History Main / MisbegottenMultiplayerMode

* ''VideoGame/ResidentEvil6'' was designed primarily for 2-player co-op... except the last chapter starring Ada that was originally meant for one player. Responding to consumer complaints, Capcom patched in a barebones second player, an unnamed, generic agent that can't open chests or doors yet can somehow [[SpecialEffectFailure warp directly to where Ada is after she uses her grappling hook]].

* ''VideoGame/EtrianOdyssey III: The Drowned City'' allows up to five players to fight some {{Bonus Boss}}es. However, you can only dispatch and control one character from your guild, and if you don't have a full five-person party you'll have to use variants of the boss fights that add [=NPCs=] to your party, who can be liable to cripple your party with ArtificialStupidity, or make do with an incomplete party if you don't want CPU teammates.

* ''VideoGame/SuperMarioGalaxy''. The second player's actions are very limited in comparison to those of the first: They can only fire star bits at enemies and make Mario jump higher, two things that Mario can already do much more conveniently and under his own discretion in single-player mode. This is averted in ''VideoGame/SuperMarioGalaxy2'', though, where the Co-Star Luma (controlled by player 2) can grab all sorts of items and power-ups (bar the Rainbow Star), and, in addition to freezing foes, also do its own Spin, which is just as effective as Mario's.

* ''VideoGame/SuperMarioOdyssey'' has a two-player mode similar to that of ''Galaxy 2'', with one caveat: Playing in multiplayer actively ''hinders'' Player One! ''Odyssey's'' multiplayer effectively splits one character's control among two players, leading to predictable frustration in situations that require them to function as one. Player One is Mario while Player Two separately controls Cappy, leaving Mario without many of his best moves while giving the Cappy player very little agency beyond basic actions like collecting coins. Most of the minigames won't even let you play them in two-player mode, outright demanding that Mario comes back in single player.

* Franchise/DonkeyKong

* In the FanWork ''VideoGame/SuperSmashFlash'' series, you could battle it out with two players... but [[CameraScrew the camera always follows the first player]], ignoring the second.

** On the one hand, the SP maps in the PC version can be played in Deathmatch multiplayer mode, akin to ''VideoGame/QuakeI'', ''[[VideoGame/{{Doom}} Doom 1]]'' and ''[[VideoGame/{{Doom}} Doom 2]]''. The maps in multiplayer mode have rebalanced lighting, rebalanced item/weapon placement, an even spread of spawnpoints, MP-exclusive teleporters and ladders to solve connectivity issues, and even new areas not present in SP, usually added to connect areas which weren't connected in the SP in the first place. This is also true of both ''The Reckoning'' and ''Ground Zero'', even with those packs having multiplayer-oriented maps. Some maps, however, are completely incompatible with SP, and some SP-based maps will present issues in multiplayer mode. Id's own Tim Willits in an interview said that the best approach is to either exclusively focus on single-player or deathmatch when making a map:
--> '''[[https://www.gamasutra.com/view/feature/131767/secrets_of_the_sages_level_design.php Tim Willits]]:''' ''Making a map great for both DM and SP is a very difficult task. Usually if it's great for DM it'll be too circular for SP, and if it's a fun SP map it's usually too straight for DM.''

* ''VideoGame/GoldenEye1997'' is solid proof that Administrivia/TropesAreNotBad. Even though most never realized it, the multiplayer mode in this game checks off all the criteria -- it was thrown in at the last minute without Nintendo or even higher-ups at Rare knowing, and almost didn't even make it into the final product until they relented and agreed it wasn't worth the trouble of removing it considering how late the game already was. It would wind up becoming one of the most beloved features of the game and proved the viability of multiplayer in a first-person shooter on consoles. Only on closer inspection do the signs become more obvious: the multiplayer wasn't advertised anywhere on the box aside from the obligatory player count specification, the stages are lifted from the single player mode which were clearly not designed to be deathmatch arenas, and while there are a number of customization options, it's fairly lacking in depth compared to a game that would have made it a priority. And [[GameBreaker Oddjob]] is playable in multiplayer, despite the game not allowing you to shoot him with free-aimed shots.

* The 1997 ''VideoGame/{{Frogger}}'' game has a multiplayer mode that was forced in by way of ExecutiveMeddling, and boy does it show. Anyone who played the game in single player is going to have a huge advantage right out the gate since the mechanics aren't immediately obvious, the levels original to the mode feel hastily thrown together and poorly designed, and one of the stages will be an outright CurbStompBattle weighted towards the person who already played in single player due to having a layout that isn't beginner-friendly. Oh, and one stage has a flag that is significantly harder to reach than the rest, which can lead to matches that drag on forever in a fight for that one flag.

* ''VideoGame/BatmanForever'' is already a game that's SoOkayItsAverage at best, but the levels are clearly not designed for co-operative play, given that awkward clipping starts to occur in an attempt to keep both characters on the screen, and some platforms are just above the top of the screen but which have to be accessed with the grappling hook in order to proceed; with two players, this requires ungodly co-ordination, otherwise the clipping will cause one or both players to fall. Also, the duel mode is meant to be reminiscent of ''Franchise/MortalKombat'', but the Riddler Thug is grossly overpowered.

* ''[[VideoGame/Splatoon1 Splatoon 1]]'' is an interesting example, since it's already a competitive multiplayer game. However, if you want to play locally using a single Wii U console, the usual Turf War and Ranked Battle modes aren't an option. Instead, there's a two-player mode called Battle Dojo, where one person looks at the TV and the other looks at the Game Pad and each try to pop more balloons than their opponent. The TV user will have to put together [[https://splatoonus.tumblr.com/post/120246428234/one-of-our-scientists-has-made-a-rather-stunning this lovely monstrosity]] if they want motion controls, since the Wii U's Pro Controller doesn't have them. It's not a terrible gameplay mode, mind you, but it's telling that when advertising the mode, the narrator in the Splatoon Direct [[https://youtu.be/kQsZPYB0vMw?t=1330 repeatedly states that it's best as a training tool for the online multiplayer]]; Battle Dojo would not appear in any future installments, with the series abandoning the idea of single console multiplayer altogether.

* ''VideoGame/Splatoon1'' is an interesting example, since it's already a competitive multiplayer game. However, if you want to play locally using a single Wii U console, the usual Turf War and Ranked Battle modes aren't an option. Instead, there's a two-player mode called Battle Dojo, where one person looks at the TV and the other looks at the Game Pad and each try to pop more balloons than their opponent. The TV user will have to put together [[https://splatoonus.tumblr.com/post/120246428234/one-of-our-scientists-has-made-a-rather-stunning this lovely monstrosity]] if they want motion controls, since the Wii U's Pro Controller doesn't have them. It's not a terrible gameplay mode, mind you, but it's telling that when advertising the mode, the narrator in the Splatoon Direct [[https://youtu.be/kQsZPYB0vMw?t=1330 repeatedly states that it's best as a training tool for the online multiplayer]].

** The final boss has no monetary goal. You simply have to feed him four entire courses of meals before the time (11:30) runs out. If you play with three players, the time is limit reduced by thirty seconds; with four players, it is reduced by a whole minute.

* ''VideoGame/GoldenEye1997'' is solid proof that Administrivia/TropesAreNotBad. Even though most never realized it, the multiplayer mode in this game checks off all the criteria -- it was thrown in at the last minute without Nintendo or Rare knowing, and almost didn't even make it into the final product until they relented and agreed it wasn't worth the trouble of removing it. It would wind up becoming one of the most beloved features of the game and proved the viability of multiplayer in a first-person shooter. Only on closer inspection do the signs become more obvious: the multiplayer wasn't advertised anywhere on the box aside from the obligatory player count specification, the stages are lifted from the single player mode which were clearly not designed to be deathmatch arenas, and while there are a number of customization options, it's fairly lacking in depth compared to a game that would have made it a priority. And [[GameBreaker Oddjob]] is playable in multiplayer, despite the game not allowing you to shoot him with free-aimed shots.

* Want to play the original ''VideoGame/Splatoon1'' with people locally using a single Wii U console? Well, while the usual Turf War and Ranked Battle modes aren't an option, there's a two-player mode called Battle Dojo with an exclusive mode called Baloon Battle. One person looks at the TV and the other looks at the Game Pad and each try to pop more balloons than their opponent in five minutes. The TV user will have to put together [[https://splatoonus.tumblr.com/post/120246428234/one-of-our-scientists-has-made-a-rather-stunning this lovely monstrosity]] if they want motion controls, since the Wii U's Pro Controller doesn't have them. Future entries would nix single-unit multiplayer entirely.

* Want to play the original ''VideoGame/Splatoon1'' with people locally using a single Wii U console? Well, while the usual Turf War and Ranked Battle modes aren't an option, there's a two-player mode called Battle Dojo ready and waiting for you. One person looks at the TV and the other looks at the Game Pad and each try to... pop more balloons than their opponent. Oh, and the TV user will have to put together [[https://splatoonus.tumblr.com/post/120246428234/one-of-our-scientists-has-made-a-rather-stunning this lovely monstrosity]] if they want motion controls, since the Wii U's Pro Controller doesn't have them. Future entries would nix single-unit multiplayer entirely.

* Want to play ''VideoGame/{{Splatoon}}'' with people in the same room? Well there's a same-device multiplayer mode, but it's a 2-player mode where one person looks at the TV and the other looks at the Game Pad and each try to pop more balloons than their opponent, instead of making use of the fluid physics and territorial control that the game is best known for. If you wanna paint to win, everyone will need their own Wii U and own TV, and link up via a LAN router. Fixed somewhat in ''VideoGame/{{Splatoon 2}}'', which nixes single-unit multiplayer but since the UsefulNotes/NintendoSwitch has a handheld mode, as long as everyone has a Switch and the game there's no need for additional hardware in order to play together. Even then, players will not earn any rewards from playing in local multiplayer (likely as an AntiGrinding feature to force people to play in online public lobbies).

* ''VideoGame/GoldenEye1997'' is solid proof that Administrivia/TropesAreNotBad. Even though most never realized it, the multiplayer mode in this game checks off all the criteria -- it was thrown in at the last minute without Nintendo or Rare knowing, and almost didn't even make it into the final product until they relented and agreed it wasn't worth the trouble of removing it. It would wind up becoming one of the most beloved features of the game and proved the viability of multiplayer in a first-person shooter. Only on closer inspection do the signs become more obvious: the multiplayer wasn't advertised anywhere on the box aside from the obligatory player count specification, the stages are lifted from the single player mode which were clearly not designed to be deathmatch arenas, and while there are a number of customization options, it's fairly lacking in depth compared to a game that would have made it a priority. And [[GameBreaker Oddjob]] is playable in multiplayer, despite the game not allowing you to properly point your weapon at someone that short.

* ''VideoGame/GoldenEye1997'' is solid proof that Administrivia/TropesAreNotBad. Even though most never realized it, the multiplayer mode in this game checks off all the criteria -- it was thrown in at the last minute without Nintendo or Rare knowing, and almost didn't even make it into the final product until they relented and agreed it wasn't worth the trouble of removing it. It would wind up becoming one of the most beloved features of the game and proved the viability of multiplayer in a first-person shooter. Only on closer inspection do the signs become more obvious: the multiplayer wasn't advertised anywhere on the box aside from the obligatory player count specification, the stages are lifted from the single player mode which were clearly not designed to be deathmatch arenas, and while there are a number of customization options, it's fairly lacking in depth compared to a game that would have made it a priority.

** This makes a return in ''VideoGame/NewSuperMarioBros2'' with the same mix and retains every example from its related entries. Curiously enough, the game adds another advantage and disadvantage each: Playing co-op doubles the amount of coins earned at the end of each level, which is kind of pointless since this game takes coin gathering UpToEleven, but the camera only follows whichever player is the current leader, Sonic & Tails-style. The latter is particularly stupid as each player are no longer limited to sharing a single screen and said leader status can be stolen, either by [[VideoGameCrueltyPotential ground pounding or killing the leader]] or simply getting to a checkpoint or stage transition first.

* VideoGame/DuckHunt: A little known fact about the game is that a second player can use the controller to control how the ducks move. The second player can use this to make the game easier or harder. If your friend decides to be a dick, good luck.

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* ''[[VideoGame/PokemonRedAndBlue Pokémon [=FireRed=] and [=LeafGreen=]]]'' has multiplayer mini-games on the new bonus islands. Most people never even played them because they can only be played with two human players, and since the Game Boy Advance didn't have wireless functionality built in, you needed two copies of the game, two [=GBAs=], two wireless adaptors, and have the requisite Pokémon (Pikachu or Dodrio) in both players' parties to boot. Jump through all these hoops and all you get are two sub-''VideoGame/MarioParty'' button-tapping games with static sprites. The fact that you need to get an exorbitantly high score (200 points when points are given to you one at a time) in ''both'' games to get a star on your trainer card is a big reason why most trainers don't consider the stars to be worth it in the first place.

* Also inverted in ''Videogame/{{Titanfall}}'', which was designed to be a multiplayer game first. The singleplayer 'campaign' is essentially a short lineup of AI skirmish battles with an ExcusePlot to tie them together.

** The multiplayer in ''VideoGame/TalesOfSymphonia'' can be fun, but clearly not that much thought was put into designing it. The battle camera only follows the first player, like in the single player mode, so if the party spreads out, everyone else won't be able to tell what's happening. And managing the menus is very awkward with multiple people. The camera got fixed in the [=PS2=] version... which [[NoExportForYou never left Japan]].

This was standard for computer games developed before fast local network and Internet availability. Even hit networked games like ''VideoGame/CounterStrike'' were developed as an addon to a single-player campaign. On the contrary, consoles of the time (except handheld ones) had at least two controllers, so many games could offer one-player and two-player modes that stood on roughly equal grounds.

* Despite the story offering the perfect setup for 2-player co-op, the only online multiplayer in ''VideoGame/KaneAndLynch'' is a 4-8 player bank robbery mode with no connection to the main story.
* Console versions of ''VideoGame/FreedomFighters2003'' had a rather mediocre 2-player CaptureTheFlag mode that was quite obviously tacked on as an afterthought, using three maps recycled from single-player levels. The PC version left it out altogether.

* ''VideoGame/{{Battletoads}}'', as pointed out by WebVideo/TheAngryVideoGameNerd. The number of items is not adjusted, the two players can hurt each other very easily (to a downright comical degree in level 2's case), and one of the levels becomes literally [[UnwinnableByMistake Unwinnable]] in the American version because of a glitch in programming. If one of the players dies, both are sent back to the last checkpoint, and if one player runs out of lives, both are sent to the start of the level without giving the other player their lost lives back. Later ''Battletoads'' games for consoles mitigated this a little by offering an alternate two-player mode where the players can't hurt each other.

q->''"It's true, I'm afraid. They've gone and included one of those awful multiplayer modes that seem to be all the fashion these days. This means you and some whippersnappers can huddle round your flickering screen and play a few games that I reckon were thrown in at the last minute and will be average at best."''