My husband and I have been enjoying an extensive gaming session with Portal 2, widely regarded as one of the finest couch co-op experiences in modern gaming. While titles like Hazelight’s It Takes Two have made notable marks in the genre, the list of games that require players to collaborate closely toward a common goal is relatively short. We’ve actively transformed various titles into cooperative experiences, enhancing our enjoyment and teamwork.
Exploring Cooperative Gameplay
Our journey into cooperative gaming began after playing The Quarry. This narrative-driven game allows players to make choices collectively in a local co-op format by passing the controller back and forth. However, we opted to approach it as a team, discussing every decision and pausing periodically to analyze clues or revisit previous dialogue. This led us to replay The Quarry several times, often with one of us controlling the game while the other prepared dinner.
We adopted a similar strategy with Overboard!, an engaging mystery game where the player assumes the role of a killer attempting to avoid detection. Its design encourages replayability with varied objectives and story paths, making it a fitting choice for our cooperative play style.
Our Favorite Non-Co-op Co-op Games
We have discovered that narrative-focused games emphasizing decision-making make for excellent cooperative experiences. These titles have become staples in our weeknight routines, providing fun options for date nights during the winter months. Engaging with these games also allows us to share our individual gaming experiences, creating lasting memories together. For instance, we bonded deeply while playing through Firewatch, sharing an emotional moment at its conclusion.
Looking ahead, I am eagerly anticipating Split Fiction, the upcoming release from Hazelight. Equally exciting is Expelled!, a new addition to the Overboard! universe, which I expect will provide many hours of cooperative enjoyment for my husband and me.
