It Takes Two is a beautiful and critically acclaimed game that takes an approach likely to scare off more than a few players. The game can only be played as a two-player co-op experience. It is a risky move, but director and writer for It Takes Two Josef Fares says he would like to see more games take on the idea.
As video games have risen into public consciousness as a mainstream hobby, it seems co-op games have largely fallen out of fashion. It is easy to see why, as it can be hard to organize a moment where friends who happen to be interested in the same game are all free. Online games have solved this problem by allowing for people to play against anyone in the world, however true co-op is next-to impossible in the current online multiplayer environment, with anonymous strangers being unreliable co-operators.
However, Fares says that needs to change. In an interview with PCGamesN, Fares said, “I would love to see more games like this [co-op] one.” In Fares’ opinion, co-operative multiplayer games open a new world of possibilities. “Co-op games are underestimated from a creative perspective; it allows you to make really great stories and mechanically cool experiences.” Fares added that gameplay needs to be used to enhance the story and vice versa. He says games should focus more on providing players with a cohesive experience.
It Takes Two has been extremely well received, earning a 5/5 in Game Rant's recent review. It Takes Two further polishes previous co-op attempts by Fares’ studio to effectively tell its story. Although it is rare, there have been other recent co-op games. Aside from Hazelight’s own A Way Out, MachineGames and Arcane Studios released Wolfenstein: Youngblood, in which players can either team up with a friend online, or take on the game with an AI companion. Among Us is a co-op game that has been around for a long time, but has recently risen to popularity.
Fares’ statement is likely to be contentious. Some gamers love using games to get to know their friends more as they would in Among Us, while others prefer to enjoy gaming as a solitary experience. However, no matter what end of the argument gamers are on, the fact remains that co-op is hard to implement, so it's great to see a title succeed using the idea.
It Takes Two is available now on PC, PS4, PS5, Xbox One, and Xbox Series S/X.
Source: PCGamesN