When it comes to sequels, some manage to surpass expectations and carve their own path, while others fall short of the mark. Remnant II, the successor to the pleasantly surprising Remnant: From the Ashes, introduces new mechanics and deeper systems while building firmly on the first game’s foundations. Developed by Gunfire Games and published by Gearbox Publishing, Remnant II exhibits a commendable dedication to delivering a randomized, procedurally generated experience, all set against the backdrop of a world overrun by deadly creatures. While it succeeds in amplifying many aspects of its predecessor, it also raises questions about untapped potential. We checked it out on a PlayStation 5.
Remnant II once again thrusts players into a sprawling universe plagued by the malevolent Root, a relentless force threatening to obliterate all. As a new hero, you embark on a quest to avert this impending catastrophe as you journey through diverse, procedurally generated worlds. These worlds offer tons of replayability, as each playthrough crafts a unique experience tailored to your choices and actions. The narrative unfolds through interactions with NPCs, though its execution often falls short of gripping engagement, taking a back seat to the core gameplay – something we see many procedurally generated games struggle with.
The heart of Remnant II is seen through its visceral combat, marrying ranged and melee attacks in a thrilling blend. The swift takedown of foes and engaging boss battles form the backbone of the game’s charm. And while the procedural narrative structure sometimes falters, relegating the plot to a mere vehicle for action, the combat’s addictive allure overshadows these shortcomings. Its adrenaline-pumping nature manages to captivate players, and the new Archetype system, breathes new life into character customization to give this element even more lasting appeal.
Players choose from a selection of Archetypes, each featuring access to unique abilities and attributes. What’s especially interesting is the potential to fuse two Archetypes, granting players a great deal of freedom in crafting their playstyle. Experimentation flourishes even more in co-op mode, where strategic synergy between players adds additional layers of depth to the gameplay. But while Remnant II’s strength lies in its dynamic combat and customization options, its procedural generation occasionally stumbles in execution. The user interface and navigation demand a level of patience from players. The map’s fog-of-war mechanic, while innovative, leads to confusion, and objective markers don’t consistently guide players in the right direction. Furthermore, Ward 13, the central hub, suffers from a lack of clarity regarding NPCs and vendors, detracting a little from the overall experience.
Remnant II impresses visually, with stunning biomes and grand vistas that are designed so well that you forget that the textures and character models aren’t among the most impressive of this generation. The game’s soundscape also immerses players, complementing the chaotic battles with fitting audio cues. And although the visuals do exhibit shortcomings, the artistry shines through, especially in the world design and the unique designs of its imaginative bosses.
Remnant II advances upon its predecessor in numerous ways, offering a more refined combat experience, amplified customization, and a breadth of replayable content. It celebrates the joy of experimentation and co-op camaraderie while weaving captivating boss encounters into a dynamic structure. The game’s ambition to deliver an unpredictable narrative through procedural generation, however, falls short in immersing players in a compelling story. Nevertheless, its engaging combat and abundant customization potential ensure an enthralling experience that both fans and newcomers can relish.
In conclusion, Remnant II emerges as an exciting sequel that embraces its predecessor’s strengths while introducing commendable improvements. The game’s compelling combat, extensive customization options, and cooperative potential forge a path of enthralling gameplay. While it grapples with procedural narrative challenges and visual inconsistencies, Remnant II succeeds in crafting an enjoyable experience that beckons players to explore its diverse worlds and vanquish the looming threat of the Root. This one was definitely worth the wait, and is one of this summer’s best action RPG games.
Score: 8.1/10
Press Play Media 