Quality Casual Video Games for the Whole Family

Finding casual video games the whole family can play together isn't hard. But, with the sheer amount of party type games available, finding quality ones can be a frustrating, money wasting mess. These are my top picks for quality, casual video games families will love to play.

Wii Sports Resort (Wii)
This is the casual game every family needs to own. Up to four people at once can play games like golf, bowling, basketball, or just enjoy collecting tokens during the island flyover. Like any great causal game, it's easy to pick up and play but still has enough challenge and variety to keep families engaged. It is rated E for everyone. Read my full review of Wii Sports Resorts here.

Uno (PSN, WiiWare, Xbox Live)
The popular family card game is now available for download on all three consoles. It cost less then a regular pack of Uno cards and you can't lose them. Players have the option of tweaking the rules to their liking. On some consoles like the Xbox 360, there's different decks to collect based on other popular video games like Street Fighter. Families can play with each other, with computer opponents, or with friends online. Uno is rated E.

Hasbro Family Game Night (Wii, PS3, Xbox 360)
Remember playing Connect Four, Twister, and Battleship as a kid? With Hasbro Family Game Night, you get favorite childhood board games on disc for around $35.00. The Hasbro video games are high quality, easy to pick up and play, and fun for kids. Mr. Potato Head plays an MC and guides you through the different games. There are two Hasbro games available now, with a third one releasing this Fall. They are rated E.

Mario Strikers Charged (Wii)
Everyone knows the traditional Mario games, but they focus on single player and can be too challenging for inexperienced gamers. With Mario Strikers Charged, the whole family can easily play the action packed soccer style game. Teams include favorite Mario characters, each with unique strikes and attacks. The multiplayer game is fun and frantic with a crazy amount of flying turtle shells, fire balls, and other attacks whizzing around the screen. It's rated E10+.

Lego Rock Band (Wii, PS3, Xbox 360)
If your family already owns a Rock Band bundle, but wants something a little more casual gamer friendly, try Lego Rock Band. For those who find music games too hard, Lego has a super easy mode that even grandma can get the hang of. Besides the ease of play, the cute graphics and family friendly songs make Lego a great first Rock Band for little musicians. The PS3 and Xbox 360 versions also have more songs available for download. It's rated E10+.

Rayman Raving Rabbids (Wii)
With over 70 mini-games, Rabbids will keep the whole family busy. Up to four people can join in and play together or take turns. From lasso challenges, to rhythm games, and rail shooters, the mini-games are full of variety and fun. The Rabbids games are known for their quirky sense of humor and this one is no different, even failing at a game will have the whole family laughing. It is rated E. For more Rabbids, check out the many sequels.

Tetris Party Deluxe (Wii)
Tetris is taken to new levels with this games. Not only does it offer the classic game in many fun modes,, but it includes Wii Fit board support to make things more interesting. For fast paced fun, try Bombliss mode or if you want to slow it down, play Field Climber. Three people can play against each other or the computer at once. Any Tetris fan in the family will enjoy the spin on an old favorite. My preview of Tetris Party Deluxe is here. It's rated E.

Even with the ton of sub par casual games released each year, there are still great ones to find. Games like these bring the whole family together regardless of gaming experience or age.

Sources:

Rayman Raving Rabbids on ign.com

Uno for the 360 on gamespot.com

http://www.nintendo.com/sites/mariostrikerscharged/

http://www.ea.com/games/hasbro-family-game-night

http://www.rockband.com/games/lego