Going to a great family movie is like an amusement park ride; there are ups and downs and everything in between. So you see the film once, twice, three times or even more, and even after multiple viewings of this spectacular piece of cinematic magic, your kids do not want the ride to stop. They want, more than anything, to continue the story. Enter the movie-based video game.
This can be a great way to keep the narrative going at home and in an interactive way. Luke, Leia, Dusty Crophopper, Star-Lord and even Olaf are just a handful of the iconic big screen characters that can now become players in your kid’s games. Here are a variety of family-movie based video games to keep that movie experience going for every kind of pint-sized film fan.
For The Lego Movie Fan:
The Lego Movie was a huge hit, and for a good reason - it was hilarious, totally engaging (for both kids and parents) and it had a whole lot of heart. What’s amazing is that this video game is based on a movie about a building block game -- basically going from tangible toy, to a big screen tale to a video game. The Lego Movie game is available on all formats. ($39.99)
The Lego-Themed Movie Games
While there is the video game based on The Lego Movie, there is also the extremely popular series of Lego games based on very non-Lego flicks, notably Star Wars, Pirates of the Caribbean, The Hobbit, Indiana Jones and Batman. These Lego incarnations take the characters and situations from the films and create a whole new blocky experience that is pretty much irresistible for kids. ($19.99 to $39.99).
For the Guardians of the Galaxy fan:
You know what the world needs? A video game that includes Star Lord, Gamora, Groot, Drax and Rocket. Disney Infinity provides just that with the release of the Marvel Disney Infinity set (which comes with Iron Man, Thor and Black Widow). In addition to the starter pack, they will release figures for the Guardians of the Galaxy characters along with other superheroes. What’s awesome about this gaming format is that you can play in the Marvel created world or you can explore the Toy Box and really, wouldn’t you love to see Star Lord hanging out with Mr. Incredible, Jack Skellington or Sulley?
For the Planes fan
While there isn’t a Planes Fire and Rescue home video game YET, your Dusty fans can still get their game on with last year’s Planes on Wii and Nintendo DS ($29.99). You can also go to the Planes Fire and Rescue website and play Piston Peak Pursuit for free!
For the Pixar Fan:
There are a whole bunch of Pixar titles that have been transformed into games. One of the coolest is the Toy Story Mania (Wii, Xbox 360 and Playstation 3). This is a game that is based on a ride that is based on a movie. And it is FUN. If you’ve gone on the attraction at Disneyland or Disney World, you will totally want this in your collection ($19.99).
For the Princess Fan:
For every new Disney Princess, there seems to be a new Disney Princess video game. Disney Interactive has created games for the younger fan revolving the stories and lives of beloved lasses like Brave’s Merida, Tangled’s Rapunzel and Princess and the Frog’s Tiana. The games incorporate the passions and hobbies of the characters from horse riding, to painting, to cooking ($19.99).
For the Frozen Fan:
Of course there are games paying homage to Frozen, it’s like the biggest kid’s movie ever! Your little Elsa and Anna lovers can enjoy Frozen Olaf's Quest (available on Nintendo 3DS - $19.99) and Frozen Free Fall, a free Bejeweled type game available for your iOS enabled device at the app store.
For the Minion Fan:
There are a couple of options for fans of the minions from Despicable Me. First, there is Despicable Me: The Game available for the Wii, Nintendo DS, and Playstation ($29.99) where the player takes on the persona of Gru, controlling an army of minions. There’s also the addictive Minion Rush for Phone, iPad, and iPod touch (free). Seriously, who doesn’t love a minion?
For the Smurf Fan
Wanna shrink down to a tiny size and get all blue? That is just what you’ll do in the Smurfs 2 game for the Nintendo DS ($29.99). Each Smurf has its own power as it struggles to save Smurfette.
For the Dragon Fan
This game based on the DreamWorks hit How to Train Your Dragon 2 lets you fly, race and participate in tournaments as you soar along the game on your own dragon. And Toothless is so cool, who wouldn’t want to hitch a ride on him? ($29.99).
Sunny Chanel is a regular contributor to Fandango Family, Babble.com, Mom.me, Cafe Mom and Mommy Nearest. When she isn't writing, watching movies, or doing crafts, she is playing dress up with her 8-year-old daughter.
