Video games – as often greatly misunderstood and underappreciated by non-gamers, they mean everything to me. In my 19 years on this planet, my fondest life memories might just have been playing games with friends. Games connect people like no other experience. However, despite greatly treasuring multiplayer experiences, I have always categorized them differently from single-player experiences like Elden Ring or Persona 4. These games are meant to be immersive experiences for me to sink into, completely different from the multiplayer games I would use as a means of socializing and bonding. That’s why I never could have imagined the weight that Hazelights Studio’s “It Takes Two” could have on the industry, only proven by their accolades and winning Game of the Year in 2021. “It Takes Two” has the quality and immersion of the best single player franchises, but serves as so much more between you and your partner.
“It Takes Two” is a story that stars a small family of three: the father and husband – Cody, the mother and wife – May, and their precious daughter – Rose. Cody and May have recently decided to file for divorce. This takes a toll on the couple, but especially their daughter, who just wants to see her parents get along again. Her teardrops enchant the dolls and give them life, the minds of Cody and May. “It Takes Two” is a game that requires exactly two people to play the game, no more, no less. You and your partner solve puzzles as Rose’s handmade dolls in order to turn back into real humans again. On this journey, you and your partner slowly uncover the reasons behind Cody and May filing for divorce with every chapter you clear. The gameplay requires you to cooperate, but it also nudges you subconsciously to trust and rely on each other. It all ties back to the name of the game: “It Takes Two.”
Relationships are hard. Anyone who has been in one knows they are, and I’m sure everyone has heard that the number one reason why relationships don’t work out is a lack of communication. “It Takes Two” forces Cody and May to help each other to not necessarily re-ignite their love, but to nudge them into talking about their relationship. Of course this also prompts the couple holding the controllers to think about their own relationship, regardless of whether it’s rough, good, or even amazing. I don’t think this is a game you can truly feel the weight of unless you play it with your partner.
As my girlfriend and I experienced Cody and May’s story, we reflected on ourselves and were inspired to rely on each other more, to give ourselves more “us” time, to apologize for things we never got to, and to ultimately let the other person know they mattered. Maybe playing other games with her is good fun, but witnessing Cody and May’s story really moved us. Their story is one where you can gradually see that they clearly loved each other, but lost the strength they needed to tell themselves that they can make it work. I wish I could do the feelings the game invokes in you justice, but it really is something you have to experience, not read or listen to.
P.S. It’s actually my girlfriend’s 19th birthday as of writing this! So a special shoutout to her. I am forever grateful for her playing games with me.