It Takes Two

It Takes Two is a cooperative-only action platform game. It requires two players at all times, either via local split-screen or online play. A single player cannot complete the game, as each section is designed around both characters contributing simultaneously. The game supports “Friend’s Pass,” allowing one player to invite another online even if they do not own a copy.

Cody and May are a married couple on the verge of divorce, whose daughter Rose wishes to keep them together. After making dolls of her parents out of wood and clay, Rose’s tears magically transform them into the toys. The couple awakens in miniature form inside their own home, guided by the eccentric talking Book of Love, authored by Dr. Hakim. To return to their human bodies, Cody and May must work together, overcoming surreal environments that reflect the challenges in their relationship. The story is told through stages that metaphorically explore themes of family, trust, and reconciliation.

Gameplay blends multiple genres across its levels. Platforming is the core mechanic, with characters running, jumping, and dashing across elaborate environments. Each level introduces new mechanics, such as rail grinding, shooting sections, puzzle-solving, or environmental manipulation. Boss fights punctuate chapters, requiring both players to use their current abilities in tandem. Minigames are scattered throughout, offering competitive diversions ranging from simple races to rhythm challenges. The dynamic split-screen presentation shifts fluidly to emphasize critical actions, and it remains present even during online co-op. Throughout the campaign, Cody and May gain unique abilities that vary with each chapter, ensuring asymmetrical cooperation - such as one character manipulating time while the other creates clones, or one controlling magnets of opposing polarities.

Progression is chapter-based rather than open-ended. Players advance linearly through themed areas representing elements of Cody and May’s lives, such as their garden, attic, and a child’s toy castle. Levels mix environmental hazards with puzzles that can only be solved through communication and coordination. Failure results in quick respawns, keeping the pace consistent and minimizing downtime. There are no collectibles that significantly alter gameplay; instead, exploration rewards players with hidden minigames or playful interactions in the environment.

The title does not employ traditional role-playing systems such as character leveling or permanent upgrades. Abilities are reset at the start of each chapter, ensuring that mechanics are tailored to the narrative setting rather than long-term progression. This design choice prevents players from relying on a single set of skills and emphasizes variety across the game’s duration. Each level’s mechanics are supported by highly detailed environments that turn mundane household objects into large-scale playgrounds.

Dialogues and cutscenes advance the story between gameplay sections, often featuring arguments between Cody and May or comedic appearances from Dr. Hakim. Player choices do not affect the outcome of the story, as the narrative unfolds in a fixed structure. However, interactive dialogue moments and character banter during gameplay add variety and humor to the journey.