The original Biped was a charming surprise when it launched, mixing inventive movement mechanics with cooperative puzzle-solving in a way that stood out among co-op adventures. Now, developer NEXT Studios and publisher Owlcat are back with Biped 2, aiming to expand the formula with new environments, mechanics, and multiplayer options. We went hands-on with the game during Gamescom, and while the sequel already feels familiar, it also pushes the concept in fun new directions.
What we know
At its core, Biped 2 continues the story of Aku and Sila, two small robots who once saved Earth and are now heading to a distant planet after picking up a distress signal. The game is once again built around teamwork, but this time with more ways to play. You can take on the campaign solo, partner up in two-player co-op, or dive into the new four-player mode, which introduces an extra layer of chaos and collaboration.
The gameplay remains centered on the series’ unique movement system, where each stick controls one of your robot’s legs. This already playful mechanic has been expanded with new tools like a grappling hook and hang glider, alongside returning fan-favorite sliding sections. The sequel also introduces puzzles where two players effectively merge into one robot, with one handling movement and the other acting as the arms. Beyond the core levels, players can unlock hats and cosmetics, explore new alien biomes, and (on PC) even build and share their own levels via the Steam Workshop.
What we saw
We joined Owlcat at Gamescom, where we played several levels of Biped 2 in co-op. Guided by the team and joined by fellow journalists, we got to experience a mixture of platforming, puzzles, and the new mechanics in action.
What we thought
Jumping back into Biped 2 immediately felt familiar for anyone who enjoyed the first game. The leg-based controls remain as delightfully silly as ever, but the developers have layered on new gameplay twists that keep the formula fresh. Moving past traps and holding on to objects for dear life added a real sense of variety, while the pair-based puzzles forced us to communicate and coordinate constantly. The learning curve is steep at times, and the precision required can make early sessions a little frustrating. We’re hoping the final release includes a robust tutorial and generous checkpoints to ease players in.
Visually, the sequel is as adorable as you’d expect. The colorful alien biomes give Biped 2 a bright and friendly atmosphere, with plenty of small details that make the world feel alive. Aku and Sila themselves are brimming with personality despite their simple designs, and the customization options add a layer of fun for players who want to dress up their robots with silly hats and outfits. The presentation is backed by upbeat music that reinforces the game’s lighthearted tone, making it easy to smile even when you’re tumbling off a cliff for the fifth time.
What really makes Biped 2 shine, though, is the way it fosters interaction. Whether it’s laughing over an object that got dropped just before it reached its destination, celebrating a perfectly executed puzzle, or calling out instructions mid-action, the game thrives on the moments players create together. The addition of a four-player mode seems like a natural step, promising even more chaos and cooperation in equal measure. While solo play is included, Biped 2 is clearly designed as a social experience, and it’s in co-op that the game will really find its audience.
In the end, Biped 2 feels like a natural continuation of what made the first game special, with enough fresh ideas to stand on its own. For fans of cooperative puzzle-platformers, or anyone who enjoyed the original, this sequel is shaping up to be a surefire hit – provided the difficulty curve is balanced just right.
Press Play Media 