A big part of what makes It Takes Two so fun is its competitive minigames that Cody and May encounter throughout the game. These minigames draw inspiration from real-life games or even retro titles that some fans may immediately recognize.
From shooting down targets with plungers to racing inside a snow globe, there are a ton of thrilling minigames for players to discover and choose from in the co-op title. Each one tests a different skill and some can be surprisingly tough, which can lead to some competitive moments between players.
Chess
It’s exciting to spot the gigantic chessboard in the middle of The Attic for the first time, until players realize it does exactly what anyone would expect. Cody and May literally have to play a game of chess in real-time until one of them knocks the other player’s King off of the board.
The realistic game has everything fans would expect from a game of chess, from the pieces to the time clock. There’s no way to speed up the game, as it all unfolds in real-time. While it is somewhat entertaining to play with giant chess pieces, unless players are fans of the game in real life, then they likely won’t last more than a few minutes with this minigame.
Tank Brothers
Tank Brothers is reminiscent of retro games from the Game Boy or Famicom consoles and bears some resemblance to classic titles like Battle City. It’s initially fun to mess around with the handheld controls in the game in order to move the tanks around and shoot the other player.
The simple objective of the game is to hit the competitor three times. It’s enjoyable at first, especially because of the nostalgic factor and the vibrant colors. However, its controls are somewhat clunky and annoying, which is likely an intentional design choice that helps it stay true to the older games it references.
Whack-a-Cody
Players who are familiar with popular arcade games from the 1980s will recognize Whack-a-Cody. It plays exactly like Whac-A-Mole, except instead of a mole, May has to hit Cody with a mallet multiple times to win.
It’s one of the first few minigames players will encounter, which is what makes it especially memorable and exciting. The controls are straightforward and like the classic arcade game, it requires a fast reaction time from players. It’s not so engrossing that fans would play it more than once or twice, but it is a fun minigame that provides a much-needed break from the stressful puzzles in the Shed.
Shuffle Board
Much like the rest of the real-life inspired minigames in the title, the Shuffle Board arena is a supersized version of what would be typically seen on a deck or floor version of the game. It’s a pleasant surprise to find the game area in the Winter Village, as the arena isn’t revealed until the ice melts away.
Cody and May take their positions on either side of the arena and compete to see who can land the puck in the right spot. There’s a power bar that helps players gauge how long they should hold their buttons to release their pucks at the precise moments to hit their goals. It doesn’t exactly innovate on the rules and mechanics of the game, but it’s still an amusing pastime in that location.
Plunger Dunger
Deep in the Tree level is a minigame players shouldn’t miss – Plunger Dunger. Cody and May sit on opposite sides of a tunnel carved into the huge tree in the middle of the location and hold onto their plunger guns. Fast-moving targets approach each player, and the goal is to hit as many as possible.
It’s a fast-paced game that necessitates a good reaction time, great aim, and the ability to stay calm despite the overwhelming number of targets. It can definitely become too hectic as it progresses, which might be nerve-wracking for some but exhilarating for others.
Snail Race
Snail Race is an underrated racing minigame in the title, as it pales in comparison to other games like Slotcars and Ice Race. That said, the unique minigame is charming and fun in its own way.
It’s aptly found in The Garden in a section where players are simply told to mount their snails. A gate opens up and reveals a whole maze full of various obstacles. There’s a cool mechanic where fans have to squeeze a button and aim in the right direction to avoid any blockages. Using the snail’s slime to slip through the course isn’t an easy feat and can be quite frustrating for players who can’t manage to get the hang of it.
Bomb Run
Considering how It Takes Two is one of the best co-op games to come out this year, it’s not surprising that it has well-designed locations. The Cuckoo Clock is among the more remarkable places, as the adorable village has tiny homes and wooden people that just make it seem so cozy.
Players can take advantage of the cool area by running around in the minigame Bomb Run. When the timer is activated, a bomb is strapped onto Cody and May’s backs and players have to move fast to reach nearby “time bubbles” to increase the seconds left on their clocks. It’s a really entertaining but challenging game that tests platforming abilities, and there doesn’t seem to be a clear finish line – whoever doesn’t explode wins.
Slotcars
Players who find themselves feeling disappointed about the chessboard in The Attic can always turn to Slotcars for a more energizing battle. Anyone who has ever owned a slotcar and dreamed of driving one in real life will be glad to know they can at least ride them through this minigame.
There’s only one track, but it’s more than enough to waste hours racing against each other. The mechanics aren’t too complex but are just complicated enough to keep things exciting. The only thing that could make this minigame better is the option to try out other tracks or maybe even customize the tiny cars, but that’s asking a lot for one small part of the co-op game.
Birdstar
Rose’s room has a few of the minigames that the title offers, but the best among them is the beginner rhythm game, Birdstar. It’s an obvious reference to Guitar Hero, as players are tasked with pressing the buttons precisely when the symbols align with the circles on the screen.
The minigame doesn’t try to be too convoluted or reinvent anything about the classic game, which is the right move in this case. It’s a nostalgic throwback to the golden age of rhythm games that will test players’ reaction times and musicality.
Ice Race
The best minigame in It Takes Two can be found in the middle of the Snow Globe where a massive racetrack with ramps, rings, and even onlookers is laid out. Cody and May compete by racing with their ice skates, collecting green rings to boost their speed, and passing through yellow rings to complete laps.
It’s a well-crafted and fun minigame that could be expanded into its own title. This is likely the area players find themselves returning to over and over again for just one more lap. The gameplay is flawless and the level design is intricate enough that it doesn’t lose its novelty after a few rounds. Players may find themselves feeling especially competitive as they forget about the rest of the game and focus on finishing in first place.