As I was flipping through my latest issue of Game Informer magazine (no, I don't really care for printed media anymore, but yes, I am a Gamestop Edge member from time to time...) and saw a preview of a game that has -- for the most part -- slipped past the Co-Optimus radar.

Now, I realize as I type this that I'm dangerously close to starting an unwarranted hype train here, so let's be clear: I'm excited for this game. You don't have to be. In the meantime, however, just know that while cooperative modes seem to be all the rage, it's rare enough to see a game with 4-player co-op, much less 16.

Yes, that's right: 16 player co-op. Open world co-op in areas modeled after real locations. Also, the game promises content that will appeal to hardcore and casual gamers alike, such as character customization and unlockable skills. Drooling yet?

If you're crafty enough, you can guess the title by looking at the list of new games added, because I just added this one today for Xbox 360 and Playstation 3. If you like surprises, however, you can hit the "Read More" link for screenshots and details about what just may be the co-op sleeper hit of this holiday season.
 

 
This screenshot is called "Friends In The Wilderness".

Shaun White Snowboarding will be shipped on November 16th by Ubisoft, and is developed by Ubisoft Montreal. If you're not familiar with this developer, shame on you: they're responsible for top-notch titles Assassin's Creed, the Tom Clancy's Rainbow Six 3 and Vegas series', the Prince of Persia reboots, Tom Clancy's Splinter Cell and Chaos Theory, Far Cry Instincts and Far Cry 2, plus many more that have received various critical reception.

To start off, players will create a unique snowboarder, and then dress them out according to their liking. How detailed this process will be is a mystery so far. Once the player is satisfied with their avatar, they can hit the slopes at any of three areas (peak, back country, or resort) for each: Japan, European Alps, Park City Utah, or Alaska. A special edition sold only at Target stores for an additional $5 for all console versions will include Target Mountain, Colorado, as well as extra character content (none of which will be available for DLC, according to the current plans).

Ubisoft has a lot of faith in this game, as they have posted $10 million in advertising, beating Valve to the punch.

Shaun White Snowboarding is built on the Assassin's Creed engine, and Ubisoft Montreal has promised that physics will supercede animation. They also promise player stats and supported leaderboards, as well as Dolby 5.1 Surround Sound. Sadly, the game resolution is limited to 720p, and future DLC has not been confirmed.

Exactly how 16 friends will join up has not been specified...I think it's safe to assume that drop-in/drop-out gameplay will be available, at least for free-run play in the open world areas. Either way, Xbox 360 users will get the full benefit of this game, thanks to the New Xbox Experience coming November 19th, just three days after the game ships.

If you get tired of racing and pulling stunts, the game will feature on-foot movement for hiking and exploring, and players will be able to engage in snowball fights. To top it all off, you can make in-game films of everything happening, and upload them for others to view. Whether this means actual in-game camera control and capture or a replay system, it's still a welcome distraction.

All in all, this game is an exciting prospect for co-op gamers, especially the casual sort. Odds are that if you like playing 8-player Burnout Paradise, you'll have fun with Shaun White Snowboarding.

UPDATE: We do have some info on the Wii version, which looks to stand on its own as a solid splitscreen co-op title... Read DjinniMan's previous post here.

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 Tags: playstation 3 xbox 360 shaun white snowboarding 16 player co-op