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Break The Ice: 5 Best Party Starter Video Games

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It's time to shift the furniture aside and punch out the lights — because you're about to forge some long-lasting friendships. That's right, even a video game can lay the foundations for a genuine connection with another human being. Who'd have thought, right? Whether it's karting through a dusky woodland or singing to your heart's content — joyous occasions have often been established through the power of one or two compelling titles. And boy, the party is only just beginning.

It doesn't matter if you're hosting a small social gathering with a few acquaintances or laying the grounds for the next nationwide festival — chances are, you're going to want a spool of video games to help sway the mood and crack the ice. Luckily for you, we've nailed down five of the best games that cover a range of genres. And so, with that, all that's left to do is empty your room and set the stage for what's to come. It's time to break the ice!

 

5. The Jackbox Party Pack 7

The Jackbox Party Pack 7 | Official Trailer

Booting off the list with an all-time party favourite, The Jackbox Party Pack 7 fuels some of the greatest occasions from all over the world through its quirky concept. Thanks to its enormous catalogue of mind-boggling mini-games and memorable characters, this wacky collection sets itself up as the perfect game to help set the mood for the night ahead. And what's more — seven other players can also join the madness and claw for the podium as well, establishing an entire party in one small room.

Boasting hours of laughs with players from all over the globe, The Jackbox series brings to life some of the strangest, albeit most joyful games on the market. With a dash of personality tossed at every moving thing that Jackbox owns, playing through the spool of sports with friends becomes some of the most memorable gaming sessions in party history. With that, we think that this one is best served without an introduction. Play it, and you'll thank us.

 

4. That's You!

OFFICIAL That's You! Launch Trailer

If you're looking for a real ice breaker that dares to go a little deeper than your standard conversation — then you're going to want to pour some quality time into That's You!. Although best played with a group of friends that share interests and understand one another down to a tee, this guessing game can still work wonders for those with a genuine interest in other players' lives and what makes them tick.

Of course, guessing who's most likely to do such and such can be a risky question to answer for someone you've never really met — but, depending on the party, it can establish some hilarious talking points and ultimately drive the party to greater heights. Sprinkle a few funky selfies and a barrel of challenges into the mix, and you've got yourself an intriguing little chapter that can keep the room hooked for hours on end.

 

3. Knowledge is Power

Knowledge Is Power | Gameplay Trailer | PS4

If you managed to get a kick out of BUZZ! and other video game adaptations of celebrated TV game shows in the past, then you'll definitely find temptation behind Wish Studios' Knowledge is Power entry. Of course, while this one is far from being an original concept, it is a neat little package of fun that effortlessly caters to the entire household through its wide range of material. And hey, from a visual point of view — it's stunning.

Similar to earlier games in the trivia genre, Knowledge is Power puts players in a huddle and spoonfeeds vast collections of questions and obstacles to overcome. However, with the ability to cut down your fellow competitors at every corner and ultimately fracture the podium at the touch of a button, Knowledge is Power becomes a lot more than your box-standard questionnaire. It's wacky, it's wondrous, and it is definitely worth forking out a few dollars for.

 

2. Mario Kart Deluxe 8

Mario Kart 8 Deluxe - Nintendo Switch Presentation 2017 Trailer

Let's face it — Mario Kart has, in fact, both made and destroyed friendships over the years. But Rainbow Road aside, it's actually one of the best ice breakers on the market. Sure, it's a little frustrating when up against the odd player who dominates every track and snags every available box on the road — but it's an entertaining crowdpleaser nonetheless. And, as it stands, one of the latest entries to the series is perhaps the most ambitious chapter to date.

Loading the same amount of glossy faces and fluorescent settings as previous titles, Mario Kart 8 Deluxe manages to flawlessly recapture the best-selling components from earlier games and harness it all into one enchanting journey. With plenty of tracks, challenges, characters and collectables to shovel through along the way, this party starter smash-hit is easily one of the best games to pick up for almost any occasion. That said — we'd still give Rainbow Road a miss.

 

1. Rock Band 4

Rock Band 4 - Setlist Reveal Trailer | PS4

As with any Rock Band or Guitar Hero game — you're going to need the setup in order to enjoy the spoils of rock. That said, and it may sound pretty monotonous for a ‘party game' — but you can actually sink into Rock Band with just a controller and no bulky add-ons. Admittedly, the fun is reduced to a fraction, and the overall rockstar persona you ultimately thrive for is immediately revoked. But that's not to say it isn't a fun (if not perfect) game to play with friends in general.

Rock Band 4 will have you forming the dream band you never quite put to paper from your younger years. With up to four players assuming the roles of singer, guitarist, drummer and bassist — your living room space can finally become the platform you need to escalate your symphonic career. Rock fan or not — how could you not snatch up the opportunity to jam out with a few friends and headbang to some of the most influential bands in musical history?

 

Still looking? You could always take a look at these lists:

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Jord is acting Team Leader at gaming.net. If he isn't blabbering on in his daily listicles, then he's probably out writing fantasy novels or scraping Game Pass of all its slept on indies.