It Takes Two

A healthy marriage, as many say, is akin to the ultimate cooperative game. It's about knowing when to give and take, when to push and pull, how to balance communication, and, crucially, remembering to take out the garbage. Hazelight Studios has masterfully embodied this concept in the almost entirely garbage-free co-op platformer It Takes Two. This game is an ecstatic blast of co-op creativity, offering fresh and engaging gameplay ideas in every corner of its universe.

Set against the fantastical backdrop of a pair of shrunken parents, May and Cody, It Takes Two draws parallels to a whimsical and trippy Honey, I Shrunk the Kids. The product is a beautifully chaotic journey through imaginative environments and unique cooperative challenges.

Worldbuilding Marvels

Your journey in It Takes Two takes you through a myriad of astonishingly creative environments, each more gorgeous and captivating than the last. From the humble garden shed to outer space, every area bursts with vibrant life and detail. The developers have outdone themselves with the unique contraptions and anthropomorphic characters populating this world.

One minute, May and Cody might find themselves amidst an intricately designed workshop. The next, they could be gliding through a sparkling kaleidoscope or engaging in a nightclub dance-off with anthropomorphic glow sticks within an air duct. The environments themselves become dynamic characters in the story, continuously shifting and evolving.

Gameplay Variety

The sheer variety of gameplay styles in It Takes Two is nothing short of remarkable. It never lingers on one idea long enough for it to grow stale. One moment, players guide a giant pencil along a connect-the-dots picture, and the next, they're exploring an isometric dungeon as a wizard and barbarian, casting spells and swinging swords.

Later levels continue to surprise and delight. From navigating the evergreen treetops on a tiny plane to engaging in a Street Fighter-style face-off with a squirrel militia member, each segment is a fresh, exhilarating experience. This constant, seamless shift from one gameplay style to another keeps both players fully engaged and entertained.

Cooperative Symphony

At the heart of It Takes Two lies a symphony of cooperation. Every chapter refreshes the character-specific abilities of May and Cody, turning simple platforming segments into complex back-and-forth puzzles that require genuine teamwork. Cody may throw a bandolier of nails to create new paths, while May swings between them with a claw hammer.

Another example is May's water gun, which nourishes soil to let Cody grow into a twisting flower, creating new platforms. Each ability set compels coordination, making puzzle-solving and boss fights equally thrilling. The satisfaction of solving these puzzles together is profound, cementing this as one of the most enjoyable co-op experiences available.

Endless Interactivity

The world of It Takes Two is brimming with interactive elements, many of which exist purely for the sake of fun. For instance, a giant bass drum kick pedal might not be instrumental in advancing the level, but it provides a delightful moment of interaction, letting players experiment and have fun.

Whether it's knocking over carefully lined-up dominoes or engaging in an impromptu snowball fight, the game rewards playful curiosity at every turn. Infinite lives and generous checkpointing encourage players to explore and experiment without fear of penalty, amplifying the fun factor significantly.

Visual Delight

The graphics in It Takes Two are truly a visual feast. Each environment is meticulously crafted, from the lush garden shed to the intricately detailed cardboard castle. The animation is fluid, with character movements and environmental interactions feeling natural and responsive.

The artistic design remains consistently high-quality throughout the game's length. The colors are vibrant, and the characters' emotive expressions add layers to the storytelling. This attention to detail enhances the immersive experience, making the world of It Takes Two feel alive and engaging at every turn.

Challenges vs. Enjoyment

While the cooperative gameplay is generally well-balanced, there are moments when the experience can feel slightly uneven. Occasionally, one player might find themselves in a more action-packed sequence while the other is relegated to a more passive role. This creates a temporary imbalance in enjoyment.

In fact, they add a dimension of curiosity, prompting players to switch roles and replay levels to experience both perspectives fully.

The Puzzling Dr. Hakim

One character that stands out, albeit not in a favorable light, is Dr. Hakim. As a self-proclaimed 'Book of Love,' he is intended to guide May and Cody towards reconciliation. Unfortunately, his cringe-worthy lines and over-the-top antics can be more irritating than amusing.

Despite this, Dr. Hakim's appearances often precede the introduction of new abilities or intriguing gameplay twists, making his presence somewhat more tolerable. If nothing else, his character prompts the anticipation of fresh and exciting game mechanics.

Story and Themes

While the core story of It Takes Two revolves around rekindling love and overcoming relationship hurdles, the narrative is cleverly woven into the gameplay. For example, May and Cody might use magnet halves to solve puzzles, symbolizing their attraction towards each other.

The gradual reconciliation of the two leads is charming, even if the final moments of the story border on being overly sentimental. Younger players may miss some of the marriage metaphors, but it doesn't affect the overall enjoyment, especially when shared with a co-op partner like a child.

Shared Joy

One of the most delightful aspects of It Takes Two is the joy of shared experience. Playing with a friend, spouse, sibling, or child creates memorable moments filled with laughter and excitement. Even if the themes are mature for younger players, the interactive and playful nature of the game ensures everyone has a fantastic time.

The game's ability to instigate spontaneous fun—whether it's a snowball fight or drawing a face on an Etch-a-Sketch—is a testament to its design brilliance. These moments of joy highlight the power of cooperative gaming and the bond it can create between players.

Conclusion

It Takes Two is a brilliant co-op adventure that overflows with creativity, playfulness, and engaging gameplay. Its diverse mechanics, stunning visuals, and endless surprises ensure it remains captivating from start to finish. Despite a few minor annoyances, such as the character of Dr. Hakim, the overall experience is one of joy and wonder.

If you have a co-op partner in your life, whether a spouse, friend, sibling or even a child, It Takes Two is an experience you must share. It's a journey filled with laughter, cooperation, and unforgettable moments, solidifying it as a must-play title in the realm of cooperative games.