When it comes to introducing kids to video games, it's hard to exactly know where to start. Parents will want to introduce them to a game that is simple enough in concept but will also keep a kid engaged. One of the best genres to do this with is puzzle games.
Puzzle games are a great way for a child to use their brain in figuring out solutions while also keeping the overall gameplay tame enough that they won't feel overwhelmed. Luckily for parents and kids alike, there are plenty of puzzle games out there that are perfect for a younger demographic to enjoy.
10 GNOG
Kids love playing with toys and gadgets, making GNOG an excellent game for kids who like to poke and prod at colorful gizmos. The 3D tactical puzzle game introduces the player to nine levels where players will need to manipulate a robot head in a specific order in order to clear it. These heads are filled with their own set pieces and characters that are unique to that specific robot. The reward for doing this each time is a short song in which the robots will sing and dance to the electronic music that is playing in the background.
9 Portal 2
One of the most iconic puzzle platformers of all time can be played by anyone at any age. Portal 2 gives players familiarity with the Portal Gun, which gives them the ability to create passageways by shooting two different-colored portals. The game's main campaign is a ton of fun, but younger kids may not be able to enjoy it as much unless they were a bit older. In that case, parents should team up with their child in the game's co-op mode. This is a completely separate campaign that plays with the concept of four different portals.
8 Scribblenauts Unlimited
Instead of using the possible solutions that are present, isn't it more fun to come up with a solution out of nowhere? That's what Scribblenauts Unlimited is all about. Players are Maxwell as he roams to different parts of the world to help various people and creatures with their issues.
With his magical notepad, he can summon almost anything that players type into a keyboard. The sandbox nature of the game allows kids to explore their imagination, making any solution they think of a possible answer moving forward.
7 Pikuniku
A cute, weird, and colorful world filled with unique characters, Pikuniku is a puzzle adventure published by Devolver Digital that can make anyone smile. The story revolves around Piku, a red creature who lives in a cave, as he goes around helping villagers with their issues. Many of these issues stem from Mr. Sunshine, a pink creature who seemingly wants to just give away money but is behind a more sinister plot in the game. The world can be a lot of fun to explore and doesn't rush the player either, making it an easy game to spend a lot of time in.
6 Donut County
Sometimes, it's just fun to watch things fall down a hole. In Donut County, players become a hole that goes around sucking everything that can possibly fit into it. The hole is controlled by BK, a raccoon who has decided to swallow up his friends and their homes for fun. While participating in this behavior, he is confronted by his best friend and neighbor Mira. The Annapurna-published game also has its fair share of engaging characters that players learn about along their destructive journey. The game can also teach kids about the consequences of their actions.
5 Dorfromantik
Another common trait that kids tend to love is games that revolve around building things. A recent game called Dorfromantik gives players a relaxing way to enjoy a building strategy game. Players start each game with a stack of procedurally generated tiles. The goal of the game is to place these tiles and form a map where the terrain naturally flows from one tile to another. As players go, they may receive quests that will require them to surround certain areas of their map with specific tiles. It's a short and sweet experience that can keep kids thinking.
4 Untitled Goose Game
It's important to teach children to be nice to others in real life, but animals messing with humans is objectively hilarious and kids will get a kick out of doing so as a goose. In Untitled Goose Game, players will walk around a small town completing tasks that revolve around messing with the townsfolk in various different ways.
These tasks are simple in nature, but completing them leads to scenes that are rather satisfying. Tasks include stealing the farmer's hat and locking the storekeeper in her garage. Use the goose's mechanics to help figure out each task.
3 Captain Toad: Treasure Tracker
Those who played Super Mario 3D World may remember the Captain Toad levels that involved collecting green stars on stages that didn't allow players to jump. This was made into its own separate game called Captain Toad: Treasure Tracker. As Toad, players must decide how to safely navigate levels to reach a gold star at the end of the level. To do this, players will have to solve puzzles that may be present on the stage or figure out the right path to go down. Kids will enjoy this game for its simplicity in nature.
2 Carto
A game with similar map-building mechanics as Dorfromantik, Carto is an adventure puzzle game that revolves around finding map pieces to expand the world and find a way to the next area. The story revolves around a little girl named Carto who was separated from her Granny and must use her cartography skills to make her way back. The game is filled with characters who will help guide Carto, as well as ask for help themselves. The game's cute art style and welcoming tone should help kids get into this straightforward puzzle experience.
1 Snipperclips
Puzzle games are always more fun with a friend. Snipperclips is a cooperative experience where two players take on the roles of Snip and Clip. These characters have the ability to cut their friend into specific shapes, which is helpful for figuring out solutions to different levels in the game. Each level will have its own objective it will tell the player out front. The goal is to complete the puzzle placed in front of them in order to move forward in the game. There are also additional modes that can bring in up to four players.