The Top 75 PlayStation 5 Local Co-Op and Multiplayer Games to Play With Your Kid: 26 - 50

In the second part of our series, Jump Dash Roll’s resident Gamefather and his son return to look at more of the best local co-op and multiplayer games the PlayStation 5 has to offer.

Part one can be found here.

As with the other parts of this series, we have given a provisional age rating that is purely our suggestion, and will differ from the PEGI rating assigned to the game. It is important that you see them as different. Our rating is just about what age a kid would enjoy playing the game, or be able to pick it up etc. Every child is different, and if you are playing with your child you might want to play it first and decide whether it is suitable or not.

With all that in mind, let’s dive into the next batch of PlayStation 5 co-op and local multiplayer goodness!

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50. Tools Up! (All in! Games)

In a nutshell: Overcooked comes to Ikea. Home improvement against the clock.

Kid says: Quite clunky and rough, this game can still be fun and it feels great when you can pull it off.

Dad says: Home Improvement done in an Overcooked style, it lacks the polish of the cooking classic, but there is still fun to be had. It’s a challenge, and more frustrating than it should be due to some dodgy controls at times, but it is still worth a look if you like that kind of teamwork.

Kid age: 7+

PEGI Rating: 3

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49. Lara Croft and the Temple of Osiris (Square Enix)

In a nutshell: Solve puzzles and defeat enemies to gain loot and explore an isometric world.

Kid says: I definitely enjoyed this more than my dad. The loot is exciting, the game play is really fun and every character has their part to play.

Dad says: Starts off fun, but I can never shake the feeling that it is actually kind of uninspired. Feels like better games just have more of a spark in the implementation. This is polished and a good blaster, but I always end up wishing I was playing something else instead.

Kid age: 12+

PEGI Rating: 12

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48. Enter the Gungeon (Devolver Digital)

In a nutshell: Fiendishly difficult retro roguelike shoot-em-up dungeon explorer

Kid says: This game has certain features such as special gun types and good boss fights that are quite good, but overall, it is an average twin-stick shooter with little progression and not much of a campaign.

Dad says: I definitely like this a lot more than my son does. There is something about the shoot-out nature of this fiendishly hard blaster that is so brilliantly judged. I love kicking over a table, hiding behind it, and switching to my better gun, before clearing the room then forgetting to reload, before storming into the next room and getting wiped out. The retro look isn’t for everyone, the difficulty will put others off, and the lack of options for the co-op player is frustrating. They just feel like such an afterthought; it’s a shame. But I feel I will keep going back to this one, despite my co-op player not enjoying it anywhere near as much. I think it’s because it’s one of the very few games where I do better — or maybe it’s because the feeling of bursting into a room with a loaded gun makes me channel my inner Clint Eastwood.

Kid age: 12+

PEGI Rating: 7

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47. Trine 4: The Nightmare Prince (Modus Games)

In a nutshell: Switch between characters with different abilities to solve this 2D platform puzzle game.

Kid says: I really like Trine 4 because the puzzles feel original and not repetitive, the fighting varies from character to character and the developers have made good use of the platforming mechanics.

Dad says: This is a really well thought out game, with good characters, clever puzzles, and nice controls. I always start it and think “why don’t we play this more often?”, then I end up getting bored and wanting to play something else. Like others on this list, I think the issue may be more mine than the game, as I just don’t particularly go for platform puzzlers. If you do, you will probably enjoy this one.

Kid age: 12+

PEGI Rating: 12

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46. Stikbold! A Dodgeball Adventure (Reign Bros)

In a nutshell: Knockabout fun, literally, as you aim to be the last character standing by hitting everyone else with a ball.

Kid says: While this can be a laugh, it is definitely better with more than two people as the roles characters play when they die are the most creative and fun part of the game. Even though I like the game, the campaign doesn't feel as fun, as I think it takes away the best part of the game: the chaos and competitive aspect of competing against friends and family.

Dad says: A quick and fun blast, better with more than two people, we rarely get this out just for two-player, but whenever my nephews are over as well, this is one of the regular rotation party games, though it is never on for too long.

Kid age: 7

PEGI Rating: 7

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45. The Escapists 2 (Sold Out)

In a nutshell: Settle into prison routine to avoid suspicion while looking for a way to escape.

Kid says: This is a really fun idea, and the actual prison life has been pulled off quite well, as you can do almost anything you want. However, the main aspect of the game — escaping — ends up being the same every time because it seems to be the only escape method if you are playing with two players. This leads to most playthroughs feeling the same.

Dad says: We have put way more hours into this than we probably should have. I don’t know if that is a compliment or an insult. Strangely addictive, it is also repetitive. While you can co-op, many of the endings aren’t allowed for two players, so we always escape by digging our way out which gets dull. Very enjoyable until you work out the best escape route though, and it has a really fun atmosphere while you go about your tasks, both together and separately, dishing out beatings for money, working out in the gym, hiding loot in your cell and planning that clever escape.

Kid age: 12+

PEGI Rating: 7

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44. Magicka 2 (Paradox Interactive)

In a nutshell: Learn spells by combining the elements to different effect in order to defeat enemies in this impossibly difficult action game.

Kid says: The idea behind this game is really epic. I love the magic system and friendly fire, but overall, the difficulty level is very uneven throughout the game. Unless you are a pro gamer, Magicka 2 proves very difficult.

Dad says: I echo the above comments really. A very clever system for a game, it makes me feel really stupid, because I can’t remember the combinations when I am being chased by the numerous, powerful, fast enemies. I panic and run around in circles, and instead of cleverly working out which of the elements to combine, and how best to wield it, like I learned in the tutorial, I run around screaming, set myself on fire, and then die.

Kid age: 12+

PEGI Rating: 16

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43. Lego DC Super-Villains (Warner Bros. Interactive Entertainment)

In a nutshell: Lego game. Puzzles. Enemies. Different setting.

Kid says: This is up there in the best Lego games due to its originality. Playing as villains provides a whole new bunch of good missions and puzzles which really boost the game up.

Dad says: My son can differentiate all these Lego games. I can’t. You solve puzzles by switching characters, beat up enemies, die, respawn, continue. It's fun to play with your kid, especially when they’re just getting into games, but there are no real stakes (you can’t run out of lives, for example), and it just all feels too repetitive after a while. Rest assured though, if you like the Lego games, I’m sure you’ll like this one.

Kid age: 7+

PEGI Rating: 7

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42. Duck Game (Adult Swim)

In a nutshell: Last man standing one-screen combat hilarity. Use any weapons you can find before they get used on you.

Kid says: For a competitive platformer, this is definitely up there because of its original ideas in weapons and accessories. It has a very high skill cap for this type of game but spamming works sometimes. It is a good laugh but can get repetitive eventually.

Dad says: Cartoon violence, incredibly quick gameplay, rounds can take seconds, it’s a free for all that works a lot better for four players than for two. It feels really fun to play, very responsive, and some hilarious weapons. This game never lasts too long, but for a quick blast it’s as good as most.

Kid age: 12+

PEGI Rating: 12

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41. Unravel Two

In a nutshell: Two beings made of wool use their strange abilities to traverse a world filled with puzzles.

Kid says: This is a relaxing, peaceful puzzle game that forces good teamwork with imaginative and fun gameplay. I think that the reason we never got too into it was because of the lack of excitement or immersion that other games bring.

Dad says: Lovely to look at, with clever puzzles and a relaxed co-operative feel to it. I don’t often feel like playing platform puzzle games, and once you have solved the puzzles, I’m not sure how much reason there is to go back and do it again. It does feel quite an adventure the first time you play it though, and there’s an involving hint of backstory going on in the background as well.

Kid age: 12+

PEGI Rating: 7

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40. Ben 10 Power Trip (Outright Games)

In a nutshell: Become Ben with all his abilities to fight lots of enemies in a 3D world.

Kid says: This is a really fun game with good gameplay and quite a long campaign. It is a decent difficulty level, but a weird coop feature stops the second player from joining in until a certain point. This definitely hinders the beginning of the game but after co-op becomes available, it's a blast.

Dad says: Great for the younger gamer, especially fans of the series. We don’t seem to go back to this now he’s older and not a fan of the series, but we got a lot of play out of this back in the day. For the right age, this is a great way to introduce your kid to puzzle solving and some low-difficulty fighting.

Kid age: 7+

PEGI Rating: 7

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39. SpiderHeck (tinyBuild)

In a nutshell: It’s about time someone made an impossible platform combat game featuring spiders and lightsabers.

Kid says: This is a very difficult platformer game that makes very good use of grappling and weapon mechanics to make very fun gameplay. It can be played either against others or co-op if either the skill gap is too big or players just want something else.

Dad says: This is way beyond my abilities. I love the look of the game, but it’s as much as I can do to pick a weapon up and then throw it or swing it, much less hit someone. I’m the cannon fodder for younger cooler spiders, but for those with ninja controller abilities I’m sure it’s a blast. When this is on amongst a bunch of teenagers though, I’ll go and make a cup of tea rather than embarrass myself…

Kid age: 12+

PEGI Rating: 7

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38. Lego Marvel's Avengers (Warner Bros. Interactive Entertainment)

In a nutshell: Lego. Avengers. Puzzles. Battles.

Kid says: Getting through this game's campaign isn't amazing but it’s not bad. However, it is once the campaign is done and freeplay is unlocked that the game really becomes fun. The city has a lot of quests and leaping around the city with Hulk feels great.

Dad says: Yet another Lego game. This one I do remember, as it was the first we played after the original Lego Marvel Superheroes, which we played to completion. This felt much more rushed, incorporating weird clips from the films at different volumes, the controls were clunkier, and the levels badly thought out and a bit buggy. What made it worthwhile was the city once you get to freeplay mode. We had a load of fun bouncing Hulk around the city and fighting each other in random locations. I felt we had fun despite the game rather than because of it though, making our own minigames up rather than enjoying the ones that were in the game.

Kid age: 12+

PEGI Rating: 7

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37. N++ (Metanet Software Inc.)

In a nutshell: Absorbing puzzle game with simple graphics that belie the depth within. Co-operation is a must to beat each screen.

Kid says: This is a really fun puzzle game that is still growing on me. It makes use of reflexes, skill and intelligence to create great co-op gameplay. It can occasionally get frustrating but overall it is a great laugh.

Dad says: Brilliant game that I feel will rise up the rankings if we left it longer. We are playing it a lot right now, even though we have had it for ages. They have the difficulty level just right, where completing some of the levels can be a real challenge and frustrating, almost to the point of getting annoyed but never quite. It just makes you more determined to get it, and when you do, there’s a real sense of achievement. Great responsive controls, and clever puzzles, it is simple and very well done at the same time.

Kid age: 12+

PEGI Rating: 7

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36. Unruly Heroes (Magic Design Studios)

In a nutshell: Great looking and difficult sideways scrolling platformer with puzzles and battles.

Kid says: This is a really fun fighting platformer that makes use of easy to learn combos and unique heroes with different abilities. It has some great and varied levels and I want to go back to it.

Dad says: Another platform puzzler, though this has more fighting than most. It looks lovely, appears to be based on the Journey To The West, or at least inspired by it, though it certainly doesn’t have the manic energy of the old Monkey TV series that I loved so much. It is difficult and frustrating at times, enjoyable and satisfying at others. The difficulty level is tough, changing characters is fun, and I never quite have the patience to play it as much as my son wants me to.

Kid age: 12+

PEGI Rating: 7

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35. Diablo 3 (Blizzard Entertainment)

In a nutshell: One of the most famous dungeon explorer series out there, with loot and battles taken to the max degree.

Kid says: This is probably the game that we disagree on the most. I love the variety of each build and skills and while most of the game is very easy, causing a feeling of amazing power, some bits are challenging and rewarding to complete.

Dad says: In my mind, this is a beautifully designed game that has been terribly implemented, I’m sorry to say. I don’t understand the love for this game, despite how much my son loves it. The graphics are gorgeous, the design of the enemies brilliant, and the difficulty level a complete mess. Some wonderfully designed demon will arise in a magnificent set piece, give a story about how he has waited for a thousand years only to be destroyed in seconds by a laser beam that evaporates every enemy on screen instantly, so you can’t even remember that scene a minute later. A terrible inventory system means that someone going through all the millions of loot items stops you both in your tracks, so action happens every now and again between working out whether one pair of pants gives you one better in one of your stats than the pair you’re wearing at the moment. Mindlessly repetitive, this sort of game is only worth it if the combat is good, and the combat here is terribly dull.

Kid age: 12+

PEGI Rating: 16

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34. The Bug Butcher (Awfully Nice Studios)

In a nutshell: Space Invaders updated. Sideways on shooter, where you can only shoot straight up at the ceiling, as enemies bounce around you.

Kid says: This game uses fairly common gameplay of shooting upwards to break down enemies and not being landed on. However, it is done brilliantly, and fun upgrades and great co-op make it fun and exciting, though it eventually gets boring due to the game’s repetitive nature..

Dad says: Feels derivative and yet is enormously fun. I can’t put my finger on why this is so good. It’s very difficult to get far, but I just want to start again as soon as it’s over.

Kid age: 7+

PEGI Rating: 7

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33. Knack 2 (Sony Interactive Entertainment)

In a nutshell: 3D platformer filled with puzzles and battles.

Kid says: This game has a really fun, I would say perfectly implemented, co-op system that keeps the difficulty balanced, grants some two-person attacks but gives a good sense of independent power as well. The combat is great but the story is uninteresting.

Dad says: We found this game enormously fun for a while, there’s a fun puzzle system of changing size, and the combat is satisfying. The story is a little dull, but overall the game moves along fast and is a pretty rewarding co-op experience.

Kid age: 7+

PEGI Rating: 7

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32. BlazeRush (Targem Games)

In a nutshell: A manic, top-down racing game, filled with powerups and special weapons.

Kid says: For a racing game, this is probably the second best for me, behind ModNation Racers, which very sadly isn't on PS4/PS5. Its varied levels make good use of its unique weapons and boosts. It is fun to both race other players and team up to get trophies.

Dad says: My son definitely likes this more than me. We both miss the brilliant ModNation Racers from the PS3 days. This doesn’t have remotely the same level of competitive racing. You are never allowed to go too far behind, and the track is too small to offer much in the way of skill for overtaking each other or dodging weapons. The handing out of trophies at the end of each race for good or bad things that happen is entertaining, and there are some fun moments, but I don’t think there’s a brilliant racer out there for the PlayStation unfortunately.

Kid age: 7+

PEGI Rating: 7

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31. Biped (NExT Studios)

In a nutshell: Puzzle game demanding great co-operation to solve all sorts of puzzles.

Kid says: This is a relaxing and nice looking puzzle game that is definitely for younger kids. I absolutely loved it because of the fun and simple control system and the quite unique puzzles.

Dad says: This is often frustrating, and can get dull at times, but there are also hilarious moments to be had. The co-operative elements of the puzzles work well, and controlling your biped is fun and challenging. A very good puzzle game for kids, in that you can generally see HOW to solve the puzzle, but it is then a matter of being able to do it while controlling your biped in time with your partner.

Kid age: 7+

PEGI Rating: 3

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30. Dysmantle (10tons)

In a nutshell: Level up your weapons and abilities by killing zombies and hitting things. A lot.

Kid says: Dysmantle is a game that rewards a lot of effort. It is fun due to creative and interesting upgrades, but takes a lot of time to get the most potential out of it. I am not too willing to give that time because of the sometimes boring and repetitive tasks.

Dad says: Really fun for quite a while, I’m very impressed how much depth there is in a game that essentially involves hitting things all around a huge map until they break. Gives off that dopamine hit regularly by always nearing the next level-up of equipment and weapons. The combat is easy, which I’m pleased about, as there is a lot of it and I’m clumsy at that sort of thing. This is definitely more exploration than a difficult fighter, but the story is genuinely more interesting than it has any right to be, and while my son didn’t like it, I played it a lot with a friend of mine. More of a game for older kids or adults, this is definitely worth a look.

Kid age: 12+

PEGI Rating: 12

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29. Gauntlet (Warner Bros. Interactive Entertainment)

In a nutshell: Diablo-like dungeon crawler with different characters/fighting styles.

Kid says: Gauntlet is a really good game with a long campaign and can fit a lot of different playstyles. It has a great upgrade system, totally changing skills or attacks and everything is balanced and fun even if SOMEONE hoards all the gold.

Dad says: A lot of fun, this feels like what Diablo 3 should have felt like. Gets very hectic, albeit ends up being repetitive like the original Gauntlet, a game I grew up on! We played this through to the end pretty enthusiastically, so well worth a look for a fairly simplistic co-op dungeon crawler.

Kid age: 12+

PEGI Rating: 16

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28. Alienation (Sony Interactive Entertainment)

In a nutshell: Explore the world fighting an alien invasion, levelling up weapons and abilities along the way.

Kid says: A great idea for a game. This has a good variety of weapons and skills and a long story line, but I seem to always get bored before we finish it due to the fights largely being the same.

Dad says: Such a good game. Amazingly good upgrade system, combat is exhilarating, saving each other, exploration, story, it’s all there. I have to say local co-op is nowhere near as good as online co-op because the screen stays in the middle of both of you, meaning whoever is on the edge is at a decided disadvantage, whereas online puts you both at the centre of your screen. Therefore I have had a far nicer experience of the game playing it with an online friend, than my son, who has largely had to play it with me on local co-op. I think that might account for the difference in rating. A big downside can be the crazy disparity of power ups that each player finds, where one person is still trying to arm themselves with caveman rocks while the other person has actually become GOD, but that apart, this is one of the best co-op shooters I have ever played.

Kid age: 12+

PEGI Rating: 16

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27. Tiny Tina's Wonderlands (2K Games)

In a nutshell: Become characters in Tiny Tina’s RPG. A knowing first-person shooter filled with clever in-jokes and crazy combat.

Kid says: I love this game. It is an unusual combo of split screen and first-person but I think it works. I also love the graphics and voice acting which are probably love or hate parts of the game. The variety of weapons is great but the different classes don’t vary too much apart from damage type and one or two skills. That being said, we never unlocked full builds due to my dad’s relationship with the first-person perspective and I’m sure more variety would be found.

Dad says: Unfortunately, I cannot play first-person shooters without ending up feeling very ill. That doesn’t usually feel like much of a loss, because it isn’t a style that usually grabs my interest anyway. However, this game looks like something I would have enjoyed, because the story and aesthetic are more interesting than the usual generic first-person shooter I normally see. It is really well designed, and if you are interested, I can pretty confidently state you would love it. My son does, and I feel bad that I can’t explore it with him as much as he would like. Check this out if it looks up your street.

Kid age: 12+

PEGI Rating: 16

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26. Ultimate Chicken Horse (Clever Endeavour Games)

In a nutshell: Players create the level by introducing items onto the canvas in between efforts to reach the finish line in this innovative platformer. Make it too difficult for everyone else and complete the level yourself to win.

Kid says: Every now and then, this game is an absolute blast. With enough people (you need at least 4 for the best experience), it's a real laugh. It has a decent skill curve that means everyone can at least have a good go and you can build whatever kind of level you want. It's not a game you can play for hours on end, but really fun just for a few games together.

Dad says: This is an ingenious idea for a game. A platform game full of traps, and you just get the player to design and create each level. Saves a lot of development time! Hilarity definitely ensues, and this has been a longstanding winner in the group games we play with my nephews. Doesn’t work as well just for two players, though it still can, I guess. But as party games go, this is one of the best.

Kid age: 7+

PEGI Rating: 3

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We’re two-thirds of the way through the series — look out for the top 25 local co-op and multiplayer games in our final instalment coming next Monday!