Most Important Co-Op Games – Investment Policy

Growing up in the 80s, 90s, and even a little into the 2000s, I have such amazing memories of playing local co-op games. I remember the first time I teamed up with a sibling or friend – whether at home or at the arcade – and it wasn’t about competing *against* each other, but actually working *together* to beat the game. It was such a special experience!

Co-op gaming is better than ever thanks to advancements in consoles, the internet, and technology. Players worldwide can now easily team up online in games like *Borderlands 4* or *Diablo 4*, or even play together locally on the same couch. These shared experiences have been crucial in shaping and improving many popular game genres.

Double Dragon

Beat ‘Em Ups Are Born

Co-Op Options: Two Local

While not the very first of its kind, *Double Dragon* is celebrated as the game that pioneered two-player cooperative gameplay in the beat ‘em up genre. This innovation proved hugely popular, establishing brawlers as a staple in arcades from the late 1980s through the 1990s.

Game developers were always trying to improve on existing ideas, and the *X-Men* arcade game, with its six-player cooperative mode, is a great example. Even today, the arcade version of *Double Dragon* remains enjoyable, especially compared to versions released on systems like the NES, which had a lot of issues.

Diablo

Hell Yes!

Co-Op Options: Four Online/LAN

Diablo revolutionized action RPGs with its innovative loot system. Players could choose from several classes and team up with up to three others to explore dungeons. While it feels dated compared to later games, the original Diablo laid the foundation for the entire series. It also sparked a whole genre of ‘looter’ RPGs, many of which have tried to replicate its success – though Blizzard’s version remains the most popular and influential.

Monster Hunter

Japan Finds A New Passion

Co-Op Options: Four Online

I first got into *Monster Hunter* way back when it came out on the PlayStation 2 in 2004. It blew up in Japan right away, but outside of there, it was kind of a hidden gem. Basically, it was an action game for up to four players online where you hunted these huge, powerful monsters. It was a really fresh idea at the time, and honestly, it inspired a ton of other games to try and do something similar.

I first got into this series way back when it was really popular in Japan, starting with the PS2 game and then following it on handhelds like the PSP and 3DS. But it’s awesome how much more popular it’s become! What I really love is that each new game feels bigger and better than the last. The original on the PS2 was fun, but the co-op stuff was a little limited. Now, the co-op options are way more fleshed out, which is fantastic.

Gears Of War

Bringing Cover To Shooters

Co-Op Options: Two Local/Online

Gears of War brought some fresh ideas to the shooter genre. It was one of the first to include two-player cooperative play in its story campaign, and later added Horde Mode – an online mode where up to five players team up to fight off increasingly difficult waves of enemies. This wave-based survival concept went on to influence many other multiplayer games. Perhaps the most groundbreaking feature, however, was its cover system, which felt natural and worked seamlessly in both the campaign and multiplayer modes, enhancing the third-person shooting experience.

Rock Band

Battle Of The Bands

Co-Op Options: Four Local/Online

While *Guitar Hero* built on the arcade-style music game concept, *Rock Band* truly changed the game. Nothing beat playing with friends, forming a band and rocking out to classic songs from rock, pop, and metal. You could grab a guitar, bass, drums, or microphone and feel like a superstar. They even released a keyboard controller for the third game! The genre was incredibly popular for a time, but eventually faded, though *Rock Band* remains a landmark title in cooperative gaming.

Left 4 Dead

Horror Is No Longer Just For Solo Players

Co-Op Options: Two Local/Four Online

The original *Resident Evil* was a landmark game that really defined the horror genre, and for years, horror games were typically played solo. This made sense – being alone often heightens the fear. However, *Left 4 Dead* broke that mold by introducing a thrilling four-player co-op shooter where players faced off against relentless hordes of zombies.

Players who loved playing games together on the same couch were also well-served. The game was incredibly popular on PC and Xbox 360, and its success inspired other horror series, like *Resident Evil*, to try adding co-op gameplay. In fact, the co-op horror genre as it exists today might never have taken off without *Left 4 Dead*.

New Super Mario Bros. Wii

Mario Gets A 4-Up

Co-Op Options: Four Local

Early *Mario* games let two players join in, but they could only play together if one character died and the other took over. After *Mario* transitioned to 3D, the 2D games were largely absent until 2006, when *New Super Mario Bros.* on the DS brought them back. Its success then led to the creation of *New Super Mario Bros. Wii*.

This Mario game was a big hit and marked the first time players could team up in four-player co-op mode – a major step up from the traditional two-player experience. While other four-player platformers existed, this game’s popularity had a lasting impact on Nintendo, paving the way for many more cooperative Mario games in both 2D and 3D.

Borderlands

The Looter-Shooter Is Born

Co-Op Options: Two Local/Four Online

While the original *Borderlands* doesn’t quite stand up as well today compared to later games in the series, it was incredibly influential. It really changed the landscape of shooter games when it came out in 2009, and that impact is undeniable.

Borderlands combined the action of games like Diablo with role-playing elements like character classes and leveling up. Instead of swords and magic, the focus was on collecting a huge variety of guns. Players could experience the long story mode either online with up to four friends, or locally with splitscreen on consoles.

2025-10-19 05:06