Stikbold

Available on: PlayStation 4, Nintendo Switch, Xbox One, PC

This dodgeball game pits players in a stage with multiple modifiers and hazards. You’ll have to eliminate players by stunning them with the ball before eliminating them with a second shot.

If you are sceptical of the gameplay, check out the video below

Rocket League

Available on: PlayStation 4, Nintendo Switch, Xbox One, PC

Rocket League is that mashup of football and racing and destruction derby. It’s 30% racing, 40% soccer and 30% chaos! It has weapon elements such as Mario Kart 8 so you can sabotage opponents while you chase down the ball and crash it to your opponent’s goalposts.

Oh ya, head-on collisions causes cars to explode! It’s surely a game to pick up if you’re feeling adventurous and FIFA isn’t your cuppa tea.

Keep Talking and Nobody Explodes

Available on: PlayStation 4, Nintendo Switch, Xbox One, PC, Android

Your communication, chemistry and patience are tested in this game as you team up to defuse a bomb. The twist is, one player holds the bomb without the manual while the other player, holding the manual, won’t see the bomb, so the bomb diffuser has to tell the manual reader what they are seeing so that the manual reader can relay the correct info to diffuse the bomb.

If you’re interested to study the manual, you can do so here.

Are you interested in seeing an actual bomb squad diffusing a virtual bomb? Then you’re in luck! Check out the video below.

Now, that’s a real-life bomb squad in action. Composed, relaxed, focused. Imagine the chaos when the bomb is ticking and your cousins are relaying you the wrong information. Create teams to see who’s the best virtual bomb squad in the extended family.

Towerfall Ascension

Available on: PlayStation 4, Nintendo Switch, Xbox One, PC, Android

Remember the good ol’ days where Bomberman is still a thing? Yeah, Towerfall Ascension is much like Bomberman where you pit 4 players in a battle royale. Last archer standing wins. The arenas are peppered with pits and what not so players will be constantly on their toes while they avoid arrows from fellow players.

This can be a fun party game if you have enough controllers on hand.

Castle Crashers

Available on: PlayStation 3, PlayStation 4, Nintendo Switch, Xbox One, Xbox 360, PC

Initially released on the PlayStation 3, this co-op side-scroller takes the cake when talking about party games. There’s no competition involved so everybody is happy and no cousin is left salty.

The game is coming to the Nintendo Switch and the PlayStation 4 with new and improved features.

You’ll be facing bosses with your siblings and cousins together. What’s a better way to bond with your family members other than this game?

Beat Saber

Available on: PlayStation 4 VR, PC

This VR title is a bit pricey compared to the others since you’ll need specialised hardware to play the game, but oh my it is worth every pretty penny.

Pass around the VR headset as you see the kids flail their arms wildly in an attempt to hit the approaching blocks to the beat of the music. The PC version gets mods so you can download custom music for the game. The PS4 version has the Monstercat EDM pack for sale.

SpongeBob SquarePants: Lights, Camera, Pants!

Available on: PlayStation 2, GameCube, Xbox

Now we’re headed to the previous gen consoles territory. Why? Because sometimes you’ll see one of these consoles picking up dust at your gramps’ house, so why not put them to good use. It would still provide you with countless hours of fun. For example, SpongeBob SquarePants: Lights, Camera, Pants! is a party game filled with wacky challenges for the entire family.

If you still have a PlayStation 2 or the other consoles surviving and a copy of this game, take my suggestion and duke it out with your friends.

Rock Band

Available on: Multiple Consoles

This popular rhythm game gets a mention here because of the massive fun playing around with your mates in Band Mode. You can play as the vocalist, the lead guitar, the bassist, and the drummer, provided you have the peripherals, which costs a fortune each.

You’ll need all of these, plus another guitar for the bassist.

Jam to tunes such as System of a Down’s Chop Suey and perform for your imaginary audience, or be obnoxious and play this in the living room in front of the guests for that extra oomph.

There you have it, folks, the best party games to play when all your friends and cousins are around for the festive season.

What do you think of our list? Do you feel like gaming with your friends after reading this? Or have we missed any fun party games in the list? Drop your thoughts in the comment below!