This week, we'll mix up the Co-Op Classics formula just a bit.  It has certainly been a huge news week, particularly today with the announcement of another class, the Wizard, in Diablo III.  Much as the original announcement of the game did this past summer, this got me to thinking about the original Diablo games.  Obviously, co-op was a huge factor in the success of these games.  So which class combinations are the most effective?  I'll give you my take on a combo from Diablo 2, and we'd love to hear from the Co-Optimus community as well.  Which class combinations do you feel are the best?

This week's HUD features not one, not two, but three special guests.  This week the panel and myself are joined by John Davidson of What they Play, Ross Miller of Joystiq, and Jason Callina of Giant Japanese Robot.

In case you hadn't heard, Blizzcon is going on right now.  That's right, Blizzard is so big and so awesome in their infinite gaming goodness that they have an entire conference in Anaheim California promoting their software.  

Realistic free PC shooter America's Army: Special Forces just received an upgrade, which adds some features, tweaks others, and brings new co-op content.

If you've been wondering why the prices for Guitar Hero: World Tour were so high on RedOctane's official site, wonder no longer.  Joystiq reports that the pricey listings are for a bundle including some additional swag, such as a T-Shirt and a guitar bag.  The recommended prices for the non-swag versions of the game will be as follows:

Koei, developers of the moderately fun and forever-ongoing series Dynasty Warriors, is once again bringing third-person hack'n'slash co-op action to the Playstation Portable with Dynasty Warriors: Strikeforce.

The news just keeps on rolling in today.  Between the Tokyo Game Show and this weekend's BlizzCon, it's a busy time for those craving gaming information!  According to the BlizzCon program guide, some new Diablo III information will be revealed today.  The biggest news is the hint of a "new champion" who will join the Witch Doctor and the Barbarian, previously announced.  As soon as the news hits, we'll let you know.  Personally, I am pulling for the Rainbrow Brite class, though I'm not sure that would translate well into a male version.  (Gotta love that mount, though!)  In any event, check back later today for the actual announcement!

Gooooooooooooooooooooold.  Smoke and a pancake?  CoG and a Lancer?  Yes folks Gears of War 2 has gone gold.  The sequel to the highest rated co-op game on this site will hit store shelves on November 7th.  Perhaps you and your co-op partner should start training now, we have the perfect way to start, with our Gears of War Co-Op Night!

This week has been a busy one for me. That's part of the reason why This Week in Co-Op is a day late. However, I hope that I can make it up to you all. I think I might be able to, because I've been spending the week playing a game that most all gamers can agree is either cool, or at least features a cool character. The game in question is Duke Nukem 3D on XBLA,.

I think that the title of this post is pretty much self-explanatory. Just the same, though, here's the official word from Sam, Lionhead community blogger:

IGN.com has provided a handy little recreation of Microsoft's official information sheet for Halo 3 Recon, and it includes confirmation of four-player co-op within the standalone campaign.

Hot on the heels of yesterday's Little Big Planet news, a couple more new Sackboys have been revealed.  Solid Snake of Metal Gear fame, and Sephiroth from Final Fantasy VII will be reresented in Sackboy form.  You've gotta love these guys!  Taking popular video game characters and making little burlap sack versions of them seems simple, yet they are certainly fun.  No details about how to get these little fellows are given, but you can see some higehr res pictures here.  I'm wondering who's next?  Sackboy Optimus Prime, I hope...