Summary
With more and more AAAand AA gamesfocusing their efforts entirely on online multiplayer, indie games have been left to carry the torch when it comes to local co-op experiences. Games that offer both online and local co-op are even less common, though there are a variety of versus experiences on the market (Duck Game,ROUNDS).
However, there are a variety of indie games, both new and old, that feature both local and online cooperative play. From true indie classics such asCastle Crashersto more recent titles likeSpelunky 2, there’s something here for everyone.
Playing online is only possible through Steam Remote Play, butHuntdowndeserves a mention for its tremendously old-school gameplay and evocative 80s sci-fi setting. This title takes clear inspiration from the run-and-gun games of old, butHuntdown’s tongue-in-cheek tone and frequent homage to classic 80s action cinema elevate the experience as a whole.
The music, retro-style pixel art, and crunchy sound effects all help to sell the fantasy, with perfectly cliché voice lines to seal the deal. The run-and-gun gameplay also features an intuitive cover-based system that helps to freshen the formula, making for some visceral gunfights across the game’s dystopian environments.
For The Kingis a roguelike RPG with turn-based combat, overworld exploration, and a well-crafted low-poly art style. The game’s combat is intuitive, with easy-to-learn mechanics that strike a careful balance between luck and strategy.
There’s plenty of strategizing to be done, and teamwork is encouraged both in and out of combat, as players will frequently be forced to make impactful decisions. Playing in co-op does mean taking control of fewer characters, and the maximum party size is only three, butFor The Kingcan offer a relatively relaxed experience for players wanting a slower pace.
Fans of multiplayer chaos and cooking games will likely enjoy the lunacy ofOvercooked 2and its predecessor. This colorful indie game may be easy to learn, butOvercooked 2can get tremendously stressful in the best of ways, and success revolves entirely around working as a team.
Overcooked 2can be played alone, but there’s no doubt that its anarchic kitchens were meant to be manned by multiple players. Its gameplay can feel somewhat repetitive, but the creative level design and the constant time pressure help to prevent the game from getting stale.
Tough-as-nails and packed with emergent gameplay,Spelunky 2and its predecessor arewidely celebrated roguelikesknown for their difficulty. However, counteracting the unforgiving loop ofSpelunky 2is its sheer ease of use, and it’s arguably one of the most intuitive action roguelikes.
This makesSpelunky 2an accessible experience in spite of its challenging gameplay, allowing players to get into the action nearly instantly, though their first runs are likely to end just as fast. The chaotic emergent gameplay thatSpelunky2runs on makes it perfect for co-op, and there are plenty of opportunities for teamwork within its dangerous caverns.
Fans ofchaotic multiplayer gamesin which strategy quickly dissolves into panic are likely to love the fast-paced energy ofUnrailed. This unique indie game tasks players with building a train track for a train that refuses to stop moving between stations. Run out of track, and it’s game over.
Keeping the track going is a lot harder than it initially sounds, as players have to manually build the tracks out of wood and stone, not to mention the fact that it’s all too easy to get stuck out of position before being able to lay them down. There are other aspects to the game that also spice things up on occasion, including the train itself setting on fire if players don’t manage the temperature well.
Fans of classicarcade beat ‘em upssuch asTurtles In Timeshould find plenty to love withTeenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Shredder’s Revenge, a nostalgic side-scroller that pays homage toTurtles In Timewhile standing on its own two feet. The dedication totheTeenage Mutant Ninja Turtlesand loyalty to the franchise thatShredder’s Revengeoffers is admirable, but the frenetic arcade action itself is well-executed.
There’s no doubt that fans of the Turtles will get more out ofShredder’s Revengethan the average player, but it’s still an enjoyable romp even without knowledge of the classic cartoons. As with many beat ‘em ups,Shredder’s Revengeis a great deal more fun in co-op, though it can be played in single-player.Shredder’s Revengestretches the definition of an indie game, though the studio that developed it, Tribute Games, is independent.
Castle Crashersisa modern classicin the realm of indie games, and arguably one of the best co-op experiences of the last twenty years. Fans of the beat ‘em up genre who are looking for an accessible, light-hearted adventure to play with friends should look no further.
Castle Crashersfeatures a variety of playable characters, light RPG elements, and classic beat ‘em up gameplay that’s easy to learn, making it accessible to all kinds of players. AlthoughCastle Crasherscan be played in single-player, it’s arguably a lot more fun when playing with friends in online or local co-op.
Thistop-down indie gamecombines the respective gameplay loops of action-adventures such asGrand Theft Autoand immersive sims likeDeus Ex. The combination of these systems and mechanics, supported by a roguelite structure, results in a tremendously fun and incredibly diverse action sandbox that’s elevated by the addition of online and local co-op.
Streets Of Roguesucceeds with its objective-based structure and chaotic, emergent gameplay facilitated by a large variety of interesting items, an ensemble of playable characters, and dynamic interplay between NPC factions. The game’s chaotic energy is only heightened by the addition of more players, makingStreets Of Rogueperfect for co-op.
