10 Best ‘First-Ever Games’ For Kids

As a seasoned gamer who’s seen it all, from Pong to Fortnite, I can confidently say that these Nintendo games are truly exceptional for young gamers. Having raised two kids myself, I’ve learned the importance of finding games that are not only fun but also accessible for little hands and minds.

These games have a unique charm that appeals to both children and adults alike. They’re simple enough for beginners yet offer challenges for more experienced players. The assist modes, co-op features, and easy controls make them perfect for young gamers just starting their journey in the world of video games.

And let’s not forget the humor! Nintendo has a knack for adding just the right amount of whimsy to keep things light and fun. I mean, who wouldn’t love a game where you can control a dinosaur named Yoshi or race as your favorite Mario character?

My personal favorite is Super Mario Odyssey. The assist mode is like having a safety net for new players, and the co-op mode lets kids feel involved without getting in the way of more experienced gamers. Plus, who doesn’t love exploring colorful worlds filled with coins and secrets?

So, if you’re looking for games that will keep your little ones entertained while also teaching them some valuable skills, look no further than these Nintendo titles! Just remember, as they say in the Mushroom Kingdom, “It’s a me, Mario!” Or should I say, “It’s a me, parent of the year!

From a perspective of someone who grew up in an era that transitioned from toy cars to digital controllers, navigating the right starting point for a youngster’s gaming journey can sometimes feel like a puzzle.

When kids these days seem more familiar with tablets than building sandcastles, it might be challenging to find the perfect entry point into the world of video games for a little one like myself.

In a world where technology is abundant, the initial choices we grew accustomed to have become outmoded and irrelevant for children who’ve grown up immersed in this digital era.

Luckily, today’s game development industry has evolved to cater to this, offering numerous high-quality, child-appropriate initial releases for the upcoming generation of streamers and gamers alike. These games are not only entertaining but also well-crafted.

In my role as the self-dubbed “fun uncle,” always treating my nieces and nephews to a fresh game during special occasions like holidays and birthdays, I’ve swiftly discovered which types of games are popular for youngsters today, as well as those that fail to capture their interest.

Through contributions from numerous parent-gamers, here are ten top picks that make excellent starting points for children’s gaming experience today.

10. Katamari Damacy Reroll

Colorful, Silly, Semi-Controlled Chaos

In simpler terms, Katamari Damacy Reroll follows the whimsical storyline of a youthful prince who has to gather enormous clusters of debris and miscellaneous items by rolling them up, with the ultimate goal being to launch these cosmic collections into space for the creation of brand new stars.

It’s delightfully absurd, and this peculiarity is brilliantly showcased through a physics/puzzle game with an incredibly straightforward goal in gaming.

The controls may seem slightly off-balance when manipulating increasingly large items; therefore, mastering the intricacies and precision usually required in most video games is less relevant for younger players in this case.

This game is simple and enjoyable, making it perfect for children to grasp. As a standalone experience, they can explore independently without needing others to play with.

9. Paw Patrol World

Marshall And Chase Save The Day

Over the past ten years, if you’ve been in close contact with children, you’re likely familiar with Paw Patrol and its cast of characters including Chase, Marshall, Skye, and their canine friends.

Almost every child seems to be fond of this franchise, and it offers several video game adaptations that are quite capable for beginners in gaming.

The world of Paw Patrol Translates exceptionally well into video games, making it an outstanding representation. It’s a 3D game where you control the camera, falling neatly within the category of a platformer. This setup offers a solid base that effectively represents the genre and medium as a whole.

Additionally, it offers a shared screen mode for cooperative gameplay, allowing a child to join forces with a guardian or an elder sibling. Together, they can manage their preferred pooch and perform acts of kindness within their neighborhood.

8. Astro Bot

Adorable Platforming With Plenty To Grow Into

2024 saw Astro Bot, my personal favorite from The Game Awards, dazzling players across various age groups. This game truly showcases its brilliance!

As someone who has spent countless hours engrossed in video games since I was a child, I can attest to the fact that some titles are expertly crafted with both beginners and seasoned players in mind. This particular game is no exception. While it does gradually increase its complexity as you progress, don’t let that deter you from diving in, especially if you have young ones who love games. The initial levels are packed with exciting, age-appropriate content that will captivate them immediately. Trust me, I know from experience that a well-designed game can ignite a lifelong passion for the medium, and this title is a shining example of that potential.

Astro Bot and his friends are charmingly animate, and the entire game exudes a captivating allure, much like experiencing the enchantment of your first visit to Disney World.

As a fan, I can’t help but rave about this game! It’s got minimal text yet maximizes enjoyment, boasting smooth, instinctive controls. The fun and smiles just keep coming – it’s an unending rollercoaster of excitement! For those moments when you might miss some collectibles, the robo-bird guide is a lifesaver, making it even more accessible for kids to play along.

You may find this game beneficial if you’re willing to have occasional assistance from a helpful controller guide. However, it’s an excellent choice for learning the ropes of 3D platformers and immersing yourself in the stunningly designed universe created by Team Asobi.

7. Minecraft

Unlimited Potential

As someone who has spent countless hours building, exploring, and creating in the Minecraft universe, I can confidently say that it holds a special place in my heart as one of the best video games ever made. From my personal experience, Minecraft offers an unparalleled level of freedom, creativity, and replayability that keeps me coming back for more. It’s not just a game; it’s a tool for self-expression, a world to explore, and a sandbox to play in. And best of all, its simplicity makes it accessible to even the youngest gamers, ensuring that the joy of Minecraft can be shared across generations.

Starting out with the art of playing can initially seem daunting, yet under the tutelage of a knowledgeable adult or seasoned player, it might just become your child’s favorite pastime. This could work to your advantage or disadvantage depending on one’s perspective, so tread carefully.

Despite various factors, Minecraft demonstrates an extraordinary longevity and has solidified its widespread appeal and significant impact on today’s youth. In fact, some educational institutions have integrated the game into their curriculum as a teaching tool.

6. The LEGO Series

Pick Your Child’s Favorite Franchise

LEGO-based video games like those from Harry Potter, Star Wars, Marvel, and The Incredibles demonstrate their enduring quality as popular and reliable choices for children’s entertainment in the gaming world.

If you ask them to choose their preferred brand franchise, they’ll embark on a journey filled with construction, imagination, and joy.

Most LEGO video games offer enjoyable multiplayer collaboration, accommodating difficulty levels, limited text requirements, and straightforward learning guides.

This rephrased sentence maintains the original meaning while using more conversational language for a smoother flow of information.

In simpler terms, while some LEGO games may be more enjoyable than others, you can hardly make a bad choice if the game’s theme is something your child has already taken interest in outside of video games.

5. Super Mario 3D World

A Future In Plumbing

In a nutshell, Super Mario 3D World is an ideal single-player adventure for younger gamers, but it’s truly exceptional when played with multiple players.

Characters with distinct skills are available for players to select, such as the floating and hovering ability of Princess Peach, which assists younger players in navigating obstacles like gaps and avoiding enemies more easily.

In this game, Nintendo demonstrates their expertise in making content suitable for kids by incorporating the “bubble system,” a feature that underscores this commitment.

In this game, a novice player can use a button to encapsulate their character inside a protective bubble, allowing them to catch up with a more advanced teammate they’re playing with.

Caution: The following list contains exclusively Nintendo games, and it becomes apparent why as they consistently offer additional features that prioritize ease-of-use for children without compromising the core quality of the games themselves.

4. New Pokémon Snap

For Fledgling Photographers

Children find Pokémon appealing, but starting with the core RPG games from the series might be overly complex, filled with extensive dialogues, intricate stats, and difficulty levels that could overwhelm a child at first.

Fortunately, the new game, New Pokémon Snap, provides a more accessible entry point for novice gamers within the franchise, and it stands out as one of the top spin-offs in the entire Pokémon series.

In simpler terms, the follow-up to the cherished Nintendo 64 game, New Pokémon Snap, is essentially a game about capturing photos of Pokémon in diverse settings. The 3D designs are charming and engaging, making it an intuitive experience for any kid who’s dabbled in picture-taking on a tablet or smartphone.

It’s unlikely for a child to completely master this game, but it serves as an easy introduction to a cherished world filled with adorable creatures. This world offers countless hours of enjoyment and could even spark a genuine passion or future career.

3. Mario Kart 8 Deluxe

Can Be Played With 2 Buttons

Mario Kart 8 Deluxe stands out as the top game in the series by quite a distance, offering more tracks than any other version with the purchase of the additional Booster Course Pass. It also provides an option to enable or disable specific items and offers several other easy-to-use settings to tailor the game for even the youngest players.

For beginners, the standout aspects include the ability to activate automatic acceleration and steering support.

The game can effectively run on its own when these features are activated, creating an engaging racing experience for your child as they assume the role of a beloved Mario-world character, without requiring much active participation from them.

This game boasts an incredibly accessible starting point, making it perfect for beginners, while still offering numerous advancement opportunities for children to gradually master their driving skills as they become more confident.

2. Super Mario Odyssey

Featuring Wonderful Assist and Co-Op Modes

In the realm of child-friendly video games, Super Mario Odyssey represents another significant achievement from the creative minds at Nintendo.

Without a doubt, Super Mario Odyssey remains an exceptional video game for adult fans of Mario as well. It offers an exceptional Assist Mode, which actually places blue arrows on the ground to guide new players towards their next objective and prevents them from falling off the map and losing lives by reintroducing the bubble feature seen in Super Mario 3D World.

As a seasoned gamer with years of experience under my belt, I must say that this game offers a fantastic option for both kids and adults alike! Not only does it have a kid-friendly package, but it also includes a co-op multiplayer mode where a more experienced player or parent can guide Mario while the newcomer controls Cappy, Mario’s sentient red hat. This feature is particularly appealing to me because it allows younger players to learn and grow with the game while still enjoying the classic Mario experience. It’s always a joy to see the gaming community come together in such a collaborative way!

As a seasoned gamer with years of experience under my belt, I firmly believe that cooperative gameplay is a fantastic way to keep children engaged while allowing skilled players to progress unhindered. In my own gaming journey, I’ve discovered the joy of teaching younger family members and friends the ropes of various games, which has only deepened my appreciation for these shared experiences. It’s a win-win situation: kids learn new skills and have fun, while veteran gamers maintain their progress without feeling bogged down by an unskilled partner. This approach fosters camaraderie, patience, and mutual growth – making gaming sessions more enjoyable for everyone involved.

1. Yoshi’s Crafted World

Introducing Mellow Mode

As a dedicated fan, I can’t help but express my delight over the enchanting experience that Yoshi’s Crafted World offers! This game elegantly streamlines Nintendo’s classic collect-a-thon platformer formula, creating an inviting and endearing title that’s perfect for young gamers to dive right into. It’s like stepping into a world of pure joy and comfort!

The game isn’t difficult to begin with, but it offers an exceptional experience for children with its unique feature called “Mellow Mode.” This mode can be turned on and provides a play-style unlike any other.

As a seasoned Super Mario fan with years of gaming under my belt, I can confidently say that stepping into Mellow Mode as Yoshi is a game-changer. The transformation of our beloved dinosaur friend into a flying creature is nothing short of magical. Soaring above obstacles and effortlessly hovering over any terrain, it’s like being given wings for the first time.

The reduced damage from enemies makes even the most challenging levels feel more manageable, allowing me to focus on platforming and exploration rather than constantly dodging attacks. The increased visibility of hidden objects brings a sense of discovery and adventure that I haven’t felt in a while.

Finding health-replenishing hearts is now as easy as taking a leisurely stroll through the Mushroom Kingdom, which is a welcome change from the usual struggle to keep my character alive. The abundance of items and eggs makes collecting them feel less like a chore and more like a rewarding treasure hunt.

All in all, Mellow Mode elevates the Yoshi experience by making it smoother, more accessible, and downright enjoyable for players of all skill levels. It’s a breath of fresh air in the Mario universe that I can’t get enough of!

For the release of this game, Nintendo went all out to ensure it was an ideal choice for children while still preserving the authenticity and aesthetics of a remarkable Yoshi title that truly stands out.

Read More

2024-12-30 17:10