One of the more overlooked Mario games, Super Mario 3D World is receiving new life on the Nintendo Switch with Super Mario 3D World + Bowser’s Fury. The re-release comes with a new campaign, slightly changing up the cooperative gameplay of the main adventure.
For those looking for more co-op goodness after journeying through this good time once again, the games below should similarly provide endless hours of entertainment. Some are straightforward platformers, while others incorporate puzzle elements or are more focused on combat. Regardless, they are all a good time waiting to be had with you and at least one more buddy.
10 Sackboy: A Big Adventure
A PlayStation 5 launch title that also came out on PS4, this spin-off of the Little Big Planet series takes many cues from Super Mario 3D World, essentially taking the same formula and putting the Sony franchise skin on top of it. This is not a bad thing, however, and Sackboy: A Big Adventure has plenty of its own surprises in store. It takes a little while to start becoming a challenge, however.
9 Ratchet & Clank: All 4 One
Ratchet & Clank dabbled in multiplayer before, but this PS3 exclusive was the first to go all in on a cooperative multiplayer experience. While combat is a big part of the series, it has never forgotten about its platforming roots. This might be a good time to revisit the four player title, with Ratchet & Clank: A Rift Apart set to release this year on the PS5.
8 New Super Mario Bros. Wii
This entry can account for all the New Super Mario Bros. games featuring cooperative functionality. co-op is always a good time, but you should definitely heed a word of warning before jumping into this adventure with a buddy; it is all too easy to ruin each other’s precise platforming by accidentally bopping their heads.
Two-dimensional side-scrolling has a tendency to complicate cooperative play. Even with this considered, the New Super Mario Bros. series is a ton of fun.
7 Cuphead
While a side-scrolling shooter in the vein of Contra, you still have to have superb platforming skills if you expect to get anywhere in Cuphead. Initially an Xbox exclusive, the game eventually made its way to Nintendo Switch and finally PS4. The title is notoriously difficult, so any help from a buddy is greatly appreciated. Even though it is hard, the incredible art style and catchy music will keep you engaged after numerous failures.
6 Little Big Planet
We already talked about Sackboy: A Big Adventure, but we would be remiss if we did not bring up the original series from which it spawned. It is fun enough going through the trilogy with a friend, but the level creator holds potentially limitless playtime. Even in the first game fans managed to pull off some incredibly addictive and unique game modes. As the creation tools became more sophisticated, so did the levels fans made.
5 Unravel Two
The first Unravel grabbed fans’ attention with its unique mechanic. Players can only move so far before the character completely unravels, hence the name. The physics angle makes the puzzles less frustrating.
The sequel throws a new aspect into the fray by adding two player local co-op. The game was announced at E3 2018, and released on the same day. The unique yarn characters also make for an incredibly pleasing visual presentation.
4 Kirby Super Star
While 1996 was relatively late in the SNES’ life, Kirby Super Star still managed to impress both fans and critics. The numerous game modes and collectibles made for a varied co-op experience. If one part of the adventure becomes too boring or frustrating, you can simply move on to something else. After directing this title, Masahiro Sakurai would go on to direct the legendary Super Smash Bros. for the N64.
3 Donkey Kong Country
The SNES is home to some of the greatest platformers ever made. Donkey Kong Country stands toe to toe with the best games on the console, including Super Mario World. Developed by Rare, the game boasts incredibly unique and advanced graphics for the console. The series made a comeback in the last decade with Donkey Kong Country Returns, which was developed by Retro Studios, who previously made a name for themselves with Metroid Prime.
2 Spelunky 2
The only Roguelike on the list, Spelunky and its sequel are incredibly difficult. Fortunately, reaching the end is not the joy and satisfaction Spelunky seeks to elicit from gamers. Instead, you feel rewarded for slowly learning and adjusting to the game mechanics. With each run featuring procedurally generated levels, progressing further into the depths, either alone or with a buddy, truly feels like your skill is growing instead of relying on muscle reading.
1 Rayman Legends
Rayman Origins successfully brought the Rayman franchise back to its roots while making it more palpable to contemporary audiences with modern gameplay conveniences. Playing with one or more friends also makes the levels significantly easier. Rayman Legends only improves upon the formula. With creator Michel Ancel having retired from the industry, there is no telling what the future holds for Rayman. Fans sincerely hope a 2D platformer is in the cards, however.
