Local Co-Op
A Virus Named Tom (PC) This puzzler is not for the faint of heart. Rearrange circuits as antivirus drones seek and destroy you and your three buddies. 4 player local co-op [$9.99]
Ben 10: Omniverse (360, PS3, Wii, Wii U) Based on the Cartoon Network show, join Ben Tennyson and his new pal, Rook, as they battle evil aliens. 2 player local co-op [$29.99]
Dance Central 3 (360) Get your groove on. Shake your booty. Bring sexy back. Stop biting your upper lip. Don’t do the Robot. NO! Not even ironically. Stop it. Just get Halo 4. 2 player local co-op [$39.99-$49.99]
LEGO Lord of the Rings (360, PS3, PC Wii) Really, any LEGO game is good for the family. With 60 different playable characters, there’s plenty of adventure to be had. Allow me to quote one of my favorite lines from the film, as people are wont to do: “...what about second breakfast?” 2 player local co-op [$39.99-$49.99]
Ninja Crash (XBLIG) It has zombies and cheese and ninjas. And also crashes, I presume. 2 player local co-op [$1]
Resident Evil 6* (360, PS3) The sixth entry in the franchise still features three different campaigns with intersecting story arcs, as well as intersecting cooperative action.It's like online co-op, except you get half the screen and you can physically touch each other. 2 player local co-op, 2 player online co-op [$39.99]
SCHAR: Blue Shield Alliance (XBLIG, PC) This four player twin stick shooter features clever writing, four different ship classes, and light RPG elements. 4 player local co-op [$1 - $5]
Skylanders Giants (360, PS3, Wii, Wii U) This is one of the hottest games of the season. It’s also one of the most expensive. You have to buy real life physical toys to unlock characters in the game. It’s worth it to watch kids lose their tiny little minds. 2 player local co-op [$49.99 to $74.99]
Tokyo Jungle (PS3) This crazy game let’s you play as an assortment of different animals, from chickens to saber tooth tigers. Survive against your fellow creatures as you hunt, fight, and mate your way through the streets of a desolated Tokyo. 2 player local co-op [$15]