The 25 Best Games to Play in a College Dorm

College is a time of taking on exciting challenges, meeting new friends, and generally evolving as a person throughout the whole ride. But when you first arrive, things can be a little bit nerve-wracking. You don't know where any of your classes are, you're still figuring out to do the laundry on your own, and can't figure out how to talk to anyone because everyone is just as awkward and self-concious as you.

So what's the best way to go about easing the tension on all this? We suggest a good video game session. Trust us: grab the latest FIFA title or even dust off the N64 while you're at it, and you'll be getting to know all the people in your hall in no time. What exactly are the best games to bring for an endeavor like this, though? What games will allow you to play with some other people, while not sucking up so much of your time that you end up flunking out? We put together a list of the 25 Best Games to Play in a College Dorm to help you guys ace the first test of heading off to a university. Believe us when we say that it's the best study guide you'll ever have.

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Console(s): PS3

Everyone enjoys a good racing game, but if you and your friends are looking for something a bit more high-brow than the Mario Kart or Diddy Kong Racing options, then set up your PS3 and sit yourselves down with Gran Turismo 5. Whip around in all the cars that you hope your college degree will one day be able to earn you. Sure you probably won't ever end up with Lamborghini, but it's healthy to have dreams while you're young, y'know?

Console(s): N64

Nintendo made some serviceable follow-ups to this game for the Gamecube and Wii in Mario Power Tennis, but the first Tennis was the one that should earn "classic" status in terms of sports gaming. Allowing you to choose from a wide range of characters from the Nintendo roster, Mario Tennis is the authoritative title for its sport, and one that most of your peers are sure to recognize. Honestly, though, has anyone ever really made another viable tennis game? Did everyone just give up after they saw how great this one was?

Console(s): Xbox 360, PS3

If Grand Theft Auto offered some sort of multiplayer or co-op mode, then we would've included it on this list over any of the Red Dead titles in a heartbeat. Not that Red Dead Redemption isn't a completely enjoyable game in its own right, it's just that, when it comes to Rockstar, every video game is vying for second place next to GTA. That being said, what separates Red Dead from Grand Theft Auto is it's kick-ass multiplayer mode. Take on your friends in Mexican standoffs or Grab the Bag, and rule the Old West like a regular Jesse James.

Console(s): PS3, Xbox 360, Wii U

With the largest character roster of any Tekken title to date, and an updated game engine that allows four different characters to be playing on the screen at the same time, Tekken Tag Tournament 2 offers the ultimate in multiplayer fighting experiences. With a boatload of characters to choose from, the totally unfettered chaos taking place here offers its own, special breed of video game artistry. Create a team with one of your neighbors, and establish yourself as the top duo in your hall. And then, the world.

Console(s): Xbox 360

What's great for a dorm about Left 4 Dead 2 is how heavily the game emphasizes co-operative gameplay in its campaign mode, allowing you to play with up to three other players as you all fight to survive against the Infected. Rarely is working together so stressed in a video game, making the title one of the Xbox 360's truly essential, exclusive releases. Remember: leave no man left behind. Otherwise, you might just be left playing by yourself by the end of the school year.

Console(s): Sega Genesis

If you meet someone who has a Sega Genesis and they don't have NBA Jam, then just walk away, slowly. Clearly they're missing something that just about everyone in the world should understand. NBA Jam is of the most definitive competitive experiences in sports gaming, and was right up there with Sonic in terms of essential Genesis titles. When you're in need of a short gaming break between classes, NBA Jam will tide you over nicely.

Console(s): N64

Perfect Dark was no Goldeneye but Rare's spiritual successor to its Bond-inspired FPS gave a good run at separating itself from the 007 classic, while also incorporating some of its own, key gameplay elements. And, of course, who could forget the Farsight XR-20, the gun that let you shoot through walls. If you're unable to find your old Goldeneye cartridge then Dark will be an acceptable substitute for you and your friends looking to get into some old-school shooting shenanigans.

Console(s): N64

Over the years, Wave Race 64 has become one of the least-mentioned games when the topic of quality N64 games comes up. Why? We're not completely sure. Wave Race is sort've its own breed compared to other racing titles, avoiding the battle-style gameplay that often defines the genre. Instead, you're just cruising around on jetskis. But who can hate on that? You'll be surprised how many people actually know Wave Race, though. It's just one of those games that, when you put it on, everyone is like, "Oh, whoa! I haven't played this game in forever!" And then they start playing it forever.

Console(s): N64, PS1

The NHL series has put out some great, and terribly underrated, sports games over the years, but things really haven't been the same ever since color commentator, Daryl Reaugh, left the game after NHL 99. With hilarious, unforgettable phrases like, "It's a road kill cafe!" or "Here comes the freight train...WOO! WOO!," Reaugh helped to create a sports title that had all the finesse gameplay of a Madden with the cult appeal of Blitz. On a night when you strike out on getting with that girl in your Anthro class, drown your sorrows in NHL 99.

Console(s): PS2, Gamecube, Xbox

Golf might be something of a snooze to watch IRL but, thankfully, the team over at EA has been able to make one rewarding title after another over the years in their Tiger Woods franchise. Like FIFA, you can just pick you poison with any of the TW games, and you'll end up satisfied. It's really difficult to find a sports game that isn't perfect for the college dorm setting, and Tiger Woods certainly isn't one of them.

Console(s): PS2, Gamecube, Xbox

The feel of TimeSplitters 2 has often been criticized for biting a little too heavily off of Goldeneye but, in multiplayer mode, those similarities only work to the game's benefit. Most people you meet may not have heard of the title, but if you're able to introduce them to it, then they'll undoubtedly be grateful. Plus, if you spend some time in the MapMaker mode, you can show off how creative you are to your new friends. It's the non-douchey version of being that guy who always plays an acoustic guitar in the middle of campus.

Console(s): Wii

Super Mario Bros. titles are often thought of more as a single-player experience, but the Wii's take on the series offered a completely new twist that hadn't been seen in the games in ages: simultaneous multiplayer mode. And what's more, it's not just limited to two people, allowing four players to get in the action as either Mario, Luigi, or one of the two Toad characters. Trying to fit four, Wiimote-swinging college kids in a dorm is bit like letting a bull run loose through a china shop, but as long as you put away any perishable valuables, then you guys should be fine.

Console(s): PS1, SNES, Sega Genesis

The additions of T. Hawk and Cammy made this Street Fighter title a classic back in the day, and the franchise itself is a name that no gamer has trouble getting behind. When you're playing this in a dorm, though, we do warn you to exercise caution about name-calling and insults. Going to college is a time when you have to learn to embrace people of different backgrounds and cultures. Button-mashers, included.

Console(s): N64

It certainly isn't a party in the collegiate sense, but Mario Party is a still a blast to play in its own right when you have a solid group of people and, preferably, the original version of the game. There have been 12 installments in Nintendo's flagship mini-game franchise but, somehow, the first one still holds up as the standard of the series. It's mini-game selection is top-notch (perhaps with the expection of the blister-inducing rafting challenge) and the adventure mode could keep you occupied for hours. Set up a 20-turn game with a friend on a lazy Sunday, and therein you'll find your new favorite hangover cure.

Console(s): PS2, Gamecube, Xbox

It may seem odd to some to include both NBA Jam and NBA Street Vol. 2 on this list, but if you can't grasp the unique differences between the two similarly-structured games, then you're really missing out on two gameplay experiences that are each worthwhile in their own right. Street is the perfect pick-up-and-play type of game; a title that you can play by yourself or with a friend and have a great time with either way. Forget about the test you just bombed in your organic chemistry class. It's time to ball.

Console(s): Wii

With its motion-sensor controls, the Wii can be a bit of a risky option when you're playing in a tiny dorm room, but Wii Sports is well-worth taking the chance. It's a simple game, but it's always been wildly effective at delivering an addictive experience. Whether it's tennis, golf, or boxing, you'll find that anything Wii Sports has to offer is a perfectly mindless, quick and easy way to procrastinate when you feel like you've been hitting the books too hard. Oh, and you know what's just as good as drunk bowling? Drunk Wii bowling.

Console(s): Xbox, N64, PS1

All of the Tony Hawk games are great but, for reasons unknown, Pro Skater 2 seems to be the franchise's touchstone title. Maybe its release just coincided with that time in our lives when, after watching enough Rocket Power or Nick GAS, we all thought we could be pro skateboarders. It also helps that the game is fun as hell too. Trade-off on the controller while going head-to-head with your friends to see who can rack up the most combos.

Console(s): Xbox

If there's one game that absolutely everyone roaming around your hall will have played or heard of, it's Halo, and why play on Xbox Live when you could just get into a few rough and tumble deathmatches with your neighbors instead? Grabbing a buddy and going apeshit on a Warthog is a surprisingly effective way to make a new best friend for life. All those bitter players that you guys took down? Well, hey, you don't need to be hanging out with losers anyway.

Console(s): PS2, Gamecube, Xbox, PS1

Warning: if you don't lay down some house rules before you and your roommate play this game, then you could be setting yourself for a very tense semester. Namely, it'd be wise to figure out a way to mediate the Michael Vick experience in this game. We all know that things can get a little too intense in competitive Madden, sometimes. Don't make yourself have to fill out a new housing application by the end of the first month because of it, though.

Console(s): PS3, Xbox 360, Wii

One word: Zombies. We'll say it again: Zombies. Zombies. Zombies. This isn't a knock on Black Ops' campaign mode or anything, but the undead, multiplayer mayhem that the Zombies mode offers is one of the most addictive, and enjoyable co-op options on a seventh-gen console. Exercise moderation when playing this game. If you're not careful, you and your roommate could end up losing entire weeks of studying to CoD.

Console(s): Gamecube

We admit: you could go with Mario Kart 64 instead of Double Dash and we wouldn't begrudge you for it. That being said, our personal choice is Double Dash because it's a team game, perfect for breaking the ice with any unfamiliar hallmates you might be hanging out with. Put together an unbeatable Baby Mario/Paratroopa combo and you and you teammate will be thick as thieves in no time.

Console(s): N64

It's difficult to choose between Madden and NFL Blitz, but for the college dorm setting, we have to give the slight edge to Blitz. Perhaps it's just because Madden is a bit more serious than the boneheaded, bonecrushing fun that Blitz offers but, whatever it is, some of the most enjoyment you can have on the N64 involves Blitz's late-hits, flea-flickers, and completely unofficiated madness. There are few better ways to unwind after a long week of classes then taking out your stresses with a 'roided out Bill Romanowski.

Console(s): PS3, Xbox 360

We're not going to lie, most of the FIFA games from the last couple years are somewhat interchangeable to us. Not to say that they aren't incredible sports games (because they really, really are), it's just that you can only put so variance on the actual in-game gameplay. So if you liked 11 more than 12 or 12 more than 13, then that's fine. To each their own. Regardless of which version you choose, though, you won't have trouble finding people to play with. FIFA has arguably usurped Madden as EA's premiere sports franchise, and it's highly unlikely that there won't be at least a few players hanging around your dorm who know how to get tricky with Lionel Messi. Start up a hall-wide league to get some real matches going.

Console(s): N64

Super Smash Bros. Melee might be the best game of the Smash Bros. catalogue, but the original SSB title is the one that will get the most recognition from the largest group of people. The first game in the series keeps it simple with the N64 controller set-up, and limits its character roster to just 12 of Nintendo's most essential faces. Looking for a fun and easy to put-off studying for that test tomorrow? Look no further than Smash.

Console(s): N64

If you want to argue that Goldeneye isn't the greatest multiplayer game of all time, then go ahead. You're may be right. But in terms of accessibility, and nostalgic value, it's hard to beat this classic N64 FPS. And when you're playing video games in a dorm, those are really the most important qualities. Casual gamers that inhabit your average university housing don't want to play newer titles that they may be unfamiliar with, and they don't want to have to try and learn an entirely foreign set of controls if they haven't updated to a seventh-gen console yet.

Goldeneye is just one of those games that everyone knows, and the N64 was a system that everyone had. There's nothing intimidating about either of them. If you're looking for a easy way to meet some new companions—i.e. a common ground that you can all relate to—then this is as good an option as you could choose.