Games That Bridge the Gap: Playing Together as a 16-Year-Old and 10-Year-Old
Teaming up with a sibling who's ten years younger can be incredibly enjoyable, especially if you share a love for gaming. This article explores games that helped my sister and I stay immersed in play together over the years. Whether you're interested in matching right through to 16 and 10, or simply looking for games that can bring siblings closer, here are some user-tested suggestions for what a 16-year-old can play with a 10-year-old girl.
Games We've Playing Together
Mario Kart
Mario Kart is a classic that's fun for the whole family. Not only is it packed with great races, but the addition of competitive play makes it even more exciting. The game is rated for all ages, and the multiplayer feature works seamlessly on the same console. Whether you're navigating the Nintendo Land race circuits or battling bosses, Mario Kart can be an excellent way to have fun together.
Minecraft
Minecraft is another timeless adventure that both of us could enjoy. It's a sandbox game where you can explore, build, and interact with the world. The game is highly customizable, and there are plenty of activities for players of all ages. You can create a survival world or work together on building projects. The versatility of Minecraft makes it a great choice for siblings to play together.
Super Mario Smash Brothers
For an experience that's more focused on combat, consider playing Smash Brothers. This title features a large roster of characters and vibrant, cartoon-style graphics. The multiplayer options allow for both local and online play, making it an excellent option for family game nights. The competitive edge can add a layer of fun to the gameplay, but it’s essential to ensure the younger player gets enough practice so that both can have a fair chance of winning.
Mario (Plain Old Platformers)
Simple platformers like the classic Mario games can provide a more relaxed and casual experience. These games are great for when you just want to take a break from competitive play and enjoy the charming gameplay. They're widely loved and can be played solo or with a companion, making them perfect for bonding.
Knack
Knack is another multiplayer game that we've enjoyed playing together. It focuses on a quick reflexes and teamwork, making it a fun challenge for both kids and adults. The game is outwardly simple, but it requires meticulous planning and strategic thinking to succeed. It's a fantastic option for siblings who want to work together to achieve a common goal.
LEGO Movie Game
The LEGO movie franchise offers another great opportunity for family fun. With its colorful characters and humorous dialogue, the game is appealing to both younger and older players. It includes various missions and activities like building scenes, solving puzzles, and creating your own LEGO themed levels. Like Knack, LEGO Movie is another game that fosters collaboration and creativity.
Picking the Right Games
When choosing games to play with your younger sibling, always opt for titles that are rated for all ages. It's important that the game has multiplayer capabilities on the same console, as opposed to only offering online play, to ensure you can play together easily. Nintendo games are generally a good choice due to their wide appeal and age-appropriate content, but it's always a good idea to check if the specific game supports multiplayer.
Handling Competitive Play
When playing competitive games, it's crucial to address any issues with bad sportsmanship, especially in the early years. If your younger sibling has trouble with friendly competition, it's vital to give them extra opportunities to practice and ease into the competitive aspect. Competitive games, when played in good spirit, can still be enjoyable and foster healthy competition between siblings.
By selecting games that are inclusive, age-appropriate, and promote cooperative play or fair competition, you can maintain a harmonious gaming experience with your younger sibling. From classic platformers to modern multiplayer titles, there's no shortage of games that can bridge the age gap and bring you closer together.