I’ve an fascinating historical past on the subject of the Freedom Planet. I bear in mind scrolling by way of the Sonic Fanon Wiki in my free time in center faculty to see how Sonic followers design characters and seeing a personality known as “Lilac the Hedgehog.” Sound acquainted? The Sonic inspiration in Freedom Planet was very evident in its first sport, however how has it introduced itself on this sequel? Let’s see.
Earlier than beginning, you need to play the unique sport first, because it references earlier occasions and characters. Plus, it straight states that the story takes place three years later. You’ll be able to decide which one of many 4 protagonists to play as.
Sash Lilac is your typical heroic protagonist and a hybrid water dragon with a lift as her particular transfer that lets her pace by way of ranges simply. Carol Tea is a spunky wildcat with a three-bladed disk to assault with and her motorbike, which you’ll summon in ranges by accumulating a gasoline tank; she’s sturdy and might take out enemies simply. Milla Basset is an cute hush basset with alchemy powers used to blast vitality or protect and a Yoshi-like flutter leap however with decrease well being. The latest playable character within the collection is Neera Li, the disciplined adviser of the Royal Magister of Shang Tu, who has a Cryo Employees that produces ice for sturdy assaults and might double leap.
On the subject of characters, my favourite character is Milla as a result of she’s cute and mysterious. I relate to Carol, having a infantile and impartial spirit. And whereas I’ve essentially the most enjoyable enjoying as Lilac due to her pace and charm, Neera falls by the wayside attributable to her flat characterization and grounded playstyle.
The gameplay is pleasurable and difficult for essentially the most half, particularly for the boss battles. There are puzzles and creatively designed enemies throughout the huge levels; you will get misplaced should you aren’t cautious. New to the collection are numerous hub worlds the place you should purchase potions and enhancements to make your gameplay simpler, like bodily assaults absorbing life from enemies and elevated leaping energy. There’s additionally the Battlesphere Area, the place you go to finish challenges to get crystals and artifacts. No spoilers, however the artifacts are vital, so it’s price enjoying the challenges earlier than the ending.
The plot is one in all an antagonist wanting revenge towards a race that worn out their individuals. Whereas the topic was intriguing, and the story had the potential to be fascinating, I want extra was revealed and fleshed out. It feels just like the plot is constructing as much as one thing or some level the place extra shall be defined. But it surely retains talking in imprecise, shallow statements.
It’s onerous as a result of, between the catchy music, lovely visuals, and enjoyable gameplay, I discover the story and characters a bit too shallow quality-wise. This antagonist has rather more depth to her than the final villain, however I nonetheless want there have been greater than skin-deep personalities to the characters and plot. The dialogue is predictable, and generally, the tone deflates earlier than it might probably actually convey any form of real emotion house. For instance, there’s one half the place somebody is supposedly gravely injured. However then, after they’re getting patched up, they act drunk for a joke.
Freedom Planet 2 is an pleasurable, artistic, and fairly launch general. With a bit extra polish and fleshing out within the writing, I really feel it could possibly be a very superb sport. However as is, it’s positively extra expanded than the extra simplistic first title. Priced at $24.99, I’d say it’s price selecting up if it goes on sale!