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Gaming with friends online is a great way to catch up and spend some time together. However, not all games lend themselves to the pursuit of a good chin-wag, but one genre that I think fits the bill perfectly is the co-op puzzle platformer.
What Is a Co-Op Puzzle Platformer?
Co-op puzzle platformers come in many guises and the genre is gaining a lot of interest. I guess you could call these games an evolution from the classic side scrolling platform games of the 90s. However, with these more recent iterations, the focus is heavily on the cooperative nature of the game and both players need to communicate and work in harmony to accomplish tasks, solve puzzles, discover how to reach difficult locations, and progress through the game.
Thelatest generation of co-op gamestake advantage of the capabilities of modern computers and games consoles to offer visually stunning 3D landscapes and graphics. While some are focused solely on solving problems and puzzles using physics and logic, others are more narrative based and revolve around a compelling, often witty, story line.
Why They Are Great for Catching Up With Friends
Ultimately, what makes these games ideal for catching up with friends is their pace. Unlike some othertwo-player games, which can be too involved or fast-paced to do anything other than play, co-op puzzle platformers have a more leisurely tone that prioritizes the journey rather than the destination.
Co-op puzzle platformers generally involve navigating your character over various obstacles and helping your teammate, where necessary, to get to a destination. While elements of this can be tricky and require both players to perfect their timing and accuracy, at other times the journey can be slow paced and allows for plenty of casual chatting.
In addition, these games usually have a variety of side tasks that require different levels of focus, such as intriguing puzzles, which make the most of the cooperative game style, large arenas that can be explored at your own pace, and gnarly end bosses that will stretch your wits and those of your partner.
The Best Co-Op Platformers to Try
There are a number of excellent co-op puzzle platformers that are gaining popularity at the moment, with more being released every week. One such title isIt Takes Two.
Besides the stunning graphics and the engaging game play, what makes It Takes Two stand out is its narrative. It’s based around a young girl whose parents are on the brink of breaking up, and as the name suggests, requires both players to cooperate together to prevent this happening. What ensues is a frantic, often hilarious, puzzle-solving adventure to save the relationship. Moreover, the pace ranges nicely with plenty of slow and relaxed elements that allow for a quality catch up with your teammate.
Other notable additions to the genre includeUnravel 2, which sees you and your partner joined at the hip with a piece of string. There’s alsoRiver Tails, a colorful cartoon caper about a cat and a fish that must form a friendship and work together to defeat bosses.
While gaming online might not be everyone’s idea of a perfect catch up with friends, picking a game that lends itself more to conversing, rather than finger bashing, is at least a good place to start. Who knows, you might find yourself hanging out more frequently when you both have an interesting game to play.
