Co-Op Games With Better Stories Than It Takes Two

Released in early 2021, It Takes Two quickly became a huge hit. While other games focused on cooperative play, none were quite as engaging. The game’s story – about a couple on the brink of divorce magically transformed into dolls – was unique, but it was the constantly changing and inventive gameplay that truly made it special.

Most players finished It Takes Two feeling that while the story was emotionally resonant, it could also be quite sad. Other co-op games sometimes have similarly heavy stories, but they generally offer a wider spectrum of feelings. These other games might not be overall better than It Takes Two, but their stories are usually easier to process and enjoy.

A Way Out

Prison Break

Hazelight Studios launched with the cooperative game A Way Out, and later created It Takes Two. A Way Out starts with its two main characters, Leo and Vincent, trying to escape from prison.

After the initial setup, the game becomes a thrilling, fast-paced chase. The story then takes an unexpected turn in its final act. While the cooperative gameplay isn’t groundbreaking, the game’s mature and darker narrative adds a welcome depth.

Brothers: A Tale Of Two Sons (2024)

From One Controller To Two

Developed by Starbreeze Studios and released in 2013, Brothers: A Tale of Two Sons was an early project for director Josef Fares, foreshadowing the work he would later do at Hazelight Studios. The game centered around two brothers on a journey to find medicine, and uniquely required players to control both characters using a single controller within a fantasy setting.

The 2024 version of the game added a cooperative mode, though it could still be played solo. Although playing alone offered a more unique experience, both ways allowed the story to powerfully convey its emotions entirely through visuals and music, without any spoken dialogue.

Children Of Morta

The Bergsons Fight Back

Children of Morta is a roguelike game centered around the Bergson family, who are tasked with protecting their home from an ancient evil stirring beneath it. The story unfolds through narration as players guide the family through challenging dungeons and witness their personal struggles.

You mostly play as family members – like John, the father, and his children, Linda and Mark. Though the characters don’t talk to each other, the game’s narrator does a good job of creating emotional moments as you and other players fight monsters together.

Donkey Kong Bananza

One Ape, One Singer

In Donkey Kong Bananza, Donkey Kong teams up with a young Pauline, who rides on his back. When playing alone, Pauline provides commentary on Donkey Kong’s actions and voices his thoughts in cutscenes, since Donkey Kong mostly communicates through grunts and facial expressions.

In the game, a second player can control Pauline and use her singing to destroy parts of the levels. While it’s fun to play as Pauline, the co-op experience isn’t ideal because that player is limited to riding on Donkey Kong’s back. However, fans of the Donkey Kong series will especially enjoy the story, which takes some surprising and memorable turns towards the end – truly some of the most exciting moments in gaming this year.

Ratchet & Clank: All 4 One

Heroes And Villains Unite

Ratchet & Clank: All 4 One is a fun platforming game similar to It Takes Two, and fans of the Ratchet & Clank series love its focus on teamwork. Up to four players can join forces, playing as Ratchet, Clank, Captain Qwark, or Doctor Nefarious, as they reluctantly team up to defeat a common enemy.

The witty banter between characters makes some combinations really enjoyable to play again and again, and the unique weapons add a lot of excitement. It’s a shame, though, that the game is only available on the PlayStation 3.

Ghostbusters: The Video Game (Wii Version)

Bustin’ Makes Us Feel Good

As a huge Ghostbusters fan, I always get a little confused when people talk about Ghostbusters: The Video Game because it wasn’t actually the first game! It came out in 2009 and was really meant to feel like a proper sequel to the movies. What’s awesome is they got most of the original cast involved. The team at Terminal Reality made it for PC, PS3, and Xbox 360, and it looked great for its time, but unfortunately, you couldn’t play the whole story with a friend in co-op mode.

As a fan, I was really excited to see the Wii version developed by Red Fly Studio! It had a fun, cartoonish look, and it was awesome that they included full two-player co-op, even if the story was a little simpler. Honestly, just hearing the original actors back together was fantastic, and there were some truly memorable moments and scenes throughout the game.

The Dark Pictures Anthology: Man Of Medan

Beware Of Big Boats

Man of Medan is the first game in The Dark Pictures Anthology, a series of horror adventures. It features five characters that players can control, and it offers a unique co-op experience where each player can take on one character when playing with friends on the same couch.

Players take control of five young adults – Alex, Brad, Conrad, Fliss, and Julia – as they investigate the eerie, possibly haunted ship, the SS Ourang Medan. Because any character can perish during the adventure, the story feels more unpredictable and replayable, especially when playing with friends.

The Lord Of The Rings: War In The North

The Other Fellowship

The Lord of the Rings: War in the North tells a separate story that takes place at the same time as the events in the main Lord of the Rings books. While the main story focuses on destroying the One Ring, this game follows three heroes who are trying to defeat one of the Witch Kings. These heroes are Eradan, a human Ranger skilled in stealth and ranged combat; Farin, a sturdy Dwarf who serves as the group’s warrior; and Andriel, an Elf who uses magic.

While the game follows a straightforward path, playing with a full group of three players made it enjoyable. It cleverly expanded on the story from the books, adding details that felt natural and meaningful, not just added for the sake of it. Fans of The Lord of the Rings would likely love this game, if it were still available to purchase.

Portal 2

Robots In Disguise

Portal 2 is a fantastic sequel that improves upon the first game with a more engaging story and lively conversations. Many players may have forgotten, or never realized, that it also included a cooperative campaign that continues the story after the main game’s ending.

Players control two robots, Atlas and P-Body, through a series of tests created by GLaDOS within the Aperture Science facilities. The game is known for its witty dialogue from GLaDOS, the robots’ humorous mistakes, and puzzles that are difficult but solvable. Many players find it even more enjoyable than the original game when played with a friend.

Unravel Two

A Countryside Tour

Unravel featured a charming, red yarn creature named Yarny on a wordless, yet captivating journey. The sequel introduced a blue Yarny and allowed players to experience the adventure together in co-op mode.

Unravel Two is a charming countryside adventure where players team up to solve puzzles. You control two small, yarn-like creatures who work together, using their strength to move objects and their yarn to climb and swing. What makes the game special is its heartwarming story, told entirely without dialogue.

2026-01-01 06:08