You know those games that show up on your proverbial doorstep almost unannounced, and just kinda sneak up on you out of complete nowhere? Yeah, we've got an example of that here. To be real, I didn't know what "It Takes Two" was until just a few days before its release. Somehow, I managed to sleep through any and all previous gameplay showings of it prior to its release, and it wasn't until watching some social media videos of its gameplay that I started to see what it was. Further research had shown me that it was also made by Mr. "**** The Oscars" himself, Josef Fares. I was intrigued when I saw the gameplay, and even more interested when I heard it was a mandatory co-op game. I'm not much of an online gamer but I madly enjoy me some couch co-op and multiplayer, so it was fair to say my curiosity was peaked in the days leading up to its release. It probably also helps that the game came out on the same day as "Balan Wonderworld," and with how bad that game's demo was, my brother and I needed another platformer to wash that filth out of our mouths. So, we gave "It Takes Two" a shot hoping for some fun multiplayer platforming...and little did we know of the excellence that we were in for with the game. Josef Fares and his team at Hazelight absolutely crafted something truly special with this game.
"It Takes Two" offers up some extremely varied gameplay that surprises at pretty much every turn. The gameplay roulette and switching between genres work well and feel exciting, keeping you on your toes without feeling distracting. The result is a game that features some of the most clever and inventive ideas presented in a platformer in a while. Along with that, the multiplayer gameplay is extremely fun, with nice chaotic twists here and there. The visual design is absolutely precious, and the scope of the worlds within the game is absolutely fantastic. It should come as no surprise, but it definitely felt reminiscent of "Toy Story," and I think it captured that vibe perfectly. I was also very surprised by the game's emotional storytelling. On the surface, it might seem like something meant for kids, but no; this is a story about love and overcoming divorce, and it handles its difficult theme with a lot of finesse. The characters are charming and, even if you might initially hate them, they really do show genuine, strong growth that rounds them out with very great arcs. Add to that with great voice acting that elevates these characters a lot, and you have a game that is a winner in all facets.
The only minor flaw I had with the game is that Dr. Hakim was a bit annoying at first, but he is easy to warm up to and is a very loveable character in the end.
Overall, "It Takes Two" is by far one of 2021's finest games, and it is one of the most off-the-wall and creative games I've played in a while, regardless of genre. With its incredible storytelling, precious visual design, and gameplay that is some of the most exciting I've seen in a modern game, it's truly an incredible triumph that rises to the top. If you haven't gotten a chance to experience this yet...what in the world are you waiting for? Give it a play! Wow, what a game.
Final rating: 10 out of 10 "Fantastic"