Your Guide to November’s Family Friendly Video Games

It wasn't enough for Nintendo to release one major family game this fall. They've got two more coming this month, too!

Nov 01, 2023

Hey, look, a month where we’re not left wondering, “Hey, so, when is Mario coming out?” And yet, it’s hardly a month without Nintendo. In fact, one of the most family friendly games Nintendo is releasing this year, the physically ridiculous WarioWare: Move It!, comes out early this month. I suspect my kids are going to flip for that one.

You’ve also got Hogwarts Legacy coming to Switch, though one presumes its performance is going to leave some people wondering how much longer we’re waiting for Switch 2. But hey, just don’t tell your kids how frame rates and resolutions work!

Oh, and there’s a frickin’ Bluey game on the horizon. My lord.

If you see a game that I’ve missed, please reach out and let me know! I’ll add it in.

If you represent these games and have a potentially interesting story to share about how these games consider kids as part of their audience, please get in touch with me!

Alien Hominid Invasion (Xbox One/X/S, Switch, PC) — November 1

Description: Old friends and bitter enemies await as you invade Earth alongside a Mothership full of alien friends! Blast, beam, and bite your way through an endless swarm of enemies as you and up to three of your fellow hominids cause mayhem with a huge arsenal of weapons, mutations, and acrobatic maneuvers.
Rating: TBD
Price: $19.99

I don’t have many physical video games, instead preferring physical copies of horror movies, but I do, for some reason, have a signed copy of Alien Hominid. I thought it was so neat they were selling signed copies at Comic-Con so many years ago, and decided to give them a few dollars, just to support the novel idea. Still have it, too.

My Time at Sandrock (PS4/5, Xbox One/X/S, PC, Switch) — November 2

Description: 300 years after the Day of Calamity destroyed most modern technologies, travel to the desert community of Sandrock and take on the role of a fledgling Builder. Use your trusty toolset to gather resources, construct machines, and turn your run-down workshop into a well-oiled production facility to save the town from the jaws of economic ruin.
Rating: E 10+
Price: $39.99

It feels like destiny that one of these is going to land for my oldest. Her reading comprehension is coming along, but we’re probably still a year away from sitting down in front of a game and handling things on her own. I suspect these will be a hit.

PlateUp! [PS4/5, Xbox One/X/S, Switch, PC) — November 2

Description: PlateUp! combines chaotic kitchen and restaurant management with strategic planning and development to create a delightful roguelite dish unlike any other. Up to four players build and run a restaurant from scratch, choosing dishes, buying and placing appliances – some of which can be daisy-chained together to create ambitious automatic kitchens – cooking food and serving customers.
Rating: E
Price: $39.99

Feels like a good match for someone seeking a more complicated Overcooked.

PowerWash Simulator VR (Quest 3, Quest 2) — November 2

Description: Grab hold of your power washer in the super-soothing simulator that has taken the world by storm. PowerWash Simulator VR is coming to Meta Quest 2!
Rating: E
Price: $24.99

It had not occurred to me to try this game with my kid. It’d probably still click with a controller, but hoo boy, I bet this is even more satisfying (if physically taxing) in VR.

The Smurfs 2: The Prisoner of the Green Stone (PS4/5, Xbox One/X/S, Switch, PC) — November 2

Description: With your crack team and the help of the SmurfoMix, liberate the village of the Smurfs from the grip of the Green Stone!
Rating: E 10+
Price: $39.99

This…doesn’t look that bad? I just don’t know how popular Smurfs are these days, though they did manage to make a few not completely terrible CG animated movies.

Stampede: Racing Royale (PC) — November 2

Description: Welcome to the wildest kart racing event ever devised, where 60 players go bumper-to-bumper on outrageous circuits filled with power-ups. Avoid elimination and fight your way to the front of the herd in the scramble to be crowned champion!
Rating: TBD
Price: Free to play

This is such a funny idea for a racing game, that I’m shocked it hasn’t been tried more. Though arguably Nintendo messed with this recently in its neat F-Zero experiment.

Thirsty Suitors [PS4/5, Xbox One/X/S, Switch, PC] — November 2

Description: Thirsty Suitors is a stylish, story-driven adventure that unfolds through turn-based battles, skateboarding, and cooking.
Rating: T
Price: TBA

This is probably not meant for the little ones, but it also seems like an otherwise harmless entry into playing a video game with relationships and romantic tension.

Jumanji: Wild Adventures (PS4/5, Xbox One/X/S, Switch, PC) — November 3

Description: Drop into the dangerous game world of Jumanji: Wild Adventures and start a thrilling adventure, as you search for the stolen jewel, The Jaguar’s Eye, and a way home!
Rating: E 10+
Price: $39.99

Once, my brother-in-law logged into his Apple account on my Apple TV, so that we could watch Jumanji. We drank too much before the movie, and passed on watching it. But he forgot to log out, and my wife spent the next month buying and renting movies and TV shows on the account, before everyone realized what was going on. The last purchase, though, she knew what was going on and did it to mess with him.

Fashion Dreamer (Switch) — November 3

Description: Enter a virtual world of fashion fantasies made real, where coordination and communication mix like never before. Your new life as an influencer awaits!
Rating: E
Price: $44.99

This looks delightful, and the kind of game I wish my daughter was into, so I had an excuse to play it. But it’s still probably beyond us for the moment. Looks very cool!

WarioWare: Move It! (Switch) — November 3

Description: Find your perfect form with a multitude of motion-based microgames in a brand-new entry in the WarioWare series!
Rating: E 10+
Price: $49.99

In terms of family games, this has gotta be the one we’re anticipating the most next month. It looks absolutely goofy, and the physical interactions are going to make for some really incredible interactions, especially with my youngest. After our poor experience trying to play Wonder with her, it’ll be nice to have one that suits her age.

Tintin Reporter: Cigars of the Pharaoh (PS4/5, Xbox One/X/S, PC) — November 7

Description: Tintin and his faithful companion Snowy are going to experience some extraordinary adventures… After meeting Professor Sarcophagus whilst cruising the Mediterranean Sea, the famous reporter sets out in search of the tomb of the Pharaoh Kih-Oskh. What are the dark secrets hidden in the tomb?
Rating: TBD
Price: $39.99

A Tintin video game! In 2023! Perhaps this is more popular…overseas?

Nickelodeon All-Star Brawl 2 (PS4/5, Xbox One/X/S, PC, Switch) — November 7

Description: Nickelodeon All-Star Brawl 2 lets you duke it out with the biggest and best fighting character roster yet! Choose your favorite brawlers, master their unique move sets, and use all-new powerful Supers to land the finishing blow with friends or across a unique, roguelike player campaign!
Rating: E 10+
Price: $49.99

Hogwarts Legacy (Switch) — November 14

Description: Hogwarts Legacy is an immersive, open-world action RPG set in the world first introduced in the Harry Potter books. Now you can take control of the action and be at the center of your own adventure in the wizarding world.
Rating: T
Price: $59.99

We’ve avoided Potter in the house so far, though not on purpose—it’s just not as popular among the youngest of generations. Maybe that changes as my oldest ages up, and we’re forced to figure out what we do with J.K. Rowling, but at least I dodge this.

Coral Island (PS5, Xbox Series X|S, PC) — November 14

Description: Coral Island is a vibrant and laid-back reimagining of farm sim games. Be who you want and experience enchanting island living at your own pace—live off the land, nurture animals, build relationships with a diverse cast of townsfolk, and make the world around you a more vital and harmonious place.
Rating: TBD
Price: $24.99

Teardown (PS5, Xbox X/S) — November 15

Description: Prepare the perfect heist in this simulated and fully destructible voxel world. Tear down walls with vehicles or explosives to create shortcuts. Stack objects to reach higher. Use the environment to your advantage in the most creative way you can think of.
Rating: T
Price: $29.99

The precious few minutes I’ve spent with Teardown were fantastic, and I’m shocked it’s taken this long for the games to come to consoles. Expect this to be a big hit.

Loddlenaut (PC) — November 16

Description: Play as an interstellar custodian sent to clean up a polluted ocean planet. Pick up trash, explore the vibrant waters, and take care of axolotl-like alien creatures!
Rating: TBD
Price: TBD

I suspect we’ll see more games with eco-friendly messages, as climate change moves from theory to a very real part of everyone’s lives. Seems like a cute way to introduce it.

Naruto X Boruto Ultimate Ninja Storm Connections (PC, PS4/5, Xbox One/X/S, Switch) — November 17

Description: NARUTO X BORUTO Ultimate Ninja STORM CONNECTIONS is almost here and there are tons of new features and stories to explore for both returning fans and first-time players! Choose from over 130 playable characters, including 10 brand new ninjas. Also included is an exclusive Special Story Mode featuring a brand-new, never before told tale and, for the first time ever, you can relive the story of Naruto and Sasuke from the very beginning.
Rating: T
Price: $59.99

Based on my inbox, it feels like they make another one of these every month or so. I’m happy for the Naruto heads, it seems like you’re always feasting and never hungry.

Super Mario RPG (Switch) – November 17

Description: Team up with an oddball group of heroes to save Star Road and stop the troublemaking Smithy Gang. This colorful RPG has updated graphics and cinematics that add even more charm to the unexpected alliance between Mario, Bowser, Peach, and original characters Mallow and Geno. Enter (or revisit) this world of eccentric allies and offbeat enemies in an RPG for everyone.
Rating: E
Price: $59.99

Now, here’s a throwback to my own childhood. I have such fond memories of the original game, and doubt my oldest has the patience to sit with me for this update. But I’m gonna try, and worst case scenario, ol’ dad gets to replay one of his favorites.

Bluey (Switch, Xbox One/X/S, PS4/5) — November 17

Description: Join the fun with Bluey and her family in Bluey: The Videogame! Play a brand-new story set across 4 interactive adventures. For the first time ever, explore iconic locations such as the Heeler House, Playgrounds, Creek and a bonus beach location. Play your favourite games from the TV show, including Keepy Uppy, Chattermax Chase, and more!
Rating: E
Price: $39.99

Hoo boy, I hope this one is good. This one has to be good, right? They wouldn’t publish a bad Bluey video game…would they? That show has such good quality control!