Lets talk about the three modes of play
To each his or her own. Gaming has evolved to become quite the multi-headed hydra (yes, a hydra that has multiple heads, now multiply that set of heads again…many more heads).
With so much to choose from in terms of genre, platforms, modes, gimmicks and technologies, there is a very basic aspect of gaming that one tends to have to decide carefully before getting a game…and that is…how do you want to play it? Alone or with Others? Now, lets break it down lightly –
Single Player Gaming
I believe this is the Mode where almost all gamers are to begin, considering almost all consoles that have been sold for about a decade or more now come with just one controller. Single Player mode spans many genres of course, so no point associating it to specific game genres. Personally, depending on the game, makes sense to me. If you’re playing something like Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild or Tears of the Kingdom…well DUH! Of course, you’ll be playing Single Player! Its a game made purposely with that in mind.
Plus, even if it was multiplayer, I think it might be a bit…chaotic? Anyways, besides the point. Now you playing a game like FIFA, Super Smash Bros or Mortal Kombat alone…constantly…to me personally, that’s kind of sad.
These are games that are kind of like a KFC Chicken Bucket or a Jumbo Pizza: I believe they are best enjoyed when shared with others. On a lighter side, solo games do allow you to think and sharpen your skills on your own and develop certain playstyles at a pace that multiplayer or co-op games may not, as those tend to throw you in the deep end where some other players are more likely to shout “SWIM B***H!!!” and expect a miraculous performance from you.
I’m sure there are other pros in favor of Solo/Single Player gaming in Ghana, but I can’t think of much to be honest. Gaming has always been better for me with others. This game mode tends to really gel with people who are highly invested in games with great stories or that tends to have a desire for calming, soothing games.
Here are 5 awesome Single Player Games to consider playing
- Marvel’s Spider-Man 2
- Final Fantasy VII Rebirth
- Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom
- Metroid Dread
- Hollow Knight
Co-op Gaming
So…Google defines this as “a form of play or sport in which players work with one another in order to achieve a common objective…” Doesn’t get any simpler than this. The main aim of Co-op play though is to finally take your Single-playing a$$ out of your solo playpen and have you try being a social creature and effective team member playing with others to get some objective reached or achieved.
Ever played Halo? Which version was it where you could be riding a Warthog and one player would be driving while the other man’s the mounted machine gun? That…Was….AWESOME!!! Especially when you had to escape hordes of the Covenant troops and you hoped to God that your driver doesn’t flip the car over and get you both royally * Waluigi Wa Noise*. Or Mortal Kombat: Shaolin Monks! Thats a game many have been waiting forever for an upgrade or sequel! Barely played that one, but it was EPIC.
Thing is, without other players, the concept of being able to contribute meaningfully to a team may be lost on a lot of people in real life. Helps people bond over common objectives and there truly is something very satisfying when you know your whole team ‘made it’ in a game.
Here are 5 awesome Co-op Games to consider playing
- Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Splintered Fate
- Mortal Kombat 1
- Gran Turismo 7
- EA Sports FC 25
- Overcooked 2
Online Multiplayer Gaming
The advent of the internet meant so many ideas, hopes and dreams get to travel across oceans and continents to reach people on the other side of whatever side we trying to get from. And of course, once that switch was flipped, gaming was not far behind. Gaming moved from being limited to the number of players that can play a Co-op or Multiplayer game based on the number of controllers available…to merely being limited to your internet availability and whether your connection will see you making smooth moves or poltergeist all over the screen, disappearing and reappearing Instant Transmission style.
Quake in fear and spray Holiest of data water on one of the demonic beasts of the internet and online multiplayer gaming: the detested “Lag”. Multiplayer gaming allows a good number of gamers (typically 4 and above) to enjoy a game, either cooperating with or teaming against each other, that enables that function as long as they have internet connectivity and/or a subscription that allows them to do so.
Online multiplayer gaming, while exciting, is quite the mixed bag for me. A lot needs to go into it to allow it be possible. Here in Ghana, at least, which is among countries with the most expensive data packages in the world, the cost of it alone turns Online Multiplayer Games into a luxury for a number of people.
Additionally, the cost of the internet connectivity sometimes doesn’t seem worth the crappy connectivity one pays for. * looking at you AirteltiGO * Without packages geared towards gamers specifically, everyone is stuck paying what big boys pay for Netflixing just to enjoy some quality WARFRAME time or Rocket League and still watch your rocketing ride vanish into the stadium floor, appear on the side of the wall and next thing you know, the opponent scores…and you only get to see HOW it freakin’ happened through the instant replay! LOL
Here are 5 awesome Online Multiplayer Games to consider playing:
Every gamer has their main preference but I believe most would survive when thrown into any of the other game modes. All games, Pros and Cons within each mode is merely my opinion, but we would certainly like to hear from you. Whats your favourite way to play? Why do you love it? Are there any games you could recommend to knock off our selection?
