8 Games That Are Just As Much Fun To Watch As They Are To Play

 As a kid growing up in the '80s, when co-op was few and far between, I spent most of my game time with friends taking turns or watching while the others played. And since I got my first console so late, I mostly just watch other people play. Oddly enough, watching without playing never really bothered me, as I found myself just as invested in the game as my friends who were playing it at the time. That's right, sometimes it's just as much fun to watch as it is to play.

With multiplayer gaming the new hot thing these days, many might argue that the industry has stopped making games look fun. Now, I know esports and services like Twitch are built on the idea of people basically watching other people play, but what I'm talking about is sitting next to your friends on the couch and finding yourself invested in the game they're playing in as many as they are. You know, like the good old days. With that in mind, I've decided to list some recent games that are just as fun to look at as they are to play.

1. Super Mario Maker 2

While most people probably immediately think of narrative-driven games when discussing fun games, watching friends fail is just as enjoyable as being immersed in a good story. Enter Super Mario Maker 2, a game that both fails and makes some sweet (and tough as nails) Mario levels. Watching your friends contort their faces in rapt attention as they try to figure out how to complete one of the game's stunning customization stages proves to be a lot of fun.

2. heavy rain

While most of David Cage's games probably fall into this category, Heavy Rain is my favorite. Granted, many could argue that Heavy Rain is more of an interactive experience than a game, which is one of the reasons it's so much fun to sit and watch. The Origami Killer Mystery Is Quite Intriguing

3. Azure

While it can be fun to watch someone fail a Super Mario Maker 2 level that you were able to complete, it can be magical to watch someone complete one of the very difficult (nearly impossible) levels in Celeste. Celeste is essentially a retro platformer that not only has a surprisingly emotional and deep story, but also has some of the most incredible levels in most platformers out there. It's an exhilarating experience watching someone run and jump through a game's levels, chasing down falling objects and various sharp obstacles. If you've never heard of the game, do yourself a favor and check it out. Who knows, you might just want to try and complete one of the levels yourself.

4. The Last of Us

While the Uncharted franchise might count, Naughty Dog's zombie-filled (or rather clicker) game The Last of Us already has a massive audience. The Uncharted series can have a very likable protagonist and exaggerated sets. Still, moments of quiet reflection interspersed with moments of overwhelming tension make The Last of Us an experience. When Joel and Ellie quietly sneak around buildings only to be attacked by clickers that appear out of nowhere, you feel your heart racing, creating as much anxiety and dread in those watching as in those playing the game. This might be one of the best looking and most fun games out there.

5. Mortal Kombat 11

Most fighting games look like fun, especially when you suck like me. It's always enjoyable to watch someone with real skill beat an opponent with a set move you didn't know didn't even exist. What sets the Mortal Kombat series apart from the rest is that they turn the spectacular dial all the way up to 10. Wouldn't it be exciting to see someone beat an opponent to a pulp? What if they do punch through them? Think watching someone take down an opponent in a fighting game is exhilarating? What if they bang their heads clean? If gore is your thing, Mortal Kombat games are as much fun to watch as they are to play.

6. The Witcher 3

As far as open world games go, few games are as much fun as The Witcher 3. Not only does it have a colorful world to explore, but you'll kill tons of interesting beasts and even complete some really interesting quests that tend to stray far from the "go get that" or "go kill that many" Formula. If you can put all the "farming" talk aside, you'll find that the game has enough over-the-top monster-hunting moments to keep any viewer entertained.

7. Monster Hunter World

On the subject of hunting monsters, watching someone else take down a gigantic beast in Capcom's Monster Hunter World can be exhilarating. You might even find yourself sitting on the couch yelling.

8. Batman Arkham/Spiderman PS4

With superheroes taking over everything (from video games, movies, and TV shows), it only makes sense that this list also includes two of the best superhero games. Whether you're sneaking around as the Dark Knight, slowly building fear into the hearts of your enemies, or swinging through New York, punching a few criminals in the face, both of these superhero games are absolute joy to watch someone play. Thanks to a fun gallery of rogues and stories that might even bring you to a tear or two (I'm looking at you, Spider-Man PS4), watching these feels like one of your favorite DC or Marvel comics set.