Best Kids Games On PS5

Ever since debuting in 2020, the PlayStation 5 has steadily amassed an impressive library of games covering nearly every possible genre. Want horror? The PS5 has plenty. Craving an open-world game or maybe a sandbox? There are almost too many options. Looking to play a Soulslike or a third-person shooter? Some projects do both.

While not exactly lacking, PS5 games for children do not tend to be highlighted quite as intensely as releases designed for older players. Consequently, parents might struggle to come up with a range of child-friendly options across most genres, especially if they move away from platformers.

To help streamline this process as much as possible, let’s take a look at some of the best PS5 kids games To cover as wide of a range as possible, the selection is divided by genre.

Click On A Genre To Jump To Its Game.

Updated on November 5, 2024 by Mark Sammut: The upcoming PS5 kids games section has been updated with three new titles that will all debut before the end of the year. In fact, three of this six mentioned games will launch on November 14, 2024. It will be a busy day for children and adults alike.

Astro’s Playroom

Introductory Game

Except for a few Nintendo masterpieces, Astro’s Playroom might just be the best pack-in game of all time; if nothing else, it is Sony’s greatest effort. Due to arriving pre-installed on the PS5, this short but adorable 3D platformer will introduce most people to this console generation, and it offers fun for all ages. As a celebration of PlayStation’s history, the game’s many references and collectibles will delight long-term fans who have been on this journey since the early days of Crash Bandicoot and Tomb Raider. Meanwhile, older players who do not have an attachment to the brand can look forward to a polished platformer that does a fantastic job of showcasing the DualSense controller’s capabilities.

Astro’s Playroom does a surprisingly good job of striking a balance between accessibility and difficulty, with the latter being just steep enough to require the player’s full attention. Putting aside a small handful of frustrating moments that rarely last more than a couple of minutes, the campaign is primarily a delight that should entertain kids who are taking their steps into the world of gaming. At the bare minimum, they will probably love Astro as a character.

Astro Bot

Platformer

Astro Bot is almost without question the genre’s best 3D effort on the PS5. More importantly, Team Asobi’s masterpiece can only be found on Sony’s most recent console, which cannot be said for nearly every other similar game. As a follow-up to Astro’s Playroom, Astro Bot provides a similar core experience, albeit expanded greatly to a full-length adventure. The campaign is still relatively short compared to many other single-player titles, especially for “run through the story and that’s it” types of players. Still, there are enough optional collectible elements to extend a playthrough to a respectable length for players who are completionists.

Spanning multiple galaxies, Astro Bot takes players on an ambitious and magical journey through the cosmos, guiding them through dozens upon dozens of stages along the way (including special Hero Stages). Similar to Astro’s Playroom, the newer release loves to introduce mechanics that are specifically intended for a level, which helps diversify the gameplay routine to ensure boredom never sets in. Also, the visuals are lovely, both in terms of technical prowess and the art design. Astro Bot might just be the best PS5 game for kids; heck, it might go down as the best PS5 game for everyone.

Alternative PS5 3D Platformers For Kids:

• Bomb Rush Cyberfunk
• Sackboy: A Big Adventure
• SpongeBob SquarePants: The Cosmic Shake
• Trine 5: A Clockwork Conspiracy

Super Monkey Ball Banana Mania

Action

The 2010s were not kind to Super Monkey Ball, but Banana Mania at least got the current decade off to a good start. Essentially a platformer, Monkey Ball is all about carefully navigating a sphere through winding levels toward an endpoint. Straightforward as that sounds, Super Monkey Ball Banana Mania can be quite challenging and comes packed with hundreds of stages.

Although it can be frustrating at times, Banana Mania has nothing in it that is inappropriate for children. The gameplay does require quite a bit of precision, so this recommendation is mainly for older kids who have some experience with games and are looking for something to keep them busy for a long time.

Alternative PS5 Action Games For Kids:

• Ben 10: Power Trip
• Kao the Kangaroo
• Pumpkin Jack

Cat Quest 3

Action RPG

RPGs, in general, tend to lean towards adolescent or adult audiences, and that seems to go double for the real-time action variant. However, some exceptions suitable for younger players do exist, and one of the best examples debuted in August 2024. Cat Quest has produced nothing but charming action RPGs, and the third entry might just be the pick of the trilogy.

The first two games are available on PS Plus Extra, so newcomers with subscriptions should start with those to see if the franchise is for them.

Filled with puns, Cat Quest 3 is a pirate-themed adventure that delivers fast-paced combat, simple but rewarding progression, and an enjoyable storyline that provides context but rarely gets in the way. Presented from an isometric perspective and structured around visiting islands, the game has a strong sense of humor and a recognizable visual style, which combine to create a cozy experience. Now, Cat Quest 3 can be somewhat difficult at times, but it is generally well-balanced. The RPG also supports co-op, in case a parent wants to jump in alongside their child.

Alternative PS5 Action RPGs For Kids:

• DC’s Justice League: Cosmic Chaos
• Kitaria Fables

Lil Gator Game

Adventure

Lil Gator Game is the type of adventure that a child would come up with, and that is meant to be taken in the most positive way possible. As the eponymous gator, players will go on a self-driven adventure to create an adventure worthy of impressing their older sibling, with the main goal being to create an opportunity for family bonding. It is a simple premise that is executed beautifully and with endless charm. The latter is really Lil Gator Game‘s selling point since, in terms of gameplay, there is not all that much here to get excited about; just to be clear, what is included plays well, but most of the mechanics are fairly stripped down and straightforward.

While obviously great for younger players looking for a lighthearted and cute adventure, older folks might also appreciate Little Gator Game‘s innocence and whimsy. As the years roll by and flights of fantasy give way to hard reality, child-like wonder and imagination become fleeting skills that are rarely exercised; Little Gator Game might spark them to life in parents as they watch their kids have a good time.

Alternative PS5 Adventure Games For Kids:

• Jusant
• The Pathless
• The Smurfs 2 – The Prisoner of the Green Stone

Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Shredder’s Revenge

Beat ‘Em Up

Modern beat ’em ups are not only rare, but they tend to be fairly hard as well. Consequently, the genre is not the greatest pick for very young kids, as they might find themselves getting frustrated. On the other hand, the genre typically utilizes straightforward and easy-to-grasp controls, even if the mechanics might be difficult to master.

Shredder’s Revenge is really no exception. The short campaign gradually increases its difficulty until it becomes genuinely challenging, although it is overall not as tough as, say, Streets of Rage 4 or 3D brawlers like Sifu. More importantly, the game’s dynamic visuals and quirky characters are likely to keep the attention of kids, especially if they have been exposed to the TMNT cartoons. Shredder’s Revenge also supports co-op, so older siblings or parents can join in to lend a helping hand.

Alternative PS5 Beat ‘Em Up Games For Kids:

Fall Guys

Battle Royale

Battle royale games suitable for children always come with asterisks since parents do not only have to take the gameplay into account. In a title like Fall Guys or Fortnite, kids will be interacting directly with other players of all ages, which can lead to them learning a few choice words if the voice chat is active. However, in the case of Fall Guys, its voice chat has to be manually switched on by players through the menu’s Audio options.

Focusing on the gameplay, Fall Guys is a party game battle royale revolving around mini-games. With a cartoony aesthetic and an overabundance of silliness, this title does not take itself too seriously and is very accessible. Perfect for short sessions when the only goal is to have a good time and maybe a few laughs, Fall Guys can be thrown on whenever someone is not sure what they feel like playing, and that goes for both children and adults.

Alternative PS5 Battle Royale Games For Kids:

• Fortnite
• Super Bomberman R Online
• Worms Rumble

Planet Coaster

Business Sim

OK, management games do not exactly scream “for kids.” They typically necessitate that players focus on minor details, which can be quite frustrating, and Planet Coaster is no exception. The game comes with deep mechanics that, if someone wants to create a well-running park, will need to be mastered.

Alternatively, a player can jump into Sandbox mode and do whatever. Just let the mind go wild and have fun, caring not for logic or consistency. This approach makes Planet Coaster a fun ride for younger children, although it is probably best that parents only buy this game if they are also interested in playing.

Alternative PS5 Business Simulation Games For Kids:

• Bear and Breakfast
• Cities: Skylines – Might be too complex at first
• Lawn Mowing Simulator

Overcooked: All You Can Eat

Co-Op

Overcooked: All You Can Eat packs in the two PS5 kids games, creating one of the most complete party co-op compilations on the market. Players must work together to prepare and plate their dishes so they can complete orders. This game is fun, chaotic, and perfect for a group of four.

Overcooked: All You Can Eat also introduced an Assist mode that reduces the pressure during levels, making it an amazing option for young children who are getting used to the ropes. When played normally, Overcooked can become fairly frustrating since the stages gradually ramp up the requirements, eventually demanding a near-flawless kitchen. As such, kids might start to feel overwhelmed after a while.

Alternative PS5 Co-Op Games For Kids:

• KeyWe
• Moving Out 2
• PlateUp!

Doraemon Story Of Seasons: Friends Of The Great Kingdom

Farming Sim

Farming sims come in many shapes and rhythms. Some, like Stardew Valley, are time-consuming and demanding, while others offer more relaxing experiences. Story of Seasons falls within the latter category, and Doraemon Story of Seasons: Friends of the Great Kingdom represents the franchise as its charming peak. Based on a hugely popular Japanese anime, this spin-off casts players as Noby, a boy who is close friends with a robot cat who can do incredible things. In this case, Doraemon uses a rocket to send himself and Noby to an alien planet, albeit one that is not all that dissimilar to Earth.

Long story short, Noby and Doraemon have to successfully grow a farm if they want to go home. Friends of the Great Kingdom‘s farming mechanics are easy to grasp but also require just enough thought to be engaging. Like the best farm sims, the game fills the world with colorful NPCs for Noby to befriend.

Alternative PS5 Farming Simulation Games For Kids:

• Doraemon Story of Seasons: Friends of the Great Kingdom
• Roots of Pacha
• Stardew Valley – PS4 version

Nickelodeon All-Star Brawl 2

Fighting Game

The first Nickelodeon All-Star Brawl was a decent Super Smash Bros. clone that did not really do enough to stand out from the crowd, making it difficult to recommend it to anyone but the most die-hard fans of the central properties. With a sequel debuting just about two years later, someone who was not impressed with the original will likely see no reason to pick up its successor; however, Nickelodeon All-Star Brawl 2 builds considerably on its predecessor’s foundations. This 2023 release serves as a prime example of what a sequel should be, delivering not only a more fine-tuned core experience but also adding ideas and mechanics that elevate the overall package to the next level.

Kids can look forward to trying out Nickelodeon All-Star Brawl 2‘s impressive roster of fan-favorite characters that includes personalities from SpongeBob, Avatar: The Last Airbender, and Rugrats. More excitingly, the characters come with their nuances and strengths, meaning players are incentivized to take each fighter out for a spin since they play differently from each other. Mechanically, the sequel implements a Slime meter that can provide a wide range of boosts to different moves and attacks, along with providing access to a special finisher. This concept is well executed and by far Nickelodeon All-Star Brawl 2‘s freshest idea, one that elevates it from a clone to a standout product.

Alternative PS5 Fighting Games For Kids:

• Divine Knockout – Free
• Them’s Fightin’ Herds

Gunfire Reborn

First-Person Shooter

Except for maybe horror, the first-person shooter genre caters the least to young players. There are barely any FPS PS5 kids games, and the few exceptions are almost universally half-baked products that should not be played by anyone outside of trophy hunters who want a quick platinum. Basically, parents introducing their children to the beautiful world of gaming should focus on other genres like platformers or adventure games; in due time, kids will evolve into teenagers and find their way to first-person shooters on their own.

Still, if an FPS game must be picked, Gunfire Reborn is one of the better options on the market. It also fits the roguelite descriptor, another genre not known for children’s games. Gunfire Reborn follows a fairly typical structure, with players picking a character and then blasting their way through four zones, each one containing a few stages. Along the way, they will unlock new weapons and scrolls, most of which are lost when the player dies. However, they can purchase permanent upgrades between runs, along with expanding the roster of playable heroes.

Gunfire Reborn has a charming cartoon visual style, very solid combat, and an addictive gameplay loop with a decent sense of progression, at least for a roguelite. While hardly the hardest game ever, it is not easy either, and failure is an inescapable part of the experience. As such, very young kids might find Gunfire Reborn too frustrating to play; conversely, children approaching adolescence might enjoy the challenge.

Costume Quest 2

Horror

Simply put, there are not all that many PS5 horror games that are fine for kids. The genre’s standout efforts cater to a mature audience, and titles like Dead Space, Resident Evil 4, The Callisto Protocol, and Alan Wake 2 earn their Mature rating. A couple of Teen-rated horror games such as Limbo and Little Nightmares are somewhat passable for older children who have a tolerance for creepy visuals, but they are still a bit too much for anyone under 10. So, is there nothing that might be OK for kids to play around Halloween? Well, there is an exception: Costume Quest 2.

Similar to its predecessor, which is not playable on the PS5, Costume Quest 2 follows two siblings and a few friends as they must save Halloween from the clutches of an evil dentist. Silly as it sounds, the story is dripping in charm and personality, and it even throws out a few surprises courtesy of a time-travel plot twist. While never really trying to be scary or creepy, the game is nevertheless packed with horror imagery that fits its central holiday. Gameplay-wise, Costume Quest 2 blends exploration with turn-based RPG battles, the latter of which are fairly simple but get the job done. The campaign is also quite short, to the point that it can be completed over a weekend.

Alternative PS5 Horror Games For Kids:

• Haunted House
• Hello Neighbor 2

Disney Dreamlight Valley

Life Sim

Disney Dreamlight Valley is a charming life sim that also incorporates adventure and role-playing elements. Disney’s reach is inescapable, and the company’s animated movies, TV shows, and theme parks make special appearances in so many childhoods. While there are plenty of Mickey Mouse-themed games, few titles capture the magic of Disney as well as Disney Dreamlight Valley.

After creating their own character, players step into a vibrant world filled with biomes based on Disney and Pixar’s properties. Along with collecting resources needed to cook food and complete other life sim staples, players can talk to iconic characters and complete quests for them. Once done, that persona will join the player’s village.

Tetris Effect: Connected

Online

Tetris is eternal. The original game was a masterpiece in the ’80s and time has done nothing to dilute the core concept’s appeal. Tetris Effect gives the franchise a modern makeover by incorporating music into the mix and a stylish aesthetic that makes each movement exciting. Originally released in 2018, Tetris Effect launched with a plethora of single-player options, all of which were retained for the Connected re-release; however, the latter added multiplayer on top of everything the vanilla version contained.

Supporting local and online co-op along with PvP, Tetris Effect: Connected encourages players to either work together to create the Tetris puzzle or to face off in epic battles. Both modes work well and are a lot of fun, but they are also very different from each other. More importantly, this game has way more to offer than just online matches. Even with a few modern twists, this is still ultimately Tetris, which means gameplay that nearly everyone can enjoy.

Sonic Frontiers

Open-World

Sega’s Blue Blur has been introducing children to the magical world of games for the best part of three decades. Sure, not everything Sonic touches turns to gold, but the franchise is still capable of producing something special every once in a while. Sonic Frontiers marked the license’s first attempt at adopting an open-world format, something that initially seemed a poor fit for a property that depends heavily on tightly-designed levels. Unsurprisingly, this transition was not seamless, and there are certainly times when the game threatens to fall apart; however, overall, Sonic Frontiers is a respectable addition to the oversaturated open-world sphere.

These sorts of projects can be rather overwhelming, drowning players in content and busy work that hurts rather than elevates the overall experience. Although not devoid of these issues, Sonic Frontiers is a fairly streamlined take on the open-world concept, and it is also pretty easy. As Sonic generally controls well, running around Starfall Islands is simply fun, which makes the minute-by-minute gameplay loop enjoyable.

Alternative PS5 Open-World Games For Kids:

• Marvel’s Spider-Man – Maybe for older kids
• Tchia

Moving Out 2

Party

There is nothing fun about moving furniture in real life, but gaming can make everything a blast. Moving Out 2 is a silly physics-based party game that challenges players to complete a series of levels by moving the required items, which range from the ordinary to the absurd. While retaining its predecessor’s core gameplay, the 2023 sequel shakes things up by going for broke in its settings and challenges, a decision that pays off beautifully.

Although potentially frustrating at times, Moving Out 2‘s imprecise controls lend themselves well to co-op shenanigans, and they are likely to inspire laughter in children. Kids can also look forward to visiting a wide spectrum of bizarre locations since the sequel introduces a multiverse twist. Ridiculous as that might sound on paper, it works well within the game.

Alternative PS5 Party Games For Kids:

• Among Us
• Super Bomberman R 2

Peppa Pig: World Adventures

Preschoolers

While most of the best PS5 kids games should work for a wide age range, they are not really intended for preschoolers. Peppa Pig: World Adventures is specifically designed for very young children, to the point that anybody over the age of 4 will likely not get too much out of this package.

Petoons Studio’s game takes players on a worldwide trip, allowing them to visit some of the most recognizable sights alongside Peppa Pig. The gameplay is, unsurprisingly, basic, with most of the content revolving around easy mini-games and educational content.

Cocoon

Puzzle

Geometric Interactive’s Cocoon reflects Jeppe Carlsen’s resume, which includes Limbo and Inside. The 2023 release comes very close to matching the brilliance of those two masterpieces, and it is more appropriate for young players than Playdead’s horror-leaning efforts. Cocoon casts players as a bug who must traverse a relatively open map in search of orbs that are not only power sources but also contain unique worlds that can and need to be visited.

While combat is one slice of the pie, the game prioritizes puzzle-solving, which expertly walks the line between overly simplistic and needlessly convoluted. The core mechanics and controls behind the puzzles are easy to grasp, but Cocoon regularly adds new layers to ensure a continuous challenge. Very young players will love exploring each new world and engaging in the occasional boss fight, although they might need help solving more than a few puzzles. Older children will likely be able to get through the campaign without too much trouble. Cocoon is not necessarily a PS5 kids game as it appeals to adult players as well, but it should work well as a mature puzzle game for children.

Alternative PS5 Puzzle Games For Kids:

• A Little to the Left
• Lego Bricktales
• Mr. Driller DrillLand

Hot Wheels Unleashed 2 – Turbocharged

Racing

Even if popular wisdom states the glory days of arcade or kart racers ended a few decades ago, the genre is very much alive on modern systems. Mario Kart 8 is firmly established as the standard that every similar release is measured by. While not offering anything on the same level as Nintendo’s exclusive, the PS5 is not lacking in good alternatives either. LEGO 2K Drive is a fun open-world racer, while Nickelodeon Kart Racers 3: Slime Speedway is the best entry in an admittedly middling franchise. Disney Speedstorm‘s microtransactions make it difficult to outright recommend, but it is a decent free-to-play option for those who just want the occasional race. Meanwhile, DreamWorks All-Star Kart Racing is competent but unspectacular, although it should hit the spot with fans of the included licenses.

Finally, there is Hot Wheels Unleashed 2 – Turbocharged, a gorgeous racer that builds beautifully on its 2021 predecessor. As suggested by its title, this is a licensed game, one that is overflowing with love and appreciation for the source material. Not only are the visuals among the best in the genre, but Turbocharged also controls like a dream, comparing favorably to any other arcade racer on the market. While supporting multiplayer, this release is also a great option for single-player thanks to a relatively lengthy campaign that even has an endgame.

Alternative PS5 Racing Games For Kids:

• DreamWorks All-Star Racing
• Lego 2K Drive
• Nickelodeon Kart Racers 3: Slime Speedway

Super Mega Baseball 4

Sports

Sports games, in general, receive “Everyone” ratings since their core gameplay does not typically contain anything that would make them inappropriate for children. That said, games like FIFA, Madden, and NBA 2K emphasize their online components, which tend to feature microtransactions. As such, while the gameplay might be fine for kids, parents should still keep an eye on them.

Super Mega Baseball 4 offers a fairly similar experience to other sports games on the market, albeit without pushing additional purchases. Players can still engage in online matches and take part in multiplayer leagues, but these modes do not feature microtransactions; consequently, this title is easier to recommend to young children.

Ultimately, none of this would matter if SMB 4‘s gameplay was not sound, which it thankfully is. The series strives to find the middle ground between arcade and sim action, and while not perfect, it generally succeeds. Franchise and Shuffle Draft modes are fantastic single-player options that should delight baseball fans.

Alternative PS5 Sports Games For Kids:

Minecraft Legends

Strategy

Mojang’s Minecraft is unquestionably the biggest game of the last decade, and its sandbox design lends itself to every age group. There is a good chance that someone’s first exposure to gaming will be Minecraft, and the main entry provides players, both young and experienced, with a canvas to explore their creativity. Over the last few years, Mojang has started to expand its license to other genres, and these spin-offs have largely attempted to be entry-level experiences in their own right. Minecraft Dungeons is an accessible dungeon crawler, while Minecraft Legends tackles the more niche real-time strategy world.

Strategy games have historically struggled to simplify their core ideas in a way that does not directly undermine their appeal to their main demographic. Legends succeeds where many others failed since it is arguably designed with Minecraft fans in mind rather than strategy game enthusiasts. While perhaps a bit too streamlined for die-hard genre veterans, its mechanics are still largely in line with standard strategy offerings, just streamlined in the name of accessibility.

Alternative PS5 Strategy Games For Kids:

Lego Fortnite

Survival

The survival genre is not generally intended for young kids. Most of these types of games are primarily known for being punishing and harsh, putting players in situations where they must be constantly struggling to make ends meet. Their gameplay loop typically revolves around collecting resources and monitoring meters rather than a heavy focus on combat or story, a setup that might be slightly too slow-paced for children. While accessible survival games certainly exist, they are usually still directed toward older players, even if their mechanics might be streamlined. Consequently, Lego Fortnite slots in nicely as a “beginner’s guide to survival,” serving a similar role as the Minecraft spin-offs (or, in fact, Minecraft itself for the survival genre or gaming in general).

The free-to-play mode drops players in relatively large open areas and generally leaves them to their own devices, all the while still providing some direction rather than a complete blank slate. As with most survival games, Lego Fortnite challenges players to meet their basic needs and also craft a base, the latter of which takes center stage as the closest thing to progression the game has is bringing in NPCs to create a village. Exploration can lead to a few neat fights, although there is not too much to find at the moment.

Lego Fortnite is charming and a decent recommendation for survival fans craving something on the relaxing side; however, it is particularly perfect for anyone taking their first steps into the genre.

Park Beyond

Theme Park Creator

There are some great theme park creators already on the market, like Planet Coaster, but Park Beyond takes creation to the next level by offering unique and thrilling items and rollercoaster production tools. What is perhaps the most chaotic theme-park creator currently on the market, Park Beyond sets itself apart from the competition by offering up interesting places to build a park, along with some entertaining tools that will let players really flex their creative muscles. It’s wacky, colorful, and exciting, making it perfect for the whole family to enjoy.

Ratchet & Clank: Rift Apart

Third-Person Shooter

Ending on a recommendation for older kids, Ratchet & Clank: Rift Apart is one of the best games on the PS5. With visuals ripped right out of a Pixar movie and irresistibly endearing characters, Rift Apart is a treat for the senses that also happens to play like a dream. Mechanically, there is more going on here than most other kids’ games, but Rift Apart‘s controls are rather intuitive. The “Rookie Recruit” difficult setting makes the game very easy, and Rift Apart also has a range of other accessibility options.

Story-wise, Rift Apart is a fast-paced blockbuster that throws the eponymous heroes on a multiversal adventure that puts them in direct contact with their counterparts from another universe, Rivet and Kit. The latter newcomers are also playable, and they have fun personalities that are reminiscent of Ratchet and Clank but not copycats. While perhaps not a conventional “children’s game,” Insomniac’s title is the type of release that can make someone fall in love with gaming. It is that good, and the campaign is short and linear enough that it should be able to keep the attention of younger players.

Bish Bash Bots

Tower Defense

The PS5 does not have all that many native tower defense games, with most of the genre’s selection being PS4 releases that can be played on the newer console. As such, Plants vs. Zombies: Garden Warfare 2 is probably the best kid-friendly option, although it plays closer to a third-person shooter than traditional tower defense releases. Dungeon Defenders 2, Orcs Must Die! 3, and They Are Billions are also good picks for anyone interested in the genre.

When it comes specifically to PS5 tower defense games, Bish Bash Bots might be a name that not all that many people have heard since it flew under the radar when it was released toward the end of 2023. Still, the indie project presents an interesting twist on the genre, and its gameplay is fairly action-oriented, which might help keep kids entertained. Essentially, levels require players to carefully place turrets (which can be upgraded) so they can eliminate bots, with the oncoming onslaught getting harder with each new wave. On the surface, this concept sounds straightforward, but Bish Bash Bots does a great job of adding nuance and variety with each new level.

Bish Bash Bots is one of those games that is fun to throw on as a palette cleanser between other projects. While its contents are generally OK for older kids, the gameplay can be quite challenging and even exhausting at times, so mileage may vary.

That said, the PS4 releases are safer bets.

Sea Of Stars

Turn-Based RPG

While not as common nowadays, ’90s kids grew up on isometric turn-based JRPGs created by developers like Square. As the genre’s mainstream projects steadily moved away from these origins, the indie scene gradually stepped up to carry the flag, and Sabotage Studio’s Sea of Stars is one of the best modern interpretations of these retro concepts. Set on an island, players take charge of two protagonists who are tasked with protecting the locals, a journey that comes with world-saving responsibilities. Naturally, they might need some help to complete their task, so they are eventually joined by four other playable characters.

Sea of Stars screams “old-school JRPG” without coming across like an uninspired rethread or a blatant copy of timeless masterpieces. The game utilizes a fairly active and involved turn-based combat system that incorporates mechanics like combos and timed presses, all of which work well together to create an overall impressive package. Visually, Sea of Stars is bursting with color and personality, and that includes the environments, main characters, and enemies. The story is also pretty good, and while it does make a few complicated turns, it should not be too much for children. That said, the campaign is not particularly easy, so very young players might struggle during some moments.

Beat Saber

Virtual Reality

Beat Saber is not only a great game for people of all ages, but it is also the ideal entry point into the world of virtual reality. The rhythm title is arguably VR’s most popular gateway project, and it is not difficult to see why it has acquired that role. For one, the core concept is easy to grasp and does not require too much living space to pull off; furthermore, while the gameplay is straightforward, the game ramps up the difficulty substantially as it goes along, offering a genuine challenge that also suffices as a home workout. Beat Saber is close to a perfect VR experience.

Armed with two color-coded lightsabers, players have to strike incoming boxes with the correct weapon. At the lower levels, this process is fairly simple, granting players an opportunity to enjoy some nice music while having a bit of fun. On the harder levels, the patterns become far more complicated and move at a much quicker pace, so it can be genuinely difficult to keep up. Beat Saber is a stellar option for the whole family. Children will likely have a blast dancing along with the music and enjoying the colorful visuals, while parents can do the same.

Upcoming Kids Games

Lego Horizon Adventures, Power Rangers, & More

• 	Dragon Quest III HD-2D Remake	LEGO Horizon Adventures	Little Big Adventure – Twinsen’s Quest	Taiko no Tatsujin: Rhythm Festival	Mighty Morphin Power Rangers: Rita’s Rewind
  Platform(s)	PlayStation 5, Xbox Series S, Xbox Series X, Nintendo Switch, PC	PlayStation 5, Nintendo Switch, PC	PlayStation 5, Xbox Series S, Xbox Series X, Nintendo Switch, PlayStation 4, PC, Xbox One	PlayStation 5, Xbox Series S, Xbox Series X, Nintendo Switch, PC	PlayStation 5, Xbox Series S, Xbox Series X, Nintendo Switch, PlayStation 4, PC, Xbox One
  Developer(s)	Artdink, Square Enix	Studio Gobo, Guerrilla Games	[2.21]	Bandai Namco Studios	Digital Eclipse
  Genre(s)	JRPG	Adventure	Action, Adventure	Rhythm, Action	Beat ‘Em Up
  ESRB	E10+ For Everyone 10+ Due To Alcohol Reference, Fantasy Violence, Mild Blood, Mild Language, Suggestive Themes	E10+ For Everyone 10+ // Fantasy Violence, Language	E10+ For Everyone 10+ // Fantasy Violence	E For Everyone	E10+ For Everyone // Fantasy Violence
  PS5 Release Date	2024-11-14	2024-11-14	2024-11-14	2024-11-07	2024-12-10

Nowadays, every week includes at least a dozen or so releases, covering both AAA and indie projects. While not highlighted as often as the more adult-oriented releases, there are a few upcoming PS5 kids games that deserve to be spotlighted. The following games will all be debuting within the upcoming months:

• Dragon Quest 3 HD-2D Remake – Dragon Quest is not only regarded as the godfather of the JRPG genre but also as its ultimate gateway. The series has been introducing children and adults to turn-based goodness for roughly four decades, delivering easy-to-digest “good vs evil” narratives, relatively simple but engaging combat, fantastic monster designs, and a charming sense of adventure. Dragon Quest 3, the original, is an all-time classic, but it can be difficult to revisit in this day and age. Fortunately, the HD-2D remake will revitalize this masterpiece, delivering a modern update with gorgeous visuals and quality-of-life adjustments that will hopefully allow for the ultimate version of an already stellar project.
• Lego Horizon Adventures – The biggest PS5 kids game left for 2024, Lego Horizon Adventures looks stunning, bringing to life Guerrilla Games’ universe through the magic of bricks. Based on the available footage, everything in this world seems to be Lego, creating a vibrant and imaginative landscape that should be a blast to explore. Narratively, the campaign will cover Horizon Zero Dawn‘s story, albeit tweaked to provide a more family-friendly tone than the 2017 open-world game. As with most Lego titles, Horizon Adventures will likely lean heavily into puzzles and light combat, while offering some exploration and different playable characters.
• Little Big Adventure: Twinsen’s Quest – A remake of a 1994 adventure cult classic, Twinsen’s Quest blends technology with magic to create a fun and charming adventure, at least going by the original game and the current project’s demo. While unlikely to be as massive of a hit as the other two November 14 releases, this project is worth keeping an eye on.
• Taiko no Tatsujin: Rhythm Festival – Mostly popular in Japan, Taiko no Tatsujin is receiving an international showcase as Rhythm Festival. These are fun rhythm games that focus on drums, and they usually have killer music.
• Mighty Morphin Power Rangers: Rita’s Rewind – Power Rangers is eternal, and Rita’s Rewind is a call-back to the past that should fit comfortably into 2024’s beat ’em up scene. This genre is not as popular as it was during the ’90s and 2000s, so its games are not necessarily the most obvious picks for young players; that said, Rita’s Rewind looks like it could be a lot of fun.