Game Review: It Takes Two (Xbox Series X)

It Takes Two is a co-op only action-adventure platform game developed by Hazelight Studios and published by Electronic Arts. It released in early 2021 for all platforms and eventually came to Game Pass in late 2021. Hazelight’s only other game was their excellent debut title A Way Out. Much like that game, you can only play It Takes Two in either online or local split screen co-op between two players.

The story focuses on Cody & May, a married couple who’re planning on getting a divorce. Cody argues with May about her working all the time. Whereas, May argues back that Cody never shows even a little appreciation for her job. After telling their daughter Rose that they are divorcing, Rose takes her dolls, which look like her parents and tries to repair their relationship by play-acting. The parents find themselves trapped inside the dolls’ bodies in consequence of a tear landing on the dolls. Dr. Hakim, who has assumed the form of his relationship therapy book, tells May and Cody that he has been given the job of trying to fix their relationship as they try to reach Rose.

Cody & May must work together so that they can reach Rose and return to their human bodies.

The game features a large number of game mechanics from various video game genres. These gameplay mechanics are connected to the story and the theme of the level. For example, in one level, Cody gains the ability to rewind time, whereas May can replicate herself. Players have to cooperate with each other and utilize these abilities in order to progress. The game also features a large number of minigames.

It Takes Two is one of if not the best couch co-op video game I’ve ever played. I can’t remember another game in the genre that managed to effectively combine high quality gameplay and a truly compelling narrative as well as this. Each new level incorporates so many gameplay different mechanics, each more enjoyable than the last. You’ll traverse a wide variety of locations as either Cody or May. The sense of scale within these areas is simply tremendous. Exploring Rose’s bedroom, a greenhouse or even the inside of a snow globe is just so much fun.

Additionally, I’ve played a lot of couch co-op video games that incorporate the mechanic in a half-baked way. It’s there but it more often than not treats the second player as a complete afterthought. That is certainly not the case here. Both characters feel equally as important. You must often utilise and combine their individual strengths in order to progress. It’s all about that CO-LLAB-BOR-ATION! An essential quality if you’re looking to defeat the games several challenging boss fights. I say challenging but it never feels too hard or unfair. Although, younger players may struggle in places.

Sure, it does feels somewhat predictable that the story is headed for a happy ending. At first, I didn’t really like the idea. However, this is a surprisingly lengthy game. You can tell the creators knew that to have it go in that direction it had to be well paced and earned. I can say without a shadow of a doubt, it earns it. Cody & May didn’t think it was possible to fix things and see it all from a different perspective either, it’s very well done. There are plenty of laughs and more than a few heartfelt scenes as well.

Also, I liked that they took the time to show how the difficulties that people face in their relationships can negatively affect their children. Honestly, if you’re in a relationship with similar types of issues to what Cody & May face then this game would probably work as a form of therapy.

Visually, It Takes Two is beautifully animated. I had to remind myself on several occasions that I wasn’t watching the next big movie from Pixar. The voice work is fantastic as well which helps you get fully invested in Cody & May as characters. I really don’t want to understate the attention to detail in every square inch of this game. The passion and effort is there for everyone to see.

When a video game is this good, you never want to mention any negatives. I could be wrong but I do wonder how the experience differs from person to person. For example, I can’t see two friends or two young children finding much about the story that relatable.

Regardless, I cannot let that diminish the fact that this was a truly delightful experience. One that I will remember fondly and could certainly see myself revisiting in the future.