In the early days of video games, platformers were known as some of the best single player games around. However, in modern times, platformers have evolved to provide some of the most fun co-op games have to offer.
Connected
8 best games that mix 2D and 3D scenes
Platformers are often associated with a 2D perspective, and although the genre has occasionally shifted to 3D, these games straddle the line between perspectives.
Whether it's a game designed to get couples to play together, or a mind-bending puzzle game with a wicked sense of humor, there are plenty of great co-op platforms to explore.
7 Guacamole 2
The Lucha style
- OpenCritic
- Top Critic Ratings:86/100 Critics recommend:88%
When the original Guacamole! released, it was hailed as a wonderful return to old Metroidvania platformers with a unique art style. With that in mind, many were excited about the series' evolution with a second entry that would allow co-op play throughout the entire experience.
Alas, Guacamole 2 did not receive the widespread love and attention it deserved. Any gamer looking for a companion in the Metroidvania style platformer should give it a go Guacamole 2 an experiment for cooking and bad humor as well as a lot of satisfying combat that permeates every minute of the cooperative game.
6 Solve 2
Merge
Solve 2
- OpenCritic
- Top Critic Ratings:80/100 Critics recommend:80%
- published
- June 9, 2018
- developer(s)
- Coldwood Interactive
The first resolved loved by many because of its cute art style and web-based protagonist, who can use her own rope to navigate through simple but fun levels. Solve 2 built on everything that came before and came out as a better game.
Connected
10 Best Indie Platformers of All Time, Ranked
The indie builder captures that classic platform aesthetic that takes players back to the genre's heyday while adding a new twist to the formula.
Despite the crimes, Solve 2 is one of the better co-op puzzle platforms out there today, blending the complexity, beauty and complexity of the original by bringing everything together with a sense of co-op. If you have a partner who wants something more relaxed, Solve 2 is the best place to go.
5 Rayman Legends
Hoodlums at home
- OpenCritic
- Top Critic Ratings:90/100 Critics recommend:95%
- published
- August 30, 2013
- developer(s)
- Ubisoft Montpellier
As one of the oldest franchises still alive and kicking, Rayman has gone through a lot of revolutions, from a 2D platforming adventure, to a 3D action, and then to a full-fledged 2D platform with to the favorite of many. Rayman Legends.
Players play as the titular Rayman and a list of friends in a series of unique and engaging environments. The nuts and bolts of Rayman LegendThe level design is really strong, which is why it's often referred to as the best game in the series, and it's made even better by the co-op support.
4 LittleBigPlanet 3
Sackboy standing up
- OpenCritic
- Top Critic Ratings:79/100 Critics recommend:64%
- published
- November 18, 2014
Even if it is dominant LittleBigPlanet Now that the franchise seems dead, it's still worth remembering how popular the game was, and how they still offered a fun platforming experience for families with a full and awesome customization engine.
Unfortunately, the server will be LittleBigPlanet 3the controversial but most complete entry in the series, was recently pulled, meaning online co-op is not possible and the game itself has been pulled from the store. However, if the co-op coup is still an option, LittleBigPlanet 3 remains a heartwarming and charming adventure with Sackboy and friends.
3 Super Mario World 3D
The Mushroom Kingdom needs citizens
- OpenCritic
- Top Critic Ratings:93/100 Critics recommend:96%
- published
- November 22, 2013
- developer(s)
- Nintendo EAD
It's no secret that Nintendo struggled during the Wii U era and they needed a big win, fast. For all intents and purposes, that victory came Super Mario 3D World, a whirlwind return for consoles surrounded by the most timeless (and one of the most difficult) entries in the franchise.
Connected
Each Mario Platformer is lined up lengthwise to win
Super Mario Bros. is a popular platformer series, but how much game time can you get from the series?
If somewhat covered by Odyssey just two years later, Super Mario World 3D it might still be the best way to play a good old-fashioned Mario game with friends, and it's worth rooting for if we can.
2 It takes two
Marriage is a Partnership
- OpenCritic
- Top Critic Ratings:88/100 Critics recommend:93%
When it comes to taking the idea of cooperative games to the extreme, few do it better than Hazelight Studios. Need two! is the latest in a series of great co-op-based games, each using the nature of playing with friends to deeply introduce gameplay mechanics.
In Need two! the player controls a couple considering divorce who magically turn into dolls and must work together to return to their normal form (while revealing the game's secret). It's an emotional cooperative game that has a lot of heart and also offers platform licensing, offering a fun experience for gaming veterans and those who have never played the game alike.
1 Cuphead
Cartoon Chums
- OpenCritic
- Top Critic Ratings:88/100 Critics recommend:91%
- published
- September 29, 2017
- developer(s)
- Studio MDHR Entertainment Inc.
Some co-op games are about hanging out with friends, but some, like Cuphead, exists to push your bond to the limit. Cuphead is a notoriously difficult game, and that difficulty takes on new meaning when playing co-op.
While the boss and arena remain the same when playing in co-op, life is shared between two players, meaning everyone needs to excel in order to survive. It makes for a more robust platforming experience than others on this list and is easily one of the best co-op platforming games out there today.
MORE
11 Best System Mechanics in Platform Fighters
These platform fighter system mechanics brought new changes to the fighting genre and improved the gameplay.