Buying a video game for a child or family member can be a daunting task. Hundreds of games are released every year, and it can be hard to determine which games are the best if you’re not a baked sweet yourself. But, don’t worry! We’ve got your back. Here is list of all the games released this year that the Pixelkin staff thinks would make great gifts.
We’ve broken down our guide by ESRB rating, but we’ve also included some mobile and indie PC games that don’t have ESRB ratings. We’ve placed these under the rating we feel is most appropriate for the game. You’ll also notice that we have included our favorite Mature-rated games. We know every child and family is different. We think parents should be the ones to decide when their kids are ready to play particular Mature-rated games, so we decided to cover some of the M-rated games that tend to be popular with teens.
If you see a game you wish to purchase, you can click on one of our red “buy” buttons to find the game on Amazon. Every Amazon purchase you make through this Gift Guide helps support Pixelkin.org without costing you anything extra.
Captain Toad: Treasure Tracker
Platform(s): Wii U
Release Date: December 5
ESRB Content Descriptor(s): Mild Cartoon Violence
Captain Toad: Treasure Tracker is a clever, cute, and immensely satisfying puzzle game. It stars Captain Toad and Toadette, two enterprising mushroom people from the universe of the Super Mario games. In order to complete each level, players must change their perspective to solve puzzles and traverse obstacle courses. Captain Toad: Treasure Tracker has something to offer for gamers at all skill levels. For more details, see our review.
Release Date: December 5
ESRB Content Descriptor(s): Mild Cartoon Violence
Captain Toad: Treasure Tracker is a clever, cute, and immensely satisfying puzzle game. It stars Captain Toad and Toadette, two enterprising mushroom people from the universe of the Super Mario games. In order to complete each level, players must change their perspective to solve puzzles and traverse obstacle courses. Captain Toad: Treasure Tracker has something to offer for gamers at all skill levels. For more details, see our review.
Chariot
Platforms: Xbox One, PlayStation 4, PC (download only)
Release Date: September 30, 2014
ESRB Content Descriptor(s): Mild Fantasy Violence
Right from the start, we were charmed by Chariot’s unique gameplay and cute art style. We loved the challenge of navigating platforming environments, not only with the adorable characters, but with the clunky, unwieldy chariot as well. Though the game does get challenging pretty quickly, it’s great to snuggle up on the couch with your son or daughter and work through the puzzles together. For more details, read our review.
Release Date: September 30, 2014
ESRB Content Descriptor(s): Mild Fantasy Violence
Right from the start, we were charmed by Chariot’s unique gameplay and cute art style. We loved the challenge of navigating platforming environments, not only with the adorable characters, but with the clunky, unwieldy chariot as well. Though the game does get challenging pretty quickly, it’s great to snuggle up on the couch with your son or daughter and work through the puzzles together. For more details, read our review.
Contraption Maker
Platform(s): PC, Mac (download only)
Release Date: July 7
ESRB Content Descriptor(s): Not Rated
From the makers of The Incredible Machine, Contraption Maker has players creating complex Rube-Goldberg machines in order to achieve simple goals. You may, for example, be asked to light a candle with a rubber-band, a cat, and an electric generator. It’s a really fun and simple game for getting kids interested in physics and engineering.
Release Date: July 7
ESRB Content Descriptor(s): Not Rated
From the makers of The Incredible Machine, Contraption Maker has players creating complex Rube-Goldberg machines in order to achieve simple goals. You may, for example, be asked to light a candle with a rubber-band, a cat, and an electric generator. It’s a really fun and simple game for getting kids interested in physics and engineering.
The Counting Kingdom
Platform(s): PC, Mac, iOS (download only)
Release Date: June 2
ESRB Content Descriptor(s): None
The Counting Kingdom pits a young math wizard (literally) against a horde of adorable monsters who menace your castle walls. As the wizard, you cast spells by adding the numbers on the monsters and choosing the proper sum from your spell collection. The game is easy for beginning players to grasp, but can be challenging too. It’s a great way to make math fun—with no time limits and lots of right answers, it sucks the fear right out of doing math. For more details, check out our review.
Release Date: June 2
ESRB Content Descriptor(s): None
The Counting Kingdom pits a young math wizard (literally) against a horde of adorable monsters who menace your castle walls. As the wizard, you cast spells by adding the numbers on the monsters and choosing the proper sum from your spell collection. The game is easy for beginning players to grasp, but can be challenging too. It’s a great way to make math fun—with no time limits and lots of right answers, it sucks the fear right out of doing math. For more details, check out our review.
FIFA 15
Platform(s): Xbox One, Xbox 360, PlayStation 4, PlayStation 3, PlayStation Vita, Wii, 3DS/2DS, PC
Release Date: September 23
ESRB Content Descriptor(s): None
This summer’s rousing World Cup in Brazil probably courted a few new soccer fans, and if any of them happen to be in your family, they’re in luck: EA Sports’ long-running series is in its prime right now. The excellent FIFA 15 isn’t a dramatic move away from what made its predecessors so strong, but it brings a litany of small and meaningful improvements that arguably make it the best soccer simulation to date. For more details, check out our article on sports games.
Release Date: September 23
ESRB Content Descriptor(s): None
This summer’s rousing World Cup in Brazil probably courted a few new soccer fans, and if any of them happen to be in your family, they’re in luck: EA Sports’ long-running series is in its prime right now. The excellent FIFA 15 isn’t a dramatic move away from what made its predecessors so strong, but it brings a litany of small and meaningful improvements that arguably make it the best soccer simulation to date. For more details, check out our article on sports games.
LittleBigPlanet 3
Platform(s): PlayStation 4, PlayStation 3
Release Date: November 18
ESRB Content Descriptor(s): Comic Mischief, Mild Cartoon Violence, Tobacco Reference
In the platforming adventure LittleBigPlanet 3 (don’t worry, you don’t have to play the first two to get the story) you play as Sackboy and three more legendary sackcloth heroes. The characters have unique and complementary abilities that help them navigate the obstacles. Second, third, and fourth players can jump into the game at any time, making this a perfect cooperative adventure game for families. For more details, read our review.
Release Date: November 18
ESRB Content Descriptor(s): Comic Mischief, Mild Cartoon Violence, Tobacco Reference
In the platforming adventure LittleBigPlanet 3 (don’t worry, you don’t have to play the first two to get the story) you play as Sackboy and three more legendary sackcloth heroes. The characters have unique and complementary abilities that help them navigate the obstacles. Second, third, and fourth players can jump into the game at any time, making this a perfect cooperative adventure game for families. For more details, read our review.
Madden NFL 15
Platform(s): Xbox One, Xbox 360, PlayStation 4, PlayStation 3
Release Date: August 25
ESRB Content Descriptor(s): None
The legendary football series returns to its proper naming scheme a year removed from the 25th anniversary edition (Madden NFL 25), and the latest version makes larger strides on the newest consoles. It’s a much more realistic-looking game, for sure, with better-looking player models and animations, as well as improved broadcast-style presentation that mimics watching a game on TV. For more details, check out our article on sports games.
Release Date: August 25
ESRB Content Descriptor(s): None
The legendary football series returns to its proper naming scheme a year removed from the 25th anniversary edition (Madden NFL 25), and the latest version makes larger strides on the newest consoles. It’s a much more realistic-looking game, for sure, with better-looking player models and animations, as well as improved broadcast-style presentation that mimics watching a game on TV. For more details, check out our article on sports games.
Mario Kart 8
Platform(s): Wii U
Release Date: March 30
ESRB Content Descriptor(s): Comic Mischief
Mario Kart 8 is a brightly colored racing game starring the characters of the Super Mario universe. Players can chuck silly items like turtle shells or boomerangs at one another in order to gain an advantage, which creates nail-biting excitement right up until the finish line. Mario Kart 8 introduces antigravity racing, which allows players to drive on walls or the ceiling. Players can also watch highlight reels and upload their videos directly to YouTube. For more details, check out our review.
Release Date: March 30
ESRB Content Descriptor(s): Comic Mischief
Mario Kart 8 is a brightly colored racing game starring the characters of the Super Mario universe. Players can chuck silly items like turtle shells or boomerangs at one another in order to gain an advantage, which creates nail-biting excitement right up until the finish line. Mario Kart 8 introduces antigravity racing, which allows players to drive on walls or the ceiling. Players can also watch highlight reels and upload their videos directly to YouTube. For more details, check out our review.
Monument Valley (Apple Rating 4+)
Platform(s): iOS, Android, Kindle Fire (download only)
Release Date: April 3
Apple Content Descriptor(s): None
Monument Valley is an innovative puzzle game where perspective is everything. You play as a princess who must navigate a number of levels by changing the levels themselves, making use of some friendly pillars and avoiding crow people who block your path. The story is given in bits and pieces as you move through the levels. Monument Valley is great in the way it makes you think about 3D and 2D spaces in a new way. For more details, read our review.
Release Date: April 3
Apple Content Descriptor(s): None
Monument Valley is an innovative puzzle game where perspective is everything. You play as a princess who must navigate a number of levels by changing the levels themselves, making use of some friendly pillars and avoiding crow people who block your path. The story is given in bits and pieces as you move through the levels. Monument Valley is great in the way it makes you think about 3D and 2D spaces in a new way. For more details, read our review.
NBA 2K15
Platform(s): Xbox One, Xbox 360, PlayStation 4, PlayStation 3, PC
Release Date: October 7
ESRB Content Descriptor(s): Mild Lyrics
2K Sports’ well-reviewed basketball series has been on fire over the last few years, and NBA 2K15 only continues that trend, delivering an immensely refined and fun take on the sport. And for Xbox One and PlayStation 4 owners, it’s easily the best-looking sports game thus far, if not one of the top overall games on that front. The star players look, move, and even sound just like the real thing, and that only helps sell the on-court action. For more details, check out our article on sports games.
Release Date: October 7
ESRB Content Descriptor(s): Mild Lyrics
2K Sports’ well-reviewed basketball series has been on fire over the last few years, and NBA 2K15 only continues that trend, delivering an immensely refined and fun take on the sport. And for Xbox One and PlayStation 4 owners, it’s easily the best-looking sports game thus far, if not one of the top overall games on that front. The star players look, move, and even sound just like the real thing, and that only helps sell the on-court action. For more details, check out our article on sports games.
Pokémon Art Academy
Platform(s): Nintendo 3DS/2DS
Release Date: October 24
ESRB Content Descriptor(s): None
Pokémon Art Academy is less a game and more a learning program, but it definitely makes the list. Kids will be guided through the fundamentals of drawing, using the 3DS stylus to sketch straight onto the screen. While the lessons are limited to drawing Pokémon characters, the techniques are sound and could easily be applied to more creative work. A bonus is the Free Paint mode—kids can draw whatever they like on a blank canvas. Pokémon Art Academy is an educational tool, a digital art program on the go, and a fun way to enjoy Pokémon all in one. For more details, read our review.
Release Date: October 24
ESRB Content Descriptor(s): None
Pokémon Art Academy is less a game and more a learning program, but it definitely makes the list. Kids will be guided through the fundamentals of drawing, using the 3DS stylus to sketch straight onto the screen. While the lessons are limited to drawing Pokémon characters, the techniques are sound and could easily be applied to more creative work. A bonus is the Free Paint mode—kids can draw whatever they like on a blank canvas. Pokémon Art Academy is an educational tool, a digital art program on the go, and a fun way to enjoy Pokémon all in one. For more details, read our review.
Pokémon Alpha Sapphire and Omega Ruby
Platform(s): Nintendo 3DS/2DS
Release Date: November 21
ESRB Content Descriptor(s): Comic Mischief, Mild Cartoon Violence
Pokémon Omega Ruby and Alpha Sapphire are the newest versions of one of the most beloved and popular video game franchises of all time. In these two nearly identical strategy roleplaying games, the art and music are engaging, and the gameplay (involving dueling with and capturing cute Pokémon creatures) is challenging and fun. Kids who play these games will have lots of opportunities to improve reading, critical thinking, and math skills. Even though Omega Ruby and Alpha Sapphire are a remake of the Pokémon Ruby and Sapphire games released 11 years ago on the Game Boy Advance, die-hard fans will want Pokémon Omega Ruby and/or Alpha Sapphire for the new flying feature and the improved DexNav feature that helps you find rare Pokemon. For more details, read our review.
Release Date: November 21
ESRB Content Descriptor(s): Comic Mischief, Mild Cartoon Violence
Pokémon Omega Ruby and Alpha Sapphire are the newest versions of one of the most beloved and popular video game franchises of all time. In these two nearly identical strategy roleplaying games, the art and music are engaging, and the gameplay (involving dueling with and capturing cute Pokémon creatures) is challenging and fun. Kids who play these games will have lots of opportunities to improve reading, critical thinking, and math skills. Even though Omega Ruby and Alpha Sapphire are a remake of the Pokémon Ruby and Sapphire games released 11 years ago on the Game Boy Advance, die-hard fans will want Pokémon Omega Ruby and/or Alpha Sapphire for the new flying feature and the improved DexNav feature that helps you find rare Pokemon. For more details, read our review.
Road Not Taken
Platforms: PlayStation 4, PC (download only)
Release Date: August 5
ESRB Content Descriptor(s): None
Road Not Taken is a whimsical and extremely challenging puzzle game. It’s procedurally generated, which means that the puzzles are random every time you play. As a hooded ranger, you’re tasked with going into the forest every year to rescue children who got lost picking berries. Dangers range from the ordinary (wolves and raccoons) to the supernatural (ghosts, walking trees, and the witch Baba Yaga). Road Not Taken has a cute, fairy tale aesthetic, but the difficulty of the gameplay is no joke. Play it with friends or family and put your brains to work.
Release Date: August 5
ESRB Content Descriptor(s): None
Road Not Taken is a whimsical and extremely challenging puzzle game. It’s procedurally generated, which means that the puzzles are random every time you play. As a hooded ranger, you’re tasked with going into the forest every year to rescue children who got lost picking berries. Dangers range from the ordinary (wolves and raccoons) to the supernatural (ghosts, walking trees, and the witch Baba Yaga). Road Not Taken has a cute, fairy tale aesthetic, but the difficulty of the gameplay is no joke. Play it with friends or family and put your brains to work.
Slice Fractions (Apple Rating 4+)
Platform(s): iOS, Android (download only)
Release Date: February 6
Apple Content Descriptors: None
Slice Fractions is a cute and fun app designed to teach kids about mathematical concepts. By using simple visual puzzles, Slice Fractions guides the player through numerous advanced concepts from the Common Core. Slice Fractions does a good job of getting to the root of mathematical concepts without ever feeling preachy or stale. For more details, read our review.
Release Date: February 6
Apple Content Descriptors: None
Slice Fractions is a cute and fun app designed to teach kids about mathematical concepts. By using simple visual puzzles, Slice Fractions guides the player through numerous advanced concepts from the Common Core. Slice Fractions does a good job of getting to the root of mathematical concepts without ever feeling preachy or stale. For more details, read our review.
Tetrobot and Co.
Platform(s): Wii U, PC, Mac (download only)
Release Date: October 30
ESRB Content Descriptors: Mild Fantasy Violence
Tetrobot and Co. is a puzzle game in which you control Psychobot, a microscopic robot who wanders through the compartments of bigger robots (called Tetrobots) and fixes them when they break. To do this, you must collect blocks, rearrange them in the correct place, flip switches, manipulate lasers, and more. There are many different kinds of blocks, each with different properties. Tetrobot’s puzzles are artfully crafted, and some might take you hours to complete. If you tend to like your games fast-paced and action-packed, you might not have the patience for this title. But the lovely story, the cute sounds and music, and the extreme satisfaction of finishing a level by yourself may be enough to keep you thoroughly engaged. For more, read our review.
Release Date: October 30
ESRB Content Descriptors: Mild Fantasy Violence
Tetrobot and Co. is a puzzle game in which you control Psychobot, a microscopic robot who wanders through the compartments of bigger robots (called Tetrobots) and fixes them when they break. To do this, you must collect blocks, rearrange them in the correct place, flip switches, manipulate lasers, and more. There are many different kinds of blocks, each with different properties. Tetrobot’s puzzles are artfully crafted, and some might take you hours to complete. If you tend to like your games fast-paced and action-packed, you might not have the patience for this title. But the lovely story, the cute sounds and music, and the extreme satisfaction of finishing a level by yourself may be enough to keep you thoroughly engaged. For more, read our review.
Broken Age (Apple Rating 9+)
Platform(s): PC, Mac, iOS, Android (download only)
Release Date: January 14
Apple Content Descriptor(s): Infrequent/Mild Horror/Fear Themes, Infrequent/Mild Mature/Suggestive Themes, Infrequent/Mild Cartoon or Fantasy Violence
Broken Age Part 1 is a fantastic, simple puzzle game with a great story and highly entertaining characters. Highlights are its humor, top-of-the-line voice acting, and painterly animation. The game follows two teenagers’ personal quests for freedom from their very different confinements. The story straddles the line between sci-fi and fantasy. Although only the first part of the game has been released, the second part promises to be just as entertaining. For more details, read our review.
Release Date: January 14
Apple Content Descriptor(s): Infrequent/Mild Horror/Fear Themes, Infrequent/Mild Mature/Suggestive Themes, Infrequent/Mild Cartoon or Fantasy Violence
Broken Age Part 1 is a fantastic, simple puzzle game with a great story and highly entertaining characters. Highlights are its humor, top-of-the-line voice acting, and painterly animation. The game follows two teenagers’ personal quests for freedom from their very different confinements. The story straddles the line between sci-fi and fantasy. Although only the first part of the game has been released, the second part promises to be just as entertaining. For more details, read our review.
Cannon Brawl (Not Rated)
Platform(s): PC, Mac, Linux (download only)
Release Date: September 19
ESRB Content Descriptor(s): Not Rated
Cannon Brawl is a family-friendly real-time 2D strategy game with a fast pace, a smart design, and a good sense of humor. After your evil uncle kidnaps your father (the king) in an attempt to take over his kingdom, you must roll up your sleeves and dive into a military campaign to rescue your dad and reclaim your birthright. Cannon Brawl’s gameplay makes multitasking not only teachable, but also incredibly fun. The fighting and explosions are all dealt out by presumably unmanned weaponry, which keeps the violence at a minimum. For more details, read our review.
Release Date: September 19
ESRB Content Descriptor(s): Not Rated
Cannon Brawl is a family-friendly real-time 2D strategy game with a fast pace, a smart design, and a good sense of humor. After your evil uncle kidnaps your father (the king) in an attempt to take over his kingdom, you must roll up your sleeves and dive into a military campaign to rescue your dad and reclaim your birthright. Cannon Brawl’s gameplay makes multitasking not only teachable, but also incredibly fun. The fighting and explosions are all dealt out by presumably unmanned weaponry, which keeps the violence at a minimum. For more details, read our review.
Child of Light
Platform(s): Xbox One, Xbox 360, PlayStation 4, PlayStation 3, PS Vita, Wii U, PC
Release Date: April 29
ESRB Content Descriptor(s): Fantasy Violence, Use of Alcohol and Tobacco
Child of Light is a fantasy turn-based roleplaying game notable for its incredibly gorgeous animation. When you play it you feel as if you’re wandering through a watercolor storybook. Aurora, the princess, must save her world from a mysterious darkness with the help of her firefly companion and other friends. Child of Light is a great choice for families looking for a good co-op game; kids can play as the firefly while more experienced players take control of Aurora. For more details, read our review.
Release Date: April 29
ESRB Content Descriptor(s): Fantasy Violence, Use of Alcohol and Tobacco
Child of Light is a fantasy turn-based roleplaying game notable for its incredibly gorgeous animation. When you play it you feel as if you’re wandering through a watercolor storybook. Aurora, the princess, must save her world from a mysterious darkness with the help of her firefly companion and other friends. Child of Light is a great choice for families looking for a good co-op game; kids can play as the firefly while more experienced players take control of Aurora. For more details, read our review.
Civilization: Beyond Earth
Platform(s): PC, Mac
Release Date: October 23
ESRB Content Descriptor(s): Alcohol reference, fantasy violence, language
Civilization: Beyond Earth carries on the tradition of previous Civilization games, but changes the setting from historical to futuristic. Players are transported to an alien planet and forced to forge a new life for humanity there. Turn-based strategy allows for technological, economic, political, and military decisions to be made in the name of progress. While Beyond Earth loses some of the historical learning that previous games offered, it’s educational—resource management, strategy, and leadership opportunities are all present. For more details, read our review.
Release Date: October 23
ESRB Content Descriptor(s): Alcohol reference, fantasy violence, language
Civilization: Beyond Earth carries on the tradition of previous Civilization games, but changes the setting from historical to futuristic. Players are transported to an alien planet and forced to forge a new life for humanity there. Turn-based strategy allows for technological, economic, political, and military decisions to be made in the name of progress. While Beyond Earth loses some of the historical learning that previous games offered, it’s educational—resource management, strategy, and leadership opportunities are all present. For more details, read our review.
Costume Quest 2
Platform(s): Xbox One, Xbox 360, PlayStation 4, PlayStation 3, Wii U, PC, Mac, Linux (download only)
Release Date: October 28
ESRB Content Descriptor(s): Fantasy Violence
Costume Quest 2 is a hilarious holiday adventure through time and space. When the evil dentist Orel White conspires with a Time Wizard to become supreme dental overlord of the world, twins Wren and Reynold must use their love of costumes and candy to bring him to justice. The game involves exploration and turn-based fighting, both of which are jam-packed with excellent humor. The characters in the game are diverse and respectful. In this game, kids and adults are able to work together towards a common goal, instead of falling back on that tired cliché of young-versus-old. For more details, read our review.
Release Date: October 28
ESRB Content Descriptor(s): Fantasy Violence
Costume Quest 2 is a hilarious holiday adventure through time and space. When the evil dentist Orel White conspires with a Time Wizard to become supreme dental overlord of the world, twins Wren and Reynold must use their love of costumes and candy to bring him to justice. The game involves exploration and turn-based fighting, both of which are jam-packed with excellent humor. The characters in the game are diverse and respectful. In this game, kids and adults are able to work together towards a common goal, instead of falling back on that tired cliché of young-versus-old. For more details, read our review.
Disney Fantasia: Music Evolved
Platform(s): Xbox One, Xbox 360 (Kinect required)
Release Date: October 21
ESRB Content Descriptor(s): Lyrics
Disney Fantasia: Music Evolved is pure magic. We’ve never played a game that made us feel as connected to music as this game does. Its gorgeous art and expansive environments filled with great little flourishes make the game a joy to play even when you’re not in the core music gameplay. Since two players can enjoy the whole experience together, it’s a great game for kids and parents to play together. For more details, read our review.
Release Date: October 21
ESRB Content Descriptor(s): Lyrics
Disney Fantasia: Music Evolved is pure magic. We’ve never played a game that made us feel as connected to music as this game does. Its gorgeous art and expansive environments filled with great little flourishes make the game a joy to play even when you’re not in the core music gameplay. Since two players can enjoy the whole experience together, it’s a great game for kids and parents to play together. For more details, read our review.
Disney Infinity 2.0: Marvel Superheroes
Platform(s): Xbox One, Xbox 360, PlayStation 4, PlayStation 3, Wii U, PC, iOS
Release Date: September 23
ESRB Content Descriptor(s): Cartoon Violence
Disney Infinity is a toys-to-life game featuring your favorite Disney and Marvel characters. As The Avengers, the player can protect New York from Loki’s Frost Giants in several story missions. Or, they can build their own worlds and games with the Toy Box. The Toy Box is Disney Infinity’s super customizable game maker. You can build anything you can imagine. Kids and adults will love the figurines, which are very solidly made and represent all your favorite Marvel characters (including Hiro and Baymax from Big Hero 6!) and Disney classics as well. For more, read our review.
Just Dance 2015
Platform(s): Xbox One, Xbox 360, PlayStation 4, PlayStation 3, Wii U, Wii
Release Date: October 21
ESRB Content Descriptor(s): Lyrics
Just Dance 2015, like its predecessors, has brightly colored dance coaches guiding you through flamboyant dance routines. Most of the songs are pop hits from this year, but there are some classics thrown in, too. The solid dancing experience is fleshed out with some cool new features like Community Remix and Karaoke (Wii U version only). If you are looking for a new motion game to liven up your family game night, this one will work out just fine. For more details, see our review.
Release Date: October 21
ESRB Content Descriptor(s): Lyrics
Just Dance 2015, like its predecessors, has brightly colored dance coaches guiding you through flamboyant dance routines. Most of the songs are pop hits from this year, but there are some classics thrown in, too. The solid dancing experience is fleshed out with some cool new features like Community Remix and Karaoke (Wii U version only). If you are looking for a new motion game to liven up your family game night, this one will work out just fine. For more details, see our review.
NHL 15
Platform(s):Xbox One, Xbox 360, PlayStation 4, PlayStation 3
Release Date: September 9
Content Descriptor(s): Mild Violence
No doubt some new console buyers were disappointed that the NHL series decided to stick to last-gen platforms in 2013, but NHL 15 brings the action to both active Xbox and PlayStation consoles this time around. Luckily, it was well worth the wait for PlayStation 4 and Xbox One owners, at least in terms of presentation. NHL 15 takes full advantage of the recent hardware to deliver dazzling on-ice graphics, with realistic players and hits, as well as impressive NBC Sports broadcast presentation. For more details, read our article on sports games.
Release Date: September 9
Content Descriptor(s): Mild Violence
No doubt some new console buyers were disappointed that the NHL series decided to stick to last-gen platforms in 2013, but NHL 15 brings the action to both active Xbox and PlayStation consoles this time around. Luckily, it was well worth the wait for PlayStation 4 and Xbox One owners, at least in terms of presentation. NHL 15 takes full advantage of the recent hardware to deliver dazzling on-ice graphics, with realistic players and hits, as well as impressive NBC Sports broadcast presentation. For more details, read our article on sports games.
Octodad: Dadliest Catch
Platform(s): PlayStation 4, PC, Mac (download only)
Release Date: January 30
ESRB Content Descriptor(s): Fantasy Violence
Octodad is ridiculous and fun. As the titular Octodad—an octopus disguised as a man—you must control your arms and legs, perform everyday tasks that are very difficult with tentacles, and be sure to keep your real identity a secret. In Dadliest Catch, Octodad and his family go to the aquarium and are menaced by a chef who knows that Octodad is really an octopus. The game can be two-player if you want, with one player controlling Octodad’s arms and the other controlling his legs.
Release Date: January 30
ESRB Content Descriptor(s): Fantasy Violence
Octodad is ridiculous and fun. As the titular Octodad—an octopus disguised as a man—you must control your arms and legs, perform everyday tasks that are very difficult with tentacles, and be sure to keep your real identity a secret. In Dadliest Catch, Octodad and his family go to the aquarium and are menaced by a chef who knows that Octodad is really an octopus. The game can be two-player if you want, with one player controlling Octodad’s arms and the other controlling his legs.
Plants vs. Zombies: Garden Warfare
Platform(s): Xbox One, Xbox 360, PlayStation 4, PlayStation 3, PC
Release Date: February 25
ESRB Content Descriptor(s): Animated Blood, Crude Humor, Fantasy Violence
This spin off of the hugely popular Plants vs. Zombies is a third-person cooperative and competitive game where you can play as one of four plants or one of four zombies. Each plant and zombie has different strengths and weaknesses and working together as a team is paramount in both the cooperative and even some of the competitive modes. Even though the gameplay is vastly different from the original game, it maintains the bright cartoonish art style and goofy humor that are hallmarks of the series.
Release Date: February 25
ESRB Content Descriptor(s): Animated Blood, Crude Humor, Fantasy Violence
This spin off of the hugely popular Plants vs. Zombies is a third-person cooperative and competitive game where you can play as one of four plants or one of four zombies. Each plant and zombie has different strengths and weaknesses and working together as a team is paramount in both the cooperative and even some of the competitive modes. Even though the gameplay is vastly different from the original game, it maintains the bright cartoonish art style and goofy humor that are hallmarks of the series.
The Sailor’s Dream (Apple Rating 12+)
Platform(s): iOS (download only)
Release Date: November 6
Apple Descriptors: None
The Sailor’s Dream is an elegant mobile game that is more poetry than puzzle. It sets you in a beautiful and peaceful ocean, surrounded by six small islands. You can explore each island in whatever order you like, scrolling through rooms and discovering items that each reveal a tiny piece of a larger story. There are dark elements to the tale; however, it’s neither intense nor frightening. The game moves at a dreamlike pace, encouraging you to take your time in this strange and wondrous world. For more details, read our review.
Release Date: November 6
Apple Descriptors: None
The Sailor’s Dream is an elegant mobile game that is more poetry than puzzle. It sets you in a beautiful and peaceful ocean, surrounded by six small islands. You can explore each island in whatever order you like, scrolling through rooms and discovering items that each reveal a tiny piece of a larger story. There are dark elements to the tale; however, it’s neither intense nor frightening. The game moves at a dreamlike pace, encouraging you to take your time in this strange and wondrous world. For more details, read our review.
Skylanders: Trap Team
Platform(s): Xbox One, Xbox 360, PlayStation 4, PlayStation 3, Wii U, Wii, 3DS, iOS, Android, Fire OS
Release Date: October 5
ESRB Content Descriptor(s): Cartoon Violence, Comic Mischief
Skylanders is a platforming action-adventure game, where you save the magical Skylands from a gang of villains. It’s also a toy that you can play with in the real world—all the playable characters are represented by action figures. Skylanders: Trap Team is fun and funny, and it has a lot of heart. The characters are colorful and imaginative, and it always feels good to play. Every character has different, awesome abilities that are just as fun to explore as the Skylands themselves. A second player can jump in at any time, so give this one a whirl with a kid or loved one. For more details, read our review.
Release Date: October 5
ESRB Content Descriptor(s): Cartoon Violence, Comic Mischief
Skylanders is a platforming action-adventure game, where you save the magical Skylands from a gang of villains. It’s also a toy that you can play with in the real world—all the playable characters are represented by action figures. Skylanders: Trap Team is fun and funny, and it has a lot of heart. The characters are colorful and imaginative, and it always feels good to play. Every character has different, awesome abilities that are just as fun to explore as the Skylands themselves. A second player can jump in at any time, so give this one a whirl with a kid or loved one. For more details, read our review.
Super Smash Bros. for Wii U and 3DS
Platform(s): Wii U, 3DS
Release Date: November 21/October 3
ESRB Content Descriptor(s): Cartoon Violence, Comic Mischief, Mild Suggestive Themes
Super Smash Bros. is a long-running game franchise from Nintendo. The latest game adds in a ton of new ways to play, including support for up to eight players at a time, a surprisingly robust single-player campaign, and support for the new Amiibo figurines. This is a must-have for any Nintendo fan. For more details, read our review.
Release Date: November 21/October 3
ESRB Content Descriptor(s): Cartoon Violence, Comic Mischief, Mild Suggestive Themes
Super Smash Bros. is a long-running game franchise from Nintendo. The latest game adds in a ton of new ways to play, including support for up to eight players at a time, a surprisingly robust single-player campaign, and support for the new Amiibo figurines. This is a must-have for any Nintendo fan. For more details, read our review.
The Banner Saga (Apple Rating 12+)
Platform(s): Android, iOS, PlayStation 4, PC, Mac (download only)
Release Date: January 14
Apple Content Descriptor(s): None
This fantasy Viking roleplaying strategy game is unique in its execution—players switch between characters as they progress and make choices that affect the outcome of the story in meaningful ways. Combat is set up like chess on a grid, so strategy players will find lots to entertain them. The story is truly an epic, featuring an interesting political climate and heroic characters. Though only the first part of the game has been released, it is a self-contained story.
Release Date: January 14
Apple Content Descriptor(s): None
This fantasy Viking roleplaying strategy game is unique in its execution—players switch between characters as they progress and make choices that affect the outcome of the story in meaningful ways. Combat is set up like chess on a grid, so strategy players will find lots to entertain them. The story is truly an epic, featuring an interesting political climate and heroic characters. Though only the first part of the game has been released, it is a self-contained story.
Dance Central Spotlight
Platform(s): Xbox One (requires Kinect) (download only)
Release Date: September 2
ESRB Content Descriptor(s): Mild Lyrics
Dance Central Spotlight is an extension of the three Dance Central games that appeared on the Xbox 360. Available exclusively for Xbox One, it uses the Kinect motion sensor to track your entire body and scores you based on how well you can execute specific dance moves. All of the dance moves are designed by professional choreographers. Two players can dance at the same time, and you can select from a variety of characters to be your onscreen avatar. That character gives you guidance on how the moves should be performed. For more details, read our review.
Release Date: September 2
ESRB Content Descriptor(s): Mild Lyrics
Dance Central Spotlight is an extension of the three Dance Central games that appeared on the Xbox 360. Available exclusively for Xbox One, it uses the Kinect motion sensor to track your entire body and scores you based on how well you can execute specific dance moves. All of the dance moves are designed by professional choreographers. Two players can dance at the same time, and you can select from a variety of characters to be your onscreen avatar. That character gives you guidance on how the moves should be performed. For more details, read our review.
Destiny
Platform(s): Xbox One, PlayStation 4, Xbox 360, PlayStation 3
Release Date: September 9
ESRB Content Descriptor(s): Animated Blood, Violence
Between the PvP and the endgame co-op content, we wouldn’t be at all surprised if Destiny manages to maintain a good-sized player base for years to come. It might not really do anything all that new or innovative, but it’s fun to play, mostly well balanced in terms of difficulty, and very pretty to look at. For more details, read our review.
Release Date: September 9
ESRB Content Descriptor(s): Animated Blood, Violence
Between the PvP and the endgame co-op content, we wouldn’t be at all surprised if Destiny manages to maintain a good-sized player base for years to come. It might not really do anything all that new or innovative, but it’s fun to play, mostly well balanced in terms of difficulty, and very pretty to look at. For more details, read our review.
NARUTO SHIPPUDEN: Ultimate Ninja STORM Revolution
Platform(s): PlayStation 3, Xbox 360, PC
Release Date: September 11
ESRB Content Descriptor(s): Violence, Blood, Use of Alcohol and Tobacco
This fighting game is both entertaining and well-designed. While its story missions are better reserved for fans of the Naruto anime and manga series, there’s plenty for those who aren’t familiar with Naruto. Exciting (and short!) one-on-one battles are beautifully animated and fast-paced. As a bonus for parents, there is very little blood and violence, a rarity in the world of fighting games. For more details, read our review.
Release Date: September 11
ESRB Content Descriptor(s): Violence, Blood, Use of Alcohol and Tobacco
This fighting game is both entertaining and well-designed. While its story missions are better reserved for fans of the Naruto anime and manga series, there’s plenty for those who aren’t familiar with Naruto. Exciting (and short!) one-on-one battles are beautifully animated and fast-paced. As a bonus for parents, there is very little blood and violence, a rarity in the world of fighting games. For more details, read our review.
Never Alone
Platform(s): Xbox One, PlayStation 4, PC (download only)
Release Date: November 18
ESRB Content Descriptor(s): Violence
This cooperative platformer follows the story of a young girl and a friendly fox as they set off on a quest to discover the source of a terrible blizzard that’s causing the girl’s village to starve. A hungry polar bear, an evil man, and even the weather are obstacles the girl must face in order to complete her quest. The platforming elements are fairly simple, but the game is best played by two people rather than one. For more details on Never Alone, read our review.
Release Date: November 18
ESRB Content Descriptor(s): Violence
This cooperative platformer follows the story of a young girl and a friendly fox as they set off on a quest to discover the source of a terrible blizzard that’s causing the girl’s village to starve. A hungry polar bear, an evil man, and even the weather are obstacles the girl must face in order to complete her quest. The platforming elements are fairly simple, but the game is best played by two people rather than one. For more details on Never Alone, read our review.
Revolution 60 (Apple Rating 12+)
Platform(s): iOS (download only)
Release Date: July 12
Apple Content Descriptor(s): Infrequent/Mild Horror/Fear Themes, Infrequent/Mild Medical/Treatment Information, Infrequent/Mild Profanity or Crude Humor, Frequent/Intense Cartoon or Fantasy Violence
Revolution 60 is a role playing game set in the future where the choices the player makes significantly affect the outcome of the game. Players take the role of Holiday, an assassin and part of an all-female team of special operatives. Through the course of the game it becomes clear Holiday’s mission isn’t quite what she thought it should be. The game has a great story and features complex characters that can be great role models for girls. For more details, read our review.
Release Date: July 12
Apple Content Descriptor(s): Infrequent/Mild Horror/Fear Themes, Infrequent/Mild Medical/Treatment Information, Infrequent/Mild Profanity or Crude Humor, Frequent/Intense Cartoon or Fantasy Violence
Revolution 60 is a role playing game set in the future where the choices the player makes significantly affect the outcome of the game. Players take the role of Holiday, an assassin and part of an all-female team of special operatives. Through the course of the game it becomes clear Holiday’s mission isn’t quite what she thought it should be. The game has a great story and features complex characters that can be great role models for girls. For more details, read our review.
The Sims 4
Platform(s): PC
Release Date: September 2
ESRB Content Descriptor(s): Crude Humor, Sexual Themes, Violence
The Sims 4 allows you to create families of personalized cartoon people and play out the drama of their lives. You have to keep your Sims clean and fed, get them jobs, take care of their houses—and make sure they have some fun (and maybe some romance) on top of that. It’s a very funny, slapstick game, and it definitely feeds into fantasies of having the dream job and the dream home. It’s also a great way to practice multitasking! For more, read our review.
Release Date: September 2
ESRB Content Descriptor(s): Crude Humor, Sexual Themes, Violence
The Sims 4 allows you to create families of personalized cartoon people and play out the drama of their lives. You have to keep your Sims clean and fed, get them jobs, take care of their houses—and make sure they have some fun (and maybe some romance) on top of that. It’s a very funny, slapstick game, and it definitely feeds into fantasies of having the dream job and the dream home. It’s also a great way to practice multitasking! For more, read our review.
Transistor
Platform(s): PlayStation 4, Mac, PC (download only)
Release Date: May 20
ESRB Content Descriptor(s): Violence, Mild Language
Transistor’s silent protagonist’s journey to get vengeance on those who stole her voice and her city is made all the more poignant by its incredible soundtrack. This sci-fi roleplaying game has some unique gameplay mechanics and great graphics to boot. Gamers who like music, strategy, and great science fiction stories will thoroughly enjoy Transistor. For more details, read our review.
Valiant Hearts: The Great War
Platform(s): Android, iOS, PlayStation 4, PlayStation 3, Xbox One, Xbox 360, PC (download only)
Release Date: June 24
ESRB Content Descriptor(s): Violence, Blood, Use of Alcohol and Tobacco
Valiant Hearts: The Great War is a thoughtful look at WWI history. This puzzle game brings humanity to the tragedy of war by following five characters and their personal journeys through the European countryside during the 1910s. While most war games focus on combat and battle strategy, Valiant Hearts instead opts for an exploration of the emotional impact war has on its participants. This game is great for those looking for an easy way to learn history via engaging puzzles and characters. For more, read our review.
Release Date: June 24
ESRB Content Descriptor(s): Violence, Blood, Use of Alcohol and Tobacco
Valiant Hearts: The Great War is a thoughtful look at WWI history. This puzzle game brings humanity to the tragedy of war by following five characters and their personal journeys through the European countryside during the 1910s. While most war games focus on combat and battle strategy, Valiant Hearts instead opts for an exploration of the emotional impact war has on its participants. This game is great for those looking for an easy way to learn history via engaging puzzles and characters. For more, read our review.
Year Walk (Apple Rating 12+)
Platform(s): iOS, PC, Mac (download only)
Release Date: March 6
Apple Content Descriptor(s): Frequent/Intense Horror/Fear Themes, Infrequent/Mild Realistic Violence, Infrequent/Mild Mature/Suggestive Themes, Infrequent/Mild Cartoon or Fantasy Violence
Year Walk is a fantasy horror game which tells the story of Daniel Svensson, a 19th-century Swedish man who embarks upon a traditional vision quest after his true love leaves him for another man. The game has great puzzles, fascinating settings, excellent story structure, and enormous artistic value. For more, read our review.
Release Date: March 6
Apple Content Descriptor(s): Frequent/Intense Horror/Fear Themes, Infrequent/Mild Realistic Violence, Infrequent/Mild Mature/Suggestive Themes, Infrequent/Mild Cartoon or Fantasy Violence
Year Walk is a fantasy horror game which tells the story of Daniel Svensson, a 19th-century Swedish man who embarks upon a traditional vision quest after his true love leaves him for another man. The game has great puzzles, fascinating settings, excellent story structure, and enormous artistic value. For more, read our review.
Assassin’s Creed: Unity
Platform(s): Xbox One, PlayStation 4, PC
Release Date: November 11
ESRB Descriptor(s): Blood and Gore, Intense Violence, Sexual Themes, Strong Language, Use of Alcohol
Assassin’s Creed: Unity is an action adventure game that follows the journey of Arno Dorian. Over the backdrop of intrigue and murder during the French Revolution, Arno is training as a member of the Brotherhood of Assassins. The game has a great historical angle, with tons of database entries about Paris and the French Revolution. The main attraction is the incredibly fun gameplay, which has players free climbing through revolutionary Paris and assassinating people with hidden blades. It’s definitely one of our favorite Assassin’s Creed games yet. For more, see our review.
Release Date: November 11
ESRB Descriptor(s): Blood and Gore, Intense Violence, Sexual Themes, Strong Language, Use of Alcohol
Assassin’s Creed: Unity is an action adventure game that follows the journey of Arno Dorian. Over the backdrop of intrigue and murder during the French Revolution, Arno is training as a member of the Brotherhood of Assassins. The game has a great historical angle, with tons of database entries about Paris and the French Revolution. The main attraction is the incredibly fun gameplay, which has players free climbing through revolutionary Paris and assassinating people with hidden blades. It’s definitely one of our favorite Assassin’s Creed games yet. For more, see our review.
Dragon Age: Inquisition
Platform(s): Xbox One, Xbox 360, PlayStation 4, PlayStation 3, PC
Release Date: November 18
ESRB Content Descriptor(s): Blood, Nudity, Intense Violence, Sexual Content, Strong Language
Dragon Age: Inquisition is the latest in the Dragon Age series of roleplaying games from Bioware. With incredible graphics, world-building, characters, and story, Inquisition is likely to pique the interest of any RPG or fantasy fan. It’s also huge—we’re talking 100+ hours of gameplay. The game is rated M for good reasons, but older teens will find that it offers a lot of fodder for discussion and higher-level thinking. Anyone looking for a thought-provoking storyline and fantastic gameplay all in one will be delighted with Inquisition. For more details, read our review.
Release Date: November 18
ESRB Content Descriptor(s): Blood, Nudity, Intense Violence, Sexual Content, Strong Language
Dragon Age: Inquisition is the latest in the Dragon Age series of roleplaying games from Bioware. With incredible graphics, world-building, characters, and story, Inquisition is likely to pique the interest of any RPG or fantasy fan. It’s also huge—we’re talking 100+ hours of gameplay. The game is rated M for good reasons, but older teens will find that it offers a lot of fodder for discussion and higher-level thinking. Anyone looking for a thought-provoking storyline and fantastic gameplay all in one will be delighted with Inquisition. For more details, read our review.
Halo: The Master Chief Collection
Platform(s): Xbox One
Release Date: November 11
ESRB Content Descriptor(s): Blood and Gore, Language, Violence
November 9th marked the 10th anniversary of the release of Halo 2, and 343 Industries has released Halo: The Master Chief Collection to commemorate it. It includes the beautifully remastered versions of Halo: Combat Evolved and Halo 2, as well as Halo 3 and Halo 4, all for the price of one game. For people who haven’t played all of the games in the Halo main series, this is a great opportunity to pick them all up. For longtime Halo fans who have already played them all, this is still a great opportunity to have all four games on one disc. For more details, read our review.
Release Date: November 11
ESRB Content Descriptor(s): Blood and Gore, Language, Violence
November 9th marked the 10th anniversary of the release of Halo 2, and 343 Industries has released Halo: The Master Chief Collection to commemorate it. It includes the beautifully remastered versions of Halo: Combat Evolved and Halo 2, as well as Halo 3 and Halo 4, all for the price of one game. For people who haven’t played all of the games in the Halo main series, this is a great opportunity to pick them all up. For longtime Halo fans who have already played them all, this is still a great opportunity to have all four games on one disc. For more details, read our review.
Middle-earth: Shadow of Mordor
Platform(s): Xbox One, PlayStation 4, Xbox 360, PlayStation 3, PC
Release Date: September 30
ESRB Content Descriptor(s): Blood and Gore, Intense Violence
Middle-earth: Shadow of Mordor is an open-world action game set in the gap between “The Hobbit” and the “Lord of the Rings” trilogy. It’s rated M, and it’s pretty violent, but a lot of kids are going to want to play it because it’s set in the wildly popular Lord of the Rings universe. The game’s story follows a human ranger named Talion whose family is ritually sacrificed before his eyes by the Black Hand of Sauron, a captain of Sauron’s orc army. For more details, read our review.
Release Date: September 30
ESRB Content Descriptor(s): Blood and Gore, Intense Violence
Middle-earth: Shadow of Mordor is an open-world action game set in the gap between “The Hobbit” and the “Lord of the Rings” trilogy. It’s rated M, and it’s pretty violent, but a lot of kids are going to want to play it because it’s set in the wildly popular Lord of the Rings universe. The game’s story follows a human ranger named Talion whose family is ritually sacrificed before his eyes by the Black Hand of Sauron, a captain of Sauron’s orc army. For more details, read our review.
Sunset Overdrive
Platform(s): Xbox One
Release Date: October 28
ESRB Content Descriptor(s): Blood and Gore, Drug Reference, Sexual Themes, Strong Language, Violence
Sunset Overdrive is a fun and vastly humorous game that doesn’t take itself or gaming in general very seriously. It’s set within a city that is overrun by mutants thanks to an untested energy drink. There is a lot of language, but most of the violence feels cartoony and over-the-top. The game offers the ability to turn off the language and blood, making it more palatable for slightly younger gamers. For more details, read our review.
Release Date: October 28
ESRB Content Descriptor(s): Blood and Gore, Drug Reference, Sexual Themes, Strong Language, Violence
Sunset Overdrive is a fun and vastly humorous game that doesn’t take itself or gaming in general very seriously. It’s set within a city that is overrun by mutants thanks to an untested energy drink. There is a lot of language, but most of the violence feels cartoony and over-the-top. The game offers the ability to turn off the language and blood, making it more palatable for slightly younger gamers. For more details, read our review.
