The Games
Now that you're set up, you need some games. Here are a few that my wife and I have enjoyed together, as well as with friends. Each of these games require two systems to play co-op together. Some games can be played via system link, all are Xbox LIVE compatible. If you follow the linked Co-Optimus score you can see our entire review of the game, along with a convenient link to Amazon.com.
Brink Eight players can team up online to complete objective based missions in the campaign or free play. Four players can join up to complete Challenges. Every mode of the game can be played co-operatively. AI bots fill in when human players are not available. Co-Optimus Score: 4 out of 5.
Bulletstorm It lacks a co-op campaign, but the four man Anarchy Mode is a visceral extension of the bloody gameplay. Battle 20 waves of enemies using communication and Skill Shots in diverse, hazard-ridden environments. Co-Optimus Score: 4 out of 5.
Castlevania: Harmony of Despair Six players can team up with friends in online co-op as one of the famous vampire hunters from the Castlevania series. Players share item pickups and can revive each other as they take on giant bosses. Co-Optimus Score: 4 out of 5.
Crackdown Two players can run, jump, climb, and shoot your way through Pacific City. Each player levels up their super human character in this completely open sand box style game. Co-Optimus Score: 4 out of 5.
Crackdown 2 Team up with four Agents against the Cell and Freaks. Grab co-op orbs, revive fallen teammates, and work together to liberate Pacific City. Crackdown 2 is your explosive co-op sandbox. Co-Optimus Score: 4.5 out of 5.
Dead Rising 2 Two player zombie-slaying co-op. Explore Fortune City while creating insane combo weapons. Co-Optimus Score: 4.5 out of 5.
Mercenaries 2: World in Flames Play through an open world shooter with a buddy in drop-in/drop-out fashion. Blowing stuff up with a buddy was never more fun. Co-Optimus Score: 4 out of 5.
Red Dead Redemption In Free Roam mode, form a gang with up to 16 members and take out bandit hideouts, complete challenges and ride around the countryside together. There are separate co-op missions available through free DLC. Co-Optimus Score: 3 out of 5.
Saints Row 2 Join a friend's game in true drop-in/drop-out style for a crazy and fun open world experience. Players can complete missions and challenges together, as well as play through the entire single player story. Co-Optimus Score 4.5 out of 5.
Too Human Pair up with a friend and trek through dungeon after dungeon as you collect loot and power up your character. Drop in and Drop Out support as well as item trading are available. Co-Optimus Score: 3.5 out of 5.
Trenched Team up with four people online, players can revive each other, upgrade turrets, develop strategy for missions, and take down enemies together. Co-Optimus Score: 4.5 out of 5.
A few of the other Co-Optimus staff members weighed in:
Marc "DjinniMan" Allie:
We did system link for Transformers: War for Cybertron, and loved it.
Sam "Samoza" Tyler:
I've taken my 360 around to a pals and we have both plugged into his Internet and used 2 TVs. We played online, but locally! This was a Command and Conquer: Red Alert 3 night, a sorely underrated
co-op game.
Well, that's a quick list of quality two system co-op games off the top of my head. Don't forget, you can come up with a quick list off the top of your head by using our fancy database. Feel free to add your favorite online co-op game to the comments section. Please remember, I intentionally left out games that support single system co-op. If you leave a comment asking me why I left out Gears of War or Halo, everyone will know you didn't really read the article. They'll probably point and laugh at your comment.
Don't let your local co-op library go to waste, either. You may have played all the Halo's, Left 4 Dead's, Gears of War's, and whatnot's via split screen. Pick up a second copy of just one of those and try it now, each of you with your own display. Makes a difference, doesn't it? My wife and I revisited several games once we each had our own console. Most of these games have been out for a while, so you can easily pick them up at a reasonable price. Thanks for reading, and have fun!