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.
