It Takes Two is a co-op action-adventure game developed by Hazelight Studios and released on the Nintendo Switch. The experience centers on two players working together through a story-driven journey that blends platforming, puzzle-solving, and varied action sequences. Players control the characters Cody and May, who must coordinate their actions at every step to advance. The title emphasizes teamwork as the core mechanic, with no option for solo play.
Gameplay
The core loop revolves around shared control of two distinct characters who face constant environmental and mechanical challenges. Each section of the game introduces new tools or abilities tied to one player or the other, forcing communication and role division. Platforming requires precise timing between both participants, while puzzles often split responsibilities so that one player manipulates objects or activates mechanisms while the other navigates or provides support. Action elements appear in short bursts that shift the pace, such as brief combat encounters or vehicle-based sequences that still demand simultaneous input from both players. The split-screen presentation keeps both views visible at all times, allowing each participant to maintain independent movement within shared checkpoints.
Levels change their gameplay focus frequently, incorporating elements like shooting segments, top-down exploration, or melee-focused sections without repeating the same structure for long. This variety keeps the sessions engaging for pairs who enjoy experimenting with different control schemes and problem-solving approaches. The Nintendo Switch version supports play in TV mode, tabletop mode, and handheld mode, with local split-screen available across these options.
Game Modes
The game offers only cooperative play designed exclusively for two participants. Local couch co-op uses split-screen on a single console, while online co-op connects players across the internet with the same split-screen layout. A Friend's Pass feature allows a second player to join without purchasing the full game, provided the host owns the complete version and both players are on the same platform. No single-player campaign, competitive modes, or additional multiplayer formats exist. Progress requires both players to remain active, and checkpoints reset only when the pair reaches them together.
Story and Characters
The narrative follows the strained relationship between Cody and May as they navigate a miniature world after being transformed. Dialogue and environmental storytelling unfold in real time during gameplay, with both players experiencing the same events from their respective perspectives. The tone mixes light humor with moments of tension that reflect the characters' personal dynamics. Voice performances and animation support the focus on cooperation without requiring players to manage separate story branches.
Is It Worth Playing?
Player reception has remained strongly positive since the 2021 release, with the title recognized as Game of the Year at major awards events. Reviews highlight the consistent emphasis on teamwork and the fresh mechanics that appear throughout the roughly ten-hour campaign. The Switch version delivers the same co-op structure as other platforms, making it suitable for pairs who own the console and prefer portable or living-room sessions. Those seeking a dedicated two-player experience that rewards communication and shared problem-solving will find the game aligns closely with that preference. Ongoing support has focused on stability rather than new content additions, leaving the original campaign as the complete package. Pairs who enjoy action-adventure titles with puzzle and platforming elements stand to gain the most from the title's structure.
