It Takes Two

The story of It Takes Two receives praise for its emotional depth, thematic ambition, and creative execution. Many critics highlight its exploration of relationships, divorce, and personal growth through a whimsical, co-op narrative. For instance, GameSpot notes the game’s focus on “personal growth and relationship dynamics,” while Digital Chumps describes it as a “heartfelt narrative” that balances humor with emotional impact. GamesRadar+ applauds its realistic portrayal of human relationships, capturing “the little bickering molehills that turn into mountains.” The game’s premise—Cody and May, a couple transformed into dolls to mend their marriage—is seen as both inventive and relatable, with God is a Geek praising the writing for blending “hilarious and moving” moments. Additionally, IGN Italia and Xbox Achievements commend its lighthearted tone and integration of gameplay mechanics, framing it as a heartfelt journey that resonates with players. However, several critics critique the story’s execution, citing predictability, tonal inconsistencies, and underdeveloped characters. Cubed3 argues that the narrative is “undermined by the characters’ incessant chatter,” which trivializes its serious themes of divorce. Windows Central and GamingBolt both criticize the protagonists as “unlikeable” and their journey as lacking emotional resonance. Guardian calls the plot “maukish, unsubtle, and deeply problematic,” while Telegraph notes “uneven” storytelling with “uncomfortable and bizarre elements.” Others, like GRYOnline.pl and Wccftech, point to a lack of narrative cohesion, with Worth Playing acknowledging “heavy-handed moments” and a “rushed ending.” The reliance on comedic tropes and the absence of deeper character development in some reviews (e.g., Hey Poor Player) further highlight these shortcomings. Overall, critics present a mixed but nuanced consensus. While many appreciate It Takes Two’s heartfelt themes and creative approach—Game Revolution calls it a “feel-good romantic comedy” and Checkpoint Gaming compares it to a “Pixar movie”—others find its narrative lacking in subtlety and emotional complexity. The game’s charm and humor often offset its flaws, as noted by Stevivor and Twinfinite, who describe it as “charming” despite predictability. However, the recurring criticisms about tonal inconsistency (e.g., Telegraph, Guardian) and underdeveloped characters (e.g., GamingBolt, Cubed3) suggest that while the story has potential, its execution falls short for some. Ultimately, It Takes Two is seen as a bold, if imperfect, exploration of love and reconciliation, with its strengths in creativity and emotional resonance outweighing its narrative shortcomings for many reviewers.

The gameplay of It Takes Two is universally celebrated for its inventive design, cooperative focus, and relentless creativity. Critics consistently highlight its ability to evolve with unique mechanics, puzzles, and genre-blending elements that keep the experience fresh. GamesRadar+ praises the “constant experimentation with new gameplay mechanics,” while TheSixthAxis notes the game’s “inventive uses of gameplay conceits” and “forgiving platformer experience.” Atomix emphasizes the “constantly evolving gameplay experience with various mechanics and genres,” and GameGrin applauds the “well-crafted platforming with tight controls.” The co-op aspect is a standout, with Xbox Achievements calling it “inventive and constantly varied platforming mechanics” that demand communication and coordination. Many reviewers, like IGN Japan and GameCritics, laud its diversity, noting how each chapter introduces new challenges and genres, ensuring players remain engaged without repetition. The game’s emphasis on teamwork—whether through complementary character abilities or shared problem-solving—resonates strongly across reviews. While the majority of critiques are overwhelmingly positive, some reviewers point to minor shortcomings. Atomix notes that “some mechanics feel underutilized” and puzzles can be “simplistic,” while TheXboxHub mentions boss battles that “feel out of place.” Gaming Age describes the puzzles as “easy-ish,” and GamePro Germany acknowledges that “boss fights are out of place.” These critiques, however, are relatively rare compared to the praise for the game’s innovation. Even critics like Xbox Achievements and GameGrin acknowledge that the gameplay’s strengths far outweigh these occasional flaws, with the former calling it a “standout experience” and the latter highlighting its “unique abilities for each stage.” The criticisms often focus on specific moments rather than overarching issues, suggesting that the game’s design is largely successful in maintaining engagement. The overall consensus among critics is that It Takes Two is a masterpiece of cooperative gameplay, with its creativity, variety, and emphasis on teamwork earning widespread acclaim. Nearly every review praises its ability to blend platforming, puzzles, and genre experimentation into a cohesive and thrilling experience. GamesRadar+ calls it “innovative and rewarding,” while GameSpew notes that “constant changing mechanics” keep the gameplay “fresh and engaging.” Even critics with minor reservations, like TheXboxHub and Atomix, acknowledge its brilliance, with the latter describing it as a “constantly evolving gameplay experience.” The game’s ability to balance challenge with accessibility, paired with its emphasis on collaboration, has solidified its reputation as one of the most inventive co-op games ever made. As IGN France states, its “precise platforming mechanics” and “evolving cooperative skills” ensure a “fresh experience without frustration,” cementing its status as a modern classic.

The majority of critics praised It Takes Two’s graphics and visual design, highlighting its vibrant art style, imaginative environments, and creative storytelling. Reviewers on higher-end platforms like the PS5, Xbox Series X, and PC consistently lauded the game’s “gorgeous” and “stunning” visuals, with many comparing it to Pixar films. For instance, Wccftech noted the “cheery and attractive” visuals, while GameMAG praised its use of Unreal Engine to create “vibrant and detailed environments.” We Got This Covered emphasized the game’s “utterly gorgeous environments,” ranging from giant trees to cardboard castles, and TheXboxHub called the visuals “glorious,” noting how everyday objects were transformed into whimsical worlds. The artistic direction was frequently described as unique, with Jeuxvideo.com highlighting its “carefully crafted artistic design” and Digital Trends comparing it to a “Pixar movie.” Critics also appreciated the game’s ability to blend fantasy and reality, creating immersive, dynamic settings that enhanced gameplay. However, some critics pointed out technical limitations, particularly on the Nintendo Switch. NintendoWorldReport and GamingTrend criticized the Switch version for “significant graphical downgrades,” including flickering lighting, lower texture quality, and noticeable loading issues in cutscenes. Vandal acknowledged visual compromises on the platform but noted that “certain textures and animations still impress.” Similarly, GameSpew mentioned “blurriness and lack of sharpness” due to scaled-down graphics, while Meristation observed “less detail and texture quality” compared to other platforms. These issues were often attributed to the Switch’s hardware constraints, though some reviewers, like Multiplayer.it, noted that the visuals remained “visually appealing” even with compromises. While these critiques highlight the technical trade-offs, they were largely seen as minor drawbacks in an otherwise strong visual package. Overall, the consensus among critics was overwhelmingly positive, with most agreeing that It Takes Two’s graphics and visual design were a standout feature. The game’s artistic creativity, attention to detail, and whimsical environments earned widespread acclaim, particularly on next-gen consoles. While the Nintendo Switch version faced some graphical limitations, many reviewers acknowledged its charm and adaptability, as noted by Nintendo Life, which stated that “graphics compromises are noticeable but don’t significantly impact gameplay.” Critics like IGN Italia and Game Informer praised the game’s ability to blend imagination with technical execution, reinforcing its reputation as a visually stunning experience. Despite platform-specific issues, the majority of reviews emphasized that It Takes Two’s visual design was a key strength, contributing to its status as one of the most creatively ambitious games of its generation.

The sound design and music of It Takes Two received widespread praise for their immersive and complementary qualities. Critics like Carole Quintaine highlighted the "magical soundtrack" that aligns perfectly with gameplay, particularly in fast-paced sequences and space environments, while GamePro Germany and GameSpew emphasized the soundtrack as a strong point that enhances the overall experience. Nintendo Life drew comparisons to iconic composers like Danny Elfman and John Williams, noting the whimsical and rich audio design. The variety of musical styles—ranging from orchestral pieces to rock and roll, as noted by Gaming Nexus—was frequently praised for adapting to different levels and environments. Additionally, GameSpot (PS4) and IGN Japan acknowledged the music’s ability to match gameplay dynamics, with Everyeye.it praising its whimsical tone and capacity to elevate the sense of wonder. Voice acting also stood out, with GameSpew and PlayStation LifeStyle highlighting its charm and emotional depth. However, some critics pointed to notable shortcomings. Areajugones and Atomix felt the soundtrack lacked standout musical themes or impactful sound effects, with the latter noting it "serves as a background" without overshadowing the narrative. Multiplayer.it criticized the absence of an orchestral soundtrack and Italian subtitles as missed opportunities, while New Game Network remarked that the music was "not particularly memorable." GameSpot (PS4) and IGN Spain also noted occasional inconsistencies, with Dr. Hakim’s voice being described as "loud, stereotypical, and offensive" by some reviewers. Subtitle issues were another recurring concern, as highlighted by Jeuxvideo.com and Meristation, which mentioned French or readability problems. Additionally, GameOver.gr and MGG Spain noted that the soundtrack, while effective, sometimes took a backseat to dialogue, lacking the emotional resonance some expected. Overall, the consensus among critics was largely positive, with most agreeing that It Takes Two’s sound design and music significantly enhanced its immersive quality. While there were critiques about the lack of standout musical moments or specific technical issues (like subtitles), these were often overshadowed by praise for the soundtrack’s adaptability and emotional impact. GameSpot (Xbox Series X) and IGN France acknowledged the originality and attention to detail, while MGG Spain and TheXboxHub emphasized how the audio elements complemented gameplay without overpowering it. Despite minor criticisms, the majority of reviewers—such as Worth Playing and GameSkinny—agreed that the sound design and music were integral to the game’s success, creating a cohesive and engaging experience that resonated with players across platforms.

The voice acting in It Takes Two receives widespread praise for its emotional depth, authenticity, and ability to bring characters to life. Many critics highlight the performances of Cody and May, with GameSpew noting that the voicework "brings the characters to life," while Jeuxvideo.com praises the high-quality delivery that makes the characters feel "alive and relatable." VG247 and Impulsegamer commend the top-notch performances from the leads and supporting cast, emphasizing how they enhance storytelling and character dynamics. The dynamic between Cody and May is particularly lauded for its naturalism and chemistry, with PlayStation LifeStyle noting that their "ongoing dynamic dialog during gameplay helps build the relationship between the characters." Additionally, Digital Chumps and BaziCenter highlight the exceptional emotional range of the voice acting, which adds depth to the narrative. Even IGN Japan acknowledges Dr. Hakim’s comedic contributions, calling his exaggerated personality a positive addition to the game’s charm. However, several critics point out specific issues with the voice acting, particularly around character portrayals and localization. GamingBolt and Cubed3 criticize Dr. Hakim’s performance as "awkward" and "annoying," while Push Square notes that Rose’s voice acting feels "robotic and stilted." ZTGD finds the actress playing the daughter's voice jarring, as it lacks authenticity compared to other performances. Localization also emerges as a recurring concern: Multiplayer.it and Carole Quintaine mention the absence of Italian and French dubs, respectively, which they argue limits accessibility. IGN France and Pure Xbox note that the English-only audio with subtitles may hinder non-English speakers, particularly in capturing humor. Additionally, some critics, like TheXboxHub, feel the voice acting is "burdened with too much telling," suggesting that character traits are overly explained rather than shown through gameplay. Overall, the critical consensus leans heavily toward positive assessments of It Takes Two’s voice acting, with most reviewers praising its quality and emotional impact. While there are notable criticisms—particularly around Dr. Hakim’s performance and localization gaps—the majority view the voice work as a strong asset to the game. GameSpot and Worth Playing highlight how the "stellar voice work" enhances immersion, while Eurogamer Italy and Everyeye.it commend the motion capture and vocal performances for enriching character dynamics. Despite some mixed or negative feedback, the overwhelming sentiment is that the voice acting effectively supports the game’s narrative and emotional core, making it a standout element of the experience. The few criticisms, though valid, do not overshadow the general acclaim for its craftsmanship.

The technical performance of It Takes Two varies across platforms, with notable positives on newer hardware and mixed results on older systems. On the PlayStation 5, critics like PlaySense, Push Square, and Impulsegamer highlight smooth gameplay at 60fps, minimal glitches, and enhanced performance features such as faster load times and haptic feedback (though some note its absence). The Xbox Series X also receives praise for stability, with Hobby Consolas and TrueGaming noting seamless 4K/60fps performance, while BaziCenter and Vandal commend its split-screen capabilities without frame drops. On PC, reviews like those from SpazioGames and Meristation emphasize strong optimization, with even lower-end systems handling the game well, though PC Invasion mentions pre-release crashes that were likely resolved. The Nintendo Switch faces some criticism but still earns praise for its portability: Pocket Gamer UK and Pocket Tactics highlight responsive controls and stunning visuals in both docked and handheld modes, despite minor technical hiccups. However, several platforms face specific technical challenges. The Switch is criticized for issues like flickering lighting, texture downgrades, and framerate dips (NintendoWorldReport), as well as poor online support (Cubed3). On the PS5, GamingTrend notes bugs and audio cutouts, while Windows Central mentions platform glitches and depth perception problems. The Xbox Series X sees occasional camera issues (TierraGamer) and frame drops during intense moments (Windows Central), though these are minor. On PC, PC Invasion points to pre-release crashes, and GameMAG highlights frame rate drops on older hardware. The PS4 struggles more, with IGN Italia and GameMAG citing frame rate inconsistencies and texture loading problems, though GamingBolt praises its forgiving gameplay systems. While most critics agree that these issues are minor, they underscore the game’s reliance on hardware capabilities. Overall, the consensus is that It Takes Two delivers a polished experience on next-gen consoles like the PS5 and Xbox Series X, with only minor technical hiccups. The PS5 and Xbox Series X versions are lauded for their stability, performance, and visual fidelity (Push Square, Impulsegamer, Vandal), while the PC version benefits from strong optimization despite some pre-release bugs (SpazioGames, Meristation). The Switch port, though less technically robust, is still praised for its co-op focus and responsiveness (Pocket Tactics), even as critics like NintendoWorldReport note its limitations. While older systems like the PS4 face more challenges, they remain playable with acceptable performance. The game’s technical issues are largely overshadowed by its engaging gameplay and cooperative design, making it a standout title across platforms despite hardware-specific quirks.

The majority of reviewers highlight the replay value of It Takes Two through its diverse mini-games, cooperative mechanics, and character-driven perspectives. Critics like MGG Spain and GameSpew emphasize that the game’s over 20–25 mini-games, which can be revisited for competition or exploration, significantly enhance replayability. TheXboxHub and IGN France praise the Friends Pass feature and varied character abilities, allowing players to experience different roles and strategies. Additionally, Everyeye.it and GameSpot note that the game’s constantly shifting mechanics, cooperative challenges, and hidden secrets create a satisfying experience for multiple playthroughs. The ability to switch between characters, as highlighted by JeuxActu and Checkpoint Gaming, adds depth, while MGG Spain and GamingBolt suggest that the unique gameplay styles per chapter encourage revisiting the game. However, several critics point out limitations in the game’s replay value. VGC and GRYOnline.pl argue that optional mini-games lack strong incentives for repeated play, while Hobby Consolas and MGG note that finding a co-op partner is a barrier to sustained engagement. SpazioGames and GryOnline.pl stress that the main story is designed for a single playthrough, with replayability largely confined to side content. Shacknews mentions that some mini-games require discovery, which may reduce their appeal, and Gfinity acknowledges the necessity of a second player for co-op, limiting solo replay options. Additionally, GAMINGbible and ZTGD observe that while mini-games add variety, certain segments feel tedious or repetitive, slightly diminishing the overall incentive to revisit. Overall, the consensus among critics is that It Takes Two offers moderate to high replay value, primarily driven by its cooperative design and mini-game variety rather than a deeply re-playable core narrative. While some reviewers like GameSpot and Meristation argue that the game’s changing mechanics and cooperative challenges make it worth revisiting, others such as VGC and GryOnline.pl feel its replayability is constrained by its single-player focus and lack of additional modes. The game’s strength lies in its ability to provide fresh experiences through character roles and mini-games, as noted by Impulsegamer and Worth Playing, but the necessity of a co-op partner remains a key factor in its accessibility. Ultimately, most critics agree that It Takes Two is best enjoyed with others, and its replay value hinges on players’ willingness to engage with its collaborative and experimental design.