Do I need PlayStation Plus or Xbox Live Gold to play Mafia ...

There are also some links within the first link that discuss indie local multiplayer games and upcoming indie games as well.
Note that previous lists were not themed solely around platform games.
Introduction
We're all familiar with the Shovel Knight’s, A Hat in Time’s, and Celeste's of the world. These are some of the indie platform games that hit the big time. Of course, for every one of these games, there's 100 other indie games that have been glossed over, relegated to a spot in a digital store few people will ever find themselves in. I wanted to bring attention to some of these lesser known indie games once again.
Platformers from Previous Lists
I’m going to list the platformers that were in the previous three lists. None of them will reappear on this new list. 1-6 are from the first list, 7-11 are from the second list, and 12-14 are from the third list. They are as follows: (1.) Four Sided Fantasy, (2.) Daggerhood, (3.) Momodora: Reverie Under the Moonlight, (4.) Biolab Wars, (5.) Gravity Duck, (6.) Penarium, (7.) Cursed Castilla (Maldita Castilla EX), (8.) Hayfever, (9.) Duck Souls+, (10.) Cybarian: The Time-Traveling Warrior, (11.) Verlet Swing, (12.) Valfaris, (13.) Primal Light, and (14.) Tamashii. Note that both Biolab Wars and Valfaris are listed as run & guns, but they have platforming elements and are considered platformers by some people. Hayfever and Valfaris were my favorite games for their respective lists and are some of my favorite games in the genre. These 14 games listed range from puzzle platformers, precision platformers, action platformers, first person 3D platformers, Metroidvanias, run & guns, etc. There’s also Flat Heroes from my 10 local co-op recommendations list found as a link within the first post. Guacamelee is on there too, though it doesn’t qualify as an overlooked game.
Details About the List
All 9 games available on Steam are currently on sale. When this post is 17 hours old, the sales for these games will be over. Genre is going to be more like a short descriptor of the game for this list since these are all platformers. I’ve also included games with local co-op mixed in with solely single player games, including one built around the co-op experience for this list (before I did separate lists for single player only and games that included local co-op). I'm going to order them according to Metacritic Critic Ratings. One of the games towards the bottom has a pretty low rating (60%) that I personally disagree with, but it's only fair that you hear from more than just me. Since Steam has 9/10 of the games on the list (Switch has 8 of them, Xbox One has 6 of them, PlayStation 4 has 5 of them, and Wii U has 1 of them), I will be using the Steam Metacritic Critic Rating of each game, except for #9, where I will use the PlayStation 4 version, since that’s the only version of it available currently. I’m going to list 5 2D and 5 3D platformers for this list. For the purpose of this post, I’m just going to stick with saying “achievements” and “getting all achievements” instead of “trophies” and “platinum trophy” since Steam has 9 of the games on the list. You can basically substitute these with “trophies” and “platinum trophy” if you’re a PlayStation gamer. I will make mention of the two games on here that don’t include a platinum trophy however.
Platforms will include a link to the U.S. store page of the game for each platform. Price is in U.S. dollars.
1. Levelhead

Platforms: Xbox One, Switch, Steam, iOS, Android
Includes 4 Player Local Co-op
Regular Price: $19.99
Steam Sale Price: $13.99
Picture: Link
Trailer: Link
Sample Music Track: Main Theme
Genre: 2D Level Creation Platformer
Metacritic: 80% from 1 Critic Review, 90% from 1 User Rating
Description: Levelhead is a drag and drop maker game with a robust set of tools, cross functionality between all platforms, and cloud saves. The most obvious comparison is Super Mario Maker, and on consoles the UI and tools for creating levels are very similar (D-Pad to cycle through items, analog stick to place). However, Levelhead brings a number of elements to the table to make it way more than just a budget clone: near instant respawns upon death, a marketing department to advertise your levels, more advanced switches and logic systems, more mixing and matching between backgrounds and music, etc. Levelhead fixes a persistent problem found in nearly all maker games: many levels are simply dead in the water as soon as they’re pushed out. In Levelhead, the more levels you play, the more marketing currency you earn that can be in turn spent to push your levels to the top. It’s a kind of “play for play” scenario that cuts out the middle man, social media, and integrates it all into the game.
Description Continued: Levelhead also has some unique items that make it standout – in particular, the powerups. There are seven of these and they can really transform the platforming. The Zipper, for example, will teleport your character four tiles ahead through everything but lead blocks. The local co-op allows for up to four players to both create and play levels, including the campaign (known as “Training” in the game) that helps introduce you to the items and tools of the game. There have been a number of updates since its initial release in April 2019 and Community Spotlights on the Steam page of the game.
Completion Time: ~5 Hours
Extra Content: There are over 75,000 community levels to play, with more being added every day. This game could potentially last you hundreds of hours. Achievements are very difficult and would likely require you to make high quality levels to get them all, as some are dependent on the number of people who have played your level.

2. Splasher

Platforms: PlayStation 4, Xbox One, Switch, Steam
Regular Price: $14.99
Steam & PlayStation 4 Sale Price: $3.74 (Ends January 20th on PlayStation 4)
Picture: Link
Trailer: Link
Sample Music Track: Capture
Genre: 2D Precision Platformer
Metacritic: 79% from 7 Critic Reviews, 68% from 18 User Ratings
Description: It’s no surprise a group of ex-Rayman developers went on to create another fantastic platformer (not to be confused with Unruly Heroes). The main hook of Splasher are the three liquid abilities you find that influence how your character moves and jumps. Red paint will allow you to stick to surfaces and run on walls and ceilings, yellow paint will bounce you to new heights, and water can be used to undo the effects of either and rescue other splashers trapped by the paint. The game is fast paced, so knowing when to use which is as important as jumping at the right time. You’re eased into each new ability for a few stages before getting a new one so it’s never overwhelming.
Description Continued: Each level has six other splashers to rescue that each spell a letter of the word “Splash.” These act as an expanded test of your platforming abilities. There are also one to three segregated zones per level – these are single screen areas you must survive or win to rescue one of the other splashers. Making these optional zones that exist outside the regular level is a great touch because it allows the game to keep its fast paced “always be moving” approach while still allowing for greater variety in gameplay. You’ll typically either need to defeat a certain number of enemies or platform around the room to release the splasher. There’s only one boss that comes at the end of the game – the rest of the time you’ll be running, jumping, and painting.
Completion Time: ~5 Hours
Extra Content: I only rescued 2/3 of the splashers my first time around, so it will likely take a couple hours to save the rest. In addition, there’s a time trial mode that rewards you three different medals based on your time, as well as online leaderboards that measure your time against the rest of the world.

3. Marble It Up!

Platforms: Switch, Steam
Regular Price: $19.99
Steam Sale Price: $14.99
Picture: Link
Trailer: Link
Sample Music Track: The Conqueror
Genre: 3D Marble-based Platformer
Metacritic: 76% from 2 Critic Reviews, 83% from 4 User Ratings
Description: This comes from many of the same people who worked on the Marble Blast series from the early 2000s. The most mainstream comparison to this game would probably be Super Monkey Ball, though unlike that game you control the marble directly here rather than the stage. Your marble can jump and user powerups, and many times you’ll have to use the momentum to overcome the obstacles in front of you. Levels are usually linear, though there are many levels that tasks you with collecting gems in a more open area. There’s a great sense of speed to the levels, and with the proper timing of a good jump this allows you to forge your own path in many levels. Since each level is timed, you’ll see that many of the top players have found a way outside the expected path to the finish. This is great for speedrunning enthusiasts, though it’s still a fun time even if you’re not looking to climb the leaderboards.
Description Continued: Medals are awarded based on your completion time of each level, and the fact that they’re pretty short makes them highly replayable. There are also trophies to find in each level that allow you to unlock more marbles. You can choose between 100+ different marbles to play as. The game leans on the easier side – frequent checkpoints, large platforms, no time-outs, etc., but you’ll likely still die a few times before finishing a level. There are a few nice quality of life features I also appreciate: you can switch music tracks on the pause screen, use either the shoulder buttons or face buttons to jump and use power-ups, hide the timer if fast moving numbers intimidate you, reset the stage with a push of a button, and rewind time in practice mode.
Completion Time: ~4 Hours
Extra Content: You can try for the platinum medal on each level, find the collectible trophy in each level, participate in the daily challenges, and try to top the leaderboards. There are also over 100 unique marbles to collect that are awarded for doing the aforementioned challenges. The Steam version also has Steam Workshop support, which allows you to create and play custom user created content.

4. Spark the Electric Jester 2

Platforms: Xbox One, Steam
Regular Price: $19.99
Steam Sale Price: $8.99
Picture: Link
Trailer: Link
Sample Music Track: Technoria City
Genre: 3D Sonic-like Action Platformer
Metacritic: 75% from 1 Critic Review, 76% from 5 User Ratings
Description: This is the sequel to the original 2D PC exclusive from 2017, with another 3D sequel currently in production. If you care at all for the story, it’s recommended you play or at least read about what happened in the first game. Spark 2 actually follows Fark, another jester. Spark 2 emulates many of the high speed moments found in 3D Sonic games, but brings a few ideas of its own. In particular, action is a bigger focus in this game, though platforming is still the priority. Enemies are easy enough to run past with a few exceptions for mini bosses at the end of some levels and the nine main bosses. In addition, enemies can also add to your score.
Description Continued: In addition to Fark’s expanded move-set in combat, he also has the ability to double jump, dash, and wall jump. The jumps give you a lot of air time, lending more leniency to the platforming, and the dash is great for building momentum. There’s quite a bit to explore in each level too – jumping off ramps in the middle of loopdeloops will sometimes result in you finding the game’s main collectible, floppy disks. Fark can also acquire four additional costumes found within the levels that offer some variation in abilities. The game offers five difficulties at the start, with it recommending the second easiest option, Normal, as the default way to play your first time through. Bosses on this difficulty are fairly easy provided you’re competent with timing when to use your shield, though I did lose once or two against a few of them.
Completion Time: ~3 Hours
Extra Content: The game measures both your time and score for each level and rewards you with a gold or platinum medal depending on your performance. Getting all the medals for each of the 14 levels and nine bosses add a few hours to the game. There’s also a Tour Mode that tests you with specific challenges, like beating the whole game with only five lives. In addition, there are 109 floppy disks to find that unlock art. I only found 18 on my first playthrough. You can also replay the game on one of the higher difficulties. The game requires you 100% complete all of this for 100% achievement attainment.

5. Never Alone - Arctic Collection

Platforms: PlayStation 4, Xbox One, Wii U, Steam, Android
Includes 2 Player Local Co-op
Regular Price: $17.99 ($14.99 for just the base game)
Steam Sale Price: $2.99
Picture: Link
Trailer: Link
Sample Music Track: Hilltop
Genre: 2D Co-op Focused/Narrative/Puzzle Platformer
Metacritic: 72% from 30 Critic Reviews, 63% from 107 User Ratings
Description: Never Alone centers around an Inupiat girl and a fox and tells a story based on Inupiat folktales. The Inupiat are an Alaskan Native people. The entire game takes place in this icy climate, with the story revolving around the girl finding the source of a blizzard sweeping away her village. This is a slower paced platformer and tends to lean on the easy side of things. The game is built around the co-op experience much like Untravel Two, Putty Pals, and Biped. However Never Alone assigns a unique role to each of the two characters. Only the fox can wall jump and bring visibility to spirits (who act as platforms), while the girl can push crates and throw magical beads.
Description Continued: While the game is built around the cooperation of the two players, it can still be enjoyed in single player, with the player being able to switch between both characters when playing solo. There are a few set-piece moments I don’t see in a lot of 2D platformers that really adds to the feeling of being on a long journey far away from home. The music is also appropriately ambient and reflects the desolate wintery environments. When playing through the game you’ll come across collectibles called “cultural insights,” which are videos that tell you more about the Inupiat culture.
Completion Time: ~4 Hours (including the 1 hour Foxtales DLC bundled with the Arctic Collection)
Extra Content: You can try to collect all the cultural insights and find all the secrets. Getting all achievements will require you to do so. There is no platinum trophy for this game.

6. Shadow Blade: Reload

Platforms: PlayStation 4, Switch, Steam, Android, iOS
Regular Price: $9.99
Steam Sale Price: $2.99
Picture: Link
Trailer: Link
Sample Music Track: Jade City
Genre: 2D Action Platformer
Metacritic: 70% from 10 Critic Reviews, 82% from 21 User Ratings
Description: Searching developer Dead Mage’s website for Children of Morta DLC updates exposed me to one of their earlier works – an action platformer reminiscent of Shinobi and Strider. Among a sea of pixel art 2D platformers, Shadow Blade stands out with its 3D characters and backgrounds. And the gameplay complements the modern work – your character has a number of moves at his disposable: wall jumps, wall slides, a downward jump attack, a dash, throw shuriken, etc. Getting in the flow of a level and being able to string all these moves together with the right timing feels really good.
Description Continued: While there are boss fights and times where you’ll be locked in a room forced to dispatch enemies, the game leans much heavier on its platforming elements. Many enemies can simply be evaded, though dispatching them can also increase your score at the end of each level. In addition, there are collectibles and a constant timer that also weighs in on your performance at the end of each level. The game is a bit easier than most 2D platformers, but getting a perfect grade is a difficult thing to achieve. Cutscenes are presented in the style of a comic book. While the story itself isn’t particularly novel, the presentation lends it a more unique flavor.
Completion Time: ~3 Hours
Extra Content: You can try for a perfect grade on each level. There is also a separate Challenge Mode that has specially designed levels that are of a greater challenge than what’s found in the main campaign with leaderboard rankings. There are two higher difficulties that can be unlocked. In addition, the Steam version has Steam Workshop integration with a level editor and custom levels to play. Getting all achievements would be very difficult. There is no platinum trophy.

7. Pumpkin Jack

Platforms: Xbox One, Switch, Steam, Android, [PlayStation 4 version planned for 2021]
Regular Price: $29.99
Steam Sale Price: $22.49
Picture: Link
Trailer: Link
Sample Music Track: The Wizard
Genre: 3D Action Platformer
Metacritic: 70% from 2 Critic Reviews, 90% from 1 User Rating
Description: This is a 3D platformer that reportedly takes inspiration from both MediEvil and Jak & Daxter: The Precursor Legacy. There’s about equal amounts of platforming and combat in this game. While the combat is relatively simple, you’re given a variety of weapons that all feel unique. The levels have a good amount of variety within them – you’ll jump between ships on a ferry ride, ride an undead horse through the sky, play a few mini games as a headless Jack, and fight a boss at the end of each of the six levels. Both the combat and platforming are relatively easy – platforms are typically large and Jack has an edge grab that helps tremendously, and smashing the many destructible objects around the levels increases your health.
Description Continued: This game takes the linear adventure approach, with a number of collectibles sprinkled throughout the levels: crow skulls, presents, and gramophones. Some areas are more open and allow you to choose the order in which you do certain tasks. The game has a decent amount of dialogue in it, which does an effective job of giving some character to Jack, his two animal companions, and the rest of the cast. The visuals and soundtrack are particularly great, especially if you’re into Halloween themed media.
Completion Time: ~4 Hours
Extra Content: There’s collectibles to back for – I got about 2/3 of the collectibles on my first playthrough – skins to unlock – which are purchased with the collectibles you find in the levels – and you get to start a second playthrough with all the weapons already unlocked at the beginning. You’ll also be able to return to any level you want via the level select menu. Getting all achievements is contingent on collecting all the crow skulls, gramophones, and outfits (presents were added in a later update and so aren’t required for 100% achievement attainment).

8. Unbox: Newbie’s Adventure

Platforms: PlayStation 4, Xbox One, Switch, Steam
Includes a Separate 4 Player Local Competitive/Versus Multiplayer Mode
Regular Price: $29.99
Steam Sale Price: $3.99
PlayStation 4 Sale Price: $5.99 (Ends January 20th)
Picture: Link
Trailer: Link
Sample Music Track: Parcel Peaks
Genre: 3D Collectathon Platformer
Metacritic: 68% from 6 Critic Reviews, 81% from 7 User Ratings
Description: Unbox takes heavy inspiration from Banjo Kazooie and other collectathons of the fifth generation but has levels far larger than any Nintendo 64 platformer. Fortunately your customizable character can cover huge amounts of ground very quickly via the unbox mechanic, which is basically a super jump you can use up to six times before you need replenishment via item pickups or checkpoints. Both the jump and unbox mechanic are tied to the shoulder buttons, which takes some getting used to but is ultimately one I’m in favor of, as it allows for camera control without removing your thumb from the jump or unbox buttons. The high speeds you can travel make for some great exploration, but the game is still able to disable your ability to unbox by giving you a “fragile” item, allowing for more carefully considered platforming sections.
Description Continued: Each of the three major worlds have four major collectibles: 200 gold tape, 10 caged zippies, 18 stamps, and 1 super stamp rewarded upon defeating the boss of the world. There is also a hub world that has just 200 gold tape to collect. The 18 stamps are the jiggies or stars of the game, and they’re primarily what you’re after to advance the game. 9 of them are hidden across the world, while the other 9 are given by NPCs upon the completion of a task: Digi will ask you to take an item from point A to point B with some platforming in between, Dash will ask you to complete three races around different areas of the map, Superbox will ask you to destroy 20 enemies in X amount of time, etc. The other collectibles simply unlock more cosmetic options for your character.
Completion Time: ~7 Hours
Extra Content: The game only requires you collect 2/3 of the stamps to beat the game. If you want to collect all the stamps, zippies, and gold tape, this could more than double your playtime, as the worlds are massive and finding all the gold tape is a daunting task, though they do make a distinct noise when you are near them once you’ve collected half of them in a level. Your friendly companion Bounce will also give you visual clues on where to find whatever collectible you might be stuck on. I was able to find all the collectibles in the first world but three gold tape with next to no issues, though Bounce helped me with the remaining three. I really have to commend the developers for their inclusion of both audio cues and visual guides built within the game to guide you to collectibles – it makes collecting every last thing a lot less tedious. The high speeds of your character allow you great traversal of the world, which also helps with collecting everything. The achievements require you to collect everything. There is no platinum trophy. In addition to the single player campaign, there are quite a few local multiplayer modes for up to four players – these include Boxing, Collect, Thief, Oddbox, and Delivery. The developers go into more detail on each mode here.

9. A Tale of Paper

Platforms: PlayStation 4, [Steam version planned for 2021]
Regular Price: $14.99
Picture: Link
Trailer: Link
Sample Music Track: Unfortunately there’s no soundtrack online.
Genre: 3D Little Nightmares-like Atmospheric Platformer
Metacritic: 60% from 4 Critic Reviews, 70% from 3 User Ratings
Description: A Tale of Paper takes direct inspiration from Little Nightmares, sporting the same sideview camera angle and minimalist narrative. It’s a little less creepy, has a bit more platforming, and it has the interesting twist of transforming into a variety of different origamis on the fly: from a little alien creature, to a frog, to a ball, to a paper airplane, etc., all with the push of a button. You’ll use a combination of different origami shapes to overcome the obstacles in the area, and you’ll be accompanied by some gorgeous sceneries in the process.
Description Continued: The gameplay is pretty easy in both its platforming and puzzles, making it an easygoing, movie-esque kind of game. While the story is minimalist, it results in a satisfying conclusion, and it really feels like you’ve been through quite a journey even with the short runtime. The game evokes the feeling of being a tiny specimen in a larger-than-life world – Toy Story 2 is probably the most apt comparison I can make. Outside of Little Nightmares, I haven’t played another game quite like this.
Completion Time: ~1.5 Hours
Extra Content: I got seven of the eight origami collectibles in my first run through the game. The trophies also only offer a few extra things to do, but I’d recommend reading the list of trophies before you play the game if you want to get the relatively easy platinum trophy.

10. Polyroll

Platforms: Switch, Steam
Regular Price: $9.99
Steam Sale Price: $2.49
Picture: Link
Trailer: Link
Sample Music Track: Marble Museum
Genre: 2D Sonic-like Platformer
Metacritic: N/A from 0 Critic Reviews, 80% from 1 User Rating
Description: While this game is definitely inspired by Sonic the Hedgehog, the pace is a lot slower - no high speed loopdeloops or anything like that. You're never going at a speed where you can't anticipate the obstacles in front of you. That said, it has a similar visual design, the same kind of ball roll, and a similar level design philosophy, along with some new ideas: turning into a ball allows you to perform a ricochet wall jump, collecting 10 diamonds (the equivalent of rings) fills your hearts from 1 to 6 depending on how many you have, and the gems you collect allow you access to Three Heart Palaces that increase your number of heart containers from 3 to 6. The Heart Palaces also challenge you with a unique speedrun level before you get the heart container increase. Power-ups also have a little extra utility, in that some must be used to access certain hidden areas where gems lie. It also incorporates a smaller Super Mario World style overworld map that allows you to sometimes take different routes.
Description Continued: There are 36 levels spread across 11 worlds, with a good amount of level variety and a sizable number of bosses. There are some cool ideas with the bosses too - like hitting a boss upwards to the top of the screen on a vertical level as he constantly tries to force himself downwards. Bosses generally can be attacked at any time, in contrast to many other pure platformers that require a boss to exhaust his moves before becoming vulnerable. This comes from the same developers as Clash Force – a Mega Man inspired action platformer – Spicy Gyro Games and Shiny Dolphin Games, but Polyroll is a significant improvement over their first game.
Completion Time: ~5 Hours
Extra Content: There are 96 gems to collect – three per 32/36 of the levels. Collecting all of them would add a few hours to the game.

Special shoutout to Levelhead which is my favorite game on the list and one of my favorite level creation games ever.
Have you played any of these games? What are some other overlooked platform indie games?

726e613d. 2k customer service rant.

NBA 2K21 Next-Gen MyNBA Courtside Report (Dev Blog) | MyLEAGUE/MyGM

[long post] Google. in their quest to transform the gaming industry, causes massive confusion

[Table] I am Dave Plummer, author of Windows Task Manager, Zip Folders, and worked on Space Cadet Pinball, Media Center, Windows Shell, MS-DOS, OLE32, WPA, and more. (pt 1/2)

Source
Note: Based on observing question-taker's profile, he is still taking answers, so two parts may or may not completely summarize the AMA.

Questions	Answers
Space Cadet Pinball, how does it feel to be the most played "bring your child to work day" game? I remember it fondly.	The best part is that I used to "teach" computer lab when my kids were in K through 6th grades, back when Pinball was still included and well known. The kids could care less about anything technically hard or interesting that I'd worked on, of course, but Pinball gave me instant street cred with them.
	Especially cool was being able to walk over and enter a secret code that only I knew that would turn on all the cheats, like infinite lives. They thought I was a wizard at that age!
	The code, by the way, is "hidden test" without the quotes! Then various keys do different things, you can click and drag the ball around, and so on. Google it for the gory details!
	I always like to point out that I was working with a full set of original IP from Maxis, so I had nothing to do with the design of the game, or it's art, etc... that was all done! My contribution was volunteering to port it, including a partial rewrite from asm to C, to work on MIPS, Alpha, PowerPC, IA64, ARM, and so on, which was actually a lot of work. But I got it into the Windows box, which is how and why everyone knows it today. But all credit for the gameplay and so on goes to Maxis, all I did was not screw it up in that case!
^{the below is a reply to the above}
To add a bit of detail re Space Cadet Pinball: we built Space Cadet originally at my company Cinematronics and did a deal with Microsoft to ship it with the Plus Pack that accompanied Win 95 and Win 98. While it technically didn't ship w/ Windows, the Plus Pack had something like a 25% attach rate and pinball wound up on most systems anyway. Microsoft actually had an option in our original contract from 1994 to ship it with the OS itself or the Plus Pack. Maxis was our publisher for the subsequent retail version, and later bought my company. More germane to this thread: I believe Dave's port entered the picture a few years later, after Win 98, and was likely critical to pinball continuing to ship on later iterations of the Windows OS (i.e. 32-bit). I definitely appreciate the time he put in to give the game extra years of life on the Windows platform. Kevin Gliner, game designer and producer for 3D Pinball, and co-founder of Cinematronics.	Pleased to FINALLY put a name to the game design! You should update the Wikipedia article for the game, as I think it lists Matt Ridgway, who might have been sound? I've been crediting Maxis for years, not knowing the role of Cinematronics who was who. One thing that confused me: wasn't there a company that did video games in the 80s called Cinematronics? Any relation? Star Castle, Armor Attack, etc...
	As for timing, this likely between the Win95 and Win98 Plus! packs. It was very early on at least, and shipped at least in NT4, and perhaps earlier in "SUR" release that ran atop NT 3.51, but I don't have access to any source files to check dates!
^{the below is a reply to the above}
I keep meaning to fix that wikipedia article, there's a significant number of people that worked on the game and for some reason only Matt (an independent sound guy who did some excellent part-time contract work for us) is listed. There's also a lot of confusion about the timing of various releases and the companies involved, and who owns it now (EA). I actually have all the original source, although no rights to any of it anymore. Hard to say on the timing of the port. I was working in Redmond in '99 when I got word someone had done an NT4 and Win2000 port (I'm assuming that was you), so that was the first time the port showed up on my radar. I have a more confident memory (and contracts, email, etc) of all the events related to how pinball came about and the first couple years after it was released. I like to think pinball was the very first Win95 game (it was fun to watch Gates and Leno pretend to play it on stage at the Win95 launch event), but of course there were other games that shipped with the launch too. You're correct, there was an 80s arcade game company called Cinematronics that went out of business long before we started in 1994, and someone had let the trademark lapse. How we came to be called Cinematronics is a long story for another time...	NT shipped in 96, so the version I did for it would have been done in 95. I remember working on it about the time Win9X was shipping or in late beta. I could be wrong on that part, but Nov 95 would be my guess.
^{the below is another reply to the original answer}
Damn dude, porting assembly? You are a legend!	Thanks - we actually did all of our debugging in assembler. We didn't have any source-level or line-level debugging at all (except as noted below). So you'd connect to a machine through an ssh-like tool and then, if the symbols were right, you could get a callstack and inspect memory, disassemble functions, and so on. But since we spent much of our day staring at assembly, I became reasonably adept at it.
	I say "reasonably" as I was lazy enough that I would compile the components of interest to me with Visual Studio PDB symbols so that, if I could repro on my own machine, I could then source-level debug it. That made me fast at some stuff that others were slow at, but I likely never got as proficient at asm debugging as someone who never had an alternative. I had a developer friend named Bob whom was an ntsd (our debugger) superstar, and he'd write expressions inside of breakpoints to fire conditionally, that kind of thing. So I did learn that trick, but I'm sure there were dozens I just never knew.
	That all said, we rarely if ever coded in assembly. All coding was in C/C++.
	In the Pinball case, parts of the original were written in hand-coded in asm by Maxis, like the sound engine, and wouldn't have had a hope of working on anything but an x86. Rather than be lame and not have sound on the RISC platforms, I opted to rewrite that stuff in C so that it was portable.
	The RISC platforms also bring their own set of problems like 32-bit alignment for data. And being on Windows NT (now just "Windows") meant being Unicode, but fortunately there isn't a TON of text in a pinball game!
^{the below is a reply to the above}
boytekka: damn, the only time that I did assembly language is when we tried moving a small machine through the printer port.. I miss those days LordApocalyptica: Only time I did assembly was when I wanted to make a game on my TI-84, and decided that I didn't want to. I miss those days too.	First game I wrote in assembly I did in a machine language monitor on my C64. You can't (easily) relocate 6502 so to add code you'd have to jump out, do stuff, and jump back... Crazy!
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If I can ask a question, how does it feels to go from coding with basically zero help to working with modern IDE and code editors that give you a lot of infos, tips, error notifications and so on? I've started programming like a year ago from zero, and I don't think I could be able to program like y'all did 20 years ago or more. Thanks for doing this AMA anyways!	You're very welcome! The progression in tools has been amazing, really. I remember HESMON and my first machine language monitors for the PET and C64, then really nice ROM dev environments, and CygnusEd for the Amiga... all the way up to PlatformIO and Visual Studio Code.
	My most recent "WOW" moment was adding a line to my lib_deps line in platformio, which magically included the library being developed at the URL on github. So you can link to online projects... cool.
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Just wanted to say thanks for the Alpha port!	Alpha AXP was by far the hardest to debug! "Branch later, maybe"
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I just want to thank you for my first experience with pinball. I am now a top 100 competitive pinball player and own 16 pinball machines.	That's cool, which do you collect primarily? I was always a fan of Williams, and am FB friends with a couple of their older devs like Steve Ritchie, Larry DeMar, and Eugene Jarvis (but I should be careful, Bill Gates warned me never to name drop :-) )
	I have a Black Knight 2000 as my own machine right now!
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I have a wide range. Some modern Sterns like Metallica, Jurassic Park, Tron and Iron Maiden. Older Bally’s like Frontier and Fathom. 2 classic Bally/Williams Dr Who and Attack From Mars. Plus a few EMs. I like them all! Attack From Mars was the game that got me into the physical world of pinball. Collecting has been more of a recent pandemic thing since I can’t go out and play. I miss traveling around the country playing in big tournaments. Oh yeah and Steve Ritchie is quite the character. You must meet him some day. I’ve met him a few times and each time has earned a place in my pinball stories I talk about with friends.	Congrats on the collection, that's a nice set! I've never met Steve - I did meet Larry DeMar in vegas. I was playing at a slot machine and he was next to me, and had a name tag, and I was like... "Excuse me sir, but does the word Robotron mean anything?" and it turned out to be him!
Asking as someone pretty new in software development, did you experience impostor syndrome? If so, how did you deal with it?	My first couple of years were very productive, so I wasn't insecure about my output, but even so I definitely experienced imposter syndrome. I think most people who achieve aspirational roles do... I have a friend who was in the NFL who describes the same feeling.
	Being as productive as your peers is sort of the pre-requisite, and if that's true, then remind yourself that when you were in fifth grade, the eighth graders on the playground seemed so old and mature! It's odd in that I started in 1993, but to me anyone who started in the 80s was a "true" Old Timer and remains so in my head to this day. And similarly I'm no doubt the grizzled veteran to people I hired a few years later.
	I know when I started I felt like the dumbest guy in the room, and by the end I felt like the smartest guy in the room, and I don't think I'd gotten any smarter along the way. So it's all relative and perception. Well, that and the stock caused some serious attrition of the "really smart"!
	I remember visiting Google a couple of years ago in the bathrooms they had posters that read "YOU ARE NOT AN IMPOSTER", and info about seminars and so on about it, so it's very common! I wish I had a concrete strategy for you, but I don't other than "It's commonplace, and I bet there are a ton of resources on the Web. Don't be surprised you're experiencing it!"
What would you encourage someone to start learning today related to your field?	I'm learning React at the moment. Let's face it, the web development experience is utter nonsense. So I kept hoping for something that would make it clean, and easy to make components, and to work with REST apis. So I went looking for a solution. Then I read about Angular, and it seemed like "too much" to learn for the sake of making a SPA.
	But React seems understandable enough and solves a ton of problems with web development, not the least of which is being able to intermingle HTML and Javascript (via JSX).
	As for languages, I'd probably start with Python. I prototyped a complicated LED system a couple of years ago and it was admirable what it could accomplish for an interpreted language. And you probably have to know modern Javascript as well.
Now, would you be rather interested in working for windows, macos or linux ?	I work in all three. For my own projects I write to the ASP.NET Core 3.1, and that's available on Windows, Mac, and Linux. I originally wrote my LED server to it under MacOS, then moved it to Windows with about 5 minutes of changes (related to the consoles being somewhat different). Then I moved it to Linux, where I made it work and then containerized it with Docker. I got it up and running on my Raspberry Pi and in a Windows HyperV and under WSL using Ubuntu. To me that kind of stuff is super cool.
	Once I had it working in a Docker container I deployed it to my Synology NAS, which is some variant of Linux. So my NAS runs my Christmas lights!
	I love stuff like that when it works!
	My main workstation is a Dell monitor that has an internal KVM. I have a 2013 Mac Pro connected to it, which is maxed out and then has an eGPU and eRAID setup via Thunderbolt. And then I have a 3970X Windows PC connected as well, and I can jump back and forth with a button.
	I spend most of my day in Windows now, unless it's video related, in which case I use Final Cut Pro.
Hi Dave, thanks for the AmA! In regards to task manager - often times I have to click the 'end task' button more than once to get the frozen program to actually close. Why is this? Thanks again.	Remember that, at least in my day, End Task is different than End Process. The former sends a "Please close yourself" message to the app, and if it's hung, it should then detect it and so on, but doesn't always. Imagine the app is in a weird state where it's still pumping messages, it's not hung, but it's broken. End Task likely won't work.
	That's when you need End Process, which tears everything down for you. The substantive difference is that the program gets no choice in the matter and no notification. End Task can be graceful. End Process is brutal.
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What about when the task manager stops responding? We need a task manager manager to manage the task manager. Lol	I've never seen that happen, ever, unless the system itself or the window manager is bunged in some way. Your puny Task Manager cannot save you now.
	Then again, nothing can, save a reboot.
What cool new tech are you excited about?	Right now I'm actually trying to productize something of my own, a system for doing hidden, permanently-installed LED holiday lighting. It receives the effect entirely over WiFi, or it can fall back to built-in effects and so on. Quick demo from 4th of July here:
	https://youtu.be/7QNtj2hZtaQ
	I'm done the software on the ESP32 and on the desktop, and working on the phone app now. So the next step is to find someone to manufacture the actual addressable LED strip fixtures. They'd be like under-counter LED strips that snap together end to end, but weatherproof, and with WS2813 LEDs internally.
	In terms of stuff that I'm just benefitting from, the latest CPUs from AMD are amazing. I have the 32-core 3970X and the raw computing power is hard to comprehend. That you can buy a 32-core chip for $2K (or 64-core for $4K) amazes me! Now I need to learn AI or something to make use of all of that hardware...
After the rise of WinRAR, did you continue to use the trial or did you pay?	From: [[email protected]](mailto:[email protected])
	Sent: Saturday, April 29, 2006 3:14 PM
	To: Dave
	Subject: Your BuyRAR.com Order #: 122229610 License Key

	Attachments: rarkey.rar
	My WinRAR order number, from about 15 years ago, is above. And my WinZip license is much older than that. As someone who (a) made their real living in shareware and (b) worked on Product Activation, I'm the kind of guy who always licenses everything! You'll notice in my PlatformIO/"Arduino" video I even walk people through how to contribute to show how easy it is. I love good, cheap software.
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Would you download a car?	My wife's Tesla downloads update all the time. I'm sure they're just as complex as the mechanical components of the car, so in a sense, we already do!
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But... why did you keep the email?	I have a folder on my OneDrive called Registrations where I keep copies of license keys and registrations. So it was handy. Looks like Telix is my oldest registration from 1989 or so.
Also what was Microsoft really like back in the 90s? As a user of MS-Dos 3.30 forward till now. I’m assuming there has just been a whole tide of changes. Was double space really as funny on the dev side as it was on the user side with the slowness and the pufferfish as a logo :)	I worked on Doublespace in that I wrote a thunking layer that could live in low memory and then moved the rest of the code into the HMA. I didn't work on the compression, but odds are the guy who did is reading along right now, I bet!
	I don't really know if it was faster or slower than its contemporaries like Stacker. I wrote one for the Amiga, though didn't get it quite finished before starting at MS, and it's an interesting and hard problem to do well. At least on the AmigaDOS it was, FAT would be a tad easier.
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I mean for its time it was great. But back then floppy disks and 10M RLL-MFM drives were more the norm. It was actually awesome to have it included IN the OS instead of having to buy stacker. I think this is why I get so much of a kick out of every phishing AD that says download this to double your RAM. It just takes me back.	RAM Doublers are a whole 'nother ball of wax. Raymond Chen, in his blog "The Old New Thing", covers them well. If I understand it correctly, in the most famous case the code to do the actual memory compression was disabled, so it literally did nothing, but did it with overhead.
	On the other hand, I note that current Windows, the HyperV, and even my Synology NAS offer "Memory Compression" now so perhaps there's a time and a place on modern cpus and systems.
I'm an Engineer and regularly use MS Office to produce reports and calculations. Subscript and Superscript are something I use all the time. For at least the last 15 years, in MS Word I can hit "Ctrl +" & "Ctrl Shift +" to make the highlighted text Subscript or Superscript. But MS Word sucks for calculations, so I use MS Excel. But MS Excel it's about 8 clicks to make something super or subscript, and the hotkey technology hasn't made it in. So my question is, why was MS Office 2003 the best version of office that was ever produced?	I retired in 2003. Coincidence? I'll leave that one up to the scholars.
If you could go back and change anything about Windows without consequences or worrying about backwards compatibility, what would it be?	Format! I wrote that and since I was used to using the Visual Studio Resource Editor for dialogs, but couldn't in this case, I just laid out a stack of buttons and labels, content in the knowledge that a Program Manager or Designer would come up with a proper design for it that I would then code up. But somehow, no one did, and no one has for 25 years! So it's a big tall stack of buttons like a prairie grain elevator.
Ever met Bill Gates or have an interesting personal experience with him or another higher up you can share?	Yes, even when I was a new college hire he had the 30 of us or so over for beer and a burger in his back yard. It was a nice touch and quite informal. Obviously, at some scale, it wasn't 30 people anymore and they couldn't continue it!
	Ever play the video game Star Castle? It was like that. Concentric circles of people standing around BillG each armed with what they hope is a question or comment so clever they'll stand out in some way!
If every software you need would be available for both systems. Would you use a Linux distribution or Windows 10?	Right now I'd use Windows 10 because, if the same client software is available, I'd do it on Windows simply because I have a new 3970X w/ 128G of RAM and triple RAID0 SSDs plus an Optane stick. All for about 1/10th the price of a Mac Pro. Since the hardware is so cheap and powerful, it's really hard to resist.
	Even if all the client software were magically available, or Parallels for Linux were a thing, I'd stick with Windows because I haven't seen a Linux UI that I really like. I know everyone has a favorite... if there's an actually good and attractive one that works out of the box, let me know what distro, and maybe link a screenshot!
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Give Mint 20 with Cinnamon a fair shot! I have struggled for years trying to like a Linux distro but never found one that felt and looked right which I think had been the reason Linux hasn't been adopted mainstream but Mint20 with Cinnamon is possibly it..if not its very very close.. Has awesome multi-desltop winodws feature and you can make it basically just like Win10.. Would love to know what you think of it! 20.1 BETA just dropped and has a super interesting feature called Web Apps that needs to be checked out asap! Heres a link to the 20 long term support version.. some people do not like the Minto Logos/Backgrounds out of the box..keep in mind there are a ton of nice ones included and many more you can get quickly if that's something you don't like..what is really neat is that you can make Mint20 look like any OS.. there are themes that make it exactly like MacOS I just have not personally tried those out yet. https://blog.linuxmint.com/?p=3928	Thanks, I'll check out Mint!
I am looking at my copy of Douglas Coupland's "microserfs". Although it's fiction, do you think it resembles the Microsoft Culture of the time?	Lord no, that book bugged me. On the one hand, they're a bunch of pretentious and precocious, annoying kids. I worked on a team (NT) where the tone was set by Dave Cutler and the guys he brought over from Digital, so it was rather different. On the other hand, it's such a big company that odds are those four main people DID exist somewhere in the company. Just not around me!
Why was (is) a monolithic registry preferred over distributing the settings in a number of files like Unix? Why did windows remain single-user focused for so long when Unix was multi-user since the 70s? In my understanding, if there is just one user, that user has to be admin which opened Windows up to security issues. (I don't even recall any sudo-like privilege escalation in pre-XP Windows.)	Windows NT was multiluser from birth. And there's nothing about the Windows architecture that requires users to be admin; the reality, I think, is that most apps started out in Win95 land and just didn't work if they were run as non-admin, so people ran as admin because the apps required it.
	We couldn't just break all those apps and say "Oh well, get better apps" so what you got was a convention of people running as admin. But again, there's no need to. Same as Unix.
	The one exception is that under Unix it's easy to sudo and so admin work briefly. I wish Windows had (or exposed) a simpler mechanism for letting me run as a non-admin credential and escalate when needed. I know UAC does the same thing, more or less, if used cautiously.
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Yeah NT did eventually get around to fixing it. My question was really about the earlier systems, because I think you said you worked on MS-DOS? Since there were existing systems with multi-user and privilege escalation even before the first Windows, somebody must have made a conscious decision to not include that functionality.	MS-DOS was only the second or third OS I can think of for a Microprocessor (CPM, SCP, then MS-DOS). What existed for mainframes and minis didn't matter much in the memory limits available on the desktop.
What was the inspiration for Space Cadet Pinball and what is your high score?	I don't know, I wasn't the designer, the inspiration part happened separate, I provided the perspiration part! I was actually pretty good at the game, since I was literally paid to play and test it... but I don't know the score, sorry! I do have the world high score on Tempest, though! But not Pinball :-)
1. What's something super useful within Task Manager you think even seasoned Windows users don't know they can do? 2. What do you think a future version of Task Manager should be able to do?	I think CTRL_SHIFT_ESC is a surprise to a lot of people!
	I think Task Manager needs Dark Mode, and a way to show who has locked what file or device so you can kill the offender when needed.
Why is it that I can still find dialogs in Windows 10 that were clearly built using 16 bit Visual Studio 97 version?	This should explain it. When you achieve perfection, you leave it alone:
	https://youtu.be/l75a8CvIHBQ
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Please for the love of God, use your Microsoft contacts to stop the snipping tool from going away. It's literally perfect but they keep trying to discontinue it.	One Compound Word: SnagIt. It's what you need to make your life complete.
	After my time, but I heard the new snipping and history that's being built in to replace it is pretty good. It better be if they kill snipping tool!
Thanks for task manager! I use it for so many things. How do you feel about newer versions of Windows de-emphasizing the control panel in favor of their new settings app?	I'm all for it if they made sure they had 100% coverage of all settings. It's sort of weird that in this day and age, with an R&D budget in the billions, we still have a mix of new control panel and old property pages. But I like the new stuff if it covered all cases!
Hello Dave! Why does Windows have such a rough time transferring a lot of small files? Is it a limitation of NTFS?	It's not Windows, it's all operating systems. Part of it is filesystem related:
	Imagine copying a file takes 200ms of overhead plus 10ms per MB. Coping 100M of large files will take 200ms + 1000ms = 1.2 seconds.
	Now imagine you have 100M of 1M files. Now you have 100*200ms + 1000ms = 20000ms or 20 seconds. 20 times as long for the same amount of data.
Did you ever get a chance to work in/on OS/2? I stuck with OS/2 until 2005/2006, before moving onto Linux, and would love to hear any opinions and stories you might have.	I didn't! I used OS/2 a bit but never had a chance to work on it. Many of the people I worked with did, though... but if OS/2 were Kevin Bacon, I'm one degree removed.
I had waited more than 20 years to ask this... What the fuck is Trumpet Winsock?	That's what you need to use TCP/IP on Windows before it was included in Windows. You're welcome.
What was the idea behind having "generic" activation keys starting in Windows XP that would activate any version, it was said they were for [educational purposes], did Microsoft provide them to 501c3/non-profit schools, or was there a different reasoning?	I'm not sure what you mean by "generic". I remember retail and oem, but what was a generic key?
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There was a set of keys that became public knowledge partway through XP life that appeared to activate unlimited machines as valid, though added a banner "For Educational Purposes Only". I remember trying it back in the day and always wondered what the intention was that was important enough the key activations were never blocked. [I did have multiple legal keys, but curiosity killed the cat and I had to swap one to the "educational" key to see for myself, lol]	I don't actually know! But I can surmise that if it was displaying a banner down in the bottom right corner of the screen, it knew it was not licensed and was likely limited or time-limited in some way. Unless you could actually ACTIVATE them with that key, which would surprise me.
How does OLE still work? I can't think of anything else that complex and old that still runs. We've got a legacy piece in our application that uses it and I can build against it using .net 4.0, in an Azure pipeline and deploy to windows 10 hosts and a piece of 90s technology still works perfectly. How and why?	It was complex, but pretty well written and very well tested. That's not to say there aren't a lot of bugs outside the common case codepaths, but I bet if Office used it, it's pretty solid, and will be forever.
Other than your personal phone number, did any Easter eggs make it to general availability?	There was one in the Win9X shell, but I think we removed it for Windows XP and later. So not that I'm aware of!
Have you ever wanted to make a "sequel" to Space Cadet?	There are actually two other tables available in the original Maxis game that should work, in theory, but I think Space Cadet was the best of the 3, so...
Were there ever any 3rd party edit/change to shell that made you think, "Why didn't we think of that?"	Not offhand, but "Stacks" on MacOS where it tries to rescue your mess by grouping things by filetype (Images, Docs, etc) is pretty clever. So that's something I wish we'd though of!
Have you worked at all with Bryce Cogswell and Mark Russinovich?? Also, what was your initial response to Process Explorer /the Sysinternals stuff??	No, but the SysInternal guys are geniuses of the highest order, so far as I'm concerned (and I say that based on their products, no knowing them). They know their stuff.
What are your best/oddest purchases you were able to justify as a work expense (for example, were you able to get MS to buy pinball machines as an R&D cost)?	I had DirecTv in my office! I was working on the Media Center prototype and we couldn't get cable on campus, so I got the dish installed on the roof, etc....
	I had a Tempest machine in my Office but at my own expense. I started right around the days of the "shrimp vs weenies" memo, so they were pretty cost conscious.
Is it true that you and Dave Cutler got into a knife fight over a hand of poker gone bad?	A broken bottle is not a knife.
Was DoubleSpace stolen from Stacker?	No. As I understand it, DoubleSpace was licensed from an Israeli developer. Then I heard that Stacker had somehow been awarded a patent on using a hash table in compression, which sounds pretty ludicrous if true. There was a trial, and even though it revolved around hash tables and math and compression engines, and no one on the jury had been to college, as I heard it. So the big guy lost. That's the story I heard, your mileage may vary. I'm not a spokesman, etc.
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MS-DOS 6.21, the most useless version. I remember writing an extra "2" on my 6.2 OEM disks when the update came out (no point wasting disks).	You say "useless", I say "canonical".
	I think I actually worked on 6.22, not sure. It was 6.2 something. In terms of usefulness, the features I added to it personally were:
	- Moving Doublespace to HMA to free up a lot of low mem, as noted
	- Giving Diskcopy ability to do it in a single pass with no swaps
	- I wrote a new version of Smartdrv that added CD-ROM support
	- I wrote a special version of Setup that worked via deltas and put everything on a single floppy (no point wasting disks).
	Mind you, I was just a summer intern when I did that, and it took me about 3 months.
What are your favorite DOS command-line tricks that still work in Windows 10?	doskey!
What actually happens if someone deletes Win32?	Human sacrifice, cats and dogs living together, mass hysteria. Do not attempt.
Did Bill ever swing by your cubicle and tell you'd he'd take your assignment home and finish it in a weekend if you didn't hurry up?	Cubicle? It was the 90s at Microsoft! I had a corner office with a table, chairs, a Tempest machine, and a sofabed.
What is the best project you worked on or had friends work on that was canceled, that you would revive if you had the resources?	Windows Media Center, I'd say! And I wish they'd done a great AutoPC that the OEMs could have licensed and made common to most cars.
There has been a lot of hate on Windows / Microsoft from the Unix / Linux advocates. What are some narratives that you disagree / don't think are true?	I used to love the Amiga, so I know what it's like to feel a sense of advocacy for a platform that you feel is superior but overlooked in the marketplace.
	I think the most untrue narrative I've heard about them is that they all have neckbeards. I think it's only "most", not all.
How do you introduce yourself at parties?	"Does anyone here know how to update my Groove subscription on my Zune?"
What OS are you using now? What's your favorite OS of all time? What's the worst OS of all time? What's the worst Microsoft OS (if different)?	The best OS of all time was Windows NT 4.0 with the Shell Update Release.
	The worst OS of all time was the TRS-80 Model 1, Level 1 DOS that didn't have the keyboard debounce code in ROM yet so you couldn't even type on the thing.
[deleted]	No, I never put a true easter egg in anything. Especially in an operating system, I don't believe in them. You have to be able to trust the OS, and I think it goes against that.
How did you get started in this specific field?	I first wandered into a Radio Shack store in about 1979 when I was 11, where I saw my very first computer. It was not connected yet, as the staff had not figured out how to set it up yet. Being somewhat precocious, I asked if I might play with it if I could manage to set it up. On a lark they said, “Sure kid, have a shot”, and ten minutes or so later I had it up and running. This endeared me to the manager, Brian, enough that every Thursday night and Saturday morning I would ride my bike down to the store: I’d type in my crude BASIC programs and they were kind enough to indulge my incessant free tinkering on their expensive computer. So that's pretty much how I started!
Do you ever have moments where you’re like “they have it so easy nowadays” or do you think that because of the groundwork put in place 30 years ago that systems have become exponentially more complex?	Only when someone spools up an entire docker instance to pipe something to it on the command line... then it's like "Really? You're basically booting a virtual computer as a command?"
What's the best C++ expert tip you can share for fellow programmers?	If you make anything in your class virtual, make the destructor virtual, particularly if there's any chance that anyone might delete an instance of your derived class through a base class pointer. Otherwise, the behavior is undefined, I think, but even if it works, it's not what you want!
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Wow this is eerie. I literally fixed a bug a couple weeks ago that was this specific case.	They can be weird bugs to track down, too!
Tabs or spaces?	Spaces on an indent of 4, tabs set to 8.
How can I open an MS Binder file?	Push down on the metal tabs at the top and bottom of the central spine of the binder. That will release the 3-hole punch claws, and then you can remove your printed file.
"It's now safe to turn off your computer" Why was this splash removed?	I think most current BIOSes can do it on their own by now!
Do you have any insight as to why MS decided to build Windows 95 from the ground up instead of building off of an existing *nix system the way Apple did with OSX? Was it just for backwards compatibility or were there other reasons? Also, had you gone this way, how do you think Windows, and the industry in general, might be different? I'm asking as someone who thinks that WSL is the best thing to happen to Windows in years.	Windows 95 was not built from the ground up, but NT was. The most succinct reason (and just a guess, I'm not a spokesman) is that even though MS had Xenix on hand, there were fundamental problems in the way Unix handled SMP multiprocessor locks and so on at the time. I presume these have long since been solved in Linux, etc, but not without significant work.
	WSL is one of my favorite things too, but for the library of tools and software, it makes available to me, not because of some fundamental architectural superiority, I don't think!
What are your feelings about "Microsoft Bob"?	https://youtu.be/rXHu9OmLd8Y
What did source control look like in the 90's? How did MS keep its code from leaking out to the public? How did you handle versioning and different developers working on the same feature?	We used a tool called SLM, or Source Library Manager. It was sort of available briefly as a product under the name Microsoft Delta.
	It was OK for smaller teams but did not support branching, so just before I left we moved to Source Depot.
Why was Ctrl + Alt + Delete changed to Ctrl + Shift + Escape?	It wasn't! Ctrl-Alt-Delete raises the "Secure Alert Sequence" which triggers the OS to switch to the secure desktop, where you have the ability to click a button which will start task manager upon return to your regular desktop.
	Ctrl-Shift-Esc is a feature built into Winlogon that launches a TaskManager on the current desktop without switching to the secure desktop.
	There are theoretically hacks and exploits that can only be caught by switching to the secure desktop, so if you're ever in doubt, ctrl-alt-del is the more secure way to go.
How did DOS ever get away with just pulling device names like "COM1" out of thin air when it came to output redirection etc..?	That's for compatibility with MS-DOS.
What are you currently working on?	Mostly on LED and Microcontroller projects that I detail on my YouTube channel, and the channel itself takes a fair bit of my time! If you're curious, you can check out my current successes and failure adventures at http://youtube.com/d/davesgarage
Did you work with Kris Hatleid on Super Hacker and the game Evolution?	I worked with Kris on an unreleased title called "Commander Video". That's largely where I learned assembly language, since he did the bulk of the coding, I watched and did level design, etc. 1982 or so I believe!
Got any dev back door mainframe access codes for pinball?	hidden test
Dave, how did you manage to do all that without being able to google everything?	That's one of the craziest things... I got a degree in computer science before you could even look anything up!
	The hardest part was OLE2. Coming form a different platform (the Amiga) it was a monster to wrap my head around, and the book (Inside OLE2) was not the best for introducing devs to OLE. It scared me, and I sure could have used a YouTube tutorial or two!
Hi Dave! So here's a bit of an odd one. I loved your Space Cadet Pinball! I must have spent countless hours on it as a kid, and even now I still occasionally try to find ways to boot it up. A legitimate classic. But lately, the version windows offers just... don't feel the same. They aren't as nice. Is there a game you can name that you would say feels like a worthy successor to Space Cadet Pinball? Or even any more general pinball games you would recommend?	I have a real Black Knight 2000 machine here in the house that I fully restored, so I'm a fan of physcial pinball as well!
	I think the two best video games are (a) arcade Tempest, and (b) XBox Geometry Wars 3.
	GW3 is a classic, or should be!
Woah woah woah, University of Regina?!? Are you from here? Cool to see a UofR grad had such a major impact!	Yup! Check out the regina sub for a recent article
When working on MS-DOS what did you think of alternatives such as 4DOS, NDOS or DR-DOS, were they source of inspiration for new features or not at all ?	No in general, but Norton had NCD. It was a change folder command that could jump around the disk, so if you typed "NCD drivers" from the root, it could go down to "C:\windows\system32\drives". Super handy.
	So I tried to write one for NT, but it meant changing the working directory of the PARENT process (cmd.exe) and I could never figure out a clean and elegant way to do it without modifying CMD itself!
Which is the best version of Windows? (Figuratively speaking).	Windows NT 4.0

Xbox live gold trick

Overview of 20 Local Multiplayer Games for Xbox One

Details About the List
Keep in mind these are not my top 20 local multiplayer games for the Xbox One – some were selected simply because I found the concept unique like Biped, others because they didn’t get enough attention like Wand Wars, while others are all time favorites like Salt and Sanctuary.
With Type, you will see either PvE, PvP, or both. PvE is for story/campaign modes – games with a beginning an end, otherwise known as “co-op.” PvP is player versus player and refers to versus/competitive multiplayer modes. Think of PvE as games like Rayman Legends, where you journey and work together, and PvP as Mortal Kombat 11, where you square off and try to beat the other player.
While this list is specifically tailored for the Xbox One, I’m still going to make mention if there’s a better version of a certain game on another platform, so those reading who might own a Switch, PlayStation 4, or competent laptop know the best platform to get the game for should they choose to purchase one of them.
This list is in no particular order other than having the PvP games at the top.
1. Crawl

No. of Local Players: 4
Genre: Top Down Dungeon Crawling Action
Type: PvP
Trailer
Description: Crawl proves there are great game concepts yet to be explored even today. Crawl is a 3v1 game - one player controls the human, while the other three control monsters. Whomever kills the human then switches roles. The goal is to become the human, level up to at least level 10, and then defeat the boss to win. You collect gold the more damage you do to a player, which can in turn be used to buy weapons and other items. The demonic narration that plays at the start of each match is also wonderfully voice acted, as is the macabre atmosphere in general.

2. Knight Squad

No. of Local Players: 8
Genre: Arena Fighter
Type: PvP
Trailer
Description: The Switch version includes all DLC, whereas it must be bought separately on the other platforms. This game is clearly inspired by Bomberman, but I'd say it's more fun than any of them. There are more ways to kill players, and it's much faster paced since you can repeatedly attack with your weapon. There are a ton of maps, weapons, and modes, and bots fill in the gaps if you don't have enough players. A sequel is due to release in 2021.

3. Ultimate Chicken Horse

No. of Local Players: 4
Genre: Competitive 2D Platformer
Type: PvP
Trailer
Description: Ultimate Chicken Horse has you placing hazards between you and the goal to thwart other players' efforts to make it to the end. Each player must quickly choose a hazard at the beginning of each session - this in itself is a rush because you miss out if another player gets to it first. You want to "build" the level in a way that is best suited to your abilities while making it difficult for the other players. On top of the 15+ maps, you can make your own. On top of local multiplayer, It has online play, and even local multiplayer online play (so you can bring two or three players on the same system online to play with other players).

4. Wand Wars

No. of Local Players: 4
Genre: Indie Fantasy Sport Game
Type: PvP
Trailer
Description: The Switch and Steam versions offer additional maps, modes, characters, items, and the campaign can be played in local co-op. Wand Wars is fast paced magic dodgeball on broomsticks. To further explain, you have a magic ball you hit back and forth between players. The ball becomes bigger and faster the more it's hit. If it hits you without you grabbing it, you die. That's the default mode - the other ones differ a bit, but this is probably the one you'll spend most of your time playing. There are items, stage hazards, and a secondary move to spice up the gameplay.

5. Nidhogg 2

No. of Local Players: 2
Genre: Indie Fighting Game
Type: PvP
Trailer
Description: Nidhogg 1 is also recommended. Nidhogg 2 is different from your standard 2D Fighter. Your characters are purely aesthetic and have no unique abilities of their own - it's about what weapon they are wielding at the time. Once you kill a player, you must try to run to the end of your side of the level. The other player will then try to kill you and then run to the end of their side of the level. There's a constant tug of war at play. There's also online multiplayer.

6. Screencheat

No. of Local Players: 4
Genre: First Person Shooter
Type: PvP
Trailer
Description: The Switch version is an updated version of the game with better graphics and more flair. In Screencheat all players are invisible. You must watch other players' screens to know where they are in the map. The maps are color coded to make it easier. There's a wide variety of crazy weapons, and you are given your pick of the litter at the start of every map. Bots are available to fill in the gaps, and there's also online multiplayer.

7. Killer Queen Black

No. of Local Players: 8
Genre: Arena Fighter
Type: PvP
Trailer
Description: Killer Queen Black is a 4v4 team-based action game. On each side, one player controls the queen, while the other three control the workers. There are three different methods of victory - Economy, Military, or Snail, and you'll have to coordinate with your team on which route you want to take. On top of local multiplayer, It has online play, and even local multiplayer online play (so you can bring two, three, or four players on the same system online to play with other players).

8. Rivals of Aether

No. of Local Players: 4
Genre: Arena Fighter
Type: PvP
Trailer
Description: This is a Super Smash Bros. clone through and through, and while it doesn't have as many options as its inspiration, it's still a good amount of fun, especially for those who don't own a Nintendo console. The characters all control fluidly, and the maps offer a good variety of. The game has a cool modding scene on the Steam version with Steam Workshop. The game also features online play.

9. Swap Quest

No. of Local Players: 2
Genre: Action RPG/Puzzle Game
Type: PvE
Trailer
Description: Swap Quest is a unique blend of RPG elements and tile swapping gameplay. The levels are all divided into a grid of square blocks with paths on them that you’ll use to change the direction of your character. The screen is always scrolling, so timeliness is important. There are enemies, bosses, and a world map. You’ll also amass jewels and try to find a collectible item on your way to the end of each level. There are also a few single screen mini games that help keep the gameplay fresh.
Co-op Qualities: The screen scrolls automatically, so there’s no screen hogging here. If one player dies, the other one is still able to assist in death with swapping tiles.

10. Never Alone – Arctic Collection

No. of Local Players: 2
Genre: 2D Puzzle Platformer
Type: PvE
Trailer
Description: Never Alone centers around an Inupiat girl and a fox and tells a story based on Inupiat folktales. The game assigns a unique role to each of the two characters. Only the fox can wall jump and bring visibility to spirits (who act as platforms), while the girl can push crates and throw magical beads. There are a few set-piece moments I don’t see in a lot of 2D platformers that really adds to the feeling of being on a long journey far away from home. The music is also appropriately ambient and reflects the desolate wintery environments.
Co-op Qualities: This game is actually designed around the co-op experience. That said, it still works in single player since you can switch between characters on the fly.

11. Biped

No. of Local Players: 2
Genre: 3D Puzzle Adventure
Type: PvE
Trailer
Description: In Biped each player controls the legs of a cutesy robot using the analog sticks. Outside of the menus, there are no buttons employed. This makes it easier for inexperienced gamers to still play and have a good time because they'll always have their thumbs resting in the same spot and won't get confused by having to constantly swap buttons. That said, I played with a friend who is an experienced gamer, and we both had a great time with it. The gameplay generally revolves around using the legs of your robots to overcome timing, precious, and endurance based obstacles in coordination with your partner. The game consistently delivers fresh new puzzles for the two players to solve together.
Co-op Qualities: This game is actually designed around the co-op experience. That said, it still works in single player since you can switch between characters on the fly.

12. Bloodstained: Curse of the Moon 2

No. of Local Players: 2
Genre: 2D Action Platformer
Type: PvE
Trailer
Description: Bloodstained: Curse of the Moon 2 emulates the style of an NES Castlevania game, specifically Castlevania 3: Dracula’s Curse, which featured multiple playable characters. Each character has their own base weapon plus a subweapon with a usage limit. You’ll find subweapons throughout the level by attacking the lanterns. What’s also fun is finding out which character works best against a boss. Every character can attack and kill a boss – there is no specific moveset required, so it’s more about how you want to approach it. You can swap characters on the fly with the shoulder buttons, so as long as the other player isn’t using one of them.
Co-op Qualities: You can use each other as platforms to reach otherwise inaccessible platforms. Being able to play as characters that are functionally different opens up new strategies. In one instance, my friend defended me from flying Medusa heads as the swordsman while I picked off higher up enemies with the sniper. There are many instances like this throughout the game.

13. Hyper Light Drifter

No. of Local Players: 2
Genre: Top Down Action Adventure RPG
Type: PvE
Trailer
Description: Hyper Light Drifter has some really tight combat on top of its beautiful world and extensive lore. It's cryptic in both its story and gameplay elements, but it's not hard to figure out if given some time. I like the range of upgrades and infusion of long range and close range combat. Some games like to spread them out to create classes, but I like the variety in combat encounters it presents. If you can't understand the story, I'd recommend watching this video after you've beaten the game, or now if you don't care about spoilers and just want to hear a cool story told.
Co-op Qualities: Most of the action takes place on screens that are locked in place as you fight enemies. This works perfectly with the local co-op. Outside of these rooms, the screen does move around, but it is manageable. I also like being able to drop trade items we gather in the dungeon together and deciding who gets what.

14. Guacamelee 1 & 2

No. of Local Players: 4
Genre: Metroidvania
Type: PvE
Trailer
Description: This is a Mexican themed Metroidvania. And while there are other indie local co-op Metroidvanias, they are usually limited to 2 players, while Guacamelee is 4. I really hadn't played a game with a Mexican theme before, and while it didn't excite me too much at first, it really grew on me. The games allow you to switch between the living world and the dead world. There's also extensive post-game content that more than doubles the life-span of the game.
Co-op Qualities: The games are truly excellent and I'd say they're more fun in co-op than single player just by the nature of being able to play with someone else. Combat sequences are fine in co-op, and even many platforming sections are too. However, as the game goes on, the platforming becomes more complex, and it becomes easier for players to simply off themselves and let one player tackle the platforming sections. That said, some of these complex platforming sections are scroll locked to a fixed screen, as are many combat sequences, which poses less problems. For comparison's sake, I'd say the Guacamelee games work better in local co-op than the new New Super Mario Bros., Donkey Country, and Rayman games due to the scroll locked sections and emphasis on combat.

15. Salt and Sanctuary

No. of Local Players: 2
Genre: Metroidvania
Type: PvE
Trailer
Description: Salt and Sanctuary takes heavy inspiration from the Souls series, but also has quite a bit more platforming and many Metroidvania elements (new abilities that allow you to access previously inaccessible areas). This is a vast game with about 25+ hours worth of content. There are many different classes and weapons, so replayability is also high. The game is ominious with its story, but the lore is very interesting and worth reading up on. Actually enabling co-op is also ominious, so I recommend watching this video to find out how to do it.
Co-op Qualities: The game is slower paced compared to something like Guacamelee so screen hogging isn’t a huge issue here. The whole game is playable in local co-op outside the initial tutorial. You can also enable PvP consuming an item.

16. Horizon Chase Turbo

No. of Local Players: 4
Genre: Racing
Type: PvE & PvP
Trailer
Description: This is racing game with a 1990s arcade aesthetic. There are 119 race tracks, and the adventure can be played entirely in local co-op. The race tracks take place all over the world, from Africa to Europe to South America, etc. Even after beating the game, you can still go back and try to get a Platinum medal on every race. The soundtrack is also great, and I've given it a number of plays on Spotify. I'm listening to it now, now that I've linked it actually.
Co-op Qualities: This game is split screen, unlike all the other games on this list which are shared screen. The game counts the highest placed player in a race. So if Player 1 comes in third and Player 2 comes in first, it will count Player 2's achievement over Player 1.

17. Death Road to Canada

No. of Local Players: 4
Genre: Randomly Generated Road Trip Simulator
Type: PvE
Trailer
Description: The easiest way to describe Death Road to Canada is Oregon Trail + real time action sequences interspersed in the gameplay. You make choices and grow character traits via randomly generated story elements in the form of menus. You are forced to make choices - do you want to go to a gas station or a grocery store? Do you want to recruit a new member to your party and spend resources on them, or forego them and have a more difficult time in action sequences? The real time gameplay focuses on killing zombies, buying and selling things at markets, and scavenging for supplies. There are a lot of deeper elements to the game, and I'd highly recommend the Wiki for this game.
Co-op Qualities: You start with two characters and can have up to four. Any character not used by a player is controlled by the AI. It's better to have more players than AI because they make smarter choices and are less likely to lose characters if they're familiar with video games. However, entering and exiting doors and also being on opposite sides of the screen can result in some deaths. So in some ways the co-op works better than the single player, and in other ways it's worse.

18. Wizard of Legend

No. of Local Players: 2
Genre: Roguelite
Type: PvE & PvP
Trailer
Description: This is a fast-paced, spell-slinging real-time action game. There are over 150 spells to equip, plus charms and robes to collect to really build your character. Trying to make it to the end of the gauntlet each time becomes very addictive once you get into it. I also love the fact that it encourages replays, as there are 12 dark type spells that can only be collected by beating the gauntlet each time. There's also a versus mode that allows you equip any spells you have and fight against each other.
Co-op Qualities: Most of the action takes place on screens that are locked in place as you fight enemies. This works perfectly with the local co-op. Outside of these rooms, the screen does move around, but it is manageable. I also like being able to drop trade items we gather in the dungeon together and deciding who gets what.

19. Guns, Gore & Cannoli 1 & 2

No. of Local Players: 4
Genre: Run & Gun
Type: PvE (& PvP for the first game only)
Trailer
Description: Blending a noir-style film with some classical run and gun gameplay proves to be a great mix. The first game takes place in the 1920s, and the sequel the 1940s. The first one is more focused on the action, while the sequel really expands the character's move-set to perform some useful maneuvers in battle. There's a lot more jumping and dodging in the sequel generally. Both games have some pretty cool boss battles as well, but the sequel does better in this regard with its expanded movement options. The first one also has a local versus mode that doesn't make a return in the sequel.
Co-op Qualities: The screen does scroll, but the characters don't move that fast, like they would in a 2D platformer. I never had a problem with any tug of war with the screen. The second one does have more movement, but the screen is also more zoomed out to accommodate.

20. Stikbold

No. of Local Players: 6 players
Genre: Sports
Type: PvE & PvP
Trailer
Description: This is a dodgeball game with a 1970s aesthetic, though it plays a bit differently to standard dodgeball. The co-op adventure has quite a few cut-scenes and some cool boss fights. It is a bit on the short side, but the missions are unique and not simply the versus mode with NPCs. There are a few different modes for versus play.
Co-op Qualities: Everything operates on one fixed screen, and the story actually follows two characters, so it seems the co-op was a priority. Though the experience works just as well in single player.

Hope this helps with finding some new local multiplayer games to play.
Edit: More Detailed Write-ups
I did more detailed write-ups for three local co-op games released in 2020: Bloodstained: Curse of the Moon 2, Biped, and Huntdown. The first two have shorter write-ups in this post, but Huntdown is not included (if I expand the list to 25, I'll add a shorter write-up of Huntdown).

Huntdown: Overview of Huntdown - A Run & Gun with Local Co-op
Biped: An overview of Biped - a fun and accessible 3D local co-op game.
Bloodstained: Curse of the Moon 2: Bloodstained: Curse of the Moon 2 is a great local co-op action platformer that perfectly captures the spirit of the NES Castlevania games while providing a modern touch.

Overview of 20 Local Multiplayer Games for PlayStation 4

Details About the List
Keep in mind these are not my top 20 local multiplayer games for the PlayStation 4 – some were selected simply because I found the concept unique like Biped, others because they didn’t get enough attention like Wand Wars, while others are all time favorites like Salt and Sanctuary.
With Type, you will see either PvE, PvP, or both. PvE is for story/campaign modes – games with a beginning an end, otherwise known as “co-op.” PvP is player versus player and refers to versus/competitive multiplayer modes. Think of PvE as games like Rayman Legends, where you journey and work together, and PvP as Mortal Kombat 11, where you square off and try to beat the other player.
While this list is specifically tailored for the PlayStation 4, I’m still going to make mention if there’s a better version of a certain game on another platform, so those reading who might own a Switch, Xbox One, or competent laptop know the best platform to get the game for should they choose to purchase one of them.
This list is in no particular order other than having the PvP games at the top.
1. Crawl

No. of Local Players: 4
Genre: Top Down Dungeon Crawling Action
Type: PvP
Trailer
Description: Crawl proves there are great game concepts yet to be explored even today. Crawl is a 3v1 game - one player controls the human, while the other three control monsters. Whomever kills the human then switches roles. The goal is to become the human, level up to at least level 10, and then defeat the boss to win. You collect gold the more damage you do to a player, which can in turn be used to buy weapons and other items. The demonic narration that plays at the start of each match is also wonderfully voice acted, as is the macabre atmosphere in general.

2. Duck Game

No. of Local Players: 4
Genre: Arena Fighter
Type: PvP
Trailer
Description: The Switch and Steam version have a map editor not featured in the other versions. This game is similar to TowerFall, but over time I ended up liking it even better. On top of local multiplayer, It has online play, and even local multiplayer online play (so you can bring two or three players on the same system online to play with other players). Duck Game has a ton of weapons and maps and is very fast paced. It's more focused on the action compared to the platforming.

3. Ultimate Chicken Horse

No. of Local Players: 4
Genre: Competitive 2D Platformer
Type: PvP
Trailer
Description: Ultimate Chicken Horse has you placing hazards between you and the goal to thwart other players' efforts to make it to the end. Each player must quickly choose a hazard at the beginning of each session - this in itself is a rush because you miss out if another player gets to it first. You want to "build" the level in a way that is best suited to your abilities while making it difficult for the other players. On top of the 15+ maps, you can make your own. On top of local multiplayer, It has online play, and even local multiplayer online play (so you can bring two or three players on the same system online to play with other players).

4. Wand Wars

No. of Local Players: 4
Genre: Indie Fantasy Sports Game
Type: PvP
Trailer
Description: The Switch and Steam versions offer additional maps, modes, characters, items, and the campaign can be played in local co-op. Wand Wars is fast paced magic dodgeball on broomsticks. To further explain, you have a magic ball you hit back and forth between players. The ball becomes bigger and faster the more it's hit. If it hits you without you grabbing it, you die. That's the default mode - the other ones differ a bit, but this is probably the one you'll spend most of your time playing. There are items, stage hazards, and a secondary move to spice up the gameplay.

5. Nidhogg 2

No. of Local Players: 2
Genre: Indie Fighting Game
Type: PvP
Trailer
Description: Nidhogg 1 is also recommended. Nidhogg 2 is different from your standard 2D Fighter. Your characters are purely aesthetic and have no unique abilities of their own - it's about what weapon they are wielding at the time. Once you kill a player, you must try to run to the end of your side of the level. The other player will then try to kill you and then run to the end of their side of the level. There's a constant tug of war at play. There's also online multiplayer.

6. Screencheat

No. of Local Players: 4
Genre: First Person Shooter
Type: PvP
Trailer
Description: The Switch version is an updated version of the game with better graphics and more flair. Also, the PlayStation 4 version only allows 4 human players whereas the Xbox One and Steam have 8. In Screencheat all players are invisible. You must watch other players' screens to know where they are in the map. The maps are color coded to make it easier. There's a wide variety of crazy weapons, and you are given your pick of the litter at the start of every map. Bots are available to fill in the gaps, and there's also online multiplayer.

7. Swap Quest

No. of Local Players: 2
Genre: Action RPG/Puzzle Game
Type: PvE
Trailer
Description: Swap Quest is a unique blend of RPG elements and tile swapping gameplay. The levels are all divided into a grid of square blocks with paths on them that you’ll use to change the direction of your character. The screen is always scrolling, so timeliness is important. There are enemies, bosses, and a world map. You’ll also amass jewels and try to find a collectible item on your way to the end of each level. There are also a few single screen mini games that help keep the gameplay fresh.
Co-op Qualities: The screen scrolls automatically, so there’s no screen hogging here. If one player dies, the other one is still able to assist in death with swapping tiles.

8. Never Alone – Arctic Collection

No. of Local Players: 2
Genre: 2D Puzzle Platformer
Type: PvE
Trailer
Description: Never Alone centers around an Inupiat girl and a fox and tells a story based on Inupiat folktales. The game assigns a unique role to each of the two characters. Only the fox can wall jump and bring visibility to spirits (who act as platforms), while the girl can push crates and throw magical beads. There are a few set-piece moments I don’t see in a lot of 2D platformers that really adds to the feeling of being on a long journey far away from home. The music is also appropriately ambient and reflects the desolate wintery environments.
Co-op Qualities: This game is actually designed around the co-op experience. That said, it still works in single player since you can switch between characters on the fly.

9. Biped

No. of Local Players: 2
Genre: 3D Puzzle Adventure
Type: PvE
Trailer
Description: In Biped each player controls the legs of a cutesy robot using the analog sticks. Outside of the menus, there are no buttons employed. This makes it easier for inexperienced gamers to still play and have a good time because they'll always have their thumbs resting in the same spot and won't get confused by having to constantly swap buttons. That said, I played with a friend who is an experienced gamer, and we both had a great time with it. The gameplay generally revolves around using the legs of your robots to overcome timing, precious, and endurance based obstacles in coordination with your partner. The game consistently delivers fresh new puzzles for the two players to solve together.
Co-op Qualities: This game is actually designed around the co-op experience. That said, it still works in single player since you can switch between characters on the fly.

10. Bloodstained: Curse of the Moon 2

No. of Local Players: 2
Genre: 2D Action Platformer
Type: PvE
Trailer
Description: Bloodstained: Curse of the Moon 2 emulates the style of an NES Castlevania game, specifically Castlevania 3: Dracula’s Curse, which featured multiple playable characters. Each character has their own base weapon plus a subweapon with a usage limit. You’ll find subweapons throughout the level by attacking the lanterns. What’s also fun is finding out which character works best against a boss. Every character can attack and kill a boss – there is no specific moveset required, so it’s more about how you want to approach it. You can swap characters on the fly with the shoulder buttons, so as long as the other player isn’t using one of them.
Co-op Qualities: You can use each other as platforms to reach otherwise inaccessible platforms. Being able to play as characters that are functionally different opens up new strategies. In one instance, my friend defended me from flying Medusa heads as the swordsman while I picked off higher up enemies with the sniper. There are many instances like this throughout the game.

11. Hyper Light Drifter

No. of Local Players: 2
Genre: Top Down Action Adventure RPG
Type: PvE
Trailer
Description: Hyper Light Drifter has some really tight combat on top of its beautiful world and extensive lore. It's cryptic in both its story and gameplay elements, but it's not hard to figure out if given some time. I like the range of upgrades and infusion of long range and close range combat. Some games like to spread them out to create classes, but I like the variety in combat encounters it presents. If you can't understand the story, I'd recommend watching this video after you've beaten the game, or now if you don't care about spoilers and just want to hear a cool story told.
Co-op Qualities: Most of the action takes place on screens that are locked in place as you fight enemies. This works perfectly with the local co-op. Outside of these rooms, the screen does move around, but it is manageable.

12. Guacamelee 1 & 2

No. of Local Players: 4
Genre: Metroidvania
Type: PvE
Trailer
Description: This is a Mexican themed Metroidvania. And while there are other indie local co-op Metroidvanias, they are usually limited to 2 players, while Guacamelee is 4. I really hadn't played a game with a Mexican theme before, and while it didn't excite me too much at first, it really grew on me. The games allow you to switch between the living world and the dead world. There's also extensive post-game content that more than doubles the life-span of the game.
Co-op Qualities: The games are truly excellent and I'd say they're more fun in co-op than single player just by the nature of being able to play with someone else. Combat sequences are fine in co-op, and even many platforming sections are too. However, as the game goes on, the platforming becomes more complex, and it becomes easier for players to simply off themselves and let one player tackle the platforming sections. That said, some of these complex platforming sections are scroll locked to a fixed screen, as are many combat sequences, which poses less problems. For comparison's sake, I'd say the Guacamelee games work better in local co-op than the new New Super Mario Bros., Donkey Kong Country, and Rayman games due to the scroll locked sections and emphasis on combat.

13. Salt and Sanctuary

No. of Local Players: 2
Genre: Metroidvania
Type: PvE & PvP
Trailer
Description: Salt and Sanctuary takes heavy inspiration from the Souls series, but also has quite a bit more platforming and many Metroidvania elements (new abilities that allow you to access previously inaccessible areas). This is a vast game with about 25+ hours worth of content. There are many different classes and weapons, so replayability is also high. The game is ominious with its story, but the lore is very interesting and worth reading up on. Actually enabling co-op is also ominious, so I recommend watching this video to find out how to do it.
Co-op Qualities: The game is slower paced compared to something like Guacamelee so screen hogging isn’t a huge issue here. The whole game is playable in local co-op outside the initial tutorial. You can also enable PvP by consuming an item.

14. Horizon Chase Turbo

No. of Local Players: 4
Genre: Racing
Type: PvE & PvP
Trailer
Description: This is racing game with a 1990s arcade aesthetic. There are 119 race tracks, and the adventure can be played entirely in local co-op. The race tracks take place all over the world, from Africa to Europe to South America, etc. Even after beating the game, you can still go back and try to get a Platinum medal on every race. The soundtrack is also great, and I've given it a number of plays on Spotify. I'm listening to it now, now that I've linked it actually.
Co-op Qualities: This game is split screen, unlike all the other games on this list which are shared screen. The game counts the highest placed player in a race. So if Player 1 comes in third and Player 2 comes in first, it will count Player 2's achievement over Player 1.

15. Flat Heroes

No. of Local Players: 4
Genre: 2D Platformer
Type: PvE & PvP
Trailer
Description: This isn't a traditional 2D platformer - it's more like a Survival 2D Platformer. You platform around the screen trying to survive rather than to make it to a goal. This encourages you to try different paths if something isn't working. I like that even for a fast paced platformer like this, inexperienced players can still join in without weighing down the other players, since one player can carry the team to the next level if there's a big skill disparity, and the fact that it's always on a single screen makes it so inexperienced players can't really slow down the others. And like its inspiration, the instant respawns make it easy to keep going. The boss battles are very to the point and fit in with the simple but difficult style of the game. So it makes for a game that's easy to introduce to just about anyone. There's also a versus mode.
Co-op Qualities: As mentioned in the write-up, this is probably the best 2D platformer for local co-op since it all operates on one screen. No getting too far ahead and leaving others behind like in side scrollers such as new New Super Mario Bros., Donkey Kong Country, and Rayman games. It's not my favorite co-op 2D platformer, but it works the best in local multiplayer because of the single screen nature of the game.

16. Death Road to Canada

No. of Local Players: 4
Genre: Randomly Generated Road Trip Simulator
Type: PvE
Trailer
Description: The easiest way to describe Death Road to Canada is Oregon Trail + real time action sequences interspersed in the gameplay. You make choices and grow character traits via randomly generated story elements in the form of menus. You are forced to make choices - do you want to go to a gas station or a grocery store? Do you want to recruit a new member to your party and spend resources on them, or forego them and have a more difficult time in action sequences? The real time gameplay focuses on killing zombies, buying and selling things at markets, and scavenging for supplies. There are a lot of deeper elements to the game, and I'd highly recommend the Wiki for this game.
Co-op Qualities: You start with two characters and can have up to four. Any character not used by a player is controlled by the AI. It's better to have more players than AI because they make smarter choices and are less likely to lose characters if they're familiar with video games. However, entering and exiting doors and also being on opposite sides of the screen can result in some deaths. So in some ways the co-op works better than the single player, and in other ways it's worse.

17. Pode

No. of Local Players: 2
Genre: 3D Puzzle Platformer
Type: PvE
Trailer
Description: Pode is built entirely around the co-op experience, similar to Degrees of Separation, PHOGS!, and A Way Out. One player controls a fallen star, the other controls a rock. They each have different abilities that solve puzzles when used in conjunction with one another. The visuals are a definite standout in this game. The game doesn't require quick actions, so it's easy to play with an inexperienced player. You're also able to switch characters at any time, making it so much easier if another player can't figure their end of the puzzle.
Co-op Qualities: This game is actually designed around the co-op experience. That said, it still works in single player since you can switch between characters on the fly.

18. Wizard of Legend

No. of Local Players: 2
Genre: Roguelite
Type: PvE & PvP
Trailer
Description: This is a fast-paced, spell-slinging real-time action game. There are over 150 spells to equip, plus charms and robes to collect to really build your character. Trying to make it to the end of the gauntlet each time becomes very addictive once you get into it. I also love the fact that it encourages replays, as there are 12 dark type spells that can only be collected by beating the gauntlet each time. There's also a versus mode that allows you equip any spells you have and fight against each other.
Co-op Qualities: Most of the action takes place on screens that are locked in place as you fight enemies. This works perfectly with the local co-op. Outside of these rooms, the screen does move around, but it is manageable. I also like being able to drop trade items we gather in the dungeon together and deciding who gets what.

19. Guns, Gore & Cannoli 1 & 2

No. of Local Players: 4
Genre: Run & Gun
Type: PvE (& PvP for the first game only)
Trailer
Description: Blending a noir-style film with some classical run and gun gameplay proves to be a great mix. The first game takes place in the 1920s, and the sequel the 1940s. The first one is more focused on the action, while the sequel really expands the character's move-set to perform some useful maneuvers in battle. There's a lot more jumping and dodging in the sequel generally. Both games have some pretty cool boss battles as well, but the sequel does better in this regard with its expanded movement options. The first one also has a local versus mode that doesn't make a return in the sequel, while the sequel has online co-op that isn't present in the first game.
Co-op Qualities: The screen does scroll, but the characters don't move that fast, like they would in a 2D platformer. I never had a problem with any tug of war with the screen. The second one does have more movement, but the screen is also more zoomed out to accommodate.

20. Stikbold

No. of Local Players: 4 players
Genre: Sports
Type: PvE & PvP
Trailer
Description: The Switch, Xbox One, and Steam versions of the game allow up to 6 players. This is a dodgeball game with a 1970s aesthetic, though it plays a bit differently to standard dodgeball. The co-op adventure has quite a few cut-scenes and some cool boss fights. It is a bit on the short side, but the missions are unique and not simply the versus mode with NPCs. There are a few different modes for versus play.
Co-op Qualities: Everything operates on one fixed screen, and the story actually follows two characters, so it seems the co-op was a priority. Though the experience works just as well in single player.

Huntdown: Overview of Huntdown - A Run & Gun with Local Co-op
Biped: An overview of Biped - a fun and accessible 3D local co-op game.
Bloodstained: Curse of the Moon 2: Bloodstained: Curse of the Moon 2 is a great local co-op action platformer that perfectly captures the spirit of the NES Castlevania games while providing a modern touch.

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How to play Black Ops 3 Online without Xbox Live Gold ...

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10 Overlooked Indie Platform Games