It Takes Two: PC, PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, Xbox One, Xbox Series X/S

You wouldn’t think that a game about a divorcing couple inspecting the ruins of their marriage could be one of the sweetest, most wholesome games ever made. But it is, and It Takes Two has managed to reinvent the co-op genre and take it to a whole new level. 

Game Mechanics

I have played many co-op games but often (with the exception of games like Fall Guys or Among Us) these are single-player games that happen to have a multiplayer or co-op element. Co-op often feels tacked-on, with the additional player having limited abilities (think of Mario odyssey, where one player is Mario and a second player takes control of Cappy, Mario’s hat). It Takes Two is critically different in this regard, as you need two people to play it.

Each player embodies either May or Cody, who are often gifted unique skills that require the combination of your abilities to complete certain tasks or boss fights. Communication is key here, so playing on the same device was useful, but I’m sure the same effect could have been achieved via Discord. 

Aside from the unique co-opt elements, the game is incredibly user-friendly, with relatively low prerequisite game knowledge and an objective-less style of progression that encourages experimentation, exploration and curiosity. 

The Story

Cody and May are subjecting their young daughter, Rose, to the household fragility that comes with an unhappy marriage. As children do, Rose thinks it is all her fault and is an emotional drive throughout her parent’s journey. 

Transformed into three-inch dolls, May & Cody can now explore various parts of the house as if they were tiny worlds. The developers have let their imaginations run wild. Being able to inspect forgotten possessions and watch as they regain their sentimental value is a unique concept; from a neglected garden to an abandoned cuckoo clock. The resulting places you get to explore are both familiar yet vast, making the game world feel well-realised and detailed.

Conclusion

A lot of people might be put off by the cringey dialogue, and borderline sadistic moments of the game, but in a similar vein to the darkness of Toy Story 3, these moments are ones you cannot look away from. 

Whilst 15 hours of gameplay can seem like a daunting endeavour to be stuck with someone for, the content is so unique, fun and interesting that no two sessions will feel the same. Make it the way that you keep in touch with someone that lockdown has separated you from. Teach your grandma or sibling how to play. Either way, you’ll have shared a wonderfully special experience with someone. 

Images: Hazelight Studios/Electronic Arts