It Takes Twois a game that swept The Game Awards back in 2021, winning numerous awards, including Game of the Year. It was a victory well-earned, according to many fans, asIt Takes Twohas been consistently praisedas one of the best co-op titles of all time, managing to passionately, meaningfully innovate in a space that is often overlooked by many larger developers.
Indeed,It Takes Twois a remarkably special game, not just because of its cooperative features, but because of the panache and enthusiasm with which it presents its myriad game mechanics. Coming from the same development team that madeA Way OutandBrothers,It Takes Tworepresents a major leap forward for Hazelight Studios, as it is untethered from the comparatively grounded and restrained premises of its prior titles. This ingenuity and verve was recognized by The Game Awards, where it took home three awards and six nominations. It also received several other accolades from ceremonies like BAFTA and The Golden Joysticks. With the game arriving on PlayStation Plus this month, and with awards season in full swing, gaming audiences have the perfect excuse to check it out.
It Takes Two Is an Unmissable Co-Op Experience
Gameplay Variety Is Where It Takes Two Shines
WhileIt Takes Twohas a fairly strong and engaging story, its gameplay is the crown jewel. Even some of the best co-op titles can suffer from a degree of repetition, with most of the variety and player expression coming from the nature of the multiplayer experience, butIt Takes Twoworks hard to ensure that it is as refreshing as possible. Indeed, perhaps the only consistent part of the game is its inconsistency and unpredictability.
Each level ofIt Takes Twofeels like it could form the basis of a standalone game. Every chapter introduces a wildly inventive central mechanic, like the ability to speed up time or shoot enemies with explosive tree sap, and just when they threaten to become familiar, the game yanks them away, replacing them with something fresh. The novelty of each of these distinct mechanics isn’t surface level, either, as they are genuinely well-designed, intuitive, and offer room for gratifying critical thinking and creativity. Aside from such mechanics, each level’s theme, sound design, and visuals are radically unique, and this prioritization of variety makesIt Takes Twoan all killer, no filler title.
It Takes Two Is the Quintessential Co-Op Game
While one could theoretically playIt Takes Twoby themselves, such a playstyle would rob the game of its most important aspects. The aforementioned level-specific mechanics, for instance, are different for Cody and May, the player characters: Player 1 will never have the same experience as Player 2. As such, communication and teamwork are essential for success in the game, and one player can never “carry” the team to victory. This makesIt Takes Twostand out against its co-op competition, as the genre can often neglect synergy in favor of versatility and accessibility.
WhileIt Takes Twohas surprisingly deep gameplay, it’s also fairly easy to get a grasp on, making it a good fit for anyone unexperienced with video games.
Simple-yet-satisfying controls, charming level design, competitive mini-games, and thrilling sense of variety combine to makeIt Takes Twoone of the best co-op games ever made, and a can’t-miss title for anyone with even a passing interest in the genre. With The Game Awards around the corner, now could be the perfect time to explore one of its most sensible GOTY picks, and for those in the relevant climates,It Takes Twocould be the best balm for the cold winter monthsahead.
It Takes Two
WHERE TO PLAY
Embark on the craziest journey of your life in It Takes Two, a genre-bending platform adventure created purely for co-op. Invite a friend to join for free with Friend’s Pass and work together across a huge variety of gleefully disruptive gameplay challenges. Play as the clashing couple Cody and May, two humans turned into dolls by a magic spell. Together, trapped in a fantastical world where the unpredictable hides around every corner, they are reluctantly challenged with saving their fractured relationship.Master unique and connected character abilities in every new level. Help each other across an abundance of unexpected obstacles and laugh-out-loud moments. Kick gangster squirrels’ furry tails, pilot a pair of underpants, DJ a buzzing night club, and bobsleigh through a magical snow globe. Embrace a heartfelt and hilarious story where narrative and gameplay weave into a uniquely metaphorical experience.It Takes Two is developed by the award-winning studio Hazelight, the industry leader of cooperative play. They’re about to take you on a wild and wondrous ride where only one thing is for certain: we’re better together.
