Recommendations

Mainstream games

These are the games that are the best for us with limited time or a captivated young audience. They are either easy to play and put down after a few minutes or are so good to be worth the investment in time. Any violence or swearing will be highlighted. 

Burnout Paradise

LittleBigPlanet

Family games

These are the best games that the whole family can play together from 2 player co-op to split-screen multiplayer. Some of these games can crossover into the mainstream or kids games section but most give the best experience when played together.

Lego Star Wars: The Complete Saga

Lego Indy

Lego Batman

New Super Mario Bros. (DS)

Mario Kart Wii (Wii)

Scene It?

Buzz!

Singstar

Monopoly

Rock Band 2

Guitar Hero World Tour

Boom Blox (Wii)

Motorstorm: Pacific Rift

Kids Games

These are the games that all kids can play by themselves or with others. BBFC and PEGI ratings will be shown and we’ll highlight any borderline content we experience (Scrabble DS we are looking at you).

The Golden Compass

Mario Kart (DS)

Pet

Single-handed/mouse/flash games

Using two hands when your doing this and that with a baby is bad enough at the best of times, never mind when you’re trying to headshots in Call of Duty. So rather than struggle through certain games or, god forbid, give up entirely – why not consider some alternatives?
The internet is awash with browser/flash games and their innovation and bite-sized fun is only undone by the sheer weight of their numbers. GFD will trawl this sea and find the best to keep you sane during those long nights/mornings/afternoons/evenings.

Peggle & Peggle Nights – Popcap Games (also available on Steam)

The Granddaddy of them all, Peggle is as casual and as hardcore as it gets taking mere seconds to get its primary coloured claws into you. Not only is it simple and satisfying to play but it also has challenges that will keep you playing for hours and hours in hope that you’ll reach Peggle Grandmaster status. With the sequel – Peggle Nights – out late 2008, there couldn’t be a better time to get addicted.

Bejewelled & Bejewelled 2 – Popcap Games (also available on Steam)

Space Siege (PC) – Review courtesy of The Core Gamer

There’s not many mainstream games that fall into this catagory but Space Siege is an old-school dungeon hacker that relies almost exclusively on the mouse for control. Click to move, click to attack, click to talk – you name an action and Space Siege will probably do it at the click of your mouse. It’s not the greatest game you’ll ever play but its well worth a few hours of mindless fun.