This my friends, is a jam packed episode full of so many game impressions I can't list them all here. Every co-op game we got our grubby little hands on during PAX 2009 is discussed! Not only that but Jim, Jason, Nick and Kat discuss some of the finer points of the show and there's even a special guest appearance by a certain Left 4 Dead character. Freaky!
Bioware was kind enough to let us chat with Mass Effect 2's lead writer Mac Walters. We talked about the various improvements in the game. One really interesting piece of the discussion deals with how your data carries over from Mass Effect 1. And of course we ask the question - what happened to co-op?
Game Name: Left 4 Dead 2 Co-Op: Yes Co-Op Type: Four player online/2 player split. Story based and survival modes. Publisher/Developer: EA/Valve (publisher) / Valve (developer) Release Date: November 17th, 2009
PAX 2009 has come to a close, and the Co-Optimus staff are all home safe and sound. Over the next few days we'll be continuing to bring you hands on impressions of dozens and dozens of games that we played.
Steven Snow from Riot Games when asked "why co-op":
Game Name: James Cameron's Avatar: The Game Co-Op: No Multiplayer Type: On-line team deathmatch and capture the flag modes Publisher/Developer: Ubisoft (publisher) / Ubisoft Montreal (developer) Release Date: November 2009
This Thursday, September 10th, we're going to be holding an Xbox Live Co-Op night for the XBLA title Madballs in... Babo Invasion. It's a game we reviewed pretty highly, and thanks to a unique four player co-op experience, we think it's one we need to share! So much so that we're giving away 5 copies!
Game Name: Diablo 3 Co-Op: Yes Co-Op Type: currently 4 Player story/quest based Publisher/Developer: Activision (Publisher) / Blizzard (Developer) Release Date: Not Soon Enough (2010/2011)
One of the biggest problems with PC gaming for cooperative games is communication. Traditionally PC games use text based communication as a standard, with voice chat as an afterthought or missing altogether. While there's software available ilke Ventrillo and Teamspeak to assist in this, a dedicated server is still required.
We've uploaded a handful more pictures of the show for your enjoyment. Look for another batch of these soon!
Game Name: Muramasa: The Demon Blade Co-Op: No Co-Op Type/Multiplayer Type: N/A Publisher/Developer: Ignition Entertainment (Publisher) / Vanillaware (Developer) Release Date: Sept. 8, 2009
We broke the news last month that Relic would be unveiling their new co-op mode called The Last Stand at PAX 2009 this year. Co-Optimus was there as Relic opened the curtains to the three player add-on for their game. The mode can best be described as a survival mode with persistent progression and a focus on scoring for three players in co-op.
