Short and simple Top 5 this week, as I prepare for a day of turkey and football, both of the NFL and Madden variety. But once Thanksgiving is over, it’s officially time to start thinking about Christmas presents. With that in mind, here’s a quick rundown of the top 5 games (one title per system) that parents will enjoy just as much as their children. While there are multiplatform titles like the LEGO games and the multitude of music/rhythm games, today I’m focusing solely on system-exclusive titles.

1. New Super Mario Bros. Wii (Wii)

New Super Mario Bros. Wii isn’t as innovative or game changing as some other Mario titles, it is a redux of the classic side scrolling gameplay that made Mario a household name, and for the first time, features four player simultaneous gameplay. And on Christmas morning, that’s the kind of family gaming opportunity that puts New Super Mario Bros. Wii at the top of the list. On the downside though, the multiplayer is local only, so don’t expect to hop on the internet to play with your friends. But then, this is a Wii title, so hopefully your online expectations were already tempered.

One other thing that really baffles me though, with the wide array of Mario supporting characters, why couldn’t they have come up with a better option than two Toads? Just doesn’t make sense.

2. Little Big Planet (PS3)

Little Big Planet’s hype didn’t quite match its retail performance (where have we heard that one before?), but its still one of the most unique and family friendly titles on the PS3.

While the gameplay is fun, what really makes Little Big Planet stand out is the wealth of user-created content available. There are thousands upon thousands of high-quality free levels available for download, which adds an absurd level of added value to the included levels. Plus, the new Game of the Year edition features plenty of the downloadable content released thus far, including the Metal Gear Solid pack which added new gameplay and level design dynamics.

3. Professor Layton and the Curious Village (DS)

While the DS offers a ton of kid-friendly games, its the puzzle-solving Professor Layton that should offer the best challenge for everyone in the family. Ideally suited for pick up and play anywhere on your DS, the puzzles range from simple to diabolical. Will probably end up being too tough for the youngest gamers, but for the rest it’s a perfect way to get some peace and quiet on Christmas morning.

4. Viva Pinata (XBox 360)

The XBox 360 is a lot of things, but one thing it isn’t really is a game system for younger gamers. So when it comes to 360 exclusive titles that are great for families there aren’t a whole lot to choose from. With that in mind, I’m going to give the nod to Viva Pinata and/or its sequel Viva Pinata: Trouble in Paradise. This colourful and unique game allows you to raise a garden of pinatas, with a nice depth of gameplay that ensures even adults will find a good challenge. Also, did I mention you are raising pinata? You know, the candy-filled things that are usually beaten with sticks?

5. Little Big Planet (PSP)

You though I was going to recommend Hannah Montana didn’t you? No, we’re not going to party in the USA, we’re going to have some fun with the handheld version of Little Big Planet. While its quite not as good as the console version in both gameplay and level editing, the condensed PSP version still offers plenty of sack-related fun, plus it’s a whole lot more portable than lugging around a PS3 and an HDTV.

Related Items

• June 5, 2009 -- E3 2009: The Good, the Bad and the Meh (0)
• January 3, 2010 -- The GamerPops Fearless Projections for 2010 (0)
• January 3, 2010 -- My New Years Resolutions for 2010 (0)
• August 31, 2009 -- On Tap: Week Of August 31st (0)
• June 7, 2009 -- The GamerPops Guide to Games Your Kids Can Play (0)