Top Ten: Co-op Video Games
Monday, January 29, 2024
My husband and I are always on the lookout for co-op video games, so I'm putting together this list of our top ten recommendations. If you're like us and want to work together toward a common goal rather than battling it out in your games, give these a try:
Type: Sandbox
Plaform: We play this on Steam.
Why it's on this list:
This is probably one of our all-time favorite games to play together. We've played it probably a dozen times, together, with out friends, with our family. When you play on Steam, each person needs their own copy of the game, but they're usually pretty cheap, and around the holidays you can often score a four pack to share among your firends. The game itself is fairly basic, but there is beauty in its simplicity. You mine for materials, craft what you need to upgrade your weapons and armor so that you can survive harder and harder fights, build a fortress, and arena, and anything else you like. There are seasonal events, killer bosses, and oh so much to explore. This game is an easy way to spend 100+ hours.
Type: FPS
Plaform: We play this on Xbox 360.
Why it's on this list:
The whole Borderlands franchise is great, but I think our favorite installment to play is number two. I was hesitant to pick up the first Borderlands game when it came out since I don't tend to like first person shooters, but I so glad I took a chance on this one. What origionally convinced me to buy it was the art. While it's a 3D game, the graphics are done in a weird sketchy style that makes it all look illustrated. The gameplay, characters, and story are all fun as well, and there's plenty of humor, which I always appreciate. Some of the quests can feel a little grindy, and you can spend a lot of time comparing loot to make space in your backpack (I highly recommend you upgrade your backpack asap!), but you'll have a blast exploring the expansive world and blowing sh!t up.
Type: Adventure
Plaform: We play this on Nintendo Switch.
Why it's on this list:
If you've played any of the Trine games, you'll recognize the art style, tone, and even a few characters in Nine Parchments. The basic idea is that you are a student at a magic school on a quest to collect spell pages that have been scattered throughout the kingdom. You start out with three basic spells that are determined by the character you choose, then add to you repertoire. You can play the game with anywhere from 1 to 4 players.
Type: Puzzle
Plaform: We play this on Xbox 360.
Why it's on this list:
This is one of the first two-player puzzle game I ever played, and it's still one of my favorites. The robot characters are adorable, the sadistic AI antagonist's running commentary is hilarious, the puzzles are an excelent balance of logic, timing, and teamwork, and there's a fun story to boot. (I also suggest playing the single-player version of this game, which is totally different but equally awesome.)
Type: Puzzle
Plaform: We play this on PS4.
Why it's on this list:
This is a great example of a game designed specifically for two players, and there aren't many of those out there. "Hey, Developers. Are you hearing me? Make more games like this!"
The storyline is a little cringe, being about a couple getting divorced and the stress it puts on their young daughter, but the levels are well-developed and fun to play. The originality of this title is off the charts, and you need *both* player characters to succeed. There are also a bunch of competitive mini-games for people who just have to prove they're the best, but they aren't required.
Type: Platformer
Plaform: We play this on PS4.
Why it's on this list:
This is such a great game in every regard. The art is beautiful. The story is sweet. The puzzles are challenging. The controls are intuitive. Ten-out-of-ten in all categories.
Type: Shooter
Plaform: We play this on Nintendo Switch.
Why it's on this list:
Rescuing cute little critters imprissoned throughout space in your customizable bubble ship, all in the name of love. What's not to like? You fly through space in a ship with various control stations that you and your crew have to run between depending on the situation. You've got a pilot station, a map station, a shield station, four gunner stations, and the powerful but costly Yamada. You and your friends will have to scramble to balance your offence, defense, and the ever popular "Run away!" You *could* play this game by yourself, but where's the fun in that?
Type: Platform
Plaform: We play this on Nintendo Switch.
Why it's on this list:
I bought this game specifically to play with my young daughter, who wasn't a very experienced gamer at the time, and I was pleasantly surprized by how enjoyable it was to play. The controls were simple to learn, the graphics were cute, the music was fun. There were a few maneuvers that my daughter couldn't manage at first, and the "boss" level where you had a timed element stressed her out, but overall it was a great game for us to play together without either her getting too frustrated or me getting too bored. We've since played through it three times, and while me daughter can play much more difficult games now, we still enjoy playing this relaxing, well-balanced game together. If you're looking for a fun co-op for a younger gamer, I recommend this one.
Type: Cooking Simulation
Plaform: We play this on Nintendo Switch.
Why it's on this list:
This game is best played in short bursts, as some of the levels can get rather frustrating. That said, if you're looking for a fast-paced game of adrenaline-pumping chaos and probably more than a little shouting at your co-chefs, grab an apron and see how many meals you can recreate in a variety of ridiculous environments. You can earn anywhere from 1 to 3 stars on a level, but you need a certain amount of starts to unlock the higher levels. This game is challenging enough that we've never actually beaten it. I recommend the second game in the series just because I feel like they smoothed out the gameplay a little, but number one was fun, too.
Type: Puzzle / Platform
Plaform: We play this on xbox 360.
Why it's on this list:
This game is laugh-out-loud, split-your-sides hillarious! If you enjoy challenging gameplay matched to a weird story, you've got to check this one out. But be prepared to blow up... a lot.
Runners-up include:
Diablo (2, 3, 4) - Action RPG / Hack-N-Slash
Trine (any/all) - Puzzle Platformer
Death Squared - Puzzle
Divinity: Original Sin 2 - Action RPG
Don't Starve Together - Survival
Snipper Clips - Puzzle / Party