Family Games

Finding video games to enjoy in a family setting can be tough. Not only are many games too violent to play with the kids, but many others just don't lend themselves to being played in a room full of gamers and non-gamers of varying ages.

But that's not to say you have to resort to yet another evening playing Scrabble with mom. Plenty of video games do lend themselves to a "family game night" atmosphere, no matter whether your tastes run to music, trivia, sports or co-operative problem-solving. Here's a run-down of some of our family favorites.

WATCH TRAILER NOW

Scene It (Microsoft)

If you have kids, you've probably seen the Scene It line of games before; they're those board games with the DVD full of movie clips and accompanying trivia questions. And if you're anything like us, you've probably thought to yourself, "Wouldn't that make a great console game, especially if packaged with four goofy buzzer-style wireless controllers? You could even have extra downloadable questions through some kind of online service." Fortunately, Scene It publisher Screenlife hasn't overlooked the potential of this idea, and by the time you read this you'll be able to buy Scene It for your Xbox 360 in any store, complete with a full set of four friendly "Big Button" controllers. Best of all, despite the bundled hardware it's still only retailing for the standard $59.99.

Game Page ... Screenshots ... Videos ... Cheats

WATCH TRAILER NOW

Wii Sports (Nintendo)

Few games can capture the attention of a room full of doddering old grannies like Wii Sports. Just ask the plethora of old peoples' homes around the U.S. that have employed the joys of Nintendo's system to prevent the inmates from rioting for another few days. You, too, can exploit Wii Sports' four addictive, accessible mini-games to keep your brood quiet. In a stroke of genius, the game comes bundled with every single Wii console, so there's nothing additional to buy (except the extra controllers, of course).

Game Page ... Screenshots ... Videos ... Cheats

WATCH TRAILER NOW

Guitar Hero III (Activision)

Activision's Guitar Hero series taps into primal forces buried within all of us. Packaged with a hefty, durable guitar-shaped controller, it sports a soundtrack featuring Alice Cooper, The Rolling Stones, Aerosmith and Metallica, and a guest appearance from ex-Guns N' Roses guitarist Slash. All that's left for you to do is to provide your clan with an appropriate selection of leather, pyrotechnics, and delicious bats, and you're guaranteed a good time. On the other hand, if the thought of dad doing his Beastie Boys impression is too much to stand, you might want to take a look at something with less potential for embarrassment.

Game Page ... Screenshots ... Videos ... Cheats

WATCH TRAILER NOW

Lego Star Wars: Complete Saga (LucasArts)

Although the thought of a game based on Lego bricks isn't exactly inspiring, the drop-in, drop-out co-operative gameplay of the Lego Star Wars series proved a colossal hit. Complete Saga bundles Lego versions of all six movies -- yes, including the original ones pop won't stop yammering on about -- into one action game that, not to beat about the bush too much, is fantastic. Over 160 playable characters, 42 levels and motion-sensitive lightsaber controls on the Wii version mean it's got outstanding value, and best of all, you won't hurt your foot if you step on Lego Star Wars in the dark.

Game Page ... Screenshots ... Videos ... Cheats