7 fantastic party games to try

Video games are no strangers to being the life of the party. This is probably the reason developers have sunk so much time into making a certified library of ace party games.
From disarming bombs to hounding each other off the race track with turtle shells, these are the games that can add some life into any soiree. Just don’t fall out with your guests if they pip you to first place. There’s nothing worse than a sore loser.

Mario Kart 8 Deluxe

Is there a better game in which to have bragging rights over your pals? From friendship-ending blue shells at the finish line to dastardly combos and short cuts, Mario Kart has always been a wild ride, and not least for its whacky tracks and high-octane twists and turns. Jump on board with your crew and be prepared to do anything to win.

Mario Party Superstars

Give a board game the video game treatment and what you’re left with is the Mario Party series. Now a staple of any pixel-powered night in with the squad, this latest instalment of the beloved, mini-game-laden franchise positively pops with all your favourite faces, brand-new match ups to master and the kind of star-chasing chaos we all need every now and then. (But mainly now).

Overcooked 2

It’s a game where you chop veg and pass orders over the pass. Sound a bit too much like work? We thought so too. But Overcooked 2 builds on the recipe that gave the original all its fame – and it’s little wonder people are back for seconds. The frantic dash-around-the-kitchen-against-the-clock sim is bright and cheery, and an oddly cathartic way to forget about your day in the office (or kitchen).

Jackbox Party Pack 6

Variety is the spice of life, as the saying goes, and this collection of mini games has enough different riffs to keep your party fingers popping long into the night. Silly scenarios can host up to 10 players, with contenders dialling in via their smartphone. There are mental conundrums to deduce, comedy contests to laugh along to and even a reprised version of Guess Who. Ready, player one?

Keep Talking and Nobody Explodes

A game rooted in communication, Keep Talking and Nobody Explodes isn’t exactly true of its title. As you try to defuse a bomb with the instructions coming only from your in-the-dark comrades, this back-and-forth, laugh-a-minute challenge has explosive potential. Will you stitch the disposal expert with wrong information, or will it all end in smoke anyway because you’re both operating half blind? Only one way to find out. Now, do I cut the red wire, or blue?

Knowledge is Power

The clue is in the name here, and Knowledge is Power is as good a reason as any to bring the weekly pub quiz back in-house. Trivia is testing, presented in myriad creative ways and, with speed and points securing you a better position in the grand finale, tactics come into play in a huge way. Will you build a big enough lead to claim the crown unchallenged, or will your mates round on you to prevent you from taking first place? (We think the latter).

Super Smash Bros. Ultimate

Top tier, skull-bashing action doesn’t get more legendary than in Super Smash Bros. And the Ultimate edition does exactly what it says on the tin. It’s a frantic melee that sees most of your favourite Nintendo characters going toe-to-toe in the ring, and when your best mate is in charge of your rival fighter, any concept of bro-mance goes right out the window.