I’ve an fascinating historical past in relation to the Freedom Planet. I keep in mind scrolling by way of the Sonic Fanon Wiki in my free time in center college to see how Sonic followers design characters and seeing a personality known as “Lilac the Hedgehog.” Sound acquainted? The Sonic inspiration in Freedom Planet was very evident in its first recreation, however how has it introduced itself on this sequel? Let’s see.
Earlier than beginning, it’s best to play the unique recreation first, because it references earlier occasions and characters. Plus, it instantly states that the story takes place three years later. You may choose which one of many 4 protagonists to play as.
Sash Lilac is your typical heroic protagonist and a hybrid water dragon with a lift as her particular transfer that lets her velocity by way of ranges simply. Carol Tea is a spunky wildcat with a three-bladed disk to assault with and her motorbike, which you’ll summon in ranges by accumulating a gasoline tank; she’s sturdy and may take out enemies simply. Milla Basset is an cute hush basset with alchemy powers used to blast power or protect and a Yoshi-like flutter soar however with decrease well being. The latest playable character within the sequence is Neera Li, the disciplined adviser of the Royal Magister of Shang Tu, who has a Cryo Employees that produces ice for sturdy assaults and may double soar.
On the subject of characters, my favourite character is Milla as a result of she’s cute and mysterious. I relate to Carol, having a infantile and impartial spirit. And whereas I’ve essentially the most enjoyable taking part in as Lilac due to her velocity and style, Neera falls by the wayside as a result of her flat characterization and grounded playstyle.
The gameplay is pleasant and difficult for essentially the most half, particularly for the boss battles. There are puzzles and creatively designed enemies throughout the huge levels; you will get misplaced if you happen to aren’t cautious. New to the sequence are varied hub worlds the place you should purchase potions and enhancements to make your gameplay simpler, like bodily assaults absorbing life from enemies and elevated leaping energy. There’s additionally the Battlesphere Area, the place you go to finish challenges to get crystals and artifacts. No spoilers, however the artifacts are vital, so it’s value taking part in the challenges earlier than the ending.
The plot is one in every of an antagonist wanting revenge towards a race that worn out their individuals. Whereas the topic was intriguing, and the story had the potential to be fascinating, I want extra was revealed and fleshed out. It feels just like the plot is constructing as much as one thing or some level the place extra can be defined. Nevertheless it retains talking in imprecise, shallow statements.
It’s laborious as a result of, between the catchy music, stunning visuals, and enjoyable gameplay, I discover the story and characters a bit too shallow quality-wise. This antagonist has rather more depth to her than the final villain, however I nonetheless want there have been greater than skin-deep personalities to the characters and plot. The dialogue is predictable, and typically, the tone deflates earlier than it might actually convey any type of real emotion dwelling. For instance, there’s one half the place somebody is supposedly gravely injured. However then, after they’re getting patched up, they act drunk for a joke.
Freedom Planet 2 is an pleasant, inventive, and fairly launch total. With a bit extra polish and fleshing out within the writing, I really feel it may very well be a really wonderful recreation. However as is, it’s positively extra expanded than the extra simplistic first title. Priced at $24.99, I’d say it’s value selecting up if it goes on sale!
