5 titles not to play alone

It’s understandable: Video games have boomed in these days of home confinement. Because they not only provide entertainment for several hours, but also function as escapism, capable of giving us small perks that can change our mood during the day. In fact, the younger generations socialize with their peers through online games where, in addition to having fun, they chat with their friends.

But there is a type of video game that is special for current moments, especially for those people who do not have the possibility to play online. They are the so-called cooperative video games, those in which it is possible to play locally, with two controls, and simultaneously enjoy different types of adventures. They exist since the dawn of video game history, both in salons Arcadian as well as in the first domestic consoles, like the Pong.

Here then is a small list —there are many more— of downloadable titles to play using the same console, and which are a guarantee to have a good time with your partner or children, without having to be online and, of course, the most important thing: without leaving home.

The racing game Arcadian by excellence. The saga Mario Kart offers entertaining speed and vehicle control competitions immersed in the universe of iconic Nintendo characters. The game is pure fun: it does not stick to reality at all, there are weapons (such as shells and banana peels) to attack the opponents and that helps a lot to ensure that the laughter for reaching the first place is assured. You can fly, ride underwater and all the circuits – together with the karts and their respective characters – have their particular charm and grace.

As for the multiplayer factor, the Mario Kart 8 Deluxe It of course allows you to play online, but it also has a cooperative mode locally. Thus, up to four people, with their respective controls, can play in the same room using the same console. Mario Kart 8 Deluxe It is available exclusively for the Nintendo Switch.

This hypnotic standalone game was initially developed exclusively for the Xbox One and has since been opened to other platforms. Cuphead is a game that features strong retro visual appeal from its art direction, drawing heavily on classic 1930s cartoons, particularly from the creations of Max Fleischer and early Walt Disney characters. That creates an extremely colorful and surreal environment that is well worth experiencing.

The mechanics are extremely simple: Cuphead is a platform game for one or two players where the objective is to go through various stages, while shooting different enemies and obstacles, until you reach the boss of each of them, the last of them being the devil himself. At first the game may seem difficult, but if you play two by two the chances of success are much greater. Cuphead It is a unique visual gem, with simple mechanics, available for Xbox One, PC, MacOS and Nintendo Switch.

Not so well known, this particular action-adventure title is specially designed to be played between two people, on a split screen and with a third-person view. In fact, it does not have a modality single player. Inspired by movies like Alcatraz escape, Dreams of flight and the television series Prison Break, this game raises the objective of a prison escape between two convicts and, subsequently, avoid the authorities.

What is interesting is that the title forces players to be strictly collaborative with each other in order to achieve the objectives that are presented. That is, finally, the challenge in an extremely well-structured adventure, with various changes of pace and mechanics. It is full of mini-games – from musical instrument duels to sports competitions and cockerels – that spice up the action. Its creators have defined it as an “emotional adventure”, thanks also to its strong narrative focus. Interesting, entertaining and a great experience to play between two people.

It is true, there are many games in the Mario saga that can be played collaboratively. And we recommend each one, without a doubt, but this similar game is much more fun. Rayman is an iconic character created by the French giant Ubisoft. It debuted in 1995 and has several sequels and reinventions to its credit, all based mainly on the mechanics of the traditional platform games of the time. And the latest editions of the saga are probably the best. In particular, the Rayman Legends.

The game has our main character who, along with his group of (playable) friends, must advance through different levels, defeat various enemies and most importantly: collect lums to unlock new worlds. All with a strong accent on the musical rhythm of the action. Up to four people can play locally simultaneously, and the experience is joyous, visually wonderful, and highly rewarding. Rayman Legends It is available for download on all platforms.

5. Borderlands 3 (Gearbox Software, 2019)

This cartoon science fiction saga, with outlandish characters and first-class shooting, has as its main objective the collection of weapons. Literally millions of different weapons that are added to the arsenal of each player, in order to advance in the stages of the game and in the increasingly difficult ones bosses at the end of them. There are multiple possible tactics and combinations. In this sense, in addition to a youthful sense of humor, the game always stays fresh in its objectives, the key to which is the concept of loot, that is, the collection of items during the game.

Via split screen, players will have to combine cunning and join forces not only to advance but also to defeat powerful enemies. The saga also seasons combat with vehicle driving and platform game elements, although the focus will undoubtedly be to compare weapons and enjoy their characteristics. Borderlands 3 It sold five million copies in just five days and is available for PlayStation 4, Xbox One, Windows, and MacOS.

Bonus track: the fundamental games could not be left out of this list Lego. Ideal for all ages, they are designed to be played collaboratively. The best thing is that there are multiple scenarios: Batman, Avengers, Jurassic Park, Star Wars, The Lord of the Rings, Harry Potter, Indiana Jones and much more.