PlayLink uses a VICTORIAN gaming trend to get your family playing the PS4
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Loading... - Jason Russ
- 01 Feb 2021
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Finding games that parents are willing to play with children is half the battle to creating healthy family gaming in the home.
A recent resurgence in Victorian “parlour” style games is a perfect fit.
These are games that have a simple “name something”, “guess something”, “draw something” or “pull a face” play style and are played with your smart device rather than game controller.
PlayLink on PlayStation 4 offers two good examples: Knowledge is Power and That’s You.
Once you’ve purchased the game on your system (£15.99 or free currently with PlayStation Plus) you download the free app on your phone, tablet or iPod. Each round is played using your device’s touchscreen and camera.
In That’s You, once your choice, drawing or photo is complete it appears on the TV screen and everyone votes on which is best. Guess which is the most popular and you win more points.
This is great for all ages as it's not just about doing the best picture or getting the right answer, but predicting which one your family and friends will pick. In our family our youngest (10) gave the rest of us a real run for our money.
In Knowledge is Power is more of a general knowledge quiz but each player answers questions using their smartphone or tablet. The quicker you are the more points you win.
You can make it more difficult for mum or dad by obscuring the answers on their screens in different ways. The game ends with a quiz-race to the top of the pyramid.
Along with these examples on the PlayStation 4 but there are similar options on other platforms too. Jack Box Games and Use Your Words are popular on Xbox, PC, Mac and Apple TV and offer settings for family friendly play.
Back on PlayLink there are other games coming, along with the once-the-kids-are-in-bed crime detective game Hidden Agenda. You again use your smartphone to control the game but this time it’s a bloody murder you are trying to solve.
All these games can be played by up to six people. Because you can use the devices you already have to play them you don’t need to worry about purchasing more controllers. If you group yourself into gamers and non-gamers in your family, these games are a great way to break down these barriers.
