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It Takes Two – A Co-Op Gaming Masterpiece
Do you remember gathering with friends or family to play games and laugh together as a kid? *It Takes Two* brings back all those nostalgic feelings and more. It’s been a long time since I’ve enjoyed a game this much, and Josef Fares, the game’s director, wasn’t exaggerating when he said no one would get bored playing it. This co-op game offers one of the best cooperative experiences ever, and here’s why it deserves that title.
A Simple but Heartwarming Story
The story of *It Takes Two* is straightforward yet touching. Cody and May are a married couple on the verge of divorce. Their daughter, Rose, discovers their plans and seeks help from Dr. Hakim, a magical book about relationships, to reignite the love between her parents. Through a twist of fate, Cody and May’s consciousness is transferred into dolls, and they must navigate the whimsical world of *It Takes Two* to solve their issues and rekindle their bond.
While the story isn’t massive, it is heartfelt and engaging. The game is divided into seven chapters, each taking about 1.5 hours to complete. If you explore everything thoroughly, the playtime extends to 15-20 hours, making the adventure even more enjoyable.
Gameplay – Built for Cooperation
*It Takes Two* is entirely designed around co-op gameplay, meaning you must play with a partner. Whether locally or online, the game offers an innovative Friend’s Pass feature. This allows one player to buy the game, while the other downloads the *Friend’s Pass* for free to join in on the fun.
The gameplay combines puzzle-solving, platforming, and combat, all requiring teamwork. Each chapter introduces unique mechanics tailored to its environment. For instance, in one chapter, players use hammers and nails to solve puzzles. In another, the game turns into a shooter with unique weapons for each player. Every level feels fresh and keeps you engaged with its variety and creativity.
Creative and Unique Levels
The seven chapters are vastly different in design and mechanics. This ensures that you never feel bored, as each level feels like a new game. Hazelight Studios has packed the game with innovative ideas, and it’s no wonder Josef Fares confidently claimed no one would get bored playing it.
Beyond the main story, the game includes optional mini-games, such as races, tug-of-war, and other fun challenges. These don’t impact the main plot but add a layer of fun and competition between players. Exploring every corner of the levels will uncover even more hidden mini-games.
Technical Excellence
*It Takes Two* is built using Unreal Engine 4, showcasing Hazelight Studios’ expertise in creating diverse and visually stunning environments. Each chapter offers a unique visual and thematic style, making you feel like you’re entering a new world every time. We played the game on PlayStation 4, and the graphics were impressive, with detailed lighting, reflections, and shadows.
While the technical performance was stable for the most part, there were noticeable frame drops during intense scenes with explosions or heavy smoke effects. For the best experience, play the game on next-gen consoles (PlayStation 5 or Xbox Series X/S) or a high-end PC via Steam or Origin.
Audio and Voice Acting
The voice acting in *It Takes Two* is top-notch, particularly Joseph Balderrama, who plays both Cody and Dr. Hakim. The sound effects and cheerful music add to the classic adventure vibe, making the experience even more enjoyable.
Conclusion:
*It Takes Two* is easily one of the best gaming experiences of 2021. While the story is simple and some chapters felt stretched, the game’s cooperative gameplay, creative mechanics, and stunning visuals make it a standout title. The Friend’s Pass system is another bonus, allowing two players to share the experience with just one purchase. Despite minor technical flaws, *It Takes Two* is a must-play for anyone seeking an unforgettable co-op adventure.