This blog is called “Video Games Party”. The key ingredient is really…the Games! Some games are great for playing by yourself, but really kill a party when you just have people watch you play. Some games are great for multiplayer or teams, but people that aren’t experts get left out quickly. This list of party games are fairly easy to learn, and fun for people the first time they play. I also exclude older games, which may be difficult to find and use. This practical list is when you want to have a Video Game Party!
- Mario Kart
Platforms: Wii U, Wii, N64, SNES
Typically up to 8 people can race at once, if you have enough Wii Remotes (Wiimotes). Learning is easy, playing is fun, games don’t last too long so people can get up and eat or drink, switch places or generally have a good time while playing. - Guitar Hero (any version)
Platforms: XBox One, XBox 360, Playstation 3, Playstation 4, Wii
Only two people can actually play at once (in most versions), and you need the guitar accessory, but with a great selection of songs this game can replace your iPod for music (and, really, nobody is impressed by your great musical taste). It is almost as fun to watch as to play. Not as easy to learn and get the hang of, but everyone will want to join in. Even the people that were really good haven’t played in a while, so you can count on them to be rusty. - Halo (any version, but especially I and II)
Platforms: XBox One, XBox, XBox 360
This is the game that made XBox 360 the dominant console of its generation. Best if you have multiple consoles and everyone has their own screen (as I often recommend, check out PLAYlive Nation or a similar gaming center that has this all ready to go for you). Fans of first person shooters (FPS) may like newer games better, but Halo remains one of the best for a mix of newbies and pros. - Super Smash Bros
Platforms: Wii U, Wii
A lot of people are really into this game, and it can only be enjoyed with a group of people. Certainly one of the most popular party games, but bring a newbie into a group of experienced players and they may get frustrated quickly, as the losers have to sit and wait for the better players to beat it out. Once you get everyone at an even skill level though, be warned, you might just end up playing all night long. - Just Dance (any version)
Platforms: XBox One, Playstation 4, Wii, Wii U, XBox 360
It may not be Dance Dance Revolution, which was fantastic in its day, but Just Dance is a good way to get people moving. It requires Kinect on the XBox consoles, and you have to hold the controller in the others. But, again, music and movement make it a party. - Mortal Combat (any version)
Platforms: XBox One, Playstation 4, Wii U, etc.
Mortal Combat has surpassed Street Fighter as the fighting game of choice. The beginner can just punch, block and kick and still have a decent chance of victory with little practice, but it doesn’t matter much. Everyone likes to watch a good fight. Take turns, one loss and you are out, winner keeps his seat. - Tony Hawk’s Pro Skater
Platforms: XBox One, Playstation 4
The newest generation of consoles has little to offer for this style of game, sliding down a big hill and doing tricks. We haven’t seen anything like SSX or Amped in a couple years, but Pro Skater delivers a lot of the excitement. Easy to play, fun to watch, excellent party game. - Madden Football (aka Madden NFL)
Platforms: Everything
This ranks low because not only is it only 2 people at a time, it is a difficult game to learn for people that don’t like football, and the games last a long time. However, it remains one of the most commonly played games at video game parties. It is fun to watch if you are a football fan and feels like the real thing, and somehow the games are almost always won on the final play. - Evolve
Platforms: XBox One, Playstation 4
Evolve is new. It isn’t quite a shooter, not really a fighting game or an RPG. It’s just pretty fun and a little bit of everything. It is very fun as a party game if you have 4 or 5 people, and no more. With 5 people, 4 players must cooperate to destroy and kill the 5th, but the 5th plays the monster and is quite powerful. Perhaps not very popular (yet) but I encourage people to check it out. - Everything Else! Ok, this is a cheat, but there are so many other games you can play. I tried to mix up the genres, but great shooters include Call of Duty, Borderlands, Battlefield. Nintendo makes a bunch of good group games such as Mario Party and Wii Sports. Soccer fans love Fifa and basketball fans prefer NBA2K16 to anything else. Castle Crashers and #IDARB get honorable mention. Rock Band is preferred over Guitar Hero for those that like to sing or play drums. Racing games aren’t super popular the newest generation of consoles, but are fun for the new kids.
Now get out there and PARTY!