There have been some single player only heavy hitters this generation, but if rumors are to be believed, they are falling like skittles in the world’s easiest game of bowling. Assassins Creed 3 has apparently succumbed to the charms of co-op, so what game is next? Dead Space 3! An IGN source has come out with some freakin' sweet rumors, the latest outing for the action horror game will have drop in/drop out co-op!
Implementing co-operative gameplay into a traditionally single player experience can be tricky as fans of the original can rightly worry that the gameplay elements that built the franchise could be lost. Visceral Games are apparently tackling this issue by providing a campaign that can be tackled solo or in co-op. Subtle differences to the way the game plays make each mode similar, but distinctive:
The cooperative mode mirrors the single-player campaign, but Isaac's story changes to accommodate it. At one point in Dead Space 3, Isaac and his counterpart stumble, wounded, bloody, and missing chunks of armor, out of burnt wreckage together. In single-player, the same scene happens without the other character. While Isaac may have a psychological breakdown and experience hallucinations on his own, certain traumatic events don't occur with someone by his side.
This suggests that some of the psychological scares of the first two games may be reduced in the co-op version of the campaign, but other gameplay elements are added:
Players will also work together (using telekinesis, for instance) to interact with pieces of the environment. In addition, you'll be able to share ammo with and heal your co-op partner, although there is no revive system -- once someone's down and dead, both players reload the last checkpoint.
As well as detailing this potential new co-op mode, the article also reflects on how the weapons and Isaac himself have been developed. Over the years I have learnt to trust my gut when it comes to rumors and not only is my stomach telling me not to have a Vindaloo Curry again, but that this has the smackings of truth about it. With E3 around the corner, hopefully EA will confirm this co-op news!