For a good long while, local co-op was almost guaranteed with the latest releases. As more and more video games take on larger budgets and an increased focus on online multiplayer, it's becoming increasingly rare to find the well-crafted, linear split-screen action that was once so common. It's even rarer to find well-crafted retro-style experiences, let alone those that also include the option for split/shared screen.
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Steam has plenty of online multiplayer PC titles, but Valve's store is not lacking in great couch co-op games either.
Thankfully, indie games have continued to hold the torch as far as old-school design goes, though many of these games also modernize the designs they're inspired by, providing players with experiences that satisfy nostalgia while being solidly built for current audiences. All of these retro-styled games can be played alone, but they're arguably best experienced side-by-side with a friend.
6 Iron Meat
A Retro Throwback To Classic Run-And-Gun Gameplay
- Platform(s): PC, Xbox, PlayStation, Nintendo Switch
- Released: September 26, 2024
- Developer(s): Ivan Valeryevich Suvorov, Retroware
- Genre: Shoot 'Em Up
Fans of Contra rejoice! Iron Meat is a run-and-gun side-scrolling action game with a gritty tone and weighty shoot 'em up gameplay. The game features a unique, dark sci-fi theme and a variety of fun-to-fight, fleshy bosses. Best of all, in true retro-game fashion, Iron Meat features both single-player and local co-op.
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Iron Meat's gloriously old-school pixel-art, chugging soundtrack, and retro sound design make for a winning combination, resulting in a short-but-sweet experience that's great for newcomers and veterans of the genre alike. Furthermore, the game even features cosmetic character customization that allows players to unlock and equip a variety of skins that make keeping track of their respective characters much easier when playing in co-op.
5 Cuphead
A Beautifully Presented Run-And-Gun Platformer With A Focus On Boss Fights
Cuphead
Platformer
Systems
- Top Critic Rating:88/100 Critics Recommend:91%
- Platform(s)
- PS4 , Xbox One , Switch , PC
- Released
- September 29, 2017
- Developer(s)
- Studio MDHR Entertainment Inc.
This run-and-gun side-scroller is best known for its unbelievable art-style, which takes clear-cut inspiration from old-school cartoons and animations. However, Cuphead is far from all-style, no-substance, featuring lovingly-crafted gameplay rooted in unforgiving old-school design, offering a real challenge and an impressive variety of unique bosses.
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These boss fights are the high-point of Cuphead, and the chaos that ensues when battling them is even greater in local co-op. In fact, the game is practically built for local co-op, going as far as to feature two unique characters: the titular Cuphead and his trusty sidekick, Mugman.
4 Broforce
A Satirical Side-Scroller That's Pure 80s-Style Action
Broforce
Shooter
Systems
- Top Critic Rating:79/100
- Platform(s)
- PC , PS4 , Switch , Xbox One
- Released
- October 15, 2015
- Developer
- Free Lives
Tongue-in-cheek and satirical in nature, Broforce is an action-packed run-and-gun built with extravagance and pure 80s-style action cinema in mind. It's a simple run-and-gun shooter that's elevated by its commitment to loving homage, comedic tone, and destructible terrain.
Broforce can also be played in local co-op with up to four players, making the frenetic action all the more chaotic in the pixelated bloodbath that ensues throughout each mission. Furthermore, Broforceincludes a level editor that, while not for everyone, adds a layer of replay value to an already replayable experience.
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3 Streets Of Rage 4
A Faithfully-Constructed Fourth Installment To A Legendary Series
Streets of Rage 4
Beat 'Em Up
Systems
- Top Critic Rating:84/100 Critics Recommend:90%
- Platform(s)
- Switch , Xbox One , PS4 , PC
- Released
- April 30, 2020
- Developer(s)
- Dotemu , Guard Crush Games , Lizardcube
- OpenCritic Rating
- Mighty
Fans of the original games will find a lot to love with the faithfully-constructed fourth installment of Streets Of Rage, but newcomers to the series need not feel daunted; Streets Of Rage 4 is an experience built for newcomers and veterans alike, packing just as much punch as the games that came before it with a stylish new look.
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For those unacquainted with the franchise, Streets Of Rage 4 is a beat 'em up with weighty melee combat, and like many games in the genre, it's arguably best when played in local co-op with a friend. Streets Of Rage 4 may look modern, but it's classic beat 'em up through-and-through, so those who don't gel well with this genre will likely remain unconvinced.
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2 HUNTDOWN
Over-The-Top 80s Action In A Pixelated Heightened Reality
Huntdown
Action
Run and Gun
Shooter
Side-scroller
Systems
- Top Critic Rating:85/100 Critics Recommend:89%
- Platform(s)
- PlayStation 5 , PlayStation 4 , Xbox Series X , Xbox Series S , Xbox One , Nintendo Switch , PC , Android
- Released
- May 12, 2021
- Developer
- Easy Trigger Games
Aficionados of high-octane shoot 'em ups and cheesy 1980s action movies should get a mighty kick out of this retro-styled run-and-gunner. Huntdown's old-school pixel-art, soundtrack, crunchy sound effects, and brilliant voice acting result in an atmospheric and cinematic experience that revels in its multitude of influences.
Huntdown's over-the-top sci-fi bounty-hunter theme makes for an evocative experience in spite of the world's heightened reality, and the variety of bosses featured in the game feature highly distinct and colorful personalities, making some of them tremendously memorable. The game's simplistic run-and-gun gameplay is also elevated by solid level design and a cover system that allows players to make use of doorways and crevices to duck-and-dodge the constant gunfire.
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1 Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Shredder's Revenge
A Loving Homage To Turtles In Time And A Standout Beat 'Em Up Of The Modern Era
Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Shredder's Revenge
Beat 'Em Up
Systems
- Top Critic Rating:86/100 Critics Recommend:97%
- Platform(s)
- Android , iOS , PC , PS5 , PS4 , Switch , Xbox Series X , Xbox Series S , Xbox One
- Released
- June 16, 2022
- Developer(s)
- Tribute Games Inc.
The Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles have had a rich and varied history in the world of video games, from nostalgic arcade classics such as Turtles In Time to the lesser-remembered Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles game released alongside the 2003 television series. While the quality of these Ninja Turtle games has been hit-or-miss over the years, the somewhat recently released Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Shredder's Revenge managed to bring the turtles back to the mainstream with its faithfully constructed retro gameplay.
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Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Shredder's Revenge is an old-school beat 'em up through-and-through, hearkening back to Turtles In Time with outstanding loyalty while managing to stand on its own two feet. The game also features a killer soundtrack, nostalgia-inducing voice acting, and a short-but-sweet slew of missions strung together with a loose but appropriately goofy narrative. For fans of retro beat 'em ups and the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles franchise alike, Shredder's Revenge is a must-play, especially for those looking to play in local co-op.
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