The five best party games for this homecoming season

Looking for something to do at your homecoming parties this weekend? Look no further than this list for great party games that everyone can learn and play. The Spectator claims no liability for any ruined friendships that occur as a result of intense rounds of any of these games.

NUMBER ONE

OVERCOOKED - GHOST TOWN GAMES - PS4/XBONE/PC/SWITCH

Released last year, “Overcooked” is the pinnacle of modern local co-op games, pitting players in a high-intensity kitchen environment than a battlefield - though more often than not they feel similar in this cooperative cooking simulator. Players have to work together to complete orders of increased complexity as the kitchens go from normal diners to active volcanoes, or an icy tundra. If you have problems working together, there is also a competitive mode that allows friends and foes alike to go head-to-head to complete as many orders as possible.

NUMBER TWO

JACKBOX PARTY PACK - JACKBOX GAMES - PS4/XBONE/PC/SWITCH/ANDROID/APP STORE

A phenomenon in the making, the “Jackbox” series of games mixes the humor of “You Don’t Know Jack,” with modern jokes and references, making an enjoyable and varied series of mini-games for groups up to eight people. Beyond that, extra members of the parties can join in as audience members and vote on their favorite answers/responses across the games like “Fibbage,” “Quiplash” and “Drawful.” Players can join the fun using their phones, laptops or tablets too, making this series the easiest to pick up and play for larger groups.

NUMBER THREE

GANG BEASTS - BONELOAF - PS4/XBONE/PC/MAC

Following the recent trend of competitive-minded indie games, “Gang Beasts” is what happens when playful claymation mixes with professional wrestling. Players (up to four) take the place of colorful beasts that compete to beat the others into submission with unique procedurally-generated physics and movements that only add to the fun. This one is only a couple dollars on the game stores on the Playstation Network and Xbox Live Store, making it a quick and easy couple of hours for those who really get into it. As an added incentive, the more you play, the more zany costumes you can unlock for your characters to really show off your prowess in the ring.

NUMBER FOUR

MARIO PARTY 2 - HUDSON SOFT - N64/WII/WII U

Friendships have lived and died by this franchise, but it’s a timeless classic nonetheless. “Mario Party 2” may be the hardest to find and play in this day-and-age, but the effort in acquiring it is absolutely well worth it. Boasting over 50 mini-games for players, this entry in the storied franchise from Nintendo allows players to choose from different themed boards like the wild west or space to compete with friends for coins and stars. This one stands out specifically because of the mini-game selection that truly stands the test of time. Many of the minigames are going to be included in the “Mario Party Top 100” collection coming to 3DS soon, as well for those anxious to get their hands on concentrated “Mario Party” fun.

NUMBER FIVE

ROCK BAND 4: RIVALS - HARMONIX - PS4/XBONE

After a long few years off, the music video game genre was revitalized by “Rock Band 4.” Now, “Rivals,” the first expansion for the game is available for players world-wide, offering 65 songs-on disc, with 30 new ones available for free after downloading the patch. Since release,

Harmonix has been keeping up with modern music and adding in songs every other week, including free covers and indie jams that keep the game library feeling fresh. Couple this with the 1,500 plus songs available through Xbox Live or Playstation Network and you have one of the most re-playable and enjoyable party games of the modern age.

Britton Rozzelle is the executive editor for The Spectator. He can be reached at edinboro.spectator@gmail.com.

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