The 2010s showcased a wide variety of amazing multiplayer titles. Among these include a plethora of 2D platformers to include some throwback series with co-op mechanics. Many of these titles came to multiple platforms while several were exclusive to Nintendo’s Wii U and Switch.
This past generation offered a generous variety of couch co-op titles. Not sacrificing strong local co-op in lieu of the ever-increasing popularity of online-only multiplayer, these games offer some of the best experiences to play at a gathering. These titles offer something to everyone.
10 Mortal Kombat (2011)
When Mortal Kombat’s 9th entry released in 2011, it heralded the return of an old-school formula. When Mortal Kombat began to embrace 3D elements, much of the old charm got lost in the mixture. Many character designs radically changed while the story seemed to lose direction between Armageddon’s ending and the DC crossover.
Netherrealm Studios, formed by former Midway employees to include series’ creator Ed Boon, wanted to reboot the Mortal Kombat series in the best possible way. This offering included not just robust fighting mechanics and an epic storyline but the ability to play 2v2 battles with friends. The mid-battle tag mechanic, seemingly borrowed from Tekken Tag Tournament and Marvel vs. Capcom, allowed players to team up with friends to take down opponents together. Sadly, this feature only returned exclusively to Towers in the recent Mortal Kombat 11.
9 Animal Crossing: New Horizons
Nintendo’s hotly-anticipated title for the Switch came at the perfect time. Upon the onset of COVID-19, Nintendo completed the development of Animal Crossing and released it in the middle of spring. This title gave players a never-ending set of activities to develop their island and invite friends.
Animal Crossing allows players to invite multiple friends to join their island. Together, they can trade, buy and sell turnips, and interact with the island. This feature became available for both offline and online play. The simplicity and charm of the title makes it inviting to virtually anyone.
8 Kirby Star Allies
Following in the footsteps of Nintendo Wii’s 2011 hit, Kirby’s Return to Dream Land, the Switch title Star Allies brought back 4-player co-op. This charming platformer allows players to become one of Kirby’s enemies-turned-allies. Unlike the Wii title, however, players cannot choose Meta-Knight, King Dedede, or Bandana Waddle Dee in the main story mode.
Star Allies initially started off as a fairly shorter and comparatively easier title than its predecessors. However, several batches of free DLC expanded the adventure to include new playable characters, stages, and a final conclusion to the story. The co-op action never grows dull thanks to all the friend abilities and boss battles each player can engage in.
7 Sonic Mania Plus
The return of Sega’s 2D Sonic games felt like a breath of fresh air for players worldwide. After Sonic Team’s many blunders across the series, Sega licensed out development to Christian Whitehead and his group of developers to create the perfect throwback. Sonic Mania offered players everything they could ask for in 2D Sonic.
Sonic Mania Plus expanded the game with a new mode and two new characters: Mighty and Ray. However, the co-op charm came from being able to play as Sonic and Tails. Just like in classic Genesis titles, the player could play as Tails and help Sonic fight enemies, bosses, and carry him over gaps.
6 Streets Of Rage 4
Similarly to Sonic, Streets of Rage 4 returns a classic Genesis series to its routes. Missing in action for over two decades, Streets of Rage 4 came back hitting harder than ever. The new art style, music, and character designs evolved the series while paying homage to the original classics.
This 2D beat ’em up offers over a dozen stages which makes it the longest game in the series. As with its brethren, Streets of Rage 4 offers couch co-op for players teaming up, as well as online, to take on the streets in the best possible fashion. New to the game, however, includes local 4-player co-op and team combos to batter enemies with the highest damage possible.
5 Donkey Kong Country: Tropical Freeze
In 2010, Nintendo brought back the Donkey Kong Country series to form with the release of Returns for Nintendo Wii. This 2D platformer offered 2-player co-op allowing a second player to join in as Diddy, supporting Donkey Kong with his Peanut Popguns and jetpack. Tropical Freeze expanded heavily on its predecessor with more challenging stage designs and additional characters: Dixie Kong and Cranky Kong.
Each Kong features different mechanics such as Cranky’s pogo stick and Dixie’s ponytail hair for hovering. They can support the first player with their own attacks. Furthermore, they can also simply ride on his back and let DK take control while they support him with projectiles. Also released on Nintendo Switch, Tropical Freeze should not be missed by anyone who enjoys 2D platformers.
4 Rayman Legends
When Ubisoft brought back 2D Rayman in 2011, it landed an incredible hit across multiple platformers. Rayman Origins offered cel-shaded 2D graphics and 4-player co-op. Despite the differences in characters only being cosmetic, it still offered fantastic stage design, controls, pacing, and aesthetics.
Rayman Legends only serves to kick it up a notch. The sequel offered even more lush visuals than before and some of the most exciting free-running stages the series had to offer. Along with its boss battles, collectibles, and unlockable skins, Rayman Legends offered both fantastic 2D platform action and incredibly fun co-op on all major systems.
3 Mario Kart 8 Deluxe
Nintendo’s long-running Mario Kart series offers some of the best racing gameplay in the industry. Mario Kart 8 Deluxe specifically may well be the best iteration thanks to its staggering amount of incredibly polished tracks and tight controls. Moreover, it features a strong co-op element.
In addition to utilizing the teams mechanic used in more recent titles, Deluxe brought back the long-missing Battle Mode. Not only can players races together but Battle Mode opens up many new options for players to team up together on the same screen.
2 Super Smash Bros. Ultimate
Nintendo’s epic 2D platform-fighting game continues to improve and make history with each iteration. Featuring over 70 playable characters, Smash Ultimate offered a lengthy single-player campaign as well as multiple modes for players to compete in. However, any Smash player knows the strongest points come from its quality multiplayer.
Players can team up in Classic Mode to fight multiple CPU opponents across several stages. Unlike past Smash titles, unfortunately, they cannot team up for Event Mode. However, they can fight together in Home-Run Contest to aim for the highest score. But nothing is more satisfying for Smash co-op than competing along with friends in doubles (2v2) or Squad Strike (3v3, 5v5) mode. While the former is common among Smash tournaments, the latter echoes SNK’s King of Fighters series allowing players to battle it out as a team.
1 Super Mario 3D World
Nintendo’s Mario platformer for the Wii U offered some of the best action, stage design, music, and powerups in the series’ history. Players can wear a Cat Suit and climb up platforms, dive in mid-air, and scratch away at their foes. Super Mario 3D World was incredibly fun with 1-player or with 4-players.
3D World offers its exciting co-op design across the entire game. Minus the Captain Toad stages, every stage can be completed with friends. Thanks to the 3D, it’s also much easier to play and less clustered than its 2D brethren, New Super Mario Bros. Between its fantastic, polished designs, 5 playable characters, and hours of fun, 3D World offers the best in couch co-op gameplay. Fans who never owned the title for Wii U will be delighted to try 3D World when it comes to Nintendo Switch in February 2021!
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