Every year, the same thing happens with that one hard-to-buy-for person on our Christmas list: “What on Earth do I get them?”. Every gamer loves new games for Christmas, especially if they are on the fence about trying one in particular. Whether it’s trying a whole new genre entirely or that sequel they’ve been unsure about, there are a lot of games out there that may not appear to be on the radar. With the holiday season right around the corner, we have compiled a list of the best video games we think would make great Christmas gifts this year!
Family-Friendly Games
Bear & Breakfast
Bear & Breakfast is a fun adventure game that sees you building a cute little bed and breakfast in the woods. The only caveat is that you’re a bear. This game can be described as a relaxing, laid-back adventure-style game and can be great for unwinding at the end of a busy holiday period. With the recent popularity of management-style games, Bear & Breakfast is the perfect Christmas gift for anyone looking for a fun and relaxing management-simulator-style game with fun visuals and a great story.
Bear & Breakfast is available on Steam and Nintendo Switch and is rated E10+ (Everyone 10+).
Disney Illusion Island
Disney Illusion Island is an adorable adventure for Mickie, Minnie, and more as they embark on a quest of exploration and more to find three magical books and save the island. You can play by yourself or with up to four people in total to find the books and save Monoth! Disney Illusion Island is the perfect Christmas gift for gamers who want to play with the family!
Disney Illusion Island is available exclusively for the Nintendo Switch and is rated E (Everyone).
Fae Farm
Fae Farm is a cozy farming/world-building simulator in the same vein as Stardew Valley and Palia. Players find themselves in the enchanted world of Azoria, and get to meet interesting characters and build relationships with them all in their own unique ways. Play solo or together with up to three other players, to build a magical world that is all your own. Fae Farm is available on Steam and Nintendo Switch and is rated E10+ (Everyone 10+).
Sea of Stars
Sea of Stars is a turn-based RPG that follows two Children of the Solstice as they combine their powers of the sun and the moon to perform Eclipse Magic. With plenty to do, including farming, sailing, cooking and more, and lots to see, Sea of Stars is a fantastic Christmas gift idea for the RPG fan in your life.
Sea of Stars is available on Nintendo Switch, PlayStation 4, and Steam and is rated E10+ (Everyone 10+).
Sonic Origins Plus
The first compilation title in our list, Sonic Origins Plus, captures four iconic Sonic games: Sonic the Hedgehog, Sonic 2, Sonic 3 & Knuckles, and Sonic CD, as well as 12 additional SEGA Game Gear titles. Sonic Origins Plus features two ways to play each title: Classic Mode, where you play the original resolution with limited lives, and Adventure Mode, where you have unlimited lives, and the game is displayed in revamped widescreen HD. Local play for up to two players means you and a friend can tackle as much Sonic as you can handle, all in one title.
Sonic Origins Plus is available on Xbox One, Xbox Series X|S, Nintendo Switch, Steam, PlayStation 4, and PlayStation 5 and is rated E (Everyone).
Sonic Superstars
Sonic Superstars takes the player on an adventure through the Northstar Islands in classic 2D-sidescrolling action! You can play as Sonic, Knuckles, Tails, and Amy Rose with up to three other players to use brand-new Emerald powers that give you a whole new way to attack and move in the environment. This fantastic Christmas gift idea is one that OG Sonic fans will appreciate, and newcomers will find fun and entertaining.
Sonic Superstars is available on Xbox One, Xbox Series X|S, Nintendo Switch, Steam, PlayStation 4, and PlayStation 5 and is rated E (Everyone).
Stray
Stray is a very unique adventure game in that you play as a stray cat, trying to reunite with your family and discover the truth behind an ancient mystery. Set in a gorgeous cybercity, neon lights and dark alleyways await the player as you navigate this dangerous locale. Stray is a single-player adventure, and the perfect Christmas gift for the cat-lover and peril junky in your home.
Stray is available for Xbox One, Xbox Series X|S, Steam, PlayStation 4 and PlayStation 5 and is rated E10+ (Everyone 10+).
Super Mario Bros. Wonder
Super Mario Bros. Wonder marks the return of everyone’s favourite mustachioed plumber in this classic 2D side-scrolling adventure. Mario and co. have been invited to the Flower Kingdom, but Bowser is up to no good, having transformed himself into a flying castle and has wrought havoc upon the land. Mario must figure out how to defeat him using all-new power-ups and items to progress through the levels. You can also team up with three additional players locally to take on Bowser or play with others online!
Super Mario Bros Wonder is available for Nintendo Switch exclusively and is rated E (Everyone).
The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom
In this epic sequel to Breath of the Wild, The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom sees Link return to Hyrule and gives the player the ability to choose their own path across the magnificent landscapes and mysterious floating islands in the sky. Nefarious forces at work will force Link to use new abilities to fight back and save Hyrule. A single-player adventure, Tears of the Kingdom will provide hours upon hours of exploration, adventure, and puzzle-solving for all, making it a great Christmas gift this year.
The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom is exclusively for the Nintendo Switch and is rated E10+ (Everyone 10+).
Alan Wake 2
Alan Wake 2 is the long-awaited sequel to the survival-horror hit Alan Wake. Taking place 13 years after the original title, Alan Wake 2 is “a culmination of masterclass storytelling and…is so exhilarating it will seize the player and hold tight with a cold clammy grip until the credits roll”, according to our reviewer Philip Watson. A single-player delve into darkness, Alan Wake 2 is a great Christmas gift idea for the survival-horror buff in your life.
Alan Wake 2 is available for Xbox Series X|S, PlayStation 5, and on the Epic Games Store, and is rated M (Mature 17+).
ARMORED CORE VI FIRES OF RUBICON
ARMORED CORE VI FIRES OF RUBICON is the latest entry in the mech combat series from the makers of Elden Ring and Dark Souls. In this game, you’ll create a fully customized mech from an array of parts whilst taking on challenging missions. ARMORED CORE VI FIRES OF RUBICON is a great Christmas gift idea for any fan of FromSoftware games and the Souls series.
ARMORED CORE VI FIRES OF RUBICON is available on Xbox One, Xbox Series X|S, PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, and Steam, and is rated T (Teen).
Baldur’s Gate 3
Prepare your party because Baldur’s Gate 3 is the role-playing adventure you’ve been waiting for. This Dungeons & Dragons adventure features an epic campaign set in the land of Faerûn. The land is under siege, and you have the choice to resist the corruption of the invading Mind Flayers or embrace the growing power inside you. With support for up to four players online, grab your squad and delve into the adventure!
Baldur’s Gate 3 is available now on Steam and PlayStation 5, with the Xbox release coming in December 2023. The game is rated M (Mature 17+).
Final Fantasy XVI
Final Fantasy XVI, the latest title in…
