10 Best Nonviolent Video Games for Teens and Tweens
We all know that your t(w)een’s attention span is limited to rolled eyes, hands stretched out for cash, and one-word replies that are largely undecipherable. Honey, we want to put you back on the parent pedestal without having to tear them away from their PDA. Check out our picks for 10 Best Nonviolent Video Games for Teens and Tweens. You’re welcome.
Little Big Planet 2
If your teen likes to explore, create, and share with their friends, then this is the game for you! Little Big Planet 2 is a super cute community-based game with patchwork, rag-doll looking characters. Gamers jump from different planets where they customize their fashions, drive cars, hop, and dance. An added bonus is the ability to build levels, unlock new planets, and creative freedom.
ESRB Rating: E for Everyone. Game retails at $59.00.
Family-Com, #02-01 Great World City, 1 Kim Seng Promenade, Singapore 237994, p. 6235 6818. Open Mon-Sun 10:30am-9:30pm.
Mario Kart Wii
No family game night is complete without the exhilarating, competitive fun of Mario and his Gang. Ingenious racetrack designs, bursts of color, and multiple driving machines to choose from provide hours of entertainment. This witty game is a timeless favorite among all ages. Go even further and play online with friends.
ESRB Rating: E for Everyone. The game, with driving wheels, retails at $51.90.
Zepy Games, #02-53/54 NEX Shopping Centre, 23 Serangoon Central, Singapore 556083, p. 6555 5024. Open Mon-Sun 11am-9:30pm.
Just Dance 4
What do you get when you combine crazy insane dance moves, psychedelic backgrounds, and over 40 eclectic songs from top artists? Fun! Dance and laugh away to some of the coolest dances and break a sweat. This is a fantastic interactive party game.
ESRB Rating: E10+ for Everyone ten years and older. Game retails at $39.90 X360, and $59.90 PS3, Wii.
Funzcentre, #05-43/44 Orchard Central, 181 Orchard Road, Singapore 238896, p. 6238 6466. Open Mon-Thur 11am-10pm & Fri-Sat 11am-11pm, [Closed Sun.]
Minecraft X360 Edition
Design your own destiny to survive an incredible adventure bounded only by your own imagination. Build up, then chip away at blocks, collect resources, and watch your fantasy come to life. No Rules! This is an overtly addictive game. Only down side is your kids may never be seen again. ESRB Rating: E10+ for Everyone ten years and older. Game retails at $29.90.
Qisahn, #05-13 Far East Shopping Center, 545 Orchard Road, Singapore 238882, p. 3110 3518. Open Mon-Sun 12am-8pm.
New Super Mario Brothers Wii
This game combines the best elements of all of the Mario games from over the years. Enjoy colorful fast paced action play, and collect coins for Mario and Luigi’s super ability. Super Mario Brother is one of the best franchises EVER.
ESRB Rating: E for Everyone. Game retails at $74.90.
Make it easy, buy online: Gameshop.com.sg.
Disney Infinity
Where can you go to meet all of your favorite Disney characters? Build your own Disney world block-by-block, creating your own games with characters that crossover into the same universe. Definitely, there is never-ending creative play with different characters in lands such as Pirates of the Caribbean, but one thing to watch out for is the abundance of game accessories that can potentially make it a deep investment.
ESRB Rating: E10+ for Everyone ten years and older. Game starter pack retails at $99.
Gamescore, #05-05 Funan DigitaLife Mall, 109 North Bridge Road, Singapore 179097, p. 6837 3248. Open Mon-Sun 11am-8pm.
Rayman Legends
Mild mischief abounds in a cartoony atmosphere of bouncing, running, and punching through vibrant, colorful, continuously inventive levels. This highly rated sequel is a new release with endless challenges and catchy tunes.
ESRB Rating: E10+ for Everyone ten years and older. Retail price is $59.90.
Gaming World, #05-02, Funan Digitalife Mall, 109 North Bridge Road, Singapore 179097, p. 6338 0457. Open Mon-Sat 11am-8:30pm & Sun 11am-8pm.
Gran Turismo 5
Have you ever dreamed of being behind the wheel of over 1,000 realistic licensed cars from BMW, Nissan, and Ferrari? Then your dream has come true! From the moment the race flag drops, the comprehensive game play is mixed with dozens of circuits, courses, and over 20 tracks. An added bonus of modes is available to suit player ability, so just about anyone can race. ESRB Rating: E for Everyone. Game retails at $45.
GameXtreme, #01-05 Golden Village Yishun, 51 Yishun Central 1, Singapore 768794, p. 9459 2346. Open Mon-Fri 11:30am-9:30pm & Sat-Sun 11am-10pm.
FIFA 14
FIFA 14’s real-to-life visuals have the unpredictable suspense that will make any Soccer fan cry. The sophisticated physics of this game make you feel like you are right on the field. And the crowd goes wild! GOOOOOAAAAAAALLLLLLL.
ESRB Rating: E for Everyone. Game retails at $69.90.
G3 – Games Gadgets Gear, #05-14/15 Funan DigitaLife Mall, 109 North Bridge Road, Singapore 179097, p. 6336 9388. Open Mon-Sun 12am-9pm.
LEGO Star Wars 111, The Clone Wars
This is a remarkable package of two favorite brands: LEGO and Star Wars. Extensive space missions, ground campaigns, and action adventure levels with endless replay value. Although there are “battles” in this game, the high quality visuals are really no more than afterschool cartoons. Check out the Parent Corner on the official LEGO site for tips on parental guidance.
ESRB Rating: E10+ for Everyone ten years and older. Retail price is $39. GameMartz, #04-07 JCube, 2 Jurong East Central 1, Singapore 609731, p. 6684 1211. Open Mon-Sun 11am-9:30pm.
ESRB ratings are as follows:
EC: Early Childhood
E: Everyone
E 10+: Everyone 10+
T: Teen
M: Mature
A: Adults Only
RP: Rate Pending
Image credits (top to bottom): Gran Turismo 5, Mario Kart Wii, Minecraft X360 Edition, Disney Infinity, FIFA 14