Kids and Family Video Games

Based on the animated film about a family of cave people dealing with their changing world, The Croods: Prehistoric Party! is a collection of 30 primitive-themed party games. Players can join Grug, Ugga, Eep, Thunk, Sandy, Gran, and Guy as they take on mini-games, collect eggs, meet strange creatures, and learn about technology while searching for a new home. There are two different game modes, with the Trailblazer mode offering a board game competition, and the Hunter and Gatherer mode letting users define their own time- or egg-based victory conditions. ~ Christopher Brown, All Game Guide

Mind Candy's friendly and colorful monsters return with more mini-games and puzzles in Moshi Monsters: Moshlings Theme Park. It seems the carefree Moshlings have managed to get lost in the Amusement Isle theme park, and it's up to players to track down the little beasts and help light up the park. There are 60 Moshlings to find in all, and gamers can unlock hints and tips as they take on nurture modes designed to ease younger user into the action, or challenge themselves with exploration puzzles and arcade-style mini-games. ~ Christopher Brown, All Game Guide

Finding Nemo: Escape to the Big Blue makes waves on Nintendo DS as a collection of more than 20 tropical-themed mini-games that make special use of the system's touch screen and microphone features. The goal is to save each member of the "tank gang" from a dentist's aquarium by completing character-based challenges aimed at younger fans of the feature film. Players will locate hidden sea creatures amidst a colorful reef, clean a shark's teeth, engage in 3D races, explore the ocean's mysteries with the "interactive reef" option, and even blow in the microphone to create bubbles.

This is a re-issue timed to coincide with the 3D re-release of the film Finding Nemo. ~ Scott Alan Marriott, All Game Guide

A Pokémon-flavored homage to the classic NES title Nobunaga's Revenge, Pokémon Conquest puts DS players in control of a young warlord and his linked Pokémon as they attempt to expand their kingdom by engaging in turn-based tactical combat. Gamers send their Pokémon into six-on-six battles, using their warriors' special abilities, and making sure to include a diverse group of characters to adjust to shifting battle conditions. Victories give players control of new castles, and unlock new warlords, new warriors, and new ways to train the nearly 200 included Pokémon. ~ Christopher Brown, All Game Guide

Diner Dash meets Tapper, with an iCarly twist, as players join characters from Nickelodeon's hit show for wild time management action in iCarly: Groovy Foodie! When Sam gets into trouble at a hot dog stand, she and Carly are sentenced to serve 20 kinds of crazy customers wacky dishes, including spaghetti tacos, corn juice, and fladoodles. Five different Seattle locations find gamers interacting with familiar characters from the show, including Gibby, T-Bo, and Nevile Papperman, all while earning Bacon Bucks to purchase upgrades and specials abilities. ~ Christopher Brown, All Game Guide

Released in conjunction with the three-quel feature film, Madagascar 3: The Video Game puts players in the roles of Alex, Marty, Melman, and Gloria, for zoologically fueled adventure in a circus tour across Europe. Through a series of mini-games, the animals perform publicity stunts at famous landmarks, as well as acts of derring-do under the big top. They'll also need to watch out for animal control officers, who can cut their circus careers short with a quick trip back to Central Park. ~ T.J. Deci, All Game Guide

This sequel to one of the earliest hits from the casual experts at PopCap Games comes to the DS for the first time with an exclusive multiplayer mode, new powers, and updated graphics in Zuma's Revenge! As always, players control a sphere-spewing frog through 60 levels and six boss battles, creating matches of three or more like-colored orbs. In addition to the classic "Adventure" mode, gamers can expand their experience with the "Iron Frog" endurance mode, the challenges of the "Daily Dungeon" mode, or the multiplayer action in the new "Versus" mode. ~ Christopher Brown, All Game Guide

This third entry in PopCap's pervasive puzzle series returns to the same match-three mechanic and stylus controls that made the first two games popular DS titles. Choose from eight game types designed to test your gem-matching abilities in various ways. Quest mode, for example, has you completing 40 consecutive puzzles, while lightning mode has you racing against time to clear as many gems as possible.

For those that want to just kick back and play without any restrictions, Zen mode will offer a relaxing respite with calming sounds, music, and backgrounds. Classic mode is the traditional game of Bejeweled with some new gems to encounter, and gamers can earn up to 65 badges by achieving certain milestones. ~ Scott Alan Marriott, All Game Guide

Following the same format as 2010's Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer on Nintendo DS, Santa Claus is Comin' to Town is a collection of themed mini-games featuring characters and settings from the Rankin-Bass Christmas classic. Use the stylus to help Santa prepare for his big night by completing various touch-screen supported activities. ~ Scott Alan Marriott, All Game Guide

3DS gamers take the role of Spongebob or his pal Patrick Star as they relive their Surf & Skate Roadtrip. Much of the game is played from a Tony Hawk's Pro Skater perspective, with breakaway super-trick highlights at key points. The surfing and skateboarding take place on more than two dozen maps, each with multiple challenges and goals. Boards can be customized with designs unlocked along the way, and players who complete the main game gain access to ten bonus levels of snowboarding. Multiplayer options let two 3DS gamers hit the waves or go for a roll together. ~ T.J. Deci, All Game Guide