It seems like only yesterday that we were starved for games with co-op. Now, cooperative modes have almost become an expected feature. An action game can't make it out the door without fans asking, "But does it have co-op?"

Already this year we've had a decent amount of co-op releases: Mercenaries 2, LEGO Batman, Too Human, Army of Two, and Rock Band 2, to name a few.

However, the holiday season promises to bring far more titles with large cooperative components, with games like Gears of War 2, LittleBigPlanet, Left 4 Dead and more making their way to stores.

Fueled by our love for co-op, we've compiled a list of many of the major upcoming releases that support traditional co-op modes--sorted by release date for your anticipatory convenience.

Saints Row 2
Volition, Inc.
PC, Xbox 360, PlayStation 3
October 14
Co-op details: Two players, online and system-link

Though it may still be perceived as the poor man's Grand Theft Auto, Saints Row 2 has one leg up on Rockstar's game with the addition of traditional drop-in, drop-out cooperative play.

Players can motor through the entire free-roaming campaign with one additional buddy. NPCs will be automatically adjusted in difficulty, ensuring that the game doesn't become a comp-stomp.
(Screenshots, Video, Preview)

LittleBigPlanet
Media Molecule
PlayStation 3
October 21
Co-op: Four players, online and offline

Platformers have been ripe for co-op components ever since Luigi was sidelined and Diddy became a lifeline. LittleBigPlanet fulfills the full potential of multi-player side-scrolling play, challenging players to combine their wits and literally grab their friends to overcome obstacles.

And though the game's fabulous level editor will not ship with cooperative support, the feature will be patched in post-release, completing the package.
(Screenshots, Video, Preview)

Please install Flash to view this Shackvideo

The Legend of Spyro: Dawn of the Dragon
Etranges Libellules
Xbox 360, PlayStation 3, PlayStation 2, Wii, Nintendo DS
October 21
Co-op: Two players, offline

Co-op in the latest edition of Spyro will come in the form of Cynder, a female dragon that accompanies Spyro on his journey.

A second player will be able to drop-in at any time, taking control of Cynder and her unique elemental powers. Apparently a portion of the game will see the two characters tied together by a snake. Recommended requirements: communication skills.
(Screenshots)

Fable II
Lionhead Studios
Xbox 360
October 21
Co-op: Two players, online and offline

Creator Peter Molyneux teased offline co-op earlier this year at E3, and eventually confirmed online support--though the feature will now be patched in after the game's release a la LittleBigPlanet's editor.

As players explore the world of Fable II, they will occasionally notice hovering orbs that appear to move at random. These orbs represent other players, and allow for you to call a co-op friend into your world instantly. Once in co-op, players can share loot while questing, or disable the friendly fire mode and do combat. As the player's game world is persistent, turning off the safety features will be a risky move depending on the company you keep.
(Screenshots, Video, Preview)

Please install Flash to view this Shackvideo

Turn the page for more.