Gaming Holiday Gift Guide

Kid & Family Gift Guide

Band Hero (360/PS3/Wii) – Band Hero is a phenomenally fun music-game. It doesn’t add a heck of a lot to the genre, but it remains cemented in excellence in gameplay, and the addition of Sing Along mode is gem hidden in the game that Activision simply did not hype enough. The 65 on-disc tunes are very surprisingly varied and altogether comprise a very wholesome attack from Activision at creating more than just a "kiddy" Guitar Hero title. In-game appearances by Taylor Swift and Maroon 5’s Adam Levine add a level of "whoa cool" to the game.

LEGO Rock Band (360/PS3/Wii) – That same reviewer may or may not be reviewing this title, meaning you’ll get an accurate comparison!

MySims Agents (Wii) – MySims Agents might be the best of the traditional MySims titles, despite feeling the least like one. The customization options and MySims universe that has become so popular is still there, but this time there’s a legitimate plot and gameplay suited for those outside of EA’s normal demographic, instead of just the specific audience they historically shoot for with the series. Younger gamers will enjoy this game for the gameplay and the MySims features, while older gamers no longer have to be embarrassed about picking up the controller to play along with their little siblings thanks to the dialogue and nods to the more core crowd you’ll discover along the way.

MySims Racing (Wii) – The controls are tight, the gameplay is fun, and car customization is a neat aspect that hasn’t had enough play in the world of kart racers yet. It’s a shame the game lacks more tracks and online play, but what is here is worth playing. This is easily one of the top kids titles of the year on Wii, and the kind of game that parents (and 20-something game reviewers) don’t need to be ashamed of enjoying.

Nerf N-Strike Elite (Wii) – The series made a great design change from the original, going for more of a light-gun adventure than an arena-based series of challenges. It makes for gameplay that immerses the player into the experience more, and with the loads of customization options and many blasters to collect (and don’t forget co-op) there are plenty of reasons to come back to this title. It’s $60, but it comes packaged with a peripheral that works better than most similar products on the market alongside a quality game.

Trivial Pursuit (360/PS3/Wii) – Though there are many different options out there in both the digital and board game worlds, Trivial Pursuit has been a longtime favorite. This edition is both a nod to the classic board game as well as loaded with options that should make even the most die-hard board game enthusiast intrigued. Let’s not forget that this game costs just $40, which is less than your standard retail game and also about the same price as the actual board game, despite having more options and game modes.If you’re looking for something to play with your friends or family that doesn’t involve exploding zombies or headshots, then Trivial Pursuit will more than fill that need.