My kids and I both enjoy gaming. We enjoy, relax and learn from it. But not all the games I play are suitable for all our kids. If you are thinking of getting a new computer game for your children, here's some of the latest we are considering, what they are about and what you might like to know about them, from a mum of autistic and neurotypical kids.
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* Super Mario Maker 2 - PEGI Ages 3 and over
A great game for those who love the first Super Mario Brothers but with the added idea that this time you create the side-scrolling levels yourself.
Making your own Super Mario courses works by picking and placing iconic objects and enemies wherever you like along with choosing from many different themes and styles. Combat looks simple and cartoony from the screenshots I've seen - like the traditional game, jumping on top of characters, throwing fire balls, kicking items of the screen or being spiked for example. Things you would think of just as if you were playing Mario Kart or similar.
There's plenty of tools and designs to choose from and I've read that players can also team up with friends to create levels together. As the levels are what the the player or the community creates, some of them could be challenging to complete! And the online features need Nintendo online membership. Super Mario Maker 2 is available only on the Switch, but it sounds like classic Nintendo and looks great fun.
* Dragon Quest Builders 2 - PEGI Ages 7 and over
We've not played Dragon Quest Builders before but I've read some good reviews. It appeals to us as it's compared to Minecraft in terms of building and doing tasks like sowing crops and defeating monsters. Minecraft is popular in our home - particularly the story mode. And apparently Dragon Quest Builders 2 has an even better story to enjoy, as the player created avatar explores and takes on quests in this Japanese-themed world. There's lots of positive themes like friendship and community in the game which supports players well through the story.
Although there are monsters to defeat, reviews I've read say the combat is mild and seen from a higher angle, removing the personal feel to it. The monsters then disappear quickly afterwards. Definitely one we are going to try for the kids. It's available on PS4, Switch and just recently released for PC.
* Marvel Ultimate Alliance 3 - PEGI Ages 12 and over
We seemed to be playing superhero and Lego superhero games a lot more a few years ago but haven't really been taken by anything recently. The latest game we're looking at is Marvel Ultimate Alliance 3 and gives players the opportunity to assemble more than just Avengers characters to beat The Black Order (Thanos and his guys).
Players can take on the roles of the Avengers, Guardians of the Galaxy, X-Men, and more and then join their friends either online or offline to stop the The Black Order. If you enjoy playing together - like in the Lego games, this might be worth a go as it seems to use the different hero talents to progress. Write-ups say it is very comic book in appearance, has fun visual effects, mild swearing like 'Hell' but very little blood or graphic violence. This makes it a bit more grown up than it's lego counter parts but that makes sense and fits in with Marvel Ultimate Alliance 3's slightly older audience. It's available on Switch.
* Star Wars Jedi: Fallen Order - PEGI 16
One of the games I like to play is Apex Legends from Respawn Entertainment. They've bought out a new Star Wars universe game in time for Christmas called Star Wars Jedi: Fallen Order. Being Star Wars themed, those younger than it's 16 PEGI rating might be asking for it - so what do the reviews say?
Gamers play through a story as Cal, a young Jedi Padawan fleeing from the Order and hoping to rebuild the Jedi after they were wiped out at the Jedi Temple. This means getting holds of a device that lists all the other young potential Padawan or Force-influenced kids out there. The player will take Cal to planets on their mission and enjoy lots of Star Wars content along the way. The lightsaber sound effects are supposedly super.
Like the movies there is reported to be plenty of battles and killing on the screen but it's full of lightsabers, not guns and battles, though possibly complicated, aren't reported to be full of blood or gore. The game is also third person which means the action isn't as close up as many of Respawn's other offerings. Star Wars Jedi: Fallen Order seems to 'train' the player as the game plays, making it more challenging as it progresses. This might make it frustrating for some kids. There is also some mild swearing in places.
Personally I think it sounds fun if battles especially if story modes are your thing. It's available on PS4, Xbox One, and PC.
Do you or your kids game? What games are their list?
If you like this post, please see my other MummaGames content, for info on kids, technology and gaming, inspired by our autistic family that benefits from it.
I also have a 5-year-old daughter, when I used Animal Crossing Pocket Camp Mod Apk games for my children, my children were very excited when playing this game.
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