Casual video games are those that you can play for short periods of time with little commitment. Unfortunately, you just don't know which games you'll like and which ones you'll hate. I love downloading demos for new games to try them out. This is a list of games that are family friendly that you can start playing for free. Make sure to download the full trial version to test them out. You'll get an hour of game play to decide what you think.
Slingo is kind of like Bingo, only a lot more fun! Each round gives you five numbered balls to check off on your Slingo card. Matches might result in special power-ups or the gain and loss of points. Getting 5 in a row can cause balls to bounce off walls. This is a great game for kids who will love collecting reward stamps for meeting certain goals. The only possibly objectionable content is the appearance of the Devil, who may steal your points. More advanced levels can be tough to beat, but there is plenty of fun to be had. As a bonus, levels can be played over and over, since game play will vary each time around.
Big City Adventure: Sydney is a hidden object game that allows you to journey to Australia for a virtual tour of Sydney. Hidden object games can be a lot of fun to play with kids, and the Big City Adventure series are family friendly.
If you're familiar with the Diner Dash series, you'll be glad to again join Flo and her friends to create the best food in town. This version is a bit different, however, and can be described more accurately as a simulation than a time management game. Each day, you'll plan your menu, set prices and decide on advertising as you try to put the toxic Grub Burger restaurants out of business. Since you can play each level at your own pace, this is a great family option. It's also good for people who can't handle the fast clicking of time management games.
Cradle of Rome is a puzzle game in the "match 3" style. What makes it different is that you collect resources that you can then use to build up your village. You can also earn power-ups to help you meet your goals. Early levels of the game are definitely kid-friendly, but more advanced levels will be frustrating. Kids will certainly have fun through the end of the one-hour demo.
My kids just love the Peggle games. Whether or not they win, they love all the action that takes place when they shoot the ball. Puzzle fans will enjoy the strategy required to shoot the ball in just the right spot and families will appreciate the simple controls and minimal clicking.
Farm Frenzy is one of my all-time favorite games. It's a time management game that requires you to care for your farm animals, while collecting eggs, wool, etc., to sell in town. As you progress, you'll make cupcakes, butter, cheese and cloth. The game is safe for kids, but requires a lot of fast clicking and some quick thinking. This is best played by those who enjoy some arcade-style games.
This is the perfect game for your aspiring fashion designer. Each level gives you an array of clothes with which to dress your models. Be careful, though, they may not appreciate high-heeled cowboy boots in their casual outfit, or the leopard-skin print may be out of fashion. This is a bit slower paced than some of the arcade-style games and will appeal to a range of ages. The outfits are generally tame, but do include some bared midriffs, bikini tops and mini-skirts, which might bother some families. However, the models are clearly adults and there's nothing particular suggestive about the game.
Go-Go Gourmet is a cross between a time management game and a hidden object game. Your job is to feed customers by finding the correct ingredients, cooking the dish and serving it before time runs out. The lower levels are fun to play with even younger kids, as they can help find the ingredients. Higher levels pick up speed and become geared towards those with a quick eye and hand.
Turbo Fiesta is one of the "Turbo" series of time management games, all of which are very good. In this case, you'll be serving ice cream, nachos and rice in space. This is the probably the most difficult of the Turbo games in terms of managing your time, but it also includes a fun mini-game. Definitely worth the download, but be aware... you'll probably want to buy the full game.
