Here’s the story. I’m away from home a lot, so I bought an Xbox so I can play online with my son. We like doing things together more than against each other (mainly because he is infinitely better than me). Our main game is the Special Ops section of Modern Warfare 2.
Does anyone have any suggestions for other fun 2 player online games? Preferably a bit older so we can get cheaper used copies (we have to buy 2). Any suggestions are appreciated.
Thanks!
L4L
If you like shooters than the Gears of War, Left 4 Dead, and Halo series all good co-op. There’s also Portal 2 which is a first-person puzzle game, and Minecraft which is a building/exploration/survival sandbox game.
Any of the Splinter Cell games. IIRC the online multi-player is 2v2.
Thanks, I really appreciate the suggestions and will check them out.
I’m not much of a gamer, so sorry if this is a dumb question, but are we playing against the computer, or against online players? In Special Ops it’s against the computer…less stress for me!
How about Marvel: Ultimate Alliance? It was one of the (co-op) games that my wife (NOT a video game expert) was happy enough to play.
Left 4 Dead can be normal co-op with up to four players (just you two with computer controlled allies, or you two and one or two others working with you against the computer) or a competitive mode where you work with others like the normal mode but with other players taking control of certain enemies to work against you. Gears and Halo both offer normal co-op against the computer and competitive modes where you go against other players. Portal 2 is two player co-op only, you don’t fight enemies you solve puzzles and avoid obstacles. Minecraft will vary depending on the game, but you should be able to play a private game with just you two.
Another recommendation for Splinter Cell. It’s not just 2 people shooting everything that moves (not that there’s anything wrong with that), it has stealth and planning and real co-op.
Also for racing check out Need for Speed series, Burnout series, and Dirt series.
How old is your son?
Portal 2 has a fantastic multiplayer game mode, and it’s not a Call of Warfare: Special Black Gears clone.
Earth Defense Force: Insect Armageddon is fun online. As I recall it’s set up for three on a team in the campaign, but you can play as just the two of you or two plus a bot. Pure co-op, you shoot giant bugs together. Should be able to pick it up for a song now, too.
He’s 13. We’re pretty open about what games he can play. We just try to avoid extreme stuff.
Thanks again for all the suggestions. I really appreciate it. He’s been playing Minecraft, but it just doesn’t click with me. I might give it another shot though.
Maybe check out Castle Crashers?
It’s full-coop beat 'em up, and a lot of fun, though it contains a lot of cartoon violence and some poop jokes. It’s also cheap, since it’s a digital download. Guardian Heroes is another title in a similar vein, this time a retro-re-release instead of an homage. 
Borderlands - co-op shooter. It is also an rpg. Quite fun though.
Probably too old for the boy to remember, but Xbox live has a port of the Original Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles Arcade Game. I’ve played together with a friend over the Internet; I think it’s real good, 8-bit fun! 