Everything is better with a buddy, which is why numerous games strive to include some form of multiplayer. Even before the days of ubiquitous online options, the ability to play locally with friends was highly sought after. While most multiplayer options were advertised on a game's box or in the press hyping up its release, other titles hid it away inside the disc, just like the ten games below.
Some of these were full-fledged offerings accessible from the beginning, while others had to be unlocked by either beating the game or meeting some other criteria. Other games simply weren't fun, which is probably why the mode wasn't made a selling point.
10 Ico
The early PS2 puzzle and adventure game showcased the system's awesome power and proved games could achieve the artistic heights of other media. Gameplay mechanics were utilized to solidify the player's bond with Yorda, the secondary main character guided throughout the journey. After beating the game, one could play through the campaign once more, this time with a friend controlling the sidekick. She still controls slow and isn't as physically able as the main character, but it functions as a good way to involve non-gamers otherwise put off by the medium's conventions. Unfortunately, its spiritual sequel, Shadow of the Colossus, does not include a similar offering.
9 Super Mario Galaxy
2D Super Mario games often included a multiplayer mode where players took turns taking stabs at levels. Super Mario Galaxy switches it up with an asymmetrical mode where the second player takes control of a star using the WiiMote and assists the plumber along his cosmic platforming journey. They can distract enemies, collect and shoot star bits, and even make the main character jump. While seasoned gamers will find this mode boring, it is perfect for younger ones who need something to do if they complain about the gamer hogging the television.
8 Enter The Matrix
The tie-in game to The Matrix Reloaded was advertised as a purely single-player experience. However, going through the hacking mini-game included could unlock a one versus one fighting mode reminiscent of games like Street Fighter and Mortal Kombat. In all fairness, it doesn't play well and is more silly than anything else, explaining why it was hidden as a bonus. However, even a bad diversion is made fun if a friend is at one's side.
7 Grand Theft Auto: San Andreas
This epic 2004 title from Rockstar Games packed in a breathtaking amount of content. From the over one hundred story missions to the numerous side activities, no one would have complained if multiplayer was left at the wayside. The developer still managed to include it, however, letting CJ rip up the state of San Andreas with a buddy. One had to access it by going to a certain point on the map, and it was also a shared-screen experience, so it certainly came with its limitations, but it was a worthwhile novelty. It probably doesn't seem special these days, however, since the advent of GTA Online.
6 Devil May Cry 3
The original PS2 version of Devil May Cry 3 provided two opportunities for cooperative play. When Dante has his Devil Trigger gauge, the second controller can press start to create a doppelgänger who fights while the meter is drained. This can be circumvented by a costume that gives the character infinite juice.
The second way is a scene where Vergil helps Dante fight a boss. Player two can also press start and join in on the fun. In both instances, the camera always focuses in on Dante, making things a tad confusing for the second player.
5 Zone Of The Enders
The Hideo Kojima-produced mech game provides a short but sweet single-player campaign. After it is done, however, a versus mode unlocks, allowing two players to duke it out. The roster includes a variety of robots from the campaign. People probably didn't mess around with this for too long, however. When not playing the stellar story mode, they were most likely wrapped up in the Metal Gear Solid 2 demo which came packed in with the title.
4 Superman 64
The infamous N64 title has a split-screen versus mode, but this detail is often overshadowed by the game's other claims to fame. It is often singled out as one of the worst games for the console, being plagued with bugs and nonsensical level design. It is hard to imagine the multiplayer fairing any better, but at least a group of friends can laugh at how bizarrely unplayable the game is.
3 Dino Crisis 2
The long-dormant series actually had a multiplayer mode in the second entry, something unexpected from a horror game of the era. Players unlocked an arena mode upon its completion, allowing players to play as a variety of characters and battle tons of dinosaurs. To spice things up, a second player could join, letting two friends fight against each other. It didn't play great, but it was worth it for the novelty of playing as a dinosaur.
2 Xenogears
This JRPG served as a spiritual predecessor to Xenosaga and the currently active Xenoblade Chronicles franchise. Like any RPG worth its weight in disc space, it included a minigame where mechs duked it out with each other. From this minigame, a second player could join in for some one on one bouts. While only a minuscule part of an otherwise large adventure, it is still cool to think of an RPG from the era including multiplayer of any kind.
1 Final Fantasy VI And IX
The mainline Final Fantasy games are largely thought of as single-player fare, save for the MMORPG's Final Fantasy XI and XIV. However, Final Fantasy VI and IX include the ability for a second player to control a party member in battle. They don't have any say outside of the battlefield, but it is a nice feature for developers to include in case any onlookers are interested in getting in on the action. It is curious why the other two entries on the PlayStation did not also include it, or why the feature was left out of Final Fantasy X.