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.
Thankfully,indie games have continued to hold the torchas 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.
6Iron Meat
A Retro Throwback To Classic Run-And-Gun Gameplay
Fans ofContrarejoice!Iron Meatis 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 themeand a variety of fun-to-fight, fleshy bosses. Best of all, in true retro-game fashion,Iron Meatfeatures both single-player and local co-op.
Iron Meat’sgloriouslyold-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.
Thisrun-and-gunside-scroller is best known for its unbelievable art-style, which takes clear-cut inspiration from old-school cartoons and animations. However,Cupheadis 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.
These boss fights are the high-point ofCuphead, 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.
Tongue-in-cheek and satirical in nature,Broforceis an action-packed run-and-gun built with extravagance andpure 80s-style action cinemain mind. It’s a simple run-and-gun shooter that’s elevated by its commitment to loving homage, comedic tone, and destructible terrain.
Broforcecan 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 editorthat, while not for everyone, adds a layer of replay value to an already replayable experience.
Fans of the original games will find a lot to love with the faithfully-constructed fourth installment ofStreets Of Rage, but newcomers to the series need not feel daunted;Streets Of Rage 4is 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.
For those unacquainted with the franchise,Streets Of Rage 4is 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 4may 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.
Aficionados of high-octane shoot ‘em ups and cheesy1980s action moviesshould 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.
TheTeenage Mutant Ninja Turtleshave had a rich and varied history in the world of video games, from nostalgic arcade classics such asTurtles In Timeto the lesser-rememberedTeenage Mutant Ninja Turtlesgame released alongside the 2003 television series. Whilethe quality of theseNinja Turtlegameshas been hit-or-miss over the years, the somewhat recently releasedTeenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Shredder’s Revengemanaged to bring the turtles back to the mainstream with its faithfully constructed retro gameplay.
Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Shredder’s Revengeis an old-school beat ‘em up through-and-through, hearkening back toTurtles In Timewith 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 theTeenage Mutant Ninja Turtlesfranchise alike,Shredder’s Revengeis a must-play, especially for those looking to play in local co-op.
