by Steffan Fazzari

Created on: October 24, 2009   Last Updated: October 25, 2009

This Christmas, if you're looking for some games where everyone can get in on the fun and are great family night games, check out the "party game" genre. With games that adults can play, kids can play, and even games that kids and adults can play together, this is one of the most loved genres by families.

Mario Party 8 (Wii)

For a game that is fun for all ages and is a great game, look no further than Mario Party 8! Following in the footsteps of its predecessors, player's will be able to play as all of the characters from the Mario universe on many different game boards as players compete in almost one hundred different mini-games. With easy controls and funny dialogue, Mario Party 8 is the perfect family fun package. Rated "E" for everyone, it's safe for kids of all ages! With one to four player modes, everyone can get in on the fun. Mario Party 8 is a must for party genre gamers!

Rock Band 2 and Guitar Hero 5 (Playstation 2, Playstation 3, Xbox 360, Wii)

Of course by now you've heard of either Guitar Hero and/or Rock Band. Players will take the role as a singer, guitarist, bass, or drummer as you rock out to some of the most popular rock songs of all time! With up to four players at once, these games both make amazing party games! Both rated T for teen (because of lyrics of songs) these games aren't recommended for children under the age of thirteen. Want to see what all the hype is about, then go pick up Rock Band 2 or Guitar Hero 5 for the holidays!

Rayman Raving Rabbids Series (Wii, Nintendo DS and Dsi, Playstation 2, Game Boy Advance, Xbox 360, PC)

The Rayman Raving Rabbids series has been loved for over two years by party gamers alike. Rated E10+, the game is recommended for children age ten or older. Featuring many mini-games in each installment and ability to play with up to four players at a single time on certain consoles, the Rayman Raving Rabbids series is a great buy for the party video game genre.

Super Smash Bros. Brawl (Wii)

This is the ultimate smash um up title for the party genre. Super Smash Bros. Brawl features thirty-five of your favorite Nintendo characters as they duel it out in over forty different stages! The game supports the Wiimote's motion sensing capabilities as well as being the first game that player can play online against others across the globe! It also features up to four players at a time capabilities. Rated T for teen, it is recommended for children ages thirteen and up because of violence. This is a great buy for the teenager of the house!

Buzz! series (Playstation 2, Playstation 3, Playstation Portable)

The Buzz! series of games is a quiz, game style video game where the contestants are the players! Players have there own buzzers and answer multiple choice questions while racking up points to see who comes out on top. Up to four players at once can get in on the action! With many titles to choose from including pop, sports, and Hollywood, there are many different titles to choose from. There is even a few kids' versions of the game available. Rated "E" to "E10+" all are safe for the little ones!

These are some of the top rated games by certain rating sites this year and should be fairly easy to find. Remember to pick age-appropriate games for children.

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