It Takes Two Review – The Joys And Heartbreak Of Love

It Takes Two is not about the thrill of rollercoaster rides or silly conversations with squirrels. It’s about divorce and the toll taken on a daughter who doesn’t want to lose her family. It’s about decaying love and the differences that divide us. It’s about not wanting to face reality and not wanting to let go. It’s also about hope and uncertainty, the past creating a better future, and finding common ground no matter how much it may hurt. These elements are seamlessly woven together to create a vibrant and heartfelt adventure. It Takes Two works well in that it forces two players to collaborate to build a successful relationship. But for how long?

We see Rose, a young girl, run to her room after Cody and May tell her they’re splitting up. She’s devastated and keeps saying she just wants them to be “friends.” As hard as it is for Rose to accept the news, we learn she’s been expecting it. Not only has she made two action figures of her parents to play make-believe with – to show them the way she wants them to be – she’s also secretly purchased a “Book of Love” to learn how to make them care about each other again.

Rose’s tears fall from her cheeks onto the figures and book, conjuring magical forces that sweep through the house. We will see Cody again, but May and May have their souls transferred to their clay, wooden, and miniature counterparts. These two adult adults are rightfully in panic as they find themselves trapped in new bodies. The Book of Love welcomes them with a cheerful, humorous figure called Dr. Hakim who promises to heal the relationship that once existed. It’s a charming story told through a diminutive viewpoint that is set in treacherous action sequences. It works wonderfully well to combine narration with gameplay, giving you a lot of insight into Cody’s thoughts and May’s race to get back to normal.

Dr. Hakim doesn’t want them to move so fast, however, and thinks they should stay small to work out their differences. His somewhat selfish desire to be a hero is transformed brilliantly into the basis of the adventure. It Takes Two requires two players to play together, online and on the couch. Each player must complete their own platforming challenge, but it is impossible to make much progress if the two of you are not working together. Every significant movement requires cooperation, communication, patience, and teamwork between the players. Online, you will always see your partner’s screen. This is a great feature that makes it easy for both players to communicate and solve problems.

Cody and May have the same fundamental moves but they are provided with different tools for each world. They feel different and can have exclusive rights to a particular type of action. For instance, Cody has explosive gel, but it can only be detonated with May’s rifle. Later in the game, Cody can change sizes, while May is equipped with magnetic boots – an odd pairing that is used to let both characters interact in the world in different ways to open up new routes.

In almost all sequences, the combined actions of both characters are used. These sequences are often brilliantly designed and deliver plenty of laughter, heart-pumping moments, and require teamwork. Some sequences require both players to perform the same action but they have to think and move in different ways. For example, one character must spin water wheels to steer the boat around the mines. You will be shouting back and forth while you try to figure out what the other player should do with your movements.

While It Takes Two will be talked about for its cooperative-only design and subject matter, developer Hazelight’s biggest triumph is the variety in action. After a certain gameplay idea is explored thoroughly, the action becomes something completely new. This allows for more fun and then expires to present another. You’d be surprised at how many ideas are presented. It almost feels like there is a complete list of action-game possibilities. Some of these ideas work better than others, but most of Hazelight’s attempts are incredibly well executed, such as riding on the back of a magical catfish, roaring down an icy slope in a bobsled, or using a fidget spinner to launch into the air.

Although the basic gameplay of running, jumping and balancing is constant in each world’s different environments, problem-solving elements can be changed. Hazelight offers a break from the action with amusing minigames. These allow you to play against your partner or give them some help (such as hitting their head in a game called whack-amole).

This game has a distinctive stance because it requires constant verbal communication for nearly every sequence. Many of the challenges will have you saying phrases like “throw the switch…now!” Although some co-op tasks can be extremely difficult in terms of timing and movement, both the players will die often. Checkpoints are generously distributed. You can usually jump again if you make a mistake. The game’s progress is kept updated frequently to avoid its somewhat rigid and impractical platforming. Both players will have to start a boss fight again or go back to the beginning to complete a level. However, a well-designed self-revive mechanism limits these moments.

It is a complex platforming task that requires double jumps, air dashes, rope swings, and many other maneuvers. These actions may not be as reliable as you would like, nor are they as smooth as you need them to be. However, they are sufficient to do the job. Hazelight knows how many timing mistakes can occur and assists the player by having their characters pulled up to a ledge instead of being pushed away if they get too close. It’s odd to see Cody or May magically move through space, but it’s better than having to try a difficult action again. You can see the helpful warping happening everywhere, even if you’re five feet below a rail slide or just about to make a jump from a tree branch.

While It Takes Two might not be as big as it claims to be in platforming, its heart and wealth of variety make it more than worth it. All of its individual actions are things we’ve done in other games, but when applied to this distinct cooperative approach, they take on a whole new life and are used in wonderful ways over a long adventure. The action will have you laughing and screaming at your TV, and the story stays strong throughout, creating the backbone for an entertaining adventure that roars with excitement and should keep you glued to the controller to see if this couple’s lost love can be rekindled.