Retro Replay Review

Gameplay

It Takes Two excels at delivering a cooperative experience that constantly surprises players with fresh mechanics. Each chapter introduces a new twist—one moment you’re guiding a tiny robotic clone, the next you’re controlling a pair of possessed dolls. Every puzzle is designed to require genuine teamwork, whether that’s timing a double jump, synchronizing button presses, or sharing power-up abilities. The controls are tight and intuitive, making it easy for two players to jump right in without a steep learning curve.

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A cat and dog uncharacteristically join forces during unusual weather, some of their respective species’ most favorite tasty treats tumbling slowly sideways through the air. To reach the snacks, the animals take turns jumping off of an overhead ledge and down on to a see-saw, propelling the other animal up and, ideally, intercepting the path of a flying sausage, bone or fish. (Bonus points for catching two at once!) The player has a small degree of mobility for the animals, adjusting their lateral position with mouse movements, but mostly the strategy entirely revolves around the best moment to time the jump so one animal snags a food item on the way down while the other pet gets a bite to eat on the way up. A time meter continually counts down, but is somewhat replenished by food.

This quirky mini-game exemplifies the heart of It Takes Two: creative co-op challenges that feel utterly unique. The seesaw cat-and-dog level demands split-second decision-making and perfect timing, turning what could have been a simple fetch simulator into a tense, laugh-out-loud race against the clock. The sense of accomplishment when you finally balance the seesaw just right and nab two treats in one go is immense—a testament to Hazelight’s skill at designing bite-sized cooperative puzzles.

Beyond this standout sequence, the broader gameplay loop is a masterclass in pacing and variety. Roller-coaster segments, gardening mini-games, shoot-’em-up parodies, and gravity-bending puzzles all weave together into a cohesive whole. Each new environment brings its own set of tools and rules, encouraging partners to experiment, communicate, and adapt. Even after a dozen hours, there’s always something unexpected around the corner.

Graphics

Visually, It Takes Two is a feast for the eyes. The art direction blends cartoony charm with striking realism in seamless fashion. Character models are expressive down to the smallest detail—Cody’s nervous ticks and May’s exasperated eye rolls are beautifully animated, lending genuine personality to every movement.

Environments feel hand-crafted, with vibrant colors and textures that pop. From the cozy warmth of the living room-turned-forest to the neon lights of a pinball machine gone rogue, each level has its own visual identity. The lighting and particle effects—spinning leaves, glimmering sawdust, rising bubbles—elevate otherwise standard platform segments into enchanting realms.

Performance-wise, the game runs smoothly even during the most hectic co-op encounters. Frame-rate dips are nearly non-existent on modern consoles and mid-range PCs. Load times are kept short, ensuring that you stay immersed in the action rather than staring at a loading screen. Overall, the graphical fidelity perfectly complements the playful tone of the game.

Story

At its core, It Takes Two tells the heartfelt tale of Cody and May, a couple on the brink of divorce who must work together to save both their relationship and themselves. The premise is simple but effective: they are magically transformed into dolls and guided by a mysterious “Dr. Hakim” through a series of trials. This narrative device allows for boundless creativity in level design while maintaining an emotional through-line.

The writing strikes a delightful balance between humor and sincerity. Dr. Hakim’s flamboyant therapist act provides plenty of laughs, while the real-life struggles of Cody and May—communication breakdowns, unspoken resentments, rekindled affection—lend genuine weight to their journey. Occasional musical numbers and pop-culture gags keep the tone light, preventing the drama from becoming overly heavy.

Voice acting is top-tier, with each actor breathing life into their character. The banter between Cody and May feels lived-in, and the touching conversations sprinkled throughout are surprisingly moving. By the time the credits roll, you’re rooting for them as much as for any video-game heroes.

Overall Experience

It Takes Two stands out as one of the best cooperative games in recent memory. Its unwavering focus on two-player teamwork makes every segment feel tailored to your partnership. Whether you’re communicating over split-screen or across the internet, the game fosters genuine collaboration and shared joy.

The seamless integration of narrative, art, and mechanics results in an experience that’s fun, touching, and refreshingly different from solo-driven titles. Each level’s unique gimmick keeps the gameplay from ever feeling stale, and the constant stream of creative ideas will have you eagerly anticipating what comes next.

For anyone with a friend, partner, or sibling looking for a captivating co-op adventure, It Takes Two is a must-play. It’s a perfect blend of laughter, challenge, and emotional resonance—one that you’ll remember long after you catch that last flying treat.

Retro Replay Score

null/10