Whether you are playing a game on a console or a PC these days, it is something more than just a gaming experience. You are getting told a complex story, you get to meet awesome characters, you even get to build a character that is a reflection of yourself. You experience so many things and for a short period of time that you become a part of the game’s world.
But even so, you can feel a bit lonely since you are not sharing that experience with someone else. Why not go through a game with your best friend or your loved ones? Well, not many AAA games would offer you a local co-op mode.
It Takes Two came out recently and it once again proved that there is a place for co-op-driven titles in the gaming world. And it did it with such style! But what is so special about it? Well, having a game where you need to rely not only on your skills but also to give full trust to your partner can be quite a fun experience.
The game impressed both critics and fans and took the gameplay to a whole new level when it gets to communication, team play, replayability, and overall fun. If you have played it, then you are already enlightened about its brilliance. But also there is a high chance of being sad because you didn’t want it to end. Don’t worry, we’ve got you covered, here are six co-op options that are close to, on par with, or maybe even better than It Takes Two!
Operation: Tango by Clever Plays
A spy thriller co-op adventure for two. You and your partner will be the Agent and the Hacker, working together to infiltrate, investigate, and eradicate the forces threatening the free world. Work with you and a friend to complete dangerous missions across the globe in a high-tech near-future world.
With only your voices to link you teamwork is crucial and communication is the key! Combine skill sets from different points of view to overcome asymmetrical challenges. These missions cannot be completed alone.
Operation: Tango supports cross-platform play and any of your friends can play with you for free. All they need to do is download the Operation: Tango Friend Pass on their platform of choice. It takes two to save the world, but it only takes one to pay for it!
Platforms: PlayStation 4 | 5, Xbox Series X | S, Xbox One, PC – Steam
PlayStation 4, Microsoft Windows, Xbox Series X and Series S, PlayStation 5, Xbox One
Unravel 2 by Coldwood Interactive
Unravel 2 is a wonderful co-op platformer that will require a lot of good timing between you and whoever you are playing with. Basically, this is because you are tied to each other and a failure to cooperate decently would result in starting all over again from your last checkpoint.
The co-op is present only in local mode, so no online friends can join. Which can be a good thing after all. The game can alternatively be played in a single-player mode, but this is not why you came here, right?
Taking control of two Yarnies made of…yarn, you will have to solve a lot of puzzles, execute (impossible on first sight) jumps, and make your way through a dynamic world, helping two children. You two are miniature creatures so even the ordinary environment will feel unique as everything will be gigantic for you. The results are wonderfully designed levels. As fun as it could be, Unravel 2 can also be quite unforgiving especially if you are a completionist trying to reach all the tough-to-get-to places and beat the bonus levels as well.
Platforms: PlayStation 4, Nintendo Switch, Xbox One, PC
Trine Series by Frozenbyte
Ever wanted to know how it feels like to be in a fairytale? The Trine Series will give you the chance to do so. It was an overlooked sidescroller when the first installment came out in 2009, but we recently got a fourth game to this gorgeous co-op adventure.
Trine games are not to be missed, especially if you are looking for a great co-op experience. The out-of-this-world graphics, materializing in a magical world, the Nvidia PhysiX engine bringing every object to life, and the great storytelling are just half of the beauty.
The other half is the great synergy between the three playable characters with each one of them having unique skills. You can switch to each one of them in real-time, which feels quite fresh. Wait, three heroes? Can you add a third friend for the co-op? Absolutely yes, and this is the best way to play the game!
Platforms: PlayStation 4, Nintendo Switch, Xbox One, PC
Portal 2 by Valve
Even though Portal 2 came out back in 2011 it is still one of the most genius games out there. Set in the world of Half-Life, it is a direct sequel of the original Portal and offered more depth in the story, more complex gameplay, and memorable characters.
But its trump card was the added split-screen co-op mode which grants a chance for the story to be expanded from the eyes of the two witty robots ATLAS and P-body, which is quite a fun ride.
You can always opt for the single-player mode, but co-op definitely feels like the right way for Portal 2 to be played. To open portals that teleport you to higher places and experimenting with physics all by yourself could be quite challenging but having another person to put the ‘in’ or the ‘out’ portal takes the gameplay to a whole new level. So you better get ready, because you will have to use your brains a lot in this one. The same goes for your co-op partner!
Platforms: PlayStation 3, Xbox 360, PC, Classic Mac OS, Linux