Super Mario Odyssey
Mario has had some of the best family-friendly games for years now, and that’s no different with the Nintendo Switch. Super Mario Odyssey may just be the best game of the system for younger audiences, as it provides them with a rich, imaginative world to explore and have fun in.
Super Mario Odyssey sets Mario on a quest to stop Bowser’s wedding with Peach, and he’s got a new friend named Cappy along for the ride. By throwing Cappy, Mario can capture and take control of different objects and characters in the world, allowing for a ton of variation to gameplay. Odyssey also manages to find that sweet spot of difficulty, providing a challenge with its platforming and puzzling, but never feeling unfair or punishing. The penalty for death is a measly 10 coins, and younger audiences won’t be frustrated with their adventure. Super Mario Odyssey is a joy to play for anyone of any age, but it’s bound to directly appeal to younger gamers just hopping on with the Switch.
The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild
While Mario is bringing a big holiday season for the Switch, Zelda started the year out with one of the highest rated titles of the year. Breath of the Wild may not be exactly as accessible as Super Mario Odyssey, but there’s plenty of fun to be had for players of any age. While the central story of Breath of the Wild has some memorable characters and moments, the game is really about exploring the expansive world of Hyrule. Almost immediately the entire world is opened up to you, and the game’s new climbing mechanic and some new items mean that you can quite literally go anywhere in Hyrule.
Breath of the Wild is freeform for everyone, meaning you can approach the game in pretty much any order you want, including the main story. You’re also constantly rewarded by finding new secrets, towns, quests, shrines, and more. Younger audiences might have just a bit of a hard time adapting to the combat and new systems at first, but the joy of exploration is sure to draw them in. After all, it was Shigeru Miyamoto’s childhood adventures in the Kyoto countryside that inspired the Zelda series, so it only seems right that young gamers get a huge world to explore with Breath of the Wild.
Splatoon 2
Nintendo has a way of adapting things into a family-friendly environment, and that’s exactly what Splatoon does with the shooter genre. This colorful title almost feels like a Saturday morning cartoon in some ways, with utterly absurd characters, antics, and music. Splatoon has you playing as an Inkling of Inkopolis, where Turf Battles reign supreme. Unlike most shooters the goal of each match isn’t to get the most kills, but instead ink the most turf with your team’s color. This has proved to make Splatoon wholly unique, and a blast to play for most types of players, as you can focus on different things, like simply inking turf or splatting other players. The whole aesthetic of everything also means that Splatoon 2 is fairly non-violent, making it a perfect option for younger audiences.
Splatoon 2 is easily one of the strongest games on Switch this year, and Nintendo’s focus on family fun means that younger audiences can enjoy it both on their own and online.
Snipperclips
Snipperclips was definitely one of the big surprises on the Switch, a launch title that came out of nowhere to become one of the best games on the system. Snipperclips has you playing as two small paper people who can cut each other into different shapes and sizes. You’ll need to use this cutting mechanic to solve various puzzles like carrying objects, or cutting yourself into a specific shape.
Smart and challenging puzzles are what make Snipperclips an absolute blast to play, along with the cutesy hand-drawn aesthetic. It’s the perfect game for parents to play with their children, or a group of friends to play together, as the game has both a two player and four player mode.
Minecraft
Minecraft really needs little introduction these days, as the game has taken the world by storm over the last few years. It’s easy to see why the game is so immensely popular especially with younger crowds, as Minecraft really does let your imagination run wild. Mining and harvesting materials and then using them to build whatever you want is a task that never gets old, especially when it’s in Minecraft’s blocky, charming art style.
Minecraft on Switch comes with everything you’d expect out of any other version of the game, along with the Super Mario Mash-Up pack that was included in the Wii U version. Even better this time, though, is that you can take Minecraft on the go with you. Being able to play it on your TV then pick up your Switch to take with you on a family outing or trip sounds like a dream come true for many.
Mario Kart 8 Deluxe
Mario Kart is yet another series perfect for younger players and families alike, and Mario Kart 8 Deluxe is the best package the series has seen yet. This title comes packed with everything available in the original game as well as all DLC, new characters, and the return of Battle Mode. On top of that Mario Kart 8 plays even better than it did on Wii U, with the Switch’s power adding that little pop to the visuals of the game, and you can still play with motion controls if that feels best to you.
Mario Kart 8 Deluxe is one of the best kart racers around, and there’s a ton of content to dig into. Whether they want to play alone, with the family, or online, this title is perfect for anyone of the younger crowd that has a Switch.
Sonic Mania
The Switch may be all about Mario and Link, but Sonic also saw the release of his own great game this year. Sonic Mania ditches the trappings of modern Sonic and takes a step back for a nostalgia fueled experience. Sonic Mania is a return to the classic 2D series, having you run left to right through levels, some of which are brand new while others return from past Sonic games.
Mania really does capture that feeling of speed and excitement that early Sonic games had, and some of the newer levels are a blast to get through like the Hollywood-themed Studiopolis Zone. It’s an accessible enough game that younger players won’t have trouble getting into it, but there’s still a decent challenge to be found. With three different playable characters, there’s plenty to occupy young players both on the TV and in handheld mode, which Sonic Mania seems almost perfect for.
ARMS
Nintendo didn’t just bring their biggest franchises to the Switch this year, they also created a brand new IP for it with ARMS, and it just so happens that kids are going to have a great time with it. ARMS is a fighting game where you use your crazy extendable….uh… arms to attack your opponent. The great thing about this title is how it uses intuitive motion controls for a frantic and unique fighting experience.
While playing ARMS, you grip a Joy-Con in each hand like a boxing glove, and use punching motions and other options like holding the controllers in to control your character. This leads to a pretty intense experience that has you punching away, with colorful and crazy animations to go along with it. Any younger gamer is sure to have a blast with ARMS, whether they get serious about playing it or are just trying to have fun.
Published: Nov 28, 2017 10:00 am