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Party games are an incredibly popular genre of videogame that we think everybody should try at least once. But what are they and why should you play them?
What Are Party Games?
What makes a party game a party game is debatable. They are sometimes classified as a collection of mini-games, but can often be individual games in their own right. But the common thread that joins them is the idea of simple, intuitive, and competitive gameplay, often with a healthy injection of humor.
Party games tend to fall into two main categories: local multiplayer and online multiplayer. Each one offers a different player experience. Local multiplayer is sometimes referred to as couch co-op or local co-op. These games involve players competing on the same console, computer, or network.
Where players go head-to-head on the same system, local multiplayer games might involve split-screen action, such as Mario Kart 8 Deluxe. Alternatively, they might involve frenetic shared screen co-op gameplay, like Overcooked 2.
Online multiplayer party games involve multiple players interacting in a shared online environment. Online multiplayer party games usually involve a greater number of participants and can be cooperative in nature (with all players collaborating to achieve the same objectives) or competitive (with every individual out for themselves). You can also use a feature like Remote Play Together on Steam to play a local co-op game online.
Some online multiplayer games such as Among Us spice things up a bit, by introducing a rogue element. In this game, players must work together to complete a series of objectives to prepare their spacecraft for launch. However, one of these players is appointed as a saboteur, and their aim is to stop the launch and wipe out the other players.
As the player base is larger with online multiplayer party games, the scope of the gameplay can be wider, too. But the premise of the game will always be relatively simple.
Party games are designed to provide an easy, pick-up-and-play experience. The simpler the premise, the broader the player base. And with many party games incorporating auto-balancing features to address skill gaps between players, they have an inclusive approach to their gameplay.
The main element of any party game is fun; good, simple fun. They don’t overwhelm you with tricky controls to master or convoluted storylines. They provide instant gratification. They cater to different-sized groups and can be played in short, dynamic sessions, requiring only a fraction of the time that other games demand.
Why Everyone Should Try This Genre at Least Once
Party games have a broad appeal. They appeal to both seasoned gamers and non-gamers alike, and their content is typically child-friendly too—making them suitable for any age group. They manage to foster the kind of friendly competitive spirit that rarely seems to exist in other gaming genres, where opponents tend to be regarded as “enemies”.
The key to a successful party game seems to be simplicity. Simple controls that are easy to master, a simple objective for each player, and rounds that can be completed in a few short minutes. It’s a winning formula and one that everybody should try at least once.
Whether it’s co-op couch-play or online multiplayer, party games are easy to dip in and out of. It’s the kind of good, clean fun that can easily bridge the gap between generations. A good party game has that “just-one-more-go” hook that keeps players coming back for more.
Many party games are also inherently humorous, with loveable characters that add immeasurably to the appeal. Fall Guys is a great example of this. This online multiplayer knockout-style competition sees each player attempting to traverse a series of ever more devious and ridiculous obstacle courses in a race to the finish line.
Should you fail to make the cut, your character is eliminated from the next round. Every player character can be customized with a neverending amount of over-the-top skins and costumes which adds to the fun factor, and the chaotic action makes this game laugh out loud funny.
Elsewhere, classic mini-game collections like Mario Party Superstars see up to four players competing in events like the pizza-eating game (where players crawl on their bellies across a gigantic pizza, consuming as much of it as possible within the time limit), and Pushy Penguins (my daughter’s favorite), where players have to duck and weave their way through a stampede of penguins to avoid being knocked off an iceberg.
The scope of party games is huge. Examples such as Nintendo Switch Sports (a current-gen descendant of Wii Sports) base their mini-games around real-life sports, such as tennis, bowling, and volleyball. Older rhythm game examples such as Guitar Hero (and more recently, Rock Band) see players using peripheral controllers in the form of musical instruments, to ‘play’ their favorite rock songs.
Party games can be racing games, sports games, trivia games, platform games, player vs player (PVP) games, and mini-games — the list is endless. So whether you’re into combat arena-style games like Towerfall Ascension, social deduction games like Goose Goose Duck, or you prefer a mini-game compendium like the Jackbox Party Pack, you’ll find something to tickle your fancy.
The best party games are easy to learn and accessible to everyone. No matter how old you are, or how experienced you are at gaming, party games have that unique aspect of bringing everybody together. They eschew the stereotype of gaming being an individual pastime and encourage social interaction, whether it’s in a more localized community or a global one.
You don’t need hours of free time to play a party game. They are the epitome of quick-fix gaming and their replayability factor is often off the charts. You can even find party games on mobile.
Party games are a showcase for what makes gaming fun. Grab a few buddies and fire up some party games and you have a recipe for a great night in. Stuck indoors with family over the holidays? Why not liven things up with some party game action? And if you find yourself at a loose end, you can launch some online party games, and play with friends you’ve yet to meet from around the globe.
