2014 Holiday Gift Guide – Games that are fun for the whole family

Happy holidays parents, children and gift buyers! As a father of two boys, I know first-hand the enjoyment that spending some time playing a fun video game as a family can bring. Luckily, this year has seen the release of quite a few games great for the whole family to enjoy. If you have any gift buying questions, don't hesitate to comment, email me atLliebl@GameZone.com or tweet us at @Lance_GZ or @GameZoneOnline.

Make sure to check out our entire 2014 Holiday Gift Guide.

Consoles:

Speaking as a parent, my five-year-old is just starting to use my PlayStation 4 controller in games with me. But mostly, he has played on his 2DS (which we got him last Christmas) and the Wii U. The 2DS is great to play games like Super Smash Bros. 3DS, Disney and LEGO games, as you don’t have to worry about the 3D function being turned on. It is also less likely to break since it is a flat, wedge-like shape. Also, it comes in at a lower pricepoint than the 3DS XL.

Meanwhile, the Wii U I have found to be especially helpful since the kids can play the games off-screen on the Wii U’s gamepad (has its own screen) while my wife and I use the TV. Still, if you’re going to be supervising their video game playing time (which you should be) and want a console with options for adult games and high-end graphics too, all of the Xbox One, PS4, PS3 and Xbox 360 are fine options too. They all offer the same games on this list (minus the Nintendo exclusives) at different graphical outputs.

Games:

Disney Infinity 2.0: Marvel Super Heroes (PS4, PS3, Wii U, Xbox One, Xbox 360, PC)

Disney Infinity 2.0: Marvel Super Heroes is fun for the whole family. As a father of two, I can’t stress how much quality enjoyment this can bring for hours on end. Not only are the figures cool, but the game is very accessible to all ages. Bringing Marvel into the mix is brilliant, as kids and adults can play as their favorite super heroes like Iron Man, Spider-man, Thor and Groot. And then in the Toy Box, you can create your own adventures and worlds as you combine Marvel and Disney characters. [Review]

Disney Infinity 2.0 Toy Box (PS4, PS3, Wii U, Xbox One, Xbox 360, PC)

If you want the magic of Disney Infinity but not the Marvel, the Disney Infinity 2.0 Toy Box Starter Pack comes with Stitch and Merida, as well as their two Toy Box games. Without the pre-constructed Play Sets with quests for Marvel characters, you jump right into Toy Box mode where you can create your own games and worlds and do whatever you want. Better for people that have no interest in the Marvel Play Sets, which the Disney characters can’t be used in.

There are also non-Marvel Disney Originals figures new for 2.0. They include Donald Duck, Merida, Stitch, Tinker Bell, Maleficent, Aladdin, Jasmine, Hiro and Baymax. You can read our review of those characters here.

Super Smash Bros. (Wii U, 3DS)

Perhaps the most eagerly awaited game for the Wii U is here. Super Smash Bros. for Wii U proves once again that pitting its various mascots and characters against each other is still the best way to spend your time around a crowded TV. Gorgeous visuals and a robust character roster (and the addition of Amiibo figures sold separately) makes this one of the hottest holiday purchases. [Review]

Skylanders: Trap Team (Wii U, 3DS, PS4, PS3, Xbox One, Xbox 360, Kindle Fire)

To get the most out of Skylanders: Trap Team, you’ll have to spend quite a bit of money on figures and the new elemental traps. Still, while it’s costly, Trap Team is a load of fun with awesome characters, combat and puzzles. Just be prepared to spend some money! [Review]

LEGO Batman 3: Beyond Gotham (Xbox One, PS4, Wii U, PS3, PS Vita, 3DS, Xbox 360, PC)

The latest LEGO Batman game gets bigger and better as it brings Batman, Superman, Green Lantern, Wonder Woman and more into outer space! There are tons of characters, locations, humor, puzzles, action and replayability. And it’s fun for all ages. [Review]

Mario Kart 8 (Wii U)

Mario Kart 8 is phenomenal — cart racing at its finest. New anti-gravity segments add enough skill-based gameplay to make even seasoned veterans rethink their kart racing strategies. Among kart racing games, Mario Kart is still king. [Review]