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When I started playing videogames the only way to enjoy them with friends was with the tried and tested “level, level. Lift, life” method, where you would pass the controller to a friend when you either completed the level or died a horrific death (in-game). Then what is now referred to as “couch co-op” came along. Back then it was just “co-op” or “multiplayer” as internet gaming didn’t exist. Things then progressed rapidly and now we have internet gaming, and a huge competitive multiplayer scene.
Personally I prefer co-op video games rather than competitive play. Sadly, in many cases, a great co-operative game is usually overshadowed by their angry, shouty competitive multiplayer cousins. But fear not, I’m here with a couple of my favourite modern co-op games for all you friendly gamers out there. So, if you’re ready for your next buddy adventure, read on!
5. Moving Out
From the same people that brought you the chaotic cooking game Overcooked comes Moving Out. You and up to three friends can become newly certified Furniture Arrangement & Relocation Technicians (FARTs) and go about helping people move house by throwing all of their cherish possessions into your van. The faster you do it the better your score, and the best part? You don’t need to be that careful! Getting tired of lining up chairs to fit through narrow doorways? Throw it through a window! Why not join the chair and jump through it yourself? Moving Out has the same frantic gameplay as Overcooked, but promotes a much more friendlier experience than it’s cooking cousin. Which, let’s be honest, can devolve into a blame game.
4. Rayman Legends
Keeping with the fun but frantic gameplay, next up we’ve got Rayman Legends. This one also has co-op for up to four players and is an absolute must for platform games fans. Everything from the artstyle to the level design is amazing. As with every platforming title the levels can become controller-throwingly annoying. But it’s more than worth it for the outstanding music levels. These will have you running, jumping and toe-tapping to the likes of Black Betty and a Mariachi rendition of Eye of the Tiger.
3. Super Mario World 3D
If you’re not a fan of 2D platforming titles (what is wrong with you?!) and you prefer fancy 3D graphics then look no further than this one. Yet another one that caters for up to four players, it’s everything you’d expect from a Mario title. There’s not much else to say!
2. It Takes Two
Not only is this number 2 on the list of co-op video games, but it was also winner of Game of the Year at the 2021 Game Awards. It Takes Two thrusts two players into the roles of Cody and May, a married couple looking to get divorced - cheery stuff! Cody and May find themselves trapped inside dolls by a magic spell after telling their daughter about the divorce. From here they must work together to solve puzzles using various skills they pick-up along the way. Much like A Way Out, It Takes Two is a pure co-op experience, although it’s story is much more heart-warming and contains less breaking out of jail.
1. Stardew Valley
For anyone who loved the Harvest Moon games before they went terrible Stardew Valley is an absolute must. It’s another co-op game for up to four players and one that will last ages. Players are tasked with building and maintaining a farm, you’ll start with nothing more than a run down shack surrounded by debris. But you’ll soon be planting and harvest crops, raising animals, meeting townfolk, completing quests and taking part in the daily lives of everyone around you. It’s fun, relaxing (unless you go into the dungeons) and there’s more than enough to keep you coming back time and time again.