Couch co-op games to keep you warm this winter

Winter is upon us, and now's a great time to cuddle up with your significant other or a close buddy for some couch co-op. It's not just a great way to grow closer to the ones you love - add a blanket to the mix and it's a cost-effective way to stave off the cold. Many of 2014's games are better experienced with a co-op partner, and we're featuring a dozen of this year's best right here in the pages ahead.

For the purposes of this feature, we're highlighting games that only offer local co-op, with no option for online cooperative play. This year saw the release of several exceptional games that feature online co-op in addition to local multiplayer (including Lara Croft and the Temple of Osiris, Earth Defense Force 2025, and Halo: The Master Chief Collection), but these particular games require a friend in close proximity in order to enjoy their co-op features.

Online or not, what are your favorite co-op games released this year? Drop us a comment and let us know!