TGA 2021 GOTY Winner - View Awards Archive
Pure Co-Op Masterpiece

It Takes Two Review

Josef Fares and Hazelight Studios' Game of the Year 2021 triumph. Complete Friend's Pass, co-op puzzle design, and buying analysis.

What is the Game About?

Cody and May are on the brink of divorce. When they break the news to their young daughter Rose, her tears magically trap their souls inside two handmade dolls—one clay and one yarn. Guided by the delightfully eccentric love guru Dr. Hakim (the Book of Love), Cody and May must work together across fantastical, supersized realms of their suburban house to repair their bond and return to their daughter.

Every single level in It Takes Two gives each player complementary, unique abilities that must be used in synchronicity. One player wields nails while the other swings a hammer; one sprays flammable sap while the other ignites it with a match rifle; one controls gravity while the other manipulates time. It is an endlessly inventive masterclass in cooperative gameplay.

Game Performance & Friend's Pass Mechanics

Hazelight Studios optimized It Takes Two across every modern gaming platform:

Friend's Pass System

Only ONE player needs to buy the game. The second player can download the free Friend's Pass from Steam, PlayStation Store, Xbox, or Nintendo eShop and play the entire campaign for free.

PS5 & Xbox Series X

Runs at a locked 60 FPS in dynamic 4K with smooth split-screen rendering and fast loading transitions.

PC & Handheld Performance

Ultra-smooth performance on PC with support for ultrawide resolutions and high refresh rates. Runs at 60 FPS on Steam Deck and ROG Ally.

Local & Online Split-Screen

Supports seamless split-screen couch co-op with two controllers or smooth online multiplayer across same-family consoles.

Launch Editions & Which Version to Buy

Priced at $39.99 USD standard MSRP:

  • Standard Edition ($39.99): Full campaign with all 25 competitive mini-games and unlimited Friend's Pass invites.
  • EA Play / Xbox Game Pass Ultimate: Included in subscription.

Recommendation: With the Friend's Pass, you only ever need one copy for two people.

Rating of the Game

95 / 100
(Masterpiece - TGA 2021 GOTY Winner)

Calculated from IGN 9/10, OpenCritic 89/100, and TGA 2021 Game of the Year award sweep.

The Good & The Bad

The Good

  • Unrivaled pure co-op mechanics where teamwork is mandatory
  • Breathtaking variety—genre shifts from platforming to flying to isometric RPG
  • Generous Friend's Pass makes it extremely economical
  • 25 competitive mini-games hidden across stages

The Bad

  • Strictly impossible to play in singleplayer (2 players required)
  • A few story scenes (Cutie the Elephant) feel uncomfortably dark

Similar Co-Op Games Comparison

Game Title Co-Op Style Friend's Pass MSRP / Sale Price Length
It Takes Two 2-Player Action Platformer Yes (100% Free) $39.99 (Sale: $9.99) 12 - 15 Hours
A Way Out 2-Player Prison Escape Yes (Free Pass) $29.99 (Sale: $5.99) 6 - 8 Hours
Unravel Two Physics-Based Puzzle Platformer No (Local Co-op) $19.99 (Sale: $4.99) 6 - 10 Hours
Overcooked! All You Can Eat Chaotic Kitchen Party (1-4P) No $39.99 (Sale: $15.99) 15 - 25 Hours

Is it Worth Buying?

The Verdict

It Takes Two is without question the greatest cooperative adventure ever made. Its staggering mechanical variety ensures neither player is ever bored for a single second.

Who Should Buy:

Couples, best friends, siblings, and anyone with a co-op partner looking for a joyful, hilarious, and creative gaming journey.

Discount Predictor

Frequently on sale at 65%–75% off ($9.99–$13.99) on Steam, PlayStation Store, and Xbox. Included in EA Play and Game Pass Ultimate.

Major Sale Calendar

  • Steam Seasonal Sales: 70% - 75% off ($9.99).
  • EA Publisher Sales: Frequent discounts under $15.
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