Keep Talking and Nobody Explodes
Available on: PC, PS4, Xbox One, Nintendo Switch
Maximum players: Undefined
If racing against the clock to disarm a bomb while your friends scramble to read you out-of-view instructions sounds stressful, then you're probably a well-adjusted individual. Thankfully, Keep Talking and Nobody Explodes is just a game, and no real bombs are involved, and it's damn fun. You can play on a regular display or through most available VR sets, which definitely ups the intensity.
The concept is essentially as described above, but with the caveat that the player(s) reading out the instructions can't see the bomb being disarmed, so it's up to your communication skills to save yourselves. Of course, with the ever-intensifying threat of a ticking time bomb pressurizing the process, it can be hard to maintain composure.
New Super Mario Bros. U Deluxe
Available on: Nintendo Switch
Maximum players: 4
New Super Mario Bros. U Deluxe is a port of the Wii U game that perfected the "New" series of Mario platformers that kicked off way back in 2006. Bundled with the New Super Luigi U companion game, there's a ton of content here for you and up to four friends to jump, slide, and ultimately stumble through as you blame each other for falling off cliffs.
Although the main event is a co-op multiplayer experience, things can quickly grow more competitive than you'd imagine. Before long, you'll be racing to be the first to complete each level, jumping on everyone's heads, and purposely avoiding your fallen friends as they plead for you to free them from their balloons. There are also competitive modes, but the brilliant platforming in the co-op mode is the real draw here.
Rock Band 4
Available on: PS4, Xbox One
Maximum players: 4
There's a reason Rock Band was a hallmark of parties everywhere for about 10 years. It's certainly not as prevalent today, but that could be because there hasn't been a new release in about five years. Nonetheless, Rock Band 4 is a great entry in the series, and if you can get your hands on the game and peripherals, it's still one of the most exciting games to play at a party.
You and up to four players take command of your living room rock band's microphone, guitar, bass, and drums, and together jam out in imperfect harmony some of the rock genre's biggest belters. There's a camaraderie to working through each song, smirking gently when a bandmate messes up, and finally looking around the room smiling together with pride as the closing notes play out.
Laser League
Available on: PC, PS4, Xbox One
Maximum players: 8
Laser League is a close-quarters competitive romp that flashes with a neon intensity that pairs well with the fast-paced gameplay. Essentially, you're thrown into 2v2, 3v3, or 4v4 matches where you're tasked with activating offensive laser patterns and avoiding enemy lasers.
The unique setup alone is worthy of praise, but how it all plays out as some sort of bullet hell, high-intensity death match is truly something to behold. The best part about Laser League, specifically with how it fits into a party setting, is how despite being incredibly intense, it's actually quite accessible for quick pick-up-and-play sessions.
Moving Out
Available on: PC, PS4, Xbox One, Switch
Maximum players: 4
This one might derail your party into a panicked frenzy of shouting, blaming, and hysterical laughing, but you'll be having a damn fun time in the process. Moving Out has you and up to three friends clear out everything in different themed buildings, with everything from trucks, frogs, and ghosts out to keep you from doing so. Sometimes a big item will require two players to move, and other times you'll struggle to find the right angle to pass something through a doorway. Come to think of it, struggle is really an apt word to sum up Moving Out, and I say that in the most complimentary terms. Set to a bouncy '80s synth soundtrack with plenty of adorable custom characters to choose from, the loud arguments between you and your friends will serve as the perfect contrast for an explosive video game party.
