Every Exclusive Co-op Game on the PC Engine
One of the early videos I made for the channel covered every single co-op game on the TurboGrafx-16. Today, we're taking a look at its Japanese counterpart: the PC Engine. This list only includes exclusive co-op games for the system — meaning no overlap with the TurboGrafx-16 library. We're going in alphabetical order, so let’s jump in.
1943 Kai
Originally an arcade-exclusive upgrade to 1943: The Battle of Midway, this PC Engine version delivers a solid home conversion. The graphics benefit from the PC Engine’s rich color palette, making the visuals a clear step up from both the NES and even the arcade version. The gameplay remains standard for the genre — fast-paced shooting, charge shot mechanics, weapon upgrades, and a screen-clearing lightning attack. It’s not the most innovative shmup on the platform, but it’s still a fun two-player experience.
Altered Beast
Most people know Altered Beast from its Genesis port, but the PC Engine version offers a colorful, faithful arcade adaptation. It includes two-player co-op, although some confusion exists because the PC Engine CD version does not. This is a simple side-scrolling beat-'em-up where you power up and transform into various beasts. The controls are stiff, but if you’re nostalgic for the arcade original, this version is worth checking out.
Burning Angels
A fast-paced vertical shmup featuring anime-styled characters and big explosions. It plays smoothly and offers basic but satisfying weapon upgrades. The main drawback? In two-player co-op, if one player dies, it’s game over. That makes this one better suited to evenly skilled partners. Still, its colorful visuals and solid mechanics make it a worthy addition.
Dragon Saber
A sequel to Dragon Spirit, Dragon Saber trades spaceships for dragons in a vertical shooter format. It adds more detailed environments, a fantasy aesthetic, and smoother dual-shot mechanics — one for air, one for ground enemies. This one stands out thanks to its visuals and unique theme. Also, two-player co-op is included, making this one of the better shooters on the platform.
Hani on the Road
This sequel to Hani in the Sky is an auto-scrolling action-runner with some light combat mechanics. You’re a humanoid beetle warrior jumping over hazards and collecting power-ups. The controls can be a little clunky and the level design occasionally frustrating, but it’s a weird, memorable co-op experience that breaks up the monotony of shoot-'em-ups.
Kaizou Choujin Shubibinman
Before the series became known as Shockman in the West, this first entry blended platforming and close-quarters beat-'em-up action. You play as two cyborgs with different speed and strength stats. The sword-based combat is satisfying but a bit short-ranged, which becomes challenging in later levels. This one isn’t the strongest in the series, but the two-player co-op mode adds replayability.
Operation Wolf
An on-rails shooter ported from the arcade. Originally a light gun game, the PC Engine version swaps that for a controller-based crosshair system. It works well enough, and you can play with a partner — each controlling their own crosshair to manage ammo and grenades while mowing down enemies. The game’s difficulty is high, and it’s a decent co-op port, even without the light gun.
Salamander
Known as Life Force in the West, Salamander mixes vertical and horizontal stages with two-player gameplay. It's a spin-off of the Gradius series and features simplified power-up mechanics. The PC Engine version is a faithful arcade port with detailed backgrounds and great sprite work. While not groundbreaking, it’s a classic shmup that deserves a place in your collection.
Splash Lake
This puzzle-action game features ostriches breaking tiles to sink enemies into water. It supports two-player co-op and requires a mix of timing and strategy. Levels grow increasingly complex and it’s easy to mess up if you don’t coordinate — but unlimited continues make it forgiving. It’s a hidden gem with surprisingly deep cooperative gameplay.
Toilet Kids
This bizarre vertical shooter features enemies like flying toilets, poop monsters, and farting creatures. It’s gross, silly, and strangely polished. It uses a dual-shooting mechanic like Dragon Spirit, and while the challenge is high, it’s a solid co-op experience — if you can handle the toilet humor.
TwinBee
One of the earliest "cute-‘em-ups," TwinBee delivers colorful visuals and a bell-based power-up system. It's a vertical shooter with dual-shooting mechanics (air and ground), and while it’s slower paced than other shooters, the two-player co-op adds charm. It might not be the most exciting shmup, but it’s a lighthearted, accessible entry in the genre.
That’s every exclusive co-op game on the PC Engine. If you enjoyed this roundup, be sure to check out our companion article on every TurboGrafx-16 co-op game. And stay tuned — we’ll also be diving into co-op titles on the PC Engine CD and TurboGrafx-CD soon!