Every year, finding the right Christmas present can be a pickle – unless you have several gamers in your immediate circle. There are games for just about anyone, though, including those who are not used to holding a joystick. Offering a video game to a non-gamer can be a fun way to introduce your relatives to your favorite pastime, as many titles are beginner-friendly by design. So, here are games to put right under the Christmas tree.
Animal Crossing: New Horizons
Cozy games are an excellent gateway into gaming for those who don’t typically play video games, since they have no specific goals to achieve or scores to chase. Catering to both kids and their parents, it’s no surprise that Animal Crossing: New Horizons has become the second best-selling title on the Nintendo Switch. Staying true to the series’ roots, this real-time social simulation game allows players to customize their island life.
Whether catching bugs or fishing, players can spend their days however they please. They may enjoy local co-op with up to three others to design their shared island or explore nearby isles. Seasonal events pop up year-round, including a special Toy Day held on December 24 to get into that sweet Christmas spirit. The cold season is also the perfect time to create snowmen or collect snowflakes, both belonging to a long list of wintery things to enjoy in Animal Crossing.
Mario Party Superstars
Looking for something other than festive guesses to have fun with the whole family? You can shake up Christmas traditions with a party game designed to be accessible for both seasoned gamers and novice players of all ages. Titles like Mario Party Superstars are meant to be played in multiplayer mode, and with button controls. Chance plays a significant role, ensuring the experience remains unpredictable and fun for everyone, regardless of skill level or experience.
The twelfth installation in the Mario Party series features 100 minigames from past entries, including a selection curated from the Nintendo 64 console for all nostalgic retrogamers out there. If you’re comfortable with technology, you may even mod the game by downloading a festive pack unlocking Christmas outfits for all characters. And if you’re willing to buy something more up-to-date, know that a successor to Mario Party Superstars has just hit the shelves. Released in October, Super Mario Party Jamboree puts a perfect end to the series’ Switch run.
Marvel’s Spider-Man: Miles Morales
If you have kids in the family, chances are at least one is a huge fan of the Friendly Neighborhood Spider-Man. While there are plenty of Spider-Man-themed games, Marvel’s Spider-Man: Miles Morales stands out for its Christmassy feeling as its story takes place during the festive season. Called La Nochebuena, one particular mission unfolds on Christmas Eve itself.
This superhero adventure marks the solo debut of Miles Morales on the PS5. Serving as a flagship title for Sony’s next-gen console in 2020, this action-packed title is more affordable than it was upon its release – something to consider if you’re on a budget. Far from being exclusive to the PlayStation 5, it also works perfectly fine on PS4 and PC.
Stardew Valley
Stardew Valley is a cozy game available on home consoles and mobile devices. This farming simulation puts players in charge of transforming their late grandfather’s homestead into a flourishing farm by growing fresh crops to sell and raising animals to produce homemade goods like cheese, mayonnaise, and even truffle oil. Additionally, this indie sim has plenty of activities in store when not working on the farm. Whether attending special events, including a secret gift-giving festival on the 25th day of Winter, or exploring the mines, players have enough discovery for hundreds of hours of playtime.
They may also venture beyond the valley to fish on exotic islands or tempt fortune at a desert casino. If entertaining, these casino minigames can feel slightly repetitive. For a more comprehensive gaming experience, players can hit online platforms. Newcomers can create an account to grab bonuses like free spins. Such deals are often part of sign-up offers designed for newly registered users. With free spins, players are granted extra rounds on slots that include farm-themed options like Cute Farm or Farmer Bob. Besides, they can use these promotions to gradually build a bankroll.
Looking for inspiration to find Christmas gifts? Whether you’re spending Christmas with life-long gamers or rookie players, the video games above are definite crowd pleasers.
