Disclaimer: Nintendo and Ubisoft provided a copy of the games for my review. All opinions stated here are my own.
Video games are always a great option to gift this Holiday Season, with so many different consoles available – you are sure to find a game for anyone on your list. Below you will find the must-have video games this Holiday Season. Which game are you buying for the family?
Super Mario Party Superstars
Calling all superstars! The Mario Party series is back with 5 classic boards from the Nintendo 64 Mario Party games. Race to get the most stars (and sabotage your opponents) on boards like the stellar Space Land or the spooky Horror Land! Party at your own pace by suspending a game and picking up right where you left off! The tides can turn quickly in Mario Party, so stay vigilant, partygoers. All modes can be played online*, too! Play 100 classic minigames from the Nintendo 64 and Nintendo GameCube games and more in Mt. Minigames! Try your hand at a superstar collection of minigames from throughout the Mario Party series. Whether you are saving up coins for stars in board game mode or enjoy one of the 7 modes included in Mt. Minigames, there is nothing quite like being the last one standing in Bumper Balls or the first team making it out of the darkness in Dungeon Duos. All minigames are played with button controls, so you can stick to the Joy-Con controller or bust out the Nintendo Switch Pro Controller or a Nintendo Switch Lite system.
Big Brain Academy
Battle to see who has the brawniest brain. Take on a series of brain-bending activities that test your mental mettle in Big Brain Academy: Brain vs. Brain for the Nintendo Switch system! Play a wide variety of activities, like memorizing a series of numbers, identifying an animal as it slowly comes into focus, or helping guide a train to its goal in fun, fast activities. Go brain-to-brain with friends and family in 4-player* matches to see who gets the highest score. Everyone can play together at varying difficulties, so a kid can hold their own against an adult in this battle of the brains! Treat your brain to some quick mental fun. Get your own Big Brain Brawn score with a fun test. Boost your skill and speed by practicing certain activities. Of course, you can also prep for your next multiplayer brain battle or compare scores with friends and family. Unlock dozens of outfit options for your in-game avatar—from a cat outfit to a corn costume! Go brain vs. brain against mind-masters near and far. Want to see how you match up to brainiacs around the world? Hop into Ghost Clash mode to compete against other users’ data**. Choose from mental marvels worldwide, folks on your friends list, or family members who have profiles on the same system. Outside of Ghost Clash mode, check your rankings to see how your Big Brain Brawn matches up against others.
Riders Republic
Ski, snowboard, bike, or wingsuit across a vibrant open-world sports paradise. Race in mass start events, develop your rider’s career or kick back with friends and free roam some of the most iconic American national parks including Bryce Canyon, Yosemite Valley, Mammoth Mountain… all mashed up for you to shred! Squad up with your friends and compete in a wide range of multiplayer modes: feel the rush of downhill races, dominate maps in team vs team competitions, or give it your best shot in epic mass PvP races with more than 50 other players on next-gen consoles (more than 20 on current-gen).
Just Dance 2022
Just Dance 2022, the #1 Music Video Game Franchise of All Time*, with over 77 million units sold**, is back this fall with 40 new songs and universes. From chart-topping hits to great classics for families, dance to 40 hot new tracks, and discover stunning universes and exclusive surprises! Grab your friends and family because It’s time to turn up the volume and show your dancing talents! With 40 new songs, you can shred it out on the dance floor to Camila Cabello’s Don’t Go Yet, rock alongside K-Pop idols like BLACKPINK’s BOOMBAYAH, or jam to T-Swift’s Love Story (Taylor’s Version). Just Dance 2022 will get you and your family up on your feet! You can hit the dance floor with friends and family in Co-op mode, have fun working out with Sweat mode, or compete against other dancers of your skill level all over the world with the World Dance Floor!
Jurassic Park Evolution 2
An Original Jurassic Story- Immerse yourself in a compelling and original Jurassic World narrative set after the Earth-shattering events of Jurassic World: Fallen Kingdom. Jurassic World Evolution 2 is the much-anticipated sequel to Frontier’s highly successful Jurassic World Evolution, building upon the groundbreaking and immersive 2018 management simulation. It introduces a compelling, new narrative campaign, incredible new features, and awe-inspiring new dinosaurs brought to life with captivating authenticity. Together with expanded construction and more customisation options, the result is an even bigger, better and authentic Jurassic World game. Create your own Jurassic World – Take control with deeper management tools and creative options; Construct and customise new buildings and flex your managerial muscle across never-before-seen locations ranging from dense forests to rocky deserts.
What game are you most looking forward to playing or gifting this Holiday season?
