It’s that time of year! That’s right, it’s panic time! You just realized there are 15 shopping days left until Christmas. You need some cooperative games for friends, family, and significant others. Or maybe you just want to see if any cool co-op games are missing from your own personal wish list. That’s what we really use these lists for, right?
We’re here to help. This no-nonsense guide (spoiler alert: there will be nonsense) will offer helpful suggestions for co-op gamers. Each title is linked to our database so you can see exactly which co-op modes are supported. We split this season's offerings into three categories, Online Co-Op, Local Co-Op, and Combo Co-Op. Feel free to add any of your own suggestions in the comments.
Online Co-Op
Assassin’s Creed 3 (360, PS3, PC) While some people (like me) had serious issues with the single player campaign, the Wolf Pack mode is an interesting exercise in cooperative stealth gameplay. 4 player online co-op [$59.99]
Journey (PS3) To enjoy this game you must have two things: 1) A PlayStation 3 with an internet connection. 2) An appreciation for beautiful things. Fair warning: this in not a traditional co-op game. 2 player online co-op [$14.99 PSN / $29.99 CE]
Resident Evil 6* (360, PS3) The sixth entry in the franchise features three different campaigns with intersecting story arcs, as well as intersecting cooperative action. 2 player local co-op, 2 player online co-op [$39.99]
Torchlight 2 (PC) This action RPG features four classes, six players, and some people even say it “out Diablos” Diablo 3. That means something. Trust me. 6 player online co-op [$19.99]