Release Date and Gaming Context
When It Takes Two launched on March 25, 2021, the gaming world was buzzing. At the same time, the breakout indie hit Valheim was breaking Steam records, while Apex Legends Season 8 was about to roll out its explosive new content. Epic Games Store was also giving away free games weekly, and rumors spread about new consoles and hardware. Amid this lively scene, Hazelight’s co-op adventure carved out its own shining moment.
Storyline: A Metaphorical Journey of Reconciliation
At its core, It Takes Two tells a story about love and repair. You play as Cody and May, a couple close to splitting up who are magically turned into dolls. Guided by the over-the-top “Love Coach” Dr. Hakim, they travel through wild, dreamlike worlds that mirror their broken bond. From a garden filled with past memories to a dungeon ruled by a furious vacuum cleaner, each level becomes a playful yet sharp look at their struggles.
Gameplay Mechanics: Gleefully Disruptive Co-op Design
- Co-op Only: Every puzzle and platform challenge is designed for two players. Thanks to the Friend’s Pass, one player can join for free, either online or on the couch.
- Fresh Level Design: One moment you’re flying underpants through a neon club, the next you’re sliding across a tiny snow globe. Each chapter adds new tools—gravity guns, paintball shooters, and even a hammer that stops time—keeping the game full of surprises.
- Teamwork Tests: Levels demand timing, coordination, and constant talk. Winning isn’t just about skill; it’s about working together in real time.
Visuals and Audio: A Whimsical Feast
Hazelight pulls out all the stops with eye-popping art direction. For example, vibrant color palettes shift to evoke specific emotions—warm pastels in a fairytale bookstore, harsh reds and blacks in a mechanical wasteland. In addition, character animations brim with personality, from May’s expressive eyebrows to Cody’s playful pogo-stick hops.
The sound design is equally inspired. Each level features a custom soundtrack that blends orchestral swells with quirky electronic beats. Likewise, voice performances by the leads capture the couple’s bickering chemistry, while Dr. Hakim’s over-the-top motivational speeches add comic relief.
Community Reception and Review Analysis
On launch, It Takes Two scored “Overwhelmingly Positive” reviews on Steam:
- Recent Reviews: 96% positive (3,506 reviews)
- All-Time Reviews: 95% positive (186,433 reviews)
Players rave about:
- The boundless creativity of level design.
- The flawless implementation of cooperative mechanics.
- A heartfelt story that balances humor and emotion.
On the other hand, common critiques focus on occasional camera clipping and a few difficulty spikes in later puzzles. A handful of users also noted that narrative pacing dips slightly when shifting between very different gameplay styles. Nevertheless, most agree these are minor blips in an otherwise stellar adventure.
Impact and Legacy
It Takes Two didn’t just win GAME OF THE YEAR at The Game Awards 2021—it also redefined the potential of co-op design. Furthermore, Hazelight’s fearless blending of narrative and mechanics set a new bar for developer creativity. For fans of puzzle-platformers, action-adventures, and story-rich experiences, this game stands as a testament to what’s possible when two players—and two hearts—come together.
Final Thoughts
Whether you’re a couch-co-op veteran or a newcomer seeking a brilliantly crafted two-player journey, It Takes Two is mandatory play. Therefore, grab a friend (or make one via Friend’s Pass) and dive into one of the most imaginative cooperative experiences of this console generation.
