Best Co-Op RPG Video Games - Nintendo Wii, Playstation 3, and Xbox 360

Some of the greatest video games ever released have been co-op RPGs. From the humble beginnings of games like Gauntlet and Secret of Mana, to the modern gems like Tales of Symphonia- it is one of the most prolific gaming genres. It is unfortunate that this generation's shooter saturated market has seen fewer co-op RPG releases than previous ones. Despite the reduced focus on co-op RPGs on game consoles, the ones you'll find below all do the genre justice and should be in any gamer's library.

1. Tales of Symphonia: Dawn of The New World
Console: Nintendo Wii
Number of Players: 2-4
Local or Online?: Local
Price Range: $25-$35

Where else could we begin but with Tales of Symphonia's fantastic follow-up? This Wii exclusive shows you just what happened to the newly merged world following the events of the original. Despite the efforts of the protagonists in the first game, all is not well. The world's population is divided both economically and religiously- the conflict is escalating and something must be done.

The 4 player co-op is combined with an addictive monster-capturing gameplay element. Almost any creature you encounter can potentially join your party. The voice-acting, visuals, and story are all superb- as is the fast-paced combat. The heroes from the original all gradually reveal their parts in this new world and join you. The question on everyone's mind? Why has Lloyd turned traitor and begun spreading chaos across the land?

2. Sacred 2: Fallen Angel
Console: Playstation 3 & Xbox 360
Number of Players: 2 (Local), 2-4 (Online)
Local or Online?: Both
Price Range: $20-$30

While it didn't exactly command monumental success, Sacred 2 is one of the few great co-op RPGs to release on the HD consoles with both online and local multiplayer. The world is immense and there's no shortage of side quests. Deserts, snowy fields, caves, beaches, and more locales all await players in this world of swords and magic. The voice-acting is pretty decent, but the writing is very impressive. The combat is fast and fun with plenty of intricacies to absorb. You can assign all manner of weapons and spells to your controller for a wide range of combat choices. There's plenty of loot to be found and fun to be had in Sacred 2: Fallen Angel.

3. Monster Hunter Tri
Console: Nintendo Wii
Number of Players: 2 (Local), 2-4 (Online)
Local or Online?: Both
Price Range: $30-$40

This Nintendo Wii exclusive was the first Monster Hunter to ever attract western gamers to the series. Arm yourself with weapons, traps, and explosives as you set out with friends to take on the most powerful creatures that inhabit the land. The battle system is top-notch, the controls are satisfying, underwater combat is a treat, and the visuals are breath-taking. The monster designs are, put simply, awesome. The soundtrack deserves applause as does the highly ambitious online mode. While local multiplayer is only a 2 player arena mode in which you face-off against monsters coliseum-style, the game is still one of the best co-op experiences to date. Feel free to check out my review .

4. Eternal Sonata
Console: Playstation 3 & Xbox 360
Number of Players: 2-3
Local or Online?: Local
Price Range: $30-$40

It seems like Eternal Sonata is one of those games that inspires one of two reactions. Either you fall in love with the real-time, turn-based hybrid- or you wish they'd gone with one or the other. Each character or monster gets a certain amount of time to perform their attacks, cast spells, or navigate the map- then the next takes their turn. It's a highly innovative, experimental combat system that manages to keep you entertained through to the end. The PS3 version, which came out later, is the version of choice- it features improved gameplay, more playable characters, and bonus content .

5. Final Fantasy Crystal Chronicles: Echoes Of Time
Console: Nintendo Wii & Nintendo DS
Number of Players: 2-4
Local or Online?: Both
Price Range: $15-$30

Square Enix has a history of disappointment and frustration whenever they decide to try something new. Usually the claims of innovation are simply a thin veil meant to disguise laziness. Fortunately, FFCC: Echoes of Time proved to be a success. With cross-platform multiplayer between the Nintendo Wii and Nintendo DS, there's no shortage of ways to play together- be it locally, on different consoles, or through the internet. Any combination of Wiis and DSs can explore the world, search for treasure, fight monsters, or progress through the story together. The game also features a mission mode filled with side quests, competitive modes, and Mii support.

6. Fable II
Console: Xbox 360
Number of Players: 2
Local or Online?: Both
Price Range: $15-$30

While the original Fable was known as an ambitious, though disappointing experiment- the first sequel was considered something just short of a masterpiece. The game world is huge, the story entertaining, the combat addictive, and the content expansive. Fable II is hurt only by the limits of the 'henchmen' system. Players cannot export their character into a multiplayer game- instead they must select one of 6 pre-made characters. While this does certainly hurt the appeal, as do the unsettling number of bugs and glitches, it's still a great reason to turn on an otherwise ignored Xbox 360.

7. Fable III
Console: Xbox 360
Number of Players: 2
Local or Online?: Both
Price Range: $45-$55

Fable III is a sequel of extremes. It vastly improved the co-op, but limited character customization. It made improvements to the combat, but scaled back the RPG elements. It did a great job on the story, but shortened the length of it. It introduced new innovative ways to interact with the world, but cut out the character interaction system from Fable II. It fleshed out the economic system, but story events ruined this feature. All things considered, the good outnumber the bad. The greater focus on a cinematic experience over a role-playing one is a tough sell for some, but Fable III does succeed in prompting gamers to dust off their shelved Xbox 360s. Feel free to check out my review .