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 games that you can play with your family. From hilarious mischief to casual brawlers, there’s a good choice to whet your appetite.
Of course, if we’ve missed any of your favorites, feel free to comment below and we’ll get them added on when we can!
Mario Party (Series)
Next to Mario Kart, Mario Party is another stellar game that will entertain anyone. This game features multiple mini-games, varied game board designs, distinct items, and a colorful cast of characters to play as. This is a title that’s best played in a group online or offline.
Unfortunately, most Mario Party games don’t feature online functionality because they were released many years ago. Nonetheless, the titles that have access to online play should suffice. For those unaware, your main agenda is to collect stars by each board game’s end.
You’ll do so by purchasing them at specific locations via coins, collecting them through special events, or stealing them from other players via items. Winning mini-games will net you coins that you can use to buy wonderful items and the stars. If you’re looking for a fun multiplayer game you can enjoy at a casual and competitive level, check out any of the Mario Party games.
Mario Kart (Series)
In the same vein as Mario Party, Mario Kart spans quite a legacy. This is another game series that aims to ruin your bonds with people because of its hilarious and mind-numbing RNG arcade racer mechanics. Like any racing game, your goal is to claim first place in each race’s final round.
Through items, excellent maneuverability, and track knowledge, you’ll find yourself going head-to-head on highly stylized race tracks with exhilarating music. Later Mario Kart entries introduced online functionality that allows you to race people from across the world.
On that note, these games feature a boatload of characters to pick from like King Boo to Baby Mario. The characters differ from each other in weight classes. For example, Bowser would be considered a heavy character while someone like Baby Luigi is considered a light character.
This helps each character feel different in style and play. Furthermore, if you need a break from racing, fear not. Most Mario Kart games feature battle modes where you can compete in epic mini-games like Balloon Battle or Shine Thief. These mini-games give these games high replay value and something for fans to play when they grow bored with racing.
Wii Sports Resort
Wii Sports Resort is an incredible sequel to one of Nintendo’s best-selling titles. This game adds more summer-themed activities while retaining what made fans fall head over heels for the first game. On that note, this game includes more sports and activities than Wii Sports.
In Wii Sports Resort, you can participate in activities like basketball, archery, and table tennis. This game makes astounding use of the Wii Motion Plus peripheral, allowing for more immersive gameplay. While it doesn’t have any online functionality, this game’s a joy to play with folks at home.
Furthermore, this game will motivate you and your family to get off the ground and start moving. If you’re in need of a fun title to play with family and friends and have a Wii lying around, I’d recommend picking up Wii Sports Resort.
Minecraft
Where Wii Sports got people to get off their feet, Minecraft encouraged them to explore the deepest layers of their subconscious. This amusing survival and adventurous title encourage players to craft objects and worlds of their wildest imaginations.
In this game, you’ll be dropped into a vast environment full of wildlife and forested areas. Your goal is to survive each night by using your environment’s resources to craft tools, shelter, armor, and weaponry. The main objective is to collect certain artifacts to fight the game’s final boss, the Ender Dragon.
However, the game can be played in any way you want. If you want to spend your time building up incredible weaponry to slay that beast, you can. If you want to craft a city full of economy and architecture, no one will stop you. This is a game where you can do anything you want as long as you have the proper tools.
That said, Minecraft offers unbelievable online servers where you can participate in mini-games or converse with others worldwide. With its consistent updates, soothing atmosphere, and addictive gameplay loop, Minecraft’s a worthy title to play with your family.
Super Mario 3D World + Bowser’s Fury
The Nintendo WII U was home to many fun games that didn’t get much attention because the system sold poorly in many eyes. One of the games that gained another opportunity to shine was Super Mario 3D World which was released on the WII U in 2013.
In 2021, this game saw an enhanced re-release on Nintendo Switch and featured a new campaign mode called Bowser’s fury for people to play. This mode had players witness Mario teaming up with Bowser’s son, Bowser Jr to defeat Bowser. It contained a great mix of 2.5D and 3D-level designs.
Like its previous iteration, this one offers phenomenal co-op play. You and three other plays can play through the game in its entirety as some of Super Mario Bros. iconic characters. With its new and memorable power-ups, fun boss battles, and beautiful visuals, this is a game worth playing with your family and friends.
Gang Beasts
If you’ve been seeking an indie party game where you are tasked with making your opponents’ lives a nightmare, Gang Beasts awaits you. This is a simplistic wrestling-themed title full of hilarity and charm. This game contains cutesy characters who compete in a dangerous royal rumble-like bout.
On that note, this game leans heavily into melee and grapple-oriented combat. The goal is to beat up your opponents by punching, kicking, or using distinct grapple techniques. Once they reached maximum damage, you must pick them up and toss them out of the arena.
Gang Beasts gameplay feels more melee and grapple-focused than Fall Guys. In it, players must beat up others using punches, kicks, and other grapple techniques. Once they have reached their limit, you must pick them up and toss them out of the arena.
There are many colorful maps to choose from and the games offer a slew of customizable options that you’ll adore. For those worried, Gang Beasts features a comeback mechanic where you can escape your foe’s grapples. That said, you’re in for a hilariously fun time with this game.
Just Dance (Series)
Just Dance is Dance Dance Revolution taken to the next level. Not only does this game make you sweat but it gives players a fun attempt at exercise. This is an amusing game that promotes health by enticing players to perform dance moves in the same manner as its in-game instructors.
This motion-based dancing game incorporates a great blend of retro and modern songs. This game awards its players with a slew of points and praiseworthy ranks for perfectly mimicking the instructors’ dance moves. Those who can complete the game’s challenging maneuvers will attain additional points.
This game can help anyone lose weight if they balance their dance routines and eating habits well. Just Dance 2023 plans to take the series to a new level by granting players access to an online mode where they can set up dancing group sessions with friends. If you’re looking for an immersive dancing game with a great variety of music and dances, give Just Dance a shot.
Dance Dance Revolution (Series)
Dance Dance Revolution (DDR) is a stupendous dance and rhythm game that revolutionized its genre. Each game includes many memorable tracks from popular artists and bands. It contains an appealing gameplay loop that’ll appeal t casual gamers and dancing experts.
This game helps people understand and appreciate music. The gameplay has players choose from a variety of songs. Once chosen, you’ll be taken to a simulation screen with four arrows pointing up, down, left, and right. Arrows will appear from the bottom and work their way to the top of the screen.
As soon as these arrows connect, you must press on the correct symbol via your dance pad to score points. By the track’s end, you’ll be awarded a rank based on your performance. Although the formula seems to have died down due to other games’ innovations, it’s great to look back at what DDR achieved.
This game promoted physical fitness and showed that people can become active while playing video games. If you ever stumble upon a DDR machine at a restaurant or bar, definitely give it a try.
Super Smash Bros. Ultimate
Super Smash Bros. Ultimate (SSBU) is arguably the best game in the series. It contains a massive 80+ character roster, multiple stages, casual and competitive mechanics, and astonishing visuals. It’s one of those titles that garners Nintendo much attention because fans always love anticipating who’ll join the fray.
While its DLC development came to a close in late 2021, many fans adore sharing their memories of the game with other Nintendo enthusiasts. The game’s modes offer much replay value and there are hundreds of achievements and unlockables to keep you busy.
SSBU allows you to play with up to eight players in one match. That said, if you are looking for a remarkable title to play with your family or friends online or offline, I’d checks out Super Smash Bros. Ultimate.
Overcooked (Series)
Overcooked is a quirky cooking party game where you and a partner must bake remarkable dishes. You must serve these dishes to customers at timely intervals. This game entices players to strategize and maneuver around their areas with persistence. At the same time, the game can become a chaotic pool of zaniness.
Overcooked replicate the struggles restaurant workers face when dealing with a heavy amount of customer orders. You’ll find yourself making silly mistakes from messing up an order to serving customers the wrong dish. Continuous play can lead to better results, though.
This game features a great variety of meals for you to cook. The stages you’ll be cooking in vary in design and theme. For instance, there is a level where you’ll be cooking at locations with numerous hazards. This helps add challenge to the game and makes it feel different from other fast-paced cooking titles like Diner Dash.
If you’re searching for a fun cooking game that’ll challenge and educate you about culinary arts, give Overcooked a shot.
So, there we have it, our picks for the best games to play with your loved ones!
What do you think of our picks? Do you agree? Are there any notable omissions? Let us know in the comments below!