"You know, love is like a mountain and you are the river that flows through it. You are like flowers growing on a lush hillside." - Dr. Hakim
Sum-Up
In-depth analysis further down.
🟩 Pros
🟥 Cons
• Incredible variety of gameplay mechanics.
• Unique co-op experience requiring true teamwork.
• Stunning art style and environments.
• Emotional, heartfelt story.
• Well-designed puzzles and platforming.
• Friend Pass allows playing with a partner who doesn’t own the game.
• Story's resolution might feel predictable for some.
• Limited appeal for solo players.
• A few gameplay segments feel slightly longer than necessary.
🟨 Bugs & Issues
🔧 Specs
⚙️ Settings & FPS
Noticed some clipping, bugs and strange flickers, but they aren't intrusive.
• CPU: i7-12700K
• RAM: 32GB DDR4
• GPU: RTX 3080 10GB
• Storage: SSD
• Resolution: 1440p
Settings: High
FPS: 60+ with a few hiccups depending on your partners internet connection.
🌌 Content & Replay Value
Moderate replay value due to varied character abilities and hidden collectibles. Best enjoyed as a one-time, immersive co-op adventure.
🏆Completion Stats
Hours to fully complete the game: 14-16
Achievements: 20/20
Playthroughs: 1
Difficulty: 3/10
Steam Hunter Points: ✪ 4,644
💵 Is it worth buying?
Absolutely, especially for couples, friends, or anyone seeking a co-op adventure. The Friend Pass ensures accessibility for those without two copies.
🎮 Steam Deck Compatibility
Plays well on Steam Deck, though controller gameplay is essential for optimal experience.
🧾 Verdict: Masterpiece Rating Chart Here
It Takes Two is a co-op adventure that sets the gold standard for shared storytelling and gameplay innovation. By far this is one of the best games I've played this year and one of the best games I've played in a long time. A must play!
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In-depth
⚔️ Gameplay & Exploration:
It Takes Two is a co-op adventure where players take on the roles of Cody and May, a married couple on the brink of divorce who are magically transformed into dolls. The game requires both players to collaborate to solve puzzles, defeat enemies, and navigate beautifully crafted environments.
The gameplay is incredibly varied, with new mechanics introduced almost every chapter, ranging from platforming to combat, racing, and more. This ensures that the experience feels fresh and exciting throughout its 12-15 hour runtime. Each character has unique abilities that complement the other, fostering a true sense of partnership.
https://steamcommunity.com/sharedfiles/filedetails/?id=3408741236
🏆 Completion:
To fully complete It Takes Two, players will need to explore every nook and cranny for collectibles and achievements, many of which are tied to optional mini-games and secrets. The best part is that each chapter indicates the mini-games if you missed them and guides can offer support in finding the secrets.
🏞 Visuals & Presentation:
The game’s visuals are a feast for the eyes, with imaginative and detailed environments ranging from a lush garden to a snowy mountain and even a space-themed adventure. The art style is colorful and whimsical, perfectly complementing the game’s tone.
One of the most expansive and well detailed world I've ever encountered, to the point you will easily feel overwhelmed and swept away from actually finding secrets and areas at first you didn't explore.
My only personal problem with the visuals is the dual screen that can rob you from enjoying the game and taking it all in. I wish there was a way to switch between the dual screen and one screen on the fly when needed.
https://steamcommunity.com/sharedfiles/filedetails/?id=3408740933
🔊 Sound & Atmosphere:
The voice acting and soundtrack are excellent, adding depth to the emotional story. Each area has its own musical theme, enhancing the immersion and highlighting the unique gameplay mechanics of that chapter.
Characters are well voiced and with the comical moments Dr. Hakim, the Book of Love, brings to the table you'll be in for some giggles and laughs.
📖 Story & Writing:
The narrative focuses on themes of love, communication, and understanding, as Cody and May work together to return to their human forms and rediscover their bond. While the resolution might feel predictable, the journey is heartfelt, with plenty of humor and touching moments along the way.
The game offers little time to adjust in a setting as it moves you into another. The story and the chinematics are excellently done and anybody in a relationship can draw some really good life and relationship lessons.
https://steamcommunity.com/sharedfiles/filedetails/?id=3408742003
⭕️ Verdict:
It Takes Two is a must-play for anyone who enjoys co-op games. Its creative gameplay, emotional story, and beautiful presentation make it a standout title that’s perfect for couples, friends, or family members. And as I said, it's one of the best games I've played this year and in many years. Well deserving Game of the Year. The Friend Pass is an excellent addition, making it accessible to a wider audience. A true gem of the co-op genre.