It Takes Two is a cooperative adventure from the creative mind of Josef Fares. Launched in the first half of 2021, the game went on to win a multitude of awards — including The Game Awards' coveted Game of the Year trophy — and is now being adapted into a movie.

Once you go hands-on with It Takes Two, the reasons for its success are immediately evident. Not only does it offer stunning graphics and an emotional storyline, but also, the emphasis on cooperation is unlike anything else in gaming. For one, the game can only be experienced with another player — no single player mode is offered. That restriction allows It Takes Two to offer innovative gameplay built specifically for two players, and the game has no problem throwing new content and mechanics your way at regular intervals.

All the action is backed by an engaging narrative that sees two parents (on the cusp of divorce) magically turned into dolls by their daughter. What follows is a lengthy adventure that touches on love, loss, family, and how to deal with all of life's obstacles. Best of all, the game's narrative ties directly into its gameplay, with the couple battling against everyday objects that were the source of many arguments

While there's nothing quite like It Takes Two, there are dozens of cooperative games that scratch a similar itch. Some offer robust storylines, while others are pulse-quickening action games that'll keep you on your toes. Whatever you're in the mood for, there's bound to be a great replacement for your cooperative needs.

Here are 10 games like It Takes Two to play next, listed by Metascore.

Portal 2 (XB360)

Metascore: 95
Best for: Fans of mind-bending puzzles
Where to buy:

Also available on: PC, PS3

Portal 2 takes the space-bending gameplay of the original Portal to new heights. Not only do you have a sizable single-player campaign to work through, but Valve also included a cooperative mode — one that's arguably more enjoyable than its solo counterpart. You'll need to work together in order to successfully complete each level, shooting portal openings and playing with physics in bizarre new ways. If that's not enough, the Portal 2 Puzzle Maker feature lets you develop your own challenges and share them online with the community. Whether you're looking for a challenging single-player experience or another cooperative masterpiece, Portal 2 checks all the right boxes.

"Portal 2 has an enormous warmth that makes it easy to adore, even when you're up against its many frustrating brainteasers." — Game Over Online

Rayman Legends (XB360)

Metascore: 90
Best for: Fans of colorful, 2D action
Where to buy:

Also available on: PC, PS3, PS4, PS Vita, Stadia, Wii U, XB1

Rayman is often overlooked in favor of other platforming icons such as Mario, Kirby, or Crash, but Rayman Legends continues to stand as one of the best 2D adventure games in recent memory, based on its impressive Metascore. The colorful game lets you explore its quirky world with up to three friends, each one stepping into the shoes of one of Rayman's many companions. Boss battles are especially interesting, as they literally add another dimension to the game, playing out in 3D action sequences. You'll also find a variety of challenges and collectibles up for grabs, giving you good reason to keep running around its vibrant world once you finish the main questline.

"If you have any love for side-scrolling platformers, 2D art or Rayman, jumping into Rayman Legends on any platform should be an absolute treat." — Gaming Age

Super Mario 3D World + Bowser's Fury (Switch)

Metascore: 89
Best for: Anyone seeking a family-friendly adventure
Where to buy:

Also available on: N/A

Mario is a family-friendly, platforming icon — and for good reason. You'd be hard-pressed to find a lackluster game in his catalog, but Super Mario 3D World + Bowser's Fury is a particular standout. It's especially appropriate for fans of It Takes Two, as the game features two different forms of cooperative play. The first is for Super Mario 3D World, which lets up to four players roam levels as Mario, Peach, Toad, and Luigi in a traditional, 3D platforming format. But if you need something a bit more casual, you can check out Bowser's Fury, which lets a second player fly around as Bowser Jr. and help Mario navigate various challenges.

"One of the best Mario offerings available on Nintendo Switch, which is lofty praise given the existence of Super Mario Maker 2." — TheGamer

Brothers: A Tale of Two Sons (XB360)

Metascore: 86
Best for: Fans of innovative co-op systems
Where to buy: Steam
Also available on: iOS, PC, PS3, PS4, Switch, XB1

There are plenty of co-op games on the market, but few are as innovative as Brothers: A Tale of Two Sons. In fact, Brothers can be played as a solo-cooperative experience, with a single player controlling both characters. Movement for each is mapped to a different analog stick, and you'll need to be fairly coordinated to make it through every challenge unscathed. Nintendo Switch recently added the option to play in true co-op (with each player controlling one of the two brothers), although it's arguably more exciting to play it solo. Fares was also involved in the game's production, so fans of It Takes Two should find much to love about this emotional adventure.

"A unique twin-stick adventure brimming with imagination that shows in its art and dual-action puzzles." — IGN

Kirby and the Forgotten Land (Switch)

Metascore: 85
Best for: Fans of adorable 3D platforming
Where to buy:

Also available on: N/A

Kirby has long been a staple of the 2D platforming genre. But now, after running and jumping for more than three decades, the lovable pink blob has finally made the transition to 3D. It's an incredible achievement, too, with a stellar 85 Metascore and millions of sales. The gameplay revolves on Kirby's Copy mechanic, allowing them to suck up enemies and steal their abilities. Kirby and the Forgotten Land takes this to the extreme, giving you the ability to steal the power of airplanes, cars, and other inanimate objects scattered throughout the world. There's also an unlockable two-player mode, letting you explore its mysterious locations with a friend.

"Kirby's first major leap into 3D is an incredible success, with new mechanics and altered gameplay providing a familiar-yet-unique experience for any fan of the series." — Attack of the Fanboy

Minecraft (XB360)

Metascore: 82
Best for: Fans of mining and crafting
Where to buy:

Also available on: 3DS, PC, PS3, PS4, PS Vita, Switch, Wii U, XB1

Minecraft is one of the most popular games on the planet, so there's a good chance you already have it installed on your smartphone, console, or PC. If you're yet to take the plunge, thought, there's never been a better time. At its core, Minecraft is all about exploration and letting your imagination run wild. You'll venture out and collect resources, before using those items to craft new gear or build yourself a home. The game has only grown larger over the years, with constant updates adding new mechanics and ways to enjoy its never-ending world. The game is best experienced with a few other players, as there's nothing quite like piecing together a sprawling cityscape with a couple of friends.

"A masterful piece of contemporary game design and a richly rewarding experience suitable for all ages." — X-ONE Magazine UK

Overcooked! 2 (Switch)

Metascore: 81
Best for: Fans of cooperative cooking chaos
Where to buy:

Also available on: PC, PS4, XB1

Overcooked! 2 is all about cooperation. You'll be tasked with whipping up delicious creations for a variety of demanding guests, and the only way to leave the kitchen successful is by working as a team. The action unfolds in a top-down perspective and sees you and your crew preparing a variety of ingredients before piecing them together for the final dish. You're always up against a clock too, as there are always more customers to serve — and none of them are patient. The chaos is approachable for all skill levels, and the best way to succeed is by planning ahead and improving your communication.

"A chaotic, intense, and challenging multiplayer experience that is so brilliant that it offers countless hours of enjoyment that should be played by everyone." — Switch Player

Sackboy: A Big Adventure (PS5)

Metascore: 79
Best for: Fans of quirky, cooperative platforming
Where to buy:

Also available on: PS4

Sackboy: A Big Adventure is one of the best platformers on PlayStation 5. Its generally favorable Metascore is indicative of a solid platform that offers everything you've come to expect from the genre, including gorgeous graphics and a robust multiplayer mode. In fact, some of its side quests were specifically designed with multiplayer in mind. The biggest criticism was its lackluster story, but if you're just looking for a family-friendly adventure that takes you through stunning locations, it's hard to go wrong with Sackboy: A Big Adventure. The title is also available on PlayStation 4, but its striking art style is best experience on the new-gen console.

"A brilliant platformer bursting with ideas, and even though it strictly adheres to tradition, every minute is still a joy." — Games.cz

Tiny Tina's Wonderlands (PC)

Metascore: 79
Best for: Fans of cooperative shooters
Where to buy: Steam
Also available on: PS4, PS5, XB1, XBX

Tiny Tina's Wonderlands is a bit more mature than most games on this list. Instead of banding together with another player to solve puzzles, you'll be gathering a variety of loot (primarily guns and magical spells) before laying waste to hordes of enemies. If you don't mind the change of pace, however, Tiny Tina's Wonderlands is a title filled with places to explore, gear to collect, and skills to upgrade. The looter-shooter is a spin-off from the popular Borderlands series, meaning there's no shortage of sophomoric jokes or hilarious innuendos. Even though it's not as innovative or emotional as It Takes Two, there's no denying Wonderlands is among the best cooperative games around.

"Tiny Tina's Wonderlands offers some new aspects of the series, with more of the classic, almost unbeatable gunplay and wild combat encounters." — Wccftech

A Way Out (PS4)

Metascore: 78
Best for: Fans of prison breaks
Where to buy:

Also available on: PC, XB1

Another creation from Fares, it should come as no surprise that A Way Out is another cooperative gem. This time you'll be attempting a prison break, and the only way to be successful is with an accomplice by your side. You and a friend will jump into the imprisoned shoes of Leo and Vincent. The mature storyline will have you sneaking around in shadows, driving recklessly along unpaved roads, and working together to overcome the odds and make your way to freedom. The stakes are high (and the game can become a bit challenging), but anyone seeking an exclusively cooperative experience won't do better than this.

"A true achievement in game design. Not only does it manage to take players on a true journey of emotion, it does so in a way that is only possible through the medium of video games." — PlayStation LifeStyle