Top 10 BEST Games To Play On The Couch with Friends!

Featuring intuitive and highly addictive gameplay, this little game could have started as an Ouya exclusive before moving to the PS4 the year after its release. Up to 4 players control archers in a single-screen arena, desperately trying to pierce each other full of arrows using an assortment of power-ups. While the game is praised for its fast-paced and competitive play, it also includes a stellar co-op option where you and a friend progress through increasingly difficult levels. With its release on Xbox One and an upcoming Nintendo Switch port due in late 2017, there’s no reason you shouldn’t check out this great indie title.

Taking its inspiration from 80s action movies and cranking up the intensity to 11, this PS4 indie features cooperative Contra-like gameplay for up to 4 players. You and your friends take control of various “Bros” who are parodies of their 80s counterparts. Featuring characters like “Rambro” and “The Brominator,” each Bro offers a unique set of abilities. While the gameplay and story are simplistic, the fun comes from just how over-the-top each level can get. With all the explosions and bad puns that classic action films are known for, this old-school homage will leave you and your friends pumped to play.

A follow-up to 2011’s “Rayman Origins,” this side-scrolling sequel improved on its predecessor in almost every way. Not only does it include many levels from the original, but the graphics are beautifully enhanced. There are also two new characters to play; Murfy, who’s Rayman’s guide, and Barbara, who’s accompanied by her Viking sisters. Up to 4 people can play cooperatively through each of the wacky levels, but with a competitive twist to see who can collect the most lums. You can even humorously beat each other up, though you thankfully don’t take any damage. The whole game is jsut overflowing with heart. Oh and let’s not forget those awesome-sounding musical levels.

In another game that’s an improvement over its predecessor, 2 players are pitted against one another in a hilariously gruesome duel to the death. Using weapons like knives, swords, and bows, you must throw whatever you can pick up at your opponent if you hope to win. Or you can just forgo the weapons and stomp their face in. While you do die from one hit, the fun comes from being able to deflect your opponent’s attacks, making for some pretty intense matches. Add in some cartoonish character designs and various worlds to fight on, and you’ve got hours of fun ahead.

While they may not change much in gameplay from title to title, the Lego games have always offered a great source of fun, local co-op play. No matter which of their games you decide to play, you can rest assured that you and a friend are in for some entertaining adventures and puzzle solving. The franchises family-friendly gameplay along with multiple titles makes them enjoyable for all ages. With iconic characters from Harry Potter, Star Wars, DC, and Marvel (just to name a few) there’s something for everyone to enjoy.

Gamers may have had to wait a while before they could get their hands on this one, but that doesn’t change the fact that it offers some of the best and most insane 2-player co-op in recent years. Like “Battletoads” for a new generation, this game is also incredibly difficult, tasking players with defeating one ridiculous boss after another. It’s this high level of difficulty that makes the game so rewarding, and it’s sure to form a bond between you and your partner, which is pretty rare in multiplayer games these days.

While playing through the third title in Blizzard’s massive franchise alone can be fun, it’s when you add friends that the game kicks into high-gear. Up to 4 players can choose from a variety of classes in this dark fantasy hack-n-slash, with even more options in the Ultimate Evil Edition. Your team can upgrade their characters with the loot found from slaying all manner of terrifying monsters. And while you’d think the game would be easier with more people, the damage and durability of the monsters increase depending on how many party members you have. With so many ways to play, there’s lots of content for you and your crew to experience.

Just because the gameplay is simple, doesn’t mean this game won’t bring you tons of co-op fun. You and up to 3 other players control chefs in a fast-paced cooking environment. The levels can change from a standard kitchen to a frozen lake, a ship, and even a space station, with each level offering unique challenges. While the game may start off easy, it’s not long before it throws some curveballs at you. With the challenges escalating in difficulty, communication becomes increasingly important. “Overcooked” was made for couch co-op. In fact, as of right now, there’s not even an online multiplayer option. Each tough level you accomplish will have you and your buddy’s craving more.

In what many consider to be the best of the series, Nintendo once again knocked it out of the park with this multiplayer behemoth. Up to 4 players can compete for first-place glory. Offering characters in different weight classes and featuring a variety of carts, wheels, and gliders, “Mario Kart 8” is the most customizable in the series. With 32 tracks to start as well as 16 DLC tracks, there’s no shortage of courses for you and your friends to race on, though the strength of those friendships will surely be tested. And with the Switch version comes an assortment of battle modes, meaning there’s plenty of racing to enjoy for years to come.

Do you sometimes wish “Fifa” could be played with rocket-powered cars instead of people? Well then, this one might be for you. While it’s now become a huge eSport, the game offers plenty of options for you and your buddies to play at home. Whether it be one v one, two v two, or an online match against an opposing team, there are plenty of local multiplayer options. It’s the perfect blend of intuitive yet intense gameplay, making it possible for anyone to pickup and enjoy (with a bit of practice of course.) With availability across many major platforms, there’s no reason not to give it a shot. You won’t be disappointed.