One of my favorite local co-op titles is the physics-based platformer, Chariot. It had all the elements of a good couch game: charming characters, easy to learn controls, and chaotic fun waiting to happen. Therefore, I'm very interested to see what Frima Studios is able to pull off later this month when their next title, Talent Not Included, arrives on PC.

Like hands on a clock, it seems that the Humble Indie Bundles come round and round, providing Co-Optimus readers with great co-op titles on the cheap (the bundle, not the clocks).  This time you can wrestle with Guacamelee and pay a little over the average to get Monaco: What's Yours is Mine for a steal.

Travel through the rugged countryside of Borgova as Van Helsing in this epic ARPG from Neocore Games. Aid the resistance of Borgova in the neo-noir steampunk metropolis and fight against waves of mutated monsters and mechanical beings. Level up and earn loot on your quest to defeat a mad scientist.

One of the more pleasant co-op surprises in this past year in gaming was the MOBA-style Awesomenauts that was initially released on PSN and XBLA. Up to three players could team up to to do some good ole fashioned comp stomping against three AI opponents in order to go laning, feed foes, and other terms that I have no idea about. However, others seem to know what's up and must be playing quite a bit. Since its release back in May, the game's seen a PC release, a slew of patches, tweaks, and updates, and even a new character or two or five. For all you fans of MOBA games that are also fervent Mac users, your day has arrived. Awesomenauts is now available on Mac through the Steam client. Finally, PC players and Mac players can team up in wonderful co-op harmony.

This week we get things rolling on Indie-ana Co-Op by taking a look at two local co-op XBLIG titles: one involves outer space combat, and the other combines action/adventure gameplay with tower defense ideology and retro gaming nostalgia. Yes, it is just as awesome as it sounds.

We've got a most intriguing issue of On the Download lined up for you, including our very special centerfold guest of the week. They're hot, they're bothered, and they've got guns. Also on the plate: Borderlands "Zombie Island" DLC, and Resident Evil 5's "Desperate Escape" DLC pack. Don't miss it!