It Takes Two

 

2018’s A Way Out by Hazelight Studios was an ambitious middle market title that aimed to bring cooperative play back to relevancy. While I liked the game I found its gameplay to be fairly safe, offering little in the way of interactivity or challenge. The game had good intentions though and highlighted what Hazelight Studios’ intentions were. Reintroduce cooperative and linear narratives with an emphasis on local co-op. This brings us to It Takes Two, the continuation of their formula.

It Takes Two can’t simply be placed into a single genre of game as it features a plethora of different gameplay mechanics and styles. This variety is one of the game’s major strengths and helps each new chapter stay fresh and interesting. The situations that May and Cody find themselves in are endlessly entertaining, with each new area offering the pair some new gadgets. One moment you'll be wielding guns fighting bees inside a tree, and the next you’ll be completing platforming challenges in space using magnetic boots and the ability to alter your size. This diversity can be found in the environments too as May and Cody must adventure inside a clock, the attic and inside a snow globe in order to restore themselves to normal. The movement controls are buttery smooth and each gameplay style feels polished enough to be engaging. My personal highlight was in Rose’s (the protagonist's daughter) room, where you encounter a Baboon who cares very daily for Rose. Another great moment comes in chapter two as May ends up having to battle a squirrel on a moving plane. The absurdity of these scenarios never ceased to amaze me and the game’s cutesy art style made me feel as though I was playing a high budget Disney film. The boss fights are extremely intelligent, finding clever ways to implement the tools at your disposal with some thought being required to beat them. The game isn’t that challenging overall though and for the most part I think that’s ok. The game is clearly family orientated and so challenge should not have been a priority. I enjoyed the game with my wife and it was honestly one of the best bonding experiences I think we have had. And while part of that will probably be down to the story, I still think the numerous interactables that put smiles on our faces and the consistently great set pieces allowed us to bond out of pure delight. 

It Takes Two’s story has rarely been tackled in modern gaming and even less so in a game aimed towards families. May and Cody are a troubled couple dealing with marital strife whilst also raising their daughter Rose. One day upon telling Rose that the pair are getting a divorce, she runs off into their shed with two handmade dolls. Suddenly May and Cody are transplanted into these same dolls and if this all seems very child friendly, that's because it is with May and Cody’s goal being to find a way back to their normal bodies whilst perhaps fixing their marriage along the way. While it is a bit simplistic, May and Cody’s journey has set a benchmark for these types of stories with powerful, heartfelt moments and a strong conclusion that perhaps does try to be slightly prophetic. The lengths the two are willing to go to will surprise you and you will grow to like the pair more as the narrative progresses. At times though, they will do some heinous things along the way and my wife and I were sometimes left rooting against them because of this. This is overall a small blemish though as the banter between May and Cody is enjoyable and will endear them to the players. The cast surrounding May and Cody also has distinct personalities and tones and the fact that the cast keeps moving forward helps the cutscenes stay interesting. Dr Hakim and Moon Baboon were my favourites with Hakim’s “collaboration” line being uttered many times since I completed the game either by myself, my wife or by friends.

The presentation in It Takes Two is flawless for what it sets out for. Voice-acting by all involved is great with certain scenes and lines being uttered in our household constantly, graphics that make it look like a Pixar or DreamWorks production, and a balanced soundtrack that grapes the scope of the narrative. My favourite piece of music has to be that found on the menu which I find tranquil and beautiful, a great contrast to the hectic madness you are about to jump into when you start the game. Each environment is detailed and because they change up so regularly none of them get stale. I did find the stages with more colour engaging though just because the Pixar graphics felt more natural in those settings. 

Conclusion

It Takes Two is a near-perfect cooperative experience that I urge every gamer to partake in. Whether it’s your spouse, a family member or even just a friend the experience will likely mean a lot to at least one of you and the narrative is told supremely well. The range of environments, gameplay styles and characters means that the game never gets stale and the beautiful presentation keeps the game visually interesting. If A Way Out was for you, then It Takes Two will be too. Only it’s better in virtually every way . The game won numerous Game of the Year Awards back in 2021 and absolutely earned them. It may only take two, but this game stole the hearts of millions. 

Rating: Some great “Collaboration” here

10/10