Top 10 LAN Party Games
Time to link up some computers and have some fun. Join http://www.watchmojo.com as we countdown our picks for the Top 10 LAN Party Games.
From the early days of online play to now, these are the finest games to include a mode for local area network gameplay. Whether they're shooters, strategy games, role-playing games or any other genre, we've found these games best encapsulate the experience of LAN play. Not to be confused with Top 10 Local Multiplayer games, We're focusing on Networked PC and home console games that justify the convoluted and tricky setups to bring an experience that online play simply cannot replicate.
Special Thanks to our user "Daniel John" for suggesting this topic on our Suggestion Tool http://www.WatchMojo.comsuggest
Script written by Kurt Hvorup
#10: “Command & Conquer: Red Alert 2” (2000)
The Red Army marches on, but it's not unopposed. This classic real-time strategy game, set in an alternate 1970s setting, has a fair amount of multiplayer content. Up to eight players can enjoy customizable competitive matches, where armies battle one another for dominance. “Red Alert 2” also features a two-player cooperative campaign for those so inclined, acting as a pleasant team-based alternative to the typical skirmishes – plus, it’s probably the most balanced entry in the series.
#9: “Diablo II” (1999)
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Battling demons by oneself is all well and good, but there's something to be said for teamwork. Such is the promise of the role-playing game “Diablo II”, which was designed to ensure single-player quests could also be undertaken in multiplayer. What's more, the game's online suite was tailored for an increasing player count; as more people entered a game, combat rewards such as experience points and items increased. To say nothing of the inherent fun in slaying monsters en masse with a group of friends.
#8: “Call of Duty: World at War” (2008)
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Refinement can be just as valuable as revolution. We feel that way about this entry in the “Call of Duty” franchise, which brings the series back to its Second World War roots. For competitive matches, the excellent killstreak system and distinct modes of “Call of Duty 4” received a World War II makeover and minor tweaks. Beyond that, there's Nazi Zombies, the four-person survival mode that pits online or local players against an undead horde. Nothing says “party” like fending off zombies with shotguns – and having your teammates next to you is a big plus.
#7: “Halo: Combat Evolved” (2001)
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Nothing like some classic first-person action to bring people together. “Halo: Combat Evolved”, widely viewed as the killer app of the Xbox, made its name as the first console game to offer LAN play. Since the first Halo didn’t have Online play, you could only cram the full 16 players into a game via LAN, which, if you do the math, required at least four Xbox consoles to be linked together. Regardless of difficulty in setup, the experience of battling other players in intense gunfights made the effort worthwhile.
#6: “Minecraft” (2011)
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Who knew mining for diamonds could be so much fun with friends? Well, it seems that way with “Minecraft”, the open-world sandbox game that's taken us by storm. One of the game's unique features is letting players open up their single-player worlds to local area networks, letting a tight-knit group of gamers enjoy a custom world in close quarters. We certainly appreciate being able to build a fortress with friends, without needing to setup a server.
#5: “Warcraft III: Reign of Chaos” (2002)
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On top of being immersed in fantasy elements, this strategy game also delivers a fulfilling LAN experience. The multiplayer in “Reign of Chaos” focuses solely on destroying other players' constructed buildings, giving competitive gamers a clear-cut objective to strive towards. Of greater significance, however, is the ability to host custom games; instead of relying on matchmaking, players can simply band together and develop their own match. Add to that features like clan creation and Arranged Team Games, and you have quite the group-friendly game. Of course, this is the game that gave rise to DOTA, an equally popular mode to play with you buddies.
#4: “Left 4 Dead” (2008)
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The apocalypse is a little less lonely with this one. Developed in a partnership between Valve Corporation and Turtle Rock Studios, “Left 4 Dead” was built from the ground up to be playable in any form: alone, online, couch co-op, or via system link. Should four players connect their consoles or computers, they can enjoy five campaigns full of aggressive zombies, intense gunplay, and narrow escapes from death. What makes the game more enjoyable is the A.I. Director system, which ensures no two playthroughs are precisely the same by modify the enemy layout and the location of resources.
#3: “Unreal Tournament 2004” (2004)
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Player versus player combat is always entertaining, but Epic Games' 2004 multiplayer-oriented first-person shooter offers a bit more than what's expected. Across the game's ten different modes – from genre stalwarts like deathmatch and capture the flag, to more unique offerings like Last Man Standing – its unique blend of fast-paced movement and plentiful weapons makes for engaging battles between players. What's more, continued support of the game by Epic and the extensive modding possibilities ensure that “Unreal Tournament 2004” will never truly go out of style.
#2: “StarCraft” (1998)
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We tip our hats to you, Blizzard – you know your way around a strategy game. This future-set RTS from the minds behind “Warcraft” and “Diablo” not only delivers a plentiful single-player experience, but also revolutionized e-sports as we know them. The secret behind the popularity of “StarCraft” in competitive and LAN party circles lies in its design; the three playable races are distinct from each other yet open to player strategy, with every unit built remaining useful from start to finish. The balance at play here is incredible, and we have nothing but respect for it.
Before we unveil our top pick, here are a few honorable mentions:
“Serious Sam: The First Encounter” (2001)
“Quake III Arena” (1999)
“Age of Empires II: The Age of Kings” (1999)
#1: “Counter-Strike” (2000)
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Some games were built to endure the test of time – and this is no exception. Developed as a modification of the game “Half-Life”, this competitive shooter gave new life and energy to the LAN-based multiplayer scene. Selecting equipment and joining one of two teams, players engage in pitched combat – with the ultimate goal varying based on the given map. “Counter-Strike” gained such popularity that, in 2004, the game was used as part of the first professional fantasy e-sports league. That's quite the pedigree.
Do you agree with our list? What’s your favorite LAN party game? For more inclusive Top 10s published daily, be sure to subscribe to WatchMojo.com.
