It Takes Two Review: The Best Co-op Game on Switch 2?

Hello everyone, I'm Lao Wang, a seasoned gamer and critic with over 10 years of experience. Today, we're going to talk about a truly special game: It Takes Two. This game has been out for a while, but its influence in the co-op gaming space remains strong. More importantly, with the upcoming release of the Nintendo Switch 2, it's necessary to re-examine this game to see if it can shine in a new light on the new console. I will provide a detailed review from aspects such as gameplay, graphics, sound effects, story, and controls, and analyze its potential performance on the Nintendo Switch 2.

1. Introduction to It Takes Two: A Healing and Crazy Co-op Journey

It Takes Two is a co-op adventure game developed by Hazelight Studios and published by EA. The story tells of a married couple on the brink of divorce, Cody and May, who are turned into dolls by their daughter Rose's magic. To return to human form, they must work together to overcome a series of challenges and repair their broken marriage. The game's core feature is the requirement for two-player cooperation, with each level designed with unique skills and gameplay for both characters, emphasizing communication, cooperation, and mutual help.

It Takes Two received extremely high praise upon its release in 2021, winning numerous awards, including the TGA Game of the Year. It's not just a fun game, but also a profound reflection on love, marriage, and family.

2. Gameplay: Limitless Creativity, Cooperation Above All Else

What's most impressive about It Takes Two is its endless stream of creativity. Each level has a completely different theme and mechanics, from insect battles in the garden to snowy mountain skiing in the icy wilderness, to a fantastical space journey, each scene is full of surprises.

• Diverse Game Mechanics: The game incorporates various elements such as platforming, puzzle-solving, shooting, and racing, and cleverly combines these elements with two-player cooperation. For example, in one level, Cody can control the flow of time, while May can use the moment of time freezing to perform platform jumps. In another level, Cody needs to use nails for ranged attacks, while May needs to hammer the nails to hit enemies.
• Asymmetrical Cooperation: The two characters usually have different abilities, which forces players to rely on each other to overcome difficulties. This asymmetrical design not only adds to the fun of the game, but also forces players to communicate and collaborate effectively.
• Mini-Games: The game is interspersed with many fun mini-games, such as tug-of-war, whack-a-mole, chess, and more. These mini-games not only allow players to relax, but also enhance their friendship (or... spark fierce arguments?).

These mechanics all revolve around the core of "cooperation." Only through close cooperation can players overcome difficulties and experience the fun of the game. Moreover, It Takes Two does not adopt the traditional "one person carry" mode, but truly makes each player feel important and valuable.

3. Graphics and Sound: Full of Detail, Immersive

It Takes Two's visual style is very cartoonish, with bright colors and full of childlike fun. Even today, several years after its release, its graphics are still of a high standard. The details of the characters and scenes are very well done, such as the dolls' stitches, the texture of the wood, the insects' antennae, etc., all are lifelike.

• Scene Design: Each scene in the game is meticulously designed, full of creativity and imagination. From dilapidated tool sheds to magical rooms, each scene feels like an independent world waiting for players to explore.
• Character Animation: The characters' movements are very smooth and natural, and their expressions are also very rich. This makes the characters more vivid and easier for players to resonate with.
• Music and Sound Effects: The game's music style is varied, sometimes cheerful, sometimes affectionate, and can well enhance the atmosphere of the game. The sound effects are also excellent, such as the roar of weapons, the chirping of insects, the sound of flowing water, etc., all make players feel more immersive.

For the Nintendo Switch 2, the graphics performance of It Takes Two should be further improved. Considering the information revealed in the nintendo switch2 first look, we have reason to expect higher resolution, smoother frame rates, and more detailed texture performance.

4. Story: Tearful Laughter, Thought-Provoking

The story of It Takes Two seems simple, telling the story of how a couple repairs their relationship, but it contains profound philosophy. The game explores important issues such as love, marriage, and family through a series of exaggerated and absurd scenes.

• Character Development: The characters of Cody and May are very three-dimensional and realistic. They have strengths and weaknesses. They argue and make mistakes, but they also deeply love each other.
• Emotional Expression: The game's emotional expression is very delicate, able to touch the softest parts of players' hearts. Whether it's the love-hate relationship between Cody and May, or Rose's longing for her parents, players can empathize.
• Theme Exploration: The game explores themes such as the meaning of marriage, the importance of communication, and how to face challenges in life. These themes are closely related to real life and can resonate with players.

The plot of It Takes Two is not perfect, and some parts seem too formulaic, but it is still a journey full of emotions and thoughts. It will make you laugh, make you feel touched, and make you reflect.

5. Controls: Smooth, Natural, Easy to Pick Up

The controls of It Takes Two are very smooth and natural, even novice players can quickly pick it up. The game's controls are also optimized for two-player cooperation. For example, players can complete complex actions through simple button combinations.

• Button Layout: The game's button layout is reasonable and the operation is simple and easy to understand.
• Character Control: The movement and jumping of the characters are very smooth and natural, and the feel is comfortable.
• Cooperative Operation: The game has designed many special operation methods for two-player cooperation, such as double jumping, double attacking, and so on. These operation methods not only increase the fun of the game, but also increase the game's challenge.

The Nintendo Switch 2's controller may bring a better operating experience. For example, if the Nintendo Switch 2 supports more advanced vibration feedback, players can get a more realistic experience when shooting or driving.

6. Pros and Cons: Objective Evaluation, Rational Analysis

Pros:

• Limitless Creative Game Mechanics: Each level is full of surprises, keeping players constantly refreshed.
• In-Depth Cooperative Experience: Truly requires two-player cooperation to complete the game, enhancing interaction between players.
• Exquisite Graphics and Sound Effects: Creates a good game atmosphere and enhances immersion.
• Thought-Provoking Plot: Explores important issues such as love, marriage, and family, resonating with players.
• Smooth and Natural Controls: Easy to pick up, suitable for all players.

Cons:

• Plot is Slightly Formulaic: Some plot developments lack novelty.
• Some Levels are Highly Difficult: May require multiple attempts to pass.
• Forced Two-Player Cooperation: Cannot be played alone, which has certain requirements for players' social skills.

7. Score and Summary: Best Co-op Game of the Year

Overall, I give It Takes Two a high score of 9.5/10.

• IGN: 9/10
• Metacritic: 88/100 (PS5 Version)

It Takes Two is a true co-op game. It's not only fun, but also profound. It will make you and your friends or partners laugh, feel touched, and think together. It's a wonderful journey about love, marriage, and family.

If you are looking for a game that you can play with your friends or partners, then It Takes Two is definitely your best choice. It is a game worth your time and effort.

8. Prospects for It Takes Two on Nintendo Switch 2

Although It Takes Two has not been officially announced to be landing on the Nintendo Switch 2, considering its excellent quality and extremely high popularity, I personally believe that it is very likely to be ported to the new console at some point in the future.

Here are my expectations for It Takes Two on the Nintendo Switch 2:

• Graphics Upgrade: The powerful performance of the Nintendo Switch 2 will allow the graphics of It Takes Two to be further improved. We can expect higher resolution, smoother frame rates, and more detailed texture performance.
• Better Operating Experience: The Nintendo Switch 2's controller may bring a better operating experience. For example, if the Nintendo Switch 2 supports more advanced vibration feedback, players can get a more realistic experience when shooting or driving.
• More Convenient Online Connection Methods: The Nintendo Switch 2 may adopt more convenient online connection methods, making it easier for players to play It Takes Two with friends.
• Optimization of Handheld Mode: The Nintendo Switch 2's handheld mode should be able to provide a better gaming experience, allowing players to enjoy the fun of It Takes Two anytime, anywhere.

Considering that the nintendo switch2 price may be higher than the existing Switch, but if It Takes Two can perform better on the Nintendo Switch 2, then it is still a very worthwhile game to buy. Moreover, considering nintendo switch2 compatibility, even if you already own the Switch version of the game, you are likely to get a better gaming experience on the new console.

9. Beginner's Guide: Get Started Quickly, Play Without Obstacles

For players who are new to It Takes Two, here are some beginner's guides:

• Choose the Right Partner: It is very important to find a partner who is willing to play with you and can communicate effectively.
• Read the Tutorial Carefully: The tutorial in the game is very detailed and can help you quickly understand the game mechanics.
• Be Good at Communication: The game requires a lot of communication and collaboration, so be sure to maintain good communication with your partner.
• Encourage Each Other: When encountering difficulties, don't give up easily, encourage each other, and overcome the difficulties together.
• Enjoy the Game: The most important thing is to enjoy the game process, don't be too perfectionistic.

10. Advanced Tips and Strategies: Road to Advancement, Become an Expert

If you want to become an expert in It Takes Two, here are some advanced tips and strategies:

• Master the Characteristics of the Characters: Familiarize yourself with the abilities and weaknesses of each character to better utilize their strengths.
• Make Reasonable Use of the Environment: The environment in the game can be used to solve puzzles and defeat enemies.
• Use Skills Flexibly: Master various skills proficiently to deal with different situations more effectively.
• Plan in Advance: Before taking action, develop a detailed plan with your partner.
• Practice Cooperation: Improve your teamwork through constant practice.

11. Conclusion: A Nintendo Switch 2 Game Worth Looking Forward To

All in all, It Takes Two is an excellent cooperative game. It not only has limitless creative game mechanics, exquisite graphics and sound effects, thought-provoking plot, but also has smooth and natural controls. Even on the Nintendo Switch 2, it is still a game worth looking forward to. I hope this article can help you better understand It Takes Two and make you fall in love with this game.

Finally, if you have any questions about It Takes Two or Nintendo Switch 2, feel free to leave a message in the comment area, and I will try my best to answer them. Thank you for reading!