Key Highlights
- Elex 2 fails to improve upon the original game and is difficult to recommend to anyone besides die-hard fans
- The game features a new alien threat known as the Skyands and the player must unite the factions of Magalan to fight against them
- The mechanics, including combat exploration, show slight but still have their flaws
- The characters and interactions in Elex II feel lacking compared to the original game, a reset in character development
- The visuals and soundtrack in Elex II do not show significant improvements over its predecessor
- The faces challenges and controversies, including balancing issues, gameplay difficulties, and criticism from fans
Introduction
Elex 2 is the highly anticipated sequel to the original Elex, a game that received mixed reviews but had its fair share of dedicated fans. Developed by Piranha Bytes and published by THQ Nordic, Elex II aims to build upon the strengths of its predecessor and deliver an even more immersive and engaging experience. However, after spending several hours with the game, it becomes clear that Elex II falls short of expectations and fails to improve upon the original in many ways.
Overview of Elex 2
In Elex 2, players find themselves once again in the world of Magalan, a post-apocalyptic planet ravaged by the impact of a comet carrying the substance known as Elex. This time, a new threat emerges in the form of the Skyands, alien invaders that must be faced and defeated. The game revolves around the player’s ability to unite the various factions of Magalan against this common enemy. With a world filled with moral decisions and consequences, Elex II promises to deliver a gripping and morally challenging experience.
The premise and setting
The world of Magalan serves as the backdrop for Elex II, a planet that has been heavily influenced by the dark substance known as Elex. Magalan is a post-apocalyptic world where the remnants of humanity struggle to survive in the wake of the comet’s impact. The planet is divided into various regions, each controlled by different factions with their own beliefs and goals. The presence of Elex has created a world filled with moral ambiguity and difficult choices. As the player navigates this world, they will have to make decisions that will impact not only their own fate but the fate of the entire planet.
Key improvements from the original game
Despite its flaws, the original Elex had some strengths that made it worth recommending to fans of RPGs. With the release of Elex II, there were hopes that Piranha Bytes and THQ Nordic would address the shortcomings of the original game and deliver a more polished and refined experience. While there are some improvements in Elex II, they are not significant enough to overshadow the game’s overall shortcomings. Some key improvements include:
- Slight improvements in combat mechanics, but still clunky and unengaging
- Expanded exploration and travel options, including the introduction of a jetpack
- More complex questlines and storyline progression, with the inclusion of various factions and moral decisions
- Enhanced visuals and soundtrack, although still not on par with other contemporary games in the genre
Gameplay Mechanics Explored
While Elex 2 attempts to refine and improve upon the gameplay mechanics of the original game, it falls short in many aspects. The combat system, while slightly improved, still feels clunky and unresponsive. Ranged combat, in particular, suffers from poor implementation and lacks the fluidity and precision found in other games. Exploration and travel options are expanded with the addition of a jetpack, but the world of Magalan still feels empty and lacking in meaningful content. Quests and storyline progression offer some variety and moral choices, but the execution is often lacking and fails to provide a truly engaging and immersive experience for players.
Combat system enhancements
One area where Elex II attempts to improve upon its predecessor is in the combat system. While combat in the original game was clunky and unresponsive, the developers have made some slight improvements in Elex II. However, these improvements are not enough to make the combat system truly engaging or enjoyable. Ranged combat, in particular, suffers from poor implementation and lacks the fluidity and precision found in other games. The player’s attacks often feel unimpactful, and the enemy AI can be frustratingly unpredictable. Overall, the combat system in Elex II feels like a poorly implemented retread of the original game, failing to deliver the satisfying and immersive combat experience that players expect from an RPG.
Exploration and travel
Exploration and travel play a significant role in Elex II, with the developers introducing a jetpack to enhance the player’s ability to traverse the world of Magalan. While the addition of a jetpack is a welcome feature, it does little to alleviate the game’s overall lackluster exploration and travel mechanics. The world of Magalan feels empty and lacking in meaningful content, with repetitive environments and uninteresting locations. The use of the jetpack does provide some freedom and verticality to the gameplay, but it does little to make the world feel alive or engaging. Overall, the exploration and travel mechanics in Elex II fall short of what players expect from an RPG, failing to deliver a truly immersive and captivating experience.
Quests and storyline progression
One of the strengths of the original Elex was its quest writing and detailed quest design. Elex II attempts to build upon this foundation by offering a variety of quests and a complex storyline that revolves around the player’s interaction with various factions in the world of Magalan. While there are moments of intrigue and moral decision-making, the execution of the quests and storyline progression in Elex II is lacking. The quests often feel repetitive and lack the depth and complexity that made the original game stand out. The choices presented to the player often feel inconsequential and fail to have a significant impact on the overall narrative. Overall, the quests and storyline progression in Elex II fall short of expectations and do not offer the same level of engagement and immersion as its predecessor.
Characters and Interaction
Characters and interaction play a vital role in any RPG, and Elex 2 falls short in this aspect. The game features a cast of characters that lacks depth and fails to elicit any emotional connection from the player. The protagonist, Jax, feels like a different character entirely from the first game, with a lack of character development and a reset in his relationships with other characters. NPC interactions and companions’ side quests feel shallow and repetitive, lacking the complexity and depth that would make them truly engaging. The faction dynamics and player choices, while promising on paper, fail to deliver a truly immersive and captivating experience.
Main characters and their development
In Elex 2, the main protagonist is Jax, an ex-Alb commander who finds himself in a position to unite the factions of Magalan against the new alien threat, the Skyands. However, Jax’s character development falls short of expectations. While several returning characters make appearances in Elex II, they feel underutilized and fail to have a meaningful impact on the narrative. Jax himself feels like a different character entirely, with a lack of growth and development compared to his role in the events of the first game. Overall, the main characters in Elex II lack depth and fail to provide a compelling and engaging narrative experience for players.
NPC interactions and their impact on the game
NPC interactions play a crucial role in shaping the player’s experience in Elex II, but unfortunately, they fall short of expectations. While there are unique NPCs scattered throughout the game world, their interactions lack depth and fail to have a significant impact on the overall gameplay. The faction dynamics, while promising on paper, do not translate well in execution, with interactions and choices feeling shallow and inconsequential. Overall, the NPC interactions in Elex II lack the complexity and depth that would make them truly engaging and immersive, detracting from the overall experience of the game.
Faction dynamics and player choices
One of the selling points of Elex II is its focus on faction dynamics and player choices. The game presents various factions in the world of Magalan, each with their own beliefs and goals. The player is tasked with making choices that will shape the relationships between these factions and ultimately determine the fate of Magalan. However, the execution of these faction dynamics and player choices falls short. The choices presented to the player often feel inconsequential, with little impact on the overall narrative or the relationships between factions. The faction dynamics themselves lack depth and fail to provide a truly immersive and engaging experience. Overall, the faction dynamics and player choices in Elex II do not live up to their potential and leave much to be desired.
The Visuals and Soundtrack
The visuals and soundtrack in a game can greatly enhance the overall experience and immersion. Unfortunately, in the case of Elex 2, both fall short of expectations. While there are slight graphical improvements over its predecessor, the overall visual fidelity is still lacking compared to other contemporary games in the genre. The environments and character models often look dated and lack detail, detracting from the overall immersion. The soundtrack, while serviceable, fails to leave a lasting impression and lacks the depth and variety that could enhance the atmosphere of the game. Overall, the visuals and soundtrack in Elex II do not deliver the level of quality expected from a modern RPG.
Graphical improvements over its predecessor
Elex II promises graphical improvements over its predecessor, but unfortunately, these improvements are minimal and fall short of expectations. While there are slight enhancements in graphical fidelity and environmental design, the overall visual experience lacks the polish and detail found in other contemporary games. Character models and animations still suffer from stiffness and lack of detail, and the overall visual aesthetic of the game feels dated. Despite the efforts of THQ Nordic to deliver a visually improved experience, Elex II fails to live up to its potential in this aspect. Overall, the graphical improvements in Elex II are underwhelming and do not significantly enhance the overall visual experience.
Music and sound design
The music and sound design in a game can greatly contribute to its atmosphere and immersion. In the case of Elex II, however, the music and sound design fall short of expectations. The soundtrack, while serviceable, lacks variety and fails to leave a lasting impression. The sound design, including the sound effects and voice acting, feels lackluster and uninspired. The voice acting in particular can be hit or miss, with some characters delivering their lines convincingly while others feel flat and uninteresting. Overall, the music and sound design in Elex II do not contribute significantly to the overall experience of the game and do not leave a lasting impression on the player.
Challenges and Controversies
Every game faces its fair share of challenges and controversies, and Elex II is no exception. From balancing issues and gameplay difficulties to criticism from fans, the game has its fair share of shortcomings. Balancing issues in combat and gameplay can make certain sections frustrating and unenjoyable. Gameplay difficulties, such as clunky controls and repetitive quests, can hinder the overall experience. Additionally, Elex II has faced criticism from fans who feel let down by the game’s lack of improvements and overall execution. These challenges and controversies highlight the areas where Elex II falls short and fails to live up to its potential.
Balancing issues and gameplay difficulties
One of the major challenges players face in Elex II is the balancing issues and gameplay difficulties that hinder the overall experience. Combat can often feel unbalanced, with certain enemies being too difficult to defeat while others pose little challenge. The clunky controls and unresponsive mechanics further exacerbate the gameplay difficulties, making certain sections frustrating and unenjoyable. These balancing issues and gameplay difficulties detract from the overall experience of Elex II and hinder the player’s ability to fully immerse themselves in the game world. Despite attempts to refine and improve upon the gameplay mechanics of the original game, these challenges persist and hinder the overall enjoyment of Elex II.
Criticisms and fan feedback
Elex II has faced criticism and feedback from fans since its release, and these criticisms highlight the shortcomings of the game. Players have expressed disappointment in the lack of significant improvements over the original game, including the clunky combat, repetitive quests, and lackluster character development. Some fans feel let down by the overall execution of the game, citing a lack of depth, immersion, and polish. These criticisms and fan feedback serve as a reflection of the issues that Elex II faces and highlight the areas where the game falls short of expectations. While there are fans who still appreciate the game for its strengths, the overall consensus points to a missed opportunity for Elex II to truly shine and deliver an exceptional RPG experience.
Conclusion
The Elex 2 journey seems like a mixed bag, with some promising upgrades but also lingering issues. The premise and setting offer a glimmer of hope, yet gameplay mechanics fall short in execution. Characters and interactions lack depth, leaving players yearning for more substance. While visuals and soundtrack attempt to elevate the experience, challenges and controversies mar the overall enjoyment. Balancing problems and fan criticisms highlight areas needing urgent attention. As the dust settles, Elex 2 may not be the triumphant sequel many hoped for, overshadowed by its own flaws and unfulfilled potential.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Elex 2 beginner-friendly?
Elex II is not particularly beginner-friendly, especially for those unfamiliar with the RPG genre. The game’s clunky combat, unresponsive controls, and lack of tutorials make it challenging for newcomers to jump in and enjoy the experience. It is available on multiple platforms, including PC, Xbox, and PlayStation.
Can you switch factions mid-game?
No, Elex II does not allow players to switch factions mid-game. The player’s choice of faction is a significant decision that impacts the overall narrative and gameplay experience. Once a faction is chosen, the player’s actions and choices will align with that faction throughout the game.
Tips for new players
For new players diving into Elex II, here are some tips to enhance your experience:
- Utilize mana potions and other consumables to manage your resources effectively.
- Make use of the jetpack to explore and access hard-to-reach areas.
- Consider your attribute allocation carefully to align with your desired playstyle.
- Keep an eye on the development wishlist for potential updates and improvements to the game.
