Now that 2025 has arrived, hopefully, you’re immersed in our January TA Playlist spotlight, Metro: Last Light. But let’s briefly emerge from those subterranean adventures and decide on February’s game of the month.
Since everyone appreciates a compelling sequel and February being the second month sparks the idea of pairs, we’re revisiting our favorite theme from 2023, “Two for Two.” It’s all about co-op games that shine brightest when played in tandem, each with “two” or “2” in its title. Last time, Gears of War 2 claimed victory, but some great games were left waiting. So, they’re back in the running, along with a fresh contender to complete our selection. Without further ado, it’s time to vote for “Two for Two 2!”
### Overcooked! 2
First on the list is Overcooked! 2, the chaotic kitchen escapade from Ghost Town Games and Team 17 Software that sizzled onto the scene in 2018. As a sequel, it blends all the culinary craziness of the original with new adrenaline-pumping mechanics and a sprinkle of multiplayer madness.
Return to the Onion Kingdom. Rally your cooking crew for some classic local couch co-op or take the mayhem online with up to four players. Grab those aprons; saving the world (again!) is on the menu.
On TA, Overcooked! 2 enjoys a solid 4.11 out of 5 stars. While nearly 280,000 users on TA have dipped their toes into this culinary chaos, fewer than 4,000 (about 1%) have snagged full completion. For those interested, the core game spans around ten hours for its 26 achievements and is available through Xbox Game Pass and Xbox Cloud Gaming. Conquering all 54 achievements might set you back 20-26 hours.
### Unravel Two
Our next contender is Unravel Two–a delightful puzzle platformer crafted by Coldwood Interactive and published by EA back in 2018. It introduces a charming cooperative aspect on top of its predecessor’s formula. Unravel Two is up for grabs on Xbox Game Pass via EA Play.
Break free from the chains of the past and embrace new relationships. With your personalized Yarny, embark on a journey of companionship and support whether you’re teaming up in local co-op or going solo.
With a TA rating of 3.81 out of 5, over 148,000 gamers have started Unravel Two. A little over 400 have succeeded in conquering all 28 achievements, often stymied by tricky speedrunning feats, which typically takes 25-30 hours to complete. Thankfully, a walkthrough by vSully is available to help you avoid tying yourself in knots.
### It Takes Two
This nomination list wouldn’t be complete without including It Takes Two, despite it being the only game here that’s not a direct sequel. Developed by Hazelight Studios and published by EA in 2021, you can find this title on Xbox Game Pass through EA Play. There’s also a “Friend’s Pass” feature if you want to bring a friend along who is not a Game Pass subscriber, though Friend’s Pass players don’t earn achievements.
Dubbed a “genre-bending platform adventure,” the game puts you and a partner in the shoes of Cody and May. These two humans find themselves turned into dolls by a magical spell and stuck in a mystical realm. As they hilariously stumble through various challenges, they must mend their relationship to escape.
Earning rave reviews, It Takes Two boasts an impressive 4.61 out of 5 stars from the TA community. It’s also the front-runner in completion stats; over 24,600 of the 218,000+ tracked gamers have collected all 20 achievements, typically taking about 12-15 hours.
### Portal 2
Rounding out our choices is the classic sequel Portal 2, following in the footsteps of Valve’s legendary puzzle-platformer. Originally released by Electronic Arts in 2011, Portal 2 might already be in your digital collection, thanks to its inclusion as the finale of Games With Gold for Xbox 360.
Dive back into the Aperture Science Testing Facility. Here, the silent protagonist Chell must rely on her smarts, quick reflexes, and trusty portal gun to make her way through intricate test chambers. GLaDOS is back—still alive and as antagonistic as ever—along with new character Wheatley and the voice talents of J.K. Simmons as Cave Johnson, guiding you through the facility’s storied past. And don’t miss out on the engaging co-op mode that offers a set of unique, challenging puzzles to tackle with a buddy.
With an impressive rating of 4.62 out of 5 on TA, Portal 2 sits at the top of this month’s list. While over 272,000 gamers have begun their adventures, just over 15,000 (about 6%) have finished all 50 achievements. The community estimates a comprehensive run clocking in between 15-20 hours, but teaming up with a good co-op partner and using the walkthrough by N18p73pwn3r might speed things along.
So, which of these exciting “Two for Two” games gets your vote for February 2025? Let us know your pick in the comments! Also, if you have suggestions for future featured games or themes, head to the TA Playlist Game Suggestion Thread. And don’t forget to earn this month’s TA Playlist badge by joining the discussion about Metro: Last Light in both the Spoiler and Spoiler-free threads!
