Best Video Games For Orlandoans – Orlando Magazine

Play Locally

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Here are 5 video games to play local, or “couch,” multiplayer (not ranked):

1. “Super Mario Party” (2018, Nintendo Switch) Another entry to the Mario Party franchise, Super Mario Party lets four players compete against one another in different mini games in a tabletop board game format. This game has other modes besides the board to enjoy.

2. “Overcooked 2” (2018, PC, Nintendo Switch, PS4, Xbox One) Cook together a storm. Welcome four other players into your crazy kitchen to prepare a meal together by chopping, boiling, sauteing, and throwing food at one another.

3. “Jackbox Games / Party Packs” (2014-2019, PC, Nintendo Switch, PS4, Xbox One) Don’t forget a charging cable. These packs of games vary by Party Pack but they are all so fun. Up to eight people can play them and others can join in the “audience” in most of them. Games like Fibbage, Drawful, Trivia Murder Party, and Quiplash will have you laughing till your sides hurt. (May require a paid online subscription)

4. “Mario Kart 8/Deluxe” (2014, 2017, Nintendo Wii-U, Switch) Mario Kart 8 for the Wii-U and Deluxe for the Switch are highly competitive and addictive racing games using most of the main stars of Nintendo. With several modes and customizations to choose from.

5. “Borderlands 3” (2019, PC, Nintendo Switch, PS4, Xbox One) Keep the kids out of the room for this one. This first-person shooter is chock full of humor and wit while engaging the players with a ton of unique and varied weapons, four character archetypes to play as, and big and wide locations to explore on the wild Planet of Pandora. The local split-screen multiplayer is fun and helpful in a hard stage.

Online Multiplayer

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Video games to play online multiplayer:

1. “Animal Crossing: New Horizons” (2020, Nintendo Switch) You arrive at a deserted island and build your settlement and town little by little by gathering resources and asking for help from visitors or other players. A game where you can relax and smell the roses, literally (well, almost). (Requires a paid online subscription)

2. “Overwatch” (2016-2019, PC, Nintendo Switch, PS4, Xbox One) Choose one of the 32 heroes on the roster, all with different abilities and mechanics. This first-person shooter focuses on cooperation with your teammates and learning each role in a party. This game has been one of the bigger E-Sports games out there. (May require a paid online subscription)

3. “No Man’s Sky” (2016, PC, PS4, Xbox One) Launch yourself into the boundless space in this resource-gathering and exploration game. Every animal, plant, and planet you discover can be uploaded to a server so others can see your discovery. (May require a paid online subscription)

4. “Final Fantasy XIV: Shadowbringers” (2014, PC, PS4) This game has resurfaced as one of the most complete MMORPGs of recent time, offering multiple ways to enjoy its rich story, play with others, and build your character. May you ever walk in the light of the Crystal. (Requires a paid online subscription)

5. “Rocket League” (2015, PC, Nintendo Switch, PS4, Xbox One) Who knew “vehicular soccer” would be a thing? This game is just as exciting as a World Cup and twice as crazy. Cars can be customized and there are several modes to play. (May require a paid online subscription)

Single Player

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Video games to play single player:

1. “Resident Evil 2” (2019, PC, PS4, Xbox One) This remake of the 1998 classic Resident Evil 2 for PS1 is a great improvement over the original. All assets are re-created for HD graphics, and several plot details are expanded. The zombie shooting action never ends. A great game to play alone in the dark–if you have the nerve.

2. “The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt” (2015, PC, Nintendo Switch, PS4, Xbox One) Toss a coin to your Witcher, O game of plenty. You’ll gallop all over this medieval-inspired world as Geralt of Rivia, a witcher (monster slayer) in search of Yennefer and Cirilla, and, of course, of coin. Magic, political intrigue, and multiple moral choices ensue.

3. “Hollow Knight” (2015, PC, Nintendo Switch, PS4, Xbox One) A platformer full of charm and lore following the tales of a subterranean kingdom of bugs. It is a challenging game with beautiful atmosphere and a lot to explore as you jump, slash, wall climb, and power through enemies.

4. “Kingdom Hearts 3” (2019, PS4, Xbox One) The long-awaited last chapter in the saga of Sora, Donald, and Goofy is here. Join these half-pint heroes in reliving Disney movies in search of their friends. There’s also recently released downloadable content that wraps up several story cliffhangers.

5. “Fire Emblem: Three Houses” (2019, Nintendo Switch) You are Byleth, a mercenary turned teacher in this prestigious academy. Your job is to teach the future monarchs and rulers of the world about tactics and life. This strategy game focuses on the bonds your units form with one another and how those affect the story in the long run.