Upcoming 2010 Family Friendly Video Games

Finding a quality video game that the whole family can enjoy can be tough. There are times when I love a game, but my son can not play it. Unfortunately, many of the kid-friendly titles are low quality re-hashing of cartoons or movies. In the next several months, there are great family friendly video games releasing that kids and parents can enjoy together.

Super Mario Galaxy 2
The sequel to Mario's first Wii game hits store in May. Parents who grew up with Mario will love the traditional platformer style of play. As the Mario games become more difficult as you progress, let the kids try the earlier stages. Veterans can take the tough levels. Like the first Galaxy game there is a co-op mode where a second player can control the Star Pointer. New in the sequel is Yoshi and a drill that allows players to dig into different areas of the planets. There is no official rating for the game, but Mario is a safe bet for family friendly entertainment. Other Mario games available now are New Super Mario Bros and Mario Kart Wii.

Lego Harry PotterYears 1-4
Also releasing in May, the Harry Potter Lego video game is going to be great family fun. Game play is single player or co-op mode. Already available in the Lego game franchise are Star Wars, Batman, and Indiana Jones. While they may look like just kids' games, they are solid titles parents can enjoy too. I expect Lego Harry Potter will be the same. The video game covers the first four books. Just like in the other Lego games, there are plenty of collectible items and characters to unlock. It's rated E10+.

3D Dot Game Heroes
This PS3 action/adventure exclusive is releasing on May 11th. Players are a fully customizable 3D character made entirely from dots. The game draws heavily on older favorites such as the Legend of Zelda. There are dungeons to explore, puzzles, and minigames. Although it's only a single player game, older kids and parents will enjoy it. Parents will love the retro, blocky look. There is plenty of humor in the game, like different swords and axes with crazy abilities. It is rated E10+.

Tetris Party Deluxe
The popular WiiWare video game is releasing a bigger, better version for the Wii. Tetris features six new modes like Bombliss and Spirit. Co-op mode is also new. Players can split up into teams and battle on a huge game board. Older modes received upgrades, letting players create levels and edit tracks. The Wii version supports the Balance Board, the Mario Kart Wheel and WiiSpeak. This a great video game for families and parties. With all the new features and peripheral support, Tetris should be fun for everyone. It will also be available on the DS. Tetris is rated E and releases on June 8th.

Epic Mickey
Releasing in September is the new Disney video game, Epic Mickey. This game will be a mixture of platforming and role playing. While it's a Disney title, it promises to show Mickey's mischievous side. It takes place in the Cartoon Wasteland. Mickey's older, half brother Oswald the Rabbit is jealous of the mouse's fame and is plotting against him. Players can use a paintbrush to color certain parts of the environment or use paint thinner to defeat enemies. Although, the game has a darker tone, it will be enjoyable by older children and their parents. There is no rating yet, but I'm assuming it will receive an E10+ or T. Right now, it is only going to be available for the Wii. It may be released on the PS3 and Xbox 360 as well.

Video games don't have be either for kids or adults. There are many games the entire family can play together without worrying about appropriate content. These five games are shaping up to be solid titles everyone will enjoy.

Sources:

Personal Experience

Super Mario Galaxy 2 on ign.com

Lego Harry Potter on ign.com
http://xbox360.ign.com/objects/143/14329938.html

http://www.3ddotgameheroes.com/

Tetris Party on ign.com

Epic Mickey on gameinformer.com