Local multiplayer games

[Korpi]

I'm running out of local multiplayer games, so I'm looking for a system, that offers a bunch of games to keep my friends and me busy. I could get two, but while the base console themselves are often cheap, there's issues such as postage, multiple controllers, modding, space, power adapter, wires etc. So I'd rather settle for one good system.

Our problem is that there's lack of games, that would appeal to everyone. They are either too challenging for some or too simple for some. Only genre that doesn't work too well is FPS's games, as those don't appeal to women and are mostly PC thing anyway. Fighters usually end up in button smash, but not really a problem. Racers only work if they are fun and accessible, and not simulator-ish like Gran Turismo. Strategy games also should be somewhat easy to get into. All this not forgetting, that the games should still be enjoyable for seasoned gamer as well. We like to play cooperative games a lot, and usually 2 to 4 people playing at same. A lot of games support only 2 and that's completely fine, as we can take turns and not everyone like to play at the same time anyway.

I feel people would recommend N64, but I'm not convinced that there's that many interesting local multiplayer games. Perfect Dark might not be so liked, and then there's Mario Party, Kart, Smash Bros. that everyone recommend and are probably cool, but I don't know... I feel they might lack substance to last for long. They all have got new versions as well. I find Crash Team Racing more fun than the N64 Mario Kart at least. Don't know about the Mario Kart battle mode though.

Any ideas? What games have been your most fun local MP moments spend with? I've googled a bit, but I can't find much else past Mario Kart on x Nintendo console + one awesome game per one console. I'm getting Mega Bomberman/Bomberman '94, that much I know. Gauntlet IV people like as well.

[YoshiEgg25]

Pac-Man Vs. for the GameCube. You want fun? That game will give you fun.

[DinnerX]

The wii is perfectly backwards compatible with gamecube games. You will need gc memory cards and controllers, but you basically get 2 systems in one. Both the wii and gc have fun multiplayer titles.

[isiolia]

Marvel Ultimate Alliance and the like are similar-ish to Gauntlet Legends and if I remember support up to four players (and are available on pretty much anything recent). The first one was part of the 360 holiday bundle a few years ago.

The Lego <insertlicensehere> games support two players working together, and have a cute charm to them that might go over better with the less testosterone laden. They have tons of stuff to find/collect for the more hardcore.

If you do want to try an FPS, much as I'm meh on the series as a whole, the Halo games are very flexible for setup - you can do split screen, networked, networked split screen, etc - which not all titles can manage, surprisingly.

Though you do need to beat the single player to access it, Portal 2 has a coop mode.

Also some of the XBLA/etc games - Scott Pilgrim vs the World is a 4 player beat-em up, and there were several others there, along with stuff like Risk.

[J T]

The Nintendo 64 has Snowboard Kids, so it wins.

(Not to mention Goldeneye, Mario Party 1-3, Smash Bros., 1080 Snowboarding, Mario Kart 64, Bomberman 64, KI Gold, F-Zero X, and Wave Race 64)

[Inazuma]

The Nintendo 64 has Snowboard Kids, so it wins.

(Not to mention Goldeneye, Mario Party 1-3, Smash Bros., 1080 Snowboarding, Mario Kart 64, Bomberman 64, KI Gold, F-Zero X, and Wave Race 64)

Beat me to it. I was going to suggest Snowbow Kids as well. It's basically a snowboard version of Mario Kart, and it is extremely fun. It was made by Atlus.

[Hobie-wan]

Consider systems with arcade compilations on them as many of those will have co-op.

[Dakinggamer87]

Nintendo 64 for local multiplayer gaming is the way to go!!

[TornadoCreator]

I've got to go with the Gamecube here for pure fun, it's got all the bases covered when it comes to local multiplayer (even if it doesn't have Gears Of War, which is my favourite local multiplayer game).

Fighting games are generally hit and miss unless everyone is a fighting game fan. Gamecube however has two of the best fighting games for casual gaming. Super Smash Bros. Melee obviously, and Soul Calibur 2 which still requires skill but without being unapproachable to gamers who aren't big fighting game fans.

Mini/Party games are generally a good move for local multiplayer and for that you can't beat Mario Party 4 with the possible exception of Pacman VS. which is incredible fun but you'll need a GBA too (which shouldn't be too hard to find).

Obviously racing games are a good idea, so Mario Kart Double Dash is a good idea and there's always F-Zero GX and Burnout 2: Point Of Impact if you want something less cartoony.

If I'm honest though, while all these Gamecube games are fun, if you're looking for local multiplayer why don't you just get a Wii... it's EXACTLY what you want. Not only will you be able to play all the games I've mentioned above but there's also Wii Sports which is honestly fun and Guitar Hero 3 which always gets a laugh. If you feel like really embarrassing your guests there's always Dance Dance Revolution: Hottest Party and if you'd rather have something with a little less jpop (and I wouldn't blame you) you can go for Michael Jackson: The Experience after all everyone loves MJ's music, it's iconic, or Just Dance if you'd prefer late 90's and early 2000's pop.

Other than the obvious though, the Wii also has multiplayer platformers like New Super Mario Bros. Wii and Donkey Kong Country Returns which are both pretty fun and arcade wise you just can't beat the compilation disc House Of The Dead 2 & 3 especially if you've got the Overshot Shotgun (one of the best Wii controllers ever).

Remember as well, that the Wii also has the Virtual Console, so you can download classics too, and the Classic Controller Pro is one of the most comfortable controllers you can get.

- You've got beat em ups avaliable such as Streets Of Rage, Final Fight and Golden Axe to name but a few.

- You've got classic nintendo games like Mario Kart 64 and Mario Party 2 if you prefer the N64 versions over the gamecube games I suggested.

- You've got every classic fighter you could ever want including some Neo Geo downloads like Samurai Shodown and older SNES games like Super Street Fighter 2 and Killer Instinct.

Honestly, if you're looking for local multiplayer which will appeal to loads of people and allow good 4 player gameplay you want a Wii with a few choice games, a load of classic Virtual Console games and a selection of Gamecube games. You'll need a selection of controllers (WiiMotes, Gamecube Controllers, Classic Controllers and Guitar Hero Controllers etc.) but if it's social gaming you want, you can't get better than this.

[Para]

Read this thread: http://www.racketboy.com/forum/viewtopi ... er#p313169

I spent hours/days making this list and I am in the process of re-doing it.