GamerFront’s 2011 Holiday Gift Guide – Gifts for the Children
(Don’t you want your kids to look like this on Christmas morning?)
The holidays are coming, and that means that gift-giving is on the minds of people the world over. With Thanksgiving merely a week away, those Black Friday plans are getting strewn out across dining room tables, and war paint is being set up for the battlefield. Parents are trying to get geared up to head out in search of early Christmas gifts for their children, and we’re here to help ease the pain as much as possible. From now, leading up to right before Christmas, we’ll be rolling out holiday gift guides that will touch on many different types of loved ones who, if they’re into gaming, will appreciate everything that’s up for offer. To kick it off, we’ll be starting with our picks for the kids this season.
So, to get this started, here’s our top five picks for the gaming child on your list this year:
LEGO Star Wars III: The Clone Wars – (PS3, 3DS, Wii, Xbox 360, PSP, PC) – MSRP $19.99
For fans of LEGOs and the Star Wars series alike, this game is sure to excite your child for quite a while. The game follows the story of the Clone Wars series, and touches on the animated series that has been shown on Cartoon Network. Your child can take the role of a number of heroes in the Star Wars storyline and defeat the leaders of evil in efforts to provide justice across the galaxy.
Skylanders: Spyro’s Adventure – (PS3, 3DS, Wii, Xbox 360, PC) – MSRP $69.99
As we reviewed earlier in the month, Skylanders: Spyro’s Adventure adds a brand new way to enjoy video games. It comes bundled with three characters (which are actual action figures) that are used with the included stand to play as in the game’s virtual world. Players will choose their character, place them on the base, and bring them to life in the game. Players will embark on a fantastical journey into an amazing mysterious world, where they will explore mythical lands, battle outlandish creatures, collect gold and treasures, and solve interesting puzzles on a quest to save their world from an evil Portal Master known as Kaos. There are over 30 collectible characters to pick up, which will entertain your child with many playtime hours. For more information on the game, check out our review.
Super Mario 3D Land – (3DS) – MSRP $39.99
For the handheld gaming little one in the family, Super Mario 3D Land takes players into a massive 3D world on the 3DS like never before. With the classic system of old school Mario, including lovable and favored characters from the series, the game allows players to journey through the Mushroom Kingdom in full 3D without the use of special glasses. Even the coveted Tanooki suit makes a comeback in the latest Mario game, making it the perfect gift for the growing gamer!
Kinectimals – (Xbox 360 with Kinect) – MSRP $29.99
If you’ve had the chance to grab a Kinect for the Xbox 360, then Kinectimals is a great title to grab for the kids. Kinectimals uses the Kinect peripheral to allow players to fully interact with on-screen animals by responding to voice, petting movements, and much more. Children and parents alike can get into this game and make connections with exotic animals seen the world over. It’s a great gift that will help bring the family together all while making some great new virtual friends.
Kirbys Return To Dreamland – (Wii) – MSRP $49.99
Kirby and his friends are back in an adventure designed to satisfy longtime Kirby fans and beginners alike. When an alien spaceship crashes in the otherwise peaceful realm of Pop Star, its pieces are scattered throughout the land. Players must guide Kirby as he retrieves the ship’s parts and helps the aliens return to their home planet. This time, however, he’s not alone. At any time, up to three more players can join in the fun and play as Meta Knight, King Dedede and Waddle Dee to help Kirby in his quest. The game incorporates special power ups, engaging platforming, and a fabled storyline all within a cartoon world that’s vivid and colorful. Your child would become wrapped up in this game for hours, making it another great gift idea.
Each of these ideas are perfect for any gamer, but especially for the children, and those who are children at heart. I personally remember playing Kirby back when I was growing up, and if you own a Wii it’s a must-have title. Keep and eye out right here for more holiday gift guides in the coming days. Feel free to add your own suggestions in the comments below!
