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The Family Gamer Awards FGA suggests ideal games for different family age-groups: Infants, Juniors, Students, Workers, Parents and Seniors.

These awards complement PEGI's age-appropriate ratings by suggesting games each age group will enjoy. Rather than warning families about which games are inappropriate, we suggest which games each age group will get the most out of.

The games awarded for infants for example, not only contain appropriate content for 3 year olds but are also easy enough for them to play and enjoy.

Four times a year we pick the best games in each of our family age groups:

Games for Infants (3 to 6 yrs)
The best games for toddlers, very-young children and pre-school kids from 3 to 6 years old. These games work with the basics of play and should easily engage the super young players in our families. Simple and easy controls and bright colours engage young players in some educational and informative games.

Kinect Sesame Street TV
Buy:
UK US
2012 Spring Kinect Sesame Street TV: Not to be confused with the Kinect Sesame Street game, this interactive TV show offers very young players a way to interact and engage with what they are watching in a totally new way.
Family Gamer Award Details
- Award: Age Group Runner Up
- Date: Spring 2012
- Platform: 360 Kinect version(s)

AppMates Cars 2
Buy:
UK US
2012 Spring AppMates Cars 2: Cars 2 on iPad comes with its own controller, a toy car. There is much more to this Car controlled app than meets the eye, and it's all tailored for younger players.
Family Gamer Award Details
- Award: Age Group Runner Up
- Date: Spring 2012
- Platform: iPad version(s)

Go Vacation
Buy:
UK US
2012 Summer Go Vacation: Go Vacation combines four player simultaneous open world exploration with some of the best mini-games on the Wii. Massively engrossing, and with something to appeal to everyone. For very young players the simple controls, worlds to explore, train and horse rides make this simply outstanding.
Family Gamer Award Details
- Award: Age Group Runner Up
- Date: Summer 2012
- Platform: Wii version(s)

New Super Mario Bros U
Buy:
UK US
2012 Autumn New Super Mario Bros U: It may look like the Wii game but the new controls and a return to classic Mario design make this a much more fully populated Mario experience. Surprises and secrets abound in this multiplayer platformer perfect for student players to crowd around.
Family Gamer Award Details
- Award: Game of the Year
- Date: Autumn 2012
- Platform: WiiU version(s)

Just Dance 4
Buy:
UK US
2012 Winter Just Dance 4: Just Dance 4 not only adds new dances and choreography but also brings that in four player style to the PS3 and 360. Add to this the Wii U version that enables a fifth player to take charge of the choreography with the puppet master mode and you have the most all-age-friendly of family games.
Family Gamer Award Details
- Award: Age Group Runner Up
- Date: Winter 2012
- Platform: Wii PS3 Move 360 Kinect WiiU version(s)

Peppa Pig Theme Park Fun
Buy:
UK US
2011 Spring Peppa Pig Theme Park Fun: A well designed Peppa Pig tie-in for very young players. Controls and visuals work well and keep things simple, but at the same time there is plenty to challenge developing minds.
Family Gamer Award Details
- Award: Age Group Runner Up
- Date: Spring 2011
- Platform: DS version(s)

Just Dance Juniors
Buy:
UK US
2012 Winter Just Dance Juniors: Just Dance Juniors takes all the best features from the older Just Dance games and wraps them up in both Nursery Rhytm and Classic Children's Pop. You have the option to see how age appropriate each song is and the dancers are all of the younger variety.
Family Gamer Award Details
- Award: Age Group Runner Up
- Date: Winter 2012
- Platform: Wii version(s)

Just Dance Kids
Buy:
UK US
2012 Winter Just Dance Kids: Just Dance Kids takes all the best features from the older Just Dance games and wraps them up a younger demographic. Keeping the classic Just Dance play style by choosing songs that suit the younger player make this ideal for young families.
Family Gamer Award Details
- Award: Age Group Runner Up
- Date: Winter 2012
- Platform: Wii version(s)

Fruit Ninja
Buy:
UK US
2011 Summer Fruit Ninja: The simple premise of slicing up fruit with your hands and feet makes this easy enough for very young players. Add to this the ability for parents and infants to play together and the iPad/iPhone classic game works great on the 360 hands-free Kinect controller.
Family Gamer Award Details
- Award: Age Group Runner Up
- Date: Summer 2011
- Platform: 360 Kinect version(s)

Just Dance 3
Buy:
UK US
2011 Autumn Just Dance 3: Although the Just Dance formula (simple accessible dancing and sensibly shaped dancers) has been around for a while, the varied multiplayer choreography and four player Kinect features make this another big step forward for casual dancers.
Family Gamer Award Details
- Award: Age Group Winner
- Date: Autumn 2011
- Platform: Wii 360 Kinect PS3 version(s)

Kinect Sports Season Two
Buy:
UK US
2011 Winter Kinect Sports Season Two: Kinect Sports 2 offers some great minigames for the very young players in our households, but also challenges others to get involved with better controls and a greater challenge.
Family Gamer Award Details
- Award: Age Group Runner Up
- Date: Winter 2011
- Platform: Kinect 360 version(s)

Bonsai Barber
Buy:
UK US
2010 Spring Bonsai Barber: The friendly plants and steady progression make this great for really young players. Provided the pointing doesn't frustrate this is the best makeover game on the Wii to date.
Family Gamer Award Details
- Award: Age Group Runner Up
- Date: Spring 2010
- Platform: Wii version(s)

Peggle
Buy:
UK US
2010 Summer Peggle: The simplicity of shooting metal balls at pegs combined with unicorns and rainbows make this ideal for tiny fingers.
Family Gamer Award Details
- Award: Age Group Runner Up
- Date: Summer 2010
- Platform: DS 360 PS3 PSN XBLA version(s)

Wii-Party
Buy:
UK US
2010 Autumn Wii-Party: Wii-Party is an instant classic, intelligently designed for very young players and grownups alike. The matching animal noises to Wii-motes is ideal for toddlers and pre-school kids. The board games are great fun for infants and early-years children.
Family Gamer Award Details
- Award: Game of the Year
- Date: Autumn 2010
- Platform: Wii MotionPlus version(s)

Diego's Build and Rescue
Buy:
UK US
2010 Summer Diego's Build and Rescue: Diego's Build and Rescue finally brings the DS games up to par with the Wii Diego and Dora games. Simple platform controls and Mega Blok building made this ideal for the Junior gamers in our family.
Family Gamer Award Details
- Award: Age Group Runner Up
- Date: Summer 2010
- Platform: DS version(s)

Go Go Diego: Dinosaur Adventure
Buy:
UK US
2009 Spring Go Go Diego: Dinosaur Adventure: The sensible design combined with the engaging levels and children's voice work make this another excellent game for infant gamers from the Dora and Diego team.
Family Gamer Award Details
- Award: Age Group Runner Up
- Date: Spring 2009
- Platform: Wii PS2 version(s)

Story Hour Adventures
Buy:
UK US
2009 Summer Story Hour Adventures: Fairy tales with optional minigames make this the ideal compromise between a video game and a bedtime story. Low impact gaming at its best.
Family Gamer Award Details
- Award: Age Group Runner Up
- Date: Summer 2009
- Platform: Wii version(s)

Pass the Pigs
Buy:
UK US
2009 Autumn Pass the Pigs: The simplicity of swiping the screen to roll the pigs, combined with the funny sound effects and positions make this ideal for infant gamers.
Family Gamer Award Details
- Award: Age Group Runner Up
- Date: Autumn 2009
- Platform: DS version(s)

EyePet
Buy:
UK US
2009 Winter EyePet: The sheer magic of a little living creature appearing in your lounge on you TV connects with very young players. Add in the simple mini-games, grooming and dress-up aspects and this is a lot of entertainment, with a little help from mum and dad.
Family Gamer Award Details
- Award: Age Group Winner
- Date: Winter 2009
- Platform: PS3 Move version(s)

Family Ski
Buy:
UK US
2008 Spring Family Ski: The simple controls and cartoon visuals make this easy enough to use by players as young as three. The split screen simultaneous multiplayer makes it great for young siblings to play along side each other.
Family Gamer Award Details
- Award: Age Group Winner
- Date: Spring 2008
- Platform: Wii version(s)

Quickspot
Buy:
UK US
2008 Summer Quickspot: The age old favourite spot the difference game brought to the DS. Whilst some modes are too time restricted for the very young, there is enough here to entertain and develop their hand eye co-ordination.
Family Gamer Award Details
- Award: Age Group Runner Up
- Date: Summer 2008
- Platform: DS version(s)

Pac 'n Roll
Buy:
UK US
2008 Autumn Pac 'n Roll: The super simple controls make this 3D version of Pac Man playable by anyone. Simply push the stylus in the direction you want to go.
Family Gamer Award Details
- Award: Age Group Runner Up
- Date: Autumn 2008
- Platform: DS version(s)

Dora Saves the Snow Princess
Buy:
UK US
2008 Winter Dora Saves the Snow Princess: The cartoon tie in along with well judged tilt controls make this easy enough for anyone to play. Add in the characters all being voice by children and you have a real winner.
Family Gamer Award Details
- Award: Age Group Runner Up
- Date: Winter 2008
- Platform: Wii PS2 version(s)

Go Go Diego: Safari Rescue
Buy:
UK US
2007 Spring Go Go Diego: Safari Rescue: The simple platform controls and the children's voice work are ideally placed for infant players. Add a second player to assist with the hard sections and you have the perfect recipe.
Family Gamer Award Details
- Award: Age Group Runner Up
- Date: Spring 2007
- Platform: Wii version(s)

Wipeout HD
Buy:
UK US
2007 Summer Wipeout HD: Wipeout HD is a surprisingly good fit for family gamers, and epitomises a more intelligent broadening of gaming's audience. Turn up the steer assist and use the Sixaxis motion controls and really young players can play too, and in split screen mode with siblings and parents.
Family Gamer Award Details
- Award: Age Group Winner
- Date: Summer 2007
- Platform: PS3 version(s)

Mario Hoops 3 on 3
Buy:
UK US
2007 Autumn Mario Hoops 3 on 3: Although some of the game's complexity will be above some infants, the stylus passing and shooting means that they can play a basic game of basket ball without too much trouble.
Family Gamer Award Details
- Award: Age Group Runner Up
- Date: Autumn 2007
- Platform: DS version(s)

Mario Kart
Buy:
UK US
2007 Winter Mario Kart: The tilt controlled steering along with the exciting cartoon visuals and split screen multiplayer modes make this great for very young players.
Family Gamer Award Details
- Award: Age Group Runner Up
- Date: Winter 2007
- Platform: Wii version(s)

Cars
Buy:
UK US
2006 Cars: The combination of simple racing and the world of Radiator Springs to explore make this ideal for infant gamers. As they hone their racing skills they are also challenged to a variety of minigames and search the world for collectables and power ups.
Family Gamer Award Details
- Award: Age Group Runner Up
- Date: 2006
- Platform: 360 PS3 Wii version(s)

Yoshi Touch and Go
Buy:
UK US
2005 Yoshi Touch and Go: This is a simple short platform game where players guide Yoshi with the stylus. It cycles through two short levels adding complexity and challenges as it goes. The repetition and simple gameplay make it ideal for young players, but also mean they can grow into it as their strategy and dexterity improve.
Family Gamer Award Details
- Award: Age Group Runner Up
- Date: 2005
- Platform: DS version(s)

Super Mario 64 DS
Buy:
UK US
2004 Super Mario 64 DS: This takes the classic N64 Mario game and fits it perfectly to the DS. Although the main gain is a little complex for young players, the wealth of minigames here are great for infant players. Simple mechanics and touch screen controls are ideal for little fingers and developing minds.
Family Gamer Award Details
- Award: Age Group Runner Up
- Date: 2004
- Platform: DS version(s)
Games for Juniors (7 to 11 yrs)
The best games for primary school, junior and young children aged from 7 to 11 years old. These games provide experiences that connect with a basic joy of discovery and play. Although still simplistic they engage with a wide range of basic principles.

New Style Boutique
Buy:
UK US
2012 Spring New Style Boutique: New Style Boutique follows up on the first game with better visuals and more nuanced interactions with the customers. The depth is considerable as players have to judge personality of each shopper and stock their shop with the right clothes. Ideal for junior gamers, girls or boys.
Family Gamer Award Details
- Award: Age Group Runner Up
- Date: Spring 2012
- Platform: 3DS version(s)

Sifteo Game Cubes
Buy:
UK US
2012 Summer Sifteo Game Cubes: The Sifteo Gaming Cubes are a new approach to portable gaming, with a series of wireless touch-screen blocks which join together to modify the gaming experience. The series two cubes offer replaceable batteries and a new base station to play on the go, ideal for Junior gamers.
Family Gamer Award Details
- Award: Age Group Runner Up
- Date: Summer 2012
- Platform: PC version(s)

Skylanders Giants
Buy:
UK US
2012 Autumn Skylanders Giants: Skylanders Giants extends the first game's appeal by offering new Giant, Lightcore and Series 2 figures in a new adventure. Provided families realise they don't need to buy all the figures this is a great family game for younger players.
Family Gamer Award Details
- Award: Age Group Winner
- Date: Autumn 2012
- Platform: Wii WiiU 360 PS3 version(s)

LittleBigPlanet Karting
Buy:
UK US
2012 Winter LittleBigPlanet Karting: This builds on ModNation Racers by injecting not only LittleBigPlanet's style and swagger but also its more open world of course creation and sharing. Although not quite as tight as MarioKart it will appeal to both junior and teen kart fans.
Family Gamer Award Details
- Award: Age Group Runner Up
- Date: Winter 2012
- Platform: PS3 Move version(s)

Epic Mickey 2
Buy:
UK US
2012 Winter Epic Mickey 2: Although a PEGI 3 the layered story and platforming difficulty fits this better to a 7+ Junior and Teen audience. Similar to the Lego games and adding in co-operative play to the original, it's interesting that this works as well on PS3 Move, Wii, 360 or WiiU. More than novel controls, or beautifully drawn story scenes, it's the ability to choose to befriend or fight enemies that makes this particularly interesting for families to play.
Family Gamer Award Details
- Award: Age Group Runner Up
- Date: Winter 2012
- Platform: PS3 Move WiiU Wii 360 version(s)

Nintendo Land
Buy:
UK US
2012 Summer Nintendo Land: Nintendo Land is the Wii U's Wii-Sports and offers a varied range of games that not only show off the Wii U console's new controls but are also a great match for younger family gamers.
Family Gamer Award Details
- Award: Age Group Runner Up
- Date: Summer 2012
- Platform: WiiU version(s)

Wonderbook
Buy:
UK US
2012 Winter Wonderbook: A totally new way to read Harry Potter and to play PS3 games. The big book peripheral works incredibly well and offers families an unusual way to interact with and enjoy a pop-up story.
Family Gamer Award Details
- Award: Age Group Runner Up
- Date: Winter 2012
- Platform: PS3 Move version(s)

Solatorobo
Buy:
UK US
2011 Spring Solatorobo: Another massive adventure game squeezed into the DS. But this time the focus is as much on the story and Dogtanian-like characters as the action. Simply exquisite on the DS, and full of intrigue. An engaging game for junior players on the DS, a rare gem.
Family Gamer Award Details
- Award: Age Group Runner Up
- Date: Spring 2011
- Platform: DS version(s)

Kirby Mass Attack
Buy:
UK US
2011 Summer Kirby Mass Attack: This combines stylus controlled platforming action with great puzzles and surprisingly fleshed out minigames. Controlling a herd of little pink Kirbys is simply great fun.
Family Gamer Award Details
- Award: Age Group Runner Up
- Date: Summer 2011
- Platform: DS version(s)

Skylanders Spyro's Adventure
Buy:
UK US
2011 Autumn Skylanders Spyro's Adventure: The quality of the toys and simplicity of using them to save your progress in the videogame make this ideal for junior players. The gameplay itself is like a more action focused Lego game, and again, ideally suited for pre-teens.
Family Gamer Award Details
- Award: Game of the Year
- Date: Autumn 2011
- Platform: Wii 3DS 360 PS3 version(s)

Disneyland Adventures
Buy:
UK US
2011 Winter Disneyland Adventures: Disneyland Adventures captivates junior players with its open world park exploration that ties together some simply magical retellings of classic Disney stories.
Family Gamer Award Details
- Award: Age Group Runner Up
- Date: Winter 2011
- Platform: Kinect 360 version(s)

Modnation Racers
Buy:
UK US
2010 Spring Modnation Racers: The kart racing looks and drives wonderfully well. But it's the dressup and create side of this that makes it ideal for junior players. They can even create and share their own tracks with ease.
Family Gamer Award Details
- Award: Age Group Runner Up
- Date: Spring 2010
- Platform: PS3 PSN version(s)

Pop Island Paperfield
Buy:
UK US
2010 Summer Pop Island Paperfield: A bright and colourful 3D capture the flag game on the DS. Being able to play with 8 players from one copy of the game makes this ideal for the playground or after school fun.
Family Gamer Award Details
- Award: Age Group Runner Up
- Date: Summer 2010
- Platform: DS version(s)

Pinball Pulse
Buy:
UK US
2010 Autumn Pinball Pulse: The best original realistic pinball game on any portable platform we've experienced. Intelligent table layout with the sort of insight and innovation usually reserved for physical tables. A great introduction to the classic pastime for juniors.
Family Gamer Award Details
- Award: Age Group Runner Up
- Date: Autumn 2010
- Platform: DS version(s)

Kinect Sports
Buy:
UK US
2010 Winter Kinect Sports: Kinect Sports establishes a high bar for the 360 motion controlled games. Although limb tracking best fits the exuberance of Football, Running and Boxing, Kinect's unexpected detection of bodily location and orientation means that it also offers enough control fidelity for games like Table Tennis.
Family Gamer Award Details
- Award: Age Group Winner
- Date: Winter 2010
- Platform: 360 Kinect version(s)

World of Goo
Buy:
UK US
2009 Spring World of Goo: The ingeniously simple premise of building with living blobs of goo, combine with the fiendish level design and excellent story telling to make this a truly magical experience for Junior gamers in particular.
Family Gamer Award Details
- Award: Age Group Runner Up
- Date: Spring 2009
- Platform: Wii PC version(s)

Rolando 2
Buy:
UK US
2009 Summer Rolando 2: The combination of the portable device, tilt and touch controls make for a great game. This stands out though for more traditional reasons. Bright clean visuals and fiendish levels design. Perfect for tiny fingers.
Family Gamer Award Details
- Award: Age Group Runner Up
- Date: Summer 2009
- Platform: iPhone iPad version(s)

Shaun White's Snowboarding World Stage
Buy:
UK US
2009 Autumn Shaun White's Snowboarding World Stage: The simple controls and sense of speed make this accessible and fun. A strong cartoon feel and animated sequences make this well rounded entertainment.
Family Gamer Award Details
- Award: Age Group Runner Up
- Date: Autumn 2009
- Platform: Wii MotionPlus version(s)

High School Musical 3: Dance!
Buy:
UK US
2009 Winter High School Musical 3: Dance!: Simply the best rhythm dance game released to date. A strong combination of music from the films and a range of gesture, jumps, poses and swings to get the blood pumping.
Family Gamer Award Details
- Award: Age Group Winner
- Date: Winter 2009
- Platform: Wii version(s)

Boom Blox
Buy:
UK US
2008 Spring Boom Blox: The simple idea of throwing, pulling and shooting blocks has instant appeal. The family friendly Jenga style levels combine with the deft Wii-mote control and varied levels to create a great game for families with junior gamers.
Family Gamer Award Details
- Award: Age Group Winner
- Date: Spring 2008
- Platform: Wii version(s)

Soul Bubbles
Buy:
UK US
2008 Summer Soul Bubbles: This game's simple bubble blowing controls and platforming puzzles make it ideally placed for junior players.
Family Gamer Award Details
- Award: Age Group Runner Up
- Date: Summer 2008
- Platform: DS version(s)

Mario and Sonic at the Olympics
Buy:
UK US
2008 Autumn Mario and Sonic at the Olympics: The sheer exuberance and variety here are great for juniors wanted to exercise their 'massive' motor skills. That you can play with four players together also makes it ideal for the whole family.
Family Gamer Award Details
- Award: Age Group Runner Up
- Date: Autumn 2008
- Platform: DS Wii version(s)

Guinness World Records
Buy:
UK US
2008 Winter Guinness World Records: Being able to get your name on a score board for your county increases the appeal for juniors here. Like the now defunct children's TV show, Guinness World Records provides some great entertaining activities and simple controls.
Family Gamer Award Details
- Award: Age Group Runner Up
- Date: Winter 2008
- Platform: DS Wii version(s)

Wario Ware: Twisted
Buy:
UK US
2007 Spring Wario Ware: Twisted: Although still hard to get in the UK, this minigame collection offers some of the most entertaining (and frustrating) challenges around. All of them are controlled with a simple built in tilt sensor that makes them ideal for juniors.
Family Gamer Award Details
- Award: Age Group Runner Up
- Date: Spring 2007
- Platform: GBA DS version(s)

Elite Beat Agents
Buy:
UK US
2007 Summer Elite Beat Agents: The cartoon art style and direct tap along play mechanic make this ideal for junior gamers. This rhythm action has more then enough content to engage youngsters in what it is that makes a song great.
Family Gamer Award Details
- Award: Age Group Winner
- Date: Summer 2007
- Platform: DS version(s)

Mario Kart DS
Buy:
UK US
2007 Autumn Mario Kart DS: The return to the simplicity of earlier Mario Kart games suits the junior player. Combine this with the local and online multiplayer for some great racing fun.
Family Gamer Award Details
- Award: Age Group Runner Up
- Date: Autumn 2007
- Platform: DS version(s)

FIFA 08
Buy:
UK US
2007 Spring FIFA 08: The combination of the football theme and the low barrier to entry Family Play controls make this great for juniors. Up to four players of mixed ability can compete together for some great family wide fun.
Family Gamer Award Details
- Award: Age Group Runner Up
- Date: Spring 2007
- Platform: Wii version(s)

New Super Mario Brothers
Buy:
UK US
2006 New Super Mario Brothers: As with the original game on the NES, New Super Mario Brothers provides some finely honed platform gaming. Levels are well designed and balance both progression and exploration. While infant gamers may struggle with the exacting left/right and jump controls Juniors and older gamers will love getting lost in the intricacies of each level.
Family Gamer Award Details
- Award: Age Group Runner Up
- Date: 2006
- Platform: DS version(s)

Lego Star Wars
Buy:
UK US
2005 Lego Star Wars: This not only combines the Star Wars and Lego franchises but offers a great platform game. Players run, jump and explore to unlock all the characters as they work through the story from the original three films.
Family Gamer Award Details
- Award: Age Group Runner Up
- Date: 2005
- Platform: Wii DS 360 PS3 version(s)

Boktai 2: Solar Boy Django
Buy:
UK US
2004 Boktai 2: Solar Boy Django : The novelty here is that the game has a solar panel on it. This isn't used to charge the console itself, but rather affects how the game plays. You need to charge up your in-game character with the solar panel, and ensure you only attempt certain areas when there is plenty of daylight.
Family Gamer Award Details
- Award: Age Group Runner Up
- Date: 2004
- Platform: DS GBA version(s)
Games for Teens (12 to 15 yrs)
The best games for secondary, high-school, teenagers, adolescent kids and young-adults aged from 12 to 17 years old. These games provide thrilling experiences that major on brash, loud protagonists and aim to connect with the students in our families.

Rocksmith
Buy:
UK US
2012 Summer Rocksmith: Takes the guitar based gaming to a new level. You use a real guitar to play the game and learn real chords and notes as you go. The perfect balance of play and creativity.
Family Gamer Award Details
- Award: Age Group Runner Up
- Date: Summer 2012
- Platform: 360 PS3 version(s)

Gravity Rush
Buy:
UK US
2012 Summer Gravity Rush: An innovative platform game for PS Vita where you get around by changing the in-game world's gravity. With a console game feel and excellent use of the PS Vita's dual stick controls this feels like a real step up for portable gaming.
Family Gamer Award Details
- Award: Age Group Runner Up
- Date: Summer 2012
- Platform: Vita version(s)

Lego Lord of the Rings
Buy:
UK US
2012 Autumn Lego Lord of the Rings: Lego Lord of the Rings offers a massive exploreable middle earth alongside the usual linear levels. A step towards the upcoming GTA style Lego City Undercover that ticks all the role play boxes of the books and films. Perfect for Teen Tolkien (or Lego) fans.
Family Gamer Award Details
- Award: Age Group Winner
- Date: Autumn 2012
- Platform: 3DS Wii Vita DS 360 PS3 version(s)

F1 Race Stars
Buy:
UK US
2012 Winter F1 Race Stars: A cross between real F1 and kart racing not a million miles away from Blur. Fully licensed racers in caricature form keep the focus on cornering and braking rather than power-ups and battling. Although it is PEGI 3+ it is really one for the slightly older and more competitive racer.
Family Gamer Award Details
- Award: Age Group Runner Up
- Date: Winter 2012
- Platform: 360 PS3 version(s)

Paper Mario Sticker Star
Buy:
UK US
2012 Winter Paper Mario Sticker Star: Although it may seem like just another Mario game on the 3DS, this role-play meets platforming Mario is the perfect mix of storytelling and action. Players work through a paper craft world collecting stickers and attacking enemies. Perfect for family gamers young and old, ideal for teens.
Family Gamer Award Details
- Award: Age Group Runner Up
- Date: Winter 2012
- Platform: 3DS version(s)

Tom Clancy's Ghost Recon Shadow Wars
Buy:
UK US
2011 Spring Tom Clancy's Ghost Recon Shadow Wars: Well balanced strategy from the creator of Laser Squad and XCOM/UFO. This is the most fully featured 3DS launch game (along with Super Street Fighter IV) and it oozes quality. Perfect for whiling away between lectures.
Family Gamer Award Details
- Award: Age Group Runner Up
- Date: Spring 2011
- Platform: 3DS version(s)

The Gunstringer
Buy:
UK US
2011 Summer The Gunstringer: A game that really plays to Kinect's theatrics. Control a marionette with one hand and shoot with the other, this game turns the living room into a stage. The quality and creativity more than make up for the slightly short play time. A great play with mates game.
Family Gamer Award Details
- Award: Age Group Runner Up
- Date: Summer 2011
- Platform: Kinect 360 version(s)

Child of Eden
Buy:
UK US
2011 Autumn Child of Eden: The combination of music movement and shooting creates an experience perfect for teen and student players. Whether on the more recent PS3 Move release or breakthrough 360 Kinect version, Child of Eden is a rare combination of motion controls and hardcore gameplay.
Family Gamer Award Details
- Award: Age Group Runner Up
- Date: Autumn 2011
- Platform: 360 Kinect PS3 Move version(s)

Mario and Sonic at the London 2012 Olympics
Buy:
UK US
2011 Winter Mario and Sonic at the London 2012 Olympics: Teens shouldn't overlook the cartoony look as this addition to the Mario and Sonic sports games not only builds on previous outings but adds some great four player competitive games.
Family Gamer Award Details
- Award: Age Group Winner
- Date: Winter 2011
- Platform: Wii version(s)

New Super Mario Brothers
Buy:
UK US
2010 Spring New Super Mario Brothers: While others may balk at another 2D Mario platformer, gamers and students will rise to the multiplayer challenge that offers some of the best secrets to discover and expert techniques to perfect. For them it's perfection.
Family Gamer Award Details
- Award: Age Group Winner
- Date: Spring 2010
- Platform: Wii version(s)

Split/Second
Buy:
UK US
2010 Summer Split/Second: Exuberant high octane racing where the track is as much an enemy as the other drivers. A single minded return to arcade racing is ideal for students singleplayer or split screen.
Family Gamer Award Details
- Award: Age Group Runner Up
- Date: Summer 2010
- Platform: 360 PS3 PC version(s)

Just Dance 2
Buy:
UK US
2010 Autumn Just Dance 2: A dance game this well executed is no fluke - detailed understanding of the audience and perfect technical execution make this a stand out experience the students (and the whole family) on the Wii.
Family Gamer Award Details
- Award: Age Group Runner Up
- Date: Autumn 2010
- Platform: Wii version(s)

Gran Turismo 5
Buy:
UK US
2010 Winter Gran Turismo 5: It took a while to arrive, but the sheer adrenalin of the experience makes it something that students will love. You need all that spare time if you are going to even scratch the surface of this monstrous racing experience.
Family Gamer Award Details
- Award: Age Group Runner Up
- Date: Winter 2010
- Platform: PS3 version(s)

Mario Charged Football
Buy:
UK US
2009 Spring Mario Charged Football: One of the best multiplayer games on the Wii that combines the tactics football, physical attacks of hockey with a range of Nintendo characters with unique abilities. It's the level of depth here that takes this game beyond young gamers to those looking for more of a challenge.
Family Gamer Award Details
- Award: Age Group Runner Up
- Date: Spring 2009
- Platform: Wii Gamecube version(s)

Wii-Sports Resort
Buy:
UK US
2009 Summer Wii-Sports Resort: The simplicity and fidelity of control make this simply the best sports game on the Wii. Golf here gives even Tiger Woods a run for its money. Table Tennis is the most direct racket game to grace a console. Archery creates a nail biting fine tuned challenge to rival any adrenalin sport.
Family Gamer Award Details
- Award: Game of the Year
- Date: Summer 2009
- Platform: Wii MotionPlus version(s)

Little King's Story
Buy:
UK US
2009 Autumn Little King's Story: This is a finely balanced real time strategy for the Wii. Student gamers shouldn't be put off the cartoony visuals, this is a really hard core challenge. One that will last for as long as many 360/PS3 games.
Family Gamer Award Details
- Award: Age Group Runner Up
- Date: Autumn 2009
- Platform: Wii version(s)

DJ Hero
Buy:
UK US
2009 Winter DJ Hero: Surprising us all with quality and fun - and by trumping the established Guitar based games. The quality and attention to detail in both the record deck controller and soundtrack show the pedigree of all involved.
Family Gamer Award Details
- Award: Age Group Runner Up
- Date: Winter 2009
- Platform: Wii 360 PS3 version(s)

Super Smash Brothers Brawl
Buy:
UK US
2008 Spring Super Smash Brothers Brawl: The initial simplicity and button mashing soon gives way to obsessively learning different characters and power ups as this game proves itself again in a new generation.
Family Gamer Award Details
- Award: Age Group Runner Up
- Date: Spring 2008
- Platform: Wii version(s)

Little Big Planet
Buy:
UK US
2008 Summer Little Big Planet: The rag-doll physics and kids TV visuals make this the ideal place to hang out with student friends. Add in some mischievous intent from up to three other players and it becomes a hysterical prank filled festival of fun.
Family Gamer Award Details
- Award: Age Group Runner Up
- Date: Summer 2008
- Platform: PS3 PSP version(s)

Castle Crashers
Buy:
UK US
2008 Autumn Castle Crashers: The sheer inventiveness of this four player romp through olden times makes it great to play with friends. Brawling action gives way to levelling up and item collection as is befitting of any student friendly title.
Family Gamer Award Details
- Award: Age Group Runner Up
- Date: Autumn 2008
- Platform: 360 version(s)

Sing Star
Buy:
UK US
2007 Spring Sing Star: Carefree Student types will love singing their hearts out. Well built microphones, great play lists and the pitch based scoring make this ideal for parties.
Family Gamer Award Details
- Award: Age Group Runner Up
- Date: Spring 2007
- Platform: PS3 version(s)

Guitar Hero
Buy:
UK US
2007 Summer Guitar Hero: The happiness created from strapping on a fake plastic guitar and strumming along to your favourite band is more than you would expect. Although Rock Band provides the most streamlined experience Guitar Hero's peripherals are more highly thought of as they are better made.
Family Gamer Award Details
- Award: Age Group Runner Up
- Date: Summer 2007
- Platform: PS3 360 Wii PS2 version(s)

Mario Galaxy
Buy:
UK US
2007 Autumn Mario Galaxy: Mario returns in his ingenious form. Every one of the levels provides a unique experience as rich and dense as those Mario games of old.
Family Gamer Award Details
- Award: Age Group Runner Up
- Date: Autumn 2007
- Platform: Wii version(s)

Tetris DS
Buy:
UK US
2006 Tetris DS: Student gamers will relish getting to grips with T-spins and back-to-back achievements, not to mention Tetris DS's innovations and power ups. But more than this it is the super competitive online ladder play that makes this a perfect match for student gamers.
Family Gamer Award Details
- Award: Age Group Runner Up
- Date: 2006
- Platform: DS version(s)

Rebelstar Tactical Commander
Buy:
UK US
2005 Rebelstar Tactical Commander: A detailed turn based strategy game where resources and landscape must be made best use of to gain the upper hand. Following on from games like Laser Squad and XCOM Enemy Unknown, this offers a compelling experience that will tax even the most able of student's grey matter.
Family Gamer Award Details
- Award: Age Group Runner Up
- Date: 2005
- Platform: DS GBA version(s)
Games for Students (16 to 17 yrs)
The best games for students, studying, college, school and young-adults aged from 16 to 17 years old. These games provide experiences that are great to share in halls, offer multiplayer thrills, or demand commitment and dedication to progress.

Trials Evolution
Buy:
UK US
2012 Spring Trials Evolution: A motorbike racing game with a difference. Trials combines the head scratching of puzzles with real world physics to make a hugely addictive motor sport game that is ideal for Students to while away the long nights.
Family Gamer Award Details
- Award: Age Group Winner
- Date: Spring 2012
- Platform: 360 version(s)

Deadlight
Buy:
UK US
2012 Summer Deadlight: A reimagining of both the classic Prince of Persia platforming and the zombie genre. Players explore a stylised world and must take care not to charge in all guns blazing for fear of awakening other enemies. A thinking student's Resident Evil.
Family Gamer Award Details
- Award: Age Group Runner Up
- Date: Summer 2012
- Platform: 360 version(s)

Little Big Planet Vita
Buy:
UK US
2012 Autumn Little Big Planet Vita: LittleBigPlanet's creative homemade world travels with you in your pocket. Not only is the touch screen a better interface for designing but together with the tilt and rear-touch features platforming is more tactile than ever!
Family Gamer Award Details
- Award: Age Group Runner Up
- Date: Autumn 2012
- Platform: Vita version(s)

Xenoblade Chronicles
Buy:
UK US
2012 Winter Xenoblade Chronicles: A surprising and engaging adventure on the Wii. This rare core-centric game is ideal for older players looking for some role play action. Championing the content of graphics rubric of Nintendo, Xenoblade proves that there is more to the Twighlight of the Wii than Mario games. Perfect Student fodder.
Family Gamer Award Details
- Award: Age Group Runner Up
- Date: Winter 2012
- Platform: Wii version(s)

Little Big Planet 2
Buy:
UK US
2011 Spring Little Big Planet 2: A perfect mix of game creator and multiplayer fun make this an ideal choice for student gamers. Late night multiplayer antics, or perhaps the blossoming of a game development career.
Family Gamer Award Details
- Award: Age Group Runner Up
- Date: Spring 2011
- Platform: PS3 Move version(s)

Conduit 2
Buy:
UK US
2011 Summer Conduit 2: A rare hard-core shooting game on the Wii, that looks every bit as good as Halo. Although enemy AI aren't quite a match for 360/PS3 console experiences, Conduit 2 is a high water mark with excellent Wii-mote controls for student shooter fans.
Family Gamer Award Details
- Award: Age Group Winner
- Date: Summer 2011
- Platform: Wii MotionPlus version(s)

Zelda Skyward Sword
Buy:
UK US
2011 Autumn Zelda Skyward Sword: A perfect student adventure game. Oceans to do and excellent use of the MotionPlus Wii controller add-on. With a more emotional, full of sexual tension, this is also one of the more mature outings for Zelda and Link.
Family Gamer Award Details
- Award: Age Group Runner Up
- Date: Autumn 2011
- Platform: Wii MotionPlus version(s)

Tumble
Buy:
UK US
2011 Winter Tumble: The accuracy and depth perception of the Move control makes this Jenga stacking puzzle game perfect for students. Multiplayer alone is worth the price of entrance, as players take it in turns to stack blocks and earn points.
Family Gamer Award Details
- Award: Age Group Runner Up
- Date: Winter 2011
- Platform: PS3 Move version(s)

Super Mario Galaxy 2
Buy:
UK US
2010 Spring Super Mario Galaxy 2: Builds on the classic Mario platforming, and the first Galaxy game, to offer an almost endless supply of bite-sized platforming nuggets. Perfect for students with evenings to kill, add in MotionPlus for more intuitive controls. Very nearly perfect.
Family Gamer Award Details
- Award: Age Group Runner Up
- Date: Spring 2010
- Platform: Wii MotionPlus version(s)

Infinite Space
Buy:
UK US
2010 Summer Infinite Space: A genuinely in depth space exploration game for the DS. Perfect to play between lectures or longer evening sessions. The sheer amount of content stands this head and shoulders above other DS games.
Family Gamer Award Details
- Award: Age Group Winner
- Date: Summer 2010
- Platform: DS version(s)

Monster Hunter Tri
Buy:
UK US
2010 Autumn Monster Hunter Tri: The classic exploration and loot collecting game comes to the Wii. Perfect for Students with time to invest in an awe inspiring world filled with creatures to track, attack and kill. MotionPlus adds some optional accuracy to all this and is well worth using.
Family Gamer Award Details
- Award: Age Group Runner Up
- Date: Autumn 2010
- Platform: Wii MotionPlus version(s)

Sports Champions
Buy:
UK US
2010 Winter Sports Champions: The PlayStation 3's Wii-Sports type game. But with the Move control's accuracy and depth perception this is one for student gamers. Table tennis and archery stand out in multiplayer contests, but it's honing skills in the single player that offers the best value here.
Family Gamer Award Details
- Award: Age Group Runner Up
- Date: Winter 2010
- Platform: PS3 Move version(s)

Skate 2
Buy:
UK US
2009 Spring Skate 2: Skate 2 refine's the original games "flick-it" controls. The left stick controls the board and the right stick the skater's body. It's an intuitive scheme that rewards instincts and practice. Ideal for student skaters.
Family Gamer Award Details
- Award: Age Group Runner Up
- Date: Spring 2009
- Platform: 360 PS3 version(s)

Grand Slam Tennis
Buy:
UK US
2009 Summer Grand Slam Tennis: A combination of cartoon tennis stars, real grand slam locations and the one-to-one tennis controls make this the perfect tennis game. With MotionPlus adding even more accuracy this is ideal for multiplayer fun in student halls.
Family Gamer Award Details
- Award: Age Group Winner
- Date: Summer 2009
- Platform: Wii MotionPlus version(s)

Disaster: Day of Crisis
Buy:
UK US
2009 Autumn Disaster: Day of Crisis: An unusually adrenaline led shooting game on the Wii. A combination of third person exploring, stop-action events and on-rails shooting make this varied and compelling. The production values and staging in the end mark this out as a winning formula.
Family Gamer Award Details
- Award: Age Group Runner Up
- Date: Autumn 2009
- Platform: Wii version(s)

Left 4 Dead 2
Buy:
UK US
2009 Winter Left 4 Dead 2: It's Left 4 Dead 2's multiplayer that will attract student players. Both online and local split screen you need to master the different zombie and player types to perform well here. Perfect for long nights after college.
Family Gamer Award Details
- Award: Age Group Runner Up
- Date: Winter 2009
- Platform: 360 PS3 version(s)

MotorStorm: Pacific Rift
Buy:
UK US
2008 Winter MotorStorm: Pacific Rift: The biggest brashest off road racing game makes this high on most student lists. Add in the four player split screen mode that still manages to include nine computer controlled cars and you have an unequalled experience.
Family Gamer Award Details
- Award: Age Group Winner
- Date: Winter 2008
- Platform: PS3 PSP version(s)

Halo 3
Buy:
UK US
2007 Winter Halo 3: Nothing recreates the moment of two players combat encounter like Halo. Halo 3 then fleshes this out into the full experience. Student friendly co-op or more open online play, Halo 3 has it all.
Family Gamer Award Details
- Award: Age Group Winner
- Date: Winter 2007
- Platform: 360 version(s)

Halo 2
Buy:
UK US
2004 Halo 2: The epitome of a multiplayer game. Halo 2 breaks new ground with Xbox Live features and matchmaking that make it easy and enjoyable to play with others locally or online. Perfect for communal Halls of Residence sessions, or when back home with the family between terms.
Family Gamer Award Details
- Award: Age Group Runner Up
- Date: 2004
- Platform: Xbox version(s)
Games for Workers (18 and over)
The best games for those with full time jobs, workers, 9-to-5-ers, employed hard-core gamers 18 years and over. These games provide more of a challenge in both dexterity and problem solving. They are often more about strong single player experiences that hard working hard core gamers. Although these are often longer experiences that are also ideal to switch off and chill out after a long day at the office.

Uncharted Golden Abyss
Buy:
UK US
2012 Spring Uncharted Golden Abyss: Although not as polished as the PS3 games, this portable version of Uncharted it hugely enjoyable and impressive. Played on the commute or on breaks at work it offers a deep story and motion controlled shooting mechanics that are better than the PS3 controls -- although you might look a little odd waving the PS Vita around in public.
Family Gamer Award Details
- Award: Age Group Runner Up
- Date: Spring 2012
- Platform: Vita version(s)

Alan Wake American Nightmare
Buy:
UK US
2012 Spring Alan Wake American Nightmare: Alan Wake's American Nightmare takes the self-absorbed author out of the woods and into the desert in an action-oriented mini-sequel. In a similar vein the original this not only delivers spine tingling horror, but also a narrative to engage the intellect as well. Ideal for unwinding after a stressful day at work.
Family Gamer Award Details
- Award: Age Group Runner Up
- Date: Spring 2012
- Platform: 360 XBLA version(s)

Fez
Buy:
UK US
2012 Summer Fez: Fez uses dimensions to stretch the player's platforming ability. But it is the slow unfolding story the game tells that is most unexpected here. One for workers to ponder on the morning commute.
Family Gamer Award Details
- Award: Age Group Runner Up
- Date: Summer 2012
- Platform: 360 version(s)

Need for Speed Most Wanted
Buy:
UK US
2012 Autumn Need for Speed Most Wanted: Criterion, of Burnout fame, return with their second Need for Speed game and continue the high octane spills and thrills that make this racer ideal for the working gamer.
Family Gamer Award Details
- Award: Age Group Runner Up
- Date: Autumn 2012
- Platform: 360 PS3 version(s)

Halo 4
Buy:
UK US
2012 Winter Halo 4: Halo is back and in fine shape. A combination of a great new trilogy story line and the multiplayer make this ideal fun after a day at the office.
Family Gamer Award Details
- Award: Age Group Winner
- Date: Winter 2012
- Platform: 360 version(s)

Okamiden
Buy:
UK US
2011 Spring Okamiden: An original portable version of the classic Wii PS2 game Okami. Not only does this squeeze the same whimsical gameplay and writing into the diminutive DS, but it also looks stunning. Play it on the 3DS for smoother graphics, or on the DS for longer battery, either way a very commute friendly experience.
Family Gamer Award Details
- Award: Age Group Runner Up
- Date: Spring 2011
- Platform: DS version(s)

Legend of Zelda Ocarina of Time
Buy:
UK US
2011 Summer Legend of Zelda Ocarina of Time: The classic Zelda game reborn, but more importantly a console Zelda experience on a commute friendly handheld. The level of graphical reworking, addition of new controls and tips system make this a standout re-release of the definitive Zelda videogame from the 90s.
Family Gamer Award Details
- Award: Age Group Runner Up
- Date: Summer 2011
- Platform: 3DS version(s)

Skyrim
Buy:
UK US
2011 Autumn Skyrim: It's the size and scale of this adventure that makes it a great fit for workers. A large amount of disposable playtime spent here delivers an experience that not only lets you progress your own way but also presents endless reasons to keep playing.
Family Gamer Award Details
- Award: Age Group Winner
- Date: Autumn 2011
- Platform: 360 PS3 PC version(s)

Super Mario 3D Land
Buy:
UK US
2011 Winter Super Mario 3D Land: Mario returns to its 2D feel while retaining a fresh 3D perspective. The simple addictive nature draws from Mario Galaxy and Super Mario World to create a perfect commuting or after work 3DS game.
Family Gamer Award Details
- Award: Age Group Runner Up
- Date: Winter 2011
- Platform: 3DS version(s)

Mass Effect 2
Buy:
UK US
2010 Spring Mass Effect 2: This epic space opera offers those with time too plumb its depths an experience unequalled elsewhere. Branching, diverse yet focused and compelling. This second chapter in the trilogy is ideal to ease those work-a-day blues.
Family Gamer Award Details
- Award: Age Group Runner Up
- Date: Spring 2010
- Platform: 360 PS3 PC version(s)

Demon's Souls
Buy:
UK US
2010 Summer Demon's Souls: A masterpiece of a game that is also a tough master. Invest time in it after work and you'll find a compelling experience that transports you far away from office life.
Family Gamer Award Details
- Award: Age Group Runner Up
- Date: Summer 2010
- Platform: PS3 version(s)

Halo Reach
Buy:
UK US
2010 Autumn Halo Reach: A triumphant final chapter, with so much content and variety it has something for everyone. This definitive Halo experience will keep weekends and workday evenings full of competitive fun.
Family Gamer Award Details
- Award: Age Group Winner
- Date: Autumn 2010
- Platform: 360 version(s)

Fable III
Buy:
UK US
2010 Winter Fable III: Fable III pulsates with life beneath its action adventure facade. For those with time to invest this is an experience with the ability to create a hundred joyful game play moments.
Family Gamer Award Details
- Award: Age Group Runner Up
- Date: Winter 2010
- Platform: 360 version(s)

Street Fighter 4
Buy:
UK US
2009 Spring Street Fighter 4: Street Fighter is the game that started the fighting genre. And here in a return to old style game play married with state of the art hand drawn visuals we find a game so engaging and beautiful we played until our hands hurt. Perfect for easing those aches and pains after a long day at work.
Family Gamer Award Details
- Award: Age Group Runner Up
- Date: Spring 2009
- Platform: 360 3DS PS3 version(s)

Shadow Complex
Buy:
UK US
2009 Summer Shadow Complex: A brash Gears of War styles platform game that follows the lines of Metroid and Castlevania. It's the joy in the delivery that turns this into an experience players return to again and again.
Family Gamer Award Details
- Award: Age Group Runner Up
- Date: Summer 2009
- Platform: 360 XBLA version(s)

Dead Space Extraction
Buy:
UK US
2009 Autumn Dead Space Extraction: A brash Gears of War styles platform game that follows the lines of Metroid and Castlevania. It's the joy in the delivery that turns this into an experience players return to again and again. (Now also released with Dead Space 2 on PS3.)
Family Gamer Award Details
- Award: Age Group Runner Up
- Date: Autumn 2009
- Platform: Wii PS3 version(s)

Uncharted 2: Among Thieves
Buy:
UK US
2009 Winter Uncharted 2: Among Thieves: Many missed the excellent first game, but Naughty Dog come back with a truly worthy sequel. A combination of highly tuned controls, compelling characters and great gunplay make this a ride worth seeing to the end - and back again.
Family Gamer Award Details
- Award: Age Group Winner
- Date: Winter 2009
- Platform: PS3 version(s)

Resident Evil 4
Buy:
UK US
2008 Spring Resident Evil 4: For fright friendly student play there is no equally the intensity and streamlined experience of this game. Widely received as the best Gamecube game, the Wii version improves the aiming controls and reduces the price. (To be released in Resident Evil HD pack on 360/PS3.)
Family Gamer Award Details
- Award: Age Group Runner Up
- Date: Spring 2008
- Platform: Wii PS2 PS3 360 version(s)

Gears of War
Buy:
UK US
2008 Summer Gears of War: Big, scary, harsh and bloody this is the cream of the violent 360 shooting games. The sheer intensity of the ride is just what those work-a-day blues ordered.
Family Gamer Award Details
- Award: Age Group Runner Up
- Date: Summer 2008
- Platform: 360 version(s)

Far Cry 2
Buy:
UK US
2008 Autumn Far Cry 2: The sense of place generated by the acting, scenery and action make this a memorable experience. The game soon opens out into a goliath of a masterpiece lasting a good 40 hours.
Family Gamer Award Details
- Award: Age Group Winner
- Date: Autumn 2008
- Platform: 360 PS3 PC version(s)

Grand Theft Auto IV
Buy:
UK US
2008 Winter Grand Theft Auto IV: Although maligned for juvenile violence and cheap sexuality there is more to this than meets the eye. Played with an enquiring mind and you will find as many questions raised here as by other heavyweight inner city experiences like the TV show The Wire.
Family Gamer Award Details
- Award: Age Group Runner Up
- Date: Winter 2008
- Platform: 360 PS3 PC version(s)

Crackdown
Buy:
UK US
2007 Spring Crackdown: The open world of futuristic gangsters was compelling on its own terms. However, the introduction of two player co-op was the stroke of genius that made this the perfect playground.
Family Gamer Award Details
- Award: Age Group Runner Up
- Date: Spring 2007
- Platform: 360 version(s)

Advance Wars Days of Ruin
Buy:
UK US
2007 Summer Advance Wars Days of Ruin: A pixel perfect turn based strategy game with a perfect balance of restraint and flexibility. Like chess on steroids this is a great way to soak up those travelling hours on the train or bus.
Family Gamer Award Details
- Award: Age Group Winner
- Date: Summer 2007
- Platform: DS version(s)

God of War
Buy:
UK US
2007 Autumn God of War: Loud brash brawling action. Although only single player, a great game to watch or play. The visual pinnacle of the PS2 game library.
Family Gamer Award Details
- Award: Age Group Runner Up
- Date: Autumn 2007
- Platform: PS3 PS2 version(s)

Call of Duty 4 (Reflex)
Buy:
UK US
2007 Winter Call of Duty 4 (Reflex): The single player game's staging and sense of pace outdoes most other first person shooting games. Those looking for a peak of what wartime simulation will love spending time in this modern setting.
Family Gamer Award Details
- Award: Age Group Runner Up
- Date: Winter 2007
- Platform: Wii version(s)

Legend of Zelda Twighlight Princess
Buy:
UK US
2006 Legend of Zelda Twighlight Princess: It is the scale of Zelda that makes it so enjoyable to play. Twighlight Princess introduces a magical world, already familiar to players of the previous games, in which to play. You progress through a series of dungeons with a new weapon or gadget near the entrance that leads to a variety of puzzles. The adventuring spirit it captures and the sheer amount of time and effort to complete it make this ideal for student gamers.
Family Gamer Award Details
- Award: Game of the Year
- Date: 2006
- Platform: Wii version(s)

Burnout Dominator
Buy:
UK US
2005 Burnout Dominator: Like Burnout Legends on PSP this fits the big screen combat racing to a portable system perfectly. It may not have the brash showy-ness of other Burnout games, but this restrained release goes on giving long after others are spent. Perfect for those long commutes to work.
Family Gamer Award Details
- Award: Age Group Runner Up
- Date: 2005
- Platform: PSP version(s)

Half Life 2
Buy:
UK US
2004 Half Life 2: It is the writing and compelling world of Half Life 2 that will reel you in after work. As the plot unfolds you find yourself in a precarious situation, running for your life.
Family Gamer Award Details
- Award: Age Group Runner Up
- Date: 2004
- Platform: PC PS3 360 version(s)
Games for Parents
The best games for parents, mums, dads, carers, aunties and uncles. These games connect with the gamer on a more mature level. Story driven and often open ended, the experiences here provide space to play with complex issues and engage in moral dilemmas. Either that or to escape the grind of the work/home balance.

Journey
Buy:
UK US
2012 Spring Journey: Journey offers a most unusual experience where players interact with each other by movement alone and traverse a bleak desert landscape. This almost spiritual game is ideal for thoughtful parents.
Family Gamer Award Details
- Award: Age Group Runner Up
- Date: Spring 2012
- Platform: PS3 PSN version(s)

New Little Kings Story
Buy:
UK US
2012 Summer New Little Kings Story: A action role play game without the usual Japanese style or character back slapping. While the visuals are cartoony the gameplay and real time strategy premise are anything but childish. In a similar vein to Pikmin, New Little Kings Story brings the excellent Wii game to Sony's handheld for some perfect parent playground gameplay.
Family Gamer Award Details
- Award: Age Group Runner Up
- Date: Summer 2012
- Platform: Vita version(s)

Mutant Mudds
Buy:
UK US
2012 Autumn Mutant Mudds: Mutant Mudds is a platform game that uses the 3DS depth to full extent. Worlds are constructed of multiple layers that you jump between to progress. More than this novelty it is the 8-bit graphics and sound that will delight parent gamers who remember these styles of games the first time round.
Family Gamer Award Details
- Award: Age Group Runner Up
- Date: Autumn 2012
- Platform: 3DS iPad version(s)

Papo and Yo
Buy:
UK US
2012 Autumn Papo and Yo: A platform game not unlike Ico but with a more biographical slant. Through the medium of play we learn of the developers struggles growing up with an alcoholic parents. It's a mature subject well handled, and more than a little eye opening for parents.
Family Gamer Award Details
- Award: Age Group Runner Up
- Date: Autumn 2012
- Platform: PS3 version(s)

The Walking Dead
Buy:
UK US
2012 Autumn The Walking Dead: While both comic and TV series skip over the beginning of the zombie outbreak, the game starts right at the beginning. It brings puzzling, action and developing character relationships together in a wonderful way, culminating in a frenetic sequence where Lee has to make a very big call very, very quickly. It's smart, exciting, and really pays off all the investment put into the characters earlier in the game.
Family Gamer Award Details
- Award: Age Group Winner
- Date: Autumn 2012
- Platform: 360 version(s)

Sonic and All Stars Racing Transformed
Buy:
UK US
2012 Winter Sonic and All Stars Racing Transformed: Essentially a Mario Kart style racing game with Sega star characters. Sonic beats Mario to the punch by including different vehicles in the console version and offering five person local multiplayer on the WiiU. The perfect game for parents to enjoy with their families -- even if they have more than the usual 2.3 children!
Family Gamer Award Details
- Award: Age Group Runner Up
- Date: Winter 2012
- Platform: 360 PS3 Wii WiiU version(s)

XCOM: Enemy Unknown
Buy:
UK US
2012 Winter XCOM: Enemy Unknown: A return to the classic turn-based randomly generated gameplay of classics like Laser Squad and XCOM. A slower more thoughtful pace combined with tactical elements make this ideal for parents.
Family Gamer Award Details
- Award: Age Group Runner Up
- Date: Winter 2012
- Platform: 360 PS3 version(s)

Costume Quest
Buy:
UK US
2011 Spring Costume Quest: Our parent gamers took some time to discover this gem. They loved the sentimental childhood setting and sibling rivalry, as will the great writing. But beyond this, Costume Quest is a well honed adventure game played out in miniature and in everyday places - the neighbourhood, the mall and back at home.
Family Gamer Award Details
- Award: Age Group Runner Up
- Date: Spring 2011
- Platform: 360 version(s)

Driver San Francisco
Buy:
UK US
2011 Summer Driver San Francisco: A game that families can play together. Younger players can help by setting traps for the criminals by connecting the DS to the Wii game. Two older players can control the driving and targeting on the Wii in an experience that enables the toddlers to get in on the action.
Family Gamer Award Details
- Award: Age Group Runner Up
- Date: Summer 2011
- Platform: Wii DS version(s)

FIFA 12
Buy:
UK US
2011 Autumn FIFA 12: A new impact system for players, improved tactics and graphics make FIFA 12 stand out. But it's the history that parents have with this game that will make it one to play with the whole family.
Family Gamer Award Details
- Award: Age Group Runner Up
- Date: Autumn 2011
- Platform: 360 PS3 3DS Wii PC version(s)

Uncharted 3 Drakes Deception
Buy:
UK US
2011 Winter Uncharted 3 Drakes Deception: Something a little more thought provoking that other shooting games. Parents will enjoy be reunited with favourite characters as this next chapter slowly plays out.
Family Gamer Award Details
- Award: Age Group Winner
- Date: Winter 2011
- Platform: PS3 version(s)

Heavy Rain
Buy:
UK US
2010 Spring Heavy Rain: For parents wanting to engage in something a little more emotionally taxing this is perfect. A branching story that generates real moments of emotion and decision. At only nine hours long it's also ideal for time strapped mums and dads. Move controls add novelty if you have them, but are by no means essential.
Family Gamer Award Details
- Award: Age Group Runner Up
- Date: Spring 2010
- Platform: PS3 Move version(s)

Alan Wake
Buy:
UK US
2010 Summer Alan Wake: A substantial thriller for parents to unwind with. An intelligent plot and years of development have made this an ideal game for anyone looking to forget the troubles of the day.
Family Gamer Award Details
- Award: Age Group Runner Up
- Date: Summer 2010
- Platform: 360 version(s)

Limbo
Buy:
UK US
2010 Autumn Limbo: A ethereal brooding platform game with filmic atmosphere and unnerving depth throughout. Something a little more meaningful for parent gamers to enjoy.
Family Gamer Award Details
- Award: Age Group Runner Up
- Date: Autumn 2010
- Platform: 360 version(s)

Red Dead Redemption
Buy:
UK US
2010 Winter Red Dead Redemption: Red Dead Redemption wants to be about shocks and controversy, but underneath there's a story we can all relate to - a father wanting the best for his family at any price.
Family Gamer Award Details
- Award: Age Group Winner
- Date: Winter 2010
- Platform: 360 PS3 PC version(s)

Fable 2
Buy:
UK US
2009 Spring Fable 2: We may be a little late to the Fable party but with Knot Hole Island and See the Future expending the experience we have been captivated by just how meaningful a game this is. Never before has a video game created such a sense of consequence to each and every choice. Proper ethically engaged gaming fun.
Family Gamer Award Details
- Award: Age Group Runner Up
- Date: Spring 2009
- Platform: 360 version(s)

Red Faction
Buy:
UK US
2009 Summer Red Faction: Because every fence, building and vehicle can be destroyed and brought crumbling down, players have many more ways to complete what would otherwise be an average shooter. The attention to architectural destruction makes this into the thinking man's shooting game.
Family Gamer Award Details
- Award: Age Group Runner Up
- Date: Summer 2009
- Platform: PS3 360 version(s)

Dragon Age: Origins
Buy:
UK US
2009 Autumn Dragon Age: Origins: The depth and length of Dragon Age Origins is reason alone to acquire this game and delve into its impressive story. But the mature nature of the content and the way its presented really show how far video games have come in recent years.
Family Gamer Award Details
- Award: Age Group Runner Up
- Date: Autumn 2009
- Platform: PS3 360 PC version(s)

Assassin'S Creed 2
Buy:
UK US
2009 Winter Assassin'S Creed 2: A return to the free-running assassination of the original proves to be exciting and fresh. Enough has been reworked to make this a great game in it's own right. Intrigue and ethics combine with the nuanced fighting and climbing to create a compelling experience.
Family Gamer Award Details
- Award: Age Group Winner
- Date: Winter 2009
- Platform: PS3 360 PC version(s)

Animal Crossing: Let's go to the City
Buy:
UK US
2008 Spring Animal Crossing: Let's go to the City: Sets you on a magical island tied to real work time. Buy a house, settle down and start collecting furniture. But to see everything here you need to play through a calendar year and get up at strange times in the night to catch particular insects and fish. Compelling, all encompassing and a lot of fun for fanatical players.
Family Gamer Award Details
- Award: Age Group Runner Up
- Date: Spring 2008
- Platform: DS Wii version(s)

Uncharted: Drake's Fortune
Buy:
UK US
2008 Summer Uncharted: Drake's Fortune: This is the unusual and stunning collision of good story, great voice work and enjoyable game play. Although not too much for the grey matter to contend with the experience is as emotional as any blockbuster movie.
Family Gamer Award Details
- Award: Age Group Runner Up
- Date: Summer 2008
- Platform: PS3 version(s)

Assassin's Creed
Buy:
UK US
2008 Autumn Assassin's Creed: The fluid climbing of the main character and tactile nature of the environments first impress here. But play a little longer and you find a game with an interesting relationship to death and revenge.
Family Gamer Award Details
- Award: Age Group Runner Up
- Date: Autumn 2008
- Platform: PS3 360 PC version(s)

Mirror's Edge
Buy:
UK US
2008 Winter Mirror's Edge: This game takes a familiar platforming genre and introduces a first person perspective. What results is a brilliant and unique experience that is as much about how we interact with our environment as it is about shooting the bad guys.
Family Gamer Award Details
- Award: Game of the Year
- Date: Winter 2008
- Platform: PS3 360 PC version(s)

Endless Ocean
Buy:
UK US
2007 Spring Endless Ocean: The slower pace of simple diving exploration belies an expansive and enthralling world to discover. Intrigue and mystery develop alongside stomach tingling underwater vistas and impressive sea bound fish and mammals.
Family Gamer Award Details
- Award: Game of the Year
- Date: Spring 2007
- Platform: Wii version(s)

Shadow of the Colossus
Buy:
UK US
2007 Summer Shadow of the Colossus: The simple David and Goliath experience of a small man facing a massive monster here becomes something special. Pushing the PS2 to its limits (later re-released in HD on PS3), and create a real sense of sadness over each noble Colossus slain, this stands head and shoulders above other adventure games.
Family Gamer Award Details
- Award: Age Group Runner Up
- Date: Summer 2007
- Platform: PS2 PS3 version(s)

Portal
Buy:
UK US
2007 Autumn Portal: In the short three hours or so it takes to play there is more characterisation and puzzling fun here than in many fully fledged experiences. First person shooting, physics and logic combine to pose some of the most head scratching levels you can find in a game.
Family Gamer Award Details
- Award: Age Group Runner Up
- Date: Autumn 2007
- Platform: 360 XBLA PS3 version(s)

Bioshock
Buy:
UK US
2007 Winter Bioshock: Rapture, the underwater location for Bioshock, create a real sense of place in which to play. This combines with the moral conundrums of how to deal with the children inhabitants that the game can leave the player genuinely challenged and disturbed.
Family Gamer Award Details
- Award: Age Group Runner Up
- Date: Winter 2007
- Platform: 360 PS3 version(s)

Okami
Buy:
UK US
2006 Okami: This is a game that impresses by its commitment to a solitary idea - a playable Japanese painting. Parents will enjoy the mature story that matches the art style and considerable videogame adventure challenge. This is a very different game experience that is as intriguing to watch as it is to play.
Family Gamer Award Details
- Award: Age Group Runner Up
- Date: 2006
- Platform: Wii PS2 version(s)

Ico
Buy:
UK US
2005 Ico: An enchanting puzzle game with a grown up theme -- lost children in dangerous spaces. The gameplay is a cross between platforming and puzzling, but is it the experience of controlling two lost children as they lead each other to safety that makes this such a compelling play for parents. (Later released on the PlayStation 3 in HD).
Family Gamer Award Details
- Award: Game of the Year
- Date: 2005
- Platform: PS2 PS3 version(s)

Legend of Zelda The Four Swords
Buy:
UK US
2004 Legend of Zelda The Four Swords: Not only is this a simple way to start playing Zelda adventure games, but by connecting four GBA consoles and using them to control the multiplayer this creates some of the most unique family gameplay we've seen.
Family Gamer Award Details
- Award: Game of the Year
- Date: 2004
- Platform: Gamecube GBA version(s)
Games for Grandparents
The best games for grandparents, older, senior, grown-up, mature, retired and wiser people. These games provide a slightly slower, although no less challenging experience. Time and consideration are of the essence as our most senior gamers enjoy interacting with other players and perfecting their approach.

Pinball Arcade
Buy:
UK US
2012 Spring Pinball Arcade: The genius of Pinball Arcade is that it recreates classic arcade tables in digital form. On iPad, Vita, PS3 and 360 this offers not only a chance to revisit classic tables of your youth but to discover new tables for silver gamers to play.
Family Gamer Award Details
- Award: Age Group Runner Up
- Date: Spring 2012
- Platform: iPad WiiU Vita 3DS 360 PS3 version(s)

Unfinished Swan
Buy:
UK US
2012 Summer Unfinished Swan: This unusual first person puzzle adventure on the PS3, not only looks fascinating but has simple Move controls and a mature story to engage grandparent gamers looking for something to play on the PlayStation.
Family Gamer Award Details
- Award: Age Group Runner Up
- Date: Summer 2012
- Platform: PS3 Move version(s)

Rhythm Thief
Buy:
UK US
2012 Autumn Rhythm Thief: This simple rhythm game offers grandparents a little more to explore with a Professor Layton style story and musical challenges that relate well to the narrative.
Family Gamer Award Details
- Award: Age Group Runner Up
- Date: Autumn 2012
- Platform: 3DS version(s)

Professor Layton and the Miracle Mask
Buy:
UK US
2012 Winter Professor Layton and the Miracle Mask: Although some will complain that this could have been on the DS, its visual improvements and larger story arc actually make this a more engaging game for grandparent players.
Family Gamer Award Details
- Award: Age Group Winner
- Date: Winter 2012
- Platform: 3DS version(s)

Pictionary Ultimate Edition
Buy:
UK US
2011 Spring Pictionary Ultimate Edition: Like the popular DS version, on the Wii the uDraw peripheral makes all the difference to this drawing game. It becomes an ideal game to share with gamers of different ages, young, old and senior.
Family Gamer Award Details
- Award: Age Group Runner Up
- Date: Spring 2011
- Platform: Wii PS3 360 version(s)

Ghost Trick
Buy:
UK US
2011 Summer Ghost Trick: A steady pace and focus on great character creation make this ideal for older gamers. Although there is a simple puzzle game at the core, it's the journey of granddaughters, parents and grandparents that make this so hard to put down (not to forget secret agent dogs).
Family Gamer Award Details
- Award: Age Group Runner Up
- Date: Summer 2011
- Platform: DS version(s)

Leedmees
Buy:
UK US
2011 Autumn Leedmees: While other exercise games get players moving with heavy handed incentives, Leedmees gets you stretching, reaching and bending with its simple and addictive gameplay. Use your body to move the little Mee men to the exit. Superb Entertaining and aerobic gameplay for senior gamers.
Family Gamer Award Details
- Award: Age Group Winner
- Date: Autumn 2011
- Platform: 360 Kinect version(s)

Motion Sports Adrenaline
Buy:
UK US
2011 Winter Motion Sports Adrenaline: This is a lesser known Kinect game may focus on exuberant activities but it does so in a steady and methodical way. This not only suites the Kinect controls perfectly but also acts a great movement incentive game for older gamers.
Family Gamer Award Details
- Award: Age Group Runner Up
- Date: Winter 2011
- Platform: 360 Kinect version(s)

Starship Patrol
Buy:
UK US
2010 Spring Starship Patrol: The steady tutorial and progression on the tower defence game makes it a great introduction for this kind of strategy for senior players. The simple visuals and Star Wars theme also look great on the new DSi XL.
Family Gamer Award Details
- Award: Age Group Winner
- Date: Spring 2010
- Platform: DS version(s)

Last Window
Buy:
UK US
2010 Summer Last Window: Following on from Hotel Dusk and similar to Heavy Rain, this offers an unfolding mystery story that grandparents will enjoy. They play the detective in a steadily branching story that is never the same twice.
Family Gamer Award Details
- Award: Age Group Runner Up
- Date: Summer 2010
- Platform: DS version(s)

Tiger Woods 11
Buy:
UK US
2010 Autumn Tiger Woods 11: We tried to avoid this, looking to the PS3 Move version or John Daly for competition, but the Wii is still the definitive golf game. With MotionPlus support and a first person view this year, it is about as realistic (and as difficult) a golf game as you could want.
Family Gamer Award Details
- Award: Age Group Runner Up
- Date: Autumn 2010
- Platform: Wii MotionPlus PS3 Move version(s)

Pictionary
Buy:
UK US
2010 Winter Pictionary: Pictionary DS took its time to arrive on the hardware that seemed purpose built for it, but the wait was worth it. It now takes full advantage of every aspect of the DS - stylus, touch screen and even DSi camera if you have one. It's perfect to play with grandchildren of all ages.
Family Gamer Award Details
- Award: Age Group Runner Up
- Date: Winter 2010
- Platform: DS version(s)

Flower
Buy:
UK US
2009 Spring Flower: The marvelous premise of controlling a game just by tilting sets the laid back tone for Flower. What's more of a surprise is how ephemeral and spine tingling it is to float on the wind through gorgeous landscapes, and on through the game's pictorially told story.
Family Gamer Award Details
- Award: Age Group Winner
- Date: Spring 2009
- Platform: PS3 PSN version(s)

Fuel
Buy:
UK US
2009 Autumn Fuel: This takes the usually constrained driving game and lets you race anywhere you want in a massively open world. More experienced gamers will appreciate the realistic feel this gives proceedings, accentuated by the superb real time weather and day/night cycles - something that even Forza 3 doesn't offer.
Family Gamer Award Details
- Award: Age Group Runner Up
- Date: Autumn 2009
- Platform: PS3 360 PC version(s)

Real Racing
Buy:
UK US
2009 Winter Real Racing: Firemint have managed to take enough time out from shaving with Ockham's razor to make an amazing game. Find, beg, borrow or make GBP6 any way you can, and give it to them as a reward.
Family Gamer Award Details
- Award: Age Group Runner Up
- Date: Winter 2009
- Platform: iPhone iPad version(s)

Gardening Guide
Buy:
UK US
2009 Winter Gardening Guide: Spending time researching different plants that would work with your soil type, and you can take the DS with you to the garden centre to help you get the right thing. You will also know when the best time to plant them is and when they will flower. Genius.
Family Gamer Award Details
- Award: Age Group Runner Up
- Date: Winter 2009
- Platform: DS version(s)

Gran Turismo 5 Prologue
Buy:
UK US
2008 Spring Gran Turismo 5 Prologue: The level of physical modelling here is simply breathtaking. The perfectly modelled interiors complement the physics to convince drivers they are sat in the real thing.
Family Gamer Award Details
- Award: Age Group Runner Up
- Date: Spring 2008
- Platform: PS3 version(s)

Tiger Woods 09
Buy:
UK US
2008 Summer Tiger Woods 09: As close to real life golfing as you can get on a console. The game is played using the Wii-mote as the golf club. The 2009 version provided an accurate one-to-one swing alongside simplified putting. Once time is spent acclimatising to the controls there is no going back to other golf games.
Family Gamer Award Details
- Award: Age Group Runner Up
- Date: Summer 2008
- Platform: PS3 Wii version(s)

Picross
Buy:
UK US
2008 Autumn Picross: This perfectly pitched puzzle game combines mathematics and crossword mechanics to create something as beguiling as it is addictive. Once players have mastered the single player puzzles they can go head-to-head online for a real nail biting show down.
Family Gamer Award Details
- Award: Age Group Winner
- Date: Autumn 2008
- Platform: DS version(s)

Pinball FX
Buy:
UK US
2008 Winter Pinball FX: The perfect antidote to a busy dusty day at work. Just like playing in the dingy arcades of old, this 360 game recreates the physicality and touch of the real game.
Family Gamer Award Details
- Award: Age Group Runner Up
- Date: Winter 2008
- Platform: 360 3DS PS3 version(s)

Forza Motorsport 4
Buy:
UK US
2007 Spring Forza Motorsport 4: The level of detail here enables really clinical race execution. This, along with the extensive customisation and career modes, makes Forza 2 the most comprehensive of driving games.
Family Gamer Award Details
- Award: Age Group Runner Up
- Date: Spring 2007
- Platform: 360 Kinect version(s)

Planet Puzzle League
Buy:
UK US
2007 Summer Planet Puzzle League: Combining Tetris and Bejeweled, this game appears very simple but has a lot of depth. Add to this the daily brain training style exercises and you have the perfect experience for players old and young alike.
Family Gamer Award Details
- Award: Age Group Runner Up
- Date: Summer 2007
- Platform: DS version(s)

Brain Training
Buy:
UK US
2007 Autumn Brain Training: Although a little over marketed, there are actually very interesting experiences. The low barrier to entry combined with the varied play and Soduku levels makes this great for anyone wanting to refresh their grey matter.
Family Gamer Award Details
- Award: Age Group Runner Up
- Date: Autumn 2007
- Platform: DS version(s)

GRiD
Buy:
UK US
2007 Winter GRiD: The shear breadth of coverage here never fails to impress. From upstart Formula 3000 cars, through touring models to the top end Formula 1, GRID takes the player on a tour de force of racing. The range of events and tracks equals the choice of motors. Adding in real time day/night cycles to 24 hours events creates a real sense of occasion to longer races.
Family Gamer Award Details
- Award: Age Group Winner
- Date: Winter 2007
- Platform: 360 PS3 version(s)

Wii-Play
Buy:
UK US
2006 Wii-Play: Although Wii-Play is sometimes considered a young person's game, the exactly pointing required can make it too frustrating. It's a much better match for more mature gamers. The laid back approach and variety of activities on offer make this perfect for senior gamers.
Family Gamer Award Details
- Award: Age Group Runner Up
- Date: 2006
- Platform: Wii version(s)

Brain Training
Buy:
UK US
2005 Brain Training: A puzzle game with a difference. These daily challenges are designed to keep your grey matter healthy while tracking your progress. Along with the excellent Soduku game, this offers older gamers an experience that genuinely feels good for you and can be taken at its own pace.
Family Gamer Award Details
- Award: Age Group Runner Up
- Date: 2005
- Platform: DS version(s)

Pikmin 2
Buy:
UK US
2004 Pikmin 2: Although this may seem like a complex real time strategy game, the garden theme and steady progression make it accessible for all ages. It majors on puzzle solving and exploration rather than combat and fighting as you guide your little Pikmin army to safety.
Family Gamer Award Details
- Award: Age Group Runner Up
- Date: 2004
- Platform: Wii version(s)

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With so many different perspectives it can be hard to know where to start - a little like walking into a crowded pub. Sorry about that.

But so far we've not found a way to streamline our review output - there's basically too much of it. So, rather than dilute things for newcomers we have decided to live with the hubbub while helping new readers find the columnists they will enjoy.

What sort of gamer are you?

Our columnists each focus on a particular perspective and fall into one of the following types of gamers: