Remnant 2 is a third-person shooter game released on July 25, 2023, and serves as a continuation of the game Remnant: From the Ashes, developed by Gunfire Games. Remnant 2, much like its predecessor, is often referred to as a Soulslike game.
Of course, opinions on this classification vary, but it’s worth noting that even categorizing Soulslike games as a genre is a topic of controversy.
Should you buy Remnant 2? Well, a million copies sold in just a few days after its release and numerous positive reviews on platforms like Steam speak for themselves! Here’s a brief review of what contributes to the game’s success.
History and Legacy
Remnant 2 continues the story from Remnant: From the Ashes, so to understand the essence of the Remnant 2 video game’s storyline, it’s worth familiarizing yourself with the plot that unfolded in its predecessor.
In the 1960s, scientists discovered a way to travel to parallel dimensions. Unfortunately, they didn’t anticipate the disastrous impact this discovery would have on humanity. The Root, cunning beings, infiltrate the world of humans and decimate most of the population. The few survivors must hide in bunkers. Only one of them, guided by strange visions in his dreams, decides to embark on a journey to a mysterious tower.
While the story in Remnant: From the Ashes may not have been captivating, and the game itself had its share of shortcomings (possibly due to budget limitations), it still gained a large fan base. That’s why the developers promised to not only expand the storyline and make it more coherent in Remnant 2 but also enhance the game with new worlds, challenging enemy types, and a more versatile combat system.
Gameplay Mechanics
Both Remnant 2 and its predecessor are third-person shooters. This mechanic worked well in Remnant: From the Ashes, so the creators decided to retain it.
However, character classes have been expanded in Remnant 2. While the first game had only three character classes that influenced the player’s starting equipment and some non-significant character traits, Remnant 2 offers 5 character archetypes at the start (potentially up to 11), each with special abilities like summoning a dog or creating safe zones for healing. Notably, you can unlock a second archetype later in the game, gaining additional abilities.
Stamina management is less significant in the second installment, as it only depletes during combat and not during exploration, unlike the first game.
Both Remnant games feature long-range and short-range firearms as well as melee weapons, but the available arsenal is much more impressive in Remnant 2. Additionally, you can modify your weapons for unique effects, like firing flaming cyclones or healing shots towards allies. The melee combat system has also been significantly improved, although it’s less frequently utilized because most enemies require ranged weapons.
The difficulty level has been refined as well, offering a more consistent challenge compared to the erratic changes in Remnant: From the Ashes. The game is also more random, with players never knowing which world they’ll explore next or what awaits them there, even on subsequent playthroughs.
Graphics and Visual Aesthetics
While the graphics in Remnant: From the Ashes may not have been particularly appealing, Remnant 2 is visually pleasing. The locations are diverse and interesting, with impressive graphics and well-executed effects. The animations are enjoyable to watch, and the artistic direction is sometimes breathtaking. Some worlds and characters appear as though they’ve been pulled straight from dark fairy tales, while others immerse you in a cold, post-apocalyptic world.
It’s worth noting that users of the PS5 and Xbox Series X consoles have three graphical modes to choose from:
- Quality, prioritizing graphic quality and resolution.
- Balanced, offering a balance between smooth gameplay and graphic quality.
- Performance, emphasizing gameplay fluidity.
It’s a bit disappointing that, despite all these features, character customization is limited to choosing gender, voice tone, and adjusting facial appearance. There are eight skin colours, a few hairstyles and hair colours to choose from, eye colour options, and the ability to add scars or distinctive marks.
Considering the possibilities presented in Remnant 2, the character creation aspect feels somewhat lacking.
Storyline and Narrative Depth
The storyline in Remnant 2 continues the events of the previous installment, specifically the last DLC – Subject 2923.
Our created character, along with a companion, arrives at a settlement situated above the familiar Ward 13 from Remnant: From the Ashes. While The Root seems to pose a lesser threat, they still endanger humanity. Will we manage to get rid of them once and for all this time?
Although the story appears similar (with an additional subplot in this installment, but… you know, spoilers), it’s clear that the entire narrative is more cohesive. Subplots emerge, characters engage in frequent dialogues, and inhabitants of the settlement often provide useful information, such as descriptions of events from the first game.
Each of the visited worlds has its own story to tell, but unlike the first installment, in this version of Remnant, players must piece together the elements themselves to understand it better.
In reality, nothing in Remnant 2 is easy to predict. At any moment in a given world, entirely new, previously undiscovered storylines may surface. Fortunately, each new discovery is appropriately rewarded.
Summary
So, is Remnant 2 worth buying? While the game may not have an exceptionally gripping or intriguing story, other aspects draw players into its world, and they won’t want to leave.
Dozens of secrets, elaborate and surprising maps, mysterious locations to discover, demanding minor enemies and bosses, and a satisfying reward system for every newly uncovered item or location. These are the elements that make Remnant 2 a title that undoubtedly deserves a spot on your shelf!