Sometimes, a video game is more than just a way to kill time—it becomes a mirror for the relationship you share with the person sitting beside you. It Takes Two is one such game, and there may be no better way to experience it than through the lens of a real-life couple tackling its colorful chaos together. This is not just a traditional game review. This is a co-op review for a co-op game, and in that spirit, the game proves that the only way forward is together.

Made for Two, Reviewed by Two

From the first moment you hit play, it becomes obvious that It Takes Two isn’t just about Cody and May—it’s about you and your Player Two. It’s about your dynamic, your problem-solving styles, and yes, your disagreements. While one half of the review duo might be sitting at the keyboard making fart noises (you know who you are), the game quickly forces both players to get invested—not just in the mechanics, but in each other.

What begins as a quirky tale about a couple heading for divorce turns into a heartfelt, often hilarious journey through fantastical environments built entirely around the necessity of teamwork. Rose, the daughter of Cody and May, is devastated by the news of her parents’ separation. Her tears fall on handmade dolls that resemble them, and suddenly, the two are transported into those miniature bodies—trapped and dependent on one another for survival and a shot at reconciliation.

Gameplay That Reflects Real Relationships

What’s so brilliant about It Takes Two is how the gameplay is constantly reflecting the relationship between the characters. You’re not just platforming; you’re communicating, collaborating, and, at times, tolerating each other’s virtual antics. The game doesn’t pull any punches in how it forces players to rely on one another. You’ll find yourself saying things like, “Let me shoot the pinky!” or “You’re ruining my massage!”—both in good fun and slight frustration. And that’s the magic of it.

Each level introduces new, complementary abilities—yin and yang, cookies and milk. One player might get a hammer head while the other has nails to throw. You’ll need each other constantly to progress, and while the game often leaves room for goofing off, it’s always in service of reinforcing the bond between players.

Equal Parts Competitive and Cooperative

While the game is built on cooperation, it throws in a healthy dose of competition in the form of mini-games. With over 25 sprinkled throughout the campaign, these allow you to test your skills against your partner—and maybe discover something surprising. One of you might dominate the snowball fight because of shooter experience, while the other unexpectedly demolishes a rhythm game thanks to hidden musical prowess.

These moments reveal your strengths and weaknesses in a way that’s endearing and often hilarious. Even if you’re the less experienced gamer in the relationship, you’ll find opportunities to shine. Whether it’s solving a puzzle before your partner or spotting an interactive toy in the environment, the game is inclusive in its design. It doesn’t punish players for not being perfect—it encourages them to have fun learning together.

Built for Non-Gamers Too

It Takes Two excels at being accessible. The environments are stuffed with recognizable and intuitive objects—crocodile dentist, etch-a-sketch, arcade cabinets, Rube Goldberg machines—that invite interaction even from those who don’t typically play games. This design choice is nothing short of genius, as it bridges the gap between experienced players and newcomers in a way that feels effortless.

The joy of discovering how to interact with these toys together taps into a kind of shared childhood wonder, making the game feel like a nostalgic playground that’s been carefully curated for grown-up couples to enjoy.

Story and Gameplay—In Sync at Every Step

The most impressive feat of It Takes Two might be how perfectly the story and gameplay intertwine. When Cody and May are fighting, the game feels more competitive. When they begin to reconcile, gameplay becomes more synchronized and cooperative. The boss battles in the later levels emphasize this shift, demanding total trust and mutual understanding. It’s not about being right or being the best—it’s about listening, adapting, and supporting each other.

The message is subtle but powerful: relationships work when both parties are willing to meet in the middle, understand one another’s strengths, and build a path forward together.

The Bigger Picture

Beyond the colorful set pieces and clever mechanics, It Takes Two is a bold testament to what games can be. It’s an emotional experience that asks you to think about the nature of partnership—not just in the game world, but in your real-life relationship too. It reminds you that success in a relationship, just like success in the game, comes from communication, empathy, trust, and a whole lot of teamwork.

Hazelight Studios deserves praise not just for their technical accomplishment, but for the heart they poured into creating a game that sees players not just as individuals, but as pairs. Couples. Partners.

Final Thoughts

There are very few games that manage to blur the lines between play and life quite like It Takes Two. It’s not just a game about solving puzzles—it’s about solving problems. Not just platforming—it’s about balancing. Not just mini-games—it’s about mini-milestones in a larger journey toward understanding.

Whether you’re an experienced gamer introducing your partner to gaming or two seasoned players looking for something meaningful to experience together, It Takes Two doesn’t just recommend itself—it demands to be played. And more than that, it demands to be played together.

Bless Hazelight Studios for giving couples something that isn’t just entertaining—it’s enriching. And remember: every good relationship needs love, support, a great body… and the occasional well-timed fart joke.