Anodyne 2: Return to Dust

Gameplay is good. Not great, just good. It gets the job done. I personally love the graphics choice for this game, though I can see how others would not be a big fan of it. But this is not why it's getting 5 stars. It is getting 5 stars because it was such an amazing journey, with so many twists and extremely meta/WTF moments. Several points during my playthrough, I would shout at my screen "WHAT" at what I was seeing, what had just happened to the main character or NPC, and especially at the super spoiler moments that will not be mentioned here. This game for me was absolutely worth every penny. I've never played anything like it before, and with the way the game ended, I was very satisfied, left wondering what will happen next, and desperately hoping that question will be answered some day. If you get this game, get it for the crazy amazing story, and enjoy the ride.

Great storytelling, many hidden gems and overall experience that can't be given in may other games. Simply said unique and inspiring , for those who don't really understand the game make sure to play Anodyne 1 , it's not necessary but it will definitely help you out to appreciate this game far more than you are right now. Works great on Linux with good performance so no issues there. 10/10

At first when I saw anodyne 2 I was worried they'd be going a bit crazy on the DMT trip effect. Honestly though, when it is all said and done, it worked out much better than I'd imagined it could have myself. I won't spoil much, but I got a lot of vibes from random stories i've ready, even thoughts and feelings i've had over the last 30 years, but the first half of the game has a very small bit of foreshadowing as the main character grips with their consciousness which has only just come into form in the realm/universe/density that the game exist in. In the purest sense the main character is kind of virgin to harsh realities of a seemingly simple, but instead a dense and complex world. Overall the main focus of each dungeon has a meaning and reason behind it, whether it be esoteric in nature or something down to a common known truth in a human realm. Furthermore the characters focus mid game reinforces the plot that the main character isn't fighting for something tangible at all, she is fighting for the principle, in its rawest and untapped form, which I wont spoil in this review, but maybe others will gain it from the story. Honestly the gameplay is perfect for the style and story arche that both Sean Han Tani and Marina Kittaka. I wish we had a Majora's Mask 2 as many are stating, it does have that weird vibe and deeper meaning behind it, but this game is way easier than Majora's Mask was so don't frete!!!

While the visuals are lovely, the gameplay itself is very repetitive and uninspiring. I did not find myself very engaged with the story of the game, so unfortunately it's not very enjoyable to me. This is a game you'll need to really love the story to enjoy in my opinion.