Nickelodeon All-Star Brawl 2, the sequel to the original platform fighter that was heavily inspired by Super Smash Bros., takes the best of its predecessor and elevates it to new heights. Developed by Fair Play Labs and published by GameMill, the game introduces a substantial roster expansion, including beloved characters like SpongeBob SquarePants, Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles, Squidward Tentacles, Jimmy Neutron, and more. We tested it on a PlayStation 5.
The first Nickelodeon All-Star Brawl showcased plenty of potential for a great game, but it also left room for improvement. Nickelodeon All-Star Brawl 2 fulfills the promises of its predecessor and goes above and beyond to deliver an engaging and entertaining gaming experience, making this a decent alternative to the high standard that is Super Smash Bros. Correcting some of the rougher edges and offering unique gameplay features, this is certainly one to consider.
In terms of narrative and premise, the sequel introduces a new single-player campaign that adds depth to the Nickelodeon universe. Players engage in an adventurous journey to stop Danny Phantom’s archvillain, Vlad Plasmius, from taking over. The inclusion of fully voiced cutscenes and a roguelike structure adds a layer of interdimensional excitement that makes this mode well worth playing.
A notable improvement in terms of content is evident in Nickelodeon All-Star Brawl 2, with a variety of new modes, including boss rush, minigames, and a surprisingly robust single-player campaign. These modes, along with unlockable art and customization options to help keep you going, provide players with ample opportunities for enjoyment beyond the multiplayer brawls they probably came for.
The gameplay mechanics themselves have seen drastic improvements, refining the already solid though slightly unremarkable foundation of the original. The introduction of the “Slime” system is a game-changer, offering a unique and deep mechanic that adds layers to decision-making, meter management, and overall strategy. From powering up moves to executing cinematic superattacks, Slime becomes a versatile tool for both casual and high-level players, contributing to the game’s identity and lasting appeal.
While the sequel boasts cleaner graphics, improved art direction, and full voice acting, there are some noticeable rough edges as well. Graphical bugs and occasional texture issues may interrupt the otherwise clean cartoon visuals, so it’s a shame those weren’t fixed pre-launch. Furthermore, some control quirks, such as difficulties with ledge-grabbing and odd controller behavior in local multiplayer, highlight additional areas that could benefit from patches.
Despite these minor drawbacks, Nickelodeon All-Star Brawl 2 achieves an impressive feat by taking significant steps beyond its predecessor. The sequel stands out with its polished presentation, capturing the soul of Nickelodeon’s colorful world. The addition of new characters to the roster and memorable bosses like Vlad and King Jellyfish, enhances the game’s identity as a true Nicktoons experience.
In conclusion, Nickelodeon All-Star Brawl 2 is a delightful platform fighter that successfully builds upon the strengths of its predecessor. With tons of content, deeper fighting systems, and improved polish, it stands out as an all-star in the genre. The game’s flaws, including occasional gameplay quirks, are outweighed by its overall enjoyable and engaging experience. Whether you’re a Nickelodeon fan or a platform fighting enthusiast, Nickelodeon All-Star Brawl 2 is a worthy addition to your gaming collection.
Score: 7.8/10
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