Best Multiplayer Experiences of 2021
First Runner-Up: It Takes Two
Features Editor, Andrew McMahon: Playing through It Takes Two with my best friend earlier this year was one of the most enjoyable multiplayer experiences I’ve had in video gaming in a while. Whether we were exploring all of the unique levels, experimenting with our character’s specific abilities, or just competing in minigames against each other, there were simply so many great experiences.
The game is built around multiplayer and teamwork, requiring both players’ communication skills to be spot on to even accomplish some of the more menial tasks. Get too focused on what you’re doing, and you may leave your teammate out to dry by not listening.
At the same time, though, It Takes Two’s design is so intuitive and accessible that even people who don’t play games can pick it up and feel like a pro. Movement is fluid and forgiving, and the levels do a great job at introducing and explaining new skills and environments before ramping up the difficulty as players progress through each chapter.
This results in some satisfying trial-and-error puzzle solving and combat, making for one hell of a multiplayer adventure.
