In today’s entertainment landscape, sequels are ubiquitous, leading many to feel a sense of sequel fatigue. As a result, I frequently question the necessity of sequels when the original story wraps up so profoundly.
This phenomenon is especially notable in the film industry, but it also extends to video games. Successful games are often challenging to develop, prompting studios to capitalize on popular intellectual properties (IPs) that resonate with players.
However, creating a sequel always involves risk. Particularly in the realm of co-op games, many sequels fail to capture the magic of their predecessors. Yet, amidst the cash grabs, a select few sequels genuinely enhance the original experience.
If you’re on the lookout for co-op sequels that are not only enjoyable but also offer improved gameplay, consider diving into these best co-op sequels that excel beyond their origins.
To curate this list, we established criteria to identify games that are either cooperatively oriented by design or have evolved into co-op experiences in subsequent versions.
10 Sons of the Forest
Deeper Story & Better Co-op
As an enthusiast of survival horror games, Sons of the Forest and its predecessor, The Forest, resonate deeply with me. In these titles, players are plunged into a hostile environment devoid of resources, where foraging, exploration, and crafting are vital for survival.
Time is of the essence, especially given the lurking threats of cannibalistic foes and grotesque creatures that cater to fans of body horror. Fortunately, playing with a friend can alleviate some of the terror or, at the very least, share in the suspense.
Sons of the Forest enhances the original game significantly. Notably, the addition of golf carts facilitates travel across the island, ensuring partners don’t lose one another amidst the trees.
Moreover, the sequel boasts a richer narrative. While the first game relied mostly on environmental storytelling, Sons of the Forest enriches this with more cutscenes and a solidified plot.
9 Monster Hunter Wilds
Hunt and Fight with Friends
The Monster Hunter series stands out as a premier co-op franchise, allowing players to personalize their characters, akin to creating a version of Geralt from The Witcher series.
Monster Hunter Wilds serves as a remarkable sequel, introducing substantial enhancements over Monster Hunter Rise, such as the groundbreaking feature allowing players to carry two weapon types simultaneously.
This feature, previously unattainable in the series, significantly enriches gameplay, alleviating the frustration of being limited to one weapon during hunts.
Furthermore, Wilds has pioneered crossplay, enabling players on different consoles to join each other for cooperative adventures. This evolution in connectivity makes now the perfect moment to engage with Monster Hunter alongside friends.
8 Dead Rising 2
Fun, Chaotic & Cheesy
Dead Rising was among my initial forays into zombie games, where I relished the insane variety of ways to dispatch the undead.
When Dead Rising 2 arrived, I eagerly anticipated its multiplayer experience, which brought notable narrative improvements and a deeper connection with my in-game daughter, driving home the stakes of survival.
The laughter returned as well, particularly in the multiplayer mode “Terror Is Reality, ”where my friends and I would compete to devise the most outlandish zombie elimination methods.
This atmosphere of whimsical chaos parallels the popular antics seen in Fortnite, but with more gore and a unique charm. My fond memories of Dead Rising 2 fuel my hope for a future sequel that recaptures this essence.
7 Helldivers 2
Spread Democracy, Kick Ass
Helldivers 2 represents a significant shift from its predecessor, abandoning the top-down view for a compelling third-person perspective that enhances combat and immersion.
The game revolves around eradicating foes for the sake of democracy, presenting an engaging narrative propelled by player success that impacts the storyline dynamically.
Squad play is emphasized as players unite to confront challenges and enhance campaign accomplishments. The evolving narrative based on collective performance fosters a unique and collaborative gaming experience.
6 Dying Light 2: Stay Human
Hardcore Parkour
The innovative integration of parkour into the zombie genre in Dying Light was a brilliant move. I cherished the impressive stunts I could pull off while dispatching zombies.
Dying Light 2 amplifies this thrill by introducing new tools, such as a glider, enhancing the exploration aspect and enriching the gameplay experience.
While there are some challenges with item sharing and progression balance among players, the expansive environment, wider range of adversaries, and refined parkour mechanics make this sequel a substantial upgrade over its predecessor.
5 Unravel Two
How Could You Knot Love It?
Unravel Two captivated me with its stunning visuals and profound themes that emphasize human connection alongside its puzzle-solving mechanics.
This sequel expands on its predecessor’s aesthetic, tackling heavier themes that resonate with relational dynamics while introducing intricate cooperative puzzles.
The collaborative gameplay in Unravel Two elevates the experience, requiring players to work in harmony and deepening the emotional connection between them.
Overall, the improvements seen in Unravel Two create a more intimate and rewarding journey when played with a companion.
4 Left 4 Dead 2
Procedural Zombie Chaos
Left 4 Dead 2 exemplifies how thrilling co-op experiences can be, building on the successes of its predecessor while introducing a fresh cast of survivors and new zombie variants.
This sequel keeps the chaotic spirit alive while enhancing AI mechanics and level design that lends to an exhilarating replay experience.
Notably, Left 4 Dead 2’s AI Director 2.0 adjusts gameplay dynamically, ensuring that no two playthroughs feel alike by tailoring challenges to players’ strategies.
The result is a game that is unpredictable and endlessly replayable, solidifying its status in the realm of co-op gaming.
3 Portal 2
Starring ATLAS & P-Body
Portal 2 stands out as one of the most ingenious and quotable games to date, presenting an engaging narrative experience in both single-player and cooperative modes.
The cooperative campaign necessitates teamwork, incorporating levels that demand collaboration and clever use of the iconic portal gun.
As an experience, the co-op campaign is unparalleled, providing players with rich, exploratory gameplay that fosters innovation. The addition of a level editor further extends the game’s replayability and engagement.
2 Borderlands 2
The Best of the Trilogy to Date
Upon its release, Borderlands 2 became a constant fixture in my household where friends and I regularly engaged in its exhilarating gameplay.
This title strikes a perfect balance, with an engaging storyline, enjoyable combat mechanics, and ample co-op opportunities for up to four players, ensuring that each playthrough feels fresh.
Unlike its predecessor, the narrative in Borderlands 2 shines brighter, with the beloved villain Handsome Jack taking center stage, adding depth and charisma to the gameplay.
Ultimately, Borderlands 2 has redefined the series, delivering enhanced gunplay, diverse weaponry, and memorable quests, creating a lasting impact on the gaming community.
1 Divinity: Original Sin 2
A Divine Sequel
Divinity: Original Sin 2 rises above its predecessor by eliminating ZixZax’s tedious monologues, immediately enhancing the player experience.
This sequel redefines the traditional CRPG genre, featuring stunning graphics, improved tactical combat, and a user-friendly interface.
Moreover, it excels in offering players myriad options for problem-solving, promoting creativity and strategy in gameplay. Each character’s background opens unique pathways in interactions, allowing for both diplomatic and chaotic resolutions to conflicts.
The gripping narrative, including tough moral choices such as betraying allies for personal gain, augments the co-op experience, enriching the collaboration with friends.
Divinity: Original Sin 2 not only builds on the foundations set by the first game but also surpasses it in every aspect, making it a benchmark for future sequels in the genre.
Leave a Reply