Online Games

So, if you're shopping video games online, here are some lesser-known family friendly titles that you might want to check out. These titles are just as innovative and exciting as the mega hits, without all the violence and gore - they just don't have the marketing budgets of the action oriented, shooting titles. Sadly, when the marketing machines go to work, there's no competing with them.

Here are the gems you may have missed:

Nintendogs Dachshund & Friends: If your child is bugging you for a pet but you're not ready to make the commitment, this is the perfect alternative. Children get to pick out, and train a puppy of their very own. The game starts off with the basics, naming the dog, throwing a ball for it, teaching it to sit. The dog develops its own unique personality based on how you interact with it during the game. You must feed the dog, take it for walks, and show it love and affection.

The graphics on this game are outstanding and the voice recognition is top notch. Once your child chooses a pet, only he or she can train the dog. It is a great game for younger kids to teach them responsibility and one that even young kids can play on their own.

Wii Disney Princess: Enchanted Journey: Your little princess will love this game. She gets to play a princess in training who waves her wand around creating magic and helping the famous princesses from the beloved Disney classics.

The game keeps it simple and enjoyable for youngsters. They can advance through the game with enough challenges to hold their interest, but not with so many that they get frustrated. A great game for kids, especially in the 4-6 age group.

Nintendo DS Cooking Mama: This game is truly original. You play an apprentice chef and Mama is your cooking master. You must prepare the dishes as she instructs, and she will grill you through the preparation. One wrong move, and Mama will show you her wrath.

Kids love this game as much as adults, and there are varying levels of difficulty to hold everyone's interest. It is a great game, even for those who never set foot in their own kitchen.

PlayStation 3 LittleBigPlanet: Winner of over 80 prestigious awards, the game is based on playing, creating and sharing. You can design your own world or enhance it by moving things around or, sometimes, by creating it from scratch. You can explore and collect creative resources, and solve puzzles along the way. You can also design your own levels and share your creations with other players.

This game is beyond fun- it's a phenomenal experience that you, and your children, will want to return to again and again.