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]
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Local Co-Op
A Virus Named Tom (PC) This puzzler is not for the faint of heart. Rearrange circuits as antivirus drones seek and destroy you and your three buddies. 4 player local co-op [$9.99]
Ben 10: Omniverse (360, PS3, Wii, Wii U) Based on the Cartoon Network show, join Ben Tennyson and his new pal, Rook, as they battle evil aliens. 2 player local co-op [$29.99]
Dance Central 3 (360) Get your groove on. Shake your booty. Bring sexy back. Stop biting your upper lip. Don’t do the Robot. NO! Not even ironically. Stop it. Just get Halo 4. 2 player local co-op [$39.99-$49.99]
LEGO Lord of the Rings (360, PS3, PC Wii) Really, any LEGO game is good for the family. With 60 different playable characters, there’s plenty of adventure to be had. Allow me to quote one of my favorite lines from the film, as people are wont to do: “...what about second breakfast?” 2 player local co-op [$39.99-$49.99]
Ninja Crash (XBLIG) It has zombies and cheese and ninjas. And also crashes, I presume. 2 player local co-op [$1]
Resident Evil 6* (360, PS3) The sixth entry in the franchise still features three different campaigns with intersecting story arcs, as well as intersecting cooperative action.It's like online co-op, except you get half the screen and you can physically touch each other. 2 player local co-op, 2 player online co-op [$39.99]
SCHAR: Blue Shield Alliance (XBLIG, PC) This four player twin stick shooter features clever writing, four different ship classes, and light RPG elements. 4 player local co-op [$1 - $5]
Skylanders Giants (360, PS3, Wii, Wii U) This is one of the hottest games of the season. It’s also one of the most expensive. You have to buy real life physical toys to unlock characters in the game. It’s worth it to watch kids lose their tiny little minds. 2 player local co-op [$49.99 to $74.99]
Tokyo Jungle (PS3) This crazy game let’s you play as an assortment of different animals, from chickens to saber tooth tigers. Survive against your fellow creatures as you hunt, fight, and mate your way through the streets of a desolated Tokyo. 2 player local co-op [$15]
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Combo Co-Op (Local and Online Co-Op)
Borderlands 2 (360, PS3, PC) Four players team up to shoot bandits and other assorted nasty creatures on the dangerous world of Pandora. The gameplay is driven by leveling up your character, a humorous story, and a need to shoot things so you can get better guns so you can shoot tougher things to get even better guns so you can shoot... 2 player local co-op, 4 player online co-op, combo co-op [$49.99 to $59.99]
Call of Duty Black Ops 2 (360, PS3, Wii U, PC) This is the most popular videogame franchise in the world, which naturally means it’s the most hated. Most people will enjoy it, even if they won’t admit it. The four player zombie mode is good fun. 4 player local co-op, 4 player online co-op, combo co-op [$59.99]
Far Cry 3 (360, PS3, PC) The co-op mode in Far Cry 3 is a different animal from the main campaign. While it doesn’t offer many of the sandbox features from the single player game, it’s still a fun experience. The total package is excellent. 2 player local co-op, 4 player online co-op, combo co-op [$49.99 PC, $59.99 Console]
Halo 4 (360) Developer 343 Industries successfully takes the reigns from Bungie in the latest Master Chief adventure. The co-operative campaign and Spartan Ops feature a ton of co-op content. 2 player local co-op, 4 player online co-op, combo co-op [$39.99 - $59.99]
*Resident Evil 6 has two player online co-op OR local co-op.
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