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Avoiding the "Tagalong Trap"
Many games claim to be co-op, but offer an experience where only one player is needed to beat the game, the other can simply “tag along.” The second player is effectively rendered superfluous and begs the question: How can we avoid this “tagalong trap?"
Originally posted on the Shadow Puppeteer development blog.
In this blog we’re going to look at cooperative games, and identify components that make them “true co-op games” where both players perform active and meaningful roles, as well as cite examples of how we implemented these components when designing Shadow Puppeteer.
Cooperative games challenge players to work together: To succeed or fail as a team as they strive to reach a common goal. In these games, players can have identical or differing abilities. As such, we will not be covering competitive or adversarial multiplayer titles like Street Fighter or Mario Kart.
The first recorded co-op game was Fire Truck [1978]. Fire Truck challenged one player to steer the front of a fire truck while the other maneuvered the rear. Examples of more recent co-op games include Monaco: What’s Yours is Mine and Portal 2.
But not all co-op games are created equal. Some co-ops are engaging, giving both players a sense of purpose, while others can cause frustration or apathy due to an imbalance in the distribution of skills to each player. So, what makes a good co-op experience? This was the central question Sarepta studio asked ourselves as we began development on Shadow Puppeteer. And to answer it, we examined co-op games throughout history to identify what makes a good co-op game deliver an unforgettable and unique experience.
Our analysis and internal discussions resulted in the identification of three components that we believe define what we call “true co-op games.”
1. Relies on two or more players
Many co-op games offer players two ways to play the same version of the game: one that you can play by yourself, and another that you can play with another player. But unless all players are integral to the completion of the game, there can be limited incentive to cooperate.
For example, Little Big Planet has sections that you can only access and complete if you have the minimum required number of players. By comparison, the NES title Chip ‘n Dale Rescue Rangers can be played in both single player and co-op. In this example, the addition of another player makes the game become easier, making it more accessible to less skilled players.
Consider the difference between requiring and allowing two players.
2. Each Player has different roles/skills
Very often in co-op games, the two characters have identical roles or skills. This can result in players dividing tasks throughout the game between them to increase efficiency. This can also, and most often does, result in one character performing all major actions, while the second simply “tags along.”
A good example, of how different player skills can create an engaging co-op experience, is Trine 2. Players control three characters with different abilities: The wizard can cast spells that move or create objects, the thief can use a grapple or a bow and arrows, while the knight has superior fighting abilities and strength. Conversely, in Halo 3: ODST both players play an Orbital Drop Shock Trooper, and although they can choose to equip different weapons, each player's’ skills and abilities are identical.
Do your characters have the same skills and abilities inside the game, and how does that effect your co-op play?
3. Each player has equal importance/ tasks to perform
A good co-op game should engage all players equally, i.e., avoid having one feel like a “sidekick.” Whether players have different or similar skills and abilities, it’s important that they both feel like active, contributing members.
In Ibb & Obb both characters are presented as equals. The two can either move in the world above the ground with regular gravity, or use portals to walk upside down in the world below. They have similar skills and abilities, but some portals can only be used by specific characters. This ensures that both players take on an active role where they contribute. Both the path above and below offers challenges, and the players take turns having to perform important tasks in order for both to progress.
Another example of this is Paul & Percy. Unlike Ibb & Obb