In 2021, a colorful co-op platformer surprised the world when it won Game of the Year at The Game Awards – and it deserved it. This game is It takes twoand it’s a far cry from the monumental epics we’re used to when it comes to awards, but it’s a testament to how vibrant and creative a game actually is. It takes two is one of the most delightful platform games of all time, a masterpiece of cooperative play that offers a surprising amount of variety and passion. Grab a friend and get ready for a cozy winter weekend full of fun It takes two is finally free with PlayStation Plus.

It takes two The main role is played by a married couple named Cody and May who are in crisis and planning a divorce. Unfortunately, the couple has a daughter named Rose, who takes the changes hard and brings her handmade dolls, modeled after her parents, to the barn in an attempt to “repair” their relationship. An unexpected magical twist later, Cody and May find themselves in the doll’s body. A book about anthropomorphic therapy called Dr. Hakim tells the couple that they must try to repair their relationship in order to reach Rose and regain her human form. Yes, it’s a crazy setup that lends itself to cooperative gameplay, but it also has a really heartfelt message about love and forgiveness at its core.

Essentially It takes two It’s like Woody and Buzz were a married couple in Toy Story – although I suspect they practically already are. With the help of a co-op partner, you must guide Cody and May out of the barn and through their massive home and farmland, all from the perspective of a tiny doll. It takes two It’s a great idea on paper, but the way the game executes this concept is mind-boggling.

As you progress through the game’s story, it is essentially divided into “levels” that are presented as chapters, each one taking you through a different part of the couple’s life and home. I’ve already called It takes two It’s a co-op game in several ways, but it feels like it needs to be emphasized – this game is one of the most brilliant takes on cooperative gameplay out there.

Each level requires you to work together to progress, and the entire game keeps coming up with unique gimmicks or gameplay ideas to keep things fresh – and the imagination is over the top. In one level, you use magnets to explore the inside of a snow globe, which houses a busy little village and lots of mini-games. Another gives May a water gun and a scythe to cut off invasive plant life, but she can also water Cody to turn him into different plants to help him solve puzzles. Then another has Cody slow down time while May can create copies of herself to help with the progression.

This intense creativity is present in every single second It takes twoand the fundamental genius is that you and your collaborator must work together and understand each other. As Cody and May repair their relationship, you test the boundaries of your relationship. It’s a game that not only wants to tell you a good story, but also challenges you to think about your own life and relationships, and that makes everything the game tries to do even better.

It is the inner heart that does it It takes two What makes it so special is that it offers phenomenal gameplay that ties directly into the themes of togetherness. All of this is tied together by rock-solid platforming gameplay that feels intuitive and satisfying, whether you’re jumping over building blocks, shooting a Gatling made from a bottle cap and tree sap, or accidentally throwing your partner off a cliff onto your doom.

It takes two is one of the most enjoyable games you’ll ever play, and it’s the perfect, cozy experience to play with your friend or loved one on a long weekend or vacation. At least you’ll have fun, but if you’re lucky you might learn a thing or two about yourself.

It takes two is available for PS4, PS5, Xbox One, Xbox Series X|S, Nintendo Switch and PC.