Frantics

It's no Mario Party, but this PlayLink game makes for a compellingly inexpensive alternative. Frantics is just $20 to download, and it does away with the need for a quartet of costly console controllers by having players use something they almost certainly already own: a mobile device. And connecting a phone or tablet to your PS4 is as simple as signing in to your home's Wi-Fi network. The touch- and movement-based controls aren't as precise or instantaneous as using a controller's thumbstick and action buttons, but the games are simple enough that most players shouldn't experience too much frustration. And the benefit of players having their own private screen -- which Frantics cleverly uses to occasionally send individual players a secret mission, such as working to help another player win -- is undeniable.

Where Frantics stumbles, unfortunately, is in its lack of variety and originality. There aren't much more than a dozen or so activities, and most of them will be pretty familiar to anyone with party game experience. Expect races and survival contests, plus the occasional bit of strategizing as you use the coins you've picked up while playing to bid on extra crowns or power-ups. The odd moment of inspiration exists -- such a mini-game reminiscent of curling where players attempt to send animal avatars riding wheeled office chairs gliding toward a ringed target area while avoiding hidden spring traps -- but much of what's here has a very been-there-done-that vibe. That said, most of the mini-games are still fun, and it's pretty hard to beat the price. If you need a new party game for your family's next sleepover, you could do worse.