PixlBit

Bring the family together with Jason's buyer's guide.

My philosophy in recommending a gift isn't to pick the biggest and best single player game out there. I want to help you make memories with your family, to shape new conversations with your friends. In short, I want to point out the games I think can bring people together. As such, many of the games I recommend will have multiplayer components. I also want to note that while all my suggestions seem to be major titles, I'm going to leave some of the biggest games off this list, since recommendations for them can be found easily enough elsewhere.

Ultimate Marvel vs. Capcom 3 – For Those with Competitive Friends and Family Rivalries

Ultimate Marvel vs. Capcom 3 is likely the easiest game to recommend on my list, for a few simple reasons. Take a look at the cast of characters. The Hulk, Captain America, Thor, Ghost Rider, Wolverine, and Spider-Man are instantly recognizable and many of their signature strengths and moves are displayed with great flair. True Believers will also likely find the simplified combo system easier to learn and explore without feeling like the game is over their heads, unlike Street Fighter titles or even Marvel vs. Capcom 2. More, the game just is fun to play against friends, provided everyone begins at a similar skill level. Gamers will likely enjoy the Capcom half of the cast, being made up of legendary characters from Capcom's many franchises, too.

Available on PS3 and 360

Mario Kart 7 – Singleplayer & Multiplayer Fun for Everyone

I've been a fan of the Mario Kart series from its beginnings in 1992, with Super Mario Kart. Since then, I've driven through mountains, around penguins, in castles, and even on rainbows in the stars. I've thrown turtle shells at other drivers, slipped up friends with banana peels, and bob-ombed a few enemies on my way to the top. Mario Kart 7 continues the franchise's fun, promising 32 total tracks, a large roster of characters, and a buffet of weapons with which to attack other drivers. Race and battle modes alike have always been thoroughly enjoyable. I will admit that I've never played Mario Kart 7, since it hasn't been released yet at the time I'm writing this. That said, having played every other Mario Kart game in the franchise, I firmly believe Mario Kart 7 will be well worth the giving.

Available on the 3DS December 4th

Kirby's Return to Dream Land – Platforming Fun for the Whole Family

Kirby's Return to Dream Land might be my favorite group game of the year. A lot of multiplayer platformers grow more difficult when extra players are added in, particularly from bumping into each other or from being too far apart. Kirby's Return to Dream Land isn't like that. The game works unquestionably well with groups of friends and families, all while maintaining that so very important spirit of cooperation. With over a dozen different Kirby abilities, four-player simultaneous multiplayer, several stages, a gradual learning curve, a grueling hard mode, and some challenging boss rushes, Kirby's Return to Dream Land makes for a title that families can spend a good deal of time playing during the holidays, or any other time.

Available on the Wii

I'm Not Going to Recommend These Games, Their Reviews Speak for Themselves

Some games, I just haven't had a chance to play. Others, I've never written about, but have read wonderful reviews written by PixlBit staff. I want you to check out Chessa's review for Portal 2. Both Portal and its sequel are fantastically made titles that offer experiences only possible through video games. Next, take a glance at Chessa's review of Sesame Street: Once Upon a Monster. Created by a family man that leads one of the most imaginative game studios out there, Once Upon a Monster needs to be considered for families with an Xbox 360, Kinect, and a young child. Last, consider Nick's review of Rayman Origins. Like Kirby's Return to Dream Land, Rayman Origins offers a side-scrolling adventure, but there are vast differences between the two games. Both are top-notch titles, but each serves a different niche.

 

Gaming Gifts on a Budget

Animal Crossing: City Folk – Relaxed Gaming at Its Finest

When I was entering my high school years, my sister was bed-ridden with illness on a few occasions. At some points, while everyone else was out and about dealing with school and work during the day, my grandmother would visit, just to keep her company. Here, she was introduced to Animal Crossing, a game in which players just live in a town among its animal citizens. Players can go fishing, catch bugs, tend to plants, pick out furniture, and help their neighbors out with menial tasks. Nothing in the game is all that difficult, but it certainly isn't supposed to be, either. Unfortunately, players can only play one at a time on each system, but to make up for it, there is online play available with friends over the Internet.

Available on the Wii

Super Mario Galaxy – A Celebration of Mario

Super Mario Galaxy, like Animal Crossing: City Folk, recently had its price lowered to $20. To say it simply, the game is Mario at his finest. Some of the camera angles can be a little disorienting, but the game really is out of this world. Not to mention, a second player can help Mario out through his adventure by shooting enemies and collecting a few items. It's not the best co-op game out there, but the added option definitely helps. Give this a shot, and if you enjoy it, consider Super Mario Galaxy 2, the game's direct sequel.

Available on the Wii

The Review Speaks for Itself Part Deux: The Budget-Savening

I wanted to recommend a title not on the Wii for budget gamers, but unfortunately, I've spent less time with the PS3 and 360 than I have with the Wii. I think I can get someone else to recommend something for me, though. Uncharted 3 is this year's must-have exclusive Playstation 3 title. However heartily its reviews score it, though, I just can't ignore that it's the third game in its series. Still, I have good news. Uncharted and its first sequel have been bundled together and released at a budget price. I couldn't let the deal slip by without pointing out Nick's reviews for Uncharted and Uncharted 2. If you can't tell, he loves them, so if you're in the market for an exciting PS3 franchise and you missed the Uncharted series, check out the Uncharted Greatest Hits Dual Pack. Additionally, I should note that now that Ultimate Marvel vs. Capcom 3 has been released, the less-ultimate-but-still-ultra-fun original game has been substantially marked down: Marvel vs. Capcom 3. Consider that one if you need to give a gift for a whole lot of fun, but with a little less money.