At alaTest, we are giving you a list of some of the best PS3 and Xbox 360 games for kids. Not only are these games safe for children, they are extremely enjoyable.

1. Little Big Planet 2 – Little Big Planet 2 is one of the most popular games for PS3 and PSP platforms. The game is packed with 30 plot lines wherein Negativitron, the beast is trying to destroy the planet. As Sackboy, the player has to prevent this from happening by fighting all kinds of enemies- cupcakes, fireflies etc. The game allows its users to add or remove certain features and customize their world. In other words, children can let their imagination run wild while saving the world from Negativitron. The graphics are sharp, the plot lines are crisp and the game works like an absolute charm. What’s more, your child might actually learn a thing or two about physics as well!

2. Sports Champion – Using the Move motion controller with on a PS3, kids can play a variety of sports like volleyball, table tennis, disc golf etc. This game will come as a huge relief to all parents who are concerned about the lack of physical activity in their children. With Sports Champion, your children will have to sweat it out as they enjoy a thrilling game. Thanks to the high sensitivity of the Move controller and the PlayStation Eye Camera, there is very little separating a real game from a virtual one.

3. Kinect Disneyland Adventure - One just can’t go wrong with the alluring world of Disneyland. Compatible with an Xbox 360, this game is an absolute delight for children as it lets them navigate through the virtual world of Disneyland. Children can take rides, meet Disneyland characters and visit the most famous places within the amusement park. At the same time, they can take up challenges and games. All in all, it will be a dream come true for your children.

4. Kinectimals – Are your children fond of animals? Would they like a chance to cuddle a tiger cub? If yes, they will instantly fall in love with Kinectimals. Designed for young children, this game can be played with Xbox 360 and Kinect. The game has a variety of animals, right from tigers to polar bears to giant pandas. Children can pet these animals, cuddle them or even train them by teaching them basic movements like jumping, skipping etc.

Besides these games, there are many others like Carnival Island, Toy Story 3, Puss in Boots, Happy Feet 2 etc. which are suitable for your children. Get your children one of these and their faces with instantly light up with happiness.

One doesn’t need to be a professional to understand that the face of sports and fitness has undergone a rapid shift. Technology now has a central role to play in the world of sports, as the Brad Pitt starer, Moneyball demonstrated quite beautifully. While there are professional, state-of-the-art gadgets and devices which enhance the performance of teams and individuals, there are also some cool gadgets which make fitness more accessible and less cumbersome to the common man out there. We are talking about exciting products like fitness inspired games which have added some much needed spice to the world of fitness.

Here is a list of some cool and exciting fitness video games which every fitness freak would love to have:

1. Wii Fit Plus- Wii Fit, which was the original version of this game pioneered the category of fitness video games. The Wii Fit Plus comes with a balance board which measures your weight and Body Mass Index (BMI) at regular intervals. This game incorporates close to 40 kinds of workout routines including different levels of cardio exercises, strength training, yoga sessions etc. You can also customize workout routines according to your requirements. To liven your otherwise tiresome workout session, Wii Fit plus also has some balance games which help out in weight loss as well.

2. Your Shape: Fitness Evolved- Your Shape is Xbox Kinect’s answer to Wii Fit Plus. Unlike its competitor, it follows the instructor-student model as trained instructors guide you through the details involved in yoga, muscle training and cardio workouts. It also tracks your performance regularly as instructors rate your performance after every session. The game works well for starters and hardcore fitness freaks simultaneously.

3. EA Sports Active 2- If you are looking for really intense workout sessions, the EA Sports Active 2 is ideal for you. Make no mistake, the workout are definitely hardcore. It works with Xbox 360, PS3 and Wii, and it comes with an arm sensor which monitors your heart rate regularly. Workout sessions involve a personal trainer and focus independently on different body parts. The entire fitness program is 9 weeks long and it incorporates a variety of physical exercises.

4. Zumba Fitness- This is one of the best fitness video games which use dance forms as exercises. The appeal is quite obvious- it combines the enjoyable activity of dancing with physical fitness. The best part is that none of the two aspects are compromised. The workout sessions are combinations of Salsa, Hip-Hop, Rumba, Calypso, Flamenco etc. The game comes with detailed tutorials to familiarize you with these dance forms. As a word of caution, if you thought this game is just about casual dancing, you are in for quite a shock. The schedules are just as intensive as a regular cardio work out session. As an added advantage, you get to learn some very exciting dance forms even as you lose weight simultaneously.

Apart from these, there are several other fitness games that you can choose from- Fit in Six, The Biggest Loser, Kinect Sports, NewU Mind Body Yoga and Pilates and many more. A fitness video game is a godsend for people who can’t go to the gym regularly or who are just too bored of them. Get yourself one of these games and for once, you will actually enjoy working out.

Downloadable Video Games

Any avid PC gamers knows of the wonderful world that is Cloud-based gaming. Traditionally, when you buy a PC game, you’d go to the store (or order online) and come home with a disc and CD-key. Cloud-based game purchases are a bit different. You buy the game online, and instead of a physical copy, the game is associated with a user account and available for download any time you like. It’s all handled electronically, so you could purchase a game, even on Christmas, and download it instantly.

There are a handful of online stores that allow instant downloads for many titles, including www.Newegg.com and www.Amazon.com, but none do it quite as well as Steam. With a Steam account, you can purchase games from the massive Steam library either for yourself or as a gift which you can send to any other Steam users (or e-mail address, though the recipient will need to create a Steam account before activating the gift). What’s better is that Steam is having a giant holiday sale that will be going on through the New Year. Here are a few popular Steam titles:

Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim – The sequel to the popular game Oblivion, Skyrim is one of the hottest titles this year.

Batman: Arkham City – For those who prefer action packed story-based game play, Arkham City definitely hits the spot.

Modern Warfare 3 – The Call of Duty series is one of the most popular online FPS out there, and Modern Warfare 3 is its latest installment.

Portal 2 – Somewhat of a casual puzzle game, Portal 2 is an FPS that thinks outside of the box. Be prepared for some quick witted humor and addictive game play in both single and multi player modes.

Not shopping for a PC gamer? The Xbox, PS3, and Wii all have online stores, though they are a bit more limited. The Xbox Marketplace has a decent game library, but transferring gifts can be difficult, and you will need a Windows Live account. The PlayStation Network has an equally impressive library, but many of its games cannot be downloaded. The Wii Shopping Channel (accessed on the Wii itself) is actually the most limited of the three. It generally only has indie titles and previous console classics available for download, not that there’s anything wrong with the classics.

Other Downloadables

Games aren’t the only thing you can download. Apple iTunes, Amazon MP3 (complete with the Music Gift Store), and Google Music all have just about every song/album you can imagine, all for sale, and all available instantly.

Shopping for someone who has a tablet or e-reader? Why not get them an E-Book? Amazon has a lofty E-Book store, and Google’s is certainly filling its shelves quickly. And don’t forget iTunes.

Movie purchases, unfortunately, haven’t really moved into the realm of instantly downloadable purchases; however, online rental subscriptions can be purchased in the blink of an eye. Netflix, Hulu Plus, and Blockbuster Total Access offer movies delivered to your mailbox or streaming over the internet.

Gift Cards

Yes, gift cards start getting into the realm of impersonal gifts, but they still work well in a pinch. Not only do many stores, restaurants, and establishments offer gift card purchases online, you can also run down to the local supermarket (most of them anyway) and select from a handful of popular choices, like Best Buy, Starbucks, iTunes, and nearby restaurants.

Laptops and Desktop PCs

If you’re getting a new computer for someone (or if someone you know has a big surprise waiting for him this Christmas), there are plenty of useful – and sometimes necessary – peripherals you might want to get them as well. Desktop PCs, in particular, are pretty useless without a monitor and a pair of speakers. A mouse and keyboard are more likely to come bundled, but they could be especially useful for anyone getting a new laptop.

Slightly less necessary, but still practical, gifts are options, too. A USB flash drive or external hard drive can be useful for transferring files from an old computer to the new one. And software is always handy, too – from Microsoft Office to the latest PC games. A few other things to remember are power cords, surge protectors, and Ethernet cables.

HDTVs and Blu-Ray Players

Each year, more and more households make the switch to HD. A quality HDMI cable is an absolute necessity that many HDTVs don’t include, and most Blu-Ray and other HD devices prefer to bundle poor quality cables. A mounting bracket makes a great gift, too; although, make sure it’s compatible with the TV (and that the recipient plans on mounting it in the first place). And remember, and HDTV isn’t much good without any HD content. Blu-Ray movies will go great with that Blu-Ray player.

Gaming Consoles

Both the PlayStation 3 and Xbox 360 make use of HDMI connections, but neither typically come bundled with an HDMI cable. The Wii technically isn’t HD compatible out of the box, but there are HD adapters available. Extra controllers are always important to consider (and of course their batteries and chargers) no matter which console you’re getting. There are plenty of other console accessories, too, like headsets, memory cards, and specialized controllers. Don’t forget to include a few games.

Smartphones and Tablets

Smartphones and tablets usually come with everything you need right out of the box, but there’s a lot that is easy to overlook. Most states now have laws against driving while using your phone without a hands-free device. A Bluetooth headset makes an excellent companion gift to a smartphone. Headphones do, too, since the bundled ear buds generally aren’t of the best quality. Vehicle mounting kits can also be useful, especially with all of the GPS features smartphones have these days.

For use as multimedia, tablets and smartphones often need a special HDMI cord in order to connect to an HDTV. Other adapters and battery chargers can be practical gifts, too. The same goes for micro SD cards, for the mobile devices that support them.

Deus Ex: Human Revolution

Deus Ex: Human Revolution came out earlier this year and became an instant hit. Since it’s part of a series that dates back a full 11 years, it definitely appeals to the more matured gamers, but its action packed and well-rounded game play (save for a few awkward boss battles) makes it a great game even for those who never played the original Deus Ex. It’s best played on the PC, but it’s also available on Xbox 360 and PS3, and keep in mind that it is intended for ages 17+.

Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim

Skyrim is a newly released game that will definitely be one of the top sellers this holiday season, and easily one of the highest rated and most anticipated games of the year. It is available on Xbox 360, PS3, and PC, similar to Deus Ex: HR. Also similar to Deus Ex is its ESRB rating of “Mature;” however, it is far less graphic of a game in comparison.

Saints Row: The Third

Saints Row is a gritty third-person shooter about being on the wrong side of the law and caught in the middle of a gang war. Another ESRB “Mature” title, you can expect it to be much like the controversial Grand Theft Auto games. Like most games these days, it’s also available on multiple platforms, though it plays best on the PS3 and Xbox 360.

Batman Arkham City

Arkham City is the first title on our list that does not carry the “Mature” rating. Instead, the ESRB has rated this one “Teen.” The game has received very high acclaim and is well liked by both teenage and adult gamers. Of course, you’ll probably want to have played Batman Arkham Asylum first, as this is a direct sequel. Again, this one is available on several platforms (even the upcoming Wii U sometime in 2012), but it plays best on the consoles.

Battlefield 3

This is one you’ll definitely want to get for the PC. As an online first-person shooter, the PC version offers the best controller options and server support. Even though it’s rated “Mature,” animated war-time violence and some strong language is as bad as the game gets (really more on the level of Arkham City). The Battlefield series has always been a fan favorite in the first-person shooter genre, and Battlefield 3 is no exception.

Don’t be afraid to get adventurous and wander over to our Video Game Section. There are hundreds of very highly rated games to give you great gift ideas, and be sure to keep an eye on our blog for even more great Holiday Helper guides to come.

Price

The price tag on a high-end gaming computer has always been a deterrent for those looking to get into PC gaming. When the PS3 Slim is just $300, why spend thousands on a gaming PC? Well, there’s a counterargument. We’ve come to the point where a computer is almost a necessity in every household, and typically speaking, if you spend about $300 more on a new PC (opting for a video card and CPU upgrade), you’ll be pretty well suited to play most high-end PC games as well. This round is a tie.

Graphics

When they first hit the market, the Xbox 360 and PS3 were both nearly on par with modern gaming PC’s in terms of video graphics capability. The problem is that consoles get stuck in the era they’re created in, while PCs see advancement every year. Over the past 5 years since the current generation consoles’ release, PC hardware has quadrupled in performance, leading to spectacular leaps in gaming visual effects. Point, PC.

Learning Curve

Gaming on a console is simple, just turn it on, pop in the disc, and start playing. On a PC, it’s not so simple. First you have to install the game; then you usually have to fiddle with a few settings, maybe install a patch or two…It’s not rocket science, but it does take a bit of an adjustment compared to the simplicity of console gaming. This ties it up.

Controls

Gaming controls are generally a matter of personal preference. For the First Person Shooter crowd, playing games like Portal 2 and Left 4 Dead 2, the aiming accuracy of a PC’s mouse and keyboard is the typical choice. Adventure gamers tend to prefer a gamepad like an Xbox or PS3 controller. The PC holds the advantage here, supporting many gamepads (including the Xbox 360 controller) as well as a mouse and keyboard. The Wii certainly gives the PC’s controller options a run for their money, but we think they still manage the win. PC takes the lead, 2 to 1.

Multiplayer

Online gaming is definitely the direction multiplayer games are taking, and the online world was essentially tailor made for the PC. Compared to consoles, online games on PC’s have more dedicated servers for smoother connections, better match making, and versatile communication options. Consoles are really playing catch-up hear; however, they do have one key advantage: offline multiplayer. All you need is an extra controller. For the PC, your buddy would need to lug over his own PC as well as his own copy of the game, and you’d need to be able to network your PC’s together. Each has their strong points, but this round is a tie.

Longevity

The key difference between PC and console gaming is how long your hardware will last. The best looking PC games also need the newest, fastest PC hardware. This means that awesome PC game you’re waiting for next month may not run on your 3-year old gaming laptop. Consoles don’t have that problem. If the game is made for your console, it’ll work, no matter how old.

Yeah, this means it’s a draw, but we feel PC gaming should come first for those who think they might be interested in computers for more than just gaming. If it’s only about the games, a console will do just fine.

1: Portal 2

You’ve probably already noticed the trend that Portal 2 is among the top games for every platform that it’s available on. It’s really that great of a game. If you don’t already have it, buy it (though the PC version should be your first choice).

2: L.A. Noire

L.A. Noire is one of the most popular games this year, on both PS3 and Xbox 360 (and likely PC when that version is released later this year). As a stylistic third-person shooter with A LOT of cinematic qualities, the PS3’s hardware is better configured to make the most out of the game, making it a slightly better experience over the Xbox 360 version.

3: inFAMOUS 2

As a direct sequel to its 2009 counterpart, the just released inFAMOUS 2 is basically a direct continuation in the storyline. The game play remains much the same as the original, running around, completing missions, and gaining power; however, inFAMOUS 2 includes a new features that allows players to create their own missions and share them with other real players around the globe. Critics give the game relatively high scores, and as more user-generated content is populated, they game will only get better.

4: Killzone 3

Killzone 3 is extremely similar to its predecessor. Its new features are primarily cosmetic but bring a much more encompassing environment to the first-person shooter. Optional use of the Playstation Move controller also contributes greatly to the game play. The multiplayer mode is hailed as rivaling that of Call of Duty: Black Ops, one of the best in the genre. Where Killzone 3 falters in comparison with its predecessor is the storyline, which doesn’t quite deliver as strongly as Killzone 2.

5: Mortal Kombat

Mortal Kombat returns! Keeping true to its roots, this 2011 edition of Mortal Kombat delivers a story driven 2D fighting experience, but with enhanced 3D graphics. Praised for its balanced characters and classic look, Mortal Kombat is sure to take you back to your younger gaming days. Chief complaints revolve around the difficulty of some levels forcing you to take less than honorable approaches to win, though this, too, remains true to the original titles of the series.

Check out more  PS3 gaming reviews in our PS3 Games Category. Remember to sort by alaScore to find the top rated.

Top Games for the PlayStation 3

God of War III

The God of War series has been an extremely popular PlayStation title, and God of War III is no exception. The game play stays true to the epic adventure of the previous titles, putting you in control of the Hero Kratos, on his mission to strike down the gods once and for all.

Heavy Rain

The Origami Killer is at large, and it’s your job to track him down and stop him from killing again. Follow four main characters, each with their own leads and motives in a thrilling crime drama, full of unexpected twists and turns.

Red Dead Redemption

This one is actually a cross-platform game, available on all of the major consoles. Rockstar Games pretty much took their immensely popular Grand Theft Auto series and gave it an old western spin. The result is a great game with a fresh story.

Uncharted 2: Among Thieves

The first Uncharted game was really designed to showcase the amazing capabilities of the PS3, and while it looked great, it was a bit dull to play. Uncharted 2 takes those amazing graphics and pairs them with more dynamic gameplay, creating an excellent experience.

Castlevania: Lords of Shadow

The Castlevania series has been around for over 20 years, and Lords of Shadow is among the best of the series. It’s a classic mix of combat and puzzles, staying true to the series but with the added perk of modern 3D graphics.

These games not quite doing it for you? Take a look at our full list of PS3 games, and maybe you’ll find a few new favorites.