When most people think of multiplayer in video games, they think about games like “Call of Duty” or “Halo,” games known for their huge online modes. Multiplayer games weren’t always thought of this way, however.

Back in the days before online gaming on consoles, the only way to play with friends was to bring them over for local play. Local play, often referred to as “couch multiplayer,” required everyone in the same room, hooked up to the same console, and sharing one screen; and that was only for four players. To have the large, 16 player matches, you needed four consoles hooked together, four televisions, and 16 controllers.

It was very hard to do successfully, but when everything came together, it was an almost magical experience.

Unlike the online games today, when a person got a head-shot on you, he wasn’t just some random guy three states over, he or she was a friend that you wanted to be there. If somebody was trash-talking you, you didn’t send them them profanity filled messages over “Xbox Live,” you simply got better than them and beat them in front of all your friends.

In today’s gaming landscape, the problem is that many games are abandoning local play in favor of online play. It’s understandable, because everyone won’t always have friends to play with. That being said, there are a few games that still have local multiplayer like the recently released “Rayman Legends,” which are built entirely around local multiplayer.

Consoles like the Wii U, while still supporting online play, allows up to five people playing at once. Games like “Super Mario 3D World” are a blast to play with friends and family and perfect for a Saturday night gaming session.

Even games like “Halo” still feature local multiplayer up to 16 people, just like the old days.

Next time you want a fun thing to do with your friends, forget going to the movies, or bowling. Just, have them over for some good old-fashioned multiplayer. You won’t regret it.