Video games have come a long way since arcade classics and simple side-scrolling adventures. To fill us in on this year’s top trending games, Senior Editor Ali Mierzejewski showed our friends at WOIO Cleveland some Toy Insider favorites. With beautiful graphics, new ideas and huge in-game universes, these games are your go-to gifts for gamers everywhere.
- Become the ultimate rock star with Guitar Hero Live for Nintendo Wii U!
- Step onto the stage for a first-person perspective as the crowd reacts with excitement or displeasure, depending on the quality of your music.
- The whammy bar enables you to draw out those long notes with a stylistic twist that is sure to get the crowd roaring.
- When you are on a hot streak, tilt the guitar or press the Hero Power button to engage a series of Hero Power features that really demonstrate your expertise.
- GHTV provides you with a selection of genres and music videos.
- Grab a friend to play in the same room, or hop online to play against people from around the world as you climb to the top of the Global Leaderboard.
- 2 x 3 button layout creates the feel of a real guitar as you must strum “strings” to hit the proper notes
- Track your online ranking on the Global leaderboard
- Available for PlayStation 4, Xbox One, Wii U, PlayStation 3, iOS and Xbox 360.
- Ages: 13+
- MSRP: $99.99 Game Only, $149.99 2 Guitar Bundle
- YO-KAI WATCH is a video game phenomenon in Japan, and this is the first time it’s available in the United States.
- This is one of the hottest games for kids for the holidays. It’s made exclusively for the portable Nintendo 3DS family of systems, including the New Nintendo 3DSXL.
- Have you ever forgotten your keys or found yourself running late? Maybe a Yo-kai is why. Players must find and befriend these mischievous Yo-kai that inhabit the world and turn them into a team that battles other Yo-kai.
- The game has more than 200 hidden Yo-kai for kids to find, and each one has its own unique skills and strengths.
- Ages: 6+
- MSRP: $39.99
New Nintendo 3DS XL (Nintendo)
- Nintendo’s newest portable video game system offers a number of new enhancements designed to offer the smoothest and most engrossing experience possible.
- The system includes super-stable 3D via face-tracking technology and built-in NFC functionality that allows for communication with amiibo figures.
- From brain-training games like Brain Age to the all-time favorites of Mario, Pokémon and Legend of Zelda adventures, this system plays hundreds of quality games from past, present and future.
- Immerse yourself in games like never before with the super-stable, face-tracking 3D of the system. No special glasses needed – just start up a game and enjoy!
- Gaming is most rewarding on Nintendo 3DS – this portable system is renowned for having some of the best game experiences anywhere, while still being accessible for all ages. Play solo adventures or team up with friends in multiplayer games.
- Ages: 7+
- MSRP: $199.99
Disney Infinity 3.0 (Disney Interactive)
- Disney Infinity 3.0 is the latest addition to the best-selling toys-to-life video game series.
- Players will be able to experience their favorite Star Wars characters battle, fly and drive authentic Star Wars vehicles and more.
- Includes characters and themes from multiple feature films and the Star Wars Rebels animated TV series.
- Characters include Darth Vader, Yoda, Ezra Bridger, Sabine Wren, Obi Wan Kenobi, Kanan Jarrus and Zeb Orrelios.
- Star Wars: Twilight of the Republic power discs will give players cool character upgrades and boosts.
- Play with Marvel, Disney•Pixar and Disney classic characters together in Toy Box mode.
- Ages: 10+
- MSRP: $64.99
