Let's face it, not every game was made for co-op play. Sometimes the nature of a game just doesn't work well with two or more people at the controls at the same time. But that's not to say there aren't single player games that can't be enjoyed together, in fact, we've found one genre out there that a lot of couples and friends tend to really like to play in pass the controller style co-op - Adventure Games.
These games are a blast to play together on the couch, working through the puzzles together and taking in the story. With the advent of bite sized gaming with TV style presentation and storytelling, these games work perfectly for couch co-op play. Of course if you have a PS4 you could Shareplay this just as easily online with a friend halfway across the country or world.
The Monkey Island SeriesPC, Xbox 360, PS3
The classic Lucas Arts adventure series was remastered and re-released a few years ago and it remains one of the more entertaining adventure games out there. Players take control of Guybrush Threepwood as he learns the ins and outs of pirating. Having a partner by your side is great as you pixelhunt for key items and both you and your co-op partner(s) will laugh at the hilarious writing.
Life is Strange
PC, Xbox One, Xbox 360, PS4, PS3
This is a new episodic title from Square-Enix but we're already hearing some interesting things about it. The game allows players to rewind time to alter decisions within the adventure. It's sometimes difficult to commit to one action or another in adventure games due to the unknown (and occasionally grim) consequences of your actions. Life is Strange looks to change that by making those options flexible and also part of the puzzle. This time mechanic should play nicely into cooperative play as you weigh the decisions together.
Players drop into the shoes of Max Caulfield as she returns to a fictional Oregon town and reunites with her friend Chloe. Your choices will have short-term consequences; but keep in mind that there are also mid and long-term repercussions that will pan out over the course of the later episodes. Be sure to check out the trailer here as it launches today.
Grim Fandago Remastered
PC, PS4, Vita
Another classic Lucas Arts title, Grim Fandago drops you into the shoes of an undead travel agent at the Department of Death. This zany game has been remastered with an updated musical score, new textures and lots of behind the scenes goodies. Grim Fandango's style is a unique combination of film noir and Mexican folklore. Not something you see everyday.
Once again a title like this is great as you hunt for objects to solve puzzles and find ways to combine weird items to progress the story over Manny Calavera's adventures. Not exactly your standard video game fair.
Fahrenheit: Indigo Prophecy RemasteredPC
Originally released in 2005, Fahrenheit (known as Indigo Prophecy in North America) was a hailed as a rebirth of the adventure game genre of the mid-1990s. At the time the game set new bounds for presentation and story telling that many reserved only for the cinema. Think of it as a direct inspiration to games like Heavy Rain.
Co-Op players will enjoy a story geared more towards an adult audience as you are thrust into a supernatural style murder mystery. There's plenty of puzzle solving and dialog here to keep you entertained.
The Walking Dead
PC, PS3, Xbox 360 PS4, Vita
The Walking Dead Episodic series from Telltale games is one of the reasons this list even exists. The team at Telltale re-launched the adventure game genre for modern gamers. The original five part first season and five part second season remains one of the most gripping and gut wrenching adventure games I've ever played.
Experience this with a co-op partner by your side as you are forced into impossible choices. Pass the controller when you just don't have the heart to make the decision. Then console each other as you watch your favorite character suddenly disappear. You'll love every minute of it. Right now you can snag the original first season on Steam for just over $6.
What are some of your favorite adventure games to play with a co-o partner?