Gaming can be a solitary activity and an activity shared with friends. The Wii, Playstation 3 and Xbox 360 are all capable of connecting gamers to one another, but gamers can still get together in front of one television to play together or compete against one another. Aside from online gaming, several types of games offer complete offline gaming experiences for multiple players.
Sports Games
Each year, the latest release of the Madden football franchise is one of the top sellers. This game, along with other sports games ranging from traditional baseball and hockey games to extreme sports such as skating and off-road racing, feature multiplayer elements. Players can choose to be on the same team and face off against computer opponents or compete against one another to determine the better gamer. Sports games that are popular on the current generation systems include NHL 09, Madden 10, Need for Speed, WipeOut HD, Skate II and MLB 09: The Show.
Fighting Games
The fighting genre has always been about head-to-head competition, and it began in arcades where players would challenge one another to find out who was truly best at a particular game. Now that arcades have neared extinction, home consoles can be used in the same manner. Fighting games are typically meant for two players, although some games such as the Smash Bros. Series can be played by up to four people in the same room. Gamers looking for the most acclaimed fighting games to play against their friends can purchase Street Fighter 4, which is available on the Playstation 3 and the Xbox 360, a game that feature similar gameplay to earlier games in the franchise. Other fighters available include games from the Soul Calibur, Mortal Kombat, Tekken and Virtua Fighter series, available on current and past generation consoles. Wii owners can compete with one another in the previously mentioned Smash Bros. Series as well as fighting games based on animated series such as Bleach, Naruto, Dragon Ball and Avatar.
Party Games
While many gamers spend their time competing online, several popular game series feature offline play that is meant for anywhere from two players to a room full of players. These party games can be played competitively or cooperatively, and fall into several different genres. Music games such as Guitar Hero, Rock Band, Lips and SingStar are played by several people, either on multiple instruments or competing in karaoke battles. The Wii has been designed to incorporate play between multiple players and games such as Wii Sports and Wii Sports Resort allow multiple players to participate in sporting competitions such as baseball, tennis, fencing and jetski riding. The Mario Party series involves players participating in a board game that features mini-games that can place gamers on the same team or against one another.
Tags: against another, game that, games such, multiple players, Bros Series