Fun Family Gaming Gift Guide

By Sonya Davidson

Holiday season is packed with gift ideas and for families we often take a look at what games are out there. Whether it be board games or video games there’s no shortage of ideas. We break down some of our family favourites for this gift giving season.

VIDEO GAMES:

SUPER SMASH BROS ULTIMATE (Nintendo Switch): The legendary game worlds and figures collide in the ultimate showdown. New figures, like Inkling from the Splatoon series and Ridley from the Metroid series, make their debut in the series. At a recent Nintendo holiday event this game was a clear winner in the new releases. Up to 8 players. Suggested for ages 10 and up.

NBA 2K19 (Xbox One S): Fans of this franchise are raving about this recently released 20th edition of the popular basketball game. Graphics are so real looking you’ll do a double take. Game itself feels more authentic than ever before. Of course you’ll see an a-list roster of notable players. What else is cool? Playing the “neighbourhood” where you can immerse yourself in a street-ball style game. Rated E for everyone.

POKEMON LET’S GO PIKACHU! (Nintendo Switch): Pokemon fans will find an exciting new way to play. Discover new Pokemon encounters and Trainer battles. Share adventures with friends. Players can even transfer Pokemon into the game from the Pokemon GO app. Rated E for Everyone.

NINTENDO LABO VEHICLE KIT (Nintendo Switch): This interactive build-and-play kit provides the tools and technology to make DIY creations, play games with the creations and experience how technology turns ideas into reality. Even Bill Nye The Science Guy is into this gaming kit. The latest Vehicle Kit includes materials to build several toy controller projects including car, plane, submarine, spray can, pedal and two keys.  Rated E for everyone 10+. Parents will want to supervise the building component.

PAW PATROL: ON A ROLL (Xbox One): Young kids can get in on the action in Adventure Bay with 16 exciting rescue missions. Using special pup abilities, help rescue friends and keep safe. Game environments include Farmer Yumi’s Farm, Jake’s Mountain, a desert canyon and more. 

JUST DANCE 2019 (Xbox One): The latest edition will get you up on your feet and moving to over 40 new songs and access to more than 400 songs with Just Dance Unlimited (every copy of the game comes with 1-month free access). Some of the songs on this edition include Havana by Camila Cabello, Finesse by Bruno Mars ft. Cardi B., One Kiss by Calvin Harris and Dua Lipa and more. Great for family gatherings and sleepovers!

  

BOARD GAMES:

HEARING THINGS (Hasbro): a twist on the viral “Whisper Challenge” this game has you guessing what you think your teammate is saying by reading their lips. Wear headphones and pay attention to figure out what the other player says. The game comes with 140 cards with 600 phrases to decipher. For ages 12 and up. 

BRAINTOPIA (Captain Macaque/Asmodee Canada): Challenge your brain in a game that tests your thinking, memory and speed skills. Compete with other players in different challenges and test your brain power. Included in this game are 10 olfactory cards. Great for playing with aunts and uncles, grandparents and on vacation. Suitable for players ages 8 and up. 

SPEECH BREAKER (Hasbro): describe scenes from cards to your teammates without actually saying anything.Not as easy as it seems. The game comes with microphone, headphones and 100 cards. As you get your challenge to describe what's on the card you speak into the microphone...then be prepared to get all jumbled as while you're listening to the word repeated back to you only on delay -- or they call voice-jamming. What happens is your brain gets scrambled and makes it harder for you to describe what's on the card. Recommended for ages 14 and up.

MONOPOLY FORNITE EDITION (Hasbro): Blending two very popular games into one. This edition of Monopoly includes elements inspired by the video game. Familiar Fortnite locations and loot chest cards. Instead of Monopoly currency, players earn Health Points. Players pick up health packs, build walls and go after their opponents. Don’t worry parents, we’re sure the kids will explain. Just like the video game, the last player standing wins. For ages 13 and up.

 

MONOPOLY CHEATERS EDITION (Hasbro): For those who love to go against the rules, this Cheaters edition turns the whole Monopoly game to another level of fun. The twist here encourages players to cheat while playing. Special instruction cards give challenges to players to fulfill along the way. Recommended for ages 8 and up.

 

UNLOCK ESCAPE ADVENTURES (Space Cowboys/Asmodee Canada): We can’t get enough of escape room adventures. With Unlock! You can experience  the thrills without feeling trapped. Search the scenes, find objects and solve puzzles in this card/app game. For players ages 10 and up. 

 

KING OF THE DICE (HABA/Asmodee Canada): You rule the kingdom but you need to make it thrive. Gain new citizens for your kingdom by completing requirements on the cards with three rolls of the dice. Special cards provide you with benefits. Player with the best citizens at the end wins the game. Fun and quick family game for ages 8 and up.