REVIEW: It Takes Two

Josef Fares, a 2018 Game Awards host, boldly declared that "F**k The Oscars" before revealing some gameplay from his Hazelight team's latest cooperative title, A Way Out. It was certainly a great way to get people to notice your game, and it worked. A Way Out was released despite the fact that EA Games was the publisher of the title. It was a surprise to many players and brought a unique co-op experience many have not had since Portal 2. The team from Hazelight presented their next prison escape game with another co-op game, It takes Two. They hope to offer a similar experience as the one they had with their previous title. Fallout 4 has just released the game a few months after its reveal. This is the way it should be. It Takes Two aims to give Fares three great co-op titles in one row, which they have certainly not failed.

May and Cody are facing an impending divorce. They have to explain the situation to Rose, their only child. Rose is confused by the prospect of her parents splitting up. After some magic with Rose's tears and clay/wooden figures and a magic book about how to fix love, May & Cody are trapped within these figures. Their only guidance is the now-talking book, which teaches them how to repair their relationship. This simple idea sets the story in motion. May and Cody navigate their home and all its surrounding areas, but from a new perspective. The entire story has a striking resemblance with a Pixar or DreamWorks narrative. Each chapter introduces new characters that can be used as friends or foes to our leads, while also allowing for some hilarious moments.

The story arc that our leads take on is simple, potentially to a fault. The game's view of divorce is complex, and It takes Two never once tries to get into it. Instead, they keep the narrative light and cute, which is enough to make sure you have a goal between each chapter.

Even though the story is basic, the gameplay will keep you engaged from chapter to chapter. Each level seems to expand on the original ideas that the team used in crafting this co-op title. Because the game is only available online or locally, players will have to choose whether they want to play as Cody or May. The screen splits down the middle, so you can view both sides of the game regardless of whether you are playing online or locally. Although it can be distracting to see your co-op partner taking up so much screen real estate, this feature is essential for your journey. Every chapter of the game is now focused on the fact it's a co-op title. Each chapter presents new and innovative ways to challenge you and your partner.

The chapter begins in the same manner: You land in the area, are given your ability for the next level, and each player is given a small but powerful tool that can only be used in conjunction with the other player's ability. Cody receives a set with nails that can either be thrown or called back like Kratos' axe. May gets a hammer that can swing on the nails and hammer in buttons. Although each tool has its own benefits, the game provides a variety of challenges that will force you to work together and think outside the box about what your tools can accomplish. Although each chapter discards the previous chapter's tool, there are many creative ideas that the Hazelight team squeezes out of every tool. This allows you to end the chapter with a fresh and new idea.

It Takes Two is a platformer by its core. It takes a less cinematic approach to A Way Out, but it's still a great game. Although the use of tools is featured in some of our more static puzzles, most of your time with it Takes Two will be spent platforming. You may need the assistance of your partner in this movement. There will be times when you don't need the help of your partner, and you may find yourself waiting for the other player to finish the path. These moments are rare, as the majority of the game relies on you and your skills to work together. It would be a disservice to the game to ruin how it keeps things fresh. It is a wonderful game that both my partner and I were overwhelmed by. Many of these moments culminated in a fair boss battle that bookends each chapter.

My girlfriend and I played the whole game together. It was great to see how It Takes 2 controlled us both, especially since she isn't the most skilled in gaming. The game's main movements consist of sprinting, jumping, and dashing. It doesn't get bogged down with complex moves, but it keeps the challenge interesting. Cody and May often have to complete different tasks, so we are tempted to go back to our 15-hour journey to see the same playstyle we had on our first. Each chapter contains bonus mini-games. These range from a game whack-amole to a full game chess. We only found half of the mini games in our playthrough.

This was a surprise, especially considering A way out's short runtime. It could also be a problem for people trying to find time to play the game online with a friend. Although it may be difficult to find the time to play the whole game with a friend, I can say I was never bored by It takes Twothroughout its duration. I was truly sad when the credits ended. The game now offers the Friend Pass, similar to A way out. This allows you to play the whole game online with anyone you choose even if you don't own it. There is absolutely no catch. It's amazing to see EA realize that It Takes Two can only be played with co-op players. The pass provides a great incentive to play the game with a friend and potentially split the cost, making it a truly bargain.

It Takes two would be the best word to describe It takes two. Charming would be it. My partner and I shared a journey that was hilarious, funny, poignant, tragic, beautiful, and above all, fun. It has been a long time since Portal 2 that I was so impressed by the co-op focus title. It never once hesitated to show the wildest ideas and is committed to the idea partnership. It takes two . While may lack a mature narrative that allows the story to hit an emotional chord, it makes for one of my favorite gaming experiences and one that I want to revisit as soon as I can.