PS3 Party/Accessible Game Suggestions!

DHS Odium

Okay, so this is a topic for me, but will probably help some others out too.

For Thanksgiving my fiancee and I are driving 4 hours to her mother's house to celebrate with her side of the family. I'm going to be bringing some entertainment. I have all the systems. There will be at least a dozen people there, with a wide age range from 15 up to and through 60. Some will be heavy gamers, others probably haven't ever touched a controller. We'll be staying for around 4 days.

Now, before, we've brought the Wii. Of course, it's always a hit, with Wii Play and Wii Sports dominating people's time. This time however, I'm pushing for bringing the PS3 instead.

There isn't anything stopping me from bringing both, other than I don't want to disconnect everything. Also, I'm pretty goddamn bored of the Wii and most of it's games. The PS3 is the easiest system to disconnect (power and hdmi). The 360 isn't a bad choice, with all the XBLA games I have. I realize with this age range, the Wii is the top idea.

At the moment, I'm still set on the PS3. It has Blu-ray, and we have a couple movies for it. We'll be playing on like a 60" HDTV, so the BR discs and HD games I think will be a benefit.

For anyone wondering, with the Wii, I have 2 controllers and 2 nunchucks. 4 360 controllers, and 4 PS3 controllers. So the potential for more people to join in is there with the PS3, though it's a moot point if we are playing games with turns (I don't own Boom Blocks, but it does this and would be a good rent for this crowd).

Anyways, this is already gotten too long, and has too many details for it's purpose.

Are there any great, accessible PS3 games, preferably with 4 players? These can include downloadable titles. Something to consider is that there will be NO internet access while there. So I have LittleBigPlanet, which would be good for a decent number of the people showing up, but we would be relegated to the built-in levels. The only other 4 player games I own are Resistance 1/2. This would be good for a couple of us, not so much for the older people. I also have PixelJunk Monsters (2p) and Eden (3p).

What else is there? I have the PlayStation Eye if it makes a difference, and 3 of the 4 controllers have the motion controls in them.

I know I'll probably be force to bring the Wii anyways, but I'd like to just lug one console around.

One last thing to consider is, while there ill be 12 people there, even with the Wii, I doubt everyone will play the games, or play them for long enough to justify my bringing it (though I know my soon to be mother-in-law is addicted to Wii Bowling). The people I see playing the most are myself, my fiancee, her two nephews, and her sister. This crowd is familiar with games, and their preferred system is the 360 already. My PS3 is also a 60GB, so I also welcome some PS2 games I might have missed. I'll probably bring Champions of Norrath for some late night hacking and slashing with 4 people.

Willeth

There's no point in forcing a controller with twenty buttons on it on them if they're comfortable with the Wii. Take that. Besides, Boom Blox is a fucking blast.

Scrublet

Willeth wrote: »

There's no point in forcing a controller with twenty buttons on it on them if they're comfortable with the Wii. Take that. Besides, Boom Blox is a fucking blast.

This. You mention people like your soon-to-be mother-in-law. These are people that are used to defining a video game as a stationary activity with a multi-button controller, and are also used to staying the hell away from it. The Wii got big at family things like what you're describing precisely because of its unique take on video games.

If you must be hell-bent on using the ps3 in this situation, I would look at your pixeljunk games (tho Eden can get frustrating quickly for new players), as well as the arcade games like stardust and blastfactor. Seriously though, you KNOW your mother-in-law loves Wii Bowling. Stop being lazy and at least bring the Wii in addition to anything else.

GMaster7

Boom Blox and Wii Sports, the usual, are great for this (as you know). Might I also recommend the Buzz! quiz games for PS3? Definitely casual-friendly, and a lot of fun with groups. You can even play in teams if you want (2 people to a controller), and it gives you an excuse to bring the PS3.

slash000

There are a great deal of good games for this purpose on the Wii, but if you'd like to know of at least a couple of accessible multiplayer games for PS3 (but are also on Wii), you could always go the Rock Band or Guitar Hero routes.

Willeth

Buzz is a good idea. My mum has a grand old time with Scene It, even though she always loses. I should pick up Buzz at Christmas, actually.

slash000

Hot Shots Golf maybe?

Mgslee

When I'm out with a large crowd of friends we always get in to RockBand (2) at some point.
RB2 / GH4 on any system is always a good bet.

Makes for easy rotations so everyone can enjoy.

Johannen

1.Little Big Planet
2.Pro Evolution Soccer 2009 or FIFA09
3.Pretty much any other sports game
4.COD4/5
5.Warhawk
6.BUZZ (good game for the people you're mentioning)
7.Motorstorm Pacific Rift

PeregrineFalcon

DHS Odium wrote: »

3 of the 4 controllers have the motion controls in them

wut

Uh, I'm pretty sure the PS3 has always had motion controls. It's rumble that it got after the fact.

Edit - And yeah, just bring the Wii too.

Willeth

Third-party controllers don't always have motion functionality.

PeregrineFalcon

Willeth wrote: »

Third-party controllers don't always have motion functionality.

More reason never to buy those pieces of plastic-coated bullshit.

astroboy

Here are my top PS3 picks when friends (including non-gaming friends) come over:

1. Buzz! - with four intuitive controllers and multiple categories, it's quite accessible.
2. SingStar - easy to get into karaoke. Fun for the whole family! lol
3. Rock Band - requires lugging along the instruments, but still a lot of fun (I play on 360)

We have a lot of fun with those titles, but of course, YMMV.

BTP

In addition to what has been said, if PS3 has Pac-man, then PAC-MAN! Who doesn't love a little Pac-Man once in a while?

Does PlayStation Eye work with the PS2 Eyetoy games? If yes, maybe there's something there that would also work.

And if you're bringing the Wii, what about Wario Ware Smooth Moves? Isn't that able to handle up to 16 players somehow?

BakerIsBored

Blast Factor has a 4 player co-op or 4 player battle mode... its decent. (Only decent because I love SuperStar Dust)

I heard PS3 has a bowling game (with motion controls)... has anyone tried it?

Hahnsoo1

He did say he was tired of the Wii, and wanted more people to participate with the hardware that he already has.

I would recommend the picks that others have mentioned. But here are a few more, in case you need more ideas:
1) Karaoke Revolution presents: American Idol - If you have ANY American Idol fans in the household, they'll love this game. The game is basically SingStar + Dress-Up Barbie. The songs are more diverse and accessible than SingStar, too (which focuses more on modern pop stars rather than singable songs). It has some fun bonus content to watch, as well.
2) High Velocity Bowling - Pretty much Wii Bowling, but a different take on the whole genre (could it even be called a "genre"?). Uses motion controls fairly well. It's a download game, though, so you wouldn't be able to rent it.
3) Smackdown Vs Raw - Any of the years (07, 08, whatever) will do. All of them are basically the same game. If anyone in the family like wrasslin' and fighting games, this game is a lot of fun. It features an amazingly robust character creator, too (I've created Blanka, Zangief, Chun Li, and a host of other characters, complete with their own movesets). 4 player multiplayer, I believe. A good and fun rental.

I would definitely recommend these BELOW LittleBigPlanet or Pixeljunk Eden, but hey... variety and spice and all that.

DHS Odium

Thanks for the suggestions. I'm getting the evil eye from my fiancee for thinking about not bringing the Wii. At this rate, I probably will. I would like the thread to continue, I'm still interested in the PS3 idea, I really think getting some Blue-rays like the new Hulk and Iron Man would be a huge hit with everyone.

I should clarify, I really, honestly believe about 80% of any play time that is done on this holiday trip, will be by people already familiar with games. A large portion of the family goes on frequent trips, and the one system they always bring is the 360, even though they own the Wii. I know the Wii will work, I know Boom Blocks is awesome. The PS3 they don't have too much exposure with, so it's something new, will really stand out on the big TV, and hopefully people can watch and still enjoy.

That motion bowling game I'll have to check out.

As to Rock Band and Guitar Hero, I own them but all on 360.

To the guy that mentioned Warhawk, thanks. I own it, and thought it was only 2 players locally. I looked at the back of the box, and you're right, 2-4 players.

As for Buzz!, what about the PS2 version. I ask, cause I've seen it at Target on clearance. Do the PS2 buzz controllers use USB, or do they only work with an actual PS2 cause it uses the regular controller ports?

bsjezz

the ps2 buzz controllers do use usb

but wireless is way more fun!

Malechai

I'd say LBP would probly be a winner. 4 player is always good for a laugh, though you should test your offbrand controller with it first. I know that when the game first came out it had compatability issues with any controllers lacking motion support. May want to ask in the LBP thread if anyone has anything published that is available for full copy or not. That way you could search it up copy it and play offline with friends.

greeble

DHS Odium wrote: »

To the guy that mentioned Warhawk, thanks. I own it, and thought it was only 2 players locally. I looked at the back of the box, and you're right, 2-4 players.

As for Buzz!, what about the PS2 version. I ask, cause I've seen it at Target on clearance. Do the PS2 buzz controllers use USB, or do they only work with an actual PS2 cause it uses the regular controller ports?

Warhawk 1v1 really sucks, but I guess 2v2 could be fun. (Warhawk is better with at least 8 or so though)

On my last family trip I brought PS2 Buzz Megaquiz and it was a hit. (Worked fine on my 60GB ps3) Also played Eden and lots and lots of Rock Band. The bowling game is pretty fun, but its not quite as accessible as the wii version because most people find it more difficult to do the spin. (Uses the L2 and R2 most people end up pressing them full power which means too much spin)

I just had people over on Sunday and LBP was a hoot, even with just the story levels. Lots of hilarity in just slapping objects and stikers on the other guy's sackboys m aking them look as fucked up as possible.But yeah check your controllers with that game, since it might not like 3rd party ones.

DHS Odium

Malechai wrote: »

I'd say LBP would probly be a winner. 4 player is always good for a laugh, though you should test your offbrand controller with it first. I know that when the game first came out it had compatability issues with any controllers lacking motion support. May want to ask in the LBP thread if anyone has anything published that is available for full copy or not. That way you could search it up copy it and play offline with friends.

Thanks, I hadn't thought about the controller thing. I just assumed the one player using it wouldn't be able to move their character's head. I also didn't realize you could completely copy the online levels for offline play.

EDIT: Thanks greeble, good to know PS2 Buzz will work. I'll see if I can find that clearance copy.

I think with LBP, Resistance, Warhawk, Eden, and Buzz, along with some choice Blu-ray titles like the new Hulk and Iron Man, it will keep people's attention.

Malechai

With warhawk unless your wanting to do dogfighting specificaly. With only 4 people I'd stick to verry small layouts on straight DM. Maybe some of the tiny layouts might work with CTF 2v2 but no way to have a fun zones match with only 4 people from what I've experienced.

Monkeydrye

Pain can be a really fun game. I have put it up several times, and people just love to watch.

Buzz is always a great party game. Fast and light trivia. For deeper trivia you could download Jeopardy. I have also had some sucess with Monster Madness: Grave Danger. Not a great game, but fun for 4 players.

Rock Band is also a must.

Insanity

Grab a bunch of demos off PSN.

Hail to the Chimp, Rocketmen: Axis Of Evil, Monster Madness: Grave Danger, they're all good for a 4 player laugh, and all free.

Willeth

Super Rub-a-Dub is excellent for passive competition. If you set them all up with their own profiles it has internal leaderboards for times.

DHS Odium

Well shit, the 4th PS3 controller I have, which lacks motion, does not work in LBP. That's really lame, as I can see, in LBP the motion only moves the head, and you can turn that feature off; it in no way affects gameplay. The controller absolutely will not work with it though.

I did see a controller on clearance at the same Target with Buzz, I might go that route. And I probably should stock up on PSN demos too.

DHS Odium

I picked up Buzz! Hollywood for $15, and tried it out. This will be perfect, thanks. One question though, the game froze a lot after starting up, upon pressing a button to skip the opening CGI intro. Just a black screen, when there's supposed to be a loading icon. I can still press the PS button to bring up the menu, I had to reset it a lot. I'm not sure if this is a result of the autosave feature. The last time I tried it I said "No" when it asks to use autosave, and that worked fine and I played for awhile. Though, I also had it working once with autosave on. I guess I'll have to test it more - the disc looks perfect, the game was brand new before I opened it. It appears the only part where the game might freeze is before you get to the main game menu.

Now I just need to hope a patch for LBP to fix the 3rd party controller issue is out in time for Thanksgiving.

Willeth

Not happening with the patch. Stuff like that is intentional. The Playstation Eye is the only supported camera, and it pisses me right off.

slash000

Am I the only one showing love for the PS3 version of Hot Shots Golf? Besides Buzz, it's like the ideal casual game for groups of people on the PS3 right now. I mean assuming people take turns on each hole (if there are >4 people)

DHS Odium

Willeth wrote: »

Not happening with the patch. Stuff like that is intentional. The Playstation Eye is the only supported camera, and it pisses me right off.

That's such bullshit though. How can Sony/MM allow a game that disables the use of 3rd party controllers?

There should be a much bigger outrage at this than I've seen around the internet.

Monkeydrye

slash000 wrote: »

Am I the only one showing love for the PS3 version of Hot Shots Golf? Besides Buzz, it's like the ideal casual game for groups of people on the PS3 right now. I mean assuming people take turns on each hole (if there are >4 people)

I never played it multi, but if it plays as well as the single, yeah it should be great!

Hahnsoo1

DHS Odium wrote: »

That's such bullshit though. How can Sony/MM allow a game that disables the use of 3rd party controllers?

There should be a much bigger outrage at this than I've seen around the internet.

Well, this is a third party controller that doesn't have motion controls. I don't know if the OP tried a third party controller with motion controls. Motion control is integrated into the Sackboy's movement (whether we like it or not), so it would make sense that a controller that lacked this function would not work.

toolbert

Calling All Cars is also a blast with 4 people and not too bad on the PSN. I might also suggest Wipe Out HD if not only to show it off and its sparklyness. How could I also not suggest Guantlet? Old school 4 player fun!

Willeth

Oh shit, I forgot that Burnout Paradise is getting a party play mode in February. I completely recommend it (although not for local play before the party play mode is out) and you can download it from PSN.

Maybe a good one for next year :P

DHS Odium

Hahnsoo1 wrote: »

DHS Odium wrote: »

That's such bullshit though. How can Sony/MM allow a game that disables the use of 3rd party controllers?

There should be a much bigger outrage at this than I've seen around the internet.

Well, this is a third party controller that doesn't have motion controls. I don't know if the OP tried a third party controller with motion controls. Motion control is integrated into the Sackboy's movement (whether we like it or not), so it would make sense that a controller that lacked this function would not work.

I do own a third party controller with motion, a Nyko Zero, and it does work fine. I know motion is the problem, but from what I can see, having already beaten the game, LBP doesn't use motion for anything other than moving sackboys head, and even that feature can be disabled by pushing the left stick in.

Furthermore, the third party controllers without motion all worked in the beta, but in the retail release this is now impossible. I'm fine with a game that absolutely requires motion not working with controllers without it, that's a given. That simply isn't the case here though.

As for Hot Shots Golf, I'll grab the demo and see how it is.

Hahnsoo1

DHS Odium wrote: »

I do own a third party controller with motion, a Nyko Zero, and it does work fine. I know motion is the problem, but from what I can see, having already beaten the game, LBP doesn't use motion for anything other than moving sackboys head, and even that feature can be disabled by pushing the left stick in.

Pressing L3 toggles the head movement to change to pelvis movement (one of the first tutorial videos, I believe). It doesn't disable motion controls.

bsjezz

it's not necessarily a motion problem - i have an adapter to use ps2 dualshocks with my ps3 and it works fine with littlebigplanet

i've heard nothing to suggest it's anything but a bug that should (eventually) be fixed

DHS Odium

Hmm, I too have an adapter for use with an older dualshock, but it doesn't work for me.

BakerIsBored

Willeth wrote: »

Oh shit, I forgot that Burnout Paradise is getting a party play mode in February. I completely recommend it (although not for local play before the party play mode is out) and you can download it from PSN.

Maybe a good one for next year :P

I plan on getting Burnout Paradise on Black Friday. $20... yes, and thank you!

TheOne(AndOnly)

Has anyone bought Monster Madness? I played the demo and liked it, but is the full game worth $30?

DHS Odium

I played the 360 version, and it wasn't too hot. I don't know what kind of changes the PS3 version went through before release though.