Like with any relationship, the secret lies in keeping things fresh. Hazelight’s It Takes Two exemplifies how mechanics, narrative, and determinatededly designed environments can work together to create a cohesive metaphor for the cycles of real world relationships, by requiring players to collaborate, reflect, and grow alongside the protagonists. Narratively circling around a story about love and reconciliation, its design philosphy cleverly emphasises the necessity of clear communication between both players to effectively leverage the individual strengths of both characters, that are essential to overcome the game’s challenges.
It is a masterclass in creating harmony between its mechanics, environments and narrative goal.
Not only do the different levels constitute a supurb instict for pacing and irrepressible creativity. Each one of them is also very consciously designed to represent specific emotional and relational states of the protagonists. For example, the ‘Tree’ level, where the couple is tasked to fight wasps, reflects their combative dynamic. While the ‘Cuckoo Clock’ level explores themes of time and how its passage affects their relationship.
Moreover, throughout their journey both characters get the chance to playfully explore environments built around the personal dreams and intrinsic needs of their lovedone. These sections are not only expertly interwoven with the game’s story- and character arcs, but serve as interactive metaphors for the relational stages and struggles couples typically face, from ignorance, conflict to nostalgia and rediscovering shared dreams.
Environments serve as metaphors for typical relational stages from ignorance, conflict to nostalgia and rediscovering shared dreams.
Key moments in the story, such as repairing a broken piece of memorabilia or saving a beloved toy, thus not only serve as exciting collaborative gameplay experiences, but as symbolic acts of mending the emotional fabric of a relationship. This ebb and flow of high-energy action sequences taking turns with quieter, reflective moments, smartly quotes the highs and lows of a typical romantic partnership, where moments of intense conflict can give way to periods of calm introspection and renewed connection.
This game then serves as a masterclass in creating harmony between its mechanics, environments and its overarching narrative goal. Producing not only an incredibly entertaining and emotional adveture, but one that en passent explores the evolving dynamics of love, conflict, and reconciliation, that many relationships undergo, without feeling patronizing at any moment.
