It Takes Two Review – The Perfect Co-op Adventure for Families?

Introduction

It Takes Two is an innovative action-adventure and platformer exclusively playable in co-op mode. Developed by Hazelight Studios and published by Electronic Arts, it was released on March 26, 2021, available on PC, PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, Xbox One, and Xbox Series X/S.

After several weeks of intense gameplay with my daughter, we can confidently say: It Takes Two is the best co-op game we've ever experienced. It's varied, creative, and perfectly designed for shared gaming sessions.

Story & Setting

In It Takes Two, players assume the roles of Cody and May, a couple on the verge of divorce. Due to the magical wish of their daughter Rose, they're turned into dolls and must collaborate closely to return to human form.

The settings are richly diverse and imaginative: you explore enormous gardens, workshops, space stations, and even a magical toy world. The atmosphere is heartwarming, humorous, yet deeply emotional, making the narrative engaging without becoming cheesy.

Gameplay & Mechanics

The gameplay in It Takes Two thrives on tight cooperation between players. Whether solving puzzles, defeating enemies, or mastering skill challenges, every task requires coordinated teamwork.

• Controls and Difficulty:

  • Intuitive controls, perfect for players of all ages.
  • Challenges are suitably engaging but never frustrating.

• Progression and Level Design:

  • Highly creative and continually surprising level design.
  • Tasks range from simple skill games to more complex puzzles.

• Unique Features:

  • Continuously changing gameplay mechanics keep it fresh.
  • Each segment introduces unique abilities requiring cooperative play.

• Technical Implementation:

  • Smooth and glitch-free performance across all platforms.
  • Fast loading times thanks to excellent optimization.

Graphics, Sound & Technology

• Graphics and Performance:

  • Bright, lively visuals with charming animated film aesthetics.
  • Stable frame rates and high resolution offer an enjoyable experience.

• Music and Sound Design:

  • Expertly composed music perfectly complements the game’s atmosphere.
  • Professional voice acting and lovingly crafted sound effects.

• Technical Issues:

  • We encountered no significant bugs or technical problems throughout our gameplay.

• Platform Comparison:

  • Excellent performance on PC, Xbox Series X, and PlayStation 5.
  • Slightly longer loading times on older consoles, but no critical issues.

Longevity & Replayability

• Content and Duration:

  • The campaign takes about 10–15 hours, ideal for multiple gaming sessions.

• Endgame and Replayability:

  • High replay value due to the different roles (Cody or May), offering new perspectives.
  • Many hidden mini-games and challenges add extra fun.

Personal Opinion & Target Audience

What especially impressed us about It Takes Two is the unwavering focus on cooperation. Each section felt unique and fresh. The blend of skill-based challenges, puzzles, and storytelling continually motivated us to keep playing.

What We Loved:

• Perfect balance between challenge and fun.
• Creativity and variety in each level.
• Emotionally resonant yet humorous narrative.

What Could Be Improved:

• Honestly, no noteworthy criticisms—the game maintains consistently high quality.

Ideal Audience:

• Families and friends seeking a shared gaming experience.
• Casual gamers who enjoy frustration-free cooperative play.
• Fans of creative action-adventure games like A Way Out or LittleBigPlanet.

FAQ – Frequently Asked Questions

Tips & Tricks for Beginners

• Communication is key—always coordinate with your partner.
• Take time to explore the mini-games; they provide fun breaks.
• Play as both characters to experience different gameplay styles.