Video games have seemingly gotten more and more violent over the years. Or, at least the realism of the violence has. For example, look at the 1988 classic Splatterhouse, which was considered obscenely graphic at the time. But the pixels of blood and the horrible graphics are laughable by today’s standards. A point that was proven in 2010, when the very adult remake was released.
Featuring a sarcastic Satan who takes over the body of a man dead set on saving the life of his fiance, it has cursing, adult humor and a huge amount of gore. One of the main attacks is ripping your opponent in half. It is mind numbing, if enjoyable for those who like the beat ‘em up genre of gaming, and don’t mind a character that is literally fueled on the blood of others. Or the Devil’s annoying – if funny – prompts.
What this all equals is a dangerous world for the average family with young kids. Even innocuously titled games can be a lot more graphic than you might have guessed. Even the ratings system can be a little skewed, and I have met more than one parent who were shocked by the content of a teen game they bought for their 13-year-old. You have to really know what you are looking for, especially when you want to find something that can be played by the entire family.
If you are looking to spice up family game night, and you are tired of the same old board games, here are a couple for various consoles that you can enjoy.
Similar to Wii Fit, only for kids, this has been one of the most popular family games sold for the newest Nintendo console since 2008. There are more than a dozen different games with tons of levels. You can select from beginner to expert, and play in a group or alone. But the best part is that it is very physical, allowing your family to get plenty of exercise as you play. There is also a positive form of competition that can teach your kids a lot.
Price: $49.95
Console: Wii
This game has been around forever, originally in those arcade machines seen all over the globe. Tons of fun, you and a partner take on dancing challenges, or you can dance alone by following the model dancers on the screen. It is another way to get physical during game night. So challenge your family to a dance off!
Price: $29.99
Console: Wii, XBox 360, Playstation 3
Explore and enjoy Disneyland like you have never seen it before, without ever leaving your living room. You can walk through the park, see the most popular attractions, enter the land of various Disney classics, play games and challenge your family to contests, and even hug and talk to your favorite Disney characters. Realistic, thorough and fun, your whole family will find something to love, without having to wait in line.
Price: $49.99
Console: XBox 360 Kinect
Toss out the old board games, and enjoy these updated versions from Hasbro. They have Clue, Game of Life, Mouse Trap, Twister and Yahtzee. Not only do they have a group and one player version of each game, but an online multiplayer option. It is a great chance to play a version of the classic games without having to worry about missing pieces.
Price: $36.50
Console: XBox 360, Playstation 3, Wii
Conclusion
See? You can have family game night using your video game consoles. All it takes is a little research into group games that are appropriate for any age. These are only a few of dozens that are available, which can be seen on Amazon or any other video game retailer.