by December M.
Christmas is only a week away and suddenly you realise that there are too many gifts to get, too many people that are difficult to buy for and far too little time to fit it all in. On top of this is the usual Christmas madness of organising family, get-togethers, food and so forth that it’s no wonder we’re often exhausted before it even begins. That’s why giving the gift of games is such a clever and EASY way to give gifts this year!
Games can be great respite over the festive season; played by one or the whole family and give the perfect excuse for some quality me-time when you need to escape the craziness. Plus, downloadable games are very affordable and offer bang for your buck. Nothing says “It’s time to let your hair down and play” like a downloadable game! They also make a wonderful treat for yourself over the festive season, to ensure you receive something you truly want!
So keeping in mind that we’ve had an amazing year for really brilliant games in 2010, here are my top 8 games that I believe will suit everyone in the family.
SKIP-BO Castaway Caper
Genre: Card Game
Card games with no mess, that keep you engaged and interested. Play alone or play in teams. Play in adventure mode or really test your skills in speed mode. No matter the choice, SkipBo is a family classic that really works as a PC game. Download it and you’re away, trying to beat your opponents with masterful skill and strategy.
Settlement Colossus
Genre: Strategy
Simulation, strategy and hidden object searching combine to give you an almost ultimate experience in gaming pleasure. While the core of the game is re-settling and building an empire, you must also prioritise your resources, collect and gather sufficient items to progress all the while researching and developing new skills. Suitable for the entire family, Settlement Colossus can be replayed over and over again giving you excellent value for money.
Roads of Rome
Genre: Time Management
With 40 levels and a blend of strategy and simulation, Roads of Rome is a fast paced frenetic time-management game that will have you gasping for breath at the end of each level. With a wonderful romance as the backdrop, you play Victorius, a Roman general desperate to marry Caesar’s daughter. Construction of the road requires skill – exploring new territories and constructing new buildings in each stage. Manage your resources carefully and expand Rome’s influence. Roads of Rome offers you a complete package to keep you entertained well into 2011.
Heart’s Medicine: Season One
Genre: Time Management
In a quirky twist, Heart’s Medicine is a time management game created like a television show and this is just where the innovation starts. Allison Heart is a resident in a bustling hospital and must learn all the skills necessary to help her patients. You will have the opportunity to treat patients using clever skill-based mini-games and puzzles while being drawn in to the characters and their stories. Love is in the air, but is Allison ready to give her all to be a great doctor?
Bejeweled 3
Genre: Match 3
If it’s possible to improve upon perfection then PopCap’s latest addition to the world’s #1 puzzle franchise does just that! While the core gameplay stays true to the classic, match-3 formula, there are 7 new play modes to meet all of your moods — including Classic, Quest, Lightning and Zen. The visuals and sound effects really are spectacular and the flashy achievement badges are worthy of the digital pool room! With buckets of replayability Bejeweled 3 is one of those rare treasures that you’ll return to time and time again for years to come.
Midnight Mysteries: The Salem Witch Trials
Genre: Hidden Object
Explore the dark side of Salem and witchcraft in this clever mystery game. With a chilling soundtrack and a host of decisions to make, this hidden object/puzzle/mystery game allows non-linear progress through each chapter. As you travel back and forth in time, see the ghosts of history tell their tale as you unravel the conspiracies within. Salem Witch Trials is the perfect antidote to the saccharin sweetness of Christmas Eve!
Jolly Rover
Genre: Adventure
Swashbuckling pirate dogs with sass and sex appeal will have you laughing out loud as you enjoy this crazy canine adventure. In the tradition of the humorous adventures of the 80s but with all the technological advances of the noughties, Jolly Rover is a clever blend of elaborate graphics, jaunty soundtrack and well developed characters. Can this pirate get the gold, get the girl and finally get a cup of tea? Only you will be able to find out as you enjoy the pleasure that is Jolly Rover.
Snark Busters: Welcome to the Club
Genre: Hidden Object
Sassy and spirited Kira Robertson sets off on an adventure to catch the Snark in this exquisitely drawn and brilliantly executed hidden object adventure game. The game offers a plethora of puzzles, some great humour and wonderfully innovative game-play, along with a captivating storyline. Pleasurably wile the hours away with Snark Busters over the holiday season!
View the entire catalogue of over 500 downloadable games at Club Casual Games
