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[[quoteright:349:[[VideoGame/{{Snipperclips}} https://static.tvtropes.org/pmwiki/pub/images/snipperclips_pencil_puzzle_solution_8.png]]]]

A type of VideoGame where the player, instead of controlling a single character, controls a group of characters, and progress frequently depends on puzzles making use of this fact. (Multi-player games can also be teamwork puzzle games, but often aren't.)

In its simplest form, the characters are interchangeable, and the puzzles merely make use of the fact that there's more than one of them--for instance, by presenting the characters with a door that only opens when somebody holds down a switch on the far side of the room. In more sophisticated games, each character has a unique set of abilities (and disabilities) -- in a game like this, the door switch might only work if operated by Alice the Locksmith, but be located on a high ledge that Alice can't reach without the assistance of Bob the Very Tall Weightlifter.

The actual genre/type of gameplay of a teamwork puzzle game may be PlatformGame, PointAndClickGame, InteractiveFiction, or any other that supports storytelling and puzzle solving. (So probably not actual PuzzleGame, which is usually a lot more abstract.)

Compare PlotTailoredToTheParty.
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!!Examples:
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[[folder: Video Games ]]

* ''[[VideoGame/SevenBillionHumans 7 Billion Humans]]'' is a ProgrammingGame where a swarm of office workers all run the same program.
* ''VideoGame/TheAdventuresOfCookieAndCream'': You control both characters at once to solve puzzles. On different screens. In different areas. It's... complicated.
* The ''VideoGame/{{Animaniacs}}'' LicensedGame for the UsefulNotes/SegaGenesis has you play as Yakko, Wakko, and Dot in their quest to collect movie props. You can switch between each character with the push of a button, and they all have their own unique abilities that are required to progress through the game.
* ''VideoGame/{{Armikrog}}'' features two playable companions - Tommynaut and his alien dog Beak Beak. The two repeatedly utilize their size difference and Beak Beak's visor to get access to locations and information that Tommynaut wouldn't be able to have on his own.
* ''VideoGame/BanjoTooie'': The game has a greater emphasis on teamwork than its predecessor, not only because Banjo and Kazooie continue exploring their surroundings together, but also because the new "Split Up" ability makes it possible for them to act independently and acquire their own unique moves.
* ''VideoGame/BeyondGoodAndEvil'' has several puzzles of the first type, bleeding into the second. Main character Jade has two partners who have different abilities than her, which you sometimes need to get through obstacles. In addition, it's frequently to do things like hit distant switches, so you can get through doors.
%% * ''VideoGame/BrothersATaleOfTwoSons''. Rare in that you control both characters simultaneously.
%% * Two very similarly titled, and easily confusable, games for Amiga and Mega Drive that both use this mechanic: ''[[VideoGame/BubbleAndSqueak Bubble & Squeak]]'' and ''[[VideoGame/BubbaNStix Bubba 'n' Stix]]''.
* ''VideoGame/CliveBarkersJericho''. You get seven characters at the start, only one of whom can be controlled, but later the cast is reduced to six and you can take control of everyone else, all of whom play quite differently. There are also a few puzzles that require you to split the group up or that require multiple characters to work together to do something.
* ''VideoGame/CrashTwinsanity'', which due to the whole EnemyMine between Crash and Dr. Cortex often means that making [[ButtMonkey Cortex]] suffer is key to progress.
* In ''VideoGame/CreaVures'' the player controls five characters, each with its own unique ability.
%% * ''VideoGame/DayOfTheTentacle''
* ''VideoGame/{{Dearth}}'' ([[http://gambit.mit.edu/loadgame/summer2009/dearth/dearth_800x600.php link]]) requires the two players to work together to smash the water monsters. There are two versions: one for two human players, and one for a single human player with the help of an AI.
* The ''VideoGame/EarthAndSky'' series features a pair of siblings with themed superpowers. In early installments, the game dictates which is the player character for each section, but part 3 introduces the ability to switch between them at will, and has a lot of puzzles that require both their abilities to solve.
%% * ''VideoGame/EnoughPlumbers'' has you control a group of plumber clones.
* In certain dungeons of ''VideoGame/FinalFantasyVI'' you need to split into two or three groups and alternatively walk into different switches to open up paths.
* ''VideoGame/FireboyAndWatergirl'' is a series of puzzle-platformers where you play as the two eponymous characters, having to get through obstacles that may require the characters to cooperate to get both characters to their respective exits.
* ''VideoGame/FishFillets'': The player controls Tina Guppy and Max Flounder. These two fish need to [[BlockPuzzle push objects]] around in order for both of them to reach the exit, where objects are subject to gravity. Tina is smaller and can fit through smaller gaps, while Max can push steel blocks. They also have conversational banter within the level.
* In the ''VideoGame/FreneticFive'' game series, the player controls five superheroes with a variety of abilities.
* ''VideoGame/FuryOfTheFurries'', an old game for Amiga, Mac and DOS (and its [[DolledUpInstallment later sprite swap]] the DOS, Mac and UsefulNotes/GameBoy versions of ''[[VideoGame/PacMan Pac-In-Time]]''; the divergent SNES version of that, not so much), used a variation on this: the entire party traveled around at once, rather than moving independently, but each member of the party had skills that could be used at certain points in the level.
%% ** ''VideoGame/LooneyTunesCollector'' for Game Boy Color works in a similar fashion.
* ''VideoGame/{{Gobliiins}}'' games:
** In the [[VideoGame/Gobliiins1 original game]], you have three characters -- a technician, a wizard, and a warrior -- and must use their respective abilities in the right places to complete levels.
** In ''VideoGame/Gobliins2'', you have two characters with slightly different abilities -- one is weaker but more intellectual, the other one vice versa -- which affects their interaction with objects; many puzzles also require both characters to perform some tasks simultaneously. When you get [[TheLoad the third character]], he is useful too in several scenes.
** In ''VideoGame/Gobliins3'', you have only one character, who, at several points, gets sidekicks (who are also under your control), allowing for solving puzzles that require using two characters at the same time.
* ''VideoGame/GoldenSun'' has the Colosso sequence, where you can have the three party members who aren't participating in the event "cheer" main character Isaac (read: use Psynergy to give him an advantage in navigating the maze, like creating shortcuts, disabling obstacles, or in one case, time-stopping the man operating the traps). The puzzle aspect comes from figuring out which Psynergy is required for the traps, which character to use (as they all have different Psynergies, some of which are granted by items), and which trap takes priority (as there are more than three stages, and you can only put one character and therefor disable one trap per stage).
* ''VideoGame/GuyAndBuddy'' ([[http://www.newgrounds.com/portal/view/474433 here]]): A guy sets out to avenge his murdered buddy, with his buddy's ghost tagging along. Each can go places and do things the other can't.
* ''VideoGame/HalfLife'':
** ''VideoGame/HalfLifeDecay'' is a [=PS2=]-only ''VideoGame/HalfLife1'' ExpansionPack in which the player controls two characters (or two players each control one character) who must work together to proceed.
** There is also a ''Half-Life'' mod called ''VideoGame/SvenCoop'' where players online work together to complete a level. At least two players are necessary, as levels will have switches where one player must hold down a button to allow another player to pass through. Possibly the most famous series are the "Secret City" maps.
* In ''VideoGame/HeadOverHeels'', the player controls two characters, each with three abilities the other lacks, and in addition some puzzles can only be solved with [[EpunymousTitle Head standing on top of Heels]].
* In ''VideoGame/TheHumans'', the player controls a tribe of cave-people. In the original game, the cave-people are largely interchangeable (with the exception of a WitchDoctor who appears in some levels), and the puzzles are of the things-a-person-can't-do-alone type; the sequels added other individuals with specific abilities.
* ''VideoGame/IndianaJonesAndTheFateOfAtlantis'' can be played three different ways, with varying emphasis on puzzles or action adventure; one is a teamwork puzzle game with Indy assisted by a former colleague.
** The predecessor ''VideoGame/IndianaJonesAndTheLastCrusade'' includes a few puzzles requiring teamwork between Indy and his father.
* ''VideoGame/{{Karoshi}} Factory''. A worker team up with other workers to find a way to kill themselves...
* In ''VideoGame/KeyToAdventure'', an internet [[http://www.buzzedgames.com/play-4878-Key_to_Adventure.html flash game]], the player controls both a traditional platform character and an electric... not-traditional platform character.
* ''VideoGame/TheLegendOfSpyroDawnOfTheDragon'': Cynder and Spyro have different "elements". Each element can interact with different obstacles, and the player has to figure out which character's elements are needed to get past a certain obstacle.
%% * ''VideoGame/TheLegendOfZeldaFourSwords''
%% * ''VideoGame/TheLegendOfZeldaFourSwordsAdventures''
%% * ''VideoGame/TheLegendOfZeldaTriForceHeroes''
%% * The VideoGame/{{Lego Adaptation Game}}s
* In ''VideoGame/{{Lemmings}}'', each level gives you a number of lemmings, ranging from 1 to 100, to control by assigning skills to them. Most of the easy levels can be solved by having one lemming do all the work while the others hang in a crowd until the end, but later puzzles often require teamwork. The lemmings are identical at first, but two of the skills (Climber and Floater) give them permanent abilities, so puzzles where climbers have to cooperate with floaters are possible.
%% * ''VideoGame/TheLostVikings''
* ''VideoGame/LuigisMansion3''. Luigi is accompanied by "Gooigi", a slimy clone of him that shares the same abilities as well. Progress through the game requires the player to switch between both characters at several points (or, alternatively, have a second player for co-op).
* A few rooms into the indie point-and-click adventure game ''VideoGame/LUNATheShadowDust'' the protagonist discovers a cat-like creature buried under the rubble, who, after being rescued, becomes a controllable character. The creature's small size and [[spoiler:ability to turn into a shadow]] allow it to explore places that would've been out of reach otherwise.
%% * ''VideoGame/ManiacMansion''
%% * ''VideoGame/MarioVsDonkeyKong'' (''March of the Minis'' onwards)
* ''VideoGame/MarvelousAnotherTreasureIsland'', a [[NoExportForYou Super Famicom title]] developed by Nintendo late in the console's lifespan. You control a trio of summer campers who do develop individual abilities based on the inventory items the plot hands them, but there are also obstacles that just require the three kids to act together to get past.
* ''VideoGame/MartianGothicUnification'' has you controlling three astronauts in a deserted Mars base. Played with in that the characters can never actually meet: they're each carrying one-third of a deadly virus, and if any two of them are in the same room, [[BodyHorror terrible things]] will happen.
* Some versions of ''VideoGame/MathBlaster'' have a navigational puzzle where you control three distinct characters, each of which is needed to get past one of three distinct obstacles: A character tall enough to reach the pull-chains on the ceiling, a character stout enough to set off the floor switches, and a small floating character that can travel through narrow openings.
* Both the agents in ''VideoGame/MaxBlasterAndDorisDeLightningAgainstTheParrotCreaturesOfVenus'' have special and unique abilities they contribute to solving puzzles.
* The ''Website/{{Neopets}}'' game, ''Hannah and the Ice Caves''. The two playable characters have slightly different talents, but both must reach the exit door to finish each level.
* In ''VideoGame/NeverAlone'', the fox is more agile and can get places Nuna can't, but Nuna can move and carry things the fox can't.
* A fair share of games in the ''VideoGame/NicktoonsUnite'' series:
** The console version of ''VideoGame/{{Nicktoons Unite|2005}}'' is best described as a lighter ''VideoGame/XMenLegends'' with a heavier focus on puzzles requiring usage of one or more of the four characters' different skillsets than on combat.
** The version of ''VideoGame/{{Nicktoons Unite|2006}}'' on the UsefulNotes/NintendoDS and the UsefulNotes/GameBoyAdvance version of ''Battle For Volcano Island'' are akin to the above-mentioned ''Fury of the Furries'' and ''Looney Tunes Collector''. The former, however, is distinct by being set on a 3D plane.
** The DS version of ''VideoGame/GlobsOfDoom'' has the player controlling a different [[EnemyMine protagonist-antagonist pair]] per world (for five world), the 10 characters each having unique abilities. (For the record, the ''only'' moment where the player can choose which pairing to control is for the final boss.)
* In ''[[VideoGame/OnceTwiceThrice Once, Twice, Thrice!]]'' ([[http://www.questengine.com/heroes.php link]]), the player controls three wizards with different sets of ElementalPowers.
* ''VideoGame/PetAlienAnIntergalacticPuzzlepalooza'' has the player switching between each of the five aliens to solve puzzles and rescue Tommy. All of them have their own abilities: Dinko can [[SuperSpeed outrun conveyer belts]], Gumpers can [[SuperStrength smash fragile objects]], Swanky can [[BlockPuzzle push and pull crates]], Flip can [[{{Flight}} fly over obstacles]] and Scruffy can use his OverlyLongTongue to grab objects from far away.
* ''VideoGame/PheusAndMor'' has the title characters. In addition, to switch puzzles and the like, Mor, the dog, is needed to pass any watery area due to his owner Pheus's SuperDrowningSkills.
* ''VideoGame/Pikmin2'' has you control both Olimar and Louie [[spoiler: or later as the President]] to control two sets of Pikmin. ''VideoGame/Pikmin3'' ups this to three captains, Alph, Brittany, and Charlie, each of whom can control their own Pikmin army.
%% * The co-operative multiplayer section of ''VideoGame/Portal2''.
* ''Webcomic/ProblemSleuth'' plays out much like this, owing to the three protagonists' varying statistics.
* [[/index]]Some installments of the ''Franchise/ResidentEvil'' series:[[index]]
** ''VideoGame/ResidentEvilOutbreak'' has eight characters who are all radically different (though only [[ArbitraryHeadcountLimit four could be used in any given level]]).
** ''VideoGame/ResidentEvil5'' has only two characters that are almost interchangeable.
** ''VideoGame/ResidentEvil0'' also uses a partner mechanic, with two somewhat different characters who could be swapped between.
* ''VideoGame/SchizmMysteriousJourney'' involves [[SendInTheSearchTeam two search team members]], Sam Mainey and Hannah Grant, sent to look for their fellow scientists who went missing on the planet Argilus, only to be stranded on opposite sides of the planet when they abandoned their spaceship before the game started. The player can switch between Sam and Hannah at will, and the first goal is to get both in radio contact with each other. From there on, certain puzzles require using both of them at once, where setting one of the characters to move or hold something keeps the other person from progressing.
* ''VideoGame/Shrek2'': You're almost always playing as a team of four characters, though which characters are in the team varies depending on the level; each has their own set of abilities that allow them to do things the other members cannot. Shrek can pick up and throw enemies and specifically-marked objects, Donkey can kick open specific locks and activate machinery, Puss can walk on tightropes, etc.
* ''VideoGame/{{Snipperclips}}'' is a two-player co-op game where both players can snip off a piece of each others' bodies by overlapping them to create a matching shape or solve puzzles.
* ''VideoGame/SonicHeroes'': The player is always given a team of three heroes to work with in the level, separated into a Speed, Power, and Flight-type team member. The levels will always have some sort of gimmick or obstacle that is suited for a certain member of the team to get past, such as blocks only being able to be broken by Power-type characters or enemies that require the Speed-type character to generate a tornado to strip them of their defenses. Sometimes all three team members are required to solve a puzzle, such as placing them in areas to activate three switches.
%% * ''VideoGame/SonicAdvance3''
%% * ''VideoGame/SonicChronicles''
%% * ''VideoGame/KnucklesChaotix''
* ''VideoGame/SpongeBobsAtlantisSquarePants'' has two levels that involve switching between different characters to get through. The first level exclusively uses [=SpongeBob=] (who can flip obstacles with his spatula) and Patrick (who can throw allies and anchors across gaps), while the second throws in Squidward (who can run on treadmills), Sandy (who can lasso objects and allies to her) and Mr. Krabs (who can fly towards and remove money piles).
* ''VideoGame/StarFoxAdventures'' makes use of this with Fox and his [[TagAlongKid Tag-Along Sidekick]], Tricky the [[strike:Triceratops]] [[CallARabbitASmeerp EarthWalker]]. In addition to Tricky having different abilities than Fox (he can dig and [[DinosaursAreDragons breath fire]]), you sometimes have to get him to press switches and do other things for you. Despite this, he still grumbles at you when you leave him to sit on a switch.
* In ''VideoGame/{{Suspended}}'', an Creator/{{Infocom}} InteractiveFiction game, the player controls six robots, each with different capabilities.
* ''VideoGame/SweetHome1989'' has five characters who could form into parties of up to three and could be switched between at any time. Each character has a special object such as a lighter (burns rope barriers) or a vacuum (clears debris).
%% * The licenced ''VideoGame/TransformersAnimated'' game on the Nintendo DS.
* ''VideoGame/{{Trine}}'' has you control a FighterMageThief trio that are SharingABody to solve puzzles and slay enemies.
* In the online versions of ''VideoGame/UruAgesBeyondMyst'', the Bevins (neighbourhoods where players can meet) include one of two randomly selected garden levels, Eder Tsogahl and Eder Delin, which have no purpose other than including a similar puzzle that absolutely needs at least four to five people to be completed easily. It involves pushing a series of buttons in a certain order (different each time), said buttons being scattered around the environment. The simplest way to complete these is to have a button "caller" and have someone waiting close to each button, in order to activate them in a timely manner.
* ''VideoGame/TheWhatIffersInFinalFancy'' stars four heroes representing common RPG classes, who must use their unique abilities in tandem to reach the goal of each stage.
* ''VideoGame/YeahJamFury'': Yeah can create blocks, Jam can boost himself off blocks, Fury can destroy blocks. Use all 3 abilities in tandem to obtain mangoes.
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