Your Guide to January's Family Friendly Video Games
Donkey Kong Country Returns HD leads the charge on a light month of games.
Most families are probably not looking at the early days of a new year and going: hey, it’s time to buy some new video games for my kids. Which is why most family friendly video games arrive by early December, even if, like clockworks, Nintendo’s got something new. (Well, “new” by the definition of Nintendo re-releasing a game.)
That’s not to say nothing is coming–I mean, it’s likely lots of kids received gift cards over the holidays—but it’s going to be slow going before games kick into a higher gear.
Maybe this is the month we finally hear about Switch 2, as well? One can dream.
If you represent these games and have a potentially interesting story to share about how these games consider kids as part of their audience, do get in touch with me!
Moo & Move: Extra Grazing Grounds (Xbox Series X/S) — January 3
Description: Guide the hungry cow to its goal! Place directional tiles on the ground and choose to solve puzzles the easy or hard way, it’s up to you! Watch as the cow follows your path to reach its tasty hay in this fun, kid-friendly game!
Rating: N/A
Price: N/A
Those are PlayStation controller icons on a screen shot from Xbox.com? But I also couldn’t find much information on this game, despite it coming out in a few weeks. Trailer? Nope. Xbox screens? Nah. Is it possible this game doesn’t exist? Who can say.
Skate City: New York (Apple Arcade) — January 9
Description: Jump into the ultimate skateboarding experience with Skate City: New York, the latest addition to the Skate City series. Navigate the iconic streets of New York City as you master hundreds of tricks in famous, real-world skate spots. Jump over taxis, dodge pedestrians and string together impressive combos to land your highest scores!
Rating: 9+
Price: $6.99/month
Doesn’t it feel like EA’s Skate reboot has been in development forever? (I think it’s finally coming out this year.) At a friend’s house recently, my four-year-old’s eyes widened at a random fingerboard that was sitting around. She couldn’t quite get the hang of making the fingerboard move around, but she was charmed trying for an hour.
Rodeo Stampede+ (Apple Arcade) — January 9
Description: The wildest adventure on the Savannah is waiting, and it's packed with more action than ever before. With your trusty lasso and iconic ten-gallon hat, you're about to wrangle lions, tigers, bears, and all sorts of stampeding beasts. Leap from the back of buffalo to elephants, ostriches, and more as you race through breathtaking landscapes. But the ride doesn't stop there! Once you've tamed these wild animals, it's time to turn your Sky Zoo into the ultimate animal paradise.
Rating: 9+
Price: $6.99/month
Apple is dipping into the bucket here; the original was released eight years ago. I don’t know if it says anything about the strategy with Apple Arcade, as it’s not exclusively plucking games from nearly a decade ago, but I find it encouraging they're looking far into the back catalog of a service with a lot of old and very good games. (Though for the record, I have no idea if Rodeo Stampede is any good. It is, most likely, totally fine.)
It’s Literally Just Mowing (Apple Arcade) — January 9
Description: Find it all as your mower turns troublesome turf into backyard bliss. Zone out and mow to your heart's content, totally stress free. No penalties, no score, it's literally just mowing. The perfect casual zen experience. From seedlings to great oaks, everyone can enjoy the mowing life.
Rating: 4+
Price: $6.99/month
Once again: It’s Literally Just Mowing was released four years ago! It also seems fine.
Donkey Kong Country Returns HD (Switch) - January 16
Description: Help DK and Diddy Kong recover their precious banana hoard from the villainous Tiki Tak Tribe in this visually enhanced version of the Wii game. Stomp enemies, blast through barrels, and ride rockets, minecarts, and even Rambi the Rhino in 80 levels across nine worlds, including the additional levels from the Nintendo 3DS version. You can even join up with a buddy for two-player local co-op!
Rating: E
Price: $59.99
It’s nice to see Retro’s game given another spotlight before it’s all Switch 2. Eurogamer was high on the original, saying ”DKC fans who just want to remember the good old times won't, and nor will newcomers to the series. This game has the potential to win over a whole new generation, and to do so without eliciting any whinges from those of us old enough to remember the taste of a McRib washed down with Tab Clear.”
Final Fantasy VII Rebirth (PC) - January 23
Description: The Unknown Journey Continues... After escaping from the dystopian city of Midgar, Cloud and his friends set out on a journey across the planet. New adventures await in a vibrant and vast world in this standalone entry to the FFVII remake trilogy!
Rating: T
Price: $69.99
Is a a climate crisis family friendly? Mostly, I’ve included Rebirth because the original Final Fantasy VII was such a powerful moment in my early game days, awakening me to what was even possible with storytelling through video games. When I started playing Rebirth, though, my four-year-old (then three) would ask to hold the controller and mash on the buttons to watch “the girls beat people up.” Always made me laugh.
Star Wars Episode 1: Jedi Power Battles (PS5, PS4, Xbox Series X|S, Xbox One, Switch, PC) - January 23
Description: Take back the Theed Palace in this fast and furious lightsaber action game. You will have the power of the Force and your trusty lightsaber to help you ward off legions of battle droids, destroyer droids, assassins, and other creatures from Star Wars: The Phantom Menace.
Rating: T
Price: $19.99
The only prequel-era video game I have a real fondness for is pod racing, but it’s still lovely to see so many throwback Star Wars games from the era updated. Where are we at on the prequels these days? Are your kids into them, or have we fully time shifted to where the sequel trilogy is now taking the place of any new Star Wars fandom?
Star Wars: Hunters (PC) - 27th January
Description: Join fast-paced, 4v4 battles in this free action-packed arena shooter. Choose from a roster of new characters including a dark side assassin, a stormtrooper and a ruthless bounty hunter. Wield powerful Abilities, and battle in thrilling multiplayer Arenas inspired by iconic Star Wars locations.
Rating: T
Price: Free-to-play
This has already been on Switch for a minute, but it’ll probably find more life on PC. IGN enjoyed it, saying “Star Wars: Hunters is a simple but enjoyable hero shooter. The Star Wars infused presentation is well executed, striking the right over-the-top tone without tipping into obnoxious. Its amusingly chaotic casual modes find a good balance of being accessible while still allowing skilled players to rise above the pack.”
Cuisineer (Switch) - January 28
Description: Dive into dungeons and cook up a storm as Pom, an adventurer-turned-restaurateur! Cuisineer‘s food-focused action challenges you to build your dinner the hard way: by dungeon-diving for materials and ingredients. Wield your cooking utensils against giant chickens, artillery shrimps, fire-breathing peppers, and other pesky perils, sipping boba tea along the way. Work with local artisans to customize your kitchen, and tailor your dining hall to the needs of loyal patrons eager to experience the rare recipes you’ve cooked up.
Rating: E10+
Price: $29.99
Alas, TechRaptor was a bit lukewarm on this: “Cuisineer is a study in wasted potential. From the food-themed villagers to naming the battle system effects after flavors like Sweet and Spicy, there’s a lot that Cuisineer could have taken and run within its design and setup. Unfortunately, the tedious Diner Dash-esque café running, unbalanced battle system, and intense drain of resources that upgrading almost anything requires puts a quick dampener on even the most hardcore foodie’s enthusiasm.”
Spider-Man 2 (PC) - January 30
Description: Be Greater. Together. The incredible power of the symbiote forces Peter Parker and Miles Morales into a desperate fight as they balance their lives, friendships, and their duty to protect in an exciting chapter of the critically acclaimed Spider-Man franchise on PC.
Rating: T
Price: $69.99
I liked the original more, but if they made another one of these every few years, I’d be happy. (Happiest if they were in smaller, like Miles Morales, but alas.) Reviewing the PlayStation 5 version, Kotaku said “its serpentine comic-book drama and explosive set pieces might not stick with me for years to come, but I will forever hear the siren call of its bustling world and the effortless grace with which it pulled me through it.”
Hello Kitty Island Adventure (PC, Switch) — January 30
Description: Embark on a cozy, open-world adventure with Hello Kitty and Friends. Befriend beloved characters as you explore and restore a mysterious island, solve ancient puzzles, cook delicious dishes, customize yourself and your cabins, and so much more.
Rating: E
Price: TBA
I’ve written about this mashup of Breath of the Wild and Animal Crossing before, and I’m glad that more will have a chance to see what’s so interesting about this Apple Arcade exclusive game. My oldest was charmed by the idea of playing it when it was first released, but her reading comprehension wasn’t there. Maybe another go soon!
Jumping Jazz Cats (PC) — January 30
Description: Play, race and hang with your feline friends in this online platformer party game! Purrfect your pussycat parkour as you sprint, jump, bounce, swing, skid and slide through a collection of collaborative and competitive mini-games set in a grandiose cartoon mansion. Get jumpin', jazz cats!
Rating: N/A
Price: N/A
This looks charming—and probably a game destined for other platforms later in 2025.
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Skate City: New York looks like a lot of fun, but I really dislike the Apple Arcade setup. I just want to buy the guy outright. :(