As 2025 is rolling in, I hope you’re diving into January’s TA Playlist Game of the Month, Metro: Last Light. But now, let’s take a quick break from those dark metro tunnels and get ready to vote for February’s featured game.
Who doesn’t love a follow-up? February is the second month of the year, so we’re revamping our February 2023 theme, "Two for Two." It’s all about co-op games ideally played with a buddy, each game having "two" or "2" in its title. Last time around, Gears of War 2 took the spotlight, leaving three strong contenders behind. We’re bringing those games back for a second chance at glory, along with a fresh face to complete the lineup. So, let’s dive right in and vote for "Two for Two 2!"
Overcooked! 2
Kicking things off, we have the vibrant, culinary party game, Overcooked! 2. Crafted by Ghost Town Games and Team 17 Software, this 2018 sequel ramps up the chaos and fun of the original Overcooked! with exciting new features and a dose of multiplayer pandemonium, making it a tasty treat for two players.
Head back to the whimsical Onion Kingdom, rally your cooking crew, and either go old school with couch co-op or take the whole experience online with up to four players. Get those aprons ready… it’s time to save the culinary world once more!
Overcooked! 2 boasts a commendable 4.11 out of 5.00 rating on TA. Nearly 280,000 TA members have given it a try, but less than 4,000 (about 1%) have cracked all its achievements. You can find the base game on Xbox Game Pass and Xbox Cloud Gaming, expected to be completed in roughly ten hours. Going for full completion? You’re looking at tackling all 54 achievements in about 20-26 hours.
Unravel Two
Next up, we’ve got Unravel Two, a charming puzzle platformer from Coldwood Interactive, published by Electronic Arts in 2018. As a sequel to 2016’s Unravel, it ups the ante by adding a co-op feature. Good news for subscribers—it’s available on Xbox Game Pass via EA Play.
This game encourages you to cut ties with the past and forge new friendships. In Unravel Two, design your own Yarny, then embark on a journey where teamwork and building connections with fellow Yarnys come to the fore, whether you’re playing in local co-op or solo.
Unravel Two enjoys a solid 3.81 out of 5.00 rating on TA, with more than 148,000 gamers starting it. Still, under 400 have unlocked all 28 achievements, thanks to some challenging speedrunning tasks. It’s expected to take 25-30 hours for those keen to conquer it. Fortunately, vSully’s walkthrough is there to help untangle any knots you encounter.
It Takes Two
For our third February pick, we have It Takes Two, crafted by Hazelight Studios and published by Electronic Arts in 2021. Also available on Xbox Game Pass through EA Play, this game offers a Friend’s Pass if your partner isn’t subscribed, though they won’t earn achievements on that pass.
Described as a "genre-bending platform adventure," you and a friend take on the roles of Cody and May, a couple transformed into dolls by a spell, navigating a fantastical world. To break free, they must patch up their rocky relationship, learning to rely on and support one another through this endearing and entertaining narrative.
It Takes Two carries an impressive 4.61 out of 5.00 stars from the TA community, leading this month’s nominees in completion rate. Out of over 218,000 players, more than 24,600 (around 11%) have unlocked all 20 achievements, with the journey estimated to last about 12-15 hours.
Portal 2
Starring as our new contender is none other than Portal 2, the celebrated sequel to Valve’s iconic puzzle-platformer. First released in 2011 and published by Electronic Arts, it’s currently not part of any subscription service, though it was the last Xbox 360 title featured in Games With Gold; it might be waiting in your digital library.
Return to the mysterious Aperture Science Testing Facility, where the silent Chell must once more use her savvy, quick reflexes, and trusty portal gun to navigate a series of intricate test chambers and escape. GLaDOS makes a memorable return (Still Alive, indeed), joined by the new robotic sidekick Wheatley and the voice of Cave Johnson, Aperture Science’s impactful founder (voiced by J.K. Simmons), adding depth and intrigue as you unearth facility secrets. Portal 2 also offers a brilliant co-op mode where you and a partner face a fresh batch of increasingly complex challenges… all in the name of Science!
With a dazzling TA community rating of 4.62/5.00, Portal 2 stands tall as the highest-rated title on the list. Over 272,000 gamers have stepped into its world, with just over 15,000 (6%) reaching the pinnacle by completing all 50 achievements, typically taking 15-20 hours. Yet, the on-site walkthrough by N18p73pwn3r and a good co-op partner could make navigating those chambers a breeze.
So, which of these "Two for Two" games will you choose to dive into this February 2025? Have your say by casting a vote and sharing your thoughts in the comments! And as always, if you’ve got ideas for future Playlist games or themes, don’t hesitate to pitch them in the TA Playlist Game Suggestion Thread. We love hearing from you! Lastly, share your take on Metro: Last Light in our Spoiler and Spoiler-Free threads this month to nab your TA Playlist badge!
