Genre: Co-op Adventure (local and online, split-screen)
Publisher: EA Originals Label
Developer: Hazelight Studios
Release Date: March 26, 2021
Platforms: PlayStation 4, Xbox One, PC (Origin, Steam); next-gen upgrade included on PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series S/X
Price: £34.99
ESRB Rating: RP
From the makers of the award-winning co-op adventure A Way Out, embark on an all-new, crazy journey in It Takes Two, a genre-bending platform adventure game created purely for co-op. Play as the clashing couple Cody and May, two humans turned into dolls by a magic spell, who, trapped in a fantastical world where unpredictability hides around every corner, are reluctantly challenged with saving their fractured relationship.
In It Takes Two, players work together across a huge variety of gleefully disruptive gameplay challenges. With connected character abilities in every new level, an abundance of unexpected obstacles and hilariously heartfelt moments, players will work their way through a uniquely metaphorical gameplay experience. Developed by industry leading and award-winning studio Hazelight, known for their unique ability to elevate co-op only experiences unlike any other, It Takes Two whisks players on a wild and wondrous ride where only one thing is for certain: we’re better together.
Pure Co-Op Perfection – As a thrilling adventure built purely for two, players can invite a friend to play for free with Friend’s Pass, tackling ever-changing challenges that can only be solved in pairs. Whether it’s in couch or online co-op with split-screen play, there’s an abundance of opportunities to team up and become an unstoppable duo.
Gleefully Disruptive Gameplay – There’s a new ridiculous challenge to overcome around every corner, from rampaging vacuum cleaners to suave love gurus, gangster squirrels to magical snow globes -- there’s never a dull moment. It Takes Two is filled with genre-bending challenges and new character abilities to master as players experience a metaphorical merging of gameplay and narrative to push the boundaries of interactive storytelling like never before.
A Universal Tale Of Relationships – Cody and May must learn to overcome their differences as they make their way through an adventure filled with outrageous and touching moments that put the challenge of getting along to the test. With the Book of Love’s Dr Hakim and other strange yet endearing characters to help along the way, joining forces will lead to an incredible co-op journey.
Strike and Juzzy played It Takes Two over three sessions, each lasting a few hours. We tried to find as many of the mini-games as possible in one play through (we only missed a few), and overall the game took us around 10 hours to complete. The first thing we have to mention is the huge variety of gameplay mechanics Hazelight Studios have managed to include, every chapter seemed to give us different powers and tools and working through puzzles using these was amazingly fun. Most of the puzzles and boss fights weren't too difficult, and we only really got stumped a couple of times for a minute or two.
The overall narrative of the game was enjoyable, and whilst there were no surprises with how everything ended, you have to bare in mind that this is a family-friendly game. We have to give a shout out to the Book of Love (voiced by Josef Fares) who was easily the highlight of the whole journey, literally every scene involving him was hilarious and we couldn't get enough of him.
The level design was simply awesome, every level/chapter looks like it's had a lot of work put into it and there was a fair amount of time spent running around the environments interacting with the numerous items we found not because we had to, but because everything was so interesting and fun.
This game has been developed purely for offline/online two player co-op and most of the game is spent in split screen (even if you're playing online), which is actually quite helpful as you can see what your teammate is up to at all times. It's always refreshing to have a game built specifically for co-op as it allows for some proper gameplay mechanics and puzzles to be implemented.
Summary
It Takes Two is one of the best co-op games we've played in a long time, it's clear to see that Hazelight Studios have put a lot of time and effort into making the game and it was constantly making us smile and laugh all the way through. This is one co-op adventure you do not want to miss.
Score: 10 out of 10
Comments