It Takes Two

It Takes Two – Co-op Brilliance with a Beating Heart

Released in 2021 by Hazelight Studios and directed by Josef Fares, It Takes Two is more than just a co-op action-platformer—it’s a celebration of shared gameplay, creativity, and emotional storytelling. Built entirely around two-player interaction, this title delivers one of the most inventive and satisfying multiplayer experiences in modern gaming.

Story: Love, Fracture, and Imagination

You play as MayCody

, a married couple on the brink of divorce who, through a magical twist, are turned into tiny clay and wooden doll versions of themselves. Guided by a talking therapy book named Dr. Hakim (yes, really), they must navigate fantastical versions of their home and memories to repair their relationship—literally and emotionally.

The story is heartfelt and often surprisingly mature. While it doesn’t shy away from humor and whimsy, it also touches on themes of communication, resentment, and reconciliation. It strikes a difficult balance, and while not every beat is perfect, it’s refreshingly grounded for a game full of talking squirrels and singing vacuum cleaners.

Gameplay: Constant Reinvention

It Takes Two thrives on variety. Every level introduces new mechanics tailored specifically for co-op play—gravity shifts, magnet powers, time control, clone creation, and more. These powers are always asymmetrical: May and Cody get different tools, forcing collaboration and communication at every step.

From puzzle-solving to platforming, from rail grinding to third-person shooting, from boss battles to mini-games—It Takes Two never repeats itself. It constantly evolves, giving players new challenges and moments of awe every 10 minutes. The pacing is masterful.

More Than a Game: A Relational Experience

I played It Takes Two on the Nintendo Switch, specifically because I wanted to share the experience with my daughter, who was about 10 years old at the time. It was the perfect co-op title for us—brilliant in its puzzle design, always focused on teamwork, and never so difficult as to frustrate.

What I appreciated most was how each stage gives the two players completely different—but perfectly complementary—abilities. For example, in one chapter, one character wields a honey-firing gun to stick enemies and objects, while the other carries a match launcher to ignite the honey. In another level, one player manipulates gravity boots to walk on ceilings while the other uses a magnetic harness to move metal platforms. There’s also a level with cloning powers and another where one player can control time. It’s pure creativity, reimagined every few minutes.

In the end, this is a wonderful game to enjoy with someone special—be it your spouse, partner, sibling, or child. It not only brings laughter and challenge, but also gently encourages you to reflect on how you communicate and collaborate. It’s entertainment and subtle therapy in one.

Visuals and Sound

The game’s art direction is vibrant and imaginative. Environments range from a child's bedroom turned into a battle zone, to a magical snow globe world, to a living cuckoo clock. The world feels like a handcrafted toy box full of secrets and surprises.

The soundtrack is dynamic and well-scored, adapting to mood and gameplay, while voice acting—especially from May and Cody—adds depth and personality to the experience.

Available Platforms

It Takes Two was released in 2021 and has since been made available across a wide range of platforms, making it accessible to players on both previous and current-gen systems:

• PlayStation 4
• PlayStation 5
• Xbox One
• Xbox Series X|S
• PC (Windows) – via Steam, Origin, and the EA App
• Nintendo Switch – released in November 2022

The game supports both local and online co-op on all platforms, and features the Friend Pass system—allowing a second player to join for free, even without owning the game.

Verdict

It Takes Two is a co-op masterpiece. It’s not just about playing together—it’s about solving, learning, and experiencing together. With polished mechanics, inventive level design, and a warm (sometimes heartbreaking) story, it raises the bar for narrative-driven multiplayer games. Whether you’re a couple, friends, or family, this is one adventure worth taking side by side.

Pros

✔ Constantly fresh gameplay mechanics.

✔ Deeply collaborative co-op design.

✔ Stunning level variety and creativity.

✔ Emotional and often humorous story.

✔ Couch and online co-op with one copy (Friend Pass).

Cons

✘ No single-player option—must be played in co-op.

✘ Some story moments may feel rushed or uneven.

✘ A few minigames are throwaway filler.

Final Score

92%