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One could easily describe the game in very reductive terms, calling it a two-player platforming adventure game, or a long series of mini-games, and that would paint a fairly accurate picture in broad strokes, but that would still miss the point, and the very heart of the game itself. It Takes Two is thoroughly about collaboration, a point that is supported by every detail of the game from the controls to the story, the puzzles, and the title itself. You cannot play this game alone. Choose your partner well. Or don't. Honestly, I would love to hear about the experience of playing with someone rather unfamiliar to you, just to see how greatly that affects your experience. For this review, I played with my partner of nearly 8 years, and our familiarity with each other's gaming style definitely played to our advantage. She often knew when to expect me to do something without verbal communication, although a few puzzles almost require it.
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The way It Takes Two encourages cooperation is far more than a forced hand, refusing to let you play alone. The effect your partner has on the environment is immediate and well communicated visually. When hang-gliding through a series of tunnels, players control their own position by sliding left and right, shifting their position on the grip bar and showing directly how their weight affects the steering of the glider. Other effects are less subtle; some enemies may only be vulnerable to attack when one player essentially pins them down first. Certain puzzles can also be this intuitive; simply watch what your partner is doing and respond accordingly. Other puzzles require communication. If you fail to tell your partner which path you will take in a short period of time they won't be able to open the right door for you quickly enough.
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The emotional heart of It Takes Two is ever present. The broken dynamic of the two main characters (and their daughter, who isn't playable) drives the story and is necessarily sad at times. Regardless, the game itself is fun and often funny, thanks in no small part to a therapist character who is so over the top, so extra, yet well-meaning and unyielding.
To borrow from D&D terms, the character is the definition of Chaotic Good, and is a welcome addition to the story every time they appear. It Takes Two puts atmosphere and emotional impact at the forefront the way Brothers: A Tale of Two Sons, The Unfinished Swan, What Remains of Edith Finch, and Papo y Yo do for their ability to tell incredibly personal stories with surreal, whimsical backdrops. Better yet, there is so much polish put into everything in the game. The story felt long in the best way; when I wanted there to be more, there was.
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