Best kids games of 2010

“Kids games” needn’t be a bad term. 2010 has already seen some brilliant games for younger gamers and there are more to come. Here are 10 of the games kids will enjoy this year.

Sonic & SEGA All-Stars Racing – Xbox 360, PS3, Wii, DS and PC – Out now

Sonic and co driving at breakneck speeds around a variety of themed courses sounds like good fun and it is. We reckon the karting action on offer here is even better than the latest Mario Kart.

LEGO Harry Potter: Years 1-4 – Xbox 360, PS3, PC, Wii, PSP and DS – Out now

The best Lego game ever? This tongue-in-cheek take on the first four Harry Potter books and movies is great fun for kids and adults alike, and with excellent two-player split-screen you can play with a friend.

Super Mario Galaxy 2 – Wii – Out now

Not only one of the best kids games of 2010, but one of the best games ever, period. Kids who aren’t up to the challenging platforming can join a more experienced gamer, offering them a helping hand with a second Wii Remote.

Alice in Wonderland – DS – Out now

Movie tie-ins are rarely any good, but Disney’s DS take on the Tim Burton movie surprised everyone. A gorgeous art style and quirky puzzling gameplay make this a game kids should really enjoy.

Pokemon HeartGold/SoulSilver – DS – Out now

Gotta catch ’em all. It’s a simple saying, but one that runs true as soon as you get stuck into one of Nintendo’s hugely popular RPGs. That drive to collect all the pocket monsters will keep kids glued to their DS screens.

Harry Potter & The Deathly Hallows – Part 1 – Xbox 360, PS3, Wii, DS and PC – December

Harry has grown up so it’s time for a new style of video game for the not so young wizard. EA’s game tie-in for the upcoming movie is a third-person shooter and looks set to offer plenty of thrilling magic battles on its release.

Start the Party: Move – PS3 – September

When PlayStation Move launches this September it’ll be joined by a range of titles to support it. One of those is mini-game collection Start the Party. We reckon this will offer a great deal of fun for gamers of all ages.

Kinectimals – Xbox 360 -November

Controller-free gaming is promised by Microsoft when it launches Kinect for the Xbox 360 this November. If there’s one game that’s going to capture the imaginations of kids it’s Kinectimals. Cute doesn’t begin to describe this pet sim.

The Sims 3 – Xbox 360, PS3, Wii and DS – October

For a few years The Sims 3 has been the domain of PC gamers, but this October console fans will be able to make virtual people live virtual lives. Hopefully the console games will be more accessible to newcomers.

Epic Mickey – Wii – November

Mickey’s been out of the limelight for a while, but this Wii exclusive platformer looks to put him centre stage once again. With a wonderful art style and superb painting mechanics, this is a game kids and adults won’t want to miss.