For years we have taken every game that is remotely difficult and compared it to the beloved FROMSOFTWARE title–Dark Souls. Of course, there is more to it than that but there are basic mechanics that are constantly shared across this punishing genre, leaving us to draw this incredibly lazy line of comparison. It always results in “It is Dark Souls with…” every chance we get. With Gunfire Games’ latest title, Remnant II, I can honestly draw that line that holds true since the first iteration; it is Dark Souls with guns. Call me lazy if you wish.
Remnant II fits into its own little list of games that are so much better than the first iteration that I don’t know if I would ever go back. It improves on almost every single aspect or hangup I had from the first title. For instance, the opening prologue is actually interesting and sets a tone narratively without feeling dragged out. Those who have never played the first game receive a warm welcome to this eldritch-inspired horror world, and it gives you everything you need to get you up to speed.
Fans of Remnant: From the Ashes who managed to get through its campaign of the first game will find plenty of links, solidifying the world and giving you some familiar faces to speak to. What is interesting is how it doesn’t talk down to you while it also offers hints as to where to go and what to do. If you happen to be a bit lost within the story, don’t worry, it is fairly thin. Narratively speaking, there isn’t much of a story and it doesn’t need one. Remnant II does what I love, giving us less as it results in a whole lot more.
Sure, at one point you are attempting to find a character you just met, but the real meat and potatoes lie within the strange worlds you visit; some lifted from the first tile but with more graphical improvements. You’ll find a menagerie of procedurally generated environments that are each wonderful to look at. Within my time, I experienced so many different biomes that I couldn’t believe these were all packed into this reasonable file size. Not only did it add a sense of mystery to the game, but it makes the conversations with others much more interesting. Remnant II wants you to talk to others about your experience, where you started, what weapons you are using, and so on. Everyone’s experience will be unique, and there are many mysteries to solve. It is the perfect water cooler game, but I digress.
Not only are the levels themselves procedurally generated, but the start of the game will randomly assign you a zone to traverse through. You could be in the forest or an H.R. Geiger-inspired alien world that looks straight out of Prometheus. There is also a cathedral-like area that is just beautiful, even with the mass of lanky faceless angels trying to kill me with their holy fire.
Similar to the first game there are several different classes that each offer their own kit with the ability to multi-class into a secondary class. The five starting classes each have passive and active skills that are incredibly unique and useful depending on the situation. As I started with the Challenger, I found the build to be rather tanky and very in-your-face, but the game itself doesn’t really feel like it is made to promote that style of risk-and-reward gameplay. As I played the other classes I found myself in better positions, rarely dying when playing solo.
When I played as any of the other starter classes, I had a much better time; especially with the Handler. Leveraging the help of a pet as I meandered through the darkened chapel halls gave me enough breathing room for me to take out a few foes from a distance. As I ventured into the Bloodborne style streets of the lower city, I felt almost unstoppable as I was more prepared despite being less equipped to handle the denizens of the dirty, victorian streets.
This is where I found myself at a solid stand-still with Remnant II. Yes, it is fantastic in many different ways but there tends to be a lot working against the player unless you play in a group where synergy really makes the experience much better. I jumped on my Hunter as my friend blasted enemies as the Gunslinger. Together our bonuses worked together and made the game much more fun. Even better, Remnant II enhances the co-op experience and pushes you to team up with others by sharing the rewards.
I would be remiss to state heavily how Remnant II is the new bar in multiplayer experiences, especially with the simplicity behind it. You jump into your friend’s game and start blasting enemies. If one person picks up a weapon or item, you both get it. There are no limits. Every game that features a multiplayer aspect needs to take a lesson from Gunfire Game’s book. No more excuses on why your character can only bring certain items, or even how FROMSOFTWARE handles their own archaic multiplayer system.
There are so many great moments within the game that are only heightened by the masterful sound mixing. There is a sense of dread within the original soundtrack that doesn’t play too often. If anything, I found the music fading into the background if there even was any, but the sound effects and voice acting really made the world feel alive.
The chugging of my shotgun blasts felt beefy and my marksman rifles shot off with a high-pitched ting that really made me appreciate the sound design. I’ll be taking out some foes while my character talks to herself. When playing with others, I got a chuckle as the characters bantered with each other after defeating bosses and exploring the map. This type of immersion is rare and it makes you feel like a real team as opposed to just two static characters existing within this word.
Sound also is a great notifier of what is going on in the world around you. Bosses will charge up an attack and just before it executes a particular cue would ring through the arena. You can fight some bosses while keeping your eyes off of it to fight additional enemies and still know exactly when you need to dodge or hide behind a pillar. Sometimes when traversing the world, an audible cue signifying the arrival of an elite mob immediately puts me into a heightened state of awareness, yelling “Where is it?!” at my friends.
I could go on and on about my time with Remnant and all the hidden secrets found within the randomized halls and blood moon appearances along with the hair-pulling puzzles. Remnant II is a complex and rewarding experience that has climbed its way to breaking the top 10 games of this year for me. Even when I am not playing it, I am still thinking about it. I’m sure if you pick it up, and jump in a game, you’ll be doing the same.
A code was provided for Remnant II for review purposes.
