More than a decade after Monaco: What’s Yours Is Mine charmed players with its pixelated stealth-action gameplay, Monaco 2 arrives on PlayStation 5, aiming to modernize the heist experience. Developed by Pocketwatch Games and published by Humble Games, this sequel transitions from 2D to a 3D isometric perspective, introducing procedural level generation and expanded character abilities. While it retains the cooperative spirit of its predecessor, Monaco 2 offers a mix of enhancements and shortcomings that affect its overall execution.
The game’s narrative follows a group of thieves who, after a botched heist, find themselves under the control of Monaco’s crime boss, compelled to undertake a series of high-stakes jobs. While the storyline provides a framework for the missions, it lacks depth and character development, serving more as a backdrop than a driving force. The characters, though visually distinct and equipped with unique abilities, are not deeply explored, leaving players without a strong emotional connection to the crew.
Monaco 2 shines in its cooperative gameplay, supporting up to four players in both local and online multiplayer modes. Each character brings specific skills to the table – such as hacking, distraction, or brute force – encouraging strategic planning and teamwork. The introduction of procedural level generation ensures varied experiences, preventing players from relying on memorization and promoting adaptability.
However, the game’s AI presents inconsistencies. Guards can be unpredictably intelligent or overly aggressive, leading to frustration during stealth sequences. Additionally, the impact of character abilities on gameplay feels limited, with differences between characters not always significantly influencing the approach to missions – which is where tightly designed mission/level structures can be missed.
Transitioning to a 3D isometric view, Monaco 2 offers more detailed environments and character models. The art style maintains a minimalist charm, with colorful visuals that enhance the game’s aesthetic. The soundtrack, composed by Austin Wintory, complements the gameplay with a jazzy, tension-building score that elevates the film-like heist atmosphere.
Despite these improvements, some visual elements lack polish, and the overall presentation doesn’t fully capitalize on the capabilities of modern hardware. The environments, while more intricate than in the original, can feel repetitive, and the 3D models occasionally lack the refinement expected in current-generation titles.
Monaco 2 successfully brings the cooperative heist experience into a modern context, offering engaging multiplayer gameplay and a fresh visual perspective. However, it falls short in areas such as AI behavior, character differentiation, and narrative depth. For fans of the original and newcomers seeking a stealth-action game with friends, Monaco 2 provides enjoyable moments, but it may not fully satisfy those looking for a more polished and immersive experience. It isn’t likely to become the indie classic that the original is, even though it’s a solid and fun title – especially in multiplayer.
Score: 7.4/10
Press Play Media 