Compatibility Across Platforms: PC, Xbox Series X/S, PS5
"Remnant: From the Ashes" made its discreet debut in the summer of 2019. While it didn't cause a splash on arrival, the game had a slow burn, gaining steam through positive reviews and word-of-mouth among players.
Gunfire Games—previously most notable for their work on the "Darksiders" series—watched their humble project snowball into an impressive success, racking up over three million copies sold.
This overwhelming response solidified its place in the gaming world, making a sequel not just likely but practically inevitable.
Fast-forward a couple of years, and here we are with Remnant 2. The game is already well on its way to emulating and surpassing its predecessor's triumphs.
What sets it apart this time is that it's not just riding on its own merits; it's also leveraging the strong reputation built by the first installment.
This strategic move paid off immensely, propelling it to surpass one million copies sold in its opening week.
What's more, it became the top-selling video game in the United States for the past month, eclipsing even big-name contenders like "Diablo 4," "Final Fantasy 16," "Pikmin 4," and "Street Fighter 6."
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"Remnant 2": Where "Soulslike" Meets Gunfire
The first "Remnant" game often shares the same breath as FromSoftware's renowned "Dark Souls" series. Instead of swords and shields, though, we're talking firearms.
You might think this similarity arose simply from its challenging difficulty, but that's just scratching the surface. "Remnant 2" carries the torch and amplifies the concept: it's a third-person action RPG with "Soulslike" and "looter shooter" mechanics, set against a post-apocalyptic backdrop far removed from the worlds of magic and fantasy.
Have you ever hit a checkpoint to replenish ammo and artifacts only to revive the area's basic enemies? Yeah, that sounds eerily familiar.
The Story: A Sequel with Independent Merit
Set after the last DLC for "Remnant: From the Ashes," the sequel introduces us to a survivor in this bizarre, monster-ridden world.
The game graciously provides enough background information for newcomers, so you won't have to play the original "Remnant" or its prequel, "Chronos: Before the Ashes," to jump in—though fans of those will definitely find deeper layers to appreciate.
The Gameplay: A Balanced Act Between RPG and Action
This is an action RPG in which both elements are important. Yes, there are firefights galore, and your aim better be sharp.
However, choosing the right gear and skills significantly affects the difficulty curve. Unlike other "Soulslike" titles, "Remnant 2" offers multiple difficulty settings—ranging from survivor to veteran to nightmare and apocalypse.
There's even an extreme mode with permanent death and unique multiplayer limitations.
Customization: Beyond Typical RPG Archetypes
One of your first vital decisions will be picking an initial class for your character, created via a basic editor. Forget the typical RPG labels; you've got support medics, long-range hunters, close-combat brawlers, canine-accompanied tamers, and ammo-efficient gunslingers.
Compared to the first "Remnant," this sequel throws in some new twists. As you progress, you'll unlock over a dozen archetypes and even a second class, granting you full reign to mold your playstyle.
Do you fancy a character solely focused on brute offensive power? Or maybe a balanced build ready for any challenge? The choice is yours.
Additional Layers of Gameplay
This customization extends into other aspects, such as the impact of decisions, weapon crafting, and gear modifications using materials you collect.
While the game can be played solo, it's designed to be more enjoyable with friends who can complement your chosen class.
Many of the game's abilities only truly shine in cooperative play, so it's worth keeping that in mind.
Playing with others also helps make the journey more manageable, whether distracting a formidable boss or efficiently countering ambushes and securing flanks.
Procedurally Generated Challenges
Like its predecessor, "Remnant 2" uses procedural generation for dungeon layouts and enemy spawns.
While procedural generation has been overused—often to the detriment—in many indie roguelikes, it's a virtue here. The game's wealth of content ensures you'll seldom feel like you're running through a bland, repetitive grind.
Who knows how a dungeon will end? Not necessarily with a boss—it could be a unique event. In the right hands, randomness can be a creative boon.
Fighting Style & Overall Gameplay
While the gunplay may not be as polished as in top-tier pure shooters, especially regarding map mobility and close-quarters combat, a conservative strategy is often the most effective.
Constant evasive movements are essential. Ultimately, the game's strengths stem from its freedom in gameplay style and the weight of its RPG elements.
The game's length is around 20 hours for the main quest—nearly double that of the first "Remnant"—with more to explore in additional content and online replayability.
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"Remnant 2": Tailored for the Current-Gen Experience
"Remnant 2" is cutting the umbilical cord with last-gen consoles, a trend that you can bet your bottom dollar will be the gold standard for high-end and "AA" titles moving forward.
While it may not flex its technical prowess like some other heavyweight titles, Gunfire Games' developers have gone the extra mile to up the ante on various fronts.
We're talking enhanced lighting, richer textures, and a buffet of enemies, all amped up to showcase what makes this sequel a leap forward from the original "Remnant."
The Art of World Building: Surreal Meets Ruin
Still, the art direction emerges as the show-stealer. You'll traverse environments that range from decaying civilizations to mind-bending, surreal biomes.
Sometimes, the inconsistency between the worlds might catch your eye, but paradoxically, that might be a feature rather than a bug. It adds unpredictability, an element of surprise.
Procedural generation further ensures your gaming experience stands on its own.
But, you'd be hard-pressed to discover all the intricacies of "Remnant 2" in just one playthrough—especially if you're flying solo and not tapping into the shared worlds of other gamers.
Creature Design: A Breath of Fresh Air in a Stale Genre
Let's give some credit where it's due—the creature design in Remnant 2 deserves a standing ovation. The creatures are very varied, not just in how they look but also in their behaviors.
It ditches those overused dark fantasy tropes and brings something new to the table, adding layers to the already complex world.
Not All That Glitters Is Gold: Minor Setbacks
On the other hand, the game isn't entirely without flaws. Some animations could use a little touch-up, and the characters' emotional range during dialogue is, well, limited.
But honestly, this isn't a game-breaking issue; it's more like a few smudges on an otherwise polished gem.
In essence, "Remnant 2" has comfortably made its bed in current-gen gaming.
The artistry, enhanced technical aspects, and a generous serving of unpredictable encounters demonstrate that this sequel isn't just riding on the coattails of its predecessor; it's carving out its own unique space in the gaming universe.
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The Final Scoop: Our Two Cents on "Remnant 2"
So, here's the lowdown. "Remnant 2" isn't exactly reinventing the wheel. It set in motion with the original "Remnant: From the Ashes."
Instead, it's sharpening those spokes, oiling the bearings, and decking it out with all kinds of upgrades. In simple terms, it's doing exactly what you want a sequel to do—amplifying the good stuff, fixing up the rough edges, and delivering a show-stopping performance.
The game gets an 8.3 on our rating scale, and let's break down why.
The Highs
- Your Protagonist, Your Playground: This game gives you the keys to the kingdom when customizing your main character. If self-expression within a game is your jam, step right up; the stage is yours!
- A Symphony of Action: Now, if the original game was like a rock concert, this sequel is a full-on music festival. Especially when you tag-team with a friend, the game's action and replay value crescendo into something you can't help but headbang to.
- More Than a Gunslinger's Paradise: For those who enjoy Soulslike elements but wouldn't mind packing some severe heat—firearms, in this case—this game is top-tier. You get the grim and the grit without relying solely on a rusty blade.
The Lows
- Lone-Wolf Woes: Nobody's saying you can't go it alone, but the game loses a bit of its mojo when you're soloing it. The difficulty level can skyrocket, leaving you muttering under your breath more than you'd like to admit.
- The Plot's Not the Star: Let's be honest, while the game is rich in other aspects, the story itself isn't necessarily what you'd call award-winning material. It's there. It's serviceable, but don't expect it to sweep you off your feet.
- Eye Candy, But With Some Flaws: Visually speaking, the game mostly hits the mark, but there are moments when it stumbles a bit, sporting visual limitations that can yank you out of the immersive experience.
The Skinny
"Remnant 2" takes the vibrant tapestry woven by its precursor, "Remnant: From the Ashes," and embroiders it with added flair across every inch.
You've got spoonfuls of more and better action, customization, and
gameplay. If you enjoyed the original even a smidge, this sequel is not just a nice-to-have—it's a must-have.
