Top 10 Video Games That Are Best Played Co-Op

After a near decade hiatus from one of Nintendo’s flagship franchises, Fox and the gang soared back onto the gaming scene earlier this year to…a lukewarm reception. While several aspects of the game were praised, much of the criticism revolved around StarFox Zero’s awkward and cumbersome control scheme. The player must multitask flying with the analog stick and aiming with the gamepad, which is much easier said than done. However, the game featured a co-op mode where two players each took on the role of flying and shooting respectively, which alleviates much of the stress that arises when doing both by yourself. Now you and a pal can enjoy the game together…because you’ll actually be able to play it without cursing obscenities at the screen.

#9: “Diablo II” (2000)

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Multiplayer gaming really began to evolve and take a new shape with the rising surge of online communities on PC. One of the most pivotal reasons for its expansion and success was Blizzard’s ‘battle.net’ program which they utilized for massive online play in their games like StarCraft. We feel the online component was best implemented into Diablo II, as its dungeon crawling style of gameplay just screamed co-operative fun. Even today, sixteen years after its release, thrill seekers unite on Diablo II game lobbies in search of the exciting danger that awaits in those deep, dark environments. Considering that the worlds are randomly generated and can be played with up to eight players, it’s a co-operative experience that can go on for hours.

#8: “Halo 5: Guardians” (2015)

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The original Halo defined the landscape of online multiplayer for consoles in the early 2000’s, though we’re more talking about the campaign here. Although co-op play was available in previous instalments, it’s not quite for the same reason as prior releases. If one were to play the campaign mode on their own, they would have to endure some bafflingly stupid A.I partners that get in the way far more than they help out. It’s crazy to think that what would be an otherwise phenomenal addition to the Halo series could be ruined by poorly designed computer allies, made even worse by the removal of split-screen play. Thanks Microsoft, much appreciated.

In this breakout indie hit, the player is tasked with controlling a spaceship and all of the different stations within. It is entirely possible to play the game on your own, but think of it like this. On ‘Star Trek’, do you really think it would be easy for one person to manage the entirety of the enterprise all on their own? We don’t think so, which is why this game is much better with others. It’s not that it necessarily takes away any of the challenge that the game provides, but rather it actually benefits from the additional element of working together as a team. Gamers will create a bond based on trust and co-ordination to trudge through the perilous depths of space in one peace.

#6: “Time Crisis 3” (2003)

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We’re going to skip the formalities and just cut to the chase with this one; it’s a light gun shooter, why would you EVER play that by yourself? The Simple answer is: Dual cabinet setup. By giving each player their own screen to work with, the game places a strong emphasis on covering your ally whenever they’re under fire, not to mention the weapon swap system introduced in the 3rd game allowing for more strategic communication. Furthermore, aside from just lending you a helping hand, the game is just a blast that should be shared with someone. As you shoot away the baddies, you can both “ooh” and “ahh” at all the on-screen anarchy.

#5: “The Division” (2016)

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Ubisoft’s huge open world shooter tasks players with moving through desolate city streets in this online only experience. With an abundance of players constantly playing online, and with the name of the game being survival, firefights breaking out around every corner is a pretty normal thing in this game. In such a dangerous landscape, it’s a good idea to find some companions and travel together to better the chances of outlasting any ambushes that may come your way. It should also be noted that alliances aren’t everlasting, as players can backstab each other just as quickly as they became partners. Similar to Destiny’s online world (XREF), finding players that you can co-operate and bond with is essential for success.

#4: “The Legend of Zelda: Triforce Heroes” (2015)

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So before we explain anything to you, let’s have a little grammar lesson: the game is called Triforce Heroes. Heroes. Plural, so…go figure its better with a group. For the anti-social among us, Triforce Heroes doesn’t force you to go multiplayer as every level can be tackled by your lonesome. But considering how tedious it is to carry doppelgangers in single player, Nintendo clearly envisioned this one to be played with others. Nearly every puzzle and boss battle requires precision, great timing and multitasking…things which would become a serious headache if performed solo. The game really does shine in multiplayer and all things considered, why should Link have to save Hyrule alone every time, right?

#3: “Borderlands 2” (2012)

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The Borderlands series in a nutshell is all about scavenging the wasteland for valuable loot (such as weapons, items or other gear) with varying statistics and elemental attributes. For someone to play through this alone, it can become very repetitive, very quickly as the gameplay is essentially on a ‘rinse and repeat’ cycle of doing the same thing. Even die hard Borderlands players have agreed that playing alone is not the way to go and that the experience playing with others is practically night and day. Gathering loot and experience with teammates is a much smoother experience overall, as mission objectives can be tackled in a group with each member using their skills for the greater goal.

#2: “Left 4 Dead 2” (2009)

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Left 4 Dead is a co-operative based first person shooter set in a post-apocalyptic world overrun with the undead. If such a cataclysmic event were to happen in reality, you’d like to have trustworthy and capable people by your side to help you out, right? The A.I of your allies in Left 4 Dead 2 provides no such dependability, as they scamper right into danger leaving you…well, left for dead. It’s for this reason that playing online with others is a much more pleasurable way to get through the game, as people will actually listen to suggestions made, cover your back in desperate situations and make more intelligent decisions to ensure surviving each stage. Trust us when we say, use your “BRRAAAIIINS” and play with others. Before we reveal our top pick, here are a few honorable mentions… “Bubble Bobble” (1986) “Rock Band Series” (2007-) “Rayman Legends” (2013) “Contra” (1987) “Metroid Prime Federation Force” (2016)

#1: “Resident Evil 5” (2009)

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Resident Evil 4 made a huge splash in the gaming world when it was released and when a follow-up was officially revealed, the hype skyrocketed. Unfortunately, all expectations were crushed upon playing the game, as the horrendous A.I of your partner Sheva Alomar was laughably stupid. Her insistence on running into groups of enemies, using up precious healing items and just not following commands made her almost as braindead as the zombies in prior games. Thankfully, the game supported co-op play in split-screen or online and we highly recommend playing Resident Evil 5 this way as opposed to going solo. Playing with another human makes the experience much more manageable and enjoyable overall because they can actually…y’know, help? Hey Sheva, look up ‘teamwork’ in a dictionary. Do you agree with our list? What video game do you feel is best played with a buddy? For more helpful Top 10’s published every day, be sure to subscribe to WatchMojo.com.