Co-op Games like It Takes Two are seeing a revived interest after a period of online multiplayer-focused boom. The great thing about retro-style games is their old-school approach; it instantly hooks us with nostalgia.
Related Article: Is Takes Two Cross-Platform Compatible?
Modern-day platformers usually are made of pretty graphics and endless tutorials; very few games have uniqueness. Having said that, games like It Takes Two more than shake up the formula for co-op platformers. Let’s look at what the game is all about and why people love it.
An Overview of It Takes Two
The idea behind the game’s creation came from creative genius Mr. Josef Fares, a bit of a game developer turned celebrity. The man has colorful language and a passion for co-op gaming; we greatly respect him. Anyway, he conceived the game’s concept and crafted a modern-day masterpiece with It Takes Two.
The game’s protagonists are a couple who aren’t doing well in their married life and are considering separation. It doesn’t help that they have a child, and things are falling apart. Through the power of plot convenience (let’s face it, we need the escapism), the parents shrink to the size of toy dolls.
The situation for our protagonists (literally!) becomes a challenge. They must work together to escape the dangers of being tiny and bond over the experience. The set-up is perfect, and some of the most innovative puzzle-solving co-op action you’ll ever see in games.
So that’s the premise and the gameplay; now let’s see how other co-op platformers compare to the game.
8 Games Like It Takes Two
Let’s start without wasting time with 8 other excellent titles that follow the co-op formula but have enough originality.
1. A Way Out
If games like It Takes Two are what you like, then you’ll love playing A Way Out. The split-screen co-op mechanic incorporated into the game is fantastic and requires two players to play the game. The two protagonists are convicts; they must work together to escape prison and avoid getting caught.
The split-screen view takes some getting used to, but once players learn to play, the game is fun. The actions involve sneaking around, using melee-focused attacks in brawls, and helping the other protagonist in platforming.
Is A Way Out Comparable With Games Like It Takes Two?
A Way Out puts players through difficult challenges and tense moments where the protagonists must rely on each other. The platforming sections and quick-time events are tension-building; you need stealth to hide from the police. The chase sequences have fast-paced action that is harder to follow because of the split-screen view.
Related Article: Top 5 Split-Screen Games Like A Way Out
The platforming moments make players hold their breath, hoping to pass safely without falling. The exact nature and game mechanics of working together to survive are present in It Takes Two. The two games also have the same creator, so it’s natural for A Way Out and It Takes Two to be similar.
2. Brothers: A Tale Of Two Sons
Yes, we know you’re tired of hearing us praise Josef Fares, but we can’t help that the guy is talented. The games he creates, we love to play, and with Brothers: A Tale of Two Sons, it’s no different. The game is about two brothers on a quest to seek out a cure for their ailing father. The story’s emotional tone is heartwarming and pulls at the heartstrings to get players all choked up.
The gameplay allows players to control both brothers, and you can play alone. The co-op element in a single-player experience when solving puzzles is a unique touch that gives the game its identity. The brothers depend on each other for support in the gameplay and storywise. There are moments in Brothers: A Tale Of Two Sons when one brother loses hope or feels useless. The other brother must provide comfort.
Is Brothers: A Tale Of Two Sons Comparable To Games Like It Takes Two?
Brothers: A Tale of Two Sons has tragedy weaved into the protagonists’ journey, and there are many highs and lows. It Takes Two has its own dramatic roller coaster with its premise. Both games deliver emotional gut punches that surprise players.
Another comparison is that they share the same creative lead, Mr. Josef Fares, and his influence is apparent. Brothers: A Tale Of Two Sons has similar platforming and puzzle-solving as in It Takes two, but they aren’t as refined in the former. The two games are absolutely comparable.
3. Unravel Two
The platforming of Unravel 2 is so innovative, and the creative design is so original that you can’t help but love the game. The cute yarn-based little spirits called yarneys, one red, and one blue, find each other and quickly strike a friendship. The two explore their surroundings until they encounter children who are not treated well and help them escape.
The story point of view shifts between the yarny’s and children’s perspectives, but players can only control the yarneys. Unravel 2 is primarily a puzzle platformer, requiring both yarneys to work together to find solutions. The combat in Unravel 2 is purely cinematic, but it’s a powerful message against bullying.
Is Unravel 2 Comparable to Games Like It Takes Two?
From a visual perspective, both franchises are phenomenal and have a beautifully designed aesthetic. The two games are adventure stories encased in platforming stages and slowly unravel as players solve each puzzle. The main characters are a couple in It Takes Two, and In Unravel 2, the yarneys. Both protagonists rely on their partners to get through the challenges in their path.
The platforming in both titles is a nice balance of fun and challenging gameplay. Players will enjoy the heart-touching moments between the chaotic action and how the story unfolds in both games. The bonds of friendship, love, and companionship are dominant themes in Unravel 2, and they’re in other games like It Takes Two.
4. Sackboy: A Big Adventure
The cute little knitted protagonist jumps into action in his latest epic quest in Sackboy: A Big Adventure. Players explore the rich and gorgeously animated 3D-designed Craftworld, where Sackboy bounces and pounces to save everyone. The physics and jumping mechanics in Sackboy: A Big Adventure make up a fun, exciting, and engaging experience with a high-stakes story on top.
Each level has several puzzles and objects that require specific skills of Sackboy to operate, and multiple characters join him to assist. Players can play solo or with a friend in co-op. We recommend grabbing a buddy when playing the game to make the experience more enjoyable. Sackboy: A Big Adventure allows players to combine power jumps and attack moves into powerful attack enemies.
Is Sackboy: A Big Adventure Comparable to Other Games Like It Takes Two?
People bring up Sackboy: A Big Adventure in discussion topics with It Takes Two because both have gorgeous designs. Both titles’ art styles and animations are non-traditional, and one can call them timeless. Another common feature they share is incorporating platforming and fast-paced action in a friendly way for new players to ease into the game.
Sackboy: A big Adventure has many exploration paths, similar to It Takes Two. The games reward the effort with easter eggs and artwork. There is no rehashing of used assets in either game; therefore, repetition or tediousness when playing is out of the question. Both make innovative and creative platforming methods for players to try out, and they’re equally fun to traverse the various stages.
5. Kirby And The Forgotten Land
Next up on our list of games like It Takes Two, we slide to Nintendo and their happy-go-lucky cutie-pie Kirby. The charming and adorable protagonist must venture into the (forgotten) world after being (literally!) sucked into another dimension. The small Waddle Dees are going missing, and it’s up to Kirby to rescue them all.
Using jumps and sliding mechanics to solve puzzles and get across platforms, Kirby opens up new paths in his first 3-D outing. Players use the trademark Kirby power of swallowing enemies whole to either copy their ability or spit them back out like a projectile weapon.
Kirby And The Forgotten Land has a vast open world fully explorable in 3-D, and the game’s story honors the Kirby legacy while expanding it. The beautiful animations and hilarious sound design make it a game of the year candidate-worthy contender for many players. The co-op of Kirby And The Forgotten Land, while not as great as It Takes Two, is still passable.
Is Kirby And The Forgotten Land Comparable To It Takes Two?
While It Takes Two has no direct comparisons to Kirby And the Forgotten Land, there is common ground between the two titles. For instance, both games share intense adventure-filled journeys for the protagonists. The degree of personal emotional involvement may differ, but both have high stakes for the main characters.
Another comparison point between It Takes Two and Kirby And The Forgotten Land is that both have excellent platforming segments. Kirby’s 3-D debut is a massive success, and his signature moves are incorporated brilliantly. Meanwhile, in It Takes Two, Cody and May, due to becoming small, can perform platforming feats that are visually quite impressive.
Based on the familiarities, we’ve classified Kirby And The Forgotten Land as similar to other platform games like It Takes Two.
6. Rayman Legends
The platform master Rayman makes a grand return to modern consoles with Rayman Legends. The crisp visuals and fluid animations make the game’s co-op aspect a delight. The main crux of the gameplay comprises Rayman and his buddies climbing up the different stages and navigating to the top. The platforming aspect is heavily focused and executed brilliantly; it’s why the game is excellent.
There are enemies in their path that Rayman and his friends must defeat using cooperation and attacks that Rayman learns from earning upgrades. The upgrades open up after collecting lums, the currency for the Rayman games. There are sections in the game where Rayman must rely on his trusted buddy Murfy to solve puzzles and even lend a hand in combat. New worlds open up as players collect the teensiest as part of the story; the more they collect, the new levels are unlocked.
The story is a grand epic about Rayman rescuing the teensies from their dark versions that are terrorizing the land. Like the classic retro games, 100 percent completion of levels requires players to gather all the collectibles, which unlocks the hidden ending. The secret level in Rayman Legends is an excellent feature that gives the game replay value.
How Is Rayman Legends Comparable To It Takes Two?
The first comparison right off the bat is that both titles are platform action-oriented, where traversal and exploration of the environment are key. Aside from the platforming component, the protagonists in both series must work with their partners to solve puzzles, activate switches, and fight off enemies.
It Takes Two and Rayman Legends present grave situations for both game’s main characters. Rayman Legends isn’t nearly as emotional on the story front, but the world’s fate hangs in the balance nonetheless. As for It Takes Two, an innocent young child’s whole world crumbles right before her eyes, and players must race to prevent the heartbreaking loss.
The similar notes and beats show that Rayman Legends is similar to other platform games like It Takes Two.
7. Cuphead
It’s never a good idea to make a deal with shady characters; our dunce protagonist with a cup for a brain makes one with the devil. Cuphead is the tale of the titular hero as he overcomes the challenges by initially working to catch defaulters for the devil. Once the hero’s power rises high enough, they can challenge the devil for freedom.
Cuphead’s gameplay is a series of boss fights, each quirkier and crazier than the last, and after every battle, our hero gains new powers. There is downtime between boss fights, where players can freely explore the open sections of the map. Platforming across new open areas gives players chances to acquire money.
As for the boss fights, platforming from point to point helps avoid their attacks, and shooting at their weak spots does heavy damage. The simple mechanics may sound easy enough, but executing them is more challenging than you think.
Is Cuphead Comparable to Games Like It Takes Two?
For a game to be as massively popular as Cuphead, it has to borrow a few things from classic and modern gaming trends. It borrowed the platforming aspect from It Takes Two, while the difficulty looks straight out of Dark Souls. Cuphead shares a lot of thematic similarities with It Takes Two.
Both games feature protagonists caught in dangerous predicaments but preserved through willpower and dedication to escape their grim fate. Both Cuphead and It Takes Two feature exciting co-op action, and the games are infinitely better with a friend playing next to you. Having observed the same settings and situations, we believe Cuphead is similar to games like It Takes Two.
8. Darksiders: Genesis
Saving the best for last, we present a game that’s very dear to our hearts and is part of the greatest video game franchise ever. Keep the meltdown in check; we all have our personal biases. Darksiders consists of single-player or co-op hack-and-slash and action-adventure style gameplay with a full story-driven game. Players can partake in objectives and side-quests with an open-world exploration aspect at their leisure.
Darksiders Genesis is a spin-off game that is also the prequel to all other titles in the Darksiders series. The gameplay perspective is isometric, and some people might call it a Diablo-esque clone. It wouldn’t be the first time people wrote off Darksiders for imitating other games. Considering imitation is the sincerest form of flattery, that’s worked in favor of Darksider’s appeal.
The combat and platforming are where the game truly shines. Strife uses his two pistols with infinite ammo that get massive power-ups. The upgrades range from increased fire rate and special effects to creating his own version of a bullet hell on screen. Plus, some additional powers and skills unlock after progression. War is the same way, except he’s bulkier and uses his sword, the Chaoseater, to crave opponents.
Is Darksiders Genesis Comparable To It Takes Two?
The banter between War and Strife in Darksiders Genesis is that of brothers exchanging quips and trying to one-up the other. It’s not a perfect parallel, but it mirrors the dysfunctional dynamic of May and Cody from It Takes Two.
Other mechanics shared in Darksiders Genesis, and It Takes Two are platforming and puzzle-solving. Players must use both leads in the two games to get past certain obstacles, which requires them to work together. Playing in co-op makes fighting enemies in both games much more exciting and enjoyable. It’s no wonder that Darksiders Genesis is similar to other co-op platforming games like It Takes Two.
Conclusion
Phew! Finally done with our list of games similar to It Take Takes Two. Our 8 brilliant picks are a great mix of retro, modern, and surprising options for you to check out. We hope you enjoyed our choices; let us know your thoughts in the comments below.
If you like to see other great gaming lists, check out 5 Best Hack-and-Slash, Action RPG Games Like Diablo.
