It Takes Two didn’t invent the concept of a couch co-op story, but it did elevate the genre and raise the standard for all games of that ilk. However, since claiming Game of the Year honors at The Game Awards in 2021, we haven’t seen too many games try to emulate its success. Split Fiction, the subsequent game from the same developers, was equally impressive, and Orbitals is coming very soon, but the indie scene especially hasn’t tackled the split-screen story concept as much as might’ve been expected.
Until now, that is: WheelMates launches on Tuesday, Sept. 1 for PC and unlike It Takes Two, it also features online co-op. You and a friend, lover, family member, or a foe you’re forced to spend time with, control two remote-controlled cars in the home of a mad scientist, Professor Everett Bloom. Unfortunately, Bloom has vanished under mysterious circumstances.
It’s up to the two of you to explore his laboratory and surrounding areas, navigate through various obstacles and puzzles, and discover all manner of experiments. In terms of size, it’s like that classic Micro Machines level where you’re driving across the kitchen table and the desk with the oversized cereal bowls, pens, and other household paraphernalia.
Expect various abilities unlocked as you progress, such as magnetic wheels to allow you to drive up walls and onto ceilings, a rope to swing on and cross gaps when there isn’t a sufficient ramp nearby, and a magnetic grabber that can flick switches and collect items for you. These are required to unlock every secret and explore every nook and cranny the house has to offer.
Where It Takes Two has combat and intense boss fights, WheelMates is all about peacefully exploring and solving puzzles. However, much like the Hazelight Studios co-op masterpiece, it does support friend pass, which means only one player needs to own the game to play together online. We need more couch co-op games, and this is shaping up to be a banger.