The following is an except from http://parentinfo.org/article/christmas-video-games-without-the-surprises. ParentInfo.org

Santa, can I have Rise of the Tomb Raider for Christmas please…

If you’re a parent, chances are your children will have at least one video game on their Christmas wish list this year. But unless you’re a gamer yourself, how do you know which titles are appropriate for their age group and personality? 

We asked Andy Robertson, editor of FamilyGamerTV(link is external), to explain the PEGI ratings system for us, and to look at the content of some of the games your children will ask for, to help you make an informed decision…

Video-games bring a lot of benefits with them. Alongside entertainment and enjoyment, they enable players to visit other worlds, create ambitious constructions, discover new sports and hobbies and interact with people all over the planet.

However, distinguishing what different games present in terms of benefits or dangers in the family can be a challenge. Unlike films and books, you can’t quickly skim through to assess what your children will be experiencing.

Animal Crossing Happy Home Designer (Nintendo 3DS)

This is a home design adventure on the Nintendo 3DS based on the more expansive Animal Crossing series. Rather than a whole island to explore, Happy Home Designer focuses on creating different home designs for the varied animal inhabitants of the town. It encourages creativity and a safe community of other players that offers design inspiration.

The game supports a range of collectable amiibo cards that are used to unlock more characters to create homes for. These are sold separately in foil packs and can make a good gift for grandparents.

Find out more here(link is external).

This game allows the player to interact with other players online.

Super Mario Maker (Wii U)

This takes the classic Mario running and jumping games and enables players to make their own levels. Through a process of learning each design element, players slowly learn the mechanics of making a video-game. Levels can be shared online for feedback and millions of player-created levels can be downloaded to play.

While other game-creators can be complex and daunting to get into, Super Mario Maker is always understandable and, most importantly, a lot of fun.

Find out more here(link is external).

This game allows the player to interact with other players online.

Tearaway Unfolded (Playstation 4)

Enter a game world made entirely of paper, with usual interactions and paper craft woven into the rubbing, jumping and fighting action.

Tearaway Unfolded follows up the portable game on the PlayStation Vita and offers a similarly endearing cast of characters and story.

Players use the PlayStation camera to capture images and put them into the game. They also use the PlayStation 4 controller and companion Android app to cut, stick and fold all manner of objects that then appear in the game.

You can even win paper craft sheets to print out, colour in, and make the game’s characters from paper.

Find out more here(link is external).

Minecraft Story Mode (Multiple formats)

Minecraft is a game where you collect materials to build an ever more complex world of blocks. Minecraft Story Mode is quite different, in that it offers a proper narrative about Minecraft characters where players make choices about interactions and determine the path of the story.

This is rated for over 12s because of language, so some families may find this acceptable for younger players, others not. The Minecraft theme and the intriguing story or heroism means it will have wide appeal and is a good game for parents and children to play together.

Find out more here(link is external).

Above are just a few of the games, you may see on your child’s wish list this year.  Websites like Ask About Games(link is external) make things easier by presenting this information in Quick Guide videos(link is external) that describe what benefits and dangers the game has, along with footage of game-play depicting the experience. This is a really useful resource for parents who want to investigate game content.

Also Common Sense Media has an extensive database of video games reviews as well.