Legend of Grimrock 2

🎮 Steam ⏳ 24 hours ⭐⭐⭐⭐ (4/5)

Expanded Dungeon Adventure #

The second entry of the Legend of Grimrock franchise is a masterful revival of classic dungeon crawlers like Dungeon Master and Eye of the Beholder, blending old-school mechanics with modern design. Set on the mysterious Isle of Nex, the game expands beyond the confined corridors of its predecessor to include lush outdoor environments, from dense forests and swamps to ancient ruins and temples. This variety gives exploration a refreshing sense of scale and discovery, making every new area feel unique and dangerous.

Improved Core Gameplay #

The sense of adventure this title introduced is amazing when compared to the first entry, although I also really enjoyed the experience of the first game, I think this second entry is a much better game overall. The core gameplay revolves around grid-based movement, real-time combat, and intricate puzzles that demand both logic and observation. Many puzzles are deviously designed, rewarding careful attention and experimentation while occasionally leading into frustration due to their difficulty.

Refined Combat Systems #

Combat retains the tense, positional dance of the first game, where timing and maneuvering around enemies are key, though it can sometimes feel clunky due to the grid system. But if you enjoyed the firs title there is little to no surprises in the combat formula, besides new additions regarding skills, perks and spells. Character creation and progression are deeper this time around, offering more classes, races, and skills that allow for distinct party builds.

Atmospheric Exploration Appeal #

The game’s atmosphere is one of its greatest strengths, haunting soundscapes, clever lighting, and the constant threat of danger create a palpable sense of immersion. However, the non-linear structure can lead to moments of confusion, especially for newcomers, as the game offers little guidance on where to go or what to do next. As much as this is a complain of a lot of people, this is actually the opposite for me I enjoyed the semi-open-world elements of this game more than the linear-dungeon-based formula of the first entry.

Rewarding Old-School Experience #

Overall, this game is a challenging, atmospheric, and deeply rewarding experience for people who appreciate exploration and problem-solving over hand-holding. It demands patience and persistence but pays off with a sense of accomplishment few modern RPGs can match. This is a must-play if you enjoyed the first title or if you like this kind of grid-based party-RPG style game to any extent, it is one of the best of it’s kind.