Josef Fares is one of the more… interesting figures within the games development community, always partial to an ecstatic interview and the like. His team at Hazelight Studios have been pioneering the co-op scene in recent years, with titles such as A Way Out paving the way for a new form of co-operative gaming. It Takes Two is the latest from Hazelight, and boy does it look like a cutesy, enjoyable romp best shared with someone close to you.
Releasing today on Xbox Series X|S, Xbox One, PS5, PS4 and PC, It Takes Two asks the question – how would a child cope with the break-up of her parents? It’s certainly quite a dark situation, and not one that would suit the cartoony style Hazelight is going with, but what we have here is a tale where the parents – Cody and May – are transformed into dolls by a mystical curse, and must reluctantly work together to get through the situations ahead, before hopefully getting out of the other end in one piece.
It’s the perfect game for couples, especially as many are separated through social restrictions currently in place in the depressing real world: expect to be communicating to great lengths in order to solve puzzles, complete fun minigames, and engage in some minor combat sections. What’s more, as was the case with A Way Out, through the Friends Pass only one player needs to own a copy of It Takes Two, and then they can play with anyone online. What joy!
Of course, alternatively you can also play in local co-op, if you happen to find that special someone on the sofa next to you.
All the signs point to Hazelight finally finding their niche with this title, with It Takes Two bringing heaps of joy, whilst mixing in a much more adult theme of a couple attempting to patch up the holes in their relationship. It looks beautiful too, with the Xbox Series X|S optimised visuals contributing to the bright colours and whole “Honey I Shrunk the Kids” theme the team are striving towards. If you wish to know more, hit up our full review of It Takes Two on Xbox Series X|S.
Features include:
- PURE CO-OP PERFECTION – Invite a friend to join for free with Friend’s Pass*, and experience a thrilling adventure built purely for two. Choose from couch or online co-op with split-screen play, and face ever-changing challenges where working together is the only way forward.
- GLEEFULLY DISRUPTIVE GAMEPLAY – From rampaging vacuum cleaners to suave love gurus – with It Takes Two, you never know what you’re up against next. Filled with genre-bending challenges and new character abilities to master in every level, you’ll experience a metaphorical merging of gameplay and narrative that pushes the boundaries of interactive storytelling.
- A UNIVERSAL TALE OF RELATIONSHIPS – Discover a touching and heartfelt story of the challenges in getting along. Help Cody and May learn how to overcome their differences. Meet a diverse cast of strange and endearing characters. Join forces, and go on an adventure you’ll treasure – together!
So, what are you waiting for? If you are looking to play through a title dedicated to co-operative gaming, or indeed hoping to transform someone in your household into your Player 2, then look no further than It Takes Two.
It Takes Two is now available for purchase from the Xbox Store at the price of £34.99 (or £31.49 for EA Play / Game Pass subscribers) for Xbox Series X|S and Xbox One. You can also find it from the respective stores for PlayStation 5, PlayStation 4 and PC.
Game Description:
It Takes Two uses Smart Delivery technology – buy the game once and play it on either Xbox One or Xbox Series X|S. Embark on the craziest journey of your life in It Takes Two, a genre-bending platform adventure created purely for co-op. Invite a friend to join for free with Friend’s Pass* and work together across a huge variety of gleefully disruptive gameplay challenges. Play as the clashing couple Cody and May, two humans turned into dolls by a magic spell. Together, trapped in a fantastical world where the unpredictable hides around every corner, they are reluctantly challenged with saving their fractured relationship. Master unique and connected character abilities in every new level. Help each other across an abundance of unexpected obstacles and laugh-out-loud moments. Kick gangster squirrels’ furry tails, pilot a pair of underpants, DJ a buzzing night club, and bobsleigh through a magical snow globe. Embrace a heartfelt and hilarious story, where narrative and gameplay are interwoven in a uniquely metaphorical experience. It Takes Two is developed by the award-winning studio Hazelight, the industry-leader of cooperative play. They are about to take you on a wild and wondrous ride where only one thing is for certain: we’re better together.
