The Lists and Awards Committee made this amazing list of games that will get you up and active for the new year.
Party Game: Throw Throw Burrito
• Publisher: Exploding Kittens
• 2-6 players
• 15 minutes
• Ages 7+
Have you ever wondered what would happen if you crossed a set collecting card game like Go Fish with dodgeball? Well now you don’t have to wonder anymore. Earn points by collecting cards into sets, but be sure to avoid losing points by dodging the cute squishy toy burrito that your friend is trying to throw at you. Sure to work off all the holiday cookies and fulfill those new year’s resolutions to move more.
Other recommended games: Yogarrr, Ice Cool, Uno Stacko, and Push-a-Monstern
Video Game: Ring Fit Adventure
• Publisher: Nintendo
• Single player
• 8+
• Available On: Nintendo Switch
Ring Fit Adventure is a revelation; an unabashed fitness game that is also a full-fledged RPG with an amusing story and a distinct, endearing visual style. After numerous attempts at developing an “exergame” (e.g. Wii Fit), Nintendo has finally crafted a fun and useful way to consistently exercise. Blending cardiovascular, strength, and yoga exercises, Ring Fit Adventure is light-hearted, and surprisingly addictive (in a good way). The included “Ring-Con” accessory is light and very well made, and can be taken on the go for quick exercises away from the Nintendo Switch. It can even allow you to play in “silent mode,” where squats replace jogging in place, if you have noise concerns.
VR Game: Beat Saber
• Publisher: Beat Games
• Single player, local party mode, online multiplayer
• 8+
• Available on: PlayStation 4/5 with PlayStation VR, PC with supported VR headset and controls
Beat Saber is a VR rhythm game that merges percussion, sword fighting, and “Tron-esque” visuals. It’s also a pretty intense arm workout that is comparable to playing tennis according to the Virtual Reality Institute of Health and Exercise. For those needing less intensity or have mobility concerns, the game offers a range of accessibility options, including the ability to disable obstacles to limit head movement. Working out to music is standard for most people, and Beat Saber’s list of songs grew considerably in 2021, with DLC playable tracks from Lady Gaga, Billie Eilish, OneRepublic, and Maroon 5. If you are looking for an active game to dual-wield “lightsabers” to a beat, this is definitely the game for you.
Yard Game: Molkky
• 2+ players
• 15 + minutes
• 6+
Bowling with ever changing purposes, in this yard game the object is to score exactly 50 points before the other players by knocking down one or more of the numbered pins. If you knock down just one pin, score the face value on the pin. But if you knock down more than one pin, you score a number of points equal to the number of pins you knock down. To add to the strategy and complexity, when the pins are set back up after each person’s throw they are left where they fell, so the pins continue to spread out throughout the game. If that weren’t enough to get your heart pumping and adrenaline up, if you go over 50 points your score is reset down to 25 and you keep playing until someone can score exactly 50 points!
Other recommended games: Bocce, Kubb, Corn Hole, Giant Jenga, and Giant Yahtzee
This list was made by George Bergstrom and Matthew Stephenson.
Would you like to make a list for us?
• If you are part of GameRT, you can join our Lists and Awards committee for next year (starting in September.) Lists and awards is not one of the options yet, but you can write in that you would like to join us. https://www.ala.org/aboutala/committees/volunteer/frm_vol.
• Or you can just email us that you are interested in posting something. We would be thrilled! gamert@ala.org.
Happy gaming!