Multiplayer Definition Revised
Monday, June 21, 2010 at 1:31PM Old vs. New
I'll admit it, I'm a co-op whore. When I first hear about a new game in the works the first thing that comes to mind is - are there any multiplayer components? When I was younger, I'd game with my twin brother all the time in games whenever possible such as Kirby's Adventure on SNES, 007 on N64, or tag teamed in WWE on PS1. Even though they weren't online and achievements didn't exist yet, we'd still play the co-op campaigns over and over.
Greatest way to waste away a summer, really.
Anyways, what I'm getting at is that I think that with the gaming community demanding more than just single player games, the developers feel as if they are being forced to come up with online features even if it wasn't in the beginning plan. In that case, new generation of video games have lost that spark the old consoles had and formed a new one. (Yeah it's less frustrating playing split screen on a TV when it's a 2D side scroller over a 3D first person shooter.) This year alone has come out with more great solid games than I've ever seen. All these powerful engines & very talented people shooting out games like Red Dead Redemption with its beautiful world, Super Mario Galaxy 2 with extremely fun game play, and Bioshock 2 with its intriguing narrative... How many of this year’s games were released without some type of multiplayer mode or co-op team system added? In my opinion, Nintendo is somewhat secretly hanging onto that and people are still enjoying their games without having to stress about wanting to fulfill that crave to play online.
Don't get me wrong. We all need our single player game fix once in a while, but once you've beaten it why not have the option to keep playing it outside the campaign? It is ironic how we love multiplayer but seldom scoop up multiplayer only games (like MAG or Shadowrun)?
Nowadays playing online with friends or strangers is more important than ever for the hardcore gamer. If games during these times were shipped without the achievement or trophy type goals, co-op, or online modes they will be less likely to sell (look at the numbers.) Games are not cheap and if a game is repayable there's a higher chance that consumers won't sell, trade in, or rent them. Developers want to keep you hanging onto their games as long as possible if not forever by promising us more downloadable content more frequently.
(Might I add that it is working on me.)
I started off gaming on the NES with Mario at age 5. That generation of gamers hardly ever bought their own games on those old school consoles thanks to parents, friends, and family because we were just a kid! Back then I never thought to myself "I don't want this game because I'll only play it once". Now I've grown up into an adult and have to pay for my own games which have altered my view on that subject. I think "is this game worth the 60 bucks for one play through? If so, I might as well borrow it."
I'm all for multiplayer. I crave for all new games to allow me to interact with friends and random people all over the world. Sad thing is, even if I buy a game that says it has online with it of some sort I may never even tried it out. (WHY?) The new console generation has seared into my brain that having online will satisfy me with my purchase, regardless of use.
Other 
Reader Comments (8)
i love co-op and am very reluctant to buy a game without it
I really only play co-op split screen games on consoles anymore singleplayer has never done it for me unless its an FF game.
I only play co-op so I can play with a
Gamecrush girl!!!
It depends on the game. Imagine if the original Legend of Zelda were a multiplayer? Mighty Link and his brother...Keith...seeking the pieces of the Triforce of Wisdom.
What if Simon and Joey Belmont sought to slay the evil Dracula in Castlevania?
And how different of a world would we be in if Guybrush Threepwood had help (well, more help than he did) in discovering the Secret of Monkey Island?
While I do agree with your argument that multiplayer can bring so much more to a game, I think that sometimes we need to spend a little time on our own appreciating the game for the game, not the fun we're having with someone else.
Me and my buddies are always looking for 4 player co-op games, like champions of norrath or marvel ultimate alliance. first co-op game i played was ninja turtles on nes. amazing stuff. it makes the game so much more fun. co-op ftw.
Co-op is a must for me.
While I can do the whole 'lone wolf' shenanigans in a player vs all environment, nothing quite beats team play. Recent games that have done it well are Borderlands and Battlefield Bad Company 2 (probably the best MP experience on 360 IMHO, and really made some of the new Halo Reach game modes look lame sauce.
As for split screen co-op; it often falls by the wayside, and many developers seem to not believe in it - that and games are often on the bleeding edge and there isn't enough power to render a second GUI. Halo 3 and Borderlands have epic split screen co-op campaigns (I would have said ODST too, but for the fail night time mission selection).
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