It Takes Two Review

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When I first sat down to play It Takes Two, I wasn’t quite sure what to expect. Coming from the mind of Josef Fares, the creator of A Way Out and his famous speech at The Game Awards, I knew I was in for something creative and unconventional. What I didn’t anticipate was just how much fun, laughter, and sheer joy this co-op platformer would deliver over its roughly 12-hour campaign. It Takes Two isn’t just a great co-op game—it’s an experience that’s bursting with creativity, heart, and gameplay variety that kept me engaged from start to finish.

It Takes Two Review

The story of It Takes Two centers on Cody and May, a married couple on the brink of divorce. After breaking the news to their young daughter, Rose, the little girl unknowingly casts a bit of magic by wishing for her parents to stay together. This wish causes Cody and May to be transformed into two tiny doll-like versions of themselves, and they’re forced to work together to undo the spell and return to their human forms.

The game’s narrative is both heartfelt and funny, exploring themes of communication, teamwork, and rekindling love in a way that feels refreshingly honest without ever becoming overly heavy-handed. Cody and May are flawed but relatable characters, bickering and bantering in ways that feel authentic to any couple. Their journey is guided by Dr. Hakim, a sentient book of love with a hilariously over-the-top personality. Dr. Hakim’s cheesy advice and flamboyant delivery add a layer of absurdity that really complements the game’s whimsical tone.

It Takes Two Review

The real magic of It Takes Two lies in its gameplay. From start to finish, the game is a playground of inventive mechanics, constantly shifting perspectives, and imaginative level design. Just when you think you’ve seen everything the game has to offer, it throws something new at you—whether it’s a new ability, a surprising twist, or a genre shift that feels like an entirely different game.

Each level is themed around a different aspect of Cody and May’s relationship, often metaphorically represented through extraordinary environments. One moment you’re navigating a tree filled with militant squirrels in a makeshift fighter plane; the next, you’re exploring a magical, clockwork realm where time itself bends to your will. Every stage feels like its own unique world, complete with puzzles, challenges, and interactive elements that encourage exploration and experimentation.

What I found particularly impressive is how seamlessly the gameplay mechanics tie into the themes of the story. For example, one level gives May the ability to manipulate time while Cody can create clones of himself. These abilities aren’t just fun to use—they symbolically represent their roles in the relationship and require genuine teamwork to solve puzzles and progress.

It Takes Two Review

There are moments where the game leans into entirely new genres, from a top-down dungeon crawler to a full-blown aerial dogfight sequence, and somehow, it all works. Many of the individual ideas and mechanics are so well-designed that they could be the foundation of their own standalone game, but It Takes Two bundles them all into a single cohesive experience.

Visually, It Takes Two is stunning. Its art direction is vibrant and full of personality, with each level boasting a distinct aesthetic that feels like stepping into a handcrafted diorama. The sense of scale is especially impressive; as shrunken-down versions of Cody and May, the game often plays with your perception of the world, turning everyday objects into towering obstacles or whimsical set pieces.

The sound design is equally delightful. The voice acting is top-notch, particularly the performances of Dr. Hakim and the squabbling duo of Cody and May. The soundtrack is dynamic, shifting to match the tone of each level—from playful and lighthearted to tense and dramatic.

It Takes Two Review

For a platformer, controls are everything, and It Takes Two delivers in spades. The movement is smooth and responsive, making it easy to pull off precise jumps, dodges, and maneuvers. Each new ability you gain feels intuitive to use, and the game does an excellent job of teaching you how to use them without bogging you down with lengthy tutorials.

The level design complements the tight controls beautifully. Puzzles are clever and rewarding, often requiring you and your partner to split up and tackle different objectives simultaneously. There’s a real sense of satisfaction that comes from working together to overcome challenges, and the game’s generous checkpoint system ensures that failure never feels punishing. Even when my partner and I struggled with certain sections, we never lost much progress, which kept the experience enjoyable and frustration-free.

As the title suggests, It Takes Two is designed to be played with another person, and the game takes full advantage of this co-op dynamic. Every puzzle, challenge, and boss fight is built around teamwork, requiring constant communication and coordination. While this reliance on another player can occasionally lead to frustration—particularly if your partner isn’t as skilled or focused—the game’s forgiving mechanics and lighthearted tone make it a great choice for players of all ages and skill levels.

Playing with someone else also adds to the humor and charm of the game. My partner and I shared plenty of laugh-out-loud moments, whether it was discovering a hidden mini-game or accidentally messing up a puzzle in hilarious ways. The sheer number of interactive elements scattered throughout the levels adds a layer of spontaneity that makes the game feel alive and endlessly entertaining.

It Takes Two Review

While I loved It Takes Two, there was one minor gripe I had during my experience. The split-screen view, which is used even when playing online, can sometimes feel too zoomed in, making it difficult to get a clear view of the environment. There were moments where my partner and I wandered around aimlessly, unsure of where to go or what to do, simply because the camera didn’t provide enough context. While these instances were relatively rare, they did lead to some occasional frustration.

Final Thoughts

It Takes Two is a triumph of creativity and design, offering a co-op experience that’s unlike anything else I’ve played. Its heartfelt story, inventive gameplay, and stunning presentation come together to create something truly special. While it’s not perfect, the few frustrations I encountered were far outweighed by the sheer joy of playing through its many imaginative levels with a partner.

If you’re looking for a co-op game to play with a loved one, a friend, or even a child, I can’t recommend It Takes Two highly enough. It’s a game that celebrates teamwork, communication, and the joy of shared experiences—and in doing so, it’s a reminder of why we play games together in the first place.

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9

Played On: PS5

  • + Very fun and creative
  • + Intuitive level designs
  • + Tight controls and satisfying gameplay
  • + Perfect game to play with others


  • - Some minor frustrations caused by the split screen

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