There's no question that the gaming medium has evolved way past its origins as a pastime primarily for children. While most games these days are aimed at adults or teens, the little ones aren't entirely neglected -- as you'll see with these 10 games.
There are plenty of titles released each year that specifically avoid objectionable content that might result in some awkward questions for parents who aren't quite ready for those kinds of conversations just yet.
Here we are rounding up some of the best Xbox One games available in 2017 that are family-friendly but don't lose any of the fun factor.
Sadly, the Kinect bombed on this console iteration and the promise of a healthy lineup of improved motion games wasn't delivered on, so there's not a lot left in the way of games that make your kids get up and move while playing.
Only a handful of Kinect Xbox One games were released, and we'll cover two of them here that are still fun for the little ones. But for the most part these will be more traditional on-the-couch games mostly free of violence or any sort of adult situations.
Yooka-Laylee
- Buy it on: Amazon
- Release Date: May 26, 2017
- Price: $39.99
For parents who have fond memories of playing brightly colored platformers like Banjo-Kazooie, Crash Bandicoot, or Spyro The Dragon, you'll be having a nostalgia trip watching your own children dive into the adorable Yooka-Laylee.
LEGO Worlds
- Buy it on: Amazon
- Release Date: March 7, 2017
- Price: $29.99
If your kids loved the LEGO Movie (or just love playing with LEGOs), this sandbox title is essentially a LEGO-branded version of the Minecraft experience, letting your kid build whatever their imagination comes up with. They can also play randomized levels if they don't feel like building their own.
Skylanders Imaginators
- Buy it on: Walmart
- Release Date: October 16, 2016
- Price: $49.99 for base set + more for extra figurines and packs
After the sad demise of Disney Infinity, the toys-to-life genre is less crowded these days -- with Skylanders stepping in to take the lead. Combining figurine collecting with digital gaming, Skylanders lets you buy new physical characters that can then be used in-game, as well as adding in the ability for players to create their own unique characters.
Plants Vs. Zombies: Garden Warfare 2
- Buy it on: Microsoft Xbox One Store
- Release Date: February 22, 2016
- Price: $39.99 (or free with EA Access subscription)
While the original Plants vs. Zombies game was a puzzle title, this action-packed spinoff is basically a kid's version of adult shooters like Call Of Duty. While there is some comic violence here, overall the game is much more on the cute and funny side that's appropriate for anyone 10+ or so.
Rather than a soldier, Garden Warfare 2 puts the player in the role of a living sunflower trying to save the neighborhood from bumbling zombies who can't manage to do anything quite right. To tell if this scenario is right for your kids, check out some gameplay footage below.
Minecraft Xbox One Edition
- Buy it on: Microsoft Xbox One Store
- Release Date: September 4, 2014
- Price: $19.99
The popularity of this game just never seems to fade, with the title landing on nearly every single platform out there in one version or another. The graphics are incredibly simplistic and there's not much in the way of combat, so it's a good fit for the younger crowd.
There's a lot going on beneath the surface however, with many mechanics to learn as a player figures out how to build things and craft objects. This can be an excellent learning experience for the kiddos and tons of fun for the parents to help out with as well.
A ton of skin packs are also available so you can tailor the Minecraft experience to whatever your child prefers -- from Power Rangers to Star Wars to fantasy landscapes.
Fruit Ninja Kinect 2
- Buy it on: Microsoft Xbox One Store
- Release Date: March 17, 2015
- Price: $14.99
Although some mini-games get added in this time around, for the most part there's no complicated mechanics or gameplay to learn in this Kinect classic sequel.
Even the youngest ones can stand in front of the screen and wave their arms at waves of fruit. Get some competitive spirit going between family members as you see who can slice and dice the most pears, strawberries, and pineapples in the shortest time -- while throwing some cardio into the evening!
Rime
- Buy it on: Amazon (pre-order)
- Release Date: May 26, 2017
- Price: $29.99
Due out next month, this adventure game will scratch a somewhat similar itch as the much-lauded Legend Of Zelda: Breath Of The Wild, but without having to buy a Nintendo Switch.
This cartoon stylized title has the player exploring open landscapes and solving puzzles to advance to new areas -- using music, lighting, and perspectives to find clues on how to open up locations.
Oceanhorn: Monster of Uncharted Seas
- Buy it on: Microsoft Xbox One Store
- Release Date: September 6, 2016
- Price: $14.99
Diving into the traditional Zelda style with wild abandon, Oceanhorn is one of only a handful of games on the Xbox One that provides that classic Nintendo atmosphere. There are monsters and sword-swinging on this one, so it may not be for all families. But the violence is kept fairly abstract without any blood, and the cutesy style is more aimed at kids than adults.
Just Dance 2017
- Buy it on: Amazon
- Release Date: October 25, 2016
- Price: $49.99
A new year means a new Just Dance entry (and a rare Kinect release). With this game, you can get your kids off the couch and exercising while they unlock achievements and have fall-down-laughing fun with their friends!
The Peanuts Movie: Snoopy's Grand Adventure
- Buy it on: Amazon
- Release Date: November 3, 2016
- Price: $29.99
Think of a side scrolling platform game like Mario, add in the Peanuts characters, and simplify for it the 6 - 8 year olds. You've exactly got Snoopy's Grand Adventure. Typically with movie-branded titles like this you aren't expecting anything too amazing, but the level design and fun factor here is well worth it.
When it comes to games aimed at the family playing together, there's no shortage on the media-rich Xbox One console. These 10 are only a few of many kid-focused games available in 2017.
What did you think of our list, and what E-rated games would you recommend we try out with our kids this year? Let us know if you pick up any of the titles on this list and tell us what your children thought!
Published: Apr 17, 2017 06:31 pm