It Takes Two game poster and cover art

Game Introduction

Game Introduction for It Takes Two



It Takes Two is a groundbreaking cooperative action-adventure platformer developed by Hazelight Studios and published by Electronic Arts under the EA Originals label. Released on March 26, 2021, the game won the prestigious Game of the Year award at The Game Awards 2021 and has been praised for its innovative co-op design, emotional storytelling, and constantly shifting gameplay.

Game Overview



  • Genre: Cooperative action-adventure platformer with puzzle, action, stealth, racing, and mini-game elements.

  • Developer: Hazelight Studios (founded by Josef Fares, known for Brothers: A Tale of Two Sons and A Way Out)

  • Publisher: Electronic Arts (EA Originals)

  • Release Timeline: Announced at E3 2020, released worldwide on March 26, 2021; later launched on Nintendo Switch (cloud version) on November 4, 2022.

  • Platforms:

    • - PC (Steam, Origin, Epic Games Store)
    - PlayStation 4 & PlayStation 5
    - Xbox One & Xbox Series X|S
    - Nintendo Switch (cloud streaming version)
    - Available via EA Play and EA Play Pro subscriptions
  • Price: Standard $39.99 / €39.99 (one copy grants full access; the second player can play using the free Friend's Pass on all platforms)


    • Story Overview



    Setting


    The game begins in the real world—a rustic family home—before the protagonists are magically transformed into dolls created by their daughter’s tears. They are transported into a fantasy realm that constantly shifts, drawing on the couple’s memories, emotions, and the whims of their daughter’s imagination. Environments range from a giant shed and a magical tree to a clockwork universe and a threatening vacuum cleaner.

    Premise


    Cody and May are a married couple on the verge of divorce. Their young daughter Rose, heartbroken by the fighting, creates two doll versions of her parents and wishes for them to work things out. The parents suddenly find themselves trapped inside the dolls, in a magical world overseen by a quirky self-help book named Dr. Hakim. To return to the real world and save their marriage, they must cooperate to overcome inventive obstacles, revisit painful memories, and rediscover why they fell in love.

    Main Characters


  • Cody: A down-to-earth handyman who enjoys gardening and fixing things. He is more sentimental and reluctant to change.

  • May: An ambitious engineer and architect, focused on career success but often distant. She is pragmatic and determined.

  • Rose: The couple’s daughter, whose magical tears create the doll world. She acts as the emotional catalyst for the journey.

  • Dr. Hakim: A talking, magical romance book who serves as the couple’s guide and narrator, offering (often questionable) relationship advice.


    • Core Appeal & Unique Features



  • Forced Co-op: The game is designed exclusively for two players. There is no single-player mode; you must play either in local split-screen or online co-op with another person.

  • Genre-Blending Gameplay: Each level introduces fresh mechanics—one moment you’re platforming with nail guns, the next flying a jetpack, fighting as a cowboy in a saloon, or sneaking past a squirrel sentry. Over 15 unique levels and dozens of distinct gameplay styles keep the experience constantly surprising.

  • Emotional Storytelling: The narrative tackles mature themes like marriage, communication, and forgiveness, with heartfelt moments interspersed with humor and high adventure.

  • Innovative Ability Design: Each player receives different abilities that must be combined to solve puzzles. For example, one player can fire sticky sap while the other ignites it; or one can shrink while the other grows large.

  • Accessibility: Subtitles with customizable size, colorblind modes (Cyan/Red, Deuteranopia, Protanopia, Tritanopia), and aim assist options ensure more players can enjoy the game.


    • Target Audience



  • Ideal for couples (romantic partners, spouses, or co-op buddies), friends, siblings, or any duo who enjoy a cooperative challenge.

  • Older children (ESRB T for Teens) and adults will appreciate the story depth.

  • Fans of cooperative games like Portal 2, A Way Out, or Unravel Two will feel right at home.

  • Requires two players—suitable for both casual and hardcore gamers, as difficulty is moderate and forgiving (checkpoints are frequent).


    • Game Modes & Multiplayer Support



  • Campaign Mode: The entire story is playable only in two-player co-op, either:

    • - Local Split-Screen (Offline): Both players play on the same console, sharing the screen. No online connection required for gameplay itself, but a persistent internet connection and a linked EA Account are mandatory for launching the game (even local co-op).
    - Online Co-op: Each player needs their own copy of the game AND a EA Account (the Friend’s Pass allows one free copy for the second player). Both players must be online and connected to EA servers throughout the session.
  • Cross-Platform Play: Not supported. Players must be on the same platform family (e.g., PS4 ⇔ PS5, Xbox One ⇔ Xbox Series X|S). PC-to-console cross-play is not available.

  • Friend’s Pass: One purchase enables both players to play online; the friend downloads the free It Takes Two Friend’s Pass from the same store (Steam, Origin, Epic, PlayStation Store, Microsoft Store).


    • DLC & Expansions



    There is no paid DLC or story expansion for It Takes Two. The game is a complete, self-contained experience. However, the base game includes:
  • 25+ collectible mini-games scattered across the world (e.g., chess, tank battles, whack-a-mole, and even a full-fledged rhythm game).

  • Unlockable cosmetics for the characters (hats, outfits) found through exploration.

  • Chapter Select added post-launch, allowing replay of any level.

  • Free updates improved subtitle size, performance patches, and quality-of-life features.


    • Technical Requirements & Platform Details



    PC Minimum Specs (for 1080p/30fps Low)


  • OS: Windows 8.1 64-bit

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

  • RAM: 8 GB

  • GPU: NVIDIA GeForce GTX 660 / AMD Radeon HD 7850 (2GB VRAM)

  • Storage: 50 GB HDD

  • DirectX: 11


    • Console Performance


  • PS5 / Xbox Series X|S: 4K/30fps quality mode; 60fps performance mode.

  • PS4 / Xbox One: 1080p/30fps.

  • Switch (Cloud): Requires stable internet (15+ Mbps); streams the game; no local install.


    • Connectivity Note


    It Takes Two requires a persistent internet connection to play, even for local split-screen. Both players must have a linked EA Account and be signed in online. This is a significant design choice to enforce DRM and online features.

    Why It Stands Out



  • Game of the Year at The Game Awards 2021 – beating titles like Deathloop, Resident Evil Village, and Forza Horizon 5.

  • Innovative Co-op Design: Unlike many games that allow solo play as an afterthought, It Takes Two is built from the ground up for two, with each character having unique, interdependent abilities.

  • Sheer Variety: No two levels feel alike. From a flying tree branch catapult to a boss fight against a giant squirrel, the game constantly reinvents itself.

  • Emotional Core: The story about a couple rekindling their relationship resonates with many players, offering both laughter and tears.

  • Industry Recognition: Won over 50 Game of the Year awards and sold more than 10 million copies (as of 2023), making it one of the best-selling co-op games ever.


It Takes Two is not just a game—it’s a celebration of collaboration, creativity, and the messy beauty of real relationships. Whether you’re playing with your partner, a friend, or a sibling, it’s an unforgettable journey that demands teamwork and rewards communication.