Colorado Anime Fest 2024 Staff Gaming Picks
Not sure what to play? We like to think all of our games are great picks, but you should definitely check out some of these titles hand-picked by our staff.
20XX
Number of Players: 1 - 2
Recommended by Dan Gallacher
Available on PS4 and PS5
If Megaman X had randomly generated levels, it would be this game. Jump, shoot, and dash through the levels to defeat the bosses and collect their powers to use against the next boss. Collect power ups to improve your speed, health, and other stats along the way.
39 Days to Mars
Number of Players: 1 - 2
Recommended by Dan Gallacher
Available on PS4 and PS5
Sit back with a cup of tea and help two Victorian era British lads build their very own rocket ship and journey to the moon. This has wacky physics-based puzzles that will rely on teamwork to complete. While you can play this single player, I highly recommend the 2-player experience.
Celeste
Number of Players: 1
Recommended by Lily Hur
Available on XBox One and XBox Series X
Celeste is a challenging and heartfelt platformer game. It has beautiful retro graphics and an exciting soundtrack. You're not punished for dying. Instead, the game encourages you to overcome the obstacles and challenges it throws at you. There's also an invincibility mode, but it's definitely recommended to take on the challenge of Celeste Mountain with your own wits.
Gang Beasts
Number of Players: 1 - 4
Recommended by Dan Gallacher
Available on PS4, PS5, Xbox One, and XBox Series X
The perfect party fighting game. Unique controls that rely heavily on ragdoll physics. Punch, kick, and grab your enemies through several chaotic and dangerous environments. This game is easy to pick-up and a ton of fun for big groups.
Hades
Number of Players: 1
Recommended by Lily Hur
Available on PS4, PS5, XBox One, and XBox Series X
Do you like stories about the Greek gods? Do you like roguelike games? Hades is the story of Zagreus, son of Hades, as he fights his way through the Underworld. Unlock the powers of the Olympian gods, like Zeus, Athena, and Aphrodite, to aid you in your fights against monsters and powerful bosses. Every death in the Underworld's dungeons will only make Zagreus stronger. Will you be able to reach the surface?
Hi-Fi Rush
Number of Players: 1
Recommended by Nathan Lemuel
Available on XBox One and XBox Series X
Do you like hack-and-slash games like Devil May Cry and God of War? Do you like rhythm games? You get the best of both worlds in a vibrant and nostalgic feeling package that will have you bobbing your head as you strike down your foes with the power of music!
Little Big Planet 3
Number of Players: 1 - 4
Recommended by Lily Hur
Available on PS4 and PS5
Little Big Planet 3 is a fun and wacky platform-puzzle game to play solo or with friends. Venture through various levels as your Sackboy or Sackgirl. As the third entry into the Little Big Planet series, it introduces several other character types to play: the fast-footed OddSock, the free-flying Swoop, and the size-changing Big Toggle. Customize your characters with a variety of costumes you can unlock as you play. See if you can unlock the secrets of Bunkam.
Metal Wolf Chaos XD
Number of Players: 1
Recommended by Dan Gallacher
Available on PS4 and PS5
Play the legendary mech shooter starring the 47th US President, Michael Wilson as he takes back the country from the rebellion led by Vice-President Richard Hawk and his mechanized army. Originally released in 2004 in Japan only, it’s now available in the US and updated for modern consoles with all the glorious original voice acting intact. While it’s a single-player game, the ridiculous story and bombastic visuals are a treat to watch.
Minit
Number of Players: 1
Recommended by Dan Gallacher
Available on PS4 and PS5
A quirky, black and white, Zelda-inspired game. You have been cursed to die and be reborn once a minute. Explore the world to gain knowledge and power ups to get to new areas before you die. Playing with friends? Hand off the controller on every death.
Scott Pilgrim vs The World The Game
Number of Players: 1 - 4
Recommended by Steven
Available on PS4 and PS5
Based on the comics, released to commemorate the movie, and inspiring aspects of the anime (like the banger soundtrack by Anamanaguchi!) Scott Pilgrim is a fast-paced 4-player beat 'em up inspired by classics like the TMNT and Streets of Rage series. Scott Pilgrim is a love letter to retro games and the source material alike while being a well polished and fun arcade experience.
Screencheat
Number of Players: 2 - 4
Recommended by Dan Gallacher
Available on PS4 and PS5
In couch co-op shooter death-matches, no one wants to be accused of looking at the other players screens even if everyone does. But in this game, all players are invisible, so if you want to win, you’ll have to cheat. You’ll have to screencheat!
Street Fighter 6
Number of Players: 1 - 2
Recommended by Nathan Lemuel
Available on PS4 and PS5
One of the pioneers of fighting games takes itself and the fighting game genre to the next level with new characters, mechanics, and exciting new single-player and party modes. Add to that its extensive accessibility features and a new Modern Control mechanic that allows even more people to join in on the fun, you have yourself a fighting game that will motivate anyone to find their meaning of strength. It's time to hit the streets!
Them’s Fightin’ Herds
Number of Players: 1 - 2
Recommended by Dan Gallacher
Available on PS4 and PS5
A spiritual successor to an unreleased fan-made fighting game based on “My Little Pony: Friendship is Magic” called “Fighting is Magic.” This fighting game features characters designed by “Friendship is Magic” creator, Lauren Faust and includes several familiar voices. Besides all of that, it’s just a good fighting game with interesting moves based around 4 legged characters.
Tricky Towers
Number of Players: 1 - 4
Recommended by Dan Gallacher
Available on PS4 and PS5
Like Tetris? What if all the pieces had physics? Try to keep your block tower in balance while competing in various challenges and using power-ups to attack or defend against the other players.
Untitled Goose Game
Number of Players: 1 - 2
Recommended by Dan Gallacher
Available on PS4 and PS5
You are a goose with one mission: annoy everyone around you. Ruin the days of all of the townsfolk in this small English town. Use your wits to steal the items you need to get to the next area.