When it comes to video games modes, there are two broad categories fans often think of: single-player games and multiplayer games. Whichever style video game fans prefer, each category has some exciting upcoming releases. For solo players, Starfield looks to be a promising game coming out on November 11th, 2022. For the multiplayer fanatic, Splatoon 3 seems to be an exciting continuation to the series, releasing on September 9th, 2022.
While the two game modes have their obvious differences, there are many games on both sides of the coin that offer fans on both sides something to enjoy. Despite the obvious solo mechanics offered in a single-player game, they can offer a unique change of pace and style that the multiplayer game lover can enjoy.
Roller Coaster Tycoon 2
This successful sequel to the original Roller Coaster Tycoon, a legendary management game, has the same concept as the original: to create and manage a custom theme park. The amusement park game sequel has some improvements from its predecessor's formula, including a more intricate building and designing system.
While multiplayer games are traditionally about either teamwork or competition, Roller Coaster Tycoon 2 allows players to take a break from relying on other players for help or competition. In this case, players can set their own objectives, along with the tasks the game itself sets, and will have to work to balance income and resources in order to make a great theme park.
Celeste
An outstanding platformer game with deep characterization and masterful storytelling, Celeste follows the journey of a young woman named Madeline hiking upwards towards the summit of Mount Celeste. Celeste is one of the most beloved games in recent years, not only for its masterful writing but also because of its fun and challenging levels.
Platformer games of all kinds typically provide a challenge to even veteran gamers of the genre, and so the ever-challenging Celeste will offer multiplayer fans a unique challenge, as there are no other players that are able to help in a single-player setting. The difficulty of the levels can actually be a benefit to competitive multiplayer gamers, as there are no other players to defeat in the game, just the hard levels.
Beat Saber
Beat Saber is an iconic rhythm game, one of the PS4's best in the genre. Played with a VR headset, the rhythm games combine music, lights, and note blocks to create a fully immersive experience. While it is a primarily single-player game, there is an online leader board that is updated in real-time, along with a multiplayer option.
Beat Saber offers a fun experience for both the multiplayer fan and the overall casual gamer by offering a wide variety of music for players to jam and swing along to. While the game is more so focused on the single-player mode, there is a multiplayer option if multiplayer fans cannot resist the co-op bug for too long, but for those who are willing to fly solo, there is the leader board for each song to still keep them in a competitive mindset.
The Last Of Us Part 2
Packed to the brim with moments that are truly horrific, The Last Of Us Part 2 is a horror game in every sense of the word. In a post-apocalyptic world, the hero, Ellie, must go on a journey in order to seek both justice and closure, hoping to overcome the physical and emotional repercussions of her past actions.
With all of the sudden scares and quick time events, players will need to act fast and respond quickly to the sudden moments in the game. Being well versed in multiplayer games may give players the skills they need to be alert and act on their toes in one of many tense situations within The Last Of Us Part 2. Not only is The Last Of Us Part 2 an excellent horror game for multiplayer fans to try out, but it is one of the best the PS4 has to offer.
BioShock
One of many video games turning 15 in 2022, BioShock is a thrilling first-person shooter game that combines many sci-fi and horror events and elements. The 2007 game also supplies many twists, a deep narrative, and plenty of dystopian goodness that will have players invested and hungry for more.
Many first-person shooter games are catered toward the multiplayer crowd, but BioShock is one of the rarer instances in the genre that does not have any multiplayer content available. This provides a fantastic change of pace for those used to aiming for real users, now giving a wide variety of CPU foes to take down. The underwater setting and tantalizing story of the game also provides more distinctive content for multiplayer fans.
The Witcher 3
In one of the greatest open-world RPG's games in recent years, The Witcher 3 has so much to take in and plenty of reasons to enjoy it. The third installment of the series continues to follow Geralt, the main character, and his quest to slay monsters and reunite with his adopted daughter.
It can tend to feel cramped in multiplayer lobbies, with all kinds of players running around, and sometimes interfering with gameplay. Thankfully, The Witcher 3 provides one of the greatest open worlds in all of video games and no other players to interfere with it. The elements of monsters to hunt, amazing characters, and a rich story based on both a fantasy novel series and Slavic Mythology will have something for even multiplayer fans.
Fallout 4
Much like BioShock, Fallout 4 is another single-player first-person shooter game in a dystopian world, this time taking place after a nuclear fallout. The main character is a survivor of the fallout, leaving stasis in their shelter to try to find their lost child.
Fallout 4 has a pretty extensive world ravaged by nuclear warfare for players to explore, unbothered by other players. What makes this game different from many multiplayer shooters is the many ways the storyline and shooter genre blend together to influence each other. The player can design and format their base, go on supply runs which they must manage later, and of course, undertake the main campaign.
Hades
A masterpiece of both visual style and music, Hades is a thrilling, critically-acclaimed hack-and-slash game centered heavily around Greek Mythology. Deep in the Underworld, Prince Zagreus desires to leave to reunite with his extended family, the Olympians, but his father, King Hades, pulls out all the stops to keep him from leaving.
While Hades is an all-around masterpiece of a game, it is also ridiculously difficult and takes a lot of patience and strategy to complete, along with a lot of attempts. This gives multiplayer fans something to become competitive about. The addicting characters based on the classic myths are also a valid reason to get attached to the game, with characterization often being an overlooked aspect in multiplayer games.
The Legend of Zelda: Breath Of The Wild
Both a Nintendo and all-around favorite in the gaming community, Legend Of Zelda: Breath Of The Wild is a must-play for anyone who enjoys action and adventure games. The most recent installment of the series shows Link back in action with Zelda against Ganon, but with a new form for all three heroes, involving a great calamity.
Breath Of The Wild's vast open world is perfect for players to explore and solve both side quests and the main story at their own pace. This presents a perfect opportunity for multiplayer gamers to take time to relax and explore, enjoying the story and atmosphere of the game rather than rushing around or worrying about other users, though it has been proven to be a somewhat easy game to speed-run.
Red Dead Redemption 2
A successful sequel to the beloved Xbox original, Red Dead Redemption 2 is another open-world game, this time set in the wild west, with plenty of gun-slinging action in the middle of a rich story. The player can follow the lives of legendary outlaws Arthur Morgan and John Marston.
There is so much to love about this thrilling game, including the land powered by stellar graphics for players to enjoy, interacting with characters and progressing at their own pace. What makes Red Dead Redemption 2 very nice for multiplayer lovers is the fact that the original game and the online version are similar in function, so if multiplayer fans cannot depart from the style they love, but love the game, they can always stick with the online mode.