Top 32-Bit Co-Op Games You Need to Play Now!

Discussing console advancements, it wasn’t hard to explain why one was superior over the other. For instance, the NES (Nintendo Entertainment System) operated on an 8-bit system, but during the time of Super Nintendo Entertainment System (SNES), it was upgraded to a 16-bit system. Following that period, many consoles employed 32-bit technology, and the Sega Saturn and PlayStation 1 were leading contenders in the console market.

After that point, things became a bit more intricate than simply labeling consoles as “bits,” but it’s worth noting that those two systems weren’t the only 32-bit consoles. In fact, the Game Boy Advance (GBA) and Nintendo DS shared similar technology. Leaving aside the 32-bit history for now, let’s explore some engaging cooperative games that span various genres, including platformers and RPGs.

8. Diablo

A Lesser But Still Enjoyable Co-Op Experience

In 1997, the initial Diablo game debuted on PC, followed by its PS1 adaptation in 1998. The computer version supported four-player cooperative play, whereas the PlayStation edition limited this feature to two-player couch mode, a slight reduction from the original but still an engaging loot RPG experience. Players could control their characters directly in both versions, unlike the PC version that required pointing and clicking. There were also plans for a Sega Saturn port, though these eventually got cancelled, along with rumors of a Game Boy version that circulated online, which is quite surprising to consider.

7. Die Hard Arcade

AKA Dynamite Deka

Among the numerous exciting multiplayer brawlers available during the era spanning PS1 and Sega Saturn, one standout title that warrants attention is “Die Hard Arcade.” This game, although related to the movie, was known as “Dynamite Deka” in Japan, and it omitted all movie references. Its sequel followed suit, being simply titled “Dynamite Cop” in Western regions. Delving into the history of this game is intriguing, but the bottom line is that “Die Hard Arcade” offers an engaging cooperative gaming experience regardless of region.

6. Kingdom Hearts 358/2 Days

Become One With Organization 13

In Kingdom Hearts 2, we were first introduced to Roxas, a Nobody of Sora who used to be part of Organization 13. Before Kingdom Hearts 2, however, there’s a game called Kingdom Hearts 358/2 Days which serves as a prequel. This game for the DS platform tells the story of how Roxas came to be, focusing on his origins through a multiplayer role-playing game format.

You could savor the game on your DS by yourself, yet its four-player cooperative mode granted an exceptional chance to control characters from Organization 13 apart from Roxas, such as Axel and Larxene. Unfortunately, it was re-released, but merely in a CG movie format through Kingdom Hearts HD 1.5 Remix, which is a pity.

5. Final Fantasy Crystal Chronicles: Echoes Of Time

The Final Co-Op Entry

The original Final Fantasy Crystal Chronicles game on GameCube was a strong multiplayer option, yet it was challenging to configure due to its cable and Game Boy Advance prerequisites. However, the two sequels on DS, specifically Final Fantasy Crystal Chronicles: Ring of Fates and Final Fantasy Crystal Chronicles: Echoes of Time, simplified things by leveraging the portable’s internal settings. Notably, Final Fantasy Crystal Chronicles: Echoes of Time is the last cooperative RPG in the series and has a unique feature that links it to the Wii version for crossplay. Similar to other installments, players could customize their characters before embarking on adventures into various dungeons with friends in four-player co-op.

4. Soma Bringer

Before Xenoblade Chronicles X

Developer: Monolith Soft
Publisher: Nintendo
Released: February 28, 2008 (Japan)
Platform: DS

Fans of the Xenoblade series are relishing the Xenoblade Chronicles X: Definitive Edition on Nintendo Switch, as it’s the only cooperative game in the franchise. However, it’s not Monolith Soft’s sole cooperative RPG offering; they previously developed a superior one for the DS titled Soma Bringer, which unfortunately never left Japan. In this game, players could select a class, weapon, and personalize their character from various choices. While in single-player, two AI companions aided the player, up to two others could join for cooperative play, embarking on action RPG journeys together.

3. NBA Jam Tournament Edition

A Simpler Basketball Game

Back in 1993, NBA Jam created quite a stir in the arcade world, as it coincided with the popularity of basketball on television. The game was promoted as a streamlined basketball experience featuring fast-paced 2-on-2 games on a compact court.

Back in ’94, when the SNES dropped NBA Jam, it was like a slam dunk for video games everywhere. The Tournament Edition followed suit in ’95 on PlayStation 1 and Sega Saturn, making this basketball game an unstoppable force. It’s legendary status remains undisputed, no matter what platform gamers choose to play it on. Whether you’re squaring off against AI opponents, going head-to-head with friends, or teaming up for some co-op action, NBA Jam keeps the ball rolling!

2. The Legend of Zelda: A Link To The Past And Four Swords

Zelda’s First Multiplayer Game

A Link to the Past and Four Swords” was initially a Game Boy Advance (GBA) version of the Super Nintendo Entertainment System (SNES) game “The Legend of Zelda: A Link to the Past.” However, it introduced a brand-new four-player cooperative mode that wasn’t in the original. This game was later re-released on the Nintendo DSi as “The Legend of Zelda: Four Swords Anniversary Edition.” A sequel named “The Legend of Zelda: Four Swords Adventures” came out for the GameCube. The gameplay was easy to understand, with each player controlling a distinctively colored Link character and progressing through dungeons in a more structured manner. If you could gather a full four-player group, it was an incredibly enjoyable experience.

1. Dragon Quest 9: Sentinels Of The Starry Sky

Turn-Based Perfection

In contrast to previous installments, Dragon Quest 9: Sentinels of the Starry Sky marked the series’ debut for a fully playable multiplayer experience among four players and was also the first mainline game launched initially on a portable system. The unique feature allowed players to design their character and traverse the narrative either solo or with three AI-controlled companions that they could customize or recruit. Upon reaching a certain stage, players could engage in cooperative play too. During turn-based combat, each player held control over their actions, but had the liberty to explore the world independently at any time. The most captivating aspect of the multiplayer mode was the ability to share dungeons, a concept that appears to have inspired SpotPass/StreetPass games on the 3DS.

2025-04-09 11:37