With You

With You is an indie cooperative platform game designed for couples. This free-to-play production is Carol Mertz's master's thesis as part of her studies at the New York University Game Center, which was later made available on Steam and itch.io.

Game mechanics

In With You, a pair of players controlling two creatures overcome levels and puzzle challenges. An important role here plays the shape of one-eyed heroes, who can shrink, turn their heads and lift the other character (for example, to reach an inaccessible platform).

The work of Carol Mertz is not too complex or long (the whole thing can be completed in less than half an hour). With You focuses primarily on the atmosphere, which encourages learning the "habits of healthy cooperation", i.e. non-violent and full of understanding and trust.

The game was therefore created not as a challenge, but as a tool to improve communication with family, friends and partners. This is reflected in the level designs, which alternate between forcing the two protagonists to separate and meet, and the intentionally somewhat clunky game controls.

Game modes

With You requires two players working together in a local co-op mode on a shared screen to play.

Technical aspects

Graphically With You is as simple as one would expect from a single-player student project. The 2D levels and character designs are extremely minimalistic, as is the soundtrack. The controls are uncomplicated, making it possible to play together even on a single keyboard.