"Couch"/Local Co-Op Game Recommendations

[NoctemDead]

Without trying to self-promote, I got an opportunity to try a piece of software on stream that allows a user to host a game that is usually couch co-op, and transmit the game via a link to another person (or people) who can play the game from their own browser or phone acting as a gamepad on the host computer. I'm looking for suggestions for games to play during this stream segment. The program acts as additional controller inputs so it would seem that any game that can recognize controller inputs is a go.

Does NOT have to be retro. Indie games welcome as well. Bonus if relatively short and sweet, easy to cap games in a couple-10 minutes so that people can be swapped out if need be. The team who reached out to me has not seen anybody try it with emulators yet, but I am going to try some emulated games (maybe Crash Bash or Crash Team Racing, or some Tekken to start) and see if I can set it up. Otherwise, games that are on GOG/Steam or otherwise available on PC are fine. Cheaper is preferred. Preferably games that don't need the absolute tightest latency and can be played reasonably well on a phone with touch input. Stuff that's easy to pick up and have fun with, if not be a master of right away.

I was recommended Castle Crashers by the team. I'm also considering something like Sonic Adventure 2 multiplayer or Sega & Sonic All-Stars Racing.

Personally I think Super Smash Bros. or Mario Kart would be a great way to go but that would involve emulating and I don't want to be in a position where I'm being paid to emulate a Nintendo game haha. That's just poking the bear IMO.

Any suggestions welcome! Thank you

Full disclosure: I was offered a sponsorship by this company but have not accepted yet, am doing my due diligence to put together a plan for an entertaining stream before I accept. The sponsorship covers only streams, not forum posts such as this one, and I have no incentive to share anything about it here other than to get ideas :)

 

[Kamako]

For Co-Op,
World of Illusion on SEGA Genesis/Megadrive

It's an easy-going Disney platformer with 2 player story mode that can be completed in about an hour. :)

Simple controls as well so players won't have to spend ages learning a whole new control scheme. Run, Attack, Jump. That's it pretty much

For PvP,
Bishi Bashi Special on PS1
Quick mini game based tournament game. Alot like later Wario games. Tonnes of variety. Easy for players to jump in and out

 

[Zerpina]

TMNT Shredders Revenge would be a good one, and Looks/Feels Retro
And, is a Fun game!

 

[Bonkers225]

Virtua Tennis series
Chip N Dale
Ragnarok Odyssey
Streets of Rage 4
Burnout series
Timesplitters

 

[freebie#47]

I think the only couch co-op games I ever played was Racing and Fighting games. AND Gauntlet. Closest thing I got to a D&D like multiparty game.

 

[Spike's iconSpike]

It takes two.

Save 80% on It Takes Two on Steam

Embark on the craziest journey of your life in It Takes Two. Invite a friend to join for free with Friend’s Pass and work together across a huge variety of gleefully disruptive gameplay challenges. Winner of GAME OF THE YEAR at the Game Awards 2021.

store.steampowered.com

But both get to see what the other person is doing on split screen.
So it's better on a wide monitor.

 

[Ezri_Muldoon]

My girlfriend and I have had a lot of fun co-oping this gem

 

[ATenderLad]

Overcooked is a *hilarious* way to stress test a relationship, platonic or otherwise.

 

[medisinn]

If you want something that is relatively quick, either through beating it or by getting a game over, perhaps a beat'em up or space shooter? Such as...

Streets of Rage
Golden Axe
Double Dragon II
Streets of Red

Life Force
Gradius
R-Type
Jamestown

 

[Anim8rDude Anim8rDude]

If you're still taking some, Dragon's Crown would fit the bill perfectly. As simple or complex as you want it to be, quick sessions/runs, easy to switch out players, & great fun.

 

[NoctemDead]

Bishi Bashi Special on PS1

I'll see about acquiring this one, I think it would be a ton of fun at house parties even if I don't use it this time!

Burnout series

Burnout would get my streams muted so fast with the copyrighted music, but that would be so fun! Maybe a thing for a Discord game night where that's not a concern.

I think the only couch co-op games I ever played was Racing and Fighting games. AND Gauntlet. Closest thing I got to a D&D like multiparty game.

Gauntlet! Good call, forgot about the good times I had with that.

It takes two.

Save 80% on It Takes Two on Steam

Embark on the craziest journey of your life in It Takes Two. Invite a friend to join for free with Friend’s Pass and work together across a huge variety of gleefully disruptive gameplay challenges. Winner of GAME OF THE YEAR at the Game Awards 2021.

store.steampowered.com

But both get to see what the other person is doing on split screen.
So it's better on a wide monitor.

This would be a lot of fun but also a big investment for a 1-2 hr sponsor segment on a stream. However, may be cool for a future in-depth playthrough with another streamer.

If you're still taking some, Dragon's Crown would fit the bill perfectly. As simple or complex as you want it to be, quick sessions/runs, easy to switch out players, & great fun.

I don't have any experience emulating PS3/Vita so I'm not sure if I can incorporate this one to a PC-based stream easily or not, but this game seems to have rave reviews and I've never heard of it so I will be investigating for my own purposes regardless.

Thanks for the input everybody! Some good ideas here, even the ones I didn't specifically quote

 

[Anim8rDude Anim8rDude]

I don't have any experience emulating PS3/Vita so I'm not sure if I can incorporate this one to a PC-based stream easily or not

My bad, I was entirely convinced Dragon's Crown Pro had a steam version! What the heck, guess I'll google that next time. Yeah PS3 emulation might be troublesome on a couple of levels. Well, hopefully things go well for the rest!

(Man, Dragon's Crown is really stuck on PS consoles?)

 

[stealthRUSH stealthRUSH]

The Adventures of Cookie & Cream (Kuri Kuri Mix) on PS2

 

[PrismRed]

For PvP,
Bishi Bashi Special on PS1

Ah yes, Controller Destroyer 2000.