Games on PC shared screen. The best games with local multiplayer on PC. LEGO games

While Guacamelee 2 isn't a split-screen game by definition, it does support local co-op which qualifies it as a couch co-op title. The game allows up to four players to play on the same screen at the same time and experience the entire story together. For those of you who aren’t familiar with the title, Guacamelee 2 is a metroidvania platformer in which you control a luchador who fights his way across a number of beautifully handcrafted levels with a ton of different enemies. With each subsequent level, your fighter learns some cool new abilities which really come in handy on later levels.

Third-person shooter Gears of War 4 is another great split-screen game that you can play on your PC. While the Xbox One version of the game supports split-screen play for both the campaign and the multiplayer mode, the PC version of Gears of War 4 only offers split-screen support for the campaign. Which means that while you’ll be able to enjoy the entire campaign along with a friend, you won’t be able to enjoy the online multiplayer mode in split-screen on your PC. Gears of War 4 is a must have for any of you who enjoy shooting games and want to share the experience with a friend at home.

One of the newest titles on this list, A Way Out is a co-op only adventure in which you and your friend play as Leo and Vincent, two convicts planning their daring escape out of prison. As you'd expect, the game features local split-screen co-op in which both the players see the game from their character’s perspective and have to work together to get their plan into action. The game doesn't have a single player option, but it does offer online co-op support, so you can play it with anyone who also has a copy of the game.

5.Castle Crashers

Get your armors up and sharpen your blades because it’s time for some serious hack n slash. In Castle Crashers, hack n slash your way through multiple levels and crash some castles to save your princess. Team up with your friends in up to 4 players multiplayer mode and crash all the castle parties in barbarian style. Slash anyone who gets in your way. The game offers a beautiful cartoony graphics style and a cheesy background soundtrack that really makes the entire gameplay experience more immersive. If you are looking for a hack n slash adventure along with your friends then this is definitely an amazing game for you to try.

Download ($14.99)

Cuphead is another great game that you can enjoy with your friend on the same screen, making it an essential addition to this list. I first saw Cuphead while watching a League of Legends stream on Twitch and the game’s old-timey graphics, coupled with the fast gameplay really got me intrigued. For those of you who aren’t familiar with the title, Cuphead is a run and gun shooting game in which you control animated Cuphead, and his brother Mugman when you play the local co-op option, to fight through level after level of enemies to replay your debt to the devil. Cuphead is really fun to pick up and extremely difficult to master, making it a must have for any of you looking for a fun local co-op game to play on your PC.

7. LEGO Batman 2

8. Portal 2

Portal 2 is all about solving puzzles and going through different dimensions for solving each part of the puzzle. Even though the multiplayer mode in Portal 2 is not as intriguing and exciting as the single-player campaign, if you are with your friend and want to shoot some portals around then it’s the perfect one. Just by adding a second player to the game, you get to experience such fun and complex puzzles that are not even possible in the single player mode. You need to work together with your friend in the split-screen mode to solve all the puzzles and overcome each obstacle along the way. Definitely, a must try for puzzle enthusiasts.

9. Borderlands: The Handsome Collection

Borderlands: The Handsome Collection features all of the games in the Borderlands franchise, all of which come with local co-op support. While the game doesn't come with a split-screen option built-in, there are ways you can configure the game to work in split-screen on your PC. If you aren't familiar with the Borderlands franchise, it’s a first-person shooter which is renowned for its co-op mode that allows up to four players to play the game at the same time. In Borderlands, you take up the role of one of four vault hunters as you fight against hordes of enemy creatures. The Handsome Collection packs in both Borderlands 2, and Borderlands: The Pre Sequel in one bundle, offering you hours of co-op gameplay with your friends.

10. Sonic and All-Stars Racing Transformed

While Sonic and All-Stars Racing Transformed is considered a Mario Kart rip-off or clone by many, this game offers some unique gameplay elements that make it stand out. Although, the game is definitely inspired by Nintendo’s very popular franchise, the best thing about Sonic All Stars Racing is the fact that it’s easily available on PC and you can enjoy it with your friends in amazing split-screen modes for maximum enjoyment. You get to choose different racers from the Sonic universe, including but not limited to the popular ones like Sonic himself, Knuckles, Tails, and much more. If you like a more cartoony style racing game then this is definitely a good try.

Download ($19.99)

11. Rocket League

Everyone knows Rocket League, it’s one of the most popular sports titles out there. When you merge Football (Soccer) with racing cars and add some janky physics to the mix then you get a perfectly exciting game called Rocket League. The split-screen experience in this game is just perfect. You can team up with your friend in split-screen mode and go against other players from the world in 2v2 online matches. It’s a fast paced racing game where the main objective is to hit the ball in the opponent’s goal post. Whoever scores the most goals in 5-minutes wins. If you are looking for an exciting game to play along with your friend then you should definitely try this out.

Download ($19.99)

12.Resident Evil 6

Resident Evil 6 didn’t receive higher reviews than its predecessor Resident Evil 5, but it is still a fun game for the split-screen multiplayer purpose. You got to control Leon Kennedy (who actually was made famous by the popularity of Resident Evil 4) as well as other famous characters from the series. The split-screen mode lets you control two characters along with your friend. You have to fend off all the people infected and save humanity from this horrendous fate. The game lets you explore and discover the stories of different characters and learn how every one of them is playing their part in this game. If you are a fan of adventure-based shooters then this is definitely a must try. You can alsp try Resident Evil 5, which offers a split-screen mode but comes with a very cheesy storyline.

Download ($29.99)

13. Worms Armageddon

Worms Armageddon is another not-your-typical split-screen title. Instead, it’s more of a local co-op game. However, Worms Armageddon is considered to be one of the best local multiplayer games that provides an immense amount of fun and entertainment for everyone. Even watching the game is really fun, but playing it with your friends is beyond exciting. Use a plethora of weird and funny weapons and tools to dismantle your enemies and blow them to oblivion. Create a team of different players and go head-to-head in a team versus match. Enjoy the hilarious battles and crazy sound effects along with your friends. Worms Armageddon is definitely a must try if you’re having friends over for game night.

Download ($14.99)

14. Left 4 Dead 2

The original Left 4 Dead game introduced the zombie-killing adventure that two players can enjoy together. Nothing beats the fun and excitement of bashing zombie skulls with a plethora of different weapons while working together with a friend in split-screen mode. You can even play with 4 players at a time in the “Versus” mode. Join forces with your friend in the post-apocalyptic world and start bashing some zombie skulls to survive in this world. Left 4 Dead 2 also offers exciting new campaigns and modes to further expand the story and gives you, even more, zombies to kill. A must have for all zombie-killing fans out there.

15. Divinity: Original Sin 2

In case you wish to experience a great role-playing game with your friend, you should try out Divinity: Original Sin 2. Set in the fantasy world of Rivellon, Divinity: Original Sin 2 takes players on an epic journey, which they can share with their friends on the same screen. While the game comes with support for four player co-op as well, a single machine can only handle two player co-op, so in case you want to play it with three of your friends you'll require two copies of the game and two systems. The game also features a game master mode which will allow you to add a fifth player to the party who can take the role of the storyteller and create a new adventure on the fly, just as you’d find on popular table-top RPGs.

Try Out The Best Split Screen Games For Your PC

Before you start commenting “A few games are not SPLIT-SCREEN” and bring your pitchforks, I’d personally like to explain that most split-screen games share the same genre, gameplay, etc.Halo The Master Chief Collection offers split-screen, but it plays similar to Call of Duty since both are arcade shooters. Same goes for Borderlands. Most racers have split-screen, so we can’t put them all but we tried to cover different racing styles ranging from arcade to simulation etc. We have actually opted for a few games that serve the same purpose as split-screen games, which is couch co-op experience on a single shared screen. Still, if you think there are some other amazing split-screen games out there then feel free to mention them in the comments below and we’ll probably put up an honorable mentions section for them.

For those who like to sit together at the same keyboard - 3 Harry Potter games for PC are equipped with built-in multiplayer for 2 players. For ease of manipulation, the game is played in split screen mode: “Split Screen”.
How to enable multiplayer in games Quidditch World Cup, LEGO Harry Potter: 1-4 years And LEGO Harry Potter: years 5-7, instructions and tips - all this can be found in our article.

Split Screen mode has been used in the gaming industry for quite some time, even before the era of online gaming and the powerful Internet, when it was impossible to play the same game from different monitors.
“Split Screen” is used more often on consoles, because games with multiplayer are released mainly for them (there is an attachment for a second gamepad), less often - on computers (usually requires numeric keypad on the right so that it’s not crowded together).
It started with games on consoles.
Wise parents with two children wanted to be able to keep both children busy with one thing at once: buy one console for two, one game for two, hook them up to one TV and let them play together.
Wise developers stepped into the position of parents and came up with multiplayer.
To give two players the opportunity to play the same game, each was given a gamepad, controllability was provided for two characters, and split screen into 2 parts.
Each player sees his character on his own share of the screen and controls him.
The screen can be divided both vertically (left and right) and horizontally (top and bottom). There are cooperative games with the screen divided into 3-4 parts (with more than two players).
Each part of the screen has its own stamina scale, bonuses, ratings, etc. for a given player.
Split Screen mode has become widespread in sports racing games, where pilots are often separated from each other by great distances. Also used in shooting games, where opposing characters need to take aim.
If you remember Harry Potter games with multiplayer , then we really needed “Split Screen” in the Goblet of Fire game so that we could run away from each other, and not run around in a boring group. In the Half-Blood Prince dueling club on consoles, we could never aim in first person while playing as the second duelist, but only watched our actions from the sidelines.
But 4 Harry Potter games used this convenient mode, both for competition between two players and for joining forces in team play.

It turns out that the first player sits on the right at the computer, and the second player on the left.
It must be said that the layout for the second player is very inconvenient, stretched out, and it cannot be made more compact, because The layout does not respond to alphabetic characters.
A combination of a keyboard and a gamepad is possible.

Select one of the items in the menu: "Demonstration" or "Quirditch" .
We select the first team, then the second. And now - attention! We are asked to choose who will be first and who will be second. You need to select from that part of the keyboard that belongs to one of the players.
To select, use the “Right” and “Left” commands. If for the first player it is arrows on the keyboard ,
then for the second - numbers 1 and 3 :

Playing in multiplayer is different from playing in a single player game against the computer, because... the second player is also not a fool, he wants to win and will not let him near his goal so easily.
This is where you can use a whole variety of strategies - stall for time or speed up the match. The players' actions are visible from behind; when the quaffle is lost, the camera turns towards your goal.
The competition in catching the Snitch will add excitement - here even the loser can snatch back the victory that had slipped away.

It was when catching the Snitch that the split-screen mode was used Split screen .
The screen is divided horizontally. Each player sees his own playing space with the ability to manipulate.
Everyone sees the trace of the Snitch, themselves, their own scale, and can also follow their opponent.
Unfortunately, here you cannot play the World or Hogwarts championships together, maintain tournament tables, or earn points.
Multiplayer is only available during “friendly meetings”.
In single player multiplayer can be successfully used for training, practicing moves, combo passes, etc. In conditions close to the match, you can calmly train, and not be afraid that your opponent will take the quaffle from you at every turn.

For the second player is used numeric keypad . Please note that players use different keys to pause "Enter"- regular or with a numeric keypad.
To exit a player from the game using "Drop-in/Drop-out"(entered/exited): you need to press his “Enter” key and exit. The computer starts playing as the character.
Note: In LEGO Harry Potter Years 5-7, personal menu items are selected using the jump key (“O” for player 1 and “2” for player 2).

LEGO 1-4	LEGO 5-7

To go back to the game, click F1 for 1st player or F2 for the 2nd.
Mode Split Screen in LEGO games, this is a simple crossing of the screen with a floating line, which is fixed in the center and rotates relative to this center. Fractions of the screen constantly change depending on the characters' movements.
When the characters go in different directions, the screen is divided into parts, each player has his own section of the road, his own view, his own perspective. As soon as the players approach, the general screen returns to its place.

Multiplayer in LEGO is cooperative, cooperative game. Some missions are more convenient to complete with two people: one distracts attention to himself, the second carries out his plans.
What’s interesting is that within multiplayer, switching to a 3rd player is still available (as in the single-player game).

Once upon a time, game consoles only supported local multiplayer (in other words, on one screen), so going to each other’s houses to give kicks to the villains in some Double Dragon or Chip`n`Dale was a common thing.

The development of network technologies and, in particular, the Internet, made it possible to connect millions of computers (and consoles) into a huge network, as a result of which local multiplayer gave way to network multiplayer. However, split-screen games for two still exist today, and in this collection we will talk about the best of them.

15. Lara Croft and the Guardian of Light

A game, dedicated to adventure Lara Croft, Tomb Raider: the girl will have to fight enemies and solve numerous puzzles. Unlike the main Tomb Raider series, it is made in an isometric view, and contains a cooperative mode for two participants. There was also a sequel to Lara Croft and the Temple of Osiris, in which four players can join together on one computer for joint adventures.

14. Castle Crashers

13. Helldivers

A whirlwind action thriller set in a futuristic setting, where players team up to bring Freedom to the farthest corners of the galaxy. It is proposed to do this in a very original way - by destroying all living things. Including partners - one of the features of Helldivers is non-switchable friendly fire, so you will have to die from the actions of your friends almost more often than from enemy attacks. This is what makes the game exciting and fun.

12. Split/Second: Velocity

An arcade race dedicated to a TV show, in which participants race through colorful locations and compete to destroy each other as spectacularly as possible. There are “outbursts” scattered along the tracks – traps that can be used to blow up a fuel tanker, bring down a TV tower on a competitor, or even completely change the route of a race. You can play on one computer in Split-Screen mode: competing with the person sitting next to you is much more interesting than competing with an Internet opponent.

11. LEGO games

For many years now, the TT Games studio has been delighting us with a variety of games based on famous franchises, made in the LEGO style. And each of them contains local co-op. Simple controls, funny light humor, the opportunity to play with familiar characters - LEGO games with split screen on PC will be great entertainment for adults and children.

10. Magicka duology

Arrowhead Game Studios has released probably the most original and funniest co-op action game ever. Here players take on the role of magicians traveling through a fantasy world and fighting assorted monsters. A special feature of the game is an unusual system for creating spells: you can combine 8 elements in almost any combination, creating unusual combinations of elements. Another “highlight” is the chic humor that manifests itself in everything - dialogues, inscriptions, animations.

9. Human: Fall Flat

A puzzle with funny little people who go through various levels, solving various problems. The local physics model adds to the fun and complexity of the game: characters fall over at the slightest poke, and lifting even a simple cobblestone will require a considerable expenditure of your strength and nerves. But these features are not annoying, but fun – especially if you play with a friend in splitscreen mode.

8.Cuphead

7. Divinity: Original Sin 2

6. Gears of War 4

A harsh, bloody, brutal action film, continuation of the Gears of War series, which was previously exclusive to Xbox consoles (not counting the first part). Gears of War 4 features frantic gunplay, dramatic action, and incredible scenery. In addition to the co-op story campaign, the game features a Horde mode, in which gamers fend off waves of enemies with increasing difficulty. In accordance with the theme of this collection, local multiplayer is available.

5. A Way Out

This cooperative game received a separate review from us. A Way Out was created with a single-screen game in mind, so it gives the most positive “couch co-op” experience. The story of the prison escape is secondary, but fascinating, and optional little things make you believe in the “chemistry” between the characters. As a result, we have an excellent action game with beautiful graphics, unexpected gameplay situations and wonderful team interaction.

4. Broforce/The Expendabros

Broforce - these are destructive explosions that can completely raze a location to the ground, incredibly charismatic characters from famous action films, tons of pathos and a sea of ​​humor. The game is ideally revealed in co-op, where up to 4 people can have fun. The developers also released the action game The Expendabros, dedicated to the heroes of the film “The Expendables.” It can be downloaded on Steam absolutely free, so it can serve as a kind of “tester” before purchasing Broforce.

3. Mortal Kombat (and other fighting games)

Special Position: Splitscreen Support Mod for Left 4 Dead 2

We usually don't add modifications to games in collections (unless those collections are dedicated to mods), but we can't ignore this one. Splitscreen Support adds local co-op to the zombie shooter Left 4 Dead 2: armed with two gamepads, you can play all modes with a friend, including campaign, battle, mutations and so on. You can download the mod for free on Steam.

Also worthy of attention: The Swords of Ditto, Shank, Spelunky, Rocket League, Tricky Towers, Sonic & All-Stars Racing Transformed, F1 Race Stars, Guns, Gore & Cannoli, NIDHOGG 2, X-Morph: Defense, Renegade Ops, Guacamelee , Enter the Gungeon, Blur, Antigraviator, Lovers in a Dangerous Spacetime, Overcooked, Trine trilogy, Audiosurf, FIFA series, Resident Evil 5/6, DungeonLand, DiRT Showdown, Never Alone, Sacred 3, Crypt of the Necrodancer, Vikings - Wolves of Midgard, The Escapists 2

Games for two on PC with split-screen, local co-op, simulators, fighting games - in general, everything that you can get stuck into with a friend/co-op or a smart robotic dog.

From the very moment the gaming industry became a mass phenomenon, developers began to actively develop multiplayer and co-op. This is not surprising, because any entertainment will be much more interesting if you share it with your friends. The main platforms for this kind of project have always been consoles (the very presence of several joysticks and the ability to connect a set-top box to a large TV meant playing in a group), but you can easily find many worthy titles on personal computers. Below are the top ten games that offer cooperative or competitive modes for two people.

TOP 10 games for two PCs

Split/Second

• Platform: Windows, PlayStation 3, Xbox 360, Xbox One, PSP, iOS
• Release date: May 18, 2010
• Developer: Black Rock Studio
• Gameplay: online multiplayer, SplitScreen

An excellent racing arcade game that can be played both over the Internet or local network, and on one computer. You don't even need to buy a gamepad or steering wheel for the second player - a keyboard will be enough. The screen is divided horizontally into two parts, so the game looks most comfortable on monitors with an aspect ratio of 16:10. The graphics look nice to this day, while system requirements will allow you to play comfortably even on configurations with a dual-core processor and a video card with a gigabyte of memory.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=04Uv44DRJAU Video can’t be loaded: Biggest “Split/Second – Velocity” Power Play Montage (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=04Uv44DRJAU)

The classic gameplay, where the main goal is to reach the finish line before everyone else, is diluted in Split/Second with unique cinematic elements. During the race, riders accumulate charges that allow them to influence surrounding objects in order to use this for their own purposes. You can, for example, blow up a gas station standing on the side of the road and disable an enemy passing nearby at that moment, or bring down a huge telecommunications tower that will block one road, but at the same time pave an alternative path. It turns out to be a good gaming replacement for the Fast and Furious film series.

Resident Evil 5-6

• Platform: PlayStation 4, PlayStation 3, Xbox 360, Xbox One, PC
• Release date: March 5, 2009, October 2, 2012
• Developer: Capcom
• Gameplay: online co-op/multiplayer, SplitScreen

The first parts of this franchise were pure survival horror, but by the fourth, the developers shifted the focus to more vigorous gameplay, containing a fair amount of action. The fifth and sixth games already introduced full-fledged co-op, allowing players to go through a long story campaign side by side. Those interested can also try the survival mode, where you have to fight off the constantly arriving hordes of zombies for as long as possible, or the competitive mode.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mI6TntXFfZY Video can’t be loaded: Resident Evil 6 – PC Version – Campaign Gameplay (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mI6TntXFfZY)

What’s especially pleasing is that the co-op here is not just for show (not a simple shooting gallery where they just add a second character to the game) - the gameplay is completely built on interaction. Players coordinate their actions, exchange scarce ammunition and first aid kits, overcome obstacles by knocking down doors together or lifting each other onto high walls. Battles with many bosses are also built on a well-coordinated teamwork, only thanks to which it is possible to calculate the weak point of a huge monster and strike at it.

Lara Croft and the Guardian of Light/Temple of Osiris

• Platform: Xbox 360, PS 3, PlayStation Portable, mobile (first part), Xbox One, PS4, PC (second part)
• Release date: August 18, 2010, December 9, 2014
• Developer: Crystal Dynamics
• Gameplay: online co-op/split screen

Square Enix decided to surprise fans of the Tomb Raider series by releasing a spinoff unrelated to the main series of action-adventure games, made in the form of an isometric arcade game. In it, Lara Croft goes in search of another artifact - the mirror of smoke, but in the process she releases an evil spirit, who immediately calls upon giant spiders, demons and huge trolls to help her. In turn, Lara finds an unexpected ally in the immortal Mayan warrior Totek. A second player can take control of it by connecting an additional controller. The same thing happens in the sequel (Temple of Osiris), only the action is transferred to Egypt, and the number of players in the cooperative increases to four.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RhIpEnPHNcs Video can’t be loaded: LARA CROFT and the Temple of Osiris Gameplay Trailer (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RhIpEnPHNcs)

Despite the fact that the genre of the game and its appearance have changed radically, the gameplay looks like the classic parts of Tomb Raider. Gamers will still have to fight off many enemies, jump on various platforms and move all sorts of levers, trying not to fall into some kind of abyss or trap protecting the tombs. Overcoming obstacles often involves teamwork. For example, Totek throws a spear at the wall, and Lara jumps on it and gets to the desired ledge.

Trine Series

• Platform: PlayStation 4, PlayStation 3, Windows, Xbox 360, Wii U, Linux, Mac OS
• Release date: 2009-2015
• Developer: Frozenbyte
• Gameplay: co-op playthrough(SplitScreen/Online)

The trilogy of platformers about the adventures of a thief, a wizard and a knight, despite its small budget, has gained enormous popularity among players. Among the main advantages it is worth highlighting colorful graphics with a pleasant fairy-tale design, funny dialogues between characters and variability in the passage. The latter deserves special attention - any in-game puzzle or obstacle has up to five different ways to overcome it. You can come up with your own methods both when playing alone, switching the button between one of three characters, and in co-op - with one or two friends.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TlU3r83WEGA Video can’t be loaded: Trine Enchanted Edition – Gameplay Trailer (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TlU3r83WEGA)

Just imagine how all this can be combined. The wizard can materialize small objects drawn by him in space and make them levitate. The warrior skillfully waves his sword and covers himself with a shield, which at the same time serves as a parachute for him (yes, there is not much logic here) and reflects sunlight. The thief specializes in archery, and also easily overcomes obstacles by clinging to walls and ceilings with a rope.

Mortal Kombat X

• Platform: Xbox One, PlayStation 4, Android, iOS, Windows
• Release date: April 7, 2015
• Developer: NetherRealm Studio
• Gameplay: Versus Multiplayer (Hot Seat, Online)

The most spectacular and most recognizable fighting game in the history of video games. Several generations of gamers have already passed, first beating each other in a virtual ring in a salon with slot machines, then switched to the good old Sega, and then to personal computers. In the last two parts, the combat has become even more intense, and the violence has become frighteningly realistic, for which we can thank the X-Ray function. In some moments, when a powerful blow or combo hits the character, breaking bones, tearing muscles and blood gushing in all directions are clearly shown in spectacular slow motion. In short, it is better to keep children away from screens.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1EROmqidZQc Video can’t be loaded: Who’s Next? — Official Mortal Kombat X Gameplay Trailer (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1EROmqidZQc)

The proven formula of 1v1 combat is diversified with various modes. For example, in Tag Match, players choose not one, but two characters at once, getting the opportunity to periodically switch between them during the fight. You can play either on one computer or over the Internet, and the online system here is even better - you have the opportunity to join one of the factions and take part in a confrontation with another.

Orcs Must Die 2

• Platform: PC (Windows)
• Release date: July 30, 2012
• Developer: Robot Entertainment
• Gameplay: online co-op

The sequel to the popular indie game Bay Orcs, which finally added the full-fledged two-person co-op required by many. Like last time, we have to defend the portal to the human world from crowds of green-skins and all kinds of evil spirits - crawling, running and flying. The horde stomps along the beaten path to the goal, bumping into traps well placed by the players and at the same time getting hit in the face from various weapons of the main character and his new partner. With each level, the difficulty increases, new opponents appear that require a different approach.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dHN7id2ToWE Video can't be loaded: Orcs Must Die 2 Gameplay Trailer (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dHN7id2ToWE)

Compared to the first part, in addition to the possibility of playing together, a lot of other changes were made. Several new items, traps and weapons have been added, and the primitive leveling system has been replaced by a talent tree with several development branches. In general, there will definitely be enough content for several tens of hours here - and if you also set yourself the goal of completing the game on maximum difficulty without missing anyone, then for a much longer period.

Worms Series

• Platform: almost all existing ones, including old mobile ones
• Release date: published since 1995
• Developer: Team 17
• Gameplay: co-op, competitive multiplayer (HotSeat, Online)

Team 17 consistently brings fans new parts of the famous Worms - both classic 2D versions and experimental 3D ones. Almost all of them (perhaps except the oldest ones) can be played with two, three or even ten players. Turn-based strategic gameplay allows an entire group to spend time on one device, be it a console, personal computer or phone/tablet, without connecting additional controllers. You just need to create a map with the required number of commands and press the start button.

There are many options for spending time. You can fight with friends in classic mode, play together against computer bots by concluding a non-aggression pact, and complete cooperative missions (the latter, unfortunately, is not available in all parts). The most current version in 2018 is Worms W.M.D, which added controllable vehicles for the first time, but the most hardcore competitive multiplayer players still hang out in the old Worms Armageddon and World Party.

Kane and Lynch

• Platform: PlayStation 3, Xbox 360, Windows
• Release date: November 13, 2007
• Developer: IO Interactive
• Gameplay: cooperative playthrough (SplitScreen)

The game is a cinematic action movie about two marginal personalities - the calculating and cold-blooded assassin Kane, who cheated his employers out of a large sum, and the drug-addled schizophrenic Lynch, who suffers from bouts of uncontrollable aggression. Two characters with opposite personalities have a strong dislike for each other, but are forced to cooperate for their own survival, making their way through crowds of police, military and bandits.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tfMBFpPbHDc Video can’t be loaded: Kane and Lynch: Dead Men Trailer 1 (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tfMBFpPbHDc)

In terms of gameplay, Kane and Lynch is a regular third-person shooter. Players, one of whom controls from the keyboard and mouse, and the second from a connected joystick from XBOX 360 or XBOX One(there may be problems with third-party manufacturers), you need to move through linear levels, hiding behind cover and shooting at oncoming enemies. Shooting is diluted with stealth elements, sniper levels, and the ability to give commands to side characters. The plot is extremely fascinating and does not stand still - now you are pulling a hostage out of a crowded club, and half an hour later you are fighting with soldiers in Latin America.

Heavy Fire: Black Arms

• Platform: Wii, PC
• Release date: March 7, 2011
• Developer: Teyon
• Gameplay: co-op (single screen)

Many gamers whose period of acquaintance with gaming industry fell on the 90s and early 2000s, they remember the arcade machines with House of the Dead or similar games that were a moving shooting gallery located in parks. Players were given a plastic joystick pistol, from which they fired across the screen in order to kill monsters that stood in their way. They also fought back, taking away the players’ scarce lives. Even the most experienced players often saw the Game Over sign and a message suggesting that they put more tokens into the machine in order to continue from where they saved. For a complete completion, many fans of such entertainment threw in decent sums.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kVj1VMtz4as Video can’t be loaded: Trailer – HEAVY FIRE: BLACK ARMS for Wii (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kVj1VMtz4as)

Heavy Fire: Black Arms is one of the most successful attempts to revive the genre on personal computers and new consoles. The setting is favorable - military operations in South America. You can shoot crowds of Latinos from a dozen different guns either alone or with a friend. And for this it is not at all necessary to buy special laser pistols (although they will be the most fun). A regular computer mouse and a gamepad compatible with the game will do the job perfectly. If in doubt, take the option from XBOX 360, it is supported by 99% of games for sure.

Portal 2

• Platform: PC (Windows, Mac OS), PS3, Xbox 360
• Release date: April 18, 2011
• Developer: Valve
• Gameplay: co-op (online)

Despite the fact that the second part of the famous puzzle from Valve was released back in 2011, it did not manage to lose its popularity. If you need the perfect game for co-op play, in which gamers will not just need to run after each other, but actively interact, planning their actions, then this option is the best. Especially for two players, a story was created about two funny robots, intersecting with the storyline of the protagonist of the single-player mode. The branded dialogues with a fair amount of black humor are still there.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=A88YiZdXugA Video can’t be loaded: Portal 2 — Full Co-op Trailer (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=A88YiZdXugA)

The very fact of having two players made the puzzles more varied and the levels more confusing. You will have to experiment with turrets, liquids with different properties, laser beams, air currents and many other elements - danger lurks everywhere. Fortunately, like other Valve games, players are provided with convenient voice chat to help them coordinate their actions. And if you and a friend have already completed the campaign and are looking for a new challenge, head over to the Steam Workshop and download one of the thousands of user-created maps (they have rating functionality, so it's quite easy to find really high-quality works).

Conclusion

All of the cooperative/multiplayer games listed above are just a drop in the ocean of releases. Recently, developers have been actively exploring the field of collective entertainment, so, unlike the shortage of the 2000s, now there is no problem in finding a new game to spend time with a friend. Even if everything interesting has already been completed a long time ago, you can always go together to some online RPG, MOBA or shooter of the now popular Battle Royale format. Spending time in such games with a well-coordinated team is much more fun than spending time alone.