The 10 Best family games

1. Kinect Star Wars

3rd April 2012, £39.99 (Kinect)

Have lightsaber fights, explore locations from the films or take part on pod racing and X-wing battles. Best for early teens.

2. Papo & Yo

Out summer, £TBA (PSN on PS3)

An adventure game with a twist, the story reflects the creator's childhood growing up with a drug-using parent. Educational game for older family members.

3. Lego Batman 2: DC Super Heroes

Out summer, £39.99 (360, PS3, Wii, DS, 3DS, Vita)

Mix of running, jumping, puzzles and characters you collect make this a great co-op family game.

4. Mario Tennis Open

Out May, £39.99 (3DS)

Players can choose different shots using the handy lower touch screen. The real novelty – and what keeps you going back – is each character's special shots.

5. Skylanders

Out now, £49 (Wii, 360, PS3)

The real-toys which turn into digital characters have become a cult item for kids. A second chapter in the series, Giants, will be released in the autumn.

6. Lumines Electronic Symphony

Out now £32.99, (PS Vita)

Puzzle game where players match blocks in time with music. The premise is expanded with Vita's front and rear touch screens.

7. Wipeout 2048

£29.99, (PS Vita)

Futuristic spaceship racing. Although thought of as enthusiast's game, its driver assistance and tilt controls make it ideal for players as young as four.

8. Go Vacation

Out now £25.99, (Wii)

An action-adventure game where four players explore seaside, city, snow and forest holiday resorts. Simultaneous gameplay matched with 50 mini-games.

9. Journey

Out 13 March, £9.99 (PSN on PS3)

A guided journey through the desert, where players cross various environments solving puzzles at their own pace. Ideally suited to families.

10. Kinect Rush: A Disney Pixar Adventure

Out 23 March, £39.99 (Kinect)

Players use their body to control racing, puzzle solving and exploration. The Pixar film-worlds offer top family-gaming thrills.

Andy Robertson (@GeekdadGamer) is a family games expert for BBC Radio 4 and reviews new titles at gamepeople.co.uk