Some of the best best games to play are Nintendo’s own efforts such as Wii Sports, Wii Fit
and the recently released Wii Music. Each is fun, bright and easy to get the hang of right away, using simple motion controls for almost every action. The good thing about these games and many of the other’s to be mentioned is that they are as much fun for adults and grandparents to play, even without the kids!

On the third party side of things, one of the best games comes from a somewhat unusual source. Stephen Speilberg, ace Hollywood director, has put his hand into creating on of the best family games on the market – Boom Blox. With a basic concept similar to Jenga but so much more, Boom Blox is easy to pick and play but as with most good games, is hard to master.

Another, more left field option, this time from Canadian developers Ubisoft, is Rayman Raving Rabbids. A fast paced, mini-game filled, over the top type of game featuring mad rabbits setting Rayman various challenges. All of these games are fun and again easy to pick up and play. Still with Rayman, the sequel to Raving Rabbids, Rayman Raving Rabbids 2, will make use of the Wii Balanced board bundled with Wii Fit and will be used in an ingenious way. Your butt. Yes, you control various mini-games with your butt in the same fast paced and fun environment. Obviously there is an option to just use the normal Wii remote controls, but I believe if you ask anyone, young or old if they’d like to control a game with their butt, the answer would be pretty unanimous.

For a more traditional family gaming experience, look no further than the LEGO game series. Already in it’s third edition, you now have the choice of either LEGO Star Wars: The Complete Saga, LEGO Indiana Jones or LEGO Batman. These games bring top class platform and exploration gameplay to fore, and whole movie scripts and scenes played out all in glorious LEGO brick. With three great franchises behind these games there’s a lot to love about them, from recreating the battle of Hoth in Star Wars to running away from “that” boulder in Indiana Jones. Be warned however, that as soon as you have put your kids to bed you’ll be up playing this yourself as the hundreds of unlockable characters and items will keep you coming back for more.

With that said, the Nintendo Wii is the platform of choice for families, and, if you are worried about a games content make sure to check the PEGI rating on the box, or ask one of those friendly game store clerks.

The first of these would the fantastic platforming action of Ratchet & Clank Future: Tools of Destruction. The PS3′s premier platforming game has been critically acclaimed as the best in the series so far and boasts all the usual things you get from a PS3 titles – such as HD graphics and high presentation values. But, thankfully, it also manages to be a game nearly all ages can enjoy. The game follows the exploits of Ratchet a Lombax mechanic and his trusty robot sidekick Clank. The game features crazy weaponry a good sense of humor and great level design, all things which have become a hallmark of the series.

For this PS3 iteration the game has, of course, had the expected update in the looks department, but also uses the capacity of the PS3s Blue-Ray disc drive to create bigger environments and stunning locales. At the heart of the matter the game is fun in it’s truest sense and should appeal to everyone.

One of the most anticipated games for the PS3 and generally any console has been Little Big Planet (LBP). The game is on first glance could be shrugged off as a nice looking and cute two dimensional platformer but the game’s real selling point is the fact that it’s basically a huge sandbox to play in.

Players are given total freedom to create levels and even whole game’s if they like using LBP’s special “rope and pulley” building mechanic. Basically anything sort of thing, from cars to calculators can be created using ropes, string, wood and cogs. Of course to create complicated things, it will take a lot of time and some planning, however if you just want a fun game to play about with and help bring out your kids creativity you could do no better. You only need to take a look on YouTube to see the huge amount of things already created by other players if you need any inspiration.

If the variety of player made ideas on both YouTube and the PSN don’t help you think of anything to make LBP also comes with a full single player game where you take control of Sackboy, the game’s main character and what may become the PS3′s new mascot in time, to run through a series of unique and really special platforming levels. The most amazing thing about the single player game, is that every level has been crafted using the game’s editor itself, with only certain complicated things being independently made by the developers.

The true scope for fun and creativity is overwhelming and I’m sure any family would have a great time spending hours creating and playing on all sorts of different levels and contraptions. A sure thing if ever there was one.

The first game to look at is aimed at the younger children’s market and is based on the popular gaming and kids TV show Viva Piñata. This is infact a series of mini games, entitled “Viva Piñata Party Animals” and it does exactly what it says on the tin. Featuring all the characters from the television show including fudgehogs, fizzlybears and horstachios it’s sure to keep young children enthralled with it’s bright colors and simple play structure. The game consists of a selection of games to participate in under the guise of the Party Animals Championship Challenge, with characters aiming to be crowned top pinata.

The game can be played with up to four players either in one room or on Xbox Live and is full of good-natured fun for all.

The gameplay, graphics, sound and presentation is all top notch as you would expect from one of Rare and Microsoft’s collaborations and will no doubt be a great to spend some fun time with the kids.

A game aimed at older children and young adults alike, or at least those who possess a good amount of dexterity is Rock Band. You’ve probably seen the advertisements and think that playing a set of plastic instruments looks a bit silly and pointless, but as soon as you get started in the game you’ll be hooked. Players get the chance to play together as a band or against each other on either drums, guitar or vocals and can even design and personalize their own characters. Obviously the game does take some skill at the higher difficulty levels, but is still wholly enjoyable on the easiest setting.

The price may seem a bit steep but you do get a lot of kit in the box, and they are all quite sturdily put together, so perhaps you’ll need to make this a joint birthday and Christmas present.

Other games which might not on first look seem like normal family titles, but are in fact suitable for all ages are the many different sports games on offer on the 360. Covering many different sports including football, soccer, hockey, basketball and more there really is something for everyone. Nearly every game has the ability to go through a career or league mood with your favorite team, and what could be better or more beautiful than a family playing their way through from pre-season to superbowl in Madden NFL 09. Although if that’s not your thing then each game has a comprehensive versus mode and many others besides.

The 360 may not have the normal family titles you recognize from the other systems, but does give a unique play experience and is probably best suited to older families who like a good bit of competition.