We ‘re putting this together as they’re shutting off the lights, but we wanted to get one last post out before the holidays. Lots of you will get together with family and friends over the next week or so, and XBLA has the kind of games that are great for those moments. Whether hooking up online or on the couch we’ve got you covered.

Voltron: Defenders of the Universe – review

Nowhere else can you find solid, five player co-op. Sure, only four players can play together locally, but if that cousin hours away picks up the game you can enjoy this gem the way it was meant to be played. The lion sequences are great at being a twin-stick shooter without alienating those who aren’t married to the genre, and the Voltron levels have a unique way of having a team work together.

Fruit Ninja Kinect – review

Though it requires Kinect, this is one of the few games that not only makes you look like a silly fool (like most Kinect games), but also it a total blast to play. You may feel silly, but at the same time you’ll be smiling ear to ear as you slice virtual fruit and compete against that smart alec uncle who thinks he’s good at everything. If you’re not playing, you’re watching, and that’s pure entertainment in itself.

 

Castle Crashers – review

If you’re looking for a hilarious, solid beat em’ up look no further. In fact if you don’t own this one then you’re not a true fan of great gaming. With vivid animation, brilliant gameplay, four player co-op and a slew of unlockables it’s a must-have for everyone’s collection.

Hydro Thunder Hurricane – review

Racing games, like shooters, are a dime a dozen. It takes something truly special to not only catch the gaze of racing fans, but to also interest every other player out there. Plus this might be one of your only opportunities to get the Humans Goooood achievement, which requires four human players to place in the top four of any race.

*Protip – get the Tempest Pack DLC. It adds three incredible tracks, two new boats, expert versions of non-expert boats, and more skins. You’ll love it.

Raskulls – review

Raskulls is what you get when you mix a platformer with Super Smash Bros. It’s a little bit of both, but not a ton of either. The characters are cute and varied, the gameplay is easy to pick up, and multiplayer is downright furious. The entire game can be completed in a short time, but there are lots of extras to unlock. If you’re thirsty for more varied characters two DLC packs contain any conceivable hero/baddie you’d want to play as.

TNT Racers – review

Any fan of the classic Micro Machines will eat this one up. Its top-down perspective means that everyone can share the screen, and the zany powerups are enough to burst even your dear aging grandma into a fit of laughter. Just try to avoid that giant hammer as your cousin tries to smash you to pieces. Yep, it’s simple. But in its simplicity is a big package that can keep the whole extended family entertained until they fly back to their home after the new year. If you run out of road two DLC packs can expand the fun to the total tune of four additional cars and eight new tracks.