What is It Takes Two rated ESRB?
Co-op action-adventure games are always exciting, but what makes them suitable for all ages? In the case of It Takes Two, the game has earned a Trating from the Entertainment Software Rating Board (ESRB) for its content. What does this mean? Let’s dive in and explore the world of It Takes Two, focusing on its ESRB rating and what it implies for players.
A Brief Overview
It Takes Two is an action-adventure game co-developed by Hazelight Studios and published by Electronic Arts (EA). It’s a unique game in the sense that it relies heavily on co-op play, requiring two players to work together to progress through the story. The game follows the story of Cody and May, a couple going through divorce, as they are transported into doll-sized versions of themselves by a magical book.
ESRB Rating: Understanding the Criteria
The Entertainment Software Rating Board (ESRB) is a organization that assigns ratings to games based on their content, ensuring that parents and children are aware of what types of content are included. The ESRB evaluates games based on the following criteria:
- Animated Blood: Blood that moves, is animated, or is splattered is generally considered more intense than regular blood.
- Explicit Sexual Content: Content of a sexual nature, which can include partial nudity and suggestive themes.
- Intense Violence: A higher level of violence intensity, which can include fast-paced and graphic combat scenarios.
- Mature Themes: Themes that reflect mature, complex, and sometimes disturbing issues, like violence, death, etc.
- Strong Language: Frequent use of strong language, including ethnic or racial slurs.
- Suggestive Themes: Themes that reference or depict sexual or drug-related content.
Key Points about It Takes Two’s ESRB Rating
- No Rating for Animated Blood: Because the game doesn’t show any animated blood, that aspect of the ESRB criteria is not concerned.
- No rating for Explicit Sexual Content: It Takes Two doesn’t contain any explicit sexual content, making it suitable for a wider audience.
- Mild Violence and Suggestive Themes: The game’s violence level is relatively mild, limited to cartoonish, less-realistic scenarios. Also, the game has elements of suggestive themes, referring to the couple’s failing relationship and the challenges it presents.
- **Mild Language: Rare use of mild language only, not frequent or extensive enough to warrant a separate rating.
Comparison Table: ESRB Rated T vs. M Content
| Criteria | M Rating | T Rating (It Takes Two) | R Rating |
|---|---|---|---|
| Animate Blood | No content | No content | Bloody, gory scenes and graphic violence |
| Mature Themes | Complex, distubring themes | Cartoony, less-serious themes | Mature issues, death, violence etc. |
| Strong Language | Profanity, ethnic/racial slurs | Rare uses of mild language | R-rated language, strong/off-color humor |
| suggestive Themes | Sexual, drug-related content | References relationships, relationships challenges | Erotic, explicit content |
Comparing the ESRB ratings, we can conclude that It Takes Two is more suitable for a younger audience due to its cartoonish violence and mild language. While co-op action-adventure gamers will enjoy the game’s unique gameplay mechanics, older players might find the maturity level of the game as too juvenile.
Gameplay and Story
Combining platforming, cooperative gameplay, and a witty narrative, It Takes Two is an engaging experience despite its relatively mild content.
- Co-op Mastery: Players must work in tandem to overcome challenges and progress through the story.
Conclusion
In terms of ESRB content, It Takes Two earns a Trating for its modest level of violence, a rare use of mild language, and suggestive themes touching on relationships and relationship issues. The game’s relatively tame content makes it appropriate for players aged 13 and older, while some may find it too junior for their taste. So, if you’re after a fun, cooperative co-op experience with a good storyline, It Takes Two is an excellent choice without excessive content concerns.