It Takes Two - What We Know So Far
Electronic Arts showed off upcoming release It Takes Two during The Game Awards 2020. The title is a co-op puzzle platformer from Hazelight, a development company founded by Josef Fares, the creative mind behind Brothers: A Tale of Two Sons and A Way Out. Fares already made a big promise about the game, which was announced earlier in 2020 alongside a few details about the story and gameplay. Since The Game Awards showcase, both EA and Hazelight have provided a steady stream of information about the reportedly groundbreaking project.
The It Takes Two footage revealed so far included clips from exciting levels, new story elements, and a deeper look into how the characters' relationship intertwines with gameplay. Players who dive into the platformer will take on the roles of Cody and May, a couple who get turned into dolls and are forced to overcome a variety of trials. If you're ready to grab a partner and go on this larger-than-life adventure, here's everything you need to know about It Takes Two.
What is the release date for It Takes Two?
It Takes Two releases on March 26, 2021. The gameplay trailer that debuted at The Game Awards announced this date in the final moments, and so far It Takes Two has managed to avoid joining the ever-growing ranks of delayed games prevalent in the industry. According to a tweet from Fares, the game went gold on Feb. 17, indicating the studio had finished all the necessary development needed to launch the title. With over a month to focus on fine-tuning, hopefully It Takes Two will be in great shape when late March rolls around.
EA provided a first look at It Takes Two during the 2020 EA Play Live digital event. One of the main features the event highlighted was how the title's story and gameplay work simultaneously to create a unique and engaging platformer. This was also a big takeaway from the reveal trailer, with a lot of the footage fleshing out the main cast and their personalities.
Is there a trailer for It Takes Two?
The It Takes Two trailer shown during 2020's The Game Awards offered insight into the game's characters, story, and level design. Taking on a more Pixar-esque approach, It Takes Two looks like an estranged cousin of Toy Story thanks to the dolls and oversized objects like lily pads and blocks. Additionally, a lot of the environments consist of areas such as colorful ball pit rooms, icy caverns, and larger-than-life pumpkin patches.
Commenters were impressed by the fantastic looking levels, but the characters and story are the main standouts. Players will take on the roles of Cody and May, two humans whose marriage is falling apart. To make matters worse, they've somehow turned into dolls and their only way of getting back to their original bodies is to work together through challenging levels. As they collaboratively progress through these areas, their relationship also slowly mends.
EA has since followed up the It Takes Two reveal with two more trailers: the Official Gameplay Trailer and Official "We're Better Together" Trailer.
What is the gameplay like in It Takes Two?
At its core, It Takes Two is a puzzle platform game. The gameplay trailer showed Cody and May balancing on a barrel in the middle of a raging river, riding flying fidget spinners and dodging all sorts of hazards from killer plants to dressed-up baboons. As a co-op-only game, It takes Two will mostly center around puzzles and platforms that require two players to solve.
If you don't have a player two nearby, not to worry! Hazelight has created a free Friend's Pass for It Takes Two, meaning only one person has to have a copy to play together. Simply send your would-be partner an invite through the system and you're good to go.
Game director Fares has a proven knack for puzzle platformers. He served as the creative mind behind beloved tearjerker Brothers: A Tale of Two Sons — a game that also combines co-op puzzle mechanics and an engaging storyline. With his track record, it's more than likely It Takes Two will have a similar feel.
Which platforms will It Takes Two release on?
It Takes Two releases for PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, PC, Xbox One, and Xbox Series X|S on March 26, 2021. Thanks to such an expansive list of platforms, finding a partner to help you out in the title's creatively designed levels shouldn't be too big of an issue. However, with this recent announcement came a few details about the game's Friend's Pass system.
The Friend's Pass will have some platform limitations. It can only be used cross-gen for consoles of the same brand, meaning PlayStation 4 and PlayStation 5 owners can play together. But if a PlayStation 5 owner wants to play with someone who owns an Xbox Series X or PC, they will be unable to do so. So, if you're planning on playing the game with a buddy, make sure you're both using the appropriate platforms.