Your Guide to October’s Family Friendly Video Games
We're one step closer to Super Mario Bros. Wonder, folks. Life is good.
Spooky season is here! Well…okay. The arrival of football meant it was already spooky season in my house. The first kickoff in the latest campaign by the Chicago Bears to break my heart requires a large distraction, including putting up Halloween decor.
Not much when it comes to spooky kid games this month, but we are one step closer to Super Mario Bros. Wonder? And one step closer to watching the first five minutes of the Five Nights at Freddy’s movie before my oldest announces it’s too scary, only to watch her load up Roblox and play games with those very same characters featured?
Personally, I’m still playing catchup with games released this summer!
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!
P.S. This feature is meant to be helpful. If there are improvements that could be made, or more info you wish you had access to, let me know and I’ll keep it in mind.
Detective Pikachu Returns (Switch) — October 6
Description: Unravel a series of mysteries across Ryme City with a tough-talking, coffee-loving Pikachu and his human partner, Tim Goodman. When a jewel theft occurs, the case sets this great detective duo down a path filled with mystery. Why did Tim’s father, Harry, go missing? What is causing the Pokémon-related incidents around Ryme City? Answer these questions and more by searching for clues, investigating scenes, and using your case notebook to make deductions.
Rating: E
Price: $49.99
This looks adorable, but I didn’t spend time with the original. There’s something incredibly funny about the human character being named Tim Goodman. Tim. Goodman. IGN does note “the kid-friendly nature of the puzzle-solving and story could make it a great entry point for younger players to get into the mystery genre.”
Roblox (PS4/5) — October 10
Description: Roblox lets you explore and share experiences with friends. With over 66 million daily active users and a massive variety of 3D immersive experiences created by a global community, there’s always something new to discover.
Rating: T
Price: Free (But full of microtransactions)
I have no idea how successful Roblox is on Xbox, but I’ve admired Sony’s desire to just stay away from Roblox. It makes sense they’ve relented, but it’s also a curse. Maybe there was a kind PlayStation child who had no idea what Roblox was, meaning their parents didn’t have to consider the term “robux” on a daily basis. Well, now that’s over.
Wild Card Football (Switch, PS4/5, PC, Xbox One/X/S) — October 10
Description: Wild Card Football is a fun pick-up-and-play arcade-style football game featuring 7v7 team-focused gameplay with the unique Wild Card system that lets you change the course of the action in an instant with special power-ups and rule-breaking abilities.
Rating: E
Price: $39.99
There should be a robust market for football games that aren’t Madden, but alas. We’re never getting another unhinged NFL Blitz, but maybe there’s some hope buried in this new game, because Game Informer said recently that “Wild Card Football has a lot of potential for those who grew up with games like NFL Blitz and NFL Street.”
Lil’ Gator Game (Xbox One/X/S, PS4/5) — October 10
Description: Embark on an adorable adventure, discover new friends and uncover everything the island has to offer. Climb, Swim, Glide and slide your way into the hearts of the many different characters you meet on your travels!
Rating: E
Price: $19.99
I love the developers calling it a “no-pressure adventure game” and not wanting a “health bar [to] hold you back from reaching your goal.” Very cool. Destructoid called it “a wonderful game that I think will resonate with those who have cherished memories of the simpler days of youth and long afternoons spent exploring the world around us.”
The Grinch: Christmas Adventures (PC, PS4/5, Xbox One X/S, Switch) — October 13
Description: Have a great Grinchy time trying to steal Christmas in this festive platformer – and help the Grinch’s small heart grow a few sizes bigger along the way!
Rating: E
Price: $39.99
Would you be shocked to learn this is from the same publisher as the new PAW Patrol?
Transformers: Earthspark — Expedition (PC, PS4/5, Xbox One/X/S, Switch) — October 13
Description: Join the legendary Autobot, Bumblebee, in Transformers: Earthspark Expedition on a 3D adventure to defeat the evil Mandroid.
Rating: E10+
Price: $39.99
You’re going to think I’m screwing with you, but this is also the same publisher behind the new PAW Patrol game. They have the market cornered on kids stuff.
SpongeBob SquarePants: The Cosmic Shake (PS5, Xbox X/S) — October 16
Description: Wish-granting Mermaid’s Tears in the hands of SpongeBob and Patrick… What could possibly go wrong? Sure, the very fabric holding the very universe very together could come very undone, opening up portals into Wishworlds full of knights, cowboys, pirates, and prehistoric snails. But that’s nothing everyone’s favorite sponge can’t handle - with the right cosmic costume! Everybody do the Cosmic Shake!
Rating: E10+
Price: $39.99
This a high fidelity update to a game that reviewed okay. My oldest played this for an hour before getting confused on a platforming sequence and moving on. IGN called it ”a simple, unambitious platformer that pales in comparison to its peers in every way besides all the charm and humor it borrows from the iconic show.” Go off, king.
Sonic Superstars (PC, PS4/5, Switch, Xbox One/X/S) — October 17
Description: Adventure through the mystical Northstar Islands in this all-new take on classic 2D Sonic high-speed action platforming. Play as Sonic, Tails, Knuckles, and Amy and harness all-new Emerald powers to move and attack in dynamic new ways. Navigate gorgeous, never-before-seen environments solo or with up to 3 other players and stop Dr. Eggman, Fang, and a mysterious new adversary from converting the islands’ giant animals into Badniks before it’s too late!
Rating: E
Price: $59.99
Sonic make no sense to me. It’s neat he likes to go fast, but I’m someone who wants to stop and explore, whereas Sonic games are about getting to the end. I could see this being goofy fun with my kids, but could I really hide my contempt for Sonic? No.
Gargoyles Remastered (PC, PS4, Switch, Xbox One) — October 19
Description: Gargoyles Remastered is an artfully crafted revival of the ‘90s classic 16-bit side-scrolling platform adventure. Relive the epic journey of Goliath and the Gargoyles featuring enhanced visuals, animations, and SFX, all inspired by the acclaimed animated series. The world of Gargoyles comes to life with a level of detail that will thrill fans of the animated series and retro gaming enthusiasts alike. Experience classic gameplay that stays authentic to its predecessor while including new features such as achievements, gameplay rewind, and more!
Rating: E10+
Price: $14.99
They’ll remaster anything these days, huh? Snark and nostalgic memories about a show that was probably too dark for my age aside, this game never crossed my room.
The Jackbox Party Pack 10 (PC, Switch, Xbox X/S, PS4/5) — October 19
Description: Become a party legend! The celebrated franchise returns with epic drawing battles in Tee K.O. 2, chaotic type-offs in FixyText, time-travel trivia in Timejinx, hidden identity intrigue in Hypnotorious, and group music-making in Dodo Re Mi.
Rating: T
Price: TBA (But they’re usually $20-$30)
It’s wild this hasn’t become a singular platform, instead of individual releases. I’ve lost the plot on the Jackbox these days. Are people keeping up? Are they still fun to play?
Hot Wheels Unleashed 2: Turbocharged (Switch, PS4/5, PC, Xbox One/X/S) — October 19
Description: The world’s raddest cars are back and taking the fun to the next level! Race over 130 vehicles with crazy new mechanics and even more vehicle types. Plus, build your tracks with stunning new environments and different game modes to have fun off and online!
Rating: E
Price: $49.99
The reviews for the original were shockingly good for a racer on no one’s radar, with Push Square noting this “is shaping up to be a strong if overall unspectacular sequel.”
Marvel’s Spider-Man 2 (PS5) — October 20
Description: Swing, jump and utilize the new Web Wings to travel across Marvel’s New York, quickly switching between Peter Parker and Miles Morales to experience different stories and epic new powers, as the iconic villain Venom threatens to destroy their lives, their city and the ones they love.
Rating: T
Price: $59.99
Oh, buddy. The original from Insomniac was fantastic, and the Miles Morales follow-up was even better. The early previews are glowing, with The Guarding saying “at first glance, it appears to be merely a bigger and shinier version of what came before, but over time, its smörgåsbord of small changes add up to something more substantial.”
Super Mario Bros. Wonder (Switch) — October 20
Description: Classic Mario gameplay is turned on its head with Wonder Flowers in the Super Mario Bros. Wonder game! These game-changing items can make some wonderfully weird stuff happen. Witness pipes coming alive, wreak havoc as a giant Spike-Ball, and lots more!
Rating: E
Price: $59.99
Now, this is becoming the Vince McMahon meme. I’ve tried to like the New Super Mario Bros. games, but beyond an entryway for my kid to understand platformers, they’ve done little for me. I’m rooting hard for Wonder, though, because it’s a chance to merge both of those worlds. Can Patrick and child co-exist in gaming happiness?
Just Dance 2024 Edition (Switch, PS5, Xbox X/S) — October 24
Description: Dance and share exciting moments all year long with the #1 music video game platform of all time! Just Dance 2024 Edition features 40 songs, from the latest hits and beloved classics including “Flowers” by Miley Cyrus, “Tití Me Preguntó” by Bad Bunny, “How You Like That” by BLACKPINK and "I Wanna Dance With Somebody" by Whitney Houston!
Rating: E
Price: $59.99
These games are goofy fun. I’m rarely heard my kids laugh harder than when trying—and failing—to emulate the moves. We haven’t picked up one of these in a few years, but they’re now listening to new pop music with their parents, so it’s probably time.
Mineko’s Night Market (PS4/5, Xbox One) — October 26
Description: Play as Mineko, a curious girl who has just arrived at her new home on a struggling Japanese-inspired island at the base of Mount Fugu. The superstitious locals on the island worship the Sun Cat, Nikko. What was always thought to be a long-told myth has the town puzzled, as sightings of Nikko have begun to surface among the residents of the island in recent days.
Rating: E
Price: $19.99
Cozy doesn’t excuse poor gameplay, with this one apparently coming up short in a lot of reviews. PC Gamer said “there’s a serious tension between the game’s various systems—namely its wildly inflated economy, tedious central loop and the mechanics of fulfilling quests—and its story, and it’s a tension that is never fully resolved.”
Dave the Diver (Switch) — October 26
Description: Dave the Diver is a casual, single-player adventure RPG featuring deep-sea exploration and fishing during the day and sushi restaurant management at night. Join Dave and his quirky friends as they seek to uncover the secrets of the mysterious Blue Hole.
Rating: E10+
Price: $19.99
The hour or so I played of this on PC was fantastic. Eurogamer called the PC version “wholesome, harmonious and completely unwilling to settle, this is one of the most generous games in years.” Sheesh, that’s about as high praise as you’ll get these days.
Jusant (PC, PS5, Xbox X/S) — October 30
Description: Jusant is a brand-new action-puzzle climbing game and a meditative journey to the top of a tall tower. Challenge yourself at your own pace, explore different paths, and unravel the secrets from a bygone civilization.
Rating: TBA
Price: $24.99
DONT NOD does not miss, even when they do. The Life Is Strange developer is always trying new things, like…a climbing adventure game? Why not? I’ll be there on day one.
Have a story idea? Want to share a tip? Got a funny parenting story? Drop Patrick an email.
Jackbox games are still great! Every pack has at least a couple gems worth revisiting every few months.
Lil Gator Game is basically Breath of the Wild Jr. (paraglider, stamina wheel, exploration focus). I beat it earlier this year on Steam Deck, as I've come to learn I love the charm of cozy games as a respite from the sometimes exhausting learning curve of modern big games. Check out A Short Hike and my personal favorite Toem too if it interested. Also, I love these articles, getting a heads up on Party Animals last month was super clutch because even my 5-year-old daughter, who's video game experiences are usually 5 minutes or less and end in boredom or tears, was cackling while playing it with siblings and friends (albeit after some initial tears when her fuzzy cute unicorn got popped in the face and fell of a cliff). This month Wild Card Football has caught my eye because we all have a Blitz-sized hole in our hearts. I think one thing that can slightly improve the functionality of the article is sharing whether or not the game is on GamePass (such as Party Animals), its great knowing I can take a chance on a game with fickle children without paying more than the sub fee.