The Best PS4 Games For Kids

The PlayStation 4 has a wide variety of games perfect for kids, including creative building games and fun platformers. These games are chosen because they’re suitable for different ages, are enjoyable to play, and have been well-received by families. You can find everything from racing and puzzle games to adventures that let kids play together and develop important skills. This list showcases the best games on the console for children of all ages, based on how well they’ve been reviewed and enjoyed by players.

‘Knack II’ (2017)

This game, created by SIE Japan Studio and published by Sony Interactive Entertainment, lets you play as a character who can change size by collecting special items. It’s a platforming and action game designed for fun with family and friends – a second player can easily join in to help solve puzzles or fight enemies. Compared to the first game, this version has more interesting ways to play and a better system for improving your character’s abilities.

‘Team Sonic Racing’ (2019)

Sumo Digital created this fun kart racing game, published by Sega, that focuses on teamwork. Players team up in groups of three, sharing power-ups and helping each other go faster. The game includes characters and tracks from the world of ‘Sonic the Hedgehog’, and offers both a story mode and online races for competitive play.

‘Yooka-Laylee’ (2017)

Developed by Playtonic Games and published by Team17, this game is a modern take on the classic platforming adventures of the past. Players take control of a chameleon and a bat, journeying through bright, imaginative worlds to gather collectibles called “Pagies” and defeat an evil businessman. The game focuses on discovering secrets, overcoming tricky jumps and puzzles, and enjoying the funny personalities of the characters. With its colorful visuals and witty writing, it’s a love letter to the retro 3D games many grew up with.

‘LEGO DC Super-Villains’ (2018)

This game, created by Traveller’s Tales and published by Warner Bros. Games, lets you design your own villain. The story centers around famous DC bad guys who have to save the day when the Justice League vanishes. Gameplay is classic LEGO – expect lots of breaking, building, and puzzle-solving. It boasts a huge cast of characters and a fun, playful version of the DC world.

‘Plants vs. Zombies: Garden Warfare 2’ (2016)

This third-person shooter, created by PopCap Games and published by Electronic Arts, is a follow-up to the original, hugely popular game. It features battles between plants and zombies in different game modes, including areas where you can freely explore. Players can choose from several character types, each with special skills, encouraging teamwork and strategy. While it’s a shooting game, its cartoon graphics and lack of gore make it appealing to a younger audience.

‘Super Mega Baseball 3’ (2020)

This baseball game, created by Metalhead Software, is easy to pick up and play thanks to its fun, arcade-like style, but it also offers surprisingly realistic gameplay. A unique “Ego” system lets players of any skill level compete on a level playing field. With modes like Franchise and Pennant Race, the game offers plenty of replay value, and while the characters are cartoonish and funny, the physics and overall experience accurately capture the feel of baseball.

‘Hot Wheels Unleashed’ (2021)

Milestone created a thrilling racing game featuring the legendary Hot Wheels brand. Players can collect and race miniature versions of their favorite Hot Wheels cars on tracks built in familiar places like kitchens and garages. A powerful track editor lets players design and share custom courses, fostering creativity. The game beautifully recreates the feeling of playing with die-cast cars thanks to its impressive graphics and realistic physics.

‘Minecraft Dungeons’ (2020)

This action-packed game, a spin-off from the popular ‘Minecraft’, was created by Mojang Studios and Double Eleven and published by Xbox Game Studios. Unlike the original ‘Minecraft’, this game emphasizes fighting and exploring. Players can join forces with up to three friends to defeat monsters and discover treasures in ever-changing levels. It’s designed with simple controls, making it a great way for kids to get into action-RPG games.

‘LittleBigPlanet 3’ (2014)

This game, created by Sumo Digital and published by Sony, features new characters each with special skills. You play as Sackboy and his friends, teaming up to rescue the planet Bunkum from a villainous scheme. A key part of the game is the ability to build and share your own levels with other players. It’s all about using your creativity and working together to overcome challenges using fun, physics-based gameplay.

‘Tearaway Unfolded’ (2015)

This game, a reimagining of a classic handheld title, was created by Media Molecule and Tarsier Studios and published by Sony. It’s set in a beautiful world made entirely of paper, and players control a messenger with an important delivery to make. The game cleverly uses the PlayStation 4’s DualShock 4 controller – including the touchpad and light bar – for unique interactions. Critics have especially praised its imaginative art style and original gameplay.

‘LEGO Star Wars: The Skywalker Saga’ (2022)

This expansive game, created by Traveller’s Tales and published by Warner Bros. Games, lets you play through all nine ‘Star Wars’ movies. It features improved action, open areas to explore, and a huge roster of characters. You can begin with any of the three trilogies, letting you experience the iconic story your way. The game keeps the fun and simple gameplay that ‘LEGO’ games are famous for, but with a fresh, updated look.

‘Concrete Genie’ (2019)

This game, created by Pixelopus and published by Sony, follows a young boy named Ash as he uses art to bring life back to a damaged town. Players paint vibrant murals using the controller’s motion controls, which then come to life as magical creatures called Genies. These Genies assist Ash in overcoming obstacles and exploring the world, all while he tries to avoid local bullies. The game explores important themes like dealing with bullying, the power of creativity, and healing the environment.

‘Kingdom Hearts III’ (2019)

This game is the exciting finale to the “Dark Seeker” story, created by Square Enix. You play as Sora, Donald, and Goofy as they journey through worlds based on classic Disney and Pixar movies – like ‘Toy Story’, ‘Frozen’, and ‘Monsters, Inc.’ – to defeat an old, powerful threat. The game features quick, visually impressive battles, including special attacks inspired by Disney theme park rides.

‘Untitled Goose Game’ (2019)

Untitled Goose Game, created by House House and published by Panic, is a funny stealth game where you play as a goose causing trouble. You complete a list of tasks by annoying the people in a peaceful English village. You can honk, flap, and steal things to make as much mischief as possible. It’s easy to pick up and play, and enjoyable for everyone.

‘Dreams’ (2020)

Media Molecule created this game that lets you build and play your own creations. Published by Sony, it gives you all the tools you need to make games, music, art, and animations. You can also explore a vast online world called the ‘Dreamiverse’ filled with thousands of unique experiences made by other players. It’s a fantastic way to express your creativity and enjoy a never-ending stream of user-made content.

‘Crash Team Racing Nitro-Fueled’ (2019)

This remake of the classic kart racing game was created by Beenox and published by Activision. It includes everything from the original ‘Crash Team Racing’ plus content from ‘Crash Nitro Kart’. Players can personalize their karts and enjoy different game modes, like a tough Adventure mode. While the game can be quite challenging, it also offers options to make it easier for new or younger players.

‘Fall Guys’ (2020)

Fall Guys, a wildly popular online party game created by Mediatonic and published by Devolver Digital, challenges players to compete in a series of silly, fast-paced mini-games. You control a cute, bean-shaped character and try to survive each round, aiming to be the last player remaining to win the crown. It’s colorful, funny, and offers a lighthearted competitive experience, making it different from more serious battle royale games.

‘Sonic Mania’ (2017)

Created by PagodaWest Games and Headcannon with Sega, this game is a love letter to the original 2D Sonic games. It includes updated versions of classic levels from the first three games, plus entirely new areas to explore. The fast-paced platforming and ring-collecting gameplay stay true to the physics fans remember from the 90s. With bright pixel art and a lively soundtrack, it’s designed to appeal to both newcomers and longtime Sonic fans craving a retro feel.

‘Kena: Bridge of Spirits’ (2021)

Developed by Ember Lab, this action-adventure game is visually stunning, looking like a high-quality animated movie. Players control Kena, a spirit guide who helps lost spirits find peace. She’s aided by the Rot, adorable little creatures she collects to solve puzzles and battle enemies. Though the fights can be tough, the game’s story and characters feel like they came straight from a major animated film.

‘Abzû’ (2016)

This game, created by Giant Squid and published by 505 Games, lets you peacefully explore the ocean depths. You play as a diver uncovering the mysteries of a huge underwater world teeming with life. It’s a relaxing experience with no combat or failing – you can simply enjoy the stunning scenery and graceful movement. Beautiful art and an orchestral soundtrack combine to create a feeling of wonder and a deep connection with nature.

‘Crash Bandicoot N. Sane Trilogy’ (2017)

As a huge ‘Crash Bandicoot’ fan, I was so excited to see the first three games completely remade! Vicarious Visions did an amazing job bringing these classics to modern consoles with updated graphics and everything rebuilt from the ground up. Plus, they even improved the save system, which is a lifesaver! You still get to jump, spin, and slide your way through all the levels, trying to stop Dr. Neo Cortex, of course. It’s famous for being really challenging and rewarding, and honestly, it’s just as fun now as it was back then – if not more so!

‘Spyro Reignited Trilogy’ (2018)

Toys for Bob reimagined the classic ‘Spyro’ trilogy, published by Activision. Players control Spyro, a purple dragon, as he journeys through vibrant worlds to save other dragons and gather gems. The game boasts updated, movie-quality graphics, but keeps the same fun and familiar gameplay as the original PlayStation versions. Many consider it a perfect first 3D platforming experience for kids.

‘Rocket League’ (2015)

Rocket League is a one-of-a-kind sports game created by Psyonix where players use rocket-powered cars to play soccer. Matches are quick and exciting, and players can customize their vehicles in many ways. Beyond standard soccer, the game also includes fun variations like basketball and hockey. It’s simple to pick up and play, but offers a lot of depth for those who want to become truly skilled, making it popular with both casual and competitive gamers.

‘Ratchet & Clank’ (2016)

This game, a fresh take on the original from 2002, was created by Insomniac Games and published by Sony. It tells the story of a furry mechanic and his robotic companion as they try to become Galactic Rangers and rescue the galaxy. Players can unlock and improve a wide range of creative and powerful weapons. With stunning graphics and a movie-like presentation, the game delivers a visually impressive and immersive experience.

‘A Hat in Time’ (2017)

A Hat in Time is a delightful 3D platformer created by Gears for Breakfast and published by Humble Bundle. Players control Hat Kid, a young traveler who needs to gather scattered “Time Pieces” across colorful worlds to fix her ship and get back home. The game is known for its creative levels, endearing characters, and a collection of hats that give Hat Kid unique powers. Inspired by classic platformers from the Nintendo 64 era, it’s been praised for its charming personality and diverse gameplay.

Tell us about your best family gaming moments, or let us know if you have any other game recommendations for kids in the comments below!

2026-02-12 05:47