Every year Microsoft holds its DreamBuildPlay contest to promote the XNA Development Kit on the PC and Xbox 360.  The contest allows independent developers a chance to showcase their best work and enter for a chance to win some great prizes - including a publishing contract.  We had a great tip from a member about two upcoming entries that feature cooperative play in a unique manner.

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I'll admit, after watching the trailer for Phono Alliance from independant developer Soft Hope, I wasn't quite sure what I watched.  The game is described as a Patapon meets Super Mario Bros. style game.  That is, an action platformer with music and rhythym based elements.

Being developed for the Xbox 360 on the Indie Games channel, Phono Alliance allows two players to team up through a slick hand drawn world and conquer enemies like teddie bears, giant birds, and crazy pirates that turn into treasures chests.  You'll attack using your drum and notes with one of two characters - The Rocker or The Rapper.  

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While generally being bizarre in presentation, Indie games tend to speak to the heart of gamers. Classic platforming that pays homage to our gaming roots, games like Bennu (Once a Bird) give us very unique co-op experiences. Bennu is a puzzle platforming game with an intriguing "leap-frog" style co-op. That is to say, when a rope can connect with an environment, it can also connect to your swinging co-op partner for a little added boost in whatever direction you're headed. Bennu, from what we've derived from the trailer, is a bird-like-creature that has to maneuver its way through obstacles and bosses, using a unique physics engine to launch itself from place to place.

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