From the moment the sequel opens, Biped 2 presents itself as a continuation of the charming premise of the first game: charming bipedal robots Aku and Sila embarking on an interplanetary journey of cooperation and puzzle solving. But while the foundation remains recognizable, the execution reveals a game that stretches the core concept into new directions – with mixed results. On the PS5 version, the increased ambition is evident, but so too are the growing pains.
The gameplay remains built around that quirky movement system – each analog stick controlling a leg of your robot – and the sequel layers new movement tools (such as a grappling-hook and hang glider) on top of the familiar sliding and two-leg mechanics. These additions bring welcome variety and a sense of novelty to how the bipeds traverse terrain and execute puzzles, and the control scheme is odd but satisfying when it “clicks”. However, the underlying leg-waggling scheme still often feels fiddly and awkward, especially when precision is required. That tension between fun novelty and clunky execution quickly becomes one of the defining features of the experience.
In terms of cooperative mechanics, the game expands its ambitions here: in addition to two-player local co-op, Biped 2 introduces a four-player mode and even gives a solo mode option. The novelty of roles – one player controlling arms, another legs in certain puzzles – is a strong idea, and tasks can feel much more varied because of it. Yet, this also exposes a core flaw: the deeper the mechanics go, the steeper the learning curve becomes. Unless both players are willing and able to synchronise and communicate carefully, what should feel like playful teamwork can drift into frustration. Conversely, for groups who embrace the challenge, the game offers genuine moments of triumph.
Visually and aurally the game largely delivers on the promise of a colourful co-op adventure. The new alien biomes, the expressive robot characters, and the cheerful soundtrack combine to create an engaging atmosphere. The strong variety of levels enhance the experience, though the polish hides some rough edges: uneven physics behaviour, occasional slippery controls and a sense that the lovely presentation sometimes tries to mask deeper issues. The game’s charm holds up, but the impact of the visuals and audio is dampened slightly by mechanical unevenness.
Where Biped 2 stumbles most noticeably is in difficulty balancing and pacing. The initial levels ease you in, but as the game ramps up, the challenge spikes sharply and sometimes unforgivingly. The level-design veers into punishing territory, despite the game’s approachable aesthetic. Meanwhile, less experienced co-op partners may hit difficulty spikes early and often. The absence of a difficulty-adjustment option only exacerbates this. The intended joy of cooperative puzzling is at risk of being eclipsed by repeated failures, unless you’re prepared for the grind.
Finally, the solo mode deserves mention. Its inclusion is a positive move – for players who prefer single-player or simply want to practice the mechanics solo – but the appeal is diminished relative to co-op. Many of the clever puzzles are built around two or more players, and flying solo strips away some of the teamwork dynamics. So while it’s “solo friendly,” it doesn’t feel fully equal to the co-op core and more like a playground to get comfortable with the controls.
In the end, Biped 2 is a bold follow-up that leans into what made the original distinctive, while adding fresh features and expanded modes. For players who relish co-ordination, patience, and shared frustration turned into triumph, this is an enjoyable pick. For those seeking a relaxed cooperative experience or new-player friendly pace, the game may prove more taxing than fun. With its charm intact but its ambition occasionally mis-matched to the controls and level pacing, Biped 2 lands somewhere between fulfilling and frustrating.
Score: 6.7/10
Press Play Media 