It Takes Two
It Takes Two
It Takes Two is a delightful cooperative adventure where you play as either Cody or May, a couple who find themselves transformed into little dolls. They will need to work together to overcome numerous levels, with each offering different abilities for our two heroes that keep the game interesting from the beginning to the end.
In many ways, It Takes Two is the ultimate co-op experience. It can't be played any other way, so you'll need to grab a friend or family member if you want to play it. The game is presented using a split screen set-up, regardless of whether you play online or in person, so you might as well invite one of your friends over.
Terraria
Terraria is a great co-op game if you're after something that provides a lot of freedom. In this 2D action-adventure sandbox, you and your pal can explore and mine the areas for resources that are vital for survival. Using those resources, you can make buildings and items to help you survive.
Each area is randomly generated when you start the game, meaning you won't find everything in the same place twice. It makes every game exciting as you might discover different bosses and enemies sooner or later, depending on your luck. You'll have to hope you're prepared for the moment you encounter them.
A Way Out
A Way Out was developed by Hazelight Studios, the same team that created It Takes Two. Like its successor, it also plays out in split screen regardless of how you decide to play it, so you might as well meet up in person! It's also a shorter game than It Takes Two, clocking in at around 6 hours to complete, so you could beat it in one sitting if you fancy a longer gaming session.
But what's it about? It sees you playing as either Leo or Vincent, two prisoners who break out of prison in a desperate bid for freedom. The pair come from different backgrounds and form an uneasy alliance but must find a way to work together or risk ending up back in the slammer.
Halo: The Master Chief Collection
If you're over a certain age, chances are you played at least one of the Halo games in couch co-op. For me, it was Halo 3 with my brother, and it remains one of the more memorable game experiences I've had. Halo boasts a phenomenal sense of scale in its level design, and sharing that with another person is great fun.
In the Master Chief Collection, there are six games to get stuck into, each offering local co-op. So whether you want nostalgic feelings by playing the original or a more modern offering in Halo 4, The Master Chief Collection has you covered.
Overcooked 2
Fair warning. Overcooked 2 is not for the faint of heart or anyone who quickly gets frustrated. It's a game where the aim is to cook meals quickly for your customers, working together to ensure each person doesn't have to wait too long. Sounds simple, right? Well, it starts that way and quickly becomes more complicated.
After a while, the levels will become more tricky, with more complex dishes to cook, where mistakes can lead to a ruined dish. On top of that, some stages can shift around, preventing access to certain areas for a while. You'll need to work with your fellow chefs to stay on top of everything. It's a game that has to be enjoyed in person to replicate the chaotic feel of a busy kitchen.