open-world role playing game is fun, just challenging enough, sprinkled with humor, and even secretly encourages your little ones to read.
Pokemon Sword and Shield. If your little monsters are interested in collecting their own little monsters, this is the game for them. Pokemon has been going strong since the mid-90s, and your kids will love it, although its only available for Nintendo Switch.
Games for Ages 10 to 13:
Untitled Goose Game. This gentle downloadable game, featuring a mischievous goose, is outselling many "hardcore" games. While the content is safe for all ages, the game play may be a bit much for younger players.
Plants Vs. Zombies: Battle for Neighborville. Although this is a first-person shooter, there's no blood and the violence is cartoonish, and it's fun to play.
Games for Ages 14 to 16:
Star Wars Jedi: Fallen Order. There's finally a Star Wars games that lives up to the movies. This single-player action games lets your teen learn the ways of The Force as a Jedi.
Need for Speed: Heat. What this open world racing game lacks in its graphical realism, it makes up for in fun and high-speed action.
A few more for the inner child in YOU!
- Call of Duty: Modern Warfare. Infinity Ward/Activision. ...
- Borderlands 3. ...
- The Outer Worlds. ...
- Tom Clancy's Ghost Recon Breakpoint. ...
- Doom Eternal.
Civilization VI
The grandaddy of all strategy games finally makes its way to consoles in a pure, non-dumbed-down form this year. Available with both the Rise & Fall and Gathering Storm expansions, this is the definitive console strategy experience. Go forth and conquer the world!
The Outer Worlds, (PS4 and Xbox One)
Jump into The Outer Worlds and embark on an eccentric sci-fi space bound romp. The buzzword here is freedom: do what you want, however you want, with whatever you want
Luigi’s Mansion 3, (Nintendo Switch)
Nintendo's gently spooky franchise makes its debut on the Switch. Mario's out of the picture for this one, with players donning Luigi's green cap and a spectre-sucking hoover to battle ghosts in a creaky old hotel.
Super Smash Bros, (Nintendo Switch)
This instalment of Nintendo's greatest brawler series lets you go toe-to-toe with over 70 video game stars from across genres and generations. A button-smashing fanfare best enjoyed with friends, present or online.
Crash Team Racing Nitro-Fuelled, (PS4 and Xbox One)
This remastering of the PlayStation One classic takes advantage of the timeless karting formula and combines it with an array of 26 well-lovedCrashcharacters. There are also a few game modes to choose from, including arcade quick races, grand prix circuits, and multiple battles and races.