Co-Optimus

A History of Co-Op Gaming

Marc "DjinniMan" Allie

We've had our eye on this article for quite some time, and since our resident classic co-op guy (that would be me!) has been away from his beloved MAME cabinet this week, the time is now right. TechRadar's The History of Co-Op Gaming is an excellent read for any fan of co-op.

Gauntlet, Contra, and Smash TV are all discussed, which pleases us since we've covered all those for Co-Op Classics in the past in some form. Gauntlet is cited as one of the earliest co-op games, and the lessons learned from that game even effect modern co-op games. The article doesn't follow a strict chronology, instead focusing on innovations like the MMO and voice communication.

Hopefully sometime soon, we'll have a more detailed history of co-op gaming here at Co-Optimus (yeah we should have thought of this first). In the meantime, head over to TechRadar and tell us what you think!

'Splosion Man

Co-Optimus

We've added 'Splosion Man for the Xbox Live Arcade to our database of Co-Op games!

Dynasty Warriors Gundam 2 Co-Op Review

Jason "OrigamiPanther" Love

There is a theorem that states “an infinite number of monkeys hitting keys at random on an infinite number of typewriters for an infinite amount of time will almost surely type the complete works of William Shakespeare.” The theorem is intended to demonstrate the perils of trying to define infinity by using a finite, though vast, number. Dynasty Warriors: Gundam 2 takes this theorem to heart and seems to depend upon the fact that if you do the same actions over and over and over again, you may eventually find a rewarding experience lurking somewhere in the depths. Unfortunately, Gundam 2 is not Hamlet and the play experience is more akin to using Yahoo’s babelfish to translate a book written in English to another language, to another, and yet another before finally translating it back.

'Sploding For The Fourth Of July

Katrina "ShadokatRegn" Pawlowski

Whee!

In the spirit of the 4th of July, we've found some awesome explosion action to tide you over until the real fireworks begin! That is to say, 'Splosion Man has finally shown us its Co-op colors! 'Splosion Man is sure to fulfill all your mad scientist, platforming needs. Various neon colors represent the 2-4 co-op "test subject" 'Splosion Men in their molten explosive forms.

Our Weekend in Gaming - July 4th Edition

Nicholas "bapenguin" Puleo

It's a weekend of cookouts and fireworks in the United States, but that won't stop most of us from gaming!

Nick "bapenguin" Puleo - "I plan to put some time into Trine, Sins of a Solar Empire and maybe some Mercs 2 on 360. "

Marc "DjinniMan" Allie - "I should be home for most of the day tomorrow, and I am looking forward to playing Duels of the Planeswalkers with my youngest son. He wants to learn how to play it, and the co-op campaign will be a great way to teach him. I've also been itching to play some Left 4 Dead again, but I think I'll leave the little guy out for that one!"

Katrina "ShadokatRegn" Pawlowski - "Holiday weekends mean a lot of out-and-about time, so I'll be snuggling up with my DS for some quality Phoenix Wright. While I'm around, though, Crackdown and Mercenaries 2 will be a lot of fun! Explosions on the Fourth of July!"

Mike "pheriannath" Katsufrakis - "In addition to a planned analog gaming session, I'll be playing a ton of Trine"

Jason "OrigamiPanther" Love - "I picked up Force Unleashed this week and will probably continue playing through that in addition to Devil Survivor for the DS."

Jim "txshurricane" McLaughlin - "Since my internet is having hardware issues, I'll be working on the Grand Theft Auto IV campaign, which I never did finish. Once I can get my self online with a decent stream, I'll be playing some Ghostbusters co-op, Call of Duty 4 with my brothers, and Mercenaries 2. I might even check out Left 4 Dead again, if the meetup thread stays alive."

Loren "AgtFox" Halek - "Maybe play some Fight Night Round 4 or play some Wii with the wife. Other than that, I'll be enjoying my birthday weekend" Editor's note: Happy Birthday!

What are your gaming plans?

Free Monster Hunter Freedom Unite Downloadable Quest Available

Nicholas "bapenguin" Puleo

Nothing says Independence Day than fighting gigantic monsters for gold. With that Capcom has released a brand new free downloadable quest for Monster Hunter Freedom Unite on the PSP.

In this new quest, Triumvirate of Sands, you’ll have three monsters to take on out in the desert – a Daimyo Hermitaur, Tigrex, and Plesioth! Yikes! But it’s well worth it as you stand a chance to make 12300z! If you want to see a video clip of what quest looks like head on over to http://www.capcom-unity.com/ and check out Snow’s blog.

To access the quest simply click the "Download" link from the in game menu and you're good to go! There should be a new quest each week for the next couple of months. I hope they release a quest where I can hunt Harry from Harry and the Hendersons.

New Resident Evil: The Darkside Chronicles Screenshots

Nicholas "bapenguin" Puleo

Capcom has released a fresh hot and steaming batch of screenshots for their upcoming two player co-op on rails shooter, Resident Evil: The Darkside Chronicles. The game was announced back when Resident Evil 5 released, and is a wii exclusive title that takes players through the story of Resident Evil 2 from a slightly different gameplay style.

The game's co-op mode allows each player to control an on screen cursor to shoot up those pesky zombies, creatures, and other nasties that litter the way as you control Leon and Claire. According to the press material, the main characters will face their own inner demons - I think that's just a code for the dilemma of releasing a mature title on the Wii.

Resident Evil: The Darksider Chronicles

Co-Optimus

We've added Resident Evil: The Darksider Chronicles for the Wii to our database of Co-Op games!

Buy Resident Evil: The Darksider Chronicles @ Amazon to support Co-Optimus.

Co-Op Couples: A Little Give and Take

Jim "txshurricane" McLaughlin

Anyone involved in some sort of daily or ongoing operations department knows that there is always a cost of operations to each and every task. A bit of "give and take". This month we apply that principle to Co-Op Couples.

We Need More Trine!

Katrina "ShadokatRegn" Pawlowski

We've established that Trine is worth owning without a doubt in our minds. We're also pretty sure the Xbox audience is quite extensive in the Co-op community, while Trine is sadly absent on this console. So, we would like you guys to speak up! Do something about the release of Trine to the Xbox 360! Joystiq has recently mentioned the possibility that Trine may be coming to the Xbox 360, but it wouldn't hurt to encourage Frozenbyte and Microsoft, anyway!

Grandmaster Flash Spinning Records in DJ Hero

Nicholas "bapenguin" Puleo

Grandmaster Flash is one of the most influential and well known DJs ever. Today, Activision has announced that the GMF himself is lending his voice and likeness to DJ Hero. Many consider Flash as the father of modern DJing.

Grandmaster Flash will walk players through the game's tutorial, as well as contribute two of his tracks "Boom" and "Tap" to the game. The DJ has also created two exclusive remixes for the game, Grandmaster Flash’s Herbie Hancock "Rockit" vs. N.E.R.D. "Lapdance" and Grandmaster Flash "Here Comes My DJ" vs. Gary Numan "Cars" mixes.

You and your co-op partner are going to have to fight over who gets to be Mr. Flash when the game releases this fall.

New Screens for Operation Flashpoint 2: Dragon Rising

Nicholas "bapenguin" Puleo

Codemasters has just released a fresh bullet filled batch of screenshots for Operation Flashpoint 2: Dragon Rising. The four player co-op title is set to be released on the Xbox 360, PlayStation 3 and PC this fall.

Players are dropped into a warzone in a huge expansive enviornment with over 70 weapons and 50 vehicles at thier disposal. Teamwork is key in this tactical game, and from the screens it looks as beautiful as it is realistic.