Developer: Hazelight Studios
Publisher: Electronic Arts
Release Date: 2021
Platforms: PC, PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, Xbox One
Age Rating: T for Teen
Genre: Action/adventure, Co-op, Puzzle
Format: Videogame
Awards or Honors:
The Game Awards Winner: Game of the Year, Best Multiplayer Game, & Best Family Game (2021)
Plot Summary
When Rose overhears her parents discussing their impending divorce, she makes a wish that they will stay together. This wish transports the consciousnesses of her parents into two dolls that she had made in their likeness, leaving their physical bodies asleep. As dolls, Cody and May must work together through a series of fantastical words found in and around their own house, as well as increasingly complex challenges that will lead them to break the spell and return to their original forms. They are helped along the way by a number of gadgets and tools particular to each player that must be used in tandem to achieve a goal. Cody and May are also coached by a Book of Love come to life named Dr. Hakim, who constantly reminds them that collaboration is the key to repairing their relationship and restoring their forms.
Critical Evaluation
I haven’t played many co-op games, but this game definitely blew me away. The art and animation style is so rich with textures and colors that it feels almost realistic. It does take a little work to get used to the controls (especially the jumping function), but once you get the hang of it, the game is just so fun. Through each level of the game, Cody and May are forced to work together in new ways, using new gadgets, that challenge players to re-think how to handle each task. I played this game with my husband, and though both of us are fairly competent gamers, we struggled at times to get past certain parts - that was half the fun though! I do think having a patient counterpart to play alongside is key to succeeding in this game, and communication was definitely vital to figuring out the puzzles.
In terms of gameplay, I found that on some levels, the gadgets available to the players were not equal. For example, in the second level, Cody’s character gets a launcher that shoots goo that sticks to things, and May receives a gun that basically ignites the goo and blows it up. I played as May, so I found this part to be really fun, but my husband mentioned that his tool wasn’t that great. Other than this, the co-op in this game is really well done and with new levels that introduce different skills, the playthrough is unique and challenging.
Creative Use for a Library Program
Create an obstacle course that can only be completed with the help of another player.
Speed-Round Book Talk
Collaboration (if you know, you know) is the name of the game with It Takes Two! Pair up with your favorite person to tackle a miniature world as Cody and May, a pair of soon-to-be-divorced parents who have been turned into dolls. Complete challenges using unique tools and gadgets to work your way through their home and find your way to send them back to their human bodies.
Potential Challenge Issues and Defense Preparation
Don’t let the animation fool you - there is definitely some language in this video game that might not be appropriate for younger teens (though I would say that, as far as profanity goes, it’s fairly mild). There is also some violence and animated blood that may be problematic for some players. As a very fantastical world, I don’t think that these issues are egregious, since the characters are dolls and anything they are fighting is part of that fantasy world as well. Despite this issues, there have been no challenges to this game.
Reason for Inclusion
It Takes Two is a solid multiplayer game that I think teens will have a ton of fun playing. Though the storyline does center around adults, the gameplay would be suited well for teens who love video games and are looking for a way to socialize with friends and team up with other players to work towards a common goal.
References
Ashiftingworkshop. (2021, April 20). Two colored drawings I've done of this idea [Image]. Tumblr.
Ashiftingworkshop. (2021, May 17). Time for some CO-LLA-BO-RA-TION y'all!!! [Image]. Tumblr. https://ashiftingworkshop.tumblr.com/post/651468559366619136/time-for-some-co-lla-bo-ra-tion-yall-just-as
Geekydogshop. (2021, April 20). Co-lla-bo-ra-tion [Image]. Tumblr. https://geekydogshop.tumblr.com/post/649007850907140096/co-lla-bo-ra-tion
Hazelight. (n.d.). It takes two [Cover Image]. Retrieved from https://www.hazelight.se/games/it-takes-two/
Steam. (2021). It takes two [Image]. Retrieved from https://store.steampowered.com/app/1426210/It_Takes_Two/
Comments