Robbie thought the looming threat was over. However, a new threat arrives in the world. Realigning with an old friend, Robbie sets out with the same goal in mind as years ago. That is to protect and care for the last human left in this world. As we take the role of Robbie, can we complete this task, or will we succumb to the pressure? Let’s take a look at our review of Void Terrarium 2
void* tRrLM2(); //Void Terrarium 2
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Platform(s): Nintendo Switch™, PS4™ (Retail & Digital)
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Release Date(s): February 28, 2023 (NA – retail, digital), March 3, 2023 (EU – retail, digital), March 3, 2023 (ANZ – digital only)
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Publisher: NIS America, Inc.
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Developer: Nippon Ichi Software
*Special thanks to NIS America for providing a Nintendo Switch and Playstation 4 review key*
Intro/Story:
From the game’s website page:
Our story takes place some several years after toxic mycelium contaminated the atmosphere and caused the extinction of the human race.
Somewhere in the wastelands, our brave robot happens upon Toriko, a lone girl.
Soon after, Robbie meets factoryAI, and they work together to create a terrarium for Toriko in order to protect her.
The pair overcomes countless tribulations before finally being left to care for Toriko in peace…or so they thought.
Now, Toriko is exhibiting symptoms of disease once again. Her body is slowly deteriorating. This is unlike any illness she’s ever suffered through before, and nobody seems to know anything about it. In their search for answers, Robbie and factoryAI turn to Toriko’s–and the human race’s–past.
The ordeals before them must be overcome…for Toriko’s sake.
We covered Void Terrarium in 2020 when the first game was released on the Switch. That review can be found here. It was surprisingly one of the best games we played that year. Nearly 2 and a half years later, we are presented with the sequel. It is safe to say that all the things that were done correctly from the first game in terms of story, story delivery, pacing, and incorporating it into an immersive and fun game were carried into Void Terrarium 2. The story is still done well, with masterclass pacing, and wonderful delivery. The simple things are the most effective and Void Terrarium 2 is proof of that.
As Robbie, you are tasked to make sure that you take care of the last human left in the world, Toriko. However, things are not what they seem as new threats are looming in the world. With your pal, factoryAI, Robbie sets out on another adventure with only one goal in mind. That goal is protecting Toriko and ensuring her safety. Will he achieve this goal? Players will have to discover that on their own.
In your journey in the world of Void Terrarium 2, players will need to know what to do. Let’s take a look at the gameplay so you are provided with the tools needed to move forward.
Gameplay:
If you have experienced Void Terrarium, then the gameplay is the same with some slight enhancements. If for some reason you decided to skip the first game and jump straight into game 2, first off, go play the first game. It was a pleasant surprise. Void Terrarium 2 provides an in-depth tutorial at the start of the game and whenever a new gameplay component is introduced. Players can also always reference the tutorial at any time in the game as well. A new edition of Void Terrarium 2 is also going to “training grounds” which is more or less a tutorial level for players to play and learn about the game at any time.
Gameplay in Void Terrarium 2 is also divided into two different sections. The first is the rogue-like dungeon-crawling aspect. Players are presented with randomly generated dungeons to explore, collect resources, and complete to move forward to new sections. Everything about the dungeons is randomly generated, and each time the player goes into a dungeon, their level resets to level one. The leveling-up component is also random in terms of unlocking new perks at each new level. The game is not a simple dungeon-crawling rogue-like, but there is that element of strategy in each exploration.
The second gameplay section is the home area, where players have to develop their base, receive new missions, craft new items, and take care of Toriko. This also requires an element of strategy as it is not as simple as it sounds. When players get to this portion, they will understand what is stated here. It is very refreshing for Void Terrarium 2 to take this kind of approach compared to other rogue-likes.
Audio and Visual:
Audio-wise, the game has one language. That is the Japanese voice language. The voice work is done rather well. The sound as well of the game is mixed well, and the soundtrack is very immersive of the environment the player is in during that current time.
Visually, the game seems to look the same as the first Void Terrarium. That is not to say it is a bad thing. The overall feel and aesthetic are done well and it keeps players immersed thinking it’s the end of the world at desolated locations.
Fun Factor:
To keep this short and sweet, Void Terrarium 2 is insanely fun. I beat the game and I am still coming back for more. I do not like rogue-like games in general. So Void Terrarium and Void Terrarium 2 are some of the only exceptions to this. It is speaking volumes that these are some of the only games I would play in this genre.
Wrap-up/Conclusion:
Void Terrarium 2 is a solid sequel and fun game standing on its own. The development team brought the heat in this sequel and it shows as if it does everything the first game did correctly, but even better. This is already an early contender for being the 2023 Game of the year for me, and we are only in February. I fully recommend this game to anyone who has played the first title or wants a solid rogue-like game.
- Until next time, mgs2master2 out!
*Special thanks once again to NIS America for providing a Nintendo Switch and Playstation 4 review key*