Our editors independently research, test, and recommend the best products; you can learn more about our review process here. We may receive commissions on purchases made from our chosen links.
The Jackbox Party Pack has become a staple for any social gathering involving a game console. Available for the PlayStation 4, The Jackbox Party Pack 3 gives you a collection of five hilarious party games in one convenient package. The third pack, in particular, remains a favorite for its selection of games including Quiplash, Trivia Murder Party, Guesspionage, Tee K.O., and Fakin' It. There's something for everyone, from trivia to (bad) drawing, to always-entertaining social games where you can learn embarrassing truths about your friends. Jackbox Party Pack is the place to start at your next gathering.
Best of all, Jackbox Party Packs don't require any extra controllers. Players join the action from their smartphone or tablet by visiting the Jackbox.tv website, so anyone can play along as long as their device is charged. If you enjoy the selection of games, you don't have to stop at this pack either: Jackbox currently has five different game packs available to shake up the fun.
Is trivia your game? Then you'll want to check out Trivial Pursuit Live!, a game developed by Longtail Studios and published by Ubisoft Entertainment. Building on the world's best-known trivia game, this rendition of Trivial Pursuit lets you take the game to the big screen. Choose an avatar and answer questions in Trivial Pursuit's popular categories: geography, entertainment, history, arts & literature, science & nature, and sports. Claim a victory in all six groups to secure a win and showcase your superior knowledge of random facts.
Over the years, the team behind Trivial Pursuit has released many variants of the board game, including themed editions like Star Wars and The Lord of the Rings. This edition of Trivial Pursuit Live! for the PlayStation 4 is focused on general trivia so that everyone can play, up to four players at a time or more if you play as teams. The game is also available on the older PlayStation 3 console.
Want to take a classic board game to the big screen? Monopoly Plus by Ubisoft Entertainment is available for the PlayStation 4, and this time, nobody will be cheating the bank. A great way to put a new spin on family game night, you can grab your favorite Monopoly pieces and start buying up the virtual world. Monopoly Plus allows you to experience this iconic empire-building game in a vibrant 3D environment. Best of all, if you want to change the setup or add in some household rules, the game allows for custom modifications to gameplay.
As an added convenience, you don't need any extra controllers to play. Monopoly Plus syncs up with players' smartphones so it's easy to jump into the action. You also have the option to play either offline with just your friends and family in the room, or online with other players across the globe.
The second installment in the series from Ghost Town Games, Overcooked 2 is a fast-paced cooperative cooking game that scales from relaxing to downright intense as the game progresses. Designed for up to four players, each takes a role in a restaurant kitchen preparing, cooking, and serving meals as fast as possible. Run around the virtual kitchen gathering ingredients, dodging other players, and trying to keep your orders straight. It's a lot of chaos, but also a ton of fun. Once your friends head home, you can continue playing via single-player or an online multiplayer mode, and add on the Too Many Cooks or Surf 'n' Turf packs to keep the action going.
For players who have played the original Overcooked, the sequel offers lots of new levels, restaurants, and recipes so it won't feel like a repeat. This game was released to an overwhelmingly positive critical reception and has won multiple awards as a great family game.
Originally designed as a game for virtual reality headsets, Keep Talking and Nobody Explodes has now made its way to standard game consoles including the PlayStation 4. Developed and released by Steel Crate Games in 2015, this fast-paced action game requires that you and a team of friends work against the clock to prevent a bomb from exploding. One player has to actually diffuse the bomb while other players attempt to decipher the bomb disposal manual and give them instructions. It's great to play with a crowd — an endless number of individuals can jump in to help with the manuals.
With many different bomb scenarios available, this game can keep you and your friends entertained for a long time. If you happen to own a PlayStation VR headset, the primary player can step into the world of the bomb for an even more immersive experience. It makes a great addition to your game library and your next party.
The only indie video game on our list, Tower Fall was originally released in 2013 by Matt Thorson of Matt Thorson Games. Quickly received as a hit on the Ouya microconsole, TowerFall made its way to the PlayStation 4 with a new name — TowerFall: Ascension. Players jump into an 8-bit-style combat arena where they battle each other with arrows and melee attacks. The multiplayer mode allows for up to four players to join in on the action, with power-ups adding an extra boost of excitement to the battle royale.
The TowerFall: Ascension variation of the game that made its way to the PlayStation 4 features an extended single-player mode in addition to new levels, weapons, and gameplay modes. The game is genuinely built for parties as it does not include an online mode. Fans of Super Smash Brothers may find an excellent 8-bit alternative with this exciting indie action game.
The latest core release in the LittleBigPlanet series, LittleBigPlanet 3 is our top pick for a party-ready platformer that offers non-stop fun — and a keen test of your reflexes. Featuring LittleBigPlanet's endearing main character, Sackboy, along with others like Swoop, Big Toggle, Little Toggle, and OddSock, players jump about various platforms, solving puzzles and complete their objectives. Like other platformers, this game is about precision timing and requires a bit of brain power to get through.
There is a wide variety of playable characters so multiple friends can play at the same time. Best of all, you'll never run out of fun thanks to the game's ever-expanding community that features over 8.5 million custom level designs. If you're looking for a platformer that's equal parts charming and challenging, be sure to check out LittleBigPlanet 3 for the PlayStation 4.
Rock Band 4 hit the market nearly four years ago and it's still a party game favorite. The best part: you don't have to know how to play an instrument to play the game. You and your friends can unleash your inner rock star by following onscreen cues to sing, strum, and drum along on the game's instrument controllers. Compatible guitars, drums, and microphones are sold separately or as a bundle so you can get your band off the ground.
Rock Band 4 is great for players of all skill levels. Hardcore fans can truly rock out, while beginners have lots of easier challenges to choose from that'll give them a hang of their virtual instruments. The latest edition of Rock Band 4 includes over 100 songs and the option to download even more from the Rock Band 4 store.