Over the past ten years, Hazelight Studios has truly become the leader in cooperative video games. While there are plenty of good multiplayer games available now, very few reach the high quality consistently delivered by Josef Fares and his team.
What makes Hazelight’s approach to co-op gaming special is that it’s more than just playing with others online. It’s designed for exactly two players, can be enjoyed entirely on one couch, and truly emphasizes teamwork and cooperation – it’s all about working together to succeed.
Building on that thought, I believe It Takes Two, which previously won Game of the Year, remains Hazelight’s best game, even though Split Fiction in 2025 was also fantastic. This makes it a good time to consider what makes It Takes Two still the benchmark for great co-op games.
6. Insane Levels of Creativity
Bad News for Elephants, Though
When you compare the creative design of cooperative video games, It Takes Two and Split Fiction are the top contenders. Split Fiction’s ‘Side Stories’ – developed during internal game jams – are incredibly imaginative, but It Takes Two still feels a bit more impactful overall.
It Takes Two is pure magic, offering wonderfully imaginative experiences like battling with squirrels in a tree, caring for seals within a snow globe, or relaxing at a bug-run spa in the garden.
This imaginative ability sometimes leads to disturbing content, like the scene involving Cutie the Elephant. I’m still processing it and not quite ready to discuss it in detail.
5. Humor that Hits Much More than Misses
This is a Pro-Dr. Hakim Household
Honestly, I haven’t played a co-op game with my friend that’s made me laugh as much as It Takes Two. Portal 2 is pretty funny, and Split Fiction had a few good jokes, but It Takes Two just consistently had us cracking up. It’s the funniest co-op game I’ve ever played, hands down!
Dr. Hakim, a character based on a famous relationship guide, is a constant source of humor. He consistently steals the show and provides much-needed laughs as May and Cody try to fix their struggling relationship.
I know some gamers dislike Dr. Hakim, but I personally don’t pay attention to that criticism. I think he’s a major reason why It Takes Two is one of the best games in its genre.
4. Visuals Still Full of Wonder
May and Cody’s House is Alive
While It Takes Two came out in 2021, it’s not the most visually stunning game anymore. Split Fiction definitely has more advanced graphics. However, I personally think a game’s artistic style and design are more important than just how realistic it looks.
What truly sets It Takes Two apart from other co-op games is its story, which gave the artists free rein to create a stunning world. The game follows May and Cody, a couple who are magically reduced to the size of their daughter Rose’s toys. This allows them to explore their home in incredible, oversized environments.
The game has a wonderful, miniature-world feel, like the movie Honey, I Shrunk the Kids. My friend and I were constantly pausing just to admire how beautiful it looked. The incredible detail makes It Takes Two the most visually impressive co-op game available.
3. An Insane Emotional Core
Not a Heartstring Un-Tugged
Honestly, even putting the story aside for a sec, It Takes Two just nails the emotional stuff. It’s going to be super hard for any other co-op game to hit that same level. I thought Split Fiction was okay, but its story felt a little too focused on its own characters and didn’t connect with me the way the feelings in It Takes Two did.
It Takes Two deeply explores universal themes like finding yourself, family bonds, pursuing your passions, and letting go of dreams. These emotional ideas are woven throughout the entire game, and you’ll also notice a strong sense of looking back on the past with fondness, as well as anxieties and excitement about what the future holds.
Bottom line, the writing here is a masterclass, and It Takes Two is in a league of its own here.
2. Ever-Relevant Subject Matter
We’ve All Been There in Some Way
It Takes Two tells a heartfelt story about May and Cody, a couple on the brink of divorce. Adding to the emotional weight, they’re also parents, making the situation even more complex and serious.
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While not everyone has experienced a divorce, most people can relate to the pain of a relationship falling apart. Players will likely see parts of themselves in either May, Cody, or both as they navigate the story.
Even if you don’t have children, many people can relate to having a beloved pet. Romantic love and heartbreak are common experiences, and the game It Takes Two expertly taps into these feelings to create a powerful connection with players.
1. Worth Replaying
See Both Perspectives
There are actually quite a few great co-op games available, and I’ve really gotten into them lately. However, some of these games are designed for a single playthrough – you enjoy them once, and then there’s not much reason to revisit them.
What truly sets It Takes Two apart is how it constantly changes things up. Throughout the game, you and your partner work together towards common goals, but each character – May and Cody – has unique skills, powers, and abilities in every chapter. This keeps the gameplay fresh and engaging.
You can experience the game twice, first as Cody and then as May. Each playthrough is significantly different, highlighting how well-made and unique It Takes Two remains even after all this time.
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2026-01-15 03:52