Playing games with your kids can be great.
As a parent, I can't imagine you want your kids in front of a screen all day. That said, there are plenty of benefits to playing video games like better critical thinking, problem-solving, and creativity.There are a lot of games out there, and it can be hard to decide which ones are best for you. So, I've picked a few games I think are perfect additions to your games collections to enjoy with your kids.
Baba Is You
Platforms: PC, Mac, Linux, Nintendo Switch, iOS, Android
Baba Is You is an award-winning puzzle game where players change the rules of the game to progress. In each level, the rules of the level are represented as blocks of text that can be pushed around, and by moving the blocks into certain orders, players create and change the game's rules, such as making a rock the end goal or preventing lava from being hot.
It's a simple game that is easy to pick up and has plenty of content to keep both you and your kids engaged across its 200 levels. Though it can get quite tough in later levels, so be prepared!
Tricky Towers
Platforms: PC, Mac, Linux, Nintendo Switch, PS4, Xbox One
If your kids have ever enjoyed Tetris, they will love Tricky Towers.
In this physics-based falling block puzzle game, players build a tower using Tetris style blocks in 3 distinct game modes, race survival, and puzzle. Players also get power-ups and spells with all manner of effects to use to both help control and steady your tower whilst causing havoc for other players, like enlarged pieces and vines to bind your tower.
It's a fun multiplayer game for when you want to battle it out together, and one that's worth every penny.
Snipperclips Plus: Cut It Out, Together!
Platforms: Nintendo Switch
A perfect couch co-op game for younger kids and adults to test their brains.
Snipperclips is a puzzle game where players take control of two characters called snip and clip. Working together, two players solve inventive puzzles by cutting and snipping each other into weird and unique shapes. These can be anything from cups to carry items, points to pop balloons, or even funky shapes to fit templates. It also comes with four-player options and a competitive mode to give even more options to play.
It requires creative thinking, teamwork, and communication, and is a perfect addition to your gaming library.
Chariot/Super Chariot
Platforms: PC, Nintendo Switch, Wii U, PS4, Xbox One, Apple TV
This game offers both humour and great gameplay, as well as opportunities for shenanigans.
In this co-op platformer, players must work together to manoeuvre the king's coffin - which is on wheels - to its final resting place. The fun comes from the physics-based gameplay, as you need to swing, push, pull, and ride the coffin through 25 levels, all with unique quirks and interesting puzzles and obstacles to overcome.
It's just as fun when you make mistakes as when you succeed, and the physics gameplay lends itself to co-op hilarity that makes for a humour filled and worthwhile experience. Perfect for a bit of chaotic hijinx.
Captain Toad Treasure Tracker
Platforms: Nintendo Switch
This spinoff featuring Mario's adventurous mushroom friend is charming, fun, and unique. A winning combination.
Playing as the titular Captain Toad, players explore diorama style levels and collect stars to progress through over 82 levels of puzzle-filled goodness. Unlike other Mario games, Captain Toad can't jump, so players instead move and rotate the camera to manipulate the level, helping to find pathways and secrets that house special green stars and additional items. There is a ton of variety and unique ideas on display in this game that will keep you busy for hours, though expect to help your kids with a few of the trickier ones later on. It even has a co-op option, so you can always join in the fun together.
It's another great showing from Nintendo, and it's a perfect game to play on the go with the Nintendo switch. Frankly, it's an absolute must if you want to keep yourself, and your kids entertained.