As we dive into 2025, we trust you’re deep into our January game for the TA Playlist, Metro: Last Light. Now, it’s time to step out from those subway depths and make your pick for February’s standout game.
Let’s talk about sequels. Since February is the year’s second month, we’ve chosen to roll with last year’s theme of “Two for Two.” We’re focusing on co-op games that shine with a partner, featuring “two” or “2” in their titles. The winner last time was Gears of War 2, but this year, we’re bringing back the runners-up alongside a fresh contender to fill out the lineup. So, here’s your cue: it’s time to vote for our sequel of sequels, “Two for Two 2!”
First on the menu is Overcooked! 2—an absolutely delightful kitchen chaos simulator from Ghost Town Games and Team 17 Software, released in 2018. This follow-up expands on the culinary chaos with even more recipes, and a heavy sprinkle of multiplayer madness to complement the dish.
In Overcooked! 2, you’ll revisit the Onion Kingdom, teaming up with your chef friends in either couch co-op or through online play for up to four players. Prepare to toss on your aprons and dive into another mission to save the culinary world.
The game garners a solid 4.11 out of 5.00 stars on TA, with almost 280,000 members having given it a whirl—but just under 4,000 of those have managed to nab every single one of its 26 achievements. Xbox Game Pass and Xbox Cloud Gaming both offer this entertaining jaunt, with a completion estimate of around ten hours for the base set. Tackling all 54 achievements could take you between 20 to 26 hours.
Next up is Unravel Two, a 2018 Coldwood Interactive title, published by Electronic Arts. This sequel to 2016’s Unravel cranks up the fun with a cooperative twist. It’s another offering available through Xbox Game Pass via EA Play.
In Unravel Two, you create your own Yarny and form bonds with others in both local co-op or solo gameplay. Together, you’ll navigate a journey of friendship and support, cut free from the past.
The game holds a 3.81 out of 5.00 rating, having attracted over 148,000 gamers. However, fewer than 400 players have conquered all 28 achievements, due in part to challenging speedrunning feats. Be prepared for an estimated 25 to 30 hours of gameplay to master the lot—and luckily, there’s a walkthrough from vSully to keep any potential yarn tangles at bay.
Our third nominee is It Takes Two, a standout 2021 title from Hazelight Studios. Though it’s not a sequel, it’s a game that buzzes with cooperative charm. Available on Xbox Game Pass via EA Play, the ‘Friend’s Pass’ option ensures a partner can join even if they’re not subscribed, though they won’t earn achievements through this route.
In this “genre-bending platform adventure,” you and a friend are transformed into Cody and May—two humans turned dolls by a magic spell. Their quest? To rebuild their fractured relationship and find their way back to reality, all within a world full of whimsy and hilarity.
It Takes Two enjoys a stellar 4.61 out of 5.00 stars on TA, with a remarkable completion rate—over 24,600 out of 218,000+ players have bagged all 20 achievements, typically over 12 to 15 hours.
Finally, rounding out our selections is none other than Portal 2—a classic from Valve, unleashed in 2011. While it might not be on any subscription service now, it was a highlight of Games With Gold for Xbox 360, so it might be queued up in your virtual catalog.
You’ll step back into the Aperture Science Testing Facility, guiding silent heroine Chell as she tackles a fresh batch of puzzles under the watchful eye of GLaDOS, alongside newcomer Wheatley and Cave Johnson’s resonant voice (played by J.K. Simmons). Portal 2’s exemplary co-op mode pairs you and a friend to overcome increasingly intricate puzzles as you unearth the facility’s lore.
Earning a stunning 4.62 out of 5.00 stars from the TA community, it ranks as this month’s highest-rated title. Of the 272,000+ players starting the game, over 15,000 have conquered all 50 achievements. Plan for roughly 15-20 hours to complete, though with guidance from N18p73pwn3r’s walkthrough, an even smoother experience might await.
So, where do your gaming passions lie for February 2025? Cast your vote and share your thoughts in the comments! And remember, we’re always open for suggestions for future TA Playlist picks—drop your ideas in the suggestion thread. Don’t forget to leave your views on Metro: Last Light in this month’s forums for that coveted TA Playlist badge!
