2023 Game Directory: E10+ – Everyone 10+
Advance Wars 1+2: Re-Boot Camp
PUBLISHER: Nintendo
GENRE: Strategy
RELEASE: 04.21.2023
SYSTEMS: Switch
MULTIPLAYER: Local, Online
ABOUT THE GAME Advance Wars 1+2: Re-Boot Camp brings two classic Nintendo strategy games together in one package, remade and upgraded for the Switch. In both games, you’re tasked with giving orders to the troops of the Orange Star Nation, as they defend their homeland from threats on land, sea, and air. While the soldiers and vehicles might resemble toys, victory requires a lot of brains and some well-timed bravery. Play solo or against friends, and when not battling on the premade maps, hop into the Design Room to create your own.
ESRB CONTENT DESCRIPTORS Mild Violence
Crash Team Rumble
PUBLISHER: Activision
GENRE: Action, Strategy
RELEASE: 06.20.2023
SYSTEMS: Xbox Series X/S, PS5, Xbox One, PS4
MULTIPLAYER: Online
ABOUT THE GAME Crash Bandicoot may be best known as a platforming star, but in Crash Team Rumble the jeans-wearing marsupial is branching out with a four-on-four online multiplayer game. Each team—made up of characters from the Crash universe, all with different attacks and specialities—must work to collect Wumpa Fruit and bring it back to base, while also stopping their opponents from collecting fruit for themselves. It’s a bit like League of Legends if you spent the whole game jumping around, or Capture the Flag with hundreds of flags up for grabs at once.
ESRB CONTENT DESCRIPTORS Comic Mischief, Fantasy Violence
DC’s Justice League: Cosmic Chaos
PUBLISHER: Outright Games
GENRE: Action
RELEASE: 03.10.2023
SYSTEMS: Xbox Series X/S, PS5, Switch, Xbox One, PS4
MULTIPLAYER: Local
ABOUT THE GAME Take on the crafty Mr. Mxyzptlk as Batman, Superman, or Wonder Woman in DC’s Justice League: Cosmic Chaos. In this family-friendly take on the iconic DC superheroes, clean up the streets of Happy Harbor by defeating the mutant monsters that have invaded the town. No matter if you go at it alone or with a friend, other members of the Justice League will show up to help even the odds. Between taking down classic DC super-villains, engage in side missions, search for collectibles, and unlock new outfits for your favorite superhero.
ESRB CONTENT DESCRIPTORS Comic Mischief, Fantasy Violence
Digimon World: Next Order
PUBLISHER: Bandai Namco
GENRE: RPG
RELEASE: 02.22.2023
SYSTEMS: Switch
MULTIPLAYER: None
ABOUT THE GAME In this latest chapter of the long-running Digimon franchise, embark on a quest to solve a mystery that has sent the Digital World into chaos. Befriend and train over 200 Digimon, and then pick any two from your roster to journey together with. The stronger your bond with your Digimon, the more capable and powerful they’ll be in battle against the Machinedramon. Digimon World: Next Order also lets you build up the town of Floatia, as you help grow it to become a thriving Digimetropolis.
ESRB CONTENT DESCRIPTORS Crude Humor, Fantasy Violence, Language, Suggestive Themes
Dokapon Kingdom: Connect
PUBLISHER: Idea Factory International
GENRE: Party
RELEASE: 05.09.2023
SYSTEMS: Switch
MULTIPLAYER: Local, Online
ABOUT THE GAME Dokapon Kingdom: Connect is a unique blend of RPG and board game that’s great for turning friends and family into bitter foes. Pick your hero, spin the roulette wheel, and travel the board defeating monsters and collecting money. Of course, that’s easier said than done, as other players can challenge you to one-on-one battles, steal your winnings, or even subject you to cruel pranks. Play solo, or battle others locally or online in a fight to not only earn the most riches, but also the keys to the entire kingdom.
ESRB CONTENT DESCRIPTORS Alcohol Reference, Fantasy Violence, Simulated Gambling
Double Dragon Gaiden: Rise of the Dragons
PUBLISHER: Modus Games
GENRE: Action
RELEASE: 07.27.2023
SYSTEMS: Xbox Series X/S, PS5, Switch, Xbox One, PS4
MULTIPLAYER: Local
ABOUT THE GAME A new-era continuation of the popular 1987 arcade beat ’em up, Double Dragon Gaiden: Rise of the Dragons sees brothers Billy and Jimmy Lee, along with a cast of 11 other new and familiar characters, battling for the future of New York City. You’ll need quick wits and fast moves as you punch and kick your way through colorful gangs across a wide variety of stages. While the gameplay itself features modern ideas and mechanics, the visuals resemble those classic Double Dragon games of the past.
ESRB CONTENT DESCRIPTORS Mild Blood, Mild Suggestive Themes, Mild Violence, Tobacco Reference
EA Sports NHL 24
PUBLISHER: EA Sports
GENRE: Sports
RELEASE: 10.06.2023
SYSTEMS: Xbox Series X/S, PS5, Xbox One, PS4
MULTIPLAYER: Local, Online
ABOUT THE GAME NHL 24 is designed to replicate the hockey experience as closely as possible, complete with all the league’s teams, players, and arenas. As is typical of sports games, there are a variety of modes in addition to exhibition matches, allowing players to play through multiple seasons a player, team, or manager, and various modes for competitive online play, including World of Chel, where each athlete is controlled by a different player. Big improvements this year include a new passing system, greater control over body checks, and more realistic simulation of player exhaustion.
ESRB CONTENT DESCRIPTORS Mild Violence
Fae Farm
PUBLISHER: Phoenix Labs
GENRE: RPG, Simulation
RELEASE: 09.08.2023
SYSTEMS: Switch
MULTIPLAYER: Local, Online
ABOUT THE GAME Fae Farm blends the cozy lifestyle simulation of series like Harvest Moon and Animal Crossing with a fantasy role-playing game. Players step into the work boots of a customizable homesteader in the magical land of Azoria, tending to crops and animals, decorating their homes, getting to know other islanders, and more. A second layer to the game encourages adventures into Azoria’s many realms, with spellcasting battles and treasures to discover. The game also supports co-op for up to four players online or locally, though each player needs their own Switch console.
ESRB CONTENT DESCRIPTORS Fantasy Violence
Jumanji: Wild Adventures
PUBLISHER: Outright Games
GENRE: Action, Adventure
RELEASE: 11.03.2023
SYSTEMS: Xbox Series X/S, PS5, Switch, Xbox One, PS4
MULTIPLAYER: Local
ABOUT THE GAME Jumanji: Wild Adventures is the latest game inspired by the recent films starring The Rock, Kevin Hart, Jack Black, and Karen Gillan. After someone steals the Jewel of Jumanji, it’s up to our quartet of heroes to save the day. Playable solo or in local co-op with up to four players, the game mixes puzzle solving, 3D platforming and exploration, and combat against hostile wildlife and enemy factions across Jumanji’s different regions. Each character brings their own special weapon to the fight, and players can spend the loot they collect to unlock new upgrades.
ESRB CONTENT DESCRIPTORS Fantasy Violence
The Legend of Nayuta: Boundless Trails
PUBLISHER: NIS America
GENRE: Action, RPG
RELEASE: 09.19.2023
SYSTEMS: Switch, PS4
MULTIPLAYER: None
ABOUT THE GAME Part of the long-running Trails series of Japanese RPGs, The Legend of Nayuta: Boundless Trails offers up an adventure that plays out across two different worlds. Engage in real-time battles against a wide variety of enemies, discover and wield powerful spells and weapons, and use your wits to solve environment-based puzzles that connect to the game’s changing seasons. Like many of developer Falcom’s other RPGs, you can expect an epic story filled with interesting characters and exciting twists around every turn.
ESRB CONTENT DESCRIPTORS Alcohol Reference, Fantasy Violence, Language, Suggestive Themes, Use of Tobacco
The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom
PUBLISHER: Nintendo
GENRE: Adventure, RPG
RELEASE: 05.12.2023
SYSTEMS: Switch
MULTIPLAYER: None
ABOUT THE GAME This sequel to the widely acclaimed The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild follows the heroic swordsman Link on yet another quest to rescue Princess Zelda and defeat the evil Ganondorf in the fantasy kingdom of Hyrule. While the open-world map from the last game returns, it’s been overhauled with changes to the surface, floating islands in the sky above, and a massive subterranean underworld. Also helping the game stand apart are Link’s new abilities, especially one that lets you connect objects together to build wildly imaginative structures and vehicles.
ESRB CONTENT DESCRIPTORS Fantasy Violence, Mild Suggestive Themes
LEGO 2K Drive
PUBLISHER: 2K
GENRE: Racing
RELEASE: 05.19.2023
SYSTEMS: Xbox Series X/S, PS5, Switch, Xbox One, PS4
MULTIPLAYER: Local, Online
ABOUT THE GAME LEGO 2K Drive is an open-world racing game in the vein of Forza Horizon, with a large, seamless map that serves as both a hub connecting race events and a playground to explore. Of course, given that this is a LEGO game, the racing itself has a kid-friendly twist, with over-the-top boost and jump abilities, kart-like handling, and vehicles that transform between street, off-road, and water forms. The brick-ified setting also means a whole lot of destructible environments and the chance to build your own custom vehicles from 1,000 unique pieces.
ESRB CONTENT DESCRIPTORS Fantasy Violence
Minecraft Legends
PUBLISHER: Xbox Game Studios
GENRE: Strategy
RELEASE: 04.18.2023
SYSTEMS: Xbox Series X/S, PS5, Switch, Xbox One, PS4
MULTIPLAYER: Online
ABOUT THE GAME Minecraft Legends takes all of the elements from one of the best-selling video games of all time, and rebuilds them into a new adventure. As piglin armies from the Nether invade the Overworld, you must rally both friend and foe to battle to save your home. Travel through trademark Minecraft biomes, raise your banner, bring a team together, and then take on the piglin outposts in real-time strategy battles. Fight together alongside friends, or challenge them in competition to see who can bring the best out of Minecraft’s iconic inhabitants.
ESRB CONTENT DESCRIPTORS Fantasy Violence
Nickelodeon All-Star Brawl 2
PUBLISHER: GameMill Entertainment
GENRE: Fighting
RELEASE: 12.01.2023
SYSTEMS: Xbox Series X/S, PS5, Switch, Xbox One, PS4
MULTIPLAYER: Local, Online
ABOUT THE GAME This is the second installment in a series of crossover brawlers starring iconic Nickelodeon characters like SpongeBob Squarepants, Garfield, and Ren and Stimpy. Like Nintendo’s Super Smash Bros. games, the action is easier to pick up than most fighters thanks to simplified controls, but there’s still plenty of depth. The sequel overhauls the gameplay with revised movesets for returning characters, new dodge mechanics, and a Slime Meter that can be used to power up attacks. An updated roster of playable characters including Jimmy Neutron and Plankton rounds out the package.
ESRB CONTENT DESCRIPTORS Cartoon Violence, Comic Mischief
Ninja Kidz: Time Masters
PUBLISHER: Selecta Play
GENRE: Action
RELEASE: 09.29.2023
SYSTEMS: Xbox Series X/S, PS5, Switch, Xbox One, PS4
MULTIPLAYER: Local
ABOUT THE GAME The Ninja Kidz—siblings Bryton, Payton, Paxton, and Ashton—run a popular YouTube channel where they showcase their martial arts skills in skits, competitions, and more. Now, the Kidz are making the jump to video games with this side-scrolling 3D beat ’em up. Time Masters finds the siblings traveling through time, from the Jurassic to the future, to rescue three missing martial arts masters. Each playable Ninja Kid has his or her own weapon, and you can even team up as a family with the local co-op mode, which supports up to four players.
ESRB CONTENT DESCRIPTORS Fantasy Violence, Language
Pikmin 4
PUBLISHER: Nintendo
GENRE: Strategy
RELEASE: 07.21.2023
SYSTEMS: Switch
MULTIPLAYER: Local
ABOUT THE GAME Pikmin 4 presents a lighthearted, accessible take on real-time strategy. Players control a miniscule interstellar explorer who arrives on an Earth-like planet to conduct a rescue mission. To aid them in their quest, they recruit plant-like creatures called Pikmin, who will follow orders to attack enemies, collect resources, and overcome obstacles in the environment across dozens of missions. Much of the fun comes from mastering the many different types of Pikmin and their abilities. This installment adds Ice and Glow Pikmin varieties, as well as a canine companion, Oatchi.
ESRB CONTENT DESCRIPTORS Comic Mischief, Fantasy Violence
Silent Hope
PUBLISHER: XSEED Games
GENRE: Action, RPG
RELEASE: 10.03.2023
SYSTEMS: Switch
MULTIPLAYER: None
ABOUT THE GAME Silent Hope is a dungeon crawler, a specific kind of action RPG in which players venture into the depths to battle enemies and collect materials before returning back to base to craft upgrades and rest up for the next adventure. The game follows seven different heroes with different specialties on a quest to find the long-lost king of their realm within an endless chasm called The Abyss. You can swap between characters and earn experience to level up their skills. Randomized dungeon layouts are designed to keep each expedition surprising.
ESRB CONTENT DESCRIPTORS Fantasy Violence, Language, Mild Blood
The Smurfs 2: The Prisoner of the Green Stone
PUBLISHER: Microids
GENRE: Action, Platformer
RELEASE: 11.14.2023
SYSTEMS: Xbox Series X/S, PS5, Switch, Xbox One, PS4
MULTIPLAYER: Local
ABOUT THE GAME Those lovable little blue forest dwellers are back in The Smurfs 2: The Prisoner of the Green Stone. A fight between the Smurfs and Gargamel over the powerful Green Stone accidentally unleashes a new evil named Stolas, and four brave Smurfs—Handy, Brainy, Dimwitty, and Storm—must now try to stop it from corrupting the Cursed Lands. In this all-new Smurfs story, make use of Handy’s latest creation, SmurfoMix, to fight Stolas’ monster minions, complete platforming challenges, and discover resources to upgrade the SmurfoMix either solo or with a friend.
ESRB CONTENT DESCRIPTORS Fantasy Violence
SpongeBob SquarePants: The Cosmic Shake
PUBLISHER: THQ Nordic
GENRE: Platformer
RELEASE: 10.16.2023
SYSTEMS: Xbox Series X/S, PS5, Switch, Xbox One, PS4
MULTIPLAYER: None
ABOUT THE GAME A spiritual successor to SpongeBob Squarepants: Battle for Bikini Bottom 20 years in the making, this 3D platformer stars everyone’s favorite undersea pineapple resident. As SpongeBob, you embark on a quest through alternate realities called Wish Worlds to collect Cosmic Jelly for the mermaid fortune teller Madame Kassandra. In classic platformer tradition, there are tons of collectibles to discover in each level, as well as new combat and traversal abilities to learn. Fans of the show will recognize beloved characters and familiar locations with a magical, multiversal twist.
ESRB CONTENT DESCRIPTORS Comic Mischief, Fantasy Violence
Super Bomberman R 2
PUBLISHER: Konami
GENRE: Action, Party
RELEASE: 09.12.2023
SYSTEMS: Xbox Series X/S, PS5, Switch, Xbox One, PS4
MULTIPLAYER: Local, Online
ABOUT THE GAME Konami’s bombastic competitive series returns in Super Bomberman R 2. Drop bombs to blow up bricks, collect power-ups, and try to catch your opponents in the crossfire to gain victory each round. In addition to previous battle modes like Classic and Grand Prix, the all new Castle Mode pits a team of attackers against a team of defenders to see who can capture—or keep safe—the most treasure chests. To mix things up, hop into Story Mode solo, or head online for a 64-player battle royale.
ESRB CONTENT DESCRIPTORS Cartoon Violence, Mild Blood, Mild Language
