Best PS2 Co-Op Games With Great Stories, Ranked

Summary

Mortal Kombat: Shaolin Monks and The Warriors offer a narrative-focused beat-’em-up with puzzles for added fun.
The Sims on PS2 allows for co-op gameplay, showcasing life’s ups and downs with a friend.
Star Wars Battlefront 2 features two types of stories to play in co-op mode, with both traditional and more player-crafted narratives.

Numerous gamers cherish nostalgic moments from past times when cooperative play on a single screen was commonplace in video games, frequently displayed in split-screen format. Sharing the camaraderie of working together against adversaries or competing for prestige, the joy of playing together in the same room through co-op multiplayer is undeniably one of the most enjoyable gaming experiences that players can have.

The PlayStation 2 from Sony, a game powerhouse of its time, boasts numerous top-tier multiplayer games. Remarkably, some of these titles offer engaging narratives that players can enjoy cooperatively. While today’s multiplayer games mostly rely on online connections, those who own or have access to the PlayStation 2 can still immerse themselves in these rewarding experiences with a fellow gamer. The list below ranks these games based on their overall popularity and story quality.

10. Mortal Kombat: Shaolin Monks

Departure From A Traditional Arcade Fighter

Among the Mortal Kombat series spin-offs, Mortal Kombat: Shaolin Monks stands out by shifting focus from traditional one-on-one arcade battles towards a more narrative-driven beat-em-up style. Essentially, it’s an engaging reinterpretation of the popular arcade game, Mortal Kombat 2, where players take on the roles of Liu Kang and Kung Lao in their quest to track down and vanquish the malevolent sorcerer, Shang Tsung.

The narrative is rich with unexpected surprises, shedding light on the tournament’s background. Playing cooperatively, referred to as ‘Ko-op’, in the authentic Mortal Kombat spirit, provides entry to secret locations and riches. Beloved characters like Scorpion and Sub-Zero can be unveiled within the campaign, and there are also elements of problem-solving involved.

9. The Warriors

Beat-Em-Up Like In The Movie

The Warriors movie adaptation maintains the original storyline, but introduces additional chapters set three months prior, providing valuable context while preserving the film’s distinctive atmosphere. You’ll find a variety of characters you can control, including the titular gang, several of whom are voiced by the original actors reprising their roles.

Following a false accusation of murder, the Warriors find themselves journeying through the bustling streets of New York City towards their sanctuary, Coney Island. En route, they encounter rival gangs who are both aggressive and meticulously dressed. In this action-packed game, battles primarily involve close-quarters combat. When playing in multiplayer mode, the screen adjusts seamlessly from split-screen to single-screen based on the positions of the players.

8. The Sims

Simulate Life Together

The PlayStation 2 version of “The Sims” doesn’t follow a typical narrative structure, yet it provides an engaging simulation of real-life scenarios, such as living with your mother, getting married, and having children, in the ‘Get a Life’ game mode. Occasionally, brief text messages serve as plot suggestions, but otherwise, players have full freedom to shape their sim’s personal narrative.

Starting at level 3, another player can get involved in the game, sharing the screen and managing the roommate character. As levels progress, they also take charge of the spouse and children. Although the main story events may not be frequent, this game explores the highs and lows of life, focusing on the struggle to maintain a balance between professional success and personal fulfillment. It’s most entertaining when played cooperatively with a friend.

7. Star Wars Battlefront 2

Team Up Or Battle For Space Supremacy

In the game Star Wars Battlefront 2, you’ll find two engaging experiences to join: ‘Rise of the Republic’ and ‘Galactic Conquest’. The first one, ‘Rise of the Republic’, follows a more conventional campaign style, complete with cinematic scenes and a narrative that unfolds from the viewpoint of a member of the 501st Legion. This story traces the Empire’s growth, beginning with the Battle of Geonosis, and culminating at the Battle of Hoth, offering an immersive look into the rise of the Empire from its early stages.

In this scenario, the players create their own tale, whether they collaborate or compete, as they strive to assert dominance over the cosmos gradually. They accomplish this through space combat and planetary conquest. Each mode stands out individually, but playing together in split-screen is particularly engaging.

6. Baldur’s Gate: Dark Alliance

Fantasy Role-Playing With A Friend

Originating from the initial Baldur’s Gate series, nestled within the Forgotten Realms campaign of Dungeons & Dragons, Baldur’s Gate: Dark Alliance represents a fantasy Role-Playing Game (RPG). In this game, players have the option to pick among three playable characters. By joining forces in a cooperative campaign on a single screen, these players are incentivized to work together effectively and communicate efficiently.

The narrative might be brief, but it follows a straightforward progression, centered around a captivating main mission laced with mysterious conspiracies. It’s a tale that invites repeated playthroughs, offering a multitude of additional missions for gamers to savor. Furthermore, the cooperative gameplay introduces a touch of rivalry, as the player who defeats enemies or discovers loot tends to reap a larger portion of the rewards.

5. Champions Of Norrath

Four Player Fantasy

Using the identical game engine as Baldur’s Gate: Dark Alliance, Champions of Norrath is another fantasy RPG featuring hack-and-slash combat. The narrative unfolds across five acts and follows the genre’s norm, with players embarking on a quest to save the world. However, what sets this game apart is the ability for up to four players to experience this captivating story cooperatively, whether they play together locally or online.

In the realm of EverQuest, players find themselves aiding Elves in their struggle against a joint force of orcs and goblins. However, they soon uncover a more complex mystery that leads to a satisfying resolution. The diverse array of races and customization options allows for characters to be uniquely tailored, while the multiple combat styles offer an abundance of choices.

4. Half-Life

Exclusive PS2 Co-op Campaign

The PlayStation 2 adaptation of Half-Life, published some years following its PC debut, offers a unique co-op multiplayer mode named Half-Life: Decay, which isn’t available in other versions. While the original single-player campaign with Gordon Freeman is generally preferred by many due to its superiority, Decay provides an enjoyable experience that’s worth exploring.

In this alternate narrative, players find themselves managing two female scientists at the Black Mesa Research Facility. They will need to solve intricate puzzles, aid helpful non-player characters, and battle familiar adversaries such as headcrabs. The primary objective is to secure the facility during the Xen invasion, a event happening simultaneously with Gordon Freeman’s tale.

3. TimeSplitters: Future Perfect

Pair Up And Travel Through Time

Enthusiasts of the TimeSplitters series often engage in endless discussions about which campaign takes the crown among the trilogy, with a significant number of them favoring TimeSplitters: Future Perfect, particularly for multiplayer gaming sessions. Regardless of personal preference, this series offers an abundance of high-octane action designed for two players, chronicling the escapades of Sergeant Cortez, a 25th-century marine who travels through time.

As a devoted fan, I can’t help but rave about my journey through the past to save the future in the captivating tale of “Future Perfect”. This adventure takes me to six distinct time periods, all in an attempt to outwit the malevolent Jacob Crow. With its delightful humor and endearing charm, this story lingers in my memory long after I’ve reached the final page.

2. The Lord Of The Rings: The Return Of The King

Hack And Slash With A Friend

According to many, the video game adaptation of Peter Jackson’s iconic film, The Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King, is considered one of the greatest movie tie-in games ever made. Enhancements in this installment offer larger and more explorable environments compared to its predecessor, along with interactive objects that can be used as weapons or for accomplishing tasks.

As a gamer, diving into this game, I’ve found it boasts nine unique characters to play, some of which you’ll unlock along the way. The campaign shines brightest when played cooperatively. It mirrors the film remarkably well, and in some instances, even delves deeper for a more immersive experience. The choice to display scenes on a shared screen gives the game a cinematic feel, echoing the source material.

1. Ico

Unique Masterpiece

By adopting a streamlined design, Ico demonstrates the power of simplicity, showing that less can indeed be more. The creators intentionally pared down gameplay mechanics, environment, and aesthetics to emphasize immersion and story depth. In this game, players guide Ico as he strives to rescue Yorda from the Queen’s grasp, who is exploiting the Princess to prolong her own existence.

To unlock the cooperative campaign featuring Princess Yorda, players must first finish the game independently once. Although Princess Yorda’s role in the game is limited, playing it offers an exceptional and unique experience for its time. Widely acclaimed with several ‘Game of the Year’ awards, Ico has had a profound impact on the video game industry and often serves as a prime example of games being considered art.

2025-01-17 06:10