Finding a co-op experience in the survival horror genre can be tricky, and Resident Evil, a cornerstone of the genre, is no exception. So, what Resident Evil games are co-op? Let’s dive into the terrifying world of Resident Evil and uncover which titles allow you to face the horrors with a friend.
Teaming Up Against the T-Virus: A Look at Co-op Resident Evil
The Resident Evil franchise has a long and storied history, filled with both solo and cooperative experiences. While the series is known for its tense atmosphere and isolating gameplay, several entries have embraced the power of teamwork, letting players share the scares and strategize together. Identifying which games offer co-op can be confusing, so we’ll break down the key titles and their unique approaches to cooperative play.
The Pioneers of Resident Evil Co-op
Some early Resident Evil titles featured co-op, though it wasn’t always the traditional “play through the whole game together” experience. Resident Evil 5 was a groundbreaking entry, featuring a full campaign designed for two players. Chris Redfield and Sheva Alomar’s adventure in Kijuju became a benchmark for co-op action horror. Resident Evil 6 continued this trend, offering multiple intertwined campaigns with varying co-op partners and gameplay styles. While the stories and characters differed, the focus on cooperative play remained central to the experience.
The Evolution of Co-op in Resident Evil Revelations
The Resident Evil Revelations series also took a stab at co-op, albeit with a different approach. Revelations 2 introduced episodic releases, featuring two separate but connected storylines that could be played cooperatively. Claire Redfield and Moira Burton’s narrative focused on puzzle-solving and resource management, while Barry Burton and Natalia Korda’s storyline leaned more towards combat. This unique structure provided a compelling asymmetrical co-op experience.
Spin-offs and Multiplayer Modes
Beyond the main series, several Resident Evil spin-offs and additional modes offer unique co-op experiences. Resident Evil: Operation Raccoon City allowed players to team up as Umbrella Security Service operatives, providing a different perspective on the Raccoon City incident. Umbrella Corps offered competitive multiplayer with elements of co-op strategy, though its focus wasn’t solely on cooperative play. These titles offered a departure from the core survival horror gameplay while still embracing teamwork and strategic collaboration.
Which Resident Evil Games Offer Online Co-op?
While several Resident Evil games feature co-op, not all offer online functionality. Resident Evil 5 and Resident Evil 6 fully support online co-op, allowing players to team up with friends or strangers worldwide. Resident Evil Revelations 2 also allows for online co-op in its Raid Mode, a separate game mode focused on wave-based combat. However, the main campaign of Revelations 2 primarily focuses on local split-screen co-op.
Local Co-op Options
For those preferring a couch co-op experience, several Resident Evil games offer local split-screen play. Resident Evil 5, Resident Evil 6, and the main campaign of Resident Evil Revelations 2 all support local co-op, allowing friends to share the scares side-by-side. This can enhance the shared experience of survival horror, fostering communication and teamwork in a more direct and intimate setting.
“Local co-op is where it’s at for Resident Evil,” says renowned gaming journalist and horror aficionado, Amelia “Milly” Blackwood. “Nothing beats sharing the jumpscares and strategic planning with a friend right next to you on the couch.”
Choosing the Right Co-op Resident Evil Experience
The best co-op Resident Evil game for you depends on your preferences. Do you crave the intense action of Resident Evil 5? Or perhaps the more strategic and puzzle-focused gameplay of Revelations 2 is more your style? Considering the different approaches to co-op, along with factors like online vs. local play, will help you determine which game best fits your needs.
Resident Evil 6 Multiple Co-op Campaign Options
Expanding the Umbrella: The Future of Co-op in Resident Evil
With the success of previous co-op ventures, it’s exciting to consider the future of cooperative play in the Resident Evil franchise. Will future installments build upon the foundations laid by Resident Evil 5 and 6? Or perhaps explore new and innovative approaches to shared survival horror? Only time will tell what terrifying delights await us in the future of co-op Resident Evil.
Conclusion
So, what Resident Evil games are co-op? From the action-packed adventures of Resident Evil 5 and 6 to the unique asymmetrical co-op of Revelations 2, the series has offered a variety of ways to experience survival horror with a friend. Whether you prefer online or local co-op, there’s a Resident Evil game out there waiting to be played together. Now, grab a partner and prepare to face the horrors together!
FAQ
- Does Resident Evil 7 have co-op? No, Resident Evil 7 is a single-player experience.
- Can I play Resident Evil Village co-op? No, Resident Evil Village is designed for single-player gameplay.
- Is Resident Evil 4 Remake co-op? No, the Resident Evil 4 Remake is primarily a single-player experience, though some separate modes might offer multiplayer options.
- What is the best Resident Evil game for co-op? This is subjective, but Resident Evil 5 is often considered a classic co-op experience.
- Can I play Resident Evil Revelations 2 online co-op? The Raid Mode supports online co-op, but the main campaign is primarily designed for local split-screen.
- Does Resident Evil 5 have local co-op? Yes, Resident Evil 5 offers local split-screen co-op.
- Which Resident Evil games offer online co-op? Primarily Resident Evil 5, Resident Evil 6, and the Raid Mode in Resident Evil Revelations 2.
