Patches that improve co-op

A few weeks ago we reported that Ms. Splosion Man would be out this July.  We speculated (hoped) that the game would have the same price point of its predecessor, a cool 800 MSP ($10).  We must have some good karma, because that's exactly how much it will cost.  The platformer supports 4 player local and/or online co-op.  If it's anything like the original 'Splosion Man, it should be a real treat.  Ms. Splosion Man will release on the XBLA for 800 Microsoft Points on July 13th.  Holy cow!  That's next week!

Sanctum, the hybrid FPS/Tower Defense indie game we reviewed a few months ago, has had 4-player co-op in the works for some time now at the behest of players. An update for the game just went live which implements it as promised, upping the co-opability from 2 players to 4. Also added were "co-op build and upgrade towers" (no idea what those are, but don't they sound fancy!) as well as some additional modes, settings, achievements, and UI tweaks. For full patch notes, read on.

Today we have a new trailer for Catherine, the sort-of-sexy yet very intriguing puzzle platformer.   The latest trailer has a few snippets of gameplay footage.  Catherine looks stunning graphically, and there seems to be a lot more to it than simply a man, some sheep, and giant boobs. (But do you really need anything else?)  We recently covered the co-op components of the game, and we are curious to see just how the game will play out.  You can expect to see our Co-Op Review in the coming weeks.

The Adventures of Shuggy is a puzzle game that challenges your wits against physical enemies, obstacles, gravity and the Xbox Live Leaderboards. There are loads of puzzle games on the market, but Shuggy looks to make its mark using a bit of strategy, and including co-op.

Recently, Co-Optimus staffers were given an assignment: play online co-op with random strangers.  The idea was that it's good to sometimes get out of our comfort zone.  For me, I am most at home when I am literally at home, playing couch co-op with one of my kids.  I only rarely venture online, and when I do, it is with friends I have met through Co-Optimus, or even folks I know in real life.  Heading into the wilds of Xbox Live was a daunting proposal for me.

Day seven of Steam's Summer Sale is here, how's the wallet doing?   Hopefully not hurting too bad because there's a handful of solid co-op titles up for sale today including the truly excellent indie shooter Jamestown for $5!

I powered on my Xbox 360 today and was greeted by a pleasant surprise.  Three co-op games have appeared in the Xbox LIVE Marketplace.  Dead Block, Major League Bobblehead Pros, and Sacred 2: Fallen Angels are all available.  Someone should really give the editor who writes the weekly Co-Op Release Alerts what for.  He missed all three of these.  (I have it on good authority that he's been sitting at a window, longingly waiting for a UPS truck, quietly chanting "EDF" to himself.)

As we return to a life with far fewer amateur demolitions involved, Vicinity Games presents us with another chance to revel in the glory of blowing things up (cooperatively) in Papercraft

We just got a fresh batch of screenshots for the four player co-op action game, Renegade Ops.  The game is looking as colorful and beautiful as ever, but that wasn't what caught our eyes - it appears the game is going to feature two player split-screen play for local co-op which utilizes a dynamic split screen mechanic.

Eat my spray 'teammate'

The quirky little platformer, Tales From Space: About a Blob, is getting a co-op-specific map pack.  We were impressed by certain aspects of the game, but a little surprised by the steep learning curve and timed elements.  This new map pack includes two new levels which require two able bodied (local) co-op players to complete.