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Hazelight Studios has perfected co-op. A Way Out<\/em>, It Takes Two<\/em><\/strong>, and Split Fiction<\/em> are masterfully done 2-player games<\/strong> that take full advantage of the multiplayer formula. You cannot imagine these stories being told effectively without co-op, at least not in a way that would preserve their core themes and gameplay. Although all three are equally fantastic, It Takes Two<\/em> was the release that really put Hazelight on the map, and it set the bar for modern co-op games in the process. A Way Out<\/em> and Split Fiction<\/em> exist in its shadow, even if they might be superior in some areas.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Frankly, games like It Takes Two<\/em><\/strong> do not come around often, and projects that are 100% identical do not exist. However, local co-op games have been gaining momentum recently, partially thanks to Hazelight’s efforts and successes, so the future is bright and filled with adventures that experiment with storytelling, puzzles, and teamwork. As It Takes Two<\/em>‘s biggest strength is its imagination, let’s highlight a few upcoming co-op games<\/strong> that should also have unique identities that set them apart from the crowd.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Hazelight is completely committed to co-op, to the point that none of the studio’s games offer single-player options. This was and still is a risky move that automatically disqualifies a large group of people from even considering picking up a game. Hazelight is nowadays well-known enough that any new titles should garner a lot of attention, but that cannot be said for most indie developers who decide to go down this route. Vermeil Soft’s Tojibo<\/em><\/strong> is a puzzle-platformer that requires two players<\/strong>, and it supports both local and online co-op.<\/p>\n Now, full disclosure, the game looks wildly different from It Takes Two<\/em>. If you are mainly looking for an adventure story-driven game, Tojibo<\/em> might not be the best option for you. However, if you mainly enjoyed It Takes Two<\/em>‘s clever co-op puzzles, this upcoming release should hit the mark. The 2D platformer is entirely devoted to teamwork, with players needing to support and (literally) carry each other to climb up each stage. While I’m sure it will offer some challenges, the game promises that the puzzles are fun and not excessively difficult, which is the motto that It Takes Two<\/em> seemed to adhere to.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Admittedly, this is more of a personal pick, as I cannot wait to get my hands on Tarsier Studios’ Reanimal<\/em>. The developer’s Little Nightmares<\/em> entries are INCREDIBLE horror puzzle-platformers that shine in all three genres, which is far from an easy feat. Reanimal<\/em><\/strong> seems to be cut from the same cloth as those titles, albeit with one crucial alteration: Co-op. Unlike Little Nightmares 2<\/em>‘s odd decision to feature dual protagonists but no multiplayer, Reanimal<\/em> will allow two friends to team up for local or online support. The story’s leads are also siblings, and their bond might be tested or strengthened, which would be somewhat similar to It Takes Two<\/em>‘s married couple, Cody and May.<\/p>\n While not featuring multiversal traversal, Reanimal<\/em> takes place in an otherworldly realm that looks like it is ripped right from a Lovecraftian hellscape, and the campaign should feature an array of unique locations. The protagonists have to survive a tense journey to try and save their friend, and they will stumble upon and meet entities that are anything but friendly. Tonally, Reanimal<\/em> is very different from It Takes Two<\/em>, and you probably need to be at least somewhat into horror to fully consider it. That said, the gameplay should focus primarily on puzzles and maybe some stealth.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Not into nightmares? Then, how about a horror-ish game that is cozy and all breeds of adorable? Haunted Paws<\/strong><\/em> casts you and a partner as puppies. Yes, you heard that right, you play as dogs. OK, that is probably enough information to make anybody interested, but let’s dive a bit deeper into this one.<\/p>\n Haunted Paws<\/em> sees these heroic dogs enter a haunted mansion in search of their missing owner, and they will meet quite a few spooky beings during their journey. They will need to explore, solve puzzles, and complete mysteries, all the while trying to avoid a grizzly end. Also, you play as puppies. Did I already mention that?<\/p>\n <\/p>\n It Takes Two<\/em> tells a good story overall, but there are plenty of folks who love it mainly for the gameplay rather than Cody and May’s emotional journey. Hazelight’s brilliance lies in its ability to blend narrative and mechanics, creating a fully realized and complementary experience. Awaysis<\/strong><\/em> should have the gameplay element covered, along with hopefully featuring an entertaining “good vs evil” story.<\/p>\n Set on a floating mountain that looks stunning from the available footage, a group of animal-esque friends head out on a perilous mission to save their home, and they are ready to hack and slash their way through all sorts of enemies. Awaysis<\/em>‘s combat is physics-based, which is unusual and should feel unique. Although action seems to be the main focus, the game will likely incorporate platforming and maybe even some puzzles, but do not quote me on that.<\/p>\n<\/p><\/div>\n\n Tojibo
\n <\/h2>\n\n A Cozy 2-Player Puzzle Platformer
\n <\/h3>\n\n Reanimal
\n <\/h2>\n\n A Co-Op Horror Adventure
\n <\/h3>\n\n Haunted Paws
\n <\/h2>\n\n The Goodest Of Boys Try To Rescue Their Best Friend
\n <\/h3>\n\n Awaysis
\n <\/h2>\n\n A Co-Op Physics Brawling Adventure
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