There’s nothing better than crowding around the TV or game console with your nearest and dearest for some quality bonding time. And this year, game developers really brought their A-game with a slew of awesome family-friendly titles perfect for gamers of all ages. From timeless classics like Mario and Sonic getting modern makeovers, to innovative new IP making waves, 2023 has been a banner year for bringing families and friends together through the magic of video games.
In this article, we’ll be breaking down the 10 very best family games that released over the past year. To create our definitive ranking, we considered mass appeal, approachability, age-appropriateness, and most importantly – pure, unadulterated fun. Multiplayer and co-op options got extra points too, because there’s nothing better than immersing yourselves together in rich virtual worlds. Our list spans a diverse range of genres and franchises, but they all accomplish the same goal: quality time well-spent with your favorite people.
So gather up the kids, call your cousins, and get ready to dive into the most bonding-friendly games 2023 had to offer. Whether you’re a parent looking for a little gaming time with your children, or a group of adults recapturing the joy of old-school couch co-op, we’ve got your perfect pick right here!
10- Hot Wheels Unleashed 2: Turbocharged
Remember those iconic orange Hot Wheels tracks from your childhood, with the crazy loops, jumps, and obstacles that made toy cars do things real ones never could? The team at Milestone recaptures that outrageous stunt driving magic in Hot Wheels Unleashed 2: Turbocharged, one of the most delightfully absurd racing games of 2023.
This over-the-top arcade racer builds on everything that made the original Hot Wheels Unleashed so gosh darn fun. The sequel cranks up the madness with even more absurdly implausible tracks, letting you loop, corkscrew, and defy gravity till your head spins. With a robust track editor, you can build the most preposterous courses imaginable. Leave the simulation racers in your dust – this is all about capturing the sheer exaggerated joy of Hot Wheels.
Visually, Unleashed 2 is a feast for the eyes, making you feel like you’ve been shrunk down to miniature size in a kid’s bedroom. Iconic vehicle models like the Rodger Dodger and Twin Mill provide that sweet nostalgia rush. And robust customization gives you millions of ways to pimp your tiny rides.
With easy pick-up-and-play controls and family-friendly slapstick racing action, Unleashed 2 is a blast for kids and former kids-at-heart alike. Parents will get misty-eyed remembering their old toy car collection while zooming around courses at breakneck speed. Trailing colorful neon sparks, you’ll recreate the imagination-fueled adventures of your Hot Wheels glory days.
9- WarioWare Move It
Wario’s wackiest collection of microgames yet, WarioWare: Move It! lives up to its name by getting the whole family off the couch and on their feet. With over 200 lightning-fast challenges, you’ll be shaking, twisting, punching, and party dancing your way through this addictive rapid-fire extravaganza.
Each microgame only gives you a few short seconds to figure out the control gesture needed to succeed. From disco dancing to alien blasting, you’ll strike silly poses as you strive for high scores. It’s an excellent party game thanks to drop-in local multiplayer for up to 4 players. With simple motion controls using individual Joy-Cons, everyone can easily jump in on the fly.
While WarioWare games are always random, frantic fun, Move It! stands out for getting your blood pumping. As you contort your body to keep up with the ever-changing microgames, you’ll get a genuine workout along with all the laughs. When the chaos reaches fever pitch, expect lots of happy screaming and laughing from players of all ages.
With its quirky humor, frenetic pace, and energetic multiplayer madness, WarioWare: Move It! is a must-buy for families and friend groups seeking party game perfection. This one will leave your abs sore from laughing and sides splitting from ridiculous microgame antics. Get moving with Wario!
8- Just Dance 2024 Edition
The party don’t stop with Just Dance 2024 Edition! This latest entry in the hit dance game series delivers a bounty of new features along with its signature family-friendly fun. With nearly 50 hot new tracks spanning multiple decades and genres, the whole crew will be on their feet showing off their freshest moves.
Just Dance has always been about letting loose, singing along, and feeling the rhythm. But 2024 takes the boogie boost even further with the new “Song Sharing” feature. Now you can import tracks from previous Just Dance installments and share your faves with pals. An expanded online multiplayer mode takes the dance floor global too.
As always, the wide variety of songs offers a little something for all ages – from classic disco jams for the ’70s kids to Taylor Swift chart-toppers for the Gen Z’ers. Simple yet responsive motion tracking makes it easy pick up and play, while leaderboards and challenges lend competitive flair. With non-stop tunes, striking visuals, and plenty of current hits, Just Dance 2024 Edition is ideal for get-togethers where no one feels left out on the dance floor.
This trusted party staple keeps the good times and great vibes flowing with new modes and features. So cue up an eclectic playlist, stretch those hammies, and prepare to burn some calories while belting out your favorite lyrics. With its infectious energy and emphasis on camaraderie, Just Dance 2024 will have you and your crew dancing like no one’s watching!
7- SpongeBob SquarePants: The Cosmic Shake
Everyone’s favorite fry cook heads on his wildest undersea escapade yet in SpongeBob SquarePants: The Cosmic Shake. When a strange cosmic event gives SpongeBob the power to travel between alternate dimensions, he sets off on a dimension-hopping quest through the mind-bending realms of the Cosmic Shake multiverse.
With vibrant, eye-popping visuals and locales ranging from prehistoric jungles to candy-coated wonderlands, The Cosmic Shake captures that singularly surreal SpongeBob aesthetic. Our absorbent yellow hero gains a host of new abilities to traverse the alien landscapes too, keeping the platforming action fresh and fun.
Of course, The Cosmic Shake wouldn’t be a proper SpongeBob adventure without the series’ signature humor and supporting cast. Patrick, Sandy, Mr. Krabs, Squidward, and Plankton all join the journey, staying true to their kooky cartoon personalities. The absurdity fans have come to love for over 20 years is on full display.
With its blend of vibrant worlds, dynamic new gameplay, and hilarious high jinks, The Cosmic Shake is a dimension-bending blast. The insane multiverse premise combined with SpongeBob’s infectious charm make this a must-play for fans of all ages looking to explore the zany possibilities of the franchise they love. A true family-friendly standout!
6- Kirby’s Return to Dream Land Deluxe
Kirby makes his grand return in this Deluxe remake of the Wii classic, Kirby’s Return to Dream Land. This vibrant 2D platformer retains the simple, accessible gameplay the series is known for, while adding new abilities, visual polish, and expanded multiplayer options.
As the squishy pink hero, you’ll inhale enemies, float around levels, and copy cool powers like Sword, Whip, and Water. The crayon-colored fantasy worlds of Dream Land burst with personality and imagination. Levels gradually increase in difficulty while introducing new concepts, making it the perfect starter platformer for younger gamers.
But Return to Dream Land Deluxe cranks up the fun for veterans too. Slick 1080p visuals, new Mecha and Sand abilities, and the 4-player co-op Magolor Epilogue all provide enhanced value. Competitive Arena and Time Attack modes let you battle friends or chase scores for added replayability.
With its inviting worlds, power-ups, and drop-in multiplayer, Kirby’s Return to Dream Land Deluxe is a playful pick for families and friends. Accessible yet engaging, this feel-good platformer delivers laughs and smiles across generations of gamers.
5- Sonic Origins Plus
Obsessive fans rejoice – Sonic Origins+ cranks the nostalgia overload to 11 with its massive trove of classic and obscure Sonic the Hedgehog games. Building on last year’s excellent Sonic Origins compilation, Origins+ adds 12 Game Gear titles to create the ultimate early ’90s throwback celebration.
Relive the original magic of the Genesis Sonic games, like the genre-defining Sonic 2 or underrated gem Sonic 3D. Then explore Sonic’s more experimental handheld efforts, from the nifty Sonic Labyrinth to oddities like Sonic Drift racing and Tails Adventure. New modes allow you to play as other characters too, putting a fresh spin on the classics.
While gameplay stays true to the simple, speedy roots, visual upgrades make these retro games shine on modern displays. Watching Sonic blaze by in buttery-smooth 60fps is a series fan’s dream. An improved Anniversary mode unlocks art, music, and history to further explore Sonic’s legacy.
With Sonic Origins+, Sega gifts fans an all-encompassing interactive museum of series history. Return to the ’90s and share formative gaming memories with your kids through this astonishing collection of the Blue Blur’s greatest hits and deep cuts. Gotta go fast!
4- Detective Pikachu Returns
Pokémon’s sleuthing star cracks into new mysteries in Detective Pikachu Returns. Everyone’s favorite crime-solving companion returns with a fresh docket of cases to investigate across the vivid region of Ryme City. Armchair detectives of all ages will delight in scouring crime scenes for clues, questioning witnesses and Pokémon, and piecing together alibis to nab the culprit.
Like the original, Detective Pikachu Returns perfectly captures the fantasy of being a pint-sized PI. You’ll scrape for clues by crawling through vents, make deductions in your handy case file journal, and even interrogate Pokémon using Pikachu as your interpreter (and occasional wisecracking sidekick). The charming world brimming with colorful characters makes every case an immersive adventure.
Of course, the real draw here is hanging out with the fuzzy, caffeine-addicted face of the franchise. Pikachu’s endearing voice acting and animations bring plenty of heart and humor between head-scratching cases. The mysteries themselves strike a balanced difficulty curve too, ensuring players of all ages can feel accomplished cracking cases.
For an accessible introduction to mystery sleuthing through a beloved universe, Detective Pikachu Returns is a surefire win. Budding detectives can sharpen their skills with Pikachu by their side, proving justice in Ryme City is best served cute ‘n fluffy!
3- Pikmin 4
Nintendo’s long-awaited Pikmin 4 delivers a masterclass in accessibility through its smart difficulty options, wealth of gameplay modes, and inviting worldbuilding. While retaining the strategic, real-time action the series is known for, new features ensure Pikmin 4 works for gamers of any age and skill level.
The Story mode offers gentle onboarding as you learn to grow and utilize Pikmin’s many abilities. Once comfortable, amp up the challenge with fiercer enemies and time limits. Co-op is a more relaxed option, letting multiple players divide tasks. Those seeking intense competition can face off in Bingo Battles and other versus offerings too.
But Pikmin 4’s crown jewel is the Dandori challenges. These timed cavern missions encourage teamwork, as players coordinate to gather treasure and creatures quickly. It’s frantic yet friendly fun, with room to assign roles based on your family’s playstyle and strengths.
With its vibrant universe, accessible gameplay, and wealth of modes for all interests, Pikmin 4 delivers a dynamic playground suitable for any age. Whether you’re a solo strategist, co-op explorer, or competitive mastermind, there’s something here to capture your imagination.
2- Minecraft: Legends
The blocky world of Minecraft holds infinite possibilities. With Minecraft Legends, Mojang Studios unleashes that creative spirit in an entirely new genre – real-time action strategy. Families and friends can now experience the beloved Minecraft universe from a whole new perspective.
Gone are the familiar first-person survival/crafting mechanics. Instead, Legends takes a zoomed-out bird’s eye view as you lead Minecraft’s iconic characters in strategic battles against Piglin invaders. You’ll construct buildings, gather resources, and command allies across richly detailed biomes rendering Minecraft’s pixelated textures in stunning detail.
Despite the shift to an isometric view, the heart of Minecraft remains intact through inviting exploration and creation. Let kids take the reins on building structures while adults devise unit tactics and resource management. Then band together to turn back the Piglin menace! The accessibility options allow players to meaningfully contribute no matter their skill level.
While engaging for solo strategists, Legends truly shines as a cooperative family experience. Each player can take on niche roles that play to their strengths in both construction and combat. And few things feel more rewarding than combining your creative talents to overcome exciting challenges together.
With its fresh perspective, inviting worldbuilding, and versatile co-op experience, Minecraft Legends proves there are countless new adventures to be had in the beloved blocky universe. Mojang has created the perfect entry point into strategy gaming for the Minecraft generation, one sure to inspire collaborative fun for families of all types.
1- Super Mario Bros. Wonder
And the award for best family video game of 2023 goes to…Super Mario Bros. Wonder! Mario’s latest adventure pulls out all the stops, reinventing the iconic sidescrolling formula with incredible imagination. This Nintendo switch exclusive not only modernizes the classic gameplay but also introduces exciting new concepts that make it the most magical Mario experience yet.
The basics you know and love are all there – run, jump, and stomp through whimsical Nintendo worlds filled with secrets. But this time you’ll have wondrous new power-ups to experiment with called Wonder Seeds, offering wild abilities from teleportation to possessing enemies! The variety keeps levels excitingly unpredictable, with new gameplay twists popping up at every turn.
Visually, Wonder represents the pinnacle of the series’ style. Vibrant, toy-like environments bursting with detail and charm await around every corner. And for the first time, you can enjoy Mario’s platforming perfection online too! Compete against others in challenges or join up for multiplayer adventures and co-op modes galore.
Yet for all its innovations, Wonder never loses that quintessential Mario magic formulated by Shigeru Miyamoto over 35 years ago. It masterfully balances nostalgia with novelty, ensuring a welcoming experience for gamers of all generations. Kids and parents will be equally enchanted by the colorful worlds and imaginative gameplay concepts.
With its polished presentation, wealth of modes, and genius new features, Super Mario Bros. Wonder sets the modern standard for multiplayer/family-friendly fare. Nintendo has once again refreshed their mascot’s formula in spectacular fashion, creating a interactive playground suited for anyone seeking joyful, memory-making gaming. All ages will fall in love with Mario all over again when they experience the wonders this masterpiece has to offer.
