Hazelight Studio has made a name for itself in the realm ofcreative and unique co-op games, andIt Takes Twoisfounder Josef Fares' latest co-op venture. The game doesn’t ever try to box itself in and isn’t scared to dip its toes into a wide variety of video game genres to keep things feeling fresh the whole way through.It Takes Twofeatures many different gaming genres as well as a fun handful of unique items/weapons/tools that protagonists Cody and May use throughout each level.
The very first level of the game is called The Shed and has the couple test their handiwork with tools. As the game focuses on the concept ofgood teamwork and cooperation, it’s only natural that only one party (Cody) gets the nails while the other (May) gets a hammer. However, the tools work together in the game a bit differently than they usually do in real life.
The nails Cody acquires are special and can defy many laws of gravity. Cody can use the nails by throwing them at surfaces and simply aiming at them once again to recall them for continued use.
Cody begins the journey with a single nail but by the end, he will have a total of three at his disposal. The nails can be recalled in any order; the player must simply aim at the nail that they wish to recall to use once again.
While the controls are relatively simple (aim, throw, and recall), the game cleverly utilizes the simple item for a number of different mechanics that are repeated throughout the level.
Hold Moving Platforms In Place
The very first puzzle that involves Cody’s use of the nail involves using the nail to hold moving platforms in place. There are instances whereMay must use the hammerto hit a button and swing a platform up to pave a way forward. However, these platforms will then fall slowly; it is up to Cody to then aim the nail in place and “pin” the platform in place at the right moment.
This will then allow the couple to jump on the platform and move forward. Afterward, make sure to grab the nail once both Cody and May are on a stable/safe surface before carrying on to the next area.
Give May A Place To Swing From
Another key mechanic the nail is used for is paving a way for May to go ahead by swinging from each individual nail. Keep a lookout for any yellow wooden boards as they are often placed in areas that May can hang from. In instances where there aren’t any platforms nearby, Cody can throw a nail over, into a wall, to create a place May can swing from in order to progress.
All Cody needs to do is throw the nail and as May moves close enough,she will see a promptthat lets her attach onto the nail via the hammer. From here on, Cody just needs to recall his nails after May has made it across and wait for her to find a way to bring Cody over as well. Make sure to let May fully jump across as recalling the nail when she’s still hanging will cause her to fall.
Open Passageways
There will be a few instances where a large door (or other deadly obstruction) will be blocking the way forward. Keep a lookout for a yellow panel with a green light and circular hole beside any of these obstructions; this is the key to clearing the way.
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Cody can also use his nail on these panels much like a key. Cody must simply aim at the circular hole in the panel and throw his nail in order to clear the path. Recall the nail after safely making it through and continue on to the next area.
Hold Doors Open
Similar to the mechanic of pinning down moving platforms, Cody can also use the nail in order to hold certain doors open. There are some doors that (after being hit up by May’s hammer) will naturally begin to fall slowly, and eventually close before Cody or May can make it to the other side.
Look for a circular hole above the door, aim, and throw in order to pin the door open. After that, it’s as simple as recalling the nail onceboth parties have safely made itthrough.
Activate Platforms (For May)
In one of the more tricky nails and hammer mechanics,Cody must activate platformswith precise aim and timing. Certain sections will have Cody and May navigate through areas where there are no platforms present. Cody must take aim at each yellow panel in order to activate a single platform for May to hop onto.
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In some cases, Cody must carefully set up vertical platforms (essentially, walls) that May must wall jump between in order to get to the next activated platform. However, Cody does not have an infinite amount of nails and must know exactly which nails he can safely recall without allowing May to fall to her death.
Help Defeat The Boss
The last endeavor the couple embarks on is the neglected Toolbox (a.k.a.the boss of the Shed level). This boss has two stages that must be passed in order to fully defeat him.
The first stage involves the same familiar mechanics from earlier in the level; allowing Cody to aim for the three yellow spots: one to pin the Toolbox’s arm down so he can’t move/defend himself and the other two nails to give May a path to use to swing over and deal some real damage with her hammer.
The second stage of this boss involves Cody being catapulted up into the air (with May’s help) and finally using his trusty nails as a deadly weapon. As Cody is launched up, he is then free to aim at the flammable spray can on top of the Toolbox until it explodes and takes the boss down for good.
It Takes Twois available now on Playstation 4, Xbox One, Playstation 5, Xbox Series X/S, and Microsoft Windows.
