Top 10 Video Games for Kids

One of my kids favorite things to do is play video games. In fact, if I didn’t set some ground rules ahead of time I’m sure they’d play all day long. And since the game cartridges do not come a dime a dozen, Christmas is the perfect time for stocking up on all their favorite titles.

But which games are the “must-haves” this holiday season? Well, I took this question straight to the experts (my daughters and their friends) to see what they thought. Here are their Top 10 Video Games for Kids.

1. Mario & Sonic at the Olympic Winter Games – Mario & Sonic at the Olympic Winter Games is a sports party game that takes players on the Wii platform to Vancouver, Canada, host city of the official 2010 Olympic Winter Games. This gaming experience invites players of all ages and skill sets to face-off in intense winter competitions in lifelike Olympic venues where they can choose from a legendary cast of playable characters, including new faces to the series like Donkey Kong, Metal Sonic, Bowser Jr., and Silver.
2. Disney The Princess and the Frog – Join Tiana on an exciting journey through jazz-infused 1920s New Orleans with the official video game for DS and DSi, inspired by the upcoming Walt Disney Pictures release of The Princess and the Frog. Meet favorite characters from the film as well as new friends, triumph over enemies, play frog games in the bayou, create music, cook New Orleans style and so much more. Along the way, discover how Tiana makes her dreams come true.
3. Tinkerbell and the Lost Treasure – Somewhere north of Never Land lies an elusive treasure, and there’s only one person adventurous enough to pursue it: the legendary Tinker Bell. Join this intrepid fairy for a charming quest that will lead you down a trail to lost treasure. Journey by way of Pixie Hollow, where you can explore a wondrous magical world filled with delightful fairies, and set off on a truly magical adventure.
4. Super Mario Bros. Wii – Developers at Nintendo have dreamed of creating a simultaneous multiplayer Super Mario Bros. game for decades. The Wii console finally makes that dream come true for everyone with New Super Mario Bros. Wii. Supporting 2-4 players in side-scrolling co-op and competitive platforming action, and featuring a mix of fan favorites and new characters, new powerups and various input options via the Wii Remote, it is destined to become an instant classic in one of the most beloved game franchises of all-time.
5. Bakugan: Battle Brawlers – Based on the wildly popular card game and television show, Bakugan: Battle Brawlers, is a video game experience requiring skill, strategy and imagination. Featuring a fierce assortment monsters, uncanny powers and amazing environments in an alternate dimension called Vestroia, the game lets you and your own unique Bakugan join forces with Dan and his fellow Brawlers as they battle to save Vestroia and ultimately, Earth from destruction.
6. Rock Band: Lego – LEGO Rock Band merges two of the most popular video game franchises to deliver a unique family-friendly music experience that will take tweens, teens, families and gamers of all ages on a wild journey to rock stardom in order to “Build a Band and Rock the Universe.” Combining the authentic multiplayer music experience of Rock Band with the accessibility, customization and humor of LEGO games, LEGO Rock Band allows players to create their own unique rock star style and customize their own avatars, band members, roadies, and managers.
7. Guitar Hero World Tour – Guitar Hero World Tour transforms music gaming by expanding Guitar Hero’s signature guitar gameplay into a cooperative band experience that combines advanced wireless instruments with online and offline gameplay modes including online Band Career and 8-player “Battle of the Bands,” which allows two full bands to compete head-to-head online. The game features a slick redesigned guitar, an authentic electronic drum kit, and a microphone, as well as a Music Studio music creator that lets players compose, record, edit and share their own rock ‘n’ roll anthems.
8. DJ Hero – The makers of Guitar Hero introduce an entirely fresh and innovative way to experience music and rhythm gameplay. DJ Hero features an amazing variety of music across genres – tracks that you love and reflect who you are. Using an authentic turntable controller, you will spin and scratch more than 100 songs into unique mixes and become the life of the party. Get ready for a whole new phenomena in music.
9. Animal Crossing: City Folk – If you were given the keys to your own community, what would you do? Go fishing, collect shells or watch fireworks with friends? Build a snowman, exchange presents with family or decorate your house for the holidays? Take a trip to the city, go on a shopping spree or visit friends from all over the globe? In Animal Crossing: City Folk, life moves at a relaxed pace, but the world brims with endless possibilities.
10. Littlest Pet Shop City Friends – It’s time to hit the town, explore new worlds, customize accessories, enjoy awesome mini-games, and collect six exclusive country pets with Littlest Pet Shop: City Friends. The second edition of the Littlest Pet Shop video game brings the party to you with a new cast of quirky pets and their best friends. Play tons of new mini-games and explore new towns with your favorite pets. With enhanced multiplayer features, you can even double your fun by playing with your best friend. Venture on quests, deliver invitations, serve up ice cream, and style your pets as you get ready for the biggest Littlest Pet Shop party of the year. And be prepared for a few surprises along the way, like an all-new mystery pet that just might show up at your party.

GameStop has the widest selection of games for every gaming console out there and the best part is that they take trade-ins on the games that your kids have grown tired of. If you hurry, you can even get free shipping on all orders over $25. Check out their 2009 Holiday Gift Guide for even more great ideas!

And speaking of the holidays, GameStop is hosting a Season’s Tweetings giveaway which includes 35 days of daily Twitter contests from their official GameStop Twitter account. All you have to do is follow GameStop on Twitter to find out the trivia question of the day. The tweet will also tell you which blog/post to visit in order to get the answer. A random winner will be selected from all correct answers of the day.

In fact, on Dec 4th An Island Life will be participating in this cool event! Just follow GameStop and find out what the trivia question of the day is. Then come back here for the answer and you could win a Wii! Good luck!