Couch multiplayer games

[Prpl_Mage]

Have you ever invited some friends over? You eat some burgers, drink some coke or beer and then you go play some multiplayer games.

You boot the Wii U, you play some mario kart and super smash, then you get tired of it and play some mario party and Fast raving neo. Eventually you feel like "Hmm, I've done this before right?" You are correct, Smash bros was released about 2 years ago and mario kart as well.
You could always plug in the Wii or the gamecube but you realize that you are old! (Smash bros brawl was released 2008) and you stare down the drawer and realize that you are not only old, but your taste in multiplayer games is like rather repetitive.

In conclusion, I realize that me and my friends tend to do the exact same thing when we eventually meet up. New games are released but we only get the new version of a game we have played since 1998. I feel like I need to break this pattern at least, get inspired, especially when the latest mario party was so and so.

So what games do you people tend to play with your friends? I'm mostly interested in games you can play 2-4 people while sitting the same room. We tend to play PC games online from time to time, team brawlers, FPS, strategy, Diablo-ish, terraria, stuff like that. So when we meet up we tend to play more competitive games rather than cooperative.

[Archem]

Sadly, most of my friends have spread out across the country over the years. When I do play games with them, it's usually online. The handful of times that the friends who still live close by are able to congregate, we just end up playing Smash or something.

That said, I've been seeing some great games for couch play starting to surface. A lot of the more interesting ones seem to be on Steam, so break out those Xbox controllers.

Duck Game - PC
You play as a bunch of ducks trying to murder each other. It's got a little bit of Smash in it (2D perspective, item pickups), but it's a more fast-paced game.

Monaco - PC, Xbox 360
It's a stealth/heist game where you try and steal things without dying. Really good, but it can get pretty tough.

Starwhal - PC, Xbox One, PS3, PS4, Wii U
A 2D game where you play as Starwhals, space narwhals, and you try to stab each other with your horns. Last Starwhal standing wins.

Rocket League - PC, Xbox One, PS4
If you don't know this game, you must have been living under a rock. It's soccer (football, whatever), but with cars. It's great.

Broforce - PC, PS4
A sidescrolling shoot-em-up in the vein of Contra. Play with your friends! Blow shit up!

Lethal League - PC
It's kind of a 2D fighter, but it's also kind of like Pong? You hit a ball back and forth, trying to hit the other players with it. Pretty nuts.

Castle Crashers - PC, Xbox 360, PS3, Xbox One
Duh. If you haven't played this yet, you're really out of the loop. It's been around a long time by now, but it's still a great 2D brawler.

Gang Beasts - PC, Coming Soon To PS4
A silly 3D brawler where everything's physics-based. It's awkward to control and the characters move weirdly, but that's what makes it so entertaining. It's still Early Access, so it's a little unfinished, but it's great regardless. Oh, and it apparently has up to 8-player multiplayer. Yeah.

Runbow - Wii U
Speaking of really big numbers for muiltiplayer, Runbow features up to 9 players at once (1 Wii U controller, 4 Wii Remote controllers, 4 Wii Classic controllers connected to the Wii Remotes). It's a great little 2D platformer with a number of game modes. Most are competitive, and in the vein of Mario Party minigames.

SpeedRunners - PC, Coming Soon To Xbox One
It's a 2D sidescrolling racing game where everyone is competing to speedrun the level the fastest. It's pretty neat.

Crawl - PC
A top-down dungeon crawler roguelike. The interesting twist is that only one person gets to be the hero at a time, with the other players spawning the monsters and trying to kill the hero. The player who kills the hero gets to become the hero next. You can see where this is going.

Lara Croft and the Guardian of Light - PC, Xbox 360, PS3
A great isometric puzzle/twinstick shooter. This game only supports up to two players, but it does have a sequel (Lara Croft and the Temple of Osiris - PC, Xbox One, PS4) with four-player support. I haven't played the sequel, but I've heard mixed things. I hear the PC version has some serious issues, too. Maybe check some videos first if you're considering that one.

Anything "You Don't Know Jack" Related - Mostly PC, Plenty of Other Platforms
Mostly a series of gameshow-esque minigames with tons of humor and goofiness. Really fun.

Any of the Lego Games - Everything
Another "if you don't know, I'm sorry" response. The series is very extensive, mostly movie-based, and universally great. With elements of platforming, brawling, exploration, and lots of other things, it scratches just about any co-op itch you and your friends may have.

ScreenCheat - PC, Xbox One, PS4
Remember the days when you would play splitscreen Goldeneye (or insert other shooter here)? Remember how your friends would always look at your screen and know where you were or what you were doing? Remember hating it? Well in ScreenCheat, it's the only way to play. With no radar and everyone being invisible, the only way to find where someone is would be to look at their screen! It's a really crazy inversion of the old concept.



Ok, that's a decent start. With the exception of that Lara Croft game, they're all 4-player (or more), so there's plenty to enjoy.

[Apex]

Archem's list is pretty gold.

If you're looking for Wii U titles,

Game and Wario is great. It's incredibly cheap (I got mine for $10) and it has several really fun party games like pictionary, and a game where the person with the touch screen controls a thief who has to secretly steal fruit without giving away their identity.

Super Mario 3D World is a good one as well.

As for PS4 games:

Puyo Puyo Tetris is a great game, I'm not sure if it's out in the US, but seeing that it's just a compilation/mix-up for two great puzzle games, you don't need to understand Japanese probably.

Borderlands Handsome Collection is two great FPS RPG adventures for up to 4 players. Lots of fun, interesting humor, and randomized acid-rocket-propelled-clusterbomb-heatseaking-fully automatic-shotgun rounds.

Jack Party Box 1 and 2 is a bunch of party games for up to 8 players that can be controlled by anything with an internet browser, including smart phones and computers. This contains You Don't Know Jack that Archem mentioned, as well as a bunch of others.

I might post more later.

[zuhane]

I'm grabbing myself a Wii U purely for this reason. All multiplayer games these days seem to be online open-world Ubisoft ultra-realistic wank.

I would wholeheartedly recommend Broforce! It's a really fresh take on the Metal Slug series, except I'd say it pretty much surpasses Metal Slug
in every way, shape and form. It's genuinely hilarious, fast-paced and fresh, with fully destructible environments. What also may seem like a shoot-em-up on the
face of it actually has a surprising amount of depth, and a level editor / level sharing to boot!

Duck Game is an absolute blast multiplayer, but I did find that it got a bit repetitive after a few hours.

I'd also recommend Rayman Origins/Legends. They are masterclasses in art and level design and also quite punishing despite the cartoony feel.

[Prpl_Mage]

Those are some great suggestions. I already have Starwahls, one of my latest editions, great multiplayer and fun for all kinds of people. Even those who aren't avid gamers can pick it up end be a challenge after a couple of rounds. I also got Wii U party but it was a bit too casual/ childish. Game and wario might be better than Wii u party though.

Seeing how you both praise Broforce I'll look into it. Super mario 3d world has been played and almost 100%ed, great game that one.

So far I've downloaded Runbow from these suggestions and it's a great game, but you almost need to be 4 people or more for the madness to kick in.

I'll keep checking out the other suggestions you guys have.

[SaiKar]

Had four (!) people over last weekend. My Wii U literally only has one controller. We spent the time playing League, watching movies like Ant Man, and getting really drunk.

I'm with Archem in the sense that few of my good friends live close and the ones that do are, like, adults that aren't into gaming anymore. So that's probably the end of that road for me.

[Fisherson]

OOooh yes. To me this was true 'interactive gaming'.  I miss these days dreadfully when people would come over and play smash or take turns playing single player RPGs or just mess around with giving me suggestions on RPG maker and I tell them it was all impossible to do what they wanted with the engine Lmao.......oohhh the pain and joy are nearly equal at these old memories. -__-; I feel old and hermitified. This is why I'm glad I joined a role playing club in my town and plan to keep going. Maybe I can have some nights like these again if there are sensible people who don't adhere to this stupid 'online gaming' that's ruined this feel in my own opinion.

[Apex]

I just noticed no one has mentioned Towerfall: Ascension.

It's fantastic.

[Archem]

I'm more fond of Samurai Gunn, but Towerfall's great. Time for more list, I guess.

Towerfall: Ascension - PC, PS4, Vita for some reason
A shared screen free-for-all where you and your friends fight to be the last man standing.

Samurai Gunn - PC, Coming Soon To PS4
Similar to the above, except players have two weapons: A sword and a gun. The sword has unlimited usage, but you only have a limited number of bullets.

Worms Series - Everything
How could I not mention the Worms series? Well, probably because everyone know about it by now, but still! If you've somehow missed out on it, Worms is a turn-based physics strategy deathmatch where each player takes turn controlling thier own team of worms in an attempt to be the last team standing. The game really shines in how complex the kills can be, as well as how zany the weapons are. With countless ways to customize your game's rules, it keeps it fresh for what seems like forever. Hell, it's kept the series fresh for over 20 years, despite the fact that the games have barely changed since the first one. Most fans would agree that either Worms: Armageddon or Worms: World Party are the best in the series. I would agree, given that they did some serious nerfing to a few core mechanics (ninja rope, girders), but they're all still a blast. There's a new one on the way (Worms: W.M.D. - PC, Xbox One, PS4) that looks to be trying some new things that have me excited.

Enter the Gungeon - PC, PS4
Have you ever played Zombies Ate My Neighbors? No? Hold on.

Zombies Ate My Neighbors - Wii (Via Virtual Console), Wii U (Via Wii Virtual COnsole), Super Nintendo, Genesis/Mega Drive
Ok, here's a classic co-op game. Top-down view, two players, great action. You go around these big levels influenced by countless classic horror films and try to rescue your neighbors (hidden throughout the levels) and escape alive. It's pretty awesome, but also pretty hard.

Enter the Gungeon - PC, PS4
Ok, done reading about ZAMN? Good. So this plays pretty much like that. You and your friends go through levels trying not to die. It's a roguelike, so the levels are always different, and the guns you find are scattered about randomly. Great stuff.

Trine - PC, PS3, PS4, Wii U
Trine is a three-player co-op game that combines side-scrolling action, platforming, puzzles, and exploration in an enchanting way. Playing as either the rogue, the knight, or the wizard (or toggling between them if you don't have three people), you embark on a high fantasy adventure. It's awesome. The sequels, Trine 2 - (PC, PS3, PS4, Xbox 360, Wii U) and Trine 3 - (PC, PS4), are also available, though I've heard some complaints about the third game, such as short length and weaker focus on the characters' different play styles. Still, the first two for certain are great.

Helldivers - PC, PS3, PS4
From the team that brought you Magicka, this twin-stick sci-fi shooter brings all their trademark humor and over-the-top action to the couch with ease. Haven't played Magicka? What the hell is wrong with you?

Magicka - PC
Actually, I might not recommend this one. I'm aware that it has controller support, but I haven't tried it out, and I fear it might not be that great. Magicka 2 is also out there, and since it's also on PS4, the controls are likely better tailored for controller use. I may try this out and update this section. Seems a bit iffy for couch play, but certainly a great game otherwise.

Viscera Cleanup Detail - PC
After a long day at work, there's nothing more relaxing than coming home, turning on [VIDEO GAME PLATFORM OF CHOICE], and playing an hour or two of [VIOLENT ACTION/SHOOTER OF CHOICE]. But boy, what a mess you've left behind! Who's going to clean that up? Why, the Viscera Cleanup Detail crew, that's who! You and your friends can go through levels of other shooters and try desperately to clean up the horrifying mess that's been left behind. Cleaning has never been so fun! [DISCLAIMER: CLEANUP ISN'T THIS FUN IN REAL LIFE. SHOULD YOU OR YOUR FRIENDS FIND YOURSELF ENJOYING REAL CLEANUP, PLEASE SEEK MEDICAL ATTENTION AS YOU MAY BE EXPERIENCING SEPTIC SHOCK].

*Also available in Santa's Rampage variety.

Assault Android Cactus - PC, PS4
Hey! Another twin-stick shooter! Boy, these are popular! Well, there's not much I can say here other than if you and your friends like twin-stick shooters, this one's a really good one. If not, well that's your problem, isn't it?

Lovers in a Dangerous Spacetime - PC, PS4, Xbox One
This one's pretty unusual. You play as the crew of a space ship traveling through space. You're under constant attack, so you have to act as a team to survive each encounter. It's kind of like a real-time FTL.

Amazing Frog? - PC
This... Well, it's a weird one. Kind of hard to describe. It's sort of a sandbox where you do things. I don't know. It's kind of like Goat Simulator. Oh!

Goat Simulator - PC, Xbox 360, Xbox One, PS3, PS4
Play this! It's another weird, sandbox-y game. Haven't played it yet? Well, you should. Look! The first video trailer advertising the newest DLC parodies the tipping scene from Reservoir Dogs!

Spelunky - PC, Xbox 360, PS3, PS4
What a game! Spelunky is a 2D roguelike platformer where you try to get to the exit of each stage without dying while simultaneously trying to collect treasure and upgrades. It's a real winner, and one of my favorite games ever. The co-op is pretty similar, though it has Bomberman 64-style ghosts and Left4Dead-style revive rooms. Not bringing up L4D otherwise because I'm sure we've all had our fill of that by now. Anyway, highly recommended.

Bloody Trapland - PC
Somewhere between super-hard-yet-fair Super Meat Boy and the super-hard-and-also-bullshit I Wanna Be The Guy, Bloody Trapland is a 2D platformer where you play as cutesy animal critters who are run through a constant stream of deathtraps in an attempt to make it to the end. You can turn the blood off if it's bothering you. Really hard, really fun.

Megabyte Punch - PC

Described best as a mash-up of SSB, Megaman and Custom Robo. Megabyte Punch is an electro fighting/beat ‘em up game in which you build your own fighter!
_{~ From Developer's Website}

I'll admit that I have never heard of this game until right now, but holy hell, it looks amazing. Go watch that trailer on the link. Looks sick, right? I might pick this one up myself and invite some friends over. Do note that since I haven't played it yet, I can't vouch for its quality, but the Steam reviews seems to be pretty good.

Alright, that's a second list for you. Good supply of games to try?

[Felix-0]

Hyper Light Drifter has couch multiplayer and its a great game in general. :3

[Prpl_Mage]

I gotta say, looking through your list there seem to be a lot of PC games that I've never even heard of that sounds like they could be really fun.

But speaking of Worms, do any of you have any experience with the console versions? Like, are they any good or does the controller just complicate things? We used to play worms back in the days, mostly Armageddon and WWW, but new computers can't really play them right. Also, 4 dudes hogging the same chair in front of the computer can get kinda frustrating. We played Revolution and Reloaded but mostly ends up doing it online instead of when we meet up. Still crazy good fun.

Also, I know they are just 2 player but still.

Nidhog PC, XBOX 360, PS3
2 player duel with pixelated graphics where you are supposed to be first to reach the end of a sidescrolling level. However, you and the opponent are going in different directions and therefore needs to fight. Simple but well made fencing controls and suspense.

Portal 2 PC
Pew pew portals, puzzles and teamwork

[Archem]

My first experience with Worms was Worms Armageddon on the N64. My Worms career has always had controllers involved, and I continue to prefer it with a controller. Also, hotseat controls means that even if it's on a handheld, I can still comfortably play with friends. The controls are just fine, though learning to not jump with the A/X/B button (Xbox, PlayStation, Nintendo platforms respectively) throws people off at first. It's the shoot button. Lot of first timers blowing themselves up.

I intentionally neglected Nidhogg because I wanted to focus more on 4-player games. It's pretty fun, though. Anyway, it's true that it's hard to crowd a bunch of people around a PC, but there are options. Steam Link (or similar streaming product) works well if your wifi's fast enough for it, but I wouldn't want to play anything with twitch-reaction gameplay while streaming. There's always the way of building/buying a basic computer for the living room, but that's a pricey solution to a small problem. The simplest solution (though probably the most work) is just to move your PC over to your TV and connecting it via HDMI. Some folks who are more PC enthusiasts already have beefy setups and big screens, so it's a little less difficult for some of us. Protip: If you have a multiple-monitor setup, set them up to have duplicate images and space them out a little bit to help keep things less crowded. Or I guess you could just get a really long HDMI cable and not move anything. Might have trouble with controller wires, though.

[Prpl_Mage]

I decided to engage in the whole "connect the PC to your tv" thing. So far I've bought a really long HDMI cable that reaches all the way to the TV so that is working. However I realized that I need some more controllers for this to work. And some games are a bit picky when it comes to what controllers they are accepting, or it might be a Windows 10 thing, I donno.

Anyway, does anyone have any suggestions on PC controllers that are comfortable for some of the above mentioned games? And are there any good USB extenders that aren't too slow? Or like, multitaps? I found some Gamecube-ish controlls with USb ports but no idea if they are any good

[Archem]

Xbox 360 controllers are pretty universal, and just about every modern game is compatible with them. Anything more than a decade old might be a bit more picky, but those work just fine, and their price has been coming down lately. You can also look into buying a USB hub with a long cable, or some USB extender cables if that's still not enough. If you feel like spending a little extra cash, you can buy wireless ones and a wireless connector.

I'm not the biggest fan of the d-pad on the 360 controller, so I've been using an Xbox One controller. You can connect the wireless controller with a charging cable, and it's like a slightly better 360 controller. Not every game has compatibility with it, though, so it's probably not ideal. You could also consider using PS3 controllers and the DS3 tool to emulate Xbox 360 controllers, but with better d-pads/using a controller you may already own. They even connect via bluetooth, if you have an adapter. If you go this route, I strongly recommend also installing Better DS3 as well. It irons out some issues with the original program, such as it requiring internet access and being really bad in the UI department. There are also ways to make the PS4 controller work, if you have one, but I'm not familiar with those methods.

[Archem]

Pro-tip: Steam Big Picture mode.