Hazelight Studios, known for its innovative multiplayer games, has released its latest title, It Takes Two, which garnered critical acclaim and several awards, including Game of the Year. This cooperative-only game offers a unique and emotionally resonant experience.

Gameplay

It Takes Two follows the story of Cody and May, a married couple on the verge of divorce. Through a magical transformation, they are turned into dolls and must work together to find their way back to their human forms. The game features a variety of cooperative puzzles and challenges that require players to communicate and coordinate effectively. Each character has unique abilities that complement the other, forcing players to rely on each other’s strengths.

Cooperative Focus

Unlike most cooperative games, It Takes Two requires both players to be actively involved throughout the experience. The game’s puzzles are designed to foster communication and teamwork, encouraging players to share ideas and support each other’s decisions. The absence of a single-player mode emphasizes the importance of cooperation and the power of working together.

Emotional Depth

Beneath its whimsical exterior, It Takes Two explores complex themes of relationships, forgiveness, and the importance of communication. Through the characters of Cody and May, players witness the challenges and rewards of working through relationship difficulties. The game’s emotional depth adds a layer of resonance that sets it apart from other cooperative titles.

Critical Reception and Awards

It Takes Two received overwhelming critical acclaim upon its release. It was praised for its innovative gameplay, engaging story, and emotional impact. The game won multiple awards, including Game of the Year from The Game Awards, BAFTA Games Awards, and Golden Joystick Awards.

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Data on It Takes Two’s Success

Platform	Units Sold (millions)
PlayStation 4	3.5
PlayStation 5	2.5
Xbox One	2.0
Xbox Series X/S	1.5
PC	1.0

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: Is It Takes Two available for single-player mode?
A: No, It Takes Two is a cooperative-only game that requires two players to play.

Q: What platforms is It Takes Two available on?
A: It Takes Two is available on PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, Xbox One, Xbox Series X/S, and PC.

Q: What is the age rating for It Takes Two?
A: It Takes Two is rated E10+ by the ESRB and PEGI 7 by PEGI.

Q: How long does it take to complete It Takes Two?
A: The average playtime for It Takes Two is around 12-15 hours.

Conclusion

Conclusion

Hazelight Studios’ It Takes Two is a groundbreaking cooperative game that offers a unique and emotionally resonant experience. Its innovative gameplay, engaging story, and emphasis on teamwork have made it a critical and commercial success. The game serves as a reminder of the power of cooperation and the importance of open communication in both virtual and real-world relationships.

References

It Takes Two Review

Josef Fares: A Way Out Interview

Josef Fares, director of the critically acclaimed A Way Out, discusses the game’s unique co-op experience, its narrative structure, and his vision for future co-op games.

Co-op Gameplay:

Fares emphasizes the importance of true co-op in A Way Out. Both players have their own experiences and perspectives, and they must work together to overcome challenges and escape prison. The game’s split-screen design encourages collaboration and communication between the players.

Narrative Structure:

A Way Out features a branching narrative where player choices have consequences for the story and characters. Fares acknowledges the challenges of balancing co-op gameplay with a compelling narrative, but he believes that the game’s "dynamic dialogue system" allows players to make meaningful choices.

Future Co-op Games:

Fares envisions a future where co-op games become more immersive and engaging. He believes that co-op can create unique experiences that are impossible with single-player games. He also hints at future projects that will push the boundaries of co-op gameplay even further.

A Way Out at The Game Awards 2018

At The Game Awards 2018, the award-winning game A Way Out took center stage. The game, developed by Hazelight Studios and published by Electronic Arts, was nominated for multiple awards, including Game of the Year.

A Way Out is a unique cooperative adventure game that follows the story of two prisoners, Leo and Vincent, as they attempt to escape from prison and rebuild their lives. The game’s compelling narrative, innovative cooperative gameplay, and stunning visuals impressed both critics and players alike.

At the awards show, A Way Out won the award for Best Multiplayer Game, recognizing its groundbreaking cooperative experience that required two players to work together to progress. It also received nominations for Game of the Year, Best Game Direction, and Innovation in Accessibility.

Hazelight Studios and A Way Out Reviews

Hazelight Studios, a Swedish video game developer founded by Josef Fares, has gained recognition for its unique approach to storytelling and cooperative gameplay. Their debut title, "A Way Out," was released in 2018 and received widespread critical acclaim.

Critical Reception:

"A Way Out" was praised for its innovative cooperative multiplayer experience, which required two players to solve puzzles, engage in combat, and make choices that affected the narrative. Reviewers commended the game’s cinematic presentation, compelling story, and strong character development.

Key Accolades:

Game of the Year (2018, The Game Awards)
Best Cooperative Game (2018, Golden Joystick Awards)
Best Story (2018, The Game Awards)
Best Original Property (2018, D.I.C.E. Awards)

Hazelight’s Approach:

Hazelight Studios is known for prioritizing cooperative experiences and focusing on the emotional impact of their games. Fares has stated that he aims to create games that "touch your heart" and encourage players to connect on a deeper level.

Impact and Legacy:

"A Way Out" was a commercial success and helped to establish Hazelight Studios as a leading developer in the interactive entertainment industry. The game’s unique premise and execution have inspired other developers to explore innovative ways to create cooperative experiences in video games.

A Way Out Gameplay Walkthrough

Prologue: The Bus

Meet Leo and Vincent, two prisoners being transported to prison.
Escape from the bus during an accident.

Chapter 1: Exterior

Explore the forest and find Leo’s wife, Linda.
Escape from the police and find a boat to leave the area.

Chapter 2: House

Explore a house abandoned in the woods.
Avoid detection from the police by hiding and using stealth.

Chapter 3: Cabin

Take refuge in a cabin in the woods.
Protect the cabin from attackers and make a makeshift escape plan.

Chapter 4: Facility

Infiltrate a secret government facility to gather information.
Use teamwork and problem-solving to overcome obstacles.

Chapter 5: Hotel

Convince a hotel guest to assist in your escape.
Evade the police and steal a disguise.

Chapter 6: City

Navigate through a crowded city while being pursued.
Use stealth and parkour to avoid detection.

Chapter 7: Dam

Travel to a hydroelectric dam and use it as a means of escape.
Overcome environmental challenges and avoid detection.

Chapter 8: Finale

Confront the authorities responsible for your imprisonment.
Choose a path that determines the characters’ fate.

‘The Game Awards 2018’: ‘A Way Out’ Wins Best Cooperative Game

Hazelight’s co-op adventure ‘A Way Out’ was crowned Best Cooperative Game at ‘The Game Awards 2018’.
The game was praised for its innovative cooperative gameplay mechanics and compelling story.
Other nominees in the category included ‘Far Cry 5’, ‘Gears of War 5’, and ‘Sea of Thieves’.
‘A Way Out’ is available on PlayStation 4, Xbox One, and PC.

A Way Out Behind the Scenes

A Way Out is a unique cooperative adventure game that follows the story of two prisoners, Leo and Vincent, as they attempt to escape from prison. The game was developed by Hazelight Studios, founded by Josef Fares, and was released in 2018.

Co-op Gameplay: A Way Out is designed to be played cooperatively with two players, both locally and online. Players take control of Leo and Vincent and must work together to overcome obstacles, solve puzzles, and make difficult choices.
Split-Screen Perspective: The game is presented in a split-screen perspective, with each player seeing the game from their character’s point of view. This unique perspective adds an extra layer of challenge and immersion.
Dynamic Storytelling: The story of A Way Out is highly dynamic and unfolds differently based on the choices made by the players. The game features multiple endings that depend on the actions taken by Leo and Vincent.
Motion Capture: Hazelight Studios used advanced motion capture technology to create realistic character animations. This helped to convey the emotions and personalities of Leo and Vincent, making the game more immersive.
Social Commentary: While A Way Out is primarily an action-adventure game, it also explores themes of friendship, redemption, and the consequences of crime. The game’s ending encourages players to reflect on the choices they made and the impact they had on the lives of others.

Josef Fares and the Development of ‘A Way Out’

Josef Fares, renowned for his passion and innovative storytelling in video games, played a pivotal role in the development of ‘A Way Out,’ a groundbreaking co-op adventure game.

Unique Narrative Design: Fares prioritized a narrative that revolved around the unbreakable bond between two prisoners, exploring themes of friendship and redemption. The game was designed to be played exclusively in co-op mode, fostering a sense of camaraderie and collaboration.
Technical Innovation: Fares collaborated closely with Hazelight Studios to create a seamless co-op experience. They developed a split-screen system that allowed players to interact with the world independently while maintaining a cohesive storyline.
Motion Capture Technology: Fares employed advanced motion capture technology to bring the characters to life. The performances of actors Rami Malek and Eric McCormack added depth and authenticity to the game’s emotional moments.
Intense Sequences: ‘A Way Out’ is known for its intense and unpredictable gameplay sequences. Fares designed these challenges to test the limits of cooperation and push players to work together seamlessly.
Critical Acclaim: Upon release, ‘A Way Out’ received widespread critical acclaim for its innovative narrative and exceptional co-op gameplay. It won numerous awards, including Best Co-op Game at The Game Awards 2018.

‘A Way Out’ Soundtrack

The ‘A Way Out’ soundtrack features a blend of original and licensed tracks composed by the BAFTA-winning composer Josef Farris. The score captures the intense and emotional journey of the game’s two protagonists, Leo and Vincent, as they navigate a perilous escape from prison.

The original score consists of brooding, atmospheric electronica that creates a sense of suspense and foreboding. The tracks "Escape From Prison" and "Bridge" are particularly evocative, with their urgent rhythms and soaring melodies.

In addition to Farris’ original compositions, the soundtrack also includes several licensed tracks that contribute to the game’s cinematic atmosphere. These include "Brother" by A$AP Ferg, "In the Dark" by London Grammar, and "Touch" by Shura.

Overall, the ‘A Way Out’ soundtrack is a powerful and emotionally resonant accompaniment to the game’s gripping narrative, enhancing the player’s immersion and connection to the characters’ struggles.