Remnant II Review: A Shooting Gallery of Fun and Frustration
Dive into a co-op centric soulslike shooter with a penchant for apocalyptic vibes and the occasional hiccup in execution.
last updated Nov 16, 2023
Remnant II manages to elevate the co-op shooter experience while occasionally stumbling over its shoelaces.
Trigger Happy Gameplay
In the pantheon of shooters, Remnant II emerges with guns blazing, ushering in what is arguably a feast of ballistic delights, especially when rallying the troops for some co-op carnage. If you're the type who likes to DIY in post-apocalyptic worlds, you're well catered for with a solid single-player mode, but trust me, this game blooms like a radioactive flower when your squad rolls out together. The variety in gunplay and build crafting is akin to a buffet that leaves you salivating for more destructive combos; and who can resist the clink-clank of boss armor shattering under a well-planned assault? However, let's not gloss over the occasional system-induced stumble—like a glitch in The Matrix, you might find yourself repeating an area due to wiped progress. 'Patience' is a skill you'll need to level up alongside your character.
Sounds to Die for (or from)
A word to the wise: crank up those speakers or strap on your most bass-obliterating headphones, because Remnant II's audio landscape is a death symphony you don't want to miss. Every resounding boom of your shotgun feels like it's purging the world of eldritch scourges, and the ambient sound design has got just enough creep factor to make you check over your shoulder in broad daylight. The soundtrack slaps in a way that'll have you bobbing in place while you navigate through the hellscape, giving off vibes of doom and determination. The caveat? Amidst all your fun blasting abominations, don't be shocked if the game itself goes 'boom' and crashes your headbanging party every so often.
A Pixel-Perfect Apocalypse?
Visually, the dystopian worlds of Remnant II are a love letter to the end times. Whether you're gazing upon desolate cityscapes or treacherous alien biomes, the game doesn't skip a beat in rendering the gloom fest in glorious, grim detail. Art style variations between worlds serve up a visual buffet that keeps the ruin-strolling interesting. On the performance side, the engine purrs like a kitten on catnip at times, ensuring smooth, immersive combat and exploration. However, if your rig isn't the beefiest on the block, remember to whisper a silent prayer to the optimization gods, lest you encounter the feared drag of performance dips. And if hefty update patches are your arch-nemesis, brace yourself—Remnant II has a fondness for the 'download-them-all' approach to patching.
Co-Op Chronicles and Solo Sagas
Remnant II knows how to cozy up to co-op enthusiasts, dedicating its core to providing a seamless multiplayer experience that is as smooth as liquid obsidian. Leaping into the fray with two companions-in-arms adds a layer of depth to tactical encounters that you'd be hard-pressed to recreate playing as a lone wolf. That said, playing solo isn't a slog either—it's like choosing to binge-watch a thrilling suspense series solo-style, still engaging but with enough room to miss the banter. Underneath all the fun, it must be acknowledged that navigating this game's world can occasionally be akin to wandering through a labyrinth blindfolded—navigational aids wouldn't go amiss to stave off the frustration of circling the same ruin for the umpteenth time.
STEAM RATING
Developer
Gunfire Games
Publisher
Gearbox Publishing
Release Date
July 25, 2023
The Verdict
Remnant II is a commendable follow-up to its predecessor, a game that manages to elevate the co-op shooter experience while occasionally stumbling over its shoelaces. It's strong in the departments that count—combat fluidity, multiplayer cohesion, and environmental aesthetics. But let's not kid ourselves—the technical hiccups and crashes could be a deal-breaker for the faint of hardware. Dive into this game expecting a rich, intense ride, but also one that might require you to buckle up for some turbulent patches. Is it worth your hard-earned cash? If you crave a soulslike that fires on nearly all cylinders and your PC can take the heat, Remnant II holds its ground as a formidable contender in the apocalyptic playground.