Making It Takes Two's Best Level

[@GMTK]

This is my last video before starting my new series! If you missed it, here's what I'm working on... kzbin.info/www/bejne/aoKalohpi7qcZ5Y

[@Astowo]

Poggers.

[@rishabhshah8754]

how are you today Mark?

[@GermanCoronel]

Can´t waaaait!!

[@vesk4000]

Hype!

[@wombat7961]

I appreciate that you explored an early level instead of a later level, Im currently playing this Game and finished the time levels. Really surprised by this game and thinks it's GOTY for bringing my co-op joy that haven't had in over 10yrs.

[@MmmDoggy]

The bees being more aggressive towards may because she has to wait for the other play to hit the bees is fucking genius design. Loved this video!

[@_omri_]

When I heard them talk about the mechanic I was so amazed that I came to the comments and then I see this. I'm glad someone else is also absolutely mesmerised by that idea.

[@Menon9767]

Now that explains why I died much more on that level lol

[@pretzelbomb6105]

This level was heaps of fun, especially with me and my too-many hours of FPS games as Cody and my younger sister who has more kills with vehicles than guns in CoD as May. Neither of us ever felt frustrated and the fight on the plane caught us completely off-guard. Took three tries and we were laughing the whole time.

[@ShinoSarna]

This is so good not just because everyone has something to do - Cody has to shoot them, while May has to both light the bees and dodge them. This is also great because it allows player of Cody to bully the player of May by REFUSING to get the bees of their back.

[@Robloxamongotherstuff]

@MmmDoggy it’s wasps

[@TMWriting]

This game was honestly amazing. I've never been a co-op player, but my girlfriend and I picked this up when I gave her my old PS4 and it's truly the best experience I've ever had gaming. A Way Out was pretty good fun, but It Takes Two is the reason I'll buy every game this studio ever releases from now on.

[@Henni_more]

I second that, it's so much fun!

[@AnotherDuck]

Games are always more fun co-op. Not counting online team battle games of various kinds.

[@TMWriting]

@@AnotherDuck and a thing I’ve learned in the last few months is that there are shockingly few co-op games for two people on a couch. We’ve had to resort to playing Quantic Dream games and passing the controller when a new character shows up haha

[@AnotherDuck]

@@TMWriting Yeah. Back before video game companies pushed online play all the time a lot more games were designed for single-screen multiplayer. Nowdays it's mostly just indie devs and Nintendo that make those games.

[@royl068r]

YES!!

[@ghostderazgriz]

Weird that this game is jam packed with throw away mechanics that is normally a recipe for disaster in game development but it actually never stops working. The game is really fun beginning to end and every new mechanic never fails to reinvent the game within the game. Every level could be its own standalone game and each one is well developed with cooperative elements. How this game didn't take 10 years to make is mind boggling.

[@panampace]

Mind boggling indeed. One of the reasons nobody recommends throwing away mechanics is that it makes development time take so much longer

[@firstlast-wg2on]

They must’ve worked very efficiently, I don’t doubt the managers of this dev team are genuinely fantastic. After having followed and been let down so many times by games companies, a lot of the time the story that is eventually revealed is usually similar, that they had irresponsible and shitty supervisors and managers. Vermintide 2, LOTRO, Blizzard (in general), and more come to mind and they all have it in common that the higher ups in the company mistreated the people below them in some way. Clearly, the entire hierarchy of the developers is really passionate about games, and it shows. Love this game Edit: I don’t mean to take away from developers themselves, it’s obviously a team effort, I more mean that a lot of the time developers are talented and capable of actually meeting goals, just that usually people in control of business decisions and deadlines can make or break a team

[@traviswalker9854]

This is my favourite game of all time. Never made better memories on any other game. This game was a masterpiece especially if you play it with someone special

[@glendarjj3991]

It's one of those "it's about who you play it with than what you play" type games

[@ianpittman6544]

I’m gonna have to try and play it! I remember hearing about it and it sounded cool but I didn’t realize it was this special until now

[@Henni_more]

Definitely one of the best. It's just pure fun and wonder, I loved it all the way from start to finish!

[@captain4318]

I was blown away by how varied the chapters and the gameplay is... Like what, the majority of AAA games are less diverse than this. Honestly a must play if you have a friend/family member to play with.

[@randomstuff1019]

That StreetFighter moment on the plane was one of the best moments I've had gaming. I couldn't stop laughing the entire time I played it

[@rukeyburg1084]

Also, so many more references: Mario (Rainbow Road), rogue like games (that dungeon like section, love that one), Zelda's pot throwing and they even referenced their first game A way out. Especially genius from a creative standpoint. The plot and story maybe wasn't their strong suit, but that can sometimes cost your creativity. The strong references makes the creativity definitely worth while.

[@anincompoop25]

I absolutely lost my mind when that happened. I was flying the plane, and was crying laughing. The game just keeps upping its scope in a ridiculously entertaining and awesome way, and that was just so unexpected

[@hyrumtaylor3581]

This game truly blew me away 10/10, a true multiplayer masterpiece.

[@Kufunninapuh]

I am flabbergasted that this is ONE level. What the heck?!

[@MiloKuroshiro]

The later levels have even more expansive settings and crazy variation. It's an AMAZING game and the puzzles are so smart.

[@jordandowney8192]

I really enjoy your ability to ask open-ended questions and let the developer just talk about things they already love. Excited to watch you MAKE A GAME

[@GodelsLaw]

Marvelous video. Talking to designers about levels while playing those levels is such a natural idea, sort of like a director's commentary track on a movie. Pity this isn't done more often.

[@vizthex]

ikr

[@zyaicob]

my favourite part of the process is someone remarking "oh, like Street Fighter" and then they just made a Street Fighter minigame

[@zekrom34]

This game is just pure madness, in every level you can do in just ten minutes what in other games (even the good ones) take a fucking hour or more... A true masterpiece.

[@DementedDuskull]

18:38 Dev: "It's a terrible idea, you don't see where you're going." Super Mario Sunshine:

[@ShinoSarna]

Remember that for like, 10 years between late 90s and early 2000s, every game had an escort mission, even though nobody liked those. Game designers aren't always the most rational (signed, a game designer).

[@Ricardo57492]

Well... Sunshine worked better because the shooting wasnt made exclusively in a behind-the-shoulder 3rd person camera like in It Takes Two.

[@2___nic]

I was thinking for extra coop one person could be the eyes for the one who cant see

[@zp6182]

The game that can mend broken relationships, and break'em all over again! (Usually, we all end up better off tho)

[@Vesperitis]

Dear Mark, today I programmed a ball to move around a 2D plane in Unity. I started learning Unity because you were beginning to your own game-making journey, and I thought, eh, I should give that a try and see if I can keep up. This is a journey I wanted to take but never thought I would, and now my brain is full of new stuff to memorize. So thanks, I think?

[@DawnosaurDev]

You got this, good luck :D

[@googymau8974]

Good luck on your journey mate 👍

[@glendarjj3991]

Two people already said it, but good luck!

[@an2qzavok]

unlearn Unity and switch to Godot while it's not too late.

[@kevinmbrooks]

@@an2qzavok unlearn gatekeeping.

[@cormo9058]

It's so incredible we get to see inside the minds of such wonderful developers like this for free - thanks Mark!!

[@ivanderschreckliche8385]

this game has a very special place in my heart because its one of the few games i could play with my father from start to finish (he isnt the best at games). It was so fun, varied and just genuinly great.

[@periusb]

played this game with my girlfriend and honestly it's a 10/10, you think you're helping build the relationship of the main characters when you're also strengthening your own with your partner. also the fact that the gimmicks keep changing up keeps the game fresh and you're desperate to see what powers you get next. highly recommend

[@andyosully]

I've played this game with my partner. This is an absolutely amazing co-op game. Easily the best out there. And doesn't rely on collectables or retracing your steps to fill out the game. It's just filled to the brim with solid content. I was really surprised just how much was in this game.

[@Octorawk]

The gameplay in this game was so tight and it shows. Fantastic insight! I love that the mechanics changed so much between levels, it made sure nothing became stale. And the sound design - my GOD the sound design! Just blown away by this entire game, I hope Hazelight makes more coop games. They clearly know what they're doing.

[@CodyReader]

Can I get an F in the chat for Beetle falling to his death for helping Cody and May?

[@TilSkywalker]

Take Two is the most fun I had with a Coop game in years! The way the game comes up with fresh ideas for each section is amazing. You never know what happens next in that game. Loved every second of it!

[@Lo-Kag]

We've been playing exclusively co-op games with my partner for a few years now, and It Takes Two is something special. But most, I love how many many other people have discovered co-op games. I hope we get more games like this

[@Burythelie]

Co-op was such a huge part of gaming culture. I'm glad it's coming more relevant in recent times, i love playing these types of games.

[@DelLego]

I'm trying to do that too! What are good games that you can recommend? So far we've played overcooked 1+2, lovers in a dangerous spacetime, considering portal 2

[@Lo-Kag]

@@DelLego it depends soooo much on what you are interested in, how skillful you are, does it have to be local co-op etc! Some more casual games can even be Stardew Valley, Trine series, and then there's more complex (but rewarding) like Diablo. But our favorite, and the best co-op game ever, is Divinity 2! So much depth, exploration, everything!

[@Burythelie]

@@DelLego Portal 2 is AWESOME! A Way Out is made by the same people who did It Takes two

[@AnotherDuck]

Co-op makes pretty much any game several times better. There's just no comparison. Even something as predominantly single-player like Mario Galaxy becomes more fun, even if all you do is point at things and collect stuff. Then you have some games like Resident Evil 5 which people say is better to bribe a hobo from the street to play with you rather than to play alone.

[@ZeroYT]

This game is just stunning. I love coop games but this game just put all others to shade. The creativity, polish and style are just out of this world. If you haven’t played this yet, you are definitely doing something wrong.

[@Cobweb404]

It takes two was unbelievable. Love 3D platformers, love coop. Perfect fusion of the two ❤️

[@rukeyburg1084]

I noticed how he dissected Co-op games (6:40) into parallel, step-by-step and simultaneous Co-op, and it makes me respect the designer even more. I already respect this game so much for being so fleshed out and for how the content is being talked about. I just finished the whole game with someone starting after the Tree chapter and it's a nice personal experience to play for both players. The thought into this game is top-notch!

[@VerianMinaith]

Not that I've ever felt you've provided bad content but please do more of these. Your questioning along with the development is quite interesting.

[@zpinn8242]

I love this series and I'm so glad you made one with It Takes Two. This game is just SO good! I wish you good luck on your new Developing series!

[@JaredJeyaretnam]

I loved how the entire game was just non-stop parodies of various game genres :) the street fighting bit was very funny!

[@Magic__7]

this is a show i didnt think would be my thing but i love it

[@Larimar62]

Thanks!

[@TommyAngelo1337]

This game really blew my expectation away after A Way Out, which was mostly QTE chains and dull dialogues. This was packed was actual gameplay and creative level design.

[@raquelfernandez5533]

It Takes Two is my favourite game of 2021. The variety (not only in mechanics but also in themes, skills needed etv) was perfectly balanced and there was never a moment where I wished to spend more or less time with one thing. I played it with my partner who has better mechanical skill than I have and he carried me through a majority of the combat sequences. I particularly remember the tree level as difficult, but hearing now that it's the most challenging from a combat perspective and how the wasps had more aggro towards my character it all makes sense.

[@Nexils]

A love videos like these. I watch basically every behind the scenes video I can get my hands on and this one is no exception. So much thought and trial and error is behind it. It's admirable and inspirational.

[@DJAzureSky]

YOOOOO THE URUMANGI SHOUTOUT AT THE END. As someone that's been playing around with film cameras, I really enjoyed it. It really capture's this generation's feel of hopelessness

[@peppage]

It's incredibly interesting to have played the level before watching this. In the moment I didn't consciously realize the simple things like the ants or the yellow markings where to shoot the sap. But then watching this makes it so obvious how much thought went into all the smallest aspects of the game. Really enjoyable, thanks!

[@Aghul]

I've watched my favorite streamer play this game with his friend and I immediately bought it for myself. It is so much fun and so incredibly creative. Even while watching the first playthrough I was already amazed by the variety of game mechanics. Nothing felt out of place or too drawn out - the pacing of each mechanic was just perfect!

[@99brickstudios]

I was honestly extremely distraught that noone talked about this. The Internet should have been flooded with hyperboly and non stop praise as well as dozens of video essays talking about this game. Honestly. I haven't seen a game that had this much care and love poured into it maybe ever. The complete resurgence and perfection of multiplayer...... No one could play this and not be impressed. They don't make these games anymore if ever.

[@MrSir]

22:55 still cant believe they just killed off the best character in the game like that 24:32 at least he acknowledges it :D

[@sollertiskhan3254]

i wanna hear them acknowledge the elephant..

[@SAmaryllis]

Always enjoy videos in this series, so interesting to hear about the trials of game dev - the one about being excited about a design concept but then realizing the camera angles make it an awful experience is humbling

[@BroughtToBear]

Story integration within gameplay was fascinating to hear about. It’s such a delicate balance and hearing how it held such a high consideration writhing the entire development process, being adapted and addressed throughout, particularly from this style of game. A great insight into development.

[@lukamagicc]

This game caught me off guard. Easily one of my favorite games ever made. I’d argue one of the best of all-time. It almost never hits a dull spot its insanely goodii

[@przemysawzanko6700]

I always wait for your videos. And they're always worth the wait.

[@flikkie72]

Wow, this looks great! I actually never get to play coop games because my friends don't live nearby and my girlfriend doesn't want to play games :') Glad to be able to experience it like this!

[@ethanator8265]

I’m calling it, this will be the 2021 unique game of the year

[@alexanderlinderson2655]

It Takes Two absolutely blows me away! I have no idea how they had the time to make everything that went into the game, and everything is so well thought out. Most creative game I've ever player honestly.

[@Raymando]

This game is unqeustionably GOTY 2021 for me. Amazing visuals. Smart level design. And of course a pantheon of mechanics sometimes created for mere minutes. Kudos Hazelight!

[@yologamer9245]

Upload video

[@ShionShinigami]

...aaand Josef Fares!!!

[@anbagames]

I played the game with my wife, who is actually not much into video games. Absolutely great game and multiplayer design. I hope there are more games like this in the future :)

[@Marshalicious]

This HAS to be 2021 GOTY

[@Epomanclassics]

Absolutely love this game, what an awesome interview! Great video again :)

[@Menon9767]

23:00 man the beetle dying hit me so hard

[@stormyandsnowy]

I recently watched a Twitch stream of this game. (they also covered A Way Out and Brothers: A Tale of Two Sons) I flipping adored the art style and the scope of the environments! If I had the hardware/software to play this, and also a co-OP player, I definitely would!

[@shelbimaree]

This is the first game I ever played with my bf and it’s very special because the whole time we were so engaged and invested in each amazing level! We were taken by surprise just how different each mechanic was, we had so many ‘uh huh!’ Moments when we figure out a puzzle, each level feels like a completely different game and it was truly amazing! You can tell the level designers really put everything into each little detail, it’s my game of the year!

[@KN-ck2kd]

The concept for this game is like nothing I've ever heard of! Loved watching this

[@habibyahya788]

watching this remind me of how amazing this game is! 11/10

[@GrandGamingChannel]

Thanks for the work!

[@irvine5732]

This is probably my favorite game of the year and I really hope more studios see how great a co-op game like this can be. it was so much fun to play with my partner.

[@Mark_GL]

This content is gold!The game was a big breath of fresh air,so chill to play. gaming insustry needs more couch co op games like this.

[@mdh_masalewale8681]

I'll be honest, if you are looking from a pure player engagement standpoint and innovation from already established mechanics from previous games from decades ago, It takes Two might just be the greatest video game ever made, by a MASSIVE margin. I have never played a game that had this RIDICULOUS amounts of creativity, variety and ideas thrown at me at once. Game mechanics COMPLETELY change not even on the hourly basis but by minutes. Like seriously, this game becomes an ARPG in between and it is so good that you might mistake it for an actual full blown game, but in reality this segment barely lasts 20 minutes. And this game keeps on with this variety FOR 13 HOURS OF GAMEPLAY. I geniunely want a job at Hazelight studios after this game, absolutely and utterly blown away

[@sempersolus5511]

For platformer protagonists, these people take surprisingly little falling damage in cutscenes.

[@hackerdackers8832]

they are toys after all

[@darkimchicat]

was interested in the topic of level design and this gave me inspiration. thank you!

[@guschiggin4507]

This is my first video of yours as a top patreon supporter! I love the videos my dude. Looking forward to seeing your new projects!

[@Dunbarius]

Just want to shout out my boy Beetle, gone but not forgotten.

[@NoNameAtAll2]

how exactly is it "not forgotten"? the vid mentions players noticing his death, but doesn't explain what was done about that... the video itself only shows some random fat wasp flying...

[@Dunbarius]

@@NoNameAtAll2 in our hearts

[@TheMemzie99]

I learned a lot from this video. Thanks for working on this series and shout outs to the devs for their insights

[@berkeaksoy9808]

What a wonderful documentary

[@Lombardio]

Love love love this series! Very much looking forward to what comes next.

[@Respectable_Username]

Watched Tango and Br0dy play this game on stream a while back and it was absolutely amazing! So many props to the whole team behind it 😊

[@nikosperimeno3141]

this game is huge! wow

[@kristianthaler6525]

The most amazing thing about the game is how many mechanics are packed into it. It reminds me of the Wii Party collection, except more fun.

[@hiiambarney4489]

Take 200 of the best game jam titles you've played and add a charming story with nice cutscenes - the game.

[@rareroe305]

As promised, I have completed It Takes Two, and now I'm here to watch this video.

[@diegomedeiros456]

Incredible game and incredible video. Was super interesting hearing about the process and all. Thanks

[@jeanphilippemalouin]

From the point of view of a TTRPG gamemaster, this is such an amazing interview/video! Thank you so much!

[@jeanphilippemalouin]

By the way the editing is amazing

[@DonLasagna]

lol when you asked on twitter once what was a video we'd want to see on noclip, I said this and you liked it. Glad to see it finally out! This is a really interesting game to me design wise. havent beat it yet but when I do I can't wait to check this video out!

[@stefanmuller1017]

Thanks for the insight! I really love this game. Made 2021 for me. Played it 2 times and now i can't wait playing it again. :-)

[@vizthex]

when you beat the developer so hard they want you to cut it from the video.

[@Fachewachewa]

I'm glad to see some serious conversation about It Takes Two :)

[@ericm1839]

It seems like a lot of their strategy was finding a key portion of co-op like "what if player A had to use this power, but it only works with player B having THIS power", then they build some ideas that use those powers, and they really follow the rabbit hole all the way down of what possible combinations can we make? Then they pick the best of those ideas, think about how to fit them together within a level, and weave a narrative about learning to work together through it

[@rojakstudios]

It Takes Two was my 2021 GOTY. I've noticed that Hazelight Games have exceptional clarity and pacing, two elements that are often overlooked in game design. With It Takes Two, you always knew WHAT you were supposed to do and WHERE to go, but not necessarily HOW to it. A lot of AAA games have such convoluted design that you sometimes don't even know WHAT you're supposed to do or WHERE to go. It Takes Two also had excellent pacing. It gave the right challenge without being frustrating or repetitive. I never wanted to put the controller down.

[@adonisvillain]

Game of the year. Really love this

[@neverpure20]

This is one of the best games I've ever played. And I play a lot of games, It's a part of my job. Not just among its genre, It's really a must-play whether you like platformers or not.

[@PunchKickBlog]

So many great decisions in this one!

[@LilypadOW]

what a fantastic video, I’m not sure if this was intended but this has the same kind of variety as the game has itself!! absolutely fantastic, good job!

[@TheBiostacle]

This game is one of the most underrated game out there, me and my wife we had a blast playing it.

[@yourneighbortotoro.]

I'm going to play this with my brother in a few days. So excited!

[@mimisaiko]

Amazing video! You are doing better and better, Mark!

[@bengermin3104]

The Queen wasp battle actually reminded me of one of the lava themed boss fight in Legend of Zelda: Spirit Tracks.

[@aisadal2521]

Yaaasss! This is cool seeing you play a game with its director, Mark!

[@voldlifilm]

This game seems downright brilliant. I love these designers!

[@captain4318]

Such a joy hearing about the design of this incredible game. It felt so innovative and it was a blast playing this with my youngest sibling. I assumed I'd have to do a lot of waiting for her to catch up or understand what she needed to do.. but it was almost the opposite. Apparently her playing Animal Crossing on the Switch has made her a very capable gamer haha. Every level had new mechanics, it all worked and felt well thought out. I was blown away by how much they packed into one game. I'm very excited for whatever is next.

[@saschaquinn2486]

Great video! Looking forward to the new series

[@canonogic]

this game truly is bloody brilliant

[@shanedriscoll381]

I'd be very interested in hearing an oral history of the infamous elephant scene.

[@larsnyman2455]

What’s the elephant scene?

[@larsnyman2455]

@@too-many-choices fucking w hat??

[@Messilegend1000]

@@too-many-choices They kill off an elephant toy, who is alive and sentient. The elephant is innocent, just asking the couple to play airplanes with him. Then he begs for his life while they slowly mutiliate him, gouging out his eyes and crushing him and finally killing him. I WISH BRO, I WISH I WAS EXAGGERATING. that ISSSS what happens.

[@Messilegend1000]

@@larsnyman2455 Like, I have literally seen the Nuremburg Trial in full, and even they had an understanding that they were killing off somebody. In this game they kill off the elephant and dont even acknowledge it amd move on and yeah. Psychopaths have a better understanding of loss of life.

[@larsnyman2455]

@@Messilegend1000 huh That’s… fucked up Thanks for enlightening me

[@mariopllumbi3748]

If you have some one to play it with you, this game is a masterpiece.

[@shawnheatherly]

Perfect level for this series.

[@SilverionX]

Glad I clicked on this video, absolutely fantastic insights. Now I just need a player two...

[@Joe-bk3qw]

Played this with my roommate. Best game I played all year

[@Rubafix989]

Insightful video, I would have watched a full play-through like this!

[@DarkBloodbane]

Thanks for sharing this video Mark! Create mini games buuuut if they don't fit the main game, just put them in collectables section; that's a good suggestion!

[@graham1034]

My favorite things about the game are the variety of gameplay mechanics, the coop interactions, and the crazy levels. Perfect game to play while drinking and/or smoking weed with a friend as it's more about playing with fun new mechanics than about skill. Probably much better than playing sober especially with the wackier levels (e.g. the space section). It's funny to hear the designer talk about how they leaned closer to gameplay than story while I thought the only negative of the game was the excessive number and length of the cut scenes. Mind you, we took them as an opportunity to stretch our legs and grab another beer. Doesn't have a ton of replay value but I'll probably play it through again in another year or so with the other character.