Ben and Tao sit down to overcome their differences through Dr Hakim’s therapy-with-a-difference in the maritally redemptive, cooperative 3D platforming genre mangler, It Takes Two. In a very grown up discussion, they chat relationship difficulties, target audiences, comparable cooperative games and the confusion of critical acclaim, the role of minigames - charming or cheap? - and there’s even some bonus audio from their hilariously incompetent gameplay together. Spoilers from early on and with warnings, but nothing that would ruin the gameplay experience. Content Warning: PEGI 12, argumentative and petty, with poor parenting tips. We are not counsellors. Very coarse language. Clarifications:
It Takes Two is rated PEGI 12 for moderate violence and use of bad language. Violence is non-realistic, and no blood or injuries are shown.
The Stanley Parable is an interactive drama and walking simulator designed and written by developers Davey Wreden and William Pugh. The game carries themes such as choice in video games, the relationship between a game creator and player and predestination/fate.
The therapy podcast referenced is Where Should We Begin with Esther Perel.
Ben references (and highly recommends) Lost Connections: Uncovering the Real Causes of Depression – and the Unexpected Solutions by Johann Hari
The music for It Takes Two was composed by Gustaf Grefberg and Kristofer Eng.
One track (‘The Extermination’) also includes reference to "Flight of the Bumblebee" by Rimsky-Korsakov
Audio extracts:
Puss in Boots (2011)
Peer Gynt Suite No. 1 Op. 46, III: Anitra's Dream
Portal ‘Still Alive’
All Shook Up - Elvis Presley
Super Mario Party
Battlezone 1980
Honey I Shrunk The Kids (1989)
Hercule Poirot - Murder Under The Sun
The Lion King - Mufasa’s Death
Wall-E (2008)
Olympics Long Jump Final Rio 2016
A Little Less Conversation - Elvis Presley
A Way Out OST by Sam Hulick and Gustaf Grefberg
Fortnite title music for seasons 3-10 by composer Pinar Toprak
Hitch (2005)
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E26 It Takes Two