It Takes Two

Hazelight

PC, PlayStation 5, Xbox One, PlayStation 4, Xbox Series X/S, Nintendo SwitchPremium

Health Score

GOOD

Watch Gameplay

About This Game

Super Review

It Takes Two is a unique cooperative adventure that demands teamwork to overcome imaginative platforming challenges. Players navigate a fantastical world as a bickering couple, teaching valuable lessons in communication and collaboration, though its themes of divorce and mild peril suggest it’s best for slightly older players. A good choice for families seeking a shared gaming experience.

Super Review

Parent verdict

With a 'Good' health score of 60, It Takes Two offers a solid, if sometimes emotionally complex, cooperative experience. It's best suited for families looking to play together, specifically parents and children who enjoy problem-solving and platforming. The game's central theme of a couple dealing with divorce might be sensitive for younger players or those in similar family situations, requiring some parental discussion. The game's design ensures players are constantly working together, making it a strong choice for fostering collaboration, but only if two players are available and willing to commit.

What players actually do

Players frequently communicate and strategize with a partner to solve environmental puzzles that require synchronized actions or complementary abilities, exercising teamwork and logical thinking.
Players navigate diverse 3D platforming sections, using unique character abilities like magnets or time-bending powers to overcome obstacles and progress through imaginative levels, developing coordination and adaptability.
Players engage in light combat against whimsical enemies and participate in mini-games, requiring quick reflexes and an understanding of their character's specific role in each encounter.

Where it shines

The game's core strength is its innovative cooperative design, where both players are always essential and receive distinct, evolving abilities that force genuine collaboration and shared problem-solving.
It Takes Two features a highly imaginative and constantly changing world, filled with creative level design and varied gameplay mechanics that keep the experience fresh and engaging from start to finish.

Parent watch-outs

The story centers on a divorcing couple and explores themes of marital conflict, which, while handled metaphorically, might be sensitive or require explanation for younger or emotionally vulnerable children.
The game strictly requires two players, meaning solo play is impossible, which could be a limitation if a child typically plays alone or if a co-op partner is not consistently available.

Family rules worth setting

Discuss the game's story themes, especially the concept of divorce and relationship challenges, to ensure understanding and provide context before or during play.
Establish a 'no blame' rule when solving puzzles; encourage patience and collaborative communication to prevent frustration during challenging cooperative sections.

Talk about this

How do Cody and May learn to work together, even when they're upset with each other? What does that teach us about solving problems with others?
The game constantly gives each character different abilities. How does having unique strengths help a team succeed?

Play style

It Takes Two offers a highly engaging, session-based rhythm, with players typically progressing through distinct chapters that introduce new mechanics. Difficulty is moderate, constantly challenging players with evolving puzzles and platforming but rarely feeling unfair. The game is exclusively cooperative, requiring two players either locally via split-screen or online. Players will need to communicate constantly and might occasionally get stuck on puzzles, where parental guidance for logical thinking and patience could be beneficial.

Score Breakdown

Positive Aspects

Educational Value

1/5

Creativity

2/5

Pro-Social

4/5

Risk Factors

Addictive Monetization

0/5

Time Pressure / FOMO

1/5

Social Risk

1/5

Content Intensity

2/5

Why this rating

Educational Value

1/5

While the game promotes problem-solving and communication, these are primarily within the context of gameplay mechanics rather than broader academic or life skills. The 'educational' aspect is indirect, focusing more on collaborative play than explicit learning outcomes.

Addictive Monetization

0/5

It Takes Two is a premium game with no in-game purchases, loot boxes, or other monetization strategies designed to encourage repeated spending. This eliminates any concerns regarding addictive monetization practices.

Pro-Social

4/5

The game's core design mandates continuous, active cooperation between two players, making it an excellent vehicle for fostering teamwork, communication, and mutual support. Players must constantly assist each other and synchronize actions to progress, earning a strong pro-social score.