Summary
While not a pure Soulslike,Remnant 2advances the ideas established by its predecessor in nearly every way to make good on the “Dark Soulswith guns” comparison that many made regardingRemnant: From The Ashes. A skillful blend of co-op shooter and challenging, methodical Soulslike,Remnant 2is the best kind of video game sequel – one that takes all the highlights of the first game in a series and improves them with skillful iteration without fixing what isn’t broken. Perhaps one of the standout features of the title is its unique aesthetic and massive visual upgrade over the first game.
Anyone who spent time withRemnant: From The Asheswould likely point out that the visuals, while serviceable, were not anything to write home about. Between some flat textures and same-y environments,Remnantleaned more on its gameplay than its visual aesthetic to establish its unique identity. With the benefit ofRemnant 2releasing on advanced hardwareand not attempting a cross-gen launch, Gunfire Games has been able to craft not only a unique take on Soulslike gameplay, but also a wholly original feast for the eyes where boilerplate “post-apocalyptic Earth” gives way to some truly imaginative spectacle.
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Remnant 2’s Multiverse Structure Creates Some Amazing Worlds
At this point, many gamers are likely tired of games that take place in a post-apocalyptic setting. To say that the post-apocalypse has (ironically) been done to death is somewhat of an understatement given how many titles use the downfall of humanity as their starting point. Much like the first game, thehub area inRemnant 2puts players into a setting that is all too familiar: the ramshackle remains of Earth following some cataclysmic, civilization-decimating event. But, once players make first contact with the World Stone, all bets are off.
The firstRemnant 2world that players get transported to as part of the main narrative is different for each player, but regardless of where they land they’ll be in for a spectacle. One world might be choked with overgrowth of The Root alongsideSwiss Family Robinson-style tree-dwellings and looming temples, while another is a futuristic wasteland dotted with strange geometric architecture and giant sentient robots that wouldn’t be out of place inThe Matrix. Considering that most Soulslikes to this point have opted for either a dark fantasy settingreminiscent ofDark Souls, the sheer variety of worlds on offer inRemnant 2immediately sets it apart from its inspirations and contemporaries.
Between its Camera and Visuals, Remnant 2 Carves its Own Soulslike Identity
Another aspect ofRemnant 2’s presentationthat gives it its own identity in the crowded Soulslike subgenre is its use of a fixed camera angle. Cameras have often been one of the few sticking points for fans of Soulslikes, as a finicky camera can make or break a player’s success during the most tense encounters. With the occasional need to lock-on and rotate the camera as players engage in trading blows with enemies, the use of a fixed camera isn’t exclusive toRemnant 2,but it is one of the very few Soulslikes that employs a fixed perspective for players.
Using the same “over-the-shoulder” third-person perspectivepopularized byResident Evil 4,Remnant 2sticks to the co-op shooter side of its identity in its perspective and presentation, creating a unique Soulslike experience in the process. Between its place as one of the few games in the subgenre that uses a fixed camera angle, and its imaginative and varied environments,Remnant 2has a visual identity all its own. The game is a considerable visual upgrade over its predecessor, and it’s nice to be able to say thatRemnant 2looks as good as it plays.
Remnant 2is available now for PC, PS5, and Xbox Series X/S.
