After reading my LAN party blog, you may be considering hosting your own.  Go for it!  But a question that is usually high on the list is “what games should we play?”.  This decision can make or break your evening of fun.  Some people’s computer’s may not be able to handle the latest and greatest multi-player games (obviously, single player games are off of the list!), and some of the older games may not work without a lot of help on the newer operating systems.

I’ve compiled a list of games that have been played at our LAN parties over the years (I think we are on year 7 of LAN parties that I have hosted).  I’ve applied various ratings to the top 10 games we’ve tested and rated them by things like the following: How hard is it to learn the game (some games take a long time to get the hang of…which makes them less popular), System requirements (can anyone’s computer run them with no complications?), how much skill is required (can anyone pick it up and do well?), fun factor (is everyone laughing to the point the have a headache? The noise factor coming up from my basement is usually and indicator of this.  P), graphics (is it a pretty game?), group size limit (how many people can play?  The 8 or below limit had stiff penalties), re-playability (can the group play this one all night with no one getting bored?  many maps and options of play give this one a boost.).

You may see some games absent from the list that would seem to work well.  Notably “Halo” or the “Battlefront” series.  Those games require each person to have their own copy of the disk to play in a LAN setting.  Most of the games here allow you to play with each other from the same disk (with no *.exe or  no CD hacks) at a LAN party, while those listed above require each person present to use the same disk to play online or in a LAN setting.  The Call of Duty series allows you to play at a LAN party off of the same disk, but you must have your own copy to play online.  I think this is smart on the side of the producers, because if the players all enjoy the game at the LAN party, there is a high chance that they will be looking to buy the game  for themselves in the near future.

Anyway, with no further introduction….my top 10!

-in 10th place…. Starcraft!

Pros: Anyone’s machine can handle it, lot’s of fun!

Cons: High learning curve, unable to zoom in and out, and the group size limit of 8 hurt this one.

-9th place….IL2 Sturmovich 1946!

Pros: Beautiful graphics, and low system requirements, great simulation.

Cons: No one can join in after the game begins, really steep learning curve, and not everyone is a pilot…..

-8th place….World in Conflict!

Pros: Graphics and interface are excellent, most machines can handle it, a lot of fun making enemy weapon system go “BOOM” (lots of noise from the basement).

Cons:  Another steep learning curve, and learning the strategy can be tough.

-7th place….Insane!  (Actually tie for 6th)

Pros:  Anyone can play this off-road racing game, any machine can handle it, good view distances, and FUN (laugh till you have a headache, lot’s of screaming, and great hit detection).

Cons: 8 player limit, quirky system linkup (seems to always be someone who can’t find the host).

-6th place….Descent!

Pros: Fun game, lots of maps, and any machine can play it.

Cons:  Do you get vertigo?

Really tough to get a feel for controlling the ship for a beginner.

LOTS of buttons!

 -5th place….Dungeon Siege!

Pros:  Easy to learn, and controls are basically point and click.  Pretty graphics, but low system requirements.  Lots of different areas to explore.  Anyone can pick it up and figure it out with little coaching.  Lots of fun in Co-op or vs.mode.

Cons:  8 person group size limit.  If you choose a melee character and have a good mage supporting you, you may fall asleep….right Ben Lutz?  P  It is fun for a couple of hours, then on to something else.

-4th place….Battlefield 2!

Pros:  HUGE maps, lots of vehicles, player kits.  Graphics are nice.  Fun!  Coop (against bots) or vs. mode.  Up to 64 players!

Cons: Fairly high system requirements, LONG install and patch time (patch 1.5 is 1.9 GB).

-3rd place….Freelancer!

Pros:  Beautiful graphics!
Lots of fun!
Coop or vs. modes, any machine can handle it, and easy to learn.
Huge universe!
Large group…i think 32?

Cons: Takes some skill to stay alive and with the group, and if you die…back to the starting point!  Can get a little monotonous after a while (after you’ve achieved the biggest and best ship)….

2nd place….Team Fortress 2!

Pros:  It’s FREE (download from steam)!

It’s pretty! Most systems can handle it.  Lots of fun!  And we just figured out how to host it at the next LAN party.  That’s a hint, for anyone who is planning on coming in January…..

Cons:  Everyone will need to download it for themselves, and no one can join us from off-site.

1st place…no surprise here…the Call of Duty franchise! The original and 4 (2 had a odd feel to it, and 3 was not released for PC) have seen extensive, almost exclusive, use at our parties.

Pros: It’s easy to learn, a lot of fun, you unlock new weapons as you level up,  almost any machine can handle them, lots of maps and game mods, 32 player group size limit, and those with their own copy can join in from off-site.

Cons:  Jeremy Gonyea’s knife……:o)
Not many people want to play something else.  My kid’s can’t seems to sleep through the almost explosive outbursts when someone finally detonates the bomb after 15-20 minutes of tense silence, broken by the occasional burst of laughter.  I think that sums it up!

So there you have it.  I’m sure there will be many comments about games I missed.  That’s great!  If anyone has suggestions of a new one to try, we are always open to new suggestion, and happy to try them out!  Hope these help, and if anyone needs technical advise, make sure to contact Eberly systems for all your LAN party needs (it’s great having some Tech’s available to t-shoot the occasional issue at the parties.