BattleBlock Theater
BattleBlock Theater is a simple game, but it's a fun game. From the creators of Castle Crashers comes this new 2D adventure of hilarious fun. The games main attraction is this ridiculous/funny story that you can share with a friend. The game-play is like most 2D games — there is a lot of jumping, and barriers, and penalties for not jumping properly (as in, spinning saw blades, laser beams, and other nastiness). You aim to collect gems (which unlock new head graphics), and yarn (which grants new weapons/tools), as you progress through the chapters.
Overall, this is an excellent (if frustrating at times) game which is great for 2 players. Feel free to ignore any mention of 4-player co-op from other sites — this caps out at 2 players cooperatively. They do offer 4-player, but it's really just 2v2 "Time Battles" against each other.
How will I (accidentally) kill thee? Let me count the ways.
1. Drown you in water/goo/acid.
2. Cut you into pieces with a saw.
3. Blow you up with grenades/rockets/paper airplanes
4. Fall onto some pit spikes.
5. Get eaten by a weird racoon monster.
6. Getting zapped with lasers.
7. Crushed by rocks.
8. Getting set on fire.
This is everything the environment can and will do to kill you... and this is how your partner will also kill you.
I enjoyed the comedy -- a bit crude, but muffled and mostly censored. For instance, you knew when the narrator was about to curse, but he changed the words to make it G-rated. I felt this added to the comedy.
The most frustrating part of this game was the hand-hand-eye co-ordination. Since this game is rather simple, the challenges mostly revolve around jumping, jumping "properly", and being able to rub your belly and pat your head at the same time — you need to jump right, but immediately switch to grabbing left. Saws, pools of water or acid, and lasers are the primary enemies.
You probably think this sounds rather dull and repetitive. Well, yes, it kind of is. However, the story, different levels, occasional puzzle, and timed maps really made this game entertaining.
This game is fun and safe for most ages!