Gaming Gifts 2011: Family Games

Make this festive season extra special with some essential family fun – courtesy of great PlayStation games that everyone can enjoy.

For a terrific time with the kids...

Finding something that you and the kids can enjoy is easy, with a wonderful variety of titles on PlayStation 3 that you can play together. If you're a House of Mouse fan, then Disney Universe is a colourful splash of fun for up to four players through some of Disney's most beloved movies. Aladdin, The Lion King and Pirates of the Caribbean are just a few of the excellent films given the nod in this light-hearted and fun adventure.

Sticking with the massive animation studio, Disney • Pixar Cars 2 The Videogame lets you compete in spy adventures and world-class racing with its four player split screen mode. Get behind the wheel of Lightning McQueen and his buddies and join forces or go head-to-head against each other in a furious race to the finish line. 

For the swashbucklers in the family, Puss in Boots has you drawing your swords in an action adventure based on the hilarious DreamWorks movie. Use your PlayStation Move motion controller to become a fairytale legend in a litter of competitive mini-games which are the cat's whiskers.

While the adventurous Puss is untamable, you can invite the perfect pets into your home during the holidays with EyePet & Friends. The cheeky little EyePets interact with you through the magic of the PlayStation Eye camera and are adorable to watch as well as play with, on both PS3 and in EyePet Adventures on PSP. Just remember that EyePets are for more than just Christmas...

For a little competitive fun...

Bring the sporting joy of 10-pin bowling into your living room with Brunswick Pro Bowling on PS3. Up to four players can enjoy a realistic and authentic bowling experience - and if you have a PS Move motion controller and PlayStation Eye camera you can use all the techniques you've picked up in the real bowling alley to get ahead of your competition.

If getting quizzical is more your style, then you can't go wrong with the brain-teasing brilliance of Buzz!: The Ultimate Music Quiz on PSP to put your music knowledge to the test, or Move Mind Benders on PS3 which bundles classic puzzlers Lemmings, echochrome ii and Tumble onto one irresistible Blu-ray Disc.   

For something a little bit different...

Once you've released all that competitive energy, it's time to join forces - and with all the family in the same place, there's no better time to express your creativity together. That's where the LittleBigPlanet 2 Move pack on PS3 comes into play. Combining everyone's favourite creative platformer with PS Move and the PlayStation Eye camera opens up worlds of possibilities.

Together, you can make your own fun levels quickly and easily, complete with whatever music and sound effects you like. The motion controller makes designing a breeze, so why not create a festive centrepiece that everyone can marvel at while you're all tucking into dinner?

For burning off the Christmas pudding...

You've stuffed yourself with some lovely food and now that post-Christmas meal tiredness has kicked in - so the best way to get everybody's energy levels back up is to show off some talent on PS3!

Get the family warmed up with a little sing-song in SingStar Back to the '80s. Relive the sights and sounds of 30 classic hits from a legendary decade - this time you're the star as you croon along to iconic tunes using a pair of Wireless SingStar Microphones. Even if the kids have never heard of the likes of Bros or Spandau Ballet, you can be sure to get them singing by your side in a number of great multiplayer modes.

Think they're ready for something a little more physical? Then DanceStar Party is the ideal way to get everyone off their seats and boogying to the beat. Learn the hottest dance moves and groove to 40 chart-topping tunes with a PlayStation Move motion controller in-hand - and don't forget to get everyone belting out those big choruses together.

For the ultimate family get-together...

With the holidays being one of the few times in the year where all your loved ones gather in one place, why not splash out on a couple of treats to make the most of your time together? Be sure to pick up a PlayStation Move Starter Pack and an extra PS Move motion controller to get the best out of all the PS Move games you'll play. Don't forget the PlayStation Move charging station, which ensures you'll never run out of power during your moment of glory.

No matter what you plump for, there's plenty of great PlayStation entertainment for festive family fun this Christmas.