Co-Optimus Your prime source for Co-Op gaming! Tue, 02 Jun 2026 18:04:37 -0400 https://www.co-optimus.com en-us https://www.co-optimus.com/images/cooplogo.pngcooplogo.pnghttps://www.co-optimus.com Rayman Legends Retold Preview Impressions Jason Love

Rayman's 30th anniversary celebrations continue as Ubisoft announced today they are remastering their 2013 platformer Rayman Legends as Rayman Legends Retold. Alongside a graphical overhaul, a shift from the UbiArt Framework engine to Snowdrop, and fully voiced characters and cutscenes, this "reimagining" will feature a new story, new "dragon ride" levels, and a new realm to explore. I was invited to participate in a remote hands-on preview of a work-in-progress build of the game recently, and I came away feeling overall positive about the game's revitalized return.

For the 90 minutes I had with Rayman Legends Retold, I was given access to the revamped hub area, eight platformer levels, three "Invasion" challenge levels, and two of the new dragon ride levels; a pretty good spread of new and old. Starting with the hub area, the original Rayman Legends presented the six different worlds as paintings you'd jump into and then select a level. There wasn't much to do or see and everything was a little disparate. For Retold, Ubisoft has pulled those biomes into a more cohesive world (there's even a full world map now) so you're able to move from one area to the next and even explore some hidden areas along the way. If you don't want to walk, then you can quick travel between the levels and worlds instead. This interconnectedness is further underscored by the new dragon ride levels, which not only shift the gameplay from platformer to on-rails shooter but also act as an initial means of taking you from your current biome to the next one. As you shoot fireballs at enemies and breakable barriers, dodge obstacles, and try to avoid getting hit in order to save all the teenies that are hitching a ride, the background environment shifts from one biome to the next; a kind of high-level interactive tour of what you're about to get into next. The two dragon ride levels I got to preview played well enough and were visually impressive, and served as nice breaks from previous set of platforming levels.

The platforming in Rayman Legends Retold felt pretty good overall. Prior to the preview event, I played a bit of the original Legends so I'd have a general idea of how it looked and felt to better compare the two. In the eight levels I demoed, I couldn't tell any significant differences when playing Retold and anytime something might have felt a little off - a slight delay in jumping or other action press - it could be chalked up to playing the game remotely instead of in-person. Interestingly, the levels where the game felt best were in the "Invasion" challenges where you're trying to find the best paths to take to get to the end as quick as possible. Finding the right timing of running, jumping, hitting and bouncing off enemies was a joy, and it'll definitely appeal to the speedrunners and leaderboard chasing crowds. I wasn't able to test out the co-op during our session and the only details I have confirmed for now is that it will support four player couch co-op.

From a gameplay perspective, Rayman Legends Retold seems to be fine; the platforming levels still played and felt like the original, and the new dragon ride levels offered a little variety from the routine. The soundtrack sounds better than ever - with composers Chrisophe Héral and Grant Kirkhope teaming up for the remaster - and visually the game does look impressive. Those visuals also gave us some pause, though. The original Legends was done in the UbiArt Framework engine and had an almost hand-animated cartoon feeling. It lent a certain amount of whimsy and fun to the game that felt fitting to the character of Rayman on the whole. With the shift to Snowdrop, everything now has that "next gen 3D" look that feels so prevalent across the gaming landscape. The environments may be more detailed and lush but they've also lost some of the charm of the original. With titles like Cuphead, MOUSE: P.I. for Hire, and others leaning into animation styles that span the full breadth of artistic styles across the format, it would have been nice to see Rayman Legends Retold lean further into its cartoon aspects.

Rayman Legends Retold is currently slated for an October 6th release date across all major platforms; PC, PlayStation 5, the Xbox Series, and Nintendo Switch 2. Four player couch co-op will be supported throughout.


Read More]]> https://www.co-optimus.com/article/17858/rayman-legends-retold-preview-impressions.html https://www.co-optimus.com/article/17858/rayman-legends-retold-preview-impressions.html Tue, 02 Jun 2026 18:04:33 -0400 Co-Optimus Co-Op Monthly Round-Up for May 2026 Christoph Licht

June is upon us and with it comes the yearly no-longer-E3 barrage of game showcases. Place your bets now on how many titles with co-op features will be announced! Will it be all of them? Our Database Master hopes not, but why should we care what he wants?

But what to do until Geoff Keighley graces us with his divine presence again? Well, play all those games released in May, of course. How about a round of Blood: Refreshed Supply with five friends (!) in local co-op on the Nintendo Switch 2? Or going under the sea together in Subnautica 2? And if that's not your thing, there's also Deep Rock Galactic: Rogue Core for a bit of underground planet mining. If however stealing from the nobles is more your style in these trying times, then Thick As Thieves may be up your alley.

Of course, you could also just take a look below and choose for yourself from everything you might've missed. We are not here to judge. We just want you to have a good time with your friends!

Top Stories Past 30 Days

Game Releases

Games Added


Read More]]> https://www.co-optimus.com/article/17799/co-op-monthly-round-up-for-may-2026.html https://www.co-optimus.com/article/17799/co-op-monthly-round-up-for-may-2026.html Mon, 01 Jun 2026 08:00:00 -0400 Co-Optimus There's a New Roguelike Beat 'em Up on Steam Early Access: Mad King Redemption Paul Acevedo

When Absolum debuted last year (and this year on Xbox), it quickly emerged as one of the best modern beat 'em ups. A big part of Absolum's appeal is that it was the only roguelike brawler on the market. Well, that has just changed with the arrival of Mad King Redemption from Secret Mission and Pixel Doors. This one is both a beat 'em up and a roguelike, but it looks vastly different from just about any other game in the genre thanks to its bold 2.5D graphics. It also features 4-player local co-op, so it's definitely on our must-play list.

Official description:

The Kingdom has fallen to the Mad King, who has used forbidden magic to try to resuscitate the queen. But the powers of life and death were too big to handle for him, and as a consequence, the King lost his sanity. 

Drawing inspiration from beloved classics, we've crafted a beat'em'up experience that combines old-school controls and retro feelings with innovative 3D mechanics. 

Each of the 4 playable characters comes with their signature combat styles, customizable stats that impact gameplay, and detailed backstories to discover. 

Every run is unique, with randomized elements. 

Mad King Redemption - Steam

Features:

  • Retro-Modern Combat: Classic side-scrolling brawler mechanics updated for 2026.
  • Local Co-Op and Steam Remote Play: Battle through the hordes with friends locally or online.
  • High-Octane Sessions: Designed for quick iterations and pick-up-and-play accessibility.

The lack of true online play might keep Mad King Redemption from reaching Absolum's heights, but Mad King only costs half as much, so that's not surprising. Steam Remote Play Together allows two online players to team up using only one copy of the game, so it's a good solution while the game remains exclusive to PC. It's also planned for Xbox Series, though, so maybe full online play will come along in the future. We'll be watching this one!

Mad King Redemption currently costs $14.99 on Steam. It will also be released on Xbox Series, Epic, and GOG in the future.


Read More]]> https://www.co-optimus.com/article/17854/there-s-a-new-roguelike-beat-em-up-on-steam-early-access-mad-king-redemption.html https://www.co-optimus.com/article/17854/there-s-a-new-roguelike-beat-em-up-on-steam-early-access-mad-king-redemption.html Thu, 14 May 2026 14:00:54 -0400 Co-Optimus Farever, from the Makers of Evoland, Is a New Action RPG on Steam Early Access Paul Acevedo

The two Evoland Games are action RPGs that mix 2D and 3D graphics along with plenty of clever references to gaming history. Shiro Games, the developer, has taken that know-how and applied it to Farever, a new 3D action RPG in the style of Zelda: Breath of the Wild and Genshin Impact. The game has just launched in Steam Early Access, and it has already sold over 100, 000 copies. It also features 4-player online co-op, so we're definitely looking forward to trying it out.

Official description:

You’re no foretold hero, just one among many! Explore a vast open world of vibrant landscapes, alone or with allies, where dungeons, enemy camps, and curiosities lie scattered across the realm. From forgotten temples to underwater caves, Siagarta is full of wonders waiting to be discovered. Look closely, and you’ll find treasures and equipment to guide you on your adventure!

Carve your path by climbing sheer cliffs, leaping into the wind to glide above ravines, descending into hidden caverns, diving into deep lakes… Explore every layer of this world, above and below!

Farever Steam screenshot

Fight your enemies in dynamic combat, and shape a style that’s truly your own! With hundreds of combinations to explore, choose from multiple classes, each defined by distinct aptitudes, skills and playstyles, and combine unique weapons skills and attributes to unlock powerful synergies tailored to how you like to play.

Strengthen and complement your group with your own style! Coordinate your attacks to unleash devastating spells, flashy strikes and finishers, or step in to protect and support your allies. It’s yours to forge, one strike at a time!

Early Steam reviews praise the gameplay but complain about server stability. Hopefully that issue will improve as Farever progresses through the Early Access development cycle. This one looks really promising, so we'll keep an eye on it.

Farever currently sells for $19.99 on Steam.


Read More]]> https://www.co-optimus.com/article/17853/farever-from-the-makers-of-evoland-is-a-new-action-rpg-on-steam-early-access.html https://www.co-optimus.com/article/17853/farever-from-the-makers-of-evoland-is-a-new-action-rpg-on-steam-early-access.html Thu, 14 May 2026 12:00:10 -0400 Co-Optimus Cartoon Beat 'em Up 'Underling Uprising' Has Risen Up on Consoles and Steam Paul Acevedo

Sometimes, workers just really resent their bosses. The boss looks down on them, asks them to do too much, and never provides substantial raises. Who wouldn't want to rise up and overthrow the tyrannical boss? Well, that's not what Underling Uprising is about. Oh no, this game is about a group of test subjects who rebel against the mad scientist who empowered them. This fresh, new beat em up (and Kickstarter success story) comes from Dummy Dojo and Abylight Studios, and it features 4-player local co-op.

Features:

  • Up to 4-Player Local Co-Op and Versus Modes!
  • Unique playstyle, moveset and specials for each character.
  • Cartoon inspired designs and animations, with a killer OST.
  • Explore 7 lengthy stages spanning the world (and even further)!
  • Face multiple difficulties and huge bosses, for those seeking more challenge!
  • Beat your high score in Arcade Mode!
  • Pick up temporary weapons and vehicles to spice up combat!

Unxderling Uprising

The game has a pleasant and colorful art style, and there seems to be lots of personality too. The lack of online play is a drag but not surprising for a game at this price point. What's more, the Steam version supports Remote Play Together, so two PC players can team up remotely while using only one copy of the game. We'll try to give Underling Uprising a spin and get back to you... If only our whip-cracking bosses will give us some time to breathe for once!

Underling Uprising costs $14.99 on Xbox Series, PlayStation 5, Switch, and Steam.


Read More]]> https://www.co-optimus.com/article/17852/cartoon-beat-em-up-underling-uprising-has-risen-up-on-consoles-and-steam.html https://www.co-optimus.com/article/17852/cartoon-beat-em-up-underling-uprising-has-risen-up-on-consoles-and-steam.html Thu, 14 May 2026 10:00:01 -0400 Co-Optimus Co-Op Monthly Round-Up for April 2026 Christoph Licht

54 titles with co-op features were released across various platforms last month. Yesterday alone, seven games hit the digital store fronts, according to our release calendar. The database here at Co-Optimus saw 131 new entries, boosting the total number of games we track to 16,800.

Looking at these numbers, we don't think we need to say anything more about April. The month literally speaks for itself - at least as long as you take a look below and check what you might've missed. If you don't... Well, we're not your mom. Do as you please, as long as it involves a ton of co-op games being played with your friends!

Top Stories Past 30 Days

Game Releases

Games Added



Read More]]> https://www.co-optimus.com/article/17851/co-op-monthly-round-up-for-april-2026.html https://www.co-optimus.com/article/17851/co-op-monthly-round-up-for-april-2026.html Fri, 01 May 2026 08:00:00 -0400 Co-Optimus Far Far West Is Out on Steam Early Access, Pardners Paul Acevedo

Okay, so your co-op crew plays Helldivers 2 and maybe Crime Boss: Rockay City or something when you want an endless co-op experience. Still, do either of those games have robot cowboys fighting skeletons in the wild west? I don't think so! Far Far West from Evil Raptor and Fireshine Games aims to scratch that itch. It's out now on Steam Early Access, and it features some wild 4-player online steampunk shooting action.

Far Far West stars a crew of robotic bounty hunters who take on missions for the town sheriff. The team takes missions in town, selecting them from a map, and then heads into one of several sand-covered levels. Within a level, the team can complete side missions, look for collectibles, and eventually head out to fight the boss. After defeating the boss, everyone earns a weapon piece (used to unlock new guns and equipment) and rides the train back to town. In town, bounty hunters can play darts, customize their equipment, and unlock and equip Joker cards (roguelike-style buffs). 

Far Far West - Steam

The majority of the game is played from a first-person perspective. Players carry two weapons: a rifle and a pistol. Additionally, each character has two spells that recharge over time. These spells can interact with each other to enhance their effects. Spray some oil on the ground, throw a fireball at it, and any bad guys in the oil will go up in flames. Being a western-themed game with open-world maps, players can also ride on horses at any time during a mission. The camera switches to third-person view while on horseback. My gripe with horses is that you can't shoot while riding a horse. Shooting on horseback would be fun, darn it!

Far Far West - Steam

To earn greater rewards, the team can choose to take on optional side missions and even search for secret missions before they take on the boss. Some of these side missions involve puzzles. For instance, the team will need to complete a memory game or deliver ingredients in a specific order. While working on these puzzles, enemies will assault the heroes. This keeps you on your toes, but it can make it hard to focus on the puzzle when you keep getting swarmed by a horde of irate skeletons.

So far far, Far Far West is a very promising early access game. It plays very well, looks good, and has a catchy soundtrack. The Steam community loves it too, which is certainly a good sign. It will be fun to watch the game grow throughout the early access period. Hopefully it will come to consoles someday as well! We'll keep you updated.

Far Far West costs $19.99 on Steam. It's on sale for ten percent off through May 5 (Cinco de Mayo), though, so grab it while you can!

Steam download codes were provided by the publisher for this article.


Read More]]> https://www.co-optimus.com/article/17850/far-far-west-is-out-on-steam-early-access-pardners.html https://www.co-optimus.com/article/17850/far-far-west-is-out-on-steam-early-access-pardners.html Thu, 30 Apr 2026 12:00:39 -0400 Co-Optimus Puzzle Bobble Everybubble Pops Up on Steam Paul Acevedo

It seems like it was only two years ago when Taito released the first co-op console entry in the Puzzle Bobble/Bust-a-Move series, Puzzle Bobble Everybubble. That's because it was two years ago! The only major downside to Everybubble is that it was a Switch exclusive game. Other people want to play Puzzle Bobble too! Well, now some of them can, because Arc System Works has just published Puzzle Bobble Everybubble on Steam. It still features 4-player local co-op and 2-player online versus battles, not to mention plenty of bubble-popping puzzles.

Puzzle Bobble Everybubble takes place on the Rainbow Island, home to the mysterious Rainbow Tower. There, miniature dinosaurs called Miniroons come under threat, and only Bub, Bob, Peb, and Pab, the stars of the Bubble Bobble series can help. The game will feature a 4-player co-op story mode as well as Battle Mode. All modes feature the series’ traditional puzzle gameplay in which players fire bubbles from the bottom of the screen at the stacks of colored bubbles that descend from the top of the screen. Read our full co-op review for more details!

Puzzle Bobble Everybubble

Features:

Co-op Story Mode: For the first time in the series, team up with up to 4 players for local cooperative play!
More Content Than Ever: Experience a charming world with quirky characters and a substantial story—the most content-packed title in the series to date!
Global Rankings: Compete for high scores with players from around the world and climb the online leaderboards.
2vs2 Team Battles: A series first! Face off in intense 2vs2 team matches in local play.
Online Duels: Test your skills against players worldwide in 1-vs-1 online matches. Play online matches with friends far away using the Password Matchmaking feature!
Bonus Mode: Includes the Space Invaders 45th Anniversary collaboration mini-game, "Puzzle Bobble vs. Space Invaders"!

Additionally, the Steam version supports Remote Play Together, so two players can team up for story co-op with only one copy of the game.

Puzzle Bobble Everybubble! costs $39.99 on Steam and Switch. On Switch, it sells for $39.99 both digitally and physically.


Read More]]> https://www.co-optimus.com/article/17849/puzzle-bobble-everybubble-pops-up-on-steam.html https://www.co-optimus.com/article/17849/puzzle-bobble-everybubble-pops-up-on-steam.html Fri, 24 Apr 2026 08:00:28 -0400 Co-Optimus Brave Escape Gets a Big Update on Steam, and Console Versions Announced Paul Acevedo

In early 2025, Hit Start Studios released a plucky little spelunking game called Brave Escape on Steam. The game is all about a dude and his robot cooperating to make their way through a gigantic cave, and it's exclusively playable in co-op. No single-player escaping around here! Well, there's even more cave-climbing to do now thanks to the latest update, which adds 45 more levels. Additionally, we've learned that Brave Escape is coming to consoles this year.

Version 1.7 update highlights:

  • 45 brand-new levels, with 70 bonus levels total across all 7 worlds
  • World restructuring across multiple regions, adding new challenges and reorganizing progression
  • New accessibility options, including character outlines and transparency during overlap
  • Visual overhaul, featuring a new title screen, improved lighting, and enhanced environmental effects
  • Gameplay and audio improvements, including balancing updates and a new multiplayer countdown cue
  • Performance options, with configurable FPS settings (60, 120, 240, uncapped)
  • Free limited-time skins as part of the Battle for the Habitats global event

Brave Escape Battle for the Habitats

As for the "Battle for the Habitats" global event, it runs from now through June 5, World Environment Day. This cross-game event aims to raise money for the Rainforest Alliance and Oceana. Player participation in Brave Escape will unlock a cockatoo and a dugong skin for the two cave-digging characters (as pictured above).

Escape From What?

In Brave Escape, a human and his robotic companion must work their way through numerous rooms of a hazard-filled cave. The game MUST be played in co-op because single-player is not supported. On the plus side, it has a companion pass for a second player, so only one person needs to own the game. Each character has a unique ability that can help the other player get past obstacles. The human can drop a rope down ledges for his companion to climb, and the robot can boost the jumps of his warm-blooded buddy. If either player dies in a room, the team must restart the room, so both partners need to be cautious.

Brave Escape supports 2-player local and online co-op. It costs $19.99 on Steam. Xbox and PlayStation versions will be released sometime in 2026.


Read More]]> https://www.co-optimus.com/article/17848/brave-escape-gets-a-big-update-on-steam-and-console-versions-announced.html https://www.co-optimus.com/article/17848/brave-escape-gets-a-big-update-on-steam-and-console-versions-announced.html Thu, 23 Apr 2026 08:00:54 -0400 Co-Optimus Survivor Mercs Prepares to Launch on Consoles and PC on April 30 Paul Acevedo

Last year, we played a demo of Survivor Mercs, an upcoming bullet heaven (Vampire Survivors-style) shooter with a military theme. At the time, developer Wandering Wizard was targeting a summer release for the game. Well, sometimes things work out better than planned. Survivor Mercs is now due out on Xbox, PlayStation, and Steam (where it's currently in Early Access) on April 30. It's not much longer until we get to survive some mercs, baby!

Features:

  • Squad-building roguelike gameplay: Build your squad from a large roster of Mercs with unique loadouts, behavior, and specialization trees. Exploit game-breaking synergies to annihilate your oppressors in ever-changing operations.

  • Your Commander, your way: Control an individual Commander clone generated from over 15,000 combinations of unique Traits. Whether you play as a hawk-eyed Infiltrator, a greedy One-Man Army, or a vampiric Ninja, no two runs are alike.

Survivor Mercs

  • Twin-stick action: Actively aim, shoot, dash, and fight alongside your Mercs with dozens of weapons and abilities across procedurally generated maps with distinct stages, mission parameters, difficulty tiers, and unique bosses.

  •  Tons of loot: Find dozens of powerful Gear items to modify and improve your squad each operation, and expand your Bunker HQ with rooms built from scavenged loot to unlock permanent bonuses.

  • Co-op chaos: Team up in couch co-op or via Steam Remote Play Together. Fully compatible with all controllers, keyboard + mouse, and verified on Steam Deck.

It will be great to see how Survivor Mercs shapes up with the full game release. Last year's demo was a lot of fun, so this game has a chance to be something special. 4-player local co-op is more players than the usual bullet heaven game supports, so that's a lot of co-op in store for us.

Survivor Mercs will arrive on Xbox Series, PlayStation 5, and Steam on Thursday, April 30. Well, the Steam version is already available for $9.99, but it will get the Version 1.0 update and leave early access when the console versions arrive.


Read More]]> https://www.co-optimus.com/article/17847/survivor-mercs-prepares-to-launch-on-consoles-and-pc-on-april-30.html https://www.co-optimus.com/article/17847/survivor-mercs-prepares-to-launch-on-consoles-and-pc-on-april-30.html Wed, 22 Apr 2026 12:00:48 -0400 Co-Optimus Rayman Legends Retold Co-Optimus PlayStation 5, Switch 2, Xbox Series and PC to our database of Co-Op games!

]]> https://www.co-optimus.com/related-news/rayman-legends-retold https://www.co-optimus.com/related-news/rayman-legends-retold Tue, 02 Jun 2026 17:21:43 -0400 Co-Optimus Wreck Runners Co-Optimus PC to our database of Co-Op games!

]]> https://www.co-optimus.com/related-news/wreck-runners https://www.co-optimus.com/related-news/wreck-runners Mon, 01 Jun 2026 13:42:48 -0400 Co-Optimus World of Anterra Co-Optimus PC to our database of Co-Op games!

]]> https://www.co-optimus.com/related-news/world-of-anterra https://www.co-optimus.com/related-news/world-of-anterra Sun, 31 May 2026 12:19:50 -0400 Co-Optimus Nailcrown Co-Optimus PC to our database of Co-Op games!

]]> https://www.co-optimus.com/related-news/nailcrown https://www.co-optimus.com/related-news/nailcrown Sun, 31 May 2026 05:07:20 -0400 Co-Optimus Marsupilami 2 - Salsa Palombia Co-Optimus PC, Switch 2, PlayStation 5, Xbox One and Xbox Series to our database of Co-Op games!


Buy Marsupilami 2 - Salsa Palombia @ Amazon to support Co-Optimus.


Buy Marsupilami 2 - Salsa Palombia @ Amazon to support Co-Optimus.

]]> https://www.co-optimus.com/related-news/marsupilami-2-salsa-palombia https://www.co-optimus.com/related-news/marsupilami-2-salsa-palombia Sat, 30 May 2026 06:05:16 -0400 Co-Optimus Gekioh: Shooting King Co-Optimus Classic, Playstation 3, PlayStation 5 and Switch 2 to our database of Co-Op games!

]]> https://www.co-optimus.com/related-news/gekioh-shooting-king https://www.co-optimus.com/related-news/gekioh-shooting-king Sat, 30 May 2026 05:56:58 -0400 Co-Optimus Springbot: The Last Spark Co-Optimus Nintendo Switch to our database of Co-Op games!

]]> https://www.co-optimus.com/related-news/springbot-the-last-spark https://www.co-optimus.com/related-news/springbot-the-last-spark Sat, 30 May 2026 04:44:28 -0400 Co-Optimus Beat The Champions Co-Optimus PC, Xbox One, Xbox Series, PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5 and Nintendo Switch to our database of Co-Op games!

]]> https://www.co-optimus.com/related-news/beat-the-champions https://www.co-optimus.com/related-news/beat-the-champions Sat, 30 May 2026 04:30:02 -0400 Co-Optimus Deadzone Rogue 2 Co-Optimus PC, PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series to our database of Co-Op games!

]]> https://www.co-optimus.com/related-news/deadzone-rogue-2 https://www.co-optimus.com/related-news/deadzone-rogue-2 Thu, 28 May 2026 11:34:14 -0400 Co-Optimus JUMP KING QUEST Co-Optimus PC to our database of Co-Op games!

]]> https://www.co-optimus.com/related-news/jump-king-quest https://www.co-optimus.com/related-news/jump-king-quest Wed, 27 May 2026 12:37:43 -0400 Co-Optimus