“The Game Awards 2021” ended with Hazelight Studios’ “It Takes Two” winning the much anticipated “Game of the Year” award. I didn’t think much of the game until I played it for myself, but now I can safely say that “It Takes Two” deserved game of the year. 

What sets “It Takes Two” apart from other games is that there is no single-player option. The entire game must be played with someone else, whether it be through local or online play.

“It Takes Two” follows the story of May and Cody, a married couple on the verge of divorce. However, their daughter, Rose, accidentally casts a magic spell that turns May and Cody into dolls. They must then navigate a strange world all while rekindling the love they once shared.

In a world of mindless remakes of games and constant rehashing of old formulas, “It Takes Two” is a breath of fresh air. 

It is a game for hardcore gamers and casuals alike. The platforming, puzzles, and combat are designed for everyone. The game isn’t so challenging that you’ll throw your controller at a wall, but some puzzles do require you to think a little. For example, Cody and May visit a giant clock tower at a certain point in the game. 

In this section, Cody gains the ability to manipulate time, and May gains the ability to clone herself. With the help of my partner, we were able to figure out that a puzzle required May to clone herself on a broken piece of wood, and then Cody repaired the piece of wood using his time manipulation. This allowed the clone to hit a button which opened a door to let us both proceed. Puzzles like this make up “It Takes Two” along with light platforming and combat. 

Don’t worry though, because there is no penalty for failing a jump. You may simply continue to try until you succeed. If you fail in combat, you can quickly revive yourself as your partner continues to fight. With two heads though, you shouldn’t be stuck on a puzzle or boss for too long.

The beauty of this game lies in its storytelling capabilities. There isn’t some crazy world-ending threat, or a wild story involving sci-fi elements. This game is simply about love. 

The story itself is meant to make you and your partner feel good. From the start of the game to the end, both of you are meant to feel happy. The writing is excellent, and most jokes land. If a joke doesn’t land, it still doesn’t take away from your enjoyment. 

At no point does the game become boring, as there is constantly something new and exciting to discover. The game is consistently engaging, whether it be through the story, the brilliant attention to detail, or the fun minigames scattered throughout the world.

The game’s main selling point is co-op, but if you and your partner want some competition, the game offers that as well. There are optional competitive markers around the world that offer a chance to play a mini-game against each other. These mini-games are fun, and they always allow a nice break from the action if you need it.

“It takes Two” should be played with someone you love. 

If you’re in a relationship, this is the perfect game to tighten your bond with one another. It isn’t a question of IF your relationship will become stronger because it WILL become stronger after playing. 

That being said, even those who don’t play with their romantic partner will find joy in this game. Any relationship, whether it be friends, familial, or romantic will come out of this game strengthened. 

Like I said earlier, this game is designed for everyone, so no need to be a gamer to pick up and play!

I can’t recommend “It Takes Two” enough. Everything about it is absolutely wonderful. If you have the chance, please check out this game. It is a masterpiece in every sense of the word.

“It Takes Two” is out now for PC, XBOX, and Playstation. It will release on Nintendo Switch on November 4, 2022. Only one person needs to own the game for online play. 

Score: 10/10