Anodyne 2: Return to Dust

I can think of very few games that are as special as Anodyne 2. At a glance, it looks like a 3D Zelda, but with 2D Zelda dungeons, but the influences are so much wider than that, creating a very unique experience. There are many residents who need healing, and you shrink down to explore the dungeons inside of them and help them overcome their problems. These dungeons are generally more puzzle-focused, but there is a lot of variety across them, and you'll find quite a few throughout the game. The 3D overworld is a little buggy, but if you've thoroughly explored the first game, you'll know that that's kind of the point, and it's no great hindrance anyway. The visuals, despite using that low-poly look are absolutely stunning; the way the game creates atmosphere is something to behold. The denizens are abstract and weird, and I love them. It's a world I feel like I could live in for the rest of my days, and it even does a little visual storytelling. The 2D bits are brighter and more colorful, as well as very abstract. Put it all together with a soothing, meditative soundtrack, and you have an unbelievable experience. Perhaps best of all is the writing. Certainly, the story has a lot of lovely things to bring, but like Soul Blazer, almost every NPC is a philosopher, and has something thought-provoking to say. There's a lot that will get you thinking about all aspects of life; truly pondering them. It's all bathing in something abstract enough to be truly unique as well. No matter what kinds of things you like in your games, this comes very highly recommended.

Anodyne 2 doesn't have much to do with Anodyne, besides a few pointless game mechanics that are added as you progress in the game. But had this game been named differently, I doubt many people would play it. It's a game akin to a clunky first attempt at 3D, reminiscent of the era where 2D games had 3D sequels, and very bad ones at that. Not that Anodyne 2 is very bad, but it's underwhelming in every way. Despite the new 3D environment, most of the gameplay seems to take place in the generic 2D world of Anodyne. The 3D itself is fairly ugly, but grows on you, and the accompanying soundtrack makes it more enjoyable to traverse the same empty levels over and over again. Levels are just large enough to feel empty, since in each section there are only a couple points of interest to explore, and the 2D sections are fairly linear - you keep going forward until you reach an exit. Collectibles help make the aimless wandering more bearable, since you're tasked with collecting coins and cards - the coins showing up later in the game, in levels you've already traversed dozens of times. Anodyne 2 is also too infatuated with its nonsensical and pointless plot, which it delivers with large blocks of text, with only a handful of it being interesting - due to things it seemed to hint at, rather than due to actual plot developments. With boring 2D sections, clunky 3D sections - and bad controls in both, Anodyne 2 feels far too long for what it is, and a decent plot could have made the experience more enjoyable - more interactive. As is, it feels like a bargain bin game surpassed by every other bargain bin game. The only highlights are its weirdness, and its music, which help to draw you in, until the plot and mechanics totally lose you. If you decide to play it, I suggest getting it extremely discounted - 90% and up. It's a game that eventually wears your patience down, making finishing it dependent on some collectable you missed, forcing you to use a walkthrough.

explorte a sureal 3D overworld in search for the power to stay the tide of a deadly nano dust storm, but don't let the screenshots fool you, the overwold is just set dressing for the real game, where you enter the minds of tyyhe different inhabitants and explore 2D dungeons, very similar to the first game, with lots of enviromental puzzles. I was having fun, until I ran into an issue: I ran out of dust, which is one ofthe currencies used to move forward the plot, I got all the cards I could and I only needed to power up the device with dust, but I got so caught on the dungeons (they are really fun to solve) that I did not turn in my dust after every single one, and now I don't know where to get more dust since you cannot revisit old mind dungeons to grind enemies. So I guess my adventure will never be completed

Plot & writing are excellent. The gamey-ness of the game is always heavily emphasized, but it never takes away from emotional moments and never overplayed. Depending on your sense of humor, some dialogues and locations may be hilarious. The humor is sometimes very subtle, for example, repeating an oddly specific thing that an optional NPC says elsewhere. Doesn't feel like it's trying too hard. The gameplay segments are generally easy, with the exception of some 2d puzzles later in the game. Also, navigation may be confusing and it will require you to memorize a lot of places. It's rewarding if you do, because there is a whole lot of shortcuts. Not really comparable to super metroid, but there's a similar feel. I STRONGLY advise everyone to play Anodyne 1 first. It puts you in the right mood for the second game.

I love Anodyne 2 and it's predecessor. A lovely world with great characters. Like all games by Analgesic Productions plays in a unconventional world and it's very fun to explore. The graphics are great with the mix of "old-style" 3D and the 2D passages with their pixel look.