It Takes Two

Hazelight Studios · Electronic Arts

It Takes Two is a co-op-only adventure by Hazelight Studios, released in 2021 and published by EA. It won Game of the Year at The Game Awards 2021, and it is one of the best games you can play with a partner, sibling or best friend at a gaming cafe. The story follows Cody and May, a married couple heading for divorce who are magically turned into tiny dolls and must work together to get back to their bodies. Their journey takes them through the house and garden, which become huge, fantastical worlds: a toolbox fortress, a tree full of squirrels, a snow globe, a clock tower. There is no single-player mode. The game is designed for two players, either on one screen in split-screen or online. Each chapter gives both characters different abilities that must be combined. One might shoot sap while the other ignites it, or one shrinks while the other grows. Every chapter introduces new mechanics, and there is a huge variety of mini-games to compete in along the way. The ideal cafe setup is a PS5 with two controllers and a large screen. Split-screen is how It Takes Two is meant to be played, and sitting next to each other makes communication easy. A few tips: Talk constantly. Most puzzles require both players to act at the same time. Explore for mini-games. They are often hidden off the main path and are great fun. Do not rush. The game rewards curiosity, and some of the best moments are found in side areas. The full game takes around 12 to 14 hours, so it is a multi-visit project. Book two hours and you can expect to finish a chapter or two. It Takes Two is rated T. It is perfect for couples, siblings and friends who want a cooperative experience rather than competition. If you love it, Hazelight's later games, A Way Out and Split Fiction, follow the same co-op-only philosophy.