Oxenfree II: Lost Signals delivers what I’ve needed out of a sequel seven years after the primary recreation’s launch. Although its overarching A-to-C narrative seems like it’s lacking a “B” within the journey, I’m impressed with most of what Oxenfree II accomplishes. It brings again the unique’s easy however charming radio mechanics, provides a walkie-talkie that expands the world round protagonist Riley, and, most significantly, options extremely properly-written and plausible characters. While Oxenfree II’s paranormal occasions are spooky and chilly, the solid is heat, brilliant, and complicated, and the complete package deal seems like an ‘80s summer season romp.
If Oxenfree, developed by Netflix-owned Night School Studio, is about youngsters within the idealized Eighties popularized by Hollywood with sequence like Netflix’s personal Stranger Things, then Oxenfree II is concerning the lesser-seen adults coping with their mess afterward. Set 5 years after the unique recreation, Riley arrives in her hometown of Camena for day one in every of a brand new environmental analysis job. She grew up right here and left for causes you uncover within the story, solely to seek out herself returning as a 30-one thing-12 months-previous for work.
She quickly meets Evelyn, a coworker working 20 miles away who exhibits her the ropes, and Jacob, her now-colleague. After putting a transmitter excessive on the island, issues go awry shortly, and a well-known triangular prism seems over the sky of Oxenfree’s Edwards Island, seen within the distance of Camena. And this isn’t good, so Riley and Jacob set off to finish it. As the duo explores extra of Camena, trekking by way of deserted mines and caves, climbing up cliff sides, and sprinting throughout moonlit seashores, they uncover a cult, angsty youngsters cussed of their choices, ghostly apparitions, some acquainted faces, and extra. I completely take pleasure in each hike to the next transmitter location as a result of it all the time results in extra dialogue between Riley, Jacob, and the assorted individuals of Camena that Riley can discuss to utilizing a walkie-talkie.
Mechanically, Oxenfree II performs similar to its predecessor. You discover an island; choose dialogue choices that paint the protagonist as sarcastic, type, or chilly; and remedy easy puzzles utilizing a radio. The walkie-talkie is technically a brand new mechanic, however it’s principally simply one other avenue for dialogue. I don’t thoughts the shortage of mechanic innovation within the sequel, but when Oxenfree’s heavy concentrate on narrative and light-weight gameplay flip you off, this recreation would possibly do the identical. Just be cautious when quitting the sport, as horrible checkpointing and not using a clear save perform induced me to replay a number of sections, dampening my pleasure from enjoying them the primary time.
I can’t categorical sufficient how a lot I benefit from the conversations between each character. Not solely are they properly-written, crammed with romanticized language designed to get you in your emotions, however the voice solid delivers sincerity in each line. Riley and Jacob are the clear standouts, and studying on the finish that it’s attainable to not befriend Jacob within the recreation was bewildering. Jacob feels intrinsically tied to the story as the sunshine guiding Riley by way of the evening’s mysterious journey and her thoughts’s tried takedown of who she is at her core. In extra methods than one, Oxenfree II is a narrative of discovery: of the paranormal, spooky plans conceived by determined youngsters, and who these characters need to be after the evening’s occasions.
I particularly love Oxenfree II’s extra mature tone and story as a result of it bucks the development of adults who suppose they know what’s finest for youngsters. Instead, it lets gamers resolve how Riley and Jacob deal with them, and that freedom results in some shocking twists. These wonderful conversations and twists are the spotlight of the narrative expertise for me, however the overarching story falls considerably flat, not as a result of I don’t take pleasure in what it has to say, however as a result of it feels rushed, nearly as if it’s lacking a second act. Oxenfree II feels methodically gradual after which, all of sudden, determined to finish, and it’s jarring.
Oxenfree II doesn’t shake up what its predecessor did in 2016, however it delivers extra of the wonderful writing and allure I count on from Night School Studio. While it is gentle on gameplay past traversal, it’s accomplished in service of the characters. After 10 hours with this solid, I need extra, however I’m proud of the place this story ends and the way my decisions formed that ending. Despite unhealthy checkpointing and a swift rush to the tip after a very lengthy setup, this return feels earned and important, with a message that resonates way over Oxenfree’s. With Oxenfree II behind me, I’m thrilled Night School Studio delivered one thing particular greater than seven years away from this world.
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