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Self-proclaimed "massive fans" of the site, Peter and Ruth, wrote in with an interesting question for us. They have exhausted the Xbox 360's library of locally cooperative titles. They want to move into the Co-Op Couple Big Leagues, and pick up a second Xbox 360 for some online or LAN gaming. I have a dual 360 set up myself, so I'm going to write a little guide to help them and any other couple considering a second system.
They're curious about what games are out there that support online co-op, but lack local co-op. I'm asking you, our awesome readers, to add you two cents to the comments section below. You've done a fantastic job contributing to similar discussions in the past. This guide is for the Xbox 360, but feel free to add your favorite online-only co-op PS3 games to the discussion.
The first thing you should consider when getting a second console is whether you want to connect them using a System Link or through Xbox LIVE. That depends on what games you will be playing. Is your co-op relationship monogamous, or do you like to get other parties involved? When my wife and I were faced with a similar decision it all came down to one game and one game only:
Just tell me what you want me to do and I'll do it!
Now you may be saying to yourself, "What an idiot! Borderlands has split screen co-op!" Yes, this is true, but I don't think there's a need for name calling. We all know that Borderlands can be played cooperatively via split screen or system link. We also know that there is no split screen with online support. If you want to play with four players, you'll need to have two systems connected to Xbox LIVE. (Or you could get two more systems and play with four people locally, but now you're getting re-god-damn-diculous.)
My wife and I have an open co-op relationship. We like to add random people to the mix to make gaming more exciting. Co-oping a game as a couple is fun, but sometimes you need to get in on a little group action.
If you have two systems on LIVE you can play with other couples, friends; hell, you can even play with family, if you're into that sort of thing. If you want to be able to co-op with more than just each other, (and trust me, eventually, you will) you'll have to get an additional Xbox LIVE Gold account for your second 360. Here's where things start to get a little expensive.