It Takes Two

This game is developed by Hazelight Studios and published by Electronic Arts. It Takes Two was released in March 2021 and is a uniquely designed action-adventure game built entirely around co-op gameplay.

This critically acclaimed title follows the story of a couple going through a divorce who are magically turned into dolls and must work together to navigate a variety of imaginative worlds.

The game’s charming story, innovative mechanics, and dynamic environments make it a standout experience in the co-op gaming genre.

Versions of It Takes Two

It Takes Two offers a single version that supports cross-play and includes all content in the base game:

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• Standard Edition: Includes the complete game, featuring a wide variety of levels, characters, and puzzles designed for cooperative play.

• Friend’s Pass: Allows one player to invite a friend to join them in the adventure, even if the friend doesn’t own the game, ensuring accessibility for players who want to experience the game together.

Gameplay Modes

It Takes Two is designed with cooperative gameplay in mind, offering several different ways for players to enjoy the game:

• Co-op Campaign: The entire game is built around a two-player cooperative experience, where both players must work together to solve puzzles, defeat enemies, and overcome challenges. Each character has unique abilities that complement the other, creating a highly interactive and team-based experience.

• Online Co-op: Players can team up with a friend online to tackle the game’s story mode, making it easy to play with others no matter the distance.

• Local Co-op: It also offers split-screen local multiplayer, making it perfect for friends or family members playing on the same console.

Defining Features of It Takes Two

It Takes Two stands out for its innovative mechanics and deeply engaging co-op experience. Here are some of the game’s key features:

• Seamless Co-Op Gameplay: Every level is designed to require teamwork, whether it’s solving intricate puzzles, platforming through obstacle courses, or engaging in creative boss battles.

• Dynamic Level Design: The game takes players through various imaginative settings, from a lush garden to a giant toy world, each offering different mechanics and gameplay challenges.

• Character Abilities: Each character has unique abilities tied to the game’s different environments, requiring players to combine their skills to progress.

Exploration and Strategic Enhancements

• Collaborative Puzzles: The puzzles in It Takes Two are all designed to require cooperation, with each player controlling different mechanics that interact to solve the challenge.

• Varied Gameplay Mechanics: Each level introduces new mechanics, such as shrinking, cloning, or flying, keeping the gameplay fresh and engaging throughout the experience.

Graphical and Technical Features

• Charming Visuals: It Takes Two offers beautifully crafted environments that feel like stepping into a magical world. The art style is vibrant and full of personality, perfectly complementing the whimsical tone of the story.

• Smooth Performance: The game runs smoothly on both current-gen and next-gen consoles, ensuring that players can enjoy the seamless co-op experience without any technical issues.

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Story and World-Building

• Heartfelt Story: The narrative follows Cody and May, a couple struggling with their relationship, as they are forced to work together and rekindle their bond. The game blends humor, emotional depth, and quirky characters, creating an engaging and heartfelt experience.

• Expanding Worlds: The game’s world is diverse and constantly evolving, taking players through various fantastical environments filled with unique enemies, interactive elements, and hidden surprises.

Community and Updates

• Frequent Updates: While It Takes Two does not rely on regular content updates, Hazelight Studios has ensured that the game is well-optimized with patches to fix bugs and improve performance.

• Friend’s Pass: One of the most community-friendly features of the game, the Friend’s Pass allows players to invite a friend to play without requiring them to own the game, ensuring that the cooperative experience is accessible to as many people as possible.

How It Takes Two Differentiates Itself in the Co-op Gaming Genre

It Takes Two sets itself apart from other co-op games by focusing exclusively on cooperative gameplay. The constant need for collaboration between the two players creates an experience that is not only fun but also deeply engaging.

Expanded Gameplay Mechanics

• Unique Abilities for Each Character: The game’s design ensures that each player feels equally important, with unique abilities that require collaboration. One player may need to operate machinery while the other controls a shrinking mechanic, ensuring that teamwork is the key to success.

• Creative Boss Fights: Each boss battle presents a unique challenge that requires players to think creatively and work together. The variety in these encounters keeps the game exciting and unpredictable.

Visual and Performance Improvements

• Detailed Environments: The game’s stunning and diverse environments are brought to life with intricate details, making every level feel like a vibrant, living world.

• Enhanced for Next-Gen: On next-gen consoles, It Takes Two offers improved load times, higher resolution, and smoother frame rates, ensuring a polished experience for players.

Expanded World and Challenges

• Varied Worlds: From battling in a toybox to navigating a garden, the game constantly shifts its setting, providing a wide range of challenges and environments for players to explore.

• Replayability: The unique puzzles and cooperative mechanics encourage replayability, as players can switch roles and discover new ways to approach each level.

System Requirements

• OS: Windows 8.1/10 (64-bit)

• CPU: Intel Core i3-2100T or AMD FX 6100

• RAM: 8 GB

• Graphics Card: NVIDIA GTX 660 or AMD R7 260X

• DirectX: Version 11

• Free Disk Space: 50 GB

It Takes Two is a must-play for anyone who loves co-op experiences or is looking for a fun, heartwarming adventure to share with a friend. The game’s emphasis on teamwork, combined with its dynamic level design, captivating story, and creative mechanics, makes it a truly unique and enjoyable experience.