Console Games: A Timeless Classic in the Era of Online Gaming

Playing games together on consoles remains relevant. The reason for their enduring popularity is simple — real, live interaction that brings players excitement and fun. Here, we discuss the best console games for two players: from tried-and-true classics across various genres to exciting new releases.

Mortal Kombat

The franchise dedicated to the greatest fighting tournament in the universe hardly needs an introduction. The first game in the series debuted in 1992 and quickly won the hearts of millions of fans. Since then, 11 numbered titles and several major expansions have been released, with the popularity of Mortal Kombat only continuing to grow.

The latest installment, Mortal Kombat 1, was released in September 2023 and received positive reviews from both players and critics. They praised its captivating story campaign, well-designed combat mechanics with new modes, and cinematic graphics. However, the previous three entries (starting with the 2011 reboot) still play well today and will bring just as much enjoyment.

Streets of Rage

Streets of Rage is a classic 16-bit beat-’em-up from the ’90s, released on Sega consoles. Players take control of one of three heroes tasked with freeing the city from criminals and defeating the mysterious Mr. X, the local crime boss.

The game was known for its incredible dynamism, simple three-button control system, spectacular super moves, and interactive environments that could be used against enemies. It became hugely popular worldwide, leading to sequels in 1992 and 1994. Nearly 26 years later, the fourth installment was released. Developers carefully preserved the spirit of the original, added canonical fighters from the classic trilogy, and introduced new features. The online co-op mode in Streets of Rage 4 supports two players, while up to four players can team up on a single console to form their own combat squad.

FIFA

Who doesn’t love football? Watching matches and betting on them or playing yourself — it all seems fun. That’s why FIFA is internationally popular. The famous football simulation series from Electronic Arts has been delighting fans for over 30 years, with new installments released annually. Each version of FIFA introduced updated team rosters and national squads, continually improving gameplay, graphics, and AI.

The latest installment is EA Sports FC 24, which marked a name change due to the termination of the contract with the International Federation of Football. Despite the new name, the game remains true to its roots, featuring over 700 teams, more distinctive player traits, and highly realistic animations. There are also new features: players can now create mixed-gender teams and even stage intergender matches. If you don’t have the latest version, FIFA 23 is still an excellent choice, as it doesn’t lag far behind EA Sports FC 24 in most aspects.

Cuphead

Just describing this 2017 game sounds like a psychedelic dream: you control an anthropomorphic cup named Cuphead, traveling through a surreal world, battling living objects, carnivorous plants, monsters, pirates, aliens in flying saucers, and a host of other strange creatures. The protagonist and the world around him are designed in the style of 1930s Disney cartoons, accompanied by upbeat jazz tunes. In the end, you face off against the devil himself to reclaim the souls lost in a casino.

In terms of gameplay, Cuphead is a hardcore shoot-’em-up where players will need skill to overcome the bosses. The experience becomes even more fun in co-op mode when Cuphead’s brother joins in, making the gameplay even more dynamic.

Gran Turismo

Gran Turismo is a series of PlayStation-exclusive console racing games that has been around since 1997. These games are known for their realistic physics, a huge number of cars closely resembling their real-life counterparts, authentic race tracks, and extensive customization options.

To feel like a professional racer and experience the adrenaline of competing with a friend, try Gran Turismo 7 (2022) or Gran Turismo Sport (2017).

Forza Horizon

Xbox fans also have a chance to compete in one of the best racing exclusives — the Forza Horizon series. The latest games, Forza Horizon 5 (2021) and Forza Motorsport (2023), have won over gamers with dynamic open-world racing, various modes (sprint, circuit races, off-road, etc.), a thrilling soundtrack, and more than 500 cars from around the world.

Unlike Gran Turismo, Forza doesn’t focus entirely on realism, allowing players to perform stunts that would be impossible in real life. However, with flexible settings, you can add a touch of realism to the game if you want to feel like a professional racer and experience driving as close to real life as possible.

It Takes Two

If all the previous titles could be played solo, albeit with less fun, It Takes Two is strictly a cooperative game. Cooperation and mutual support are the core of the gameplay and its main message. According to the storyline, players take on the roles of a married couple on the verge of divorce. Their daughter accidentally turns them into dolls, and in order to regain their human forms, they must face many trials and learn to love each other again.

To accomplish this, players must work together, helping each other overcome obstacles, solve puzzles, and fight enemies. Among the foes are animated tools, angry wasps under the rule of a robot queen, an army of intelligent squirrels, and many other unusual creatures. However, the biggest challenge lies in the journey through the couple’s home, which has accumulated a host of issues over the years of their shared life.

Just Dance

Just Dance is the perfect way to combine video gaming with physical activity. Here, players can perform energetic dances to the beat of global hits and compete with live or online opponents. To do this, you’ll need special controllers (if you’re playing on a Switch) or a smartphone with a dedicated app that tracks your movements. To score the highest points, you need to precisely mimic the actions on the screen and stay in sync with the rhythm of the music without making mistakes.

Since 2009, the series has released 14 games. Most are available on various consoles, but the latest, Just Dance 2023 Edition, is only playable on the latest generation of consoles.

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