Summary
The world of gaming is full of unique, memorable experiences, some of which can only be played in single-player mode. But, just because a game is single-player doesn’t mean it has to be experienced alone. Game nights with family and friends typically focus oncouch-coop and split-screentitles, leaving out many single-player games that are more than capable of providing great group experiences as well.
Whether it’s a story compelling enough to be watched like a movie or the type of pick-up and play game that’s full of checkpoints and opportunities to pass the controller to a friend, these single-player experiences all provide a great opportunity to play with friends.
Run from giant boulders, leap over spike-filled pits, smash boxes, make a small mistake that ends a run, and pass the controller. TheCrash BandicootN. Sane Trilogyoffers an excellent platform for natural pauses in which the active player can be switched around. Aside from the joy of completing a difficult level with a friend or two, occasionally, it’s nice to pass off the controller when a certain series of jumps is proving to be just a little too frustrating. With threeiconic mainline titlesincluded, this package offers plenty to experience and is a perfect addition for a family and friends game night.
TheUnchartedseries is well known for its cinematic sequences,rich characters, and compelling stories, and although they might not be the type of game that encourages multiple players to have a try at a single section or level, being there for the story is an awesome experience. The chaotic shootouts and challenging stealth sections are evenly broken up with cinematic quick time events and compelling cut scenes. With this collection containing the first three titles of the series, there is plenty of treasure to discover and mystery to unravel.
For gamers who grew up in the days of the Nintendo 64, taking turns inSuper Mario 64was likely to feel all too familiar. Most recent 3D Mario releases have offered local play in some form or fashion, typically through an assisting character with a limited role, but such was not the case inSuper Mario 64. Still, that doesn’t mean playing with friends is any less enjoyable. The collectathon-style gameplay acrossa variety of levelsprovides a great platform for a shared experience, and the occasionally tricky jumping puzzles offer players a great opportunity to pass the controller along for someone else to give it a try.
Most games on this list just offer more fun when played with others, but in the case ofOutlast, having others around also helps balancethe fear and dreadthe horror game is filled with. Players must navigate the dark corridors of a run-down psychiatric hospital, relying on the nightvision of their camcorder to see. There’s a constant need to search for batteries, and the suspense-filled atmosphere makes this search much more daunting than it sounds. Whether you have a controller in hand or are sitting beside the player on the couch,Outlast’s jump scares never cease to thrill.
Experience life as an android, walking the line between obedient robot and sentient human while playing through one of the many branching narrativesDetroit: Become Humanfeatures. Difficult choices are abundant, and decisions can have drastic impacts on the narrative arch, occasionally ending in the permanent death of a character. Though the game is solely single player, that doesn’t mean making these choices with a friend isn’t fun. Just don’t be surprised when that friendly advice has story-changing consequences.
Thankfully,Detroit: Become Humanoffers plenty of replayability for players to go back and change their minds or just to experience newcinematic-like stories.
This remade version of the early 2000s classic does have an option for a separate split-screen mode, but the real gem here is in the single-player story. The narrative isn’t particularly gripping, but it is lighthearted fun, and having a friend alongside to help spot collectibles or take the controller and help navigate the jumps of the kelp forest proves to be a welcome addition. Like other entries on this list, the inclusion of constant checkpoints offers a great framework to help create a shared experience.
Roguelikes provide a perfect platform to enjoy a game with a friend. Passing the controller on death in a rougelike means passing the controller to someone that will be starting a whole new run, and few rougelikes make this experience as enjoyable asDead Cells. ThisMetroidvania-inspireddungeon crawler embodies the randomness of the rougelike genre, making every run feel new. Thanks to its challenging gameplay and the occasional incentives for speeding through levels, runs are typically quick, which provides plenty of opportunities to switch between players.
The trope of a horror story featuring a handful of teenagers on a trip together to a remote spot in the woods may be played out, butUntil Dawnbrings a fresh spin to the otherwise well-known narrative arch through a host of choices and some unique twists.
The story isn’t long, making it perfect for a weekend night with friends, and most of the gameplay is based around speedy decision-making and quick time events. Whether players decide to take turns or just sit alongside for the experienceUntil Dawnisn’t one to be skipped.
CompletingRed Dead Redemption 2is a big ask, and encouraging friends to join in without playing is an even bigger one. Still, the story here is captivating, full of emotions, betrayals, and cinematic cutscenes, all of which make watching a playthrough feel like sitting down to binge-watch a well-written, action-filled western on Netflix.
Red Dead Redemption 2might not be an ideal title to expect some controller passing cooperation, and good luck asking anyone to end their turn, but even still, for friends looking to share a story, there are few options better than this.
Leaving aside the typical action-fueled gameplay of zombie titles,The Walking Deadfocuses almost entirely on narrative and player choices. Thanks to its episodic story, it’s easy to break this title up into bite-sized, game-night pieces, perfect for playing through with a friend or two. With its carefully crafted art style and compelling narrative,The Walking Deadoften feels like experiencing an interactive comic book.
All thetitles released by Telltalecould comfortably fit into this list, but with the widespread notoriety ofThe Walking Deadfranchise, this series is a great place to start.
