Six games to play with friends during quarantine

While COVID-19 may be keeping friends physically apart from one another, there are still plenty of ways to stay hang out and stay connected virtually. Here are six video games to play with friends, no matter how far away they are.

‘Roblox’

Looking for a platform that offers any type of game you could imagine, or even the ability to create your own? Look no further than “Roblox,” a free application that hosts thousands of user-generated games from a multitude of genres. Create a unique username, customize your character, and add your friends to play with and you’re all set. “Roblox” unfortunately gets a bad rep for being labeled a “kids’ game”, even though it bids games similar to “Grand Theft Auto,” “Mario Party,” “Call of Duty,” and even “Madden” or “Rocket League.” For fans of competition and/or dress-up games, “Fashion Famous” can lead to hours of entertainment and even a few gold stars under your “Roblox” belt. The possibilities are truly endless within “Roblox,” so create a free account and jump in with your friends- there’s something for everyone!

“Roblox” is available for free on Xbox One, PC, and mobile devices.

‘Among Us’

A multiplayer game list wouldn’t be complete without “Among Us,” a game that took pop-culture by storm in 2020 and continues to skyrocket in popularity today. In this game you select a character and work as a team to accomplish tasks in an allotted time period, unless you are designated an imposter, in which case your main goal is to blend in with the rest of your teammates while secretly eliminating them one by one. Play alone with a random que of strangers or grab some friends and create your own lobby, either way you’re in for a good time full of debating, fibbing, and surviving your way to the end.

“”Among Us” has been my go-to during COVID because it lets me play with my friends without having to actually be with them,” Illinois State student Emily Kelly said. “My friends and I will crack jokes that make me laugh so hard I’m crying and next thing I know I’ve been playing it for hours.”

“Among Us” is available for $4.99 on both Steam for PC and the Nintendo Switch store.

‘Backyard’

“Backyard” is a relatively new platform that allows the combination of web video chatting and multiplayer gaming within one cohesive site. You simply designate yourself or a friend to be the host of a lobby, forward your friends the link to join, and enjoy the nearly 20 free games you now have unlimited access to while also having the ability to communicate with one another live-time. There are games similar to “Cards Against Humanity,” “Scrabble,” “Codenames,” and much more. There are also options for this site to be used as a platform to watch YouTube videos and movies together, or even just screenshare each other’s computers. “Backyard” is still in its Alpha state due to its recent startup, but developers assure visitors that there is still much more in store for the website in the near future.

‘Call of Duty: Warzone’

The first-person shooter series “Call of Duty” is far from unknown, being as a new $60 game is released almost every year, however, “Call of Duty’s” sister game, “Call of Duty: Warzone,” may not have reached everyone’s radar. This game can be compared to other battle royales such as “Fortnite” or “Player Unknown Battle Grounds,” but where those may lack in certain aspects, “Warzone” nails it on the head. “Warzone” offers a consistently updated variety of game modes, the personalization of your own weapons and abilities, and a simple way to play across multiple platforms with your friends. Whether you’re experienced in first-person shooters or not, “Warzone” can still offer the thrill of working with a team of friends to be the last ones standing.

“Personally, “Warzone” is an escape away from everything I’ve been stressing over during COVID,” ISU student Filip Sofeski said. “It gives me a chance to talk to and laugh with my friends while playing a super fun game.”

“Warzone” is available for free on Xbox One, PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, and PC.

‘UNO’

If you’re feeling more of a traditional game, the reliable classic “UNO” is available to play online with up to three friends. Take turns laying, drawing, and collecting cards until one person is left with just one card- thus yelling “UNO!” and announcing their presumed victory. Be careful however, as your friends will do anything they can to stop you from laying that last card. With customizable rules and a variety of themed decks, “UNO” online is a game for various ages and allows players to play their way and decide how easy or hard it becomes to reach “UNO.”

“UNO” is available to play for $9.99 on PlayStation and Steam for PC, $9.99 on Xbox One or $3.99 with an Xbox Gold account and is a free downloadable app for mobile.

‘Golf with Your Friends’

“Golf with Your Friends” is an under-appreciated gem in a time of increased multi-player simulated gaming. This game is just as the title infers- a game where you virtually minigolf with up to 12 other players through an assortment of courses aiming for the best score at the end of each round. There are simple courses, those that are more complex, and those that seem nearly impossible at times for an added challenge. Choose from multiple game modes such as classic, basketball, or hockey; add abilities to your ball like honey traps or freezing capabilities. Customize your golf ball’s color and accessories by unlocking high scores and winning games. “Golf with Your Friends” continues to add new content and promises their users a gaming session full of fun competition.

“Golf with Your Friends” is available for $11.99 on the Nintendo Switch and PlayStation stores, $19.99 on Xbox One or for free with an Xbox Game Pass account, and $14.99 on Steam for PC.