There are a lot of video games out there and in this era of mobile and home-based gaming, the choices have never been greater. So how do you cut through the noise and find the “Best of” for any chosen topic?
Well, we’re here to help celebrate and shine a spotlight on some of the latest, greatest, and unforgettable games through the years.
For our ongoing series of articles depicting the best video games, our attention this time turns to great games that’ll appeal to teenagers. From superhero gems to exciting shooters, there are enough games here to satisfy teenage gamers.
Feel free to leave your thoughts about our choices in the comments below.
Marvel’s Spider-Man 2
After the amount of praise Marvel’s Spider-Man received when it was released in 2018, it made sense for Insomniac Games to produce a sequel for fans to look forward to. Marvel’s Spider-Man 2 offers similar gameplay as the first but adds a bunch of fun elements in the mix to make it worth any gamer’s time.
This game features Peter Parker and Miles Morales battling Kraven the Hunter, the Lizard, Venom, and more villains in New York City. The game gives players more ways to explore this luxurious city and new suit powers to use against foes. If you enjoyed Insomniac Games’ previous Spider-Man titles, you’ll likely enjoy Marvel’s Spider-Man 2.
Street Fighter 6
Street Fighter 6 was a beautiful return to form for Capcom’s beloved fighting game franchise. This game includes a nice mix of veterans and newcomers for fans to utilize in a battle against players worldwide. The game includes a compelling World Tour mode that allows players to create a character and embark on a journey to become a street-fighting master.
Additionally, Capcom likes to hold various collaborations with other media franchises. From TMNT to the upcoming collab with the hit spy-themed anime, Spy X Family, Capcom’s looking to do whatever it takes to entice gamers to play Street Fighter 6. If you’re a teenager who wants to dabble in the world of competitive fighters, check this out.
Metroid Prime Remastered
Metroid is one of Nintendo’s franchises fans are excited to see the company tap into more on the Nintendo Switch. Considering fans are still waiting for news on Metroid Prime 4 (as of this writing) it made sense for Nintendo to return to their archives and remaster the first Metroid Prime title. This game looked remarkable on the Nintendo GameCube, but the Nintendo Switch version feels superior.
With its enhanced graphics, better control scheme, and faithfulness to the original, fans new and old will enjoy this sci-fi-themed endeavor. Metroid Prime follows Samus, a powerful bounty hunter who explores various environments that harbor thought-provoking puzzles, creatures, and secrets. Although these hurdles will tamper with Samus’s ventures, she won’t let that stop her.
Final Fantasy VII Remake
Final Fantasy VII Remake offers teenagers a compelling reimagining of the PlayStation JRPG classic. Like the original, this game offers a rich storyline, multifaceted cast, and great world-building. Its story delves into themes of friendship and sacrifice, which will resonate with teenagers who are struggling to grapple with their journeys in life.
Cloud Strife is a phenomenal protagonist who suffers from identity issues. Teenagers who suffer from similar identity problems may foster empathy for Cloud and cheer for him to succeed. Additionally, the game features great action with enough fascinating boss battles that will keep you immersed in the experience. Coupled with enjoyable side quests and great voice acting, Final Fantasy VII Remake is worth any teenager’s time.
You can read our thoughts on Final Fantasy VII Remake in our game review here!
The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom
The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom is a marvellous follow-up to Nintendo’s The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild. This game offers a similar world for fans to explore. However, this game introduces a new storyline, a unique set of gameplay mechanics, and riveting lore for players to discover. The game’s building system will immerse players in this world the most.
It gives players incredible creativity. From crafting cars to building enormous metallic kaiju, many will compare its creative liberties to titles like Minecraft. Additionally, the game features the usual shrines from Breath of the Wild. These shrines will entice teenagers to think outside the box at times, allowing them to develop their critical thinking skills. If you happen to own a Nintendo Switch or plan to buy one in the future, make sure this game’s on your wishlist.
Cuphead
Cuphead is a challenging run-and-gun platformer that’ll frustrate teenagers. However, its challenging level design will help them become professionals in the genre, making future Cuphead playthroughs delightful. Cuphead follows two brothers named Cuphead and Mugman. After making a deal with the devil, they must reclaim the souls of numerous debtors to appease the devil.
This will take Cuphead and Mugman through numerous side-scrolling levels and boss battles. Both offer a worthy challenge and it’s likely teenagers will perish numerous times. Yet, Cuphead ensures players will be satisfied after completing its challenging endeavours, making it a worthwhile learning experience for teenagers who are old or new to the platforming genre. With its rubber hose-styled graphics and fabulous cast, Cuphead is a worthwhile purchase.
Planet Coaster
Amusement parks are notorious for being places teenagers often visit to have a fine night out with their friends. Planet Coaster gives those teenagers a similar experience from the comfort of their homes. Additionally, its gameplay allows teenagers to unleash their creativity and design capabilities through its amusement park managing and crafting mechanics.
This game provides players with a wonderful mode where they can build and customize an amusement park. From roller coasters to nifty decorations, this game gives players great creative liberties and fosters a sense of innovation, accomplishment, and satisfaction.
You can read our thoughts on Planet Coaster in our game review here!
Fortnite
Fortnite is one of the most popular third-person shooters of all time. With its evergrowing fandom, rich content, and alluring gameplay, it’s no wonder this free-to-play venture’s been going strong since its inception. Fortnite has multiple modes for players to participate in, from a 100-man battle royale mode to duos, squads, and triples.
Furthermore, the game features an online ecosystem where players can create their games within it. These game modes not only satisfy teenagers’ competitive shooter urge but also entice them to think creatively and critically. In addition to offering players great cosmetics from popular franchises and icons, Fortnite promises teenagers will be pleased with its content.
Batman: Arkham City
Spider-Man is not the only superhero with a great video game for teenagers. Enter Batman Arkham City, a game featuring a captivating narrative, grandiose visuals, and wonderful gameplay. Batman Arkham City has players control Batman who has been imprisoned in Arkham City, a well-established prison in Gotham.
As Batman, you must locate Hugo Strange (Arkham’s Ward) and thwart his nefarious plans. Additionally, the game features other villains from Batman’s catalog like the Joker. So if teenagers find Hugo unworthy, then they’ll at least have some fun villains to contend with in this game. The combat is fabulous, too, and the game offers numerous action and detective-centric missions to complete. If you’re looking for an action-packed superhero game from the DC Universe, purchase this one.
Uncharted (Franchise)
Naughty Dog is a grandiose studio in the gaming industry. They’ve created fabulous IP over the years from Crash Bandicoot to The Last of Us. Uncharted is another one of their properties that garnered critical and fan acclaim. This game offers players a rich, realistic world with engaging plotlines, clever puzzles, and compelling third-person shooter mechanics.
Its protagonist, Nathan Drake, embodies a fantastic adventurous spirit. His passion for exploration will rub off on teenagers and may inspire them to explore the real world to see secrets lie within it. Additionally, its puzzles will boost teenagers’ critical thinking skills, which is integral for one’s journey into adulthood. On top of having captivating encounters and memorable twists, the Uncharted games are worth purchasing.
So, there we have it, our pick for the best video games for teenagers through the years!
What do you think of our picks? Do you agree? Are there any notable omissions? Let us know in the comments below!