It’s more often than not that a videogame has a great story to experience, but lacks the innovation of co-op gameplay. As games continue to evolve, the idea of co-op, whether it is local or online, is left behind to tell a more personal and intimate story as an individual. Yet, there remain some great titles that entirely embrace the co-op experience. The games featured here are only playable with two players, which means players will need to find another controller, or venture online to play and complete these titles. Two-player gaming has been integral to the development of video games, players only need to look back to Pong to see why.
These co-op experiences are unique, in the fact that they can only be experienced if there are two players. It’s a great feature to see present in video games, as some of the best memories a gamer can have are those moments with a friend when they work together for the same goal. Through a two-player experience, players can share in an adventure, combine their intellect to solve puzzles, and bond with the great activity that awaits a challenge in the video game format.
4 Portal 2
With over a decade to its name, Portal 2 still offers a variety of challenges and fun to players new and old. Portal 2 is a puzzle platformer and keeps the minds of its co-op players engaged as they work together. Although it's possible to complete Portal 2 solo, the game has an exclusive co-op campaign with its own unique story that can't be completed alone. Players will embark on this journey with a friend or a random online player as ATLAS and P-body.
These two robots, built by GLaDOS, have a great set of personalities, which is injected into their humor. The game has many interesting moments that require the players to work together, and think of a solution, all whilst trying to please GLaDOS. Portal 2 has players working together to solve puzzles in this cooperative campaign, and entering a friendly competition on who can get to the end of the testing facility first. Teamwork is essential. Each character has a different colored portal gun, which means that they are equal parts important.
If players want to put their brains to the test rather than their brawn, then Portal 2 is available for purchase on PC, Playstation 3, Xbox 360, and Nintendo Switch.
3 We Were Here
We Were Here is a series of games that launches two players into situations that require them to work closely together to survive, and ultimately escape peril. Players will find themselves lost in a frozen wasteland, where they will have to work together with a walkie-talkie to escape an abandoned castle. This game can only be accessed through co-op, as it requires the assistance of two minds and bodies.
The game helps players to see the importance of teamwork, and how essential it is to work together. The thrilling atmosphere of the game will keep players on the edge of their seats as they overcome challenges together, and embark on a unique co-op gaming experience that We Were Here offers them. The franchise itself is brimming with exciting co-op-driven content, with the pilot episode being free for players.
To embark on the thrilling journey of a cold tundra, We Were Here and its sequels are available now for PC, PlayStation 4, Xbox One, PlayStation 5, and Xbox Series X/S.
2 A Way Out
As a multiplayer-only game, A Way Out features the cast of two characters that embark on a journey to break out of prison. That is not all the game has to offer, and is just the beginning of a great and emotional journey. Inmates become allies, then friends, to brothers. It’s a great game for friendships, which is why as a co-op-only game, it’s a perfect one to experience.
Players will need to work together to figure out just how to escape prison. Only through working as a duo can the players succeed in their escape. Yet, the adventure does not end here, as players will have to decide together where to go, and how to go about it. This game can only be played with two players, with many hurdles in the way to test even the best of friends.
Players can purchase A Way Out now for PC, Xbox One, and PlayStation 4.
1 It Takes Two
This colorful game takes the wonderful designs one would expect from a Disney movie and places them in the very real-world themes of love and strain. It Takes Two is an action-adventure platform game and lacks a single-player option. It’s entirely co-op, online or local. It’s an enjoyable journey across the life of a strained husband and wife, with their daughter watching helplessly and feeling unloved.
The game helps players realize that it’s better to experience things and work, together. It’s a joyous co-op experience and has gleeful gameplay. Featuring a universal tale of relationships, the game requires two players, with many lessons to be learned throughout the journey. The game strengthens the relationship of players in this adventure of fun and teamwork.
It Takes Two is available now on Playstation 4, Xbox One, Playstation 5, Xbox Series X/S, and PC.