Top 10 Best Games To Liven Up A Party

Who said gamers can’t be social? With these video games, you will become the life of the party!

10. SpaceTeam

There will be plenty of shouting as an integral part of gameplay in this list. Yet nothing other game will require just as much yelling of general nonsense as SpaceTeam.

One huge benefit of the game - its painlessly easy to set up. You don't even need a console. Just get up to 8 players to download an app, and you're ready to pilot your ship in the depths of space.

Each player will have their own unique console interface and instructions, and from there you'll be yelling at your friends to discharge the Clip-jawed Fluxtrunions, release the Auxiliary Technoprobes, and do whatever you're supposed to do with the Bevelled Nanobuzzers. There'll be chaos, there'll be plenty of yelling, and sure enough it's a great way to kick off a party.

The ultimate yelling game (Picture: TWiT Tech Podcast Network)

9. Overcooked

If the fire is fizzling out at your dinner do, and you're looking to spice things up and reignite the fun whilst keeping with the theme of fine dining - grab a console, hand out the controllers and let pandemonium prevail in Overcooked.

For any of you who've ever worked in a kitchen, you'll understand that it can be a pretty chaotic environment - and more often than not the loudest voice is the most successful.

Now if you throw in a series of hazards such as pools of lava, lost pedestrians, and motorway, things become exponentially more turbulent. These oddities will become the norm as you frantically try and run a kitchen in all imaginable settings, and use teamwork and trickery in an effort to keep diners satisfied.

8. Sportsfriends

For years we've seen the divide at parties - the rift between sports jocks and gamers. Well, finally something has come along to bring these two groups together in perfect harmony and combine the competitive nature of both demographics. Lets take a look at Sportsfriends.

With four games to choose from, each with an entirely different feel, Sportsfriends will surely keep any party entertained for hours. What's more is that this isn't just a game for the players, but a visual spectacle for all to behold. Whilst the frantic sporting platformer BabaBariBall will get guests competitive, and the noodley nonsense of 'Pole Riders' will keep spectators entertained with its QWOP-like mechanics - the real gem here is 'Johann Sebastian Joust'.

If you've got a few PlayStation Move controllers handy, you can partake in one of the most unique party game we've ever tried. You'll attempt to keep your movements in time with the music, whilst attempting to displace other players controllers. There will be squabbles, things will be thrown and there will be dramatic scenes between the last 2 players standing, resulting in a game not just for the players, but for the whole party to enjoy.

7. Just Dance

People at parties like to dance. That's pretty straight forward. People also like to be the best at something. That's human nature. However combining the two results in two activities. An old fashioned dance off - which we can promise you has never looked good outside of a movie, or Just Dance.

Not only will Just Dance scientifically define the best dancer, but it'll make things much less awkward for guests as players bust moves that actually fit with a songs choreography. No more awkward robots, no more failed moonwalks, no more witnessing someone who thinks they can break dance. Finally we live in an age where dancing at parties is worthwhile, and it's never been easier - all you need is a console and a phone to track your movements.

6 . Super Monkey Ball

We'll be honest here, we completely forgot this game existed, but as soon as it got mentioned, memories of frantic fun with friends flood back and we're left with an undeniable urge to play again.

And it's clear to see why this game will bring back these memories for many. First and foremost, it's utterly adorable. Just look at those cinnamon roll ears.

Second of all, it's just a fantastic game. The physics were excellent, the main game was filled with depth, and the multiplayer boasted plenty of replayability for prospective parties, with activities ranging from monkey bowling to Monkey fights (which we promise is way less ominous than it sounds).

It's fun. It's adorable. What else do you want from a game? (Picture: Sega)

5. Crash Bash

And whilst we're talking nostalgia, very few titles will get gamers who grew up in the 90's quite as excited as Crash Bandicoot - and if you've a few friends ready for some mini game mayhem - there's no better crucible than Crash Bash.

With a range of unique games with the likes of Pogo Pandemonium, Tank Wars and Crash Dash - there's plenty of variety to keep competition heated. There's even a series called Polar Push - which features polar bears as a transportation system. Need we say more?

With some of the games proving to be fiendishly formidable, it's no doubt that it'll keep you and your guests entertained for hours as you exercise some 'survival of the fittest' gameplay.

4. Rayman Raving Rabbids

It's time to look at the console which was tailor made for parties - the console which left the world in constant demand as it was cleared from the shelves consistently from launch.

With over 100 million units sold to those who opted for raw fun over the hardcore gaming its competitors promised, the Nintendo Wii was a game changer. And what game encapsulates everything the console represents better than Rayman: Raving Rabbids.

Taking a break from the familiar world of platforming, the game gives a slew of over 70 minigames to test each players mind, body and endurance. These'll range from dance battles to Wild West style shootouts (with plungers instead of bullets - this is a family friendly title after all).

We are putting a guarantee on this title - crack this out at a party and people will have fun, and will desperately try to get involved in these outlandish stages. Aside from the huge range of wacky games, it's just an incredibly likeable, super quirky game. It's a real gem, and worth breaking out the Wii once more for.

Accurate representation of Sunday roast with your family (Picture: Ubisoft)

3. Rock Band

There are a few certain absolutes at a party - someone will at some point break something. Someone will at some point make a joke that makes everyone a little bit uncomfortable. Someone will at some point suggest 'Hey - let's start a band!'.

Well, thanks to the wonders of technology the latter can go from something that people will hypothetically brainstorm, into a fully actionable suggestion because of one brilliant invention. No, we aren't talking about actual instruments, they require musical talent, and who's got time for that? We're talking about Rock Band.

Never before has it been easier to leave guests utterly inspired with the methodical melodies of your guitar solo, or keep you audience moving as you lay down the gritty growls of the bass guitar. It's never been easier to get a sing along going as you perform to keep the crowd abuzz. Unfortunately, someone will have to be the drummer, but for everyone else, it's sure to be a absolute winner for any party.

2. Jackbox Games

Up now, we've got what is considered by many to be an essential at any gathering. Something that is simple, inclusive, and thanks to its Nintendo Switch release, portable. With over 5 game packs released consisting of 20 (mostly) unique party games that'll keep guests entertained for hours - it's Jackbox.

For those who're familiar with the titles - you'll each have your own individual favourite games. Whether you're looking to appease a crowd with your whimsy in 'Quiplash', prove yourself as the most believable liar in 'Fibbage', defeat your friends in a battle of wits and cunning in 'Murder Triva Party', or just shack up for a night of monster lovin' with 'Monster seeking Monster', sure enough there'll be something for everyone here.

Whilst a lot of party games will see some pretty half baked ideas make their way into the roster, each of these games are painstakingly created and balanced to make them titles that can be enjoyed time and time again. Even if this means working on one of the games multiple years until its worthy of a spot in one of the packs.

With the 4th pack, over 50 different games were created and play tested, and these numbers were whittled down to just 5 games to make up the pack. This means that there is absolutely no filler here. Every game has it's merits, is an absolute blast, and has a ton of replayability.

And just like SpaceTeam - it's so simple to get going. Rather than dealing with the rigmarole of consoles and controllers, all you need is the game running and a few phones - and from there they can drop in and out of games as they please. It's never been easier to get guests engaged and enjoying themselves - and best of all - you don't really even have to do anything on your part - just buy the game.

1. Everything Nintendo

What's the surefire way to keep any manner of guests entertained during your foray into the world of hosting? It's really quite simple - just put on pretty much anything made my Nintendo.

Yes we know we're cheating a bit here by lumping all these amazing titles together, but if we didn't this list would almost entirely consist of Nintendo games, and we've got to give some others a chance. But sure enough, nothing on this list will be just as recognisable, crowd pleasing, or turn a derailed debacle into a social success just as easily.

For a catch 22, you've got the indisputable king of party games - Super Mario Party. With all manners of mini games to get stuck into, each with their own sense of that unique Nintendo charm, it'll see your guests jostle and joust, bump and brawl, sizzle, slide, shout and shake as they contest for the top spot.

For even more irreverent antics you've got WarioWare - which will give players some of the most unique - and sometimes pretty questionable - minigames ever imagined.

And the fun doesn't stop there - not by a long shot. Folks love the chance to get stuck into some high octane action with Mario Kart, they'll revel in the melee mayhem of Smash Bros., or they'll paint the town red in Splatoon. Even looking back at earlier title we've a myriad of fantastic sports games to fully utilise the Wii.

All in all, with an abundance of titles sporting an instantly recognisable cast, it's a very safe bet that if you crack out some Nintendo titles at a party, sure enough, people will be clamouring for their chance to get involved.

"Wanna play Mario Party?" - last words you utter to your friends before the Apocalypse.

Never again will you have to endure the humdrum of uninspired gatherings. Crack out any one of the titles and in no time at all you'll be the life of the party, and have everyone competing in all manners of irreverent antics - and all it takes is a few minutes of set up. Here's to gaming, and the way it revolutionises the way we do everything, even socialise.