It Takes Two review: A masterclass in cooperative gameplay and emotional storytelling
Introduction
Hazelight Studios’ It Takes Two revolutionizes cooperative gameplay by transforming mundane relationship struggles into an extraordinary adventure. Players embody Cody and May, a couple facing divorce who magically become dolls in their daughter’s imaginative world.
As an EA Originals title, It Takes Two breaks conventions by blending platforming, puzzle-solving, and emotional storytelling into a cohesive experience. The game requires two players to collaborate closely as they navigate Dr. Hakim’s bizarre trials to regain their human forms and repair their fractured relationship.
Director Josef Fares builds on his legacy from Brothers: A Tale of Two Sons and A Way Out, pushing creative boundaries further with dynamic gameplay that evolves throughout the adventure.
Innovative Gameplay Mechanics
It Takes Two Gameplay Trailer
The game’s brilliance shines through its constantly evolving mechanics. Each level introduces completely new abilities – from Cody’s sap gun that interacts with May’s match rifle to gravity-defying moon boots. Unlike traditional co-op games where characters share similar skills, here each player receives unique tools that must combine creatively.
Level design deserves special praise – whether bouncing through space on a pillow fort or navigating a clockwork dungeon, environments actively participate in puzzles rather than just serving as backdrops. The third level’s space chase featuring Moon Baboon remains a standout sequence that perfectly balances tension and humor.
Pro Tip: Communication is key – discuss strategies before attempting complex puzzles. Many challenges have multiple solutions, so experiment with different ability combinations.
Emotional Storytelling
Beneath the colorful exterior lies a surprisingly mature narrative about marital struggles. May’s workaholism and Cody’s lost passion create believable friction that many players will recognize from real relationships. The game doesn’t shy away from uncomfortable moments, like when they consider sacrificing Rose’s beloved toy.
What begins as a quest to return to their daughter becomes a journey of rediscovery. Through Dr. Hakim’s unconventional therapy (delivered via a anthropomorphic relationship book), they confront their flaws and rekindle their connection. The emotional payoff feels earned rather than sentimental.
Common Mistake: Don’t rush through cutscenes – the character development enhances the gameplay experience. Pay attention to environmental storytelling in each level that mirrors their relationship struggles.
Technical Performance
While visually stunning with Pixar-quality animation, It Takes Two suffers occasional technical hiccups. Physics glitches might catapult players into walls, and some platforming sections suffer from inconsistent collision detection. Thankfully, frequent checkpoints minimize frustration.
Optimization Tip: If experiencing performance issues, try lowering shadow quality first – this provides significant FPS gains with minimal visual impact. The game’s art style remains beautiful even at medium settings.
Despite minor flaws, the technical achievements impress. Seamless transitions between gameplay genres and the sheer variety of mechanics implemented without loading screens showcase Hazelight’s technical prowess.
Final Verdict
It Takes Two stands as a landmark achievement in cooperative gaming. By combining inventive mechanics with emotional storytelling, Hazelight creates an experience that’s greater than the sum of its parts. The required cooperation mechanics force players to truly work together in ways no other game achieves.
Whether you’re gaming with a partner, friend, or family member, this title offers an unforgettable shared experience. Minor technical issues fade beside the game’s overwhelming creativity and heart. It Takes Two doesn’t just entertain – it reminds us why we play games together.
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