LilacMages Top 5 Couch Co-Op Games

I had some annual leave off from my job, and my fiancé and I wanted to spend time playing couch co-op. It got me thinking about my personal top 5 Couch Co-Op games. So, join in my countdown and, hopefully, I can inspire you to try some out with your player two.

5. GEARS OF WAR SERIES

The gears of war series was a very new and welcome roster to my couch co-op games. Growing up, I never had an Xbox as my father swore them off and made sure that we swore allegiance to the PlayStation and occasionally Nintendo. When I met my fiancé, he made sure to educate me on things like gears, halo, and pretty much any other Xbox exclusive I had missed out on. Thus, started my journey into the world of gears.

I have only ever experienced gears split screen. Playing through all of the series this way made me appreciate the game more and just how the market lacks a good cooperative story mode these days. I was a little wary at first as I always worry that the co-op game is going to have me as some extra in the background or a copy of the main character with no individuality or even featured in cut scenes. However, this was not the case for gears. Gears made sure that each player two was featured in cut scenes, was the main character, and was not left behind in exciting gameplay.

Furthermore, the over-the-top action in gears is best experienced with a player two. I felt myself getting into the part of acting like a real soldier on the battlefield. I tactically planned, called out like it was an actual warzone, and experienced real heartache at some of the scenes. I don’t think I would like to experience this solo. I have included the trailer to the first installment of the series below if this is something you would like to play or if you just want to relive the trailer again.

4. Child of Light

Child of light was a surprising couch co-op game for me. I remember many years ago severely doubting whether it would actually be fun for myself being player two. I should never have doubted it. The story was enchantingly beautiful, complemented by its enriching art style and soundtrack. Child of Light follows the story of Aurora who was conflicted by an unknown ailment causing her to slip into unconsciousness and when she awakes, she is located in the world of Lemuria. It’s a mythical world full of dangers but also beauty. It is in Lemuria where she meets Igniculus (Player two). Aurora and Igniculus must traverse the world of Lemuria in order to reunite with Aurora’s father the duke and to avoid being captured by the antagonist of the story the black queen.

In terms of gameplay, player one is in charge of most of the decisions, especially combat. The combat is turned-based. The role of player two is to be a guide for the protagonist, aid in combat, and navigate the world. In combat, the sprite that player two acts as a healer and can stun aggressive enemies. Communication is key when deciding Igniculus’ role in combat and Aurora must discuss tactical decisions with player two so that they can help when required. Co-Operative games that require communication strengthen the partnership and bond, creating an experience that is ideal for any player one and two pairings.

3. A WAY OUT

A way out for me was one of the best co-op games I have ever played. The story is straightforward, you work together with your cooperative partner to escape from prison. It was one of the first of its kind, creating an intuitive experience designed purely for split-screen and cooperative play. Follow the story of Vincent and Leo as they escape prison, having formed an unlikely alliance behind bars. Vincent and Leo shape up to be very in-depth characters that are shown through a variety of flashbacks and moments in the current story.

Gameplay-wise, the game is extremely intuitive and fresh for the cooperative genre. The tasks in the game are a perfect mix of mundane and exciting. There is a collection of mini-games that have you either laughing your head off or focusing intently on. These include baseball, connect four, arm wrestling, and horseshoe throwing. On top of that, the story is energetic, revenge-driven, and will have you hanging onto the seat of your couch.

If you haven’t tried this, grab your player two and get sunk in. The game promises endless fun, thrills, and emotions. It is definitely not a cooperative game to sleep on.

2. It Takes two

From the same studio that brought A WAY OUT, it was clear It Takes Two was going to be a great couch co-operative game. The game follows a couple currently going through a divorce. When the couple is transformed into dolls they must work together to escape what they class as a “nightmare”.

It Takes Two delivers witty humor, magical storytelling, and exciting gameplay. Each world that the couple takes on is filled with exciting puzzles that force you to work together not independently. Playing this with my partner made me appreciate how in sync we are and how we are good players with one and two combinations.

The themes presented in the game are on the more mature side, creating a story and gameplay that mature players can relate to. Setting it aside from other unique and quirky designed games like this. If you are looking for something to share with the cooperative partner in your life from the comfort of your couch this is an adventure you don’t want to miss out on.

1. Resident Evil 5

Resident Evil 5 is a cooperative game I have sunk many hours into. From the moment the game idea was conceived, it was created with CO-OP play in mind. The entire campaign can be played from the comfort of your couch or online. Following the story of the series veteran Chris Redfield and his newly introduced partner Sheva Alomar.

The story is a bit lackluster as fans of the series point out it isn’t as scary as previous installments. However, CO-OP play can make any game feel like a breath of fresh air. Especially when it is one of the more recognized couch Co-Op games of the series. Face hordes of enemies, assist your partner in boss fights, and manage the sharing of resources such as ammo and health items. During combat, there are several opportunities to carry out cooperative moves such as kicking or punching an enemy that your teammate has downed or staggered. This leaves this fulfillment of “Hell yeah!”

To further cement the cooperative play the alternative of having Shiva as the AI is painful and not an option I could ever consider after playing the game several times with several different cooperative partners. To enjoy this game to its full potential, I would always advise enlisting the help of your player two.

Honourable mentions

• Overcooked
• Cuphead
• Minecraft
• Lovers in a dangerous space time
• Halo 1-4

Thank you, for joining me in my list of couch co-op games. I hope if you do try any of them that you and your player two have endless fun. Solo games can be an enriching experience but some games were just designed to be shared with others. If you disagree with any leave a comment and if you agree also leave a comment!