Rogue Legacy 2 review (PS5)

Rogue Legacy 2, the highly anticipated sequel from Cellar Door Games, has finally arrived on PlayStation, and it’s an absolute delight for fans of the roguelike genre. Building upon the success of its predecessor, Rogue Legacy 2 pushes the boundaries of procedural generation while offering a captivating gameplay loop that keeps players hooked. Released on PS4 and PS5 after the initial PC/Switch release, it showcases the developer’s expertise in crafting a harmonious blend of mechanics and exploration.

At its core, Rogue Legacy 2 is a roguelite, where each run is randomized, and the concept of persistent upgrades and dead heirs adds a unique twist. The game introduces an addictive loop of failure and success, enticing players to keep striving for progress. While mastering the fundamentals of combat and traversal may take time, the rewarding gameplay experience and the thrill of overcoming boss fights make it all worthwhile. Cellar Door Games had already impressed with Rogue Legacy and continues to do so with Rogue Legacy 2.

The variety in Rogue Legacy 2 is a standout feature. With numerous classes, weapons, spells, and traits to choose from, every run feels fresh and exciting. Unlocking additional options as you progress further enhances the game’s replayability. The inclusion of two post-launch updates, “The Fabled Heroes” and “The Swan Song,” further enriches the experience by introducing new weapons, relics, spells, and challenges. These updates not only keep players engaged but also demonstrate the game’s continuous improvement over time.

Visually, Rogue Legacy 2 is a step up from the first game. The transition to a 2.5D art style with 3D characters against hand-drawn backdrops brings the game to life in an almost storybook-like manner. The vibrant colors and attention to detail make the environments truly pop. The shift from pixel-style graphics to hand-drawn visuals elevates the game’s aesthetic appeal, with smooth animations and attention to detail enhancing the platforming and action sequences. The integration of haptic feedback on the PS5 controller adds an extra layer of immersion as well, enhancing the overall gameplay experience. Moreover, the inclusion of a substantial amount of lore adds depth to the world without overpowering the gameplay, providing an engaging background to the action and making us wonder if we’ll see more titles in this franchise.

While the initial progression in Rogue Legacy 2 may feel slow, requiring hours of gameplay before substantial advancement, the addictive nature of the game alleviates this concern for players who enjoy the roguelite experience. The challenging gameplay may pose a hurdle for some, but it ultimately rewards perseverance and skill and there’s always some sense of progression. The balancing act between offering a sense of accomplishment and pushing players to their limits is a delicate one, and Rogue Legacy 2 manages to strike that balance effectively.

In terms of gameplay mechanics, Rogue Legacy 2 shines as a repolished take on what the first game already did so well. The introduction of new classes, such as Archers, Bards, Pugilists, and Chefs, adds a wealth of variety and personality to the game. Each class comes with its unique playstyle, making each run feel distinct. The inheritance system, where gold is passed down to future generations, creates a strategic layer as players decide how to spend their resources wisely. The ever-changing castle map and the presence of challenge rooms and boss fights contribute to the sense of discovery and progression.

One of the most significant improvements in Rogue Legacy 2 is its refined combat and traversal mechanics. Here, the game has managed to evolve while maintaining the charm of its predecessor. However, Rogue Legacy 2 is not without its flaws. The toned-down traits system somewhat diminishes the impact of the more unique character quirks. Having said this, it is but a minor drawback that doesn’t detract significantly from the overall gameplay experience.

In conclusion, Rogue Legacy 2 is a phenomenal roguelike game that raises the bar even further. With its addictive gameplay loop, variety of classes and traits, and the introduction of the updates that were added to the Switch/PC release post-launch, the game offers near-endless replayability. The visually stunning 2.5D art style, supported by haptic feedback on the PS5 controller, immerses players in the vibrant world of Rogue Legacy 2. While the initial progression may feel slow and the difficulty may challenge some players, the rewarding sense of accomplishment and the refined combat and traversal mechanics make it all worthwhile. Despite minor drawbacks like the toned-down traits system, Rogue Legacy 2 remains a top example of roguelike gameplay and a worthy sequel to its beloved predecessor.

Score: 8.7/10