I Expect You To Die 2 Review: A Puzzle-Solving Spree in Virtual Reality
Join the ranks of the coolest virtual super-spies with this riveting room-escape sequel!
VR Only
last updated Dec 07, 2023
Despite the occasional hiccup, 'I Expect You To Die 2' dazzles with an exhilarating mix of clever puzzles and the best VR gameplay.
Mission: Gameplay Immersion
Stepping into the virtual shoes of a super-spy, the gameplay in 'I Expect You To Die 2: The Spy and the Liar' is a thrilling concoction of brainteasers and secret agent shenanigans. Players once again get to puzzle their way through a series of ingeniously designed and diverse challenges that would make Q proud. What's essentially an escape room on VR steroids, it's not just about escaping a room but doing it with the style and panache of a superspy. The sequel adds a few nifty gadgets and more complex sequences to your arsenal, and with combinations that might just be ridiculous enough to fit into a comical interpretation of an MI6 operative's toolkit.
A Symphony of Espionage
The sound design deserves its own spy star on the Walk of Fame. The music feels like it's ripped straight from a 007 film, giving each daring escapade a sense of urgency and sophistication. The compositions bolster the atmosphere, capturing that tense moment just before the laser grid is deactivated and you snatch the confidential files. Voice acting is top-notch too, delivering the narrative in a way that's in equal parts gripping and humorous. Of course, let’s not forget the satisfying series of clicks, clatters, and shattering glass - inconspicuous spy activities are well-audible for the player’s aural pleasure.
Visual Intelligence Report
With visuals so suave they could possibly have a martini named after them, 'I Expect You To Die 2' doesn't pull any punches in the graphics department. This sequel manages to be both vivid and more detailed while also keeping things optimized for a smooth simulation of espionage antics. The realistic interactions with the environment are visually satisfying, complemented by a polished art style that expertly matches the series' over-the-top vibe. High-tech gadgets and enticing locales look sharper than the edge of a ninja's throwing star, although some minor performance hiccups were noted when the action really picked up.
Dying to Replay
It seems our elite VR spies are clamoring for more with their martini, shaken not stirred. The majority of the fearless operatives agree that the only con to this mission is its duration. Despite the game's completion time being a brief stint - with some agents managing to clear their objectives in under five hours - the content shines in quality. This polished experience leaves one with a craving for increasingly complex assignments, which suggests one thing: satisfactory gameplay but with room for expansion in terms of both length and depth.
Field Gadgets and Movement Mechanics
Some operatives have noticed an upgrade in the mechanical side of field gadgets. This sequel delivers in terms of interaction, supplying smoother physics and more intuitive controls. Our VR agencies have stepped it up, refining the tangible aspects of the world - making everything from bomb defusing to poisons mixing feel real. That said, a few minor telekinesis hiccups when reaching out to nab the remote bomb detonator sullied the experience for some, though not enough to jeopardize the mission's success.
STEAM RATING
Developer & Publisher
Schell Games
Release Date
August 24, 2021
Verdict: An Exhilarating Puzzle-Filled Espionage Adventure
Despite the occasional hiccup, 'I Expect You To Die 2: The Spy and the Liar' dazzles with an exhilarating mix of clever puzzles, engaging storytelling, and hands-down some of the best VR gameplay. From the rich audio and stunning visuals to the expanded mechanics and laugh-inducing wit, this game stands out as a thrilling experience. While agents may lament the brief campaign, there's no denying the superb craftsmanship. It's a title worthy of any VR player's library and a testament to what indie developers can achieve.
