Is It Takes Two Still Worth It in 2024? An Expert Analysis
As a veteran gamer and co-op gaming enthusiast, I get asked often: "Is It Takes Two still worth playing and is it worth the $40 in 2024?" As one of the most awarded games of 2021 with over 100 Game of the Year awards, does this charming co-op adventure still hold up nearly 2 years later compared to new 2023 releases?
The short answer: Yes, absolutely. Despite being a 2-year old game, It Takes Two remains one of the most innovative, varied, and enjoyable co-op gaming experiences available in 2024. For only $40, you‘d be hard-pressed to find a better or longer two-player adventure.
An Award-Winning Co-Op Powerhouse
It Takes Two captured lightning in a bottle when it launched in March 2021, offering a polished co-op platforming adventure brimming with variety, humor, and heart.
- Over 8 million copies sold globally
- 95% positive Steam reviews from over 350,000 owners
- 89 Metascore making it one of highest-rated EA games
Unlike most co-op games that fail to take full advantage of having two players, It Takes Two creators Hazelight Studios built one-of-a-kind mechanics from the ground up that keeps players communicating and collaborating in new ways level after level.
The result is a game that picked up over 100 Game of the Year awards and universal praise as an instant co-op classic:
| Publication | GotY? |
|---|---|
| The Game Awards | Yes |
| IGN | Yes |
| Game Informer | Yes |
| Gamesradar | Yes |
And in 2024, critics and fans agree the experience holds up perfectly thanks to unmatched innovation.
Innovative Co-op Design That‘s Still Peerless
It Takes Two succeeds so brilliantly because of its seamless asymmetric co-op design: both players take on distinct roles in gameplay tailored to encourage teamwork. Unlike 2023 releases that offer basic multiplayer modes tacked onto single-player campaigns, It Takes Two‘s entire adventure is meticulously crafted with two players in mind.
For example, in a stage set in a doll house, Player One controls rodent exterminator Scabby while Player Two gives directions as the ghost of a dead wasp. Here is a snapshot of acclaimed examples:
| Chapter | Mechanic | Why It Works |
|---|---|---|
| Snow Globe | Player 1 skis down slope Player 2 adjusts ramp trajectory | Tests communication skills, timing |
| Fashion Boutique | Tethered vacuum flight | Forces coordination in navigating 3D space |
| Game Show | Compete in friendly minigames | Encourages collaboration, not competition |
Couch co-op lets you easily pass controllers back and forth. However, It Takes Two also pioneered the "Friend‘s Pass" system allowing anyone to play online co-op so long as ONE person owns the full game.
This innovation remains peerless in 2024. No other game delivers such cleverly designed, wildly varied stages tailored for two people. And the Friend‘s Pass means it stays highly accessible.
Tons of Gameplay Variety
Another reason It Takes Two remains essential in 2024 is the incredible variety across its 10+ hour adventure. One moment you‘re skiing down snowy slopes and the next you‘re in space; campaigns feature distinct themes and gameplay gimmicks to keep things unpredictable.
It never gets old because no two chapters are alike. Here‘s a quick overview:
| Chapter | Description |
|---|---|
| 1. Lost Toys | Escape militarized squirrels |
| 2. Fashion Boutique | Traverse clothing racks using vacuum flight |
| 3. Couples Game Show | Compete in wacky challenges |
| 4. Attic Kingdom | Platforming in a storybook setting |
| 5. Garden Clouds | Shoot stuff atop a fantasy realm |
Few co-op games can compete with this level of diversity. Consistently high review scores show these wild scenarios work surprisingly well together into one coherent, family-friendly story.
And with an average playtime over 15+ hours, it dwarfs the length of most linear, narrative-focused games that may offer just 6-10 hours.
It‘s More Than Worth $40 in 2024
Now to answer the key question: should you still spend $40 for a 2 year old game in 2024?
Unequivocally yes.
It Takes Two practically never goes on sale. But it earns its price tag thanks to the staggering amount of content and endless replayability.
Let‘s break down the value:
- 15+ hours of gameplay: At ~$2-$3 per hour, that‘s on par with the cost-per-hour of a $60 triple-A release
- Endless replay value: With such unique co-op moments, it holds up to multiple playthroughs
- Free Friend‘s Pass: Only ONE friend needs to buy the full game
Compare that to something like the 2023 co-op shooter Tom Clancy‘s Rainbow Six Extraction which offers shallow co-op mechanics spread thinly over repetitive content. It Takes Two delivers exponentially more creativity and fun per dollar.
And many linear, story-based games in 2024 still clock in around just 8-10 hours for a $60-70 price tag. It Takes Two gives you significantly more entertaining content per dollar.
Still a Must-Play in 2024
When it comes to recommendations for must-play couch co-op games in 2024 worth your time and money, It Takes Two remains impossible to top.
Sure, there are great new co-op experiences worth playing like Cuphead: Delicious Last Course. But Hazelight crafted such an innovative asymmetric adventure brimming with variety that it‘s still my #1 recommendation for gamers seeking memorable team-based challenges.
It Takes Two lightning in a bottle charm endures through 2023 and likely long into the future. If you somehow haven‘t played this gem, find a friend, grab some extra controllers, and dive into one of gaming‘s all-time great co-op masterpieces.
