Holiday Gift Guide: 8 Top Video Games
(with Marvel Avengers Battle for Earth Giveaway)

by

Congrats to the winner: Vickie Couturier

It’s hard to believe that there was a time that I was adamantly against having any video game system in our home because I had the couch potato image stuck in my mind. When, the Wii came out, I relented and we bought a system since it was more active. Then, Xbox pulled me in when they created their active Kinect add-on. Now, we are a two game system family. My kids are pushing for us to add a Playstation 3 to the mix, but I have resisted (so far!) With Playstation Move, it’s probably just a matter of time though. I definitely prefer motion-sensing games…so that we actually have to get up and move while playing. I have two sons, so it’s important to me that they have constructive ways to get their energy released…especially on days when the weather outside is not the best. (Dancing and Sports video games were so helpful when we stuck inside due to Sandy!) We also have a Nintendo DS for the kids. It is especially helpful in keeping the boys occupied during long trips. Anyway, after attending a variety of shows and demoing a large number of video games this year, I’m sharing my top picks for the holidays below. (Also, if you have the Kinect, be certain to enter the Marvel Avengers: Battle For Earth giveaway at the end of this post.)

**1. Disney Epic Mickey 2: The Power of Two

This is the game that my sons have been waiting to play since we reviewed the original 1-player Disney Epic game. Gaming tends to be a family affair in our home, so while there are many exciting changes to this newest version, the biggest one is that it can be played in a 1 or 2-player mode. In the co-op mode, one plays as Mickey Mouse while the other is Oswald the Lucky Rabbit. There are several things about this new game that I like. Disney continues to exhibit its core brand strengths with the musical background of the game, the focus on creativity and discovery. I especially like that partnership/teamwork is added to the mix in Epic Mickey 2. (Mickey, who controls the paint, and Oswald, who controls the electricity, can work together to save Wasteland.)

2. LEGO Lord of the Rings


The quirky Lego video games are consistently popular. Batman 2, Star Wars and Harry Potter are all good picks, but this year’s top pick is Lego’s Lord of the Rings. Based on the motion picture trilogy, this game has actual lines from the movies that are being spoken by the Lego characters. (Any gamers who are looking forward to seeing “The Hobbit” will probably enjoy receiving this video game.)

**3. Marvel Avengers: Battle For Earth

Did your family see Marvel’s The Avengers? My husband and I treated the kids to the movie and we all enjoyed it. (It was especially hilarious when Hulk tossed Loki around like a little rag doll.) Anyway, if anyone in your family enjoyed the movie or is a Marvel fan, then this game is sure to be a popular gift. Featuring 20 Marvel Universe characters (including The Avengers), this game is available on the Kinect as well as the new Wii U. Up to four players can play, which makes this a great “family night” video game since it’s a game that I think entire families will enjoy. I also like that with the Kinect version (that I was sent to review), it is an active game since you have to move your body to battle your opponents. To whet your appetite, take a peek at some of the visuals from the game:

4. NBA 2K13


This popular game topped video games sales in October and I can see why – the enhanced gameplay. We had purchased previous versions for the Wii. I bought the Xbox version of the game for my husband for his birthday this year though because of the optional Kinect sensor support. I’m not sure who will play it more…him or the kids. If you have any basketball lovers in your home, this simulation NBA basketball game definitely needs to be on the top of your video game gift picks for them.

**5. Pokémon Black Version 2 and Pokémon White Version 2

Interest in Pokémon seems to come in waves. In the last few months, I have seen a renewed interest in the cartoon, cards and DS video games…in tweens to adults. These picks are sequels to the fifth generation of Pokémon games, Pokémon Black & Pokémon White (which my sons love!). In these new versions, you are returning to the Unova region (two years later) in a continuation of the storyline from the original Black and White games. There are plenty of new opportunities to trade Pokémons and to battle, which tend to be kids’ favorite aspects of the Pokémon games, in these new versions.

On a (mom) note: While these are DS game, I like that up to five players (with their own DS handhelds) can play the game together. My oldest son was actually the first one who learned how to do multi-card play between DS handhelds. He is so much more tech savvy than I am!

6. Kinect Sesame Street TV


It can be challenging for younger kids with older video-game playing siblings. That’s why I like this game that allows young kids to watch and interact with past episodes of Sesame Street from a previous season. There are also new episodes that were created exclusively for this Kinect game.

**7. Skylanders Giants


I have repeatedly raved about the Skylanders series, including the Giants. My kids are in love with this game and I anticipate many more hours of fun. I also anticipate many more requests for the various Skylanders Giants figures. Since my kids have not lost any of their Skylanders figures to date, they probably will get additional figures for their collections. (I like to collect things, so I try to encourage that in my kids when they really like something…as long as they keep up with/take care of what they are collecting!)

8. Nintendo Wii U Console

My family was able to get a sneak peek of the new Wii U back in June. There are a lot of great features to this “hot” holiday item that is constantly selling out in stores. Listen…

**I received review copies of these items for editorial consideration.

Those are my picks for now. New video games keep trickling in for editorial consideration, but I’ll just update this post if something especially great comes along. Anyway, I am excited to be giving away a Marvel Avengers: Battle For Earth game courtesy of Ubisoft. To enter to win, newsletter subscribers simply need to let me know who is your favorite Avenger or Marvel character. For a second entry, you can let me know which of these video game gifts your kids would be excited to receive for the holidays. Leave your “Comments” below by 12/15. A winner will be picked on 12/15 at noon.

{Post images courtesy of my Amazon affiliate partner}