Co-Op Classics is going to be a bit different this week, and next.  Rather than selecting one classic game, we'll have a much broader focus.  I have a unique opportunity this evening, and in a sense, it's a bit like going into a Delorean, hitting 88 MPH, and going back in time, to my childhood.  I'll be taking a car full of teenagers to a real life honest to goodness arcade.  My eldest son turns 14 today, and like any good gamer, he chose to spend his birthday playing video games with his friends.  This week, I'll talk about the games featured at this arcade, and next week I'll have mini-reviews for each game, plus some pictures of the "co-opery".

We normally try to stay out of the business side of things on Co-Optimus, but I found this story interesting none the less.  According to the NPD, a group that estimates monthly sales based on statistical data in North America, Too Human sold around 170,000 copies in just 2 weeks in August.  This was enough to put the game in the top 10 sold of games behind the 37 versions of Madden (ok, there were 4) and 21 Wii Gimmicks (ok...2...Wii Fit and Wii Play).  The reality is the only other AAA title ahead of Too Human was Soul Calibur IV for the Xbox 360.

Who doesn't love giant robot battles?  You know what would be even better?  Giant robot battles with a friend.  It's a good thing that UbiSoft has decided to publish the next game in the Armored Core series called Armored Core for Answer for both the Xbox 360 and PlayStation 3.

Online co-op is becoming the standard for console gaming. However, for handhelds it is still a somewhat untested field. However, Phantasy Star Zero for the DS will be testing the handheld online waters. According to 1up, Sega will be releasing Phantasy Star Zero for the DS in Japan.

The first Viva Pinata was easily the best sandbox games of all time.  But even the sweetest sandbox is no fun without a friend or two to share it with.  That's all been rectified in the games sequel, Viva Pinata: Trouble In Paradise.  Two players locally and up to four online can all share in one garden.  Should you check the game out?  Find out in our review!

Welcome ladies and gentlemen to the new era in podcasting - the co-op era!  Today is episode 1 of our brand new podcast called...The Co-Opticast.  I will wait while you sit in awe of the name.  Good?  Ok then.

VideoGamer.com is reporting that Valve has confirmed a Left 4 Dead demo is in the works for both the Xbox 360 and PC versions of the title.   Valve president Gabe Newell commented that most likely the demo would be the first part of the 4 part story, which is the hospital level.  If you played the game at PAX or Leipzig then you'll be familiar with this level as it was the one on display.  While this might disappoint some, I can tell you from personal experience that after watching dozens and dozens of gameplay sessions, no two ever go the same.

If you've turned on any television in America in the past few weeks, you've undoubtedly seen the mud slinging ads from John McCain or Barack Obama on their quests for the office of the president.  The first Tuesday in November can't come soon enough to put an end to these ads.  But the developers at Volition ask, "Why can't we all just get along and co-op together?"

You may have noticed an influx of Rock Band 2 news lately...there's good reason.   MTV Games, Electronic Arts and Harmonix have all announced that the Xbox 360 version of Rock Band 2 has shipped to retailers and should be available by Sunday, September 14th. 

Some people cannot stand casual games, while other people only play casual games. Many hardcore gamers don't like the casual games because they believe the casual games could spell doom for hardcore games. However, I tend to disagree. I am a hardcore gamer, but I've been on a several month old casual game love-fest. The fact is that as a busy college student, they are the only way that I can co-op with my buddies. That's why this week, continuing the Mario trend begun last week, I played Mario Power Tennis.

DRM, for all sorts of media, is a bit of a mess right now, and that's putting it delicately.  How many times can you move that song to a new Ipod?  Your 360 died; now you can't play XBLA games unless you're connected to the internet?  These are worst case scenarios, but the problem is there, for many legitimate consumers.  The most recent flaming has taken place over Spore, and it's Amazon reviews. 

Resistance 2 is likely the most anticipated game for the PS3 this holiday season.  The promise of 8 player co-op earned it a respectable #4 on our own list of hot upcoming releases.  Oh yeah, and it features up to 60(!) players at once competitively.  It is for these reasons, then, that today's news regarding the beta for the game is noteworthy.  Shacknews reports that the online application form for the Resistance 2 beta is now available.  You can guarantee a spot in the beta by preordering, or subscribing to Qore (Sony's downloadable video magazine), but what about the more economically minded?  Just diddy-bop on over the the official Resistance 2 site and apply.  The beta will test multiplayer, including the previously mentioned 8 person co-op.  This sounds like a good way to spend some time until the games release on November 4!