The critically acclaimed deck builder Monster Train returns with its sequel, Monster Train 2. Developed by Shiny Shoe and published by Big Shoe Games, this sequel offers: New Powerful clans & enemies, New Card Types, and many new Dynamic Features & Depth. With these new features and mechanics, Monster Train 2 hopes to improve on its predecessor in many ways. Are these improvements enough to make the game as enjoyable as the previous one? Let us find out together.
Within the world of Monster Train 2, the player is in command of a massive army of monsters and clans. They can choose from a selection of five brand-new clans, each with its own unique strengths and gameplay strategies, fitting the player’s personal play style. With three vertical levels to defend against dangerous new enemies, the player will need to recruit powerful new units, upgrade Abilities, and experiment to survive. They will have to come across all sorts of enemies, including bosses, each with their own set of dangerous powers. The card selections have been improved with brand new room and equipment, cards, room cards add an impressive boost to the players train rooms which will allow them strategic advantages over their foes and equipment cards can be applied to units giving them a variety of bonuses and special abilities to aid in the fight against the attacking forces.
In addition to new cards and clans, there is also a new outpost called the Covenant. It’s a hub area that players will visit after each run. From there, they’ll be able to access the game’s core features as well as gain the opportunity to experience character interactions that will move the story forward. Each train is powered by a Pyre heart, which can be swapped out at the outpost, and each one brings a unique functionality to the gameplay. These can be unlocked by completing challenge requirements through multiple runs. Along with unlocking the Pyre Hearts, the player will also be able to unlock a variety of train customization parts. Some include customizations to specific rooms within the train aesthetically, while others might be more practical and gameplay-driven.
Along with the main story mode, the game also features a variety of different modes, such as dimensional challenges, celestial alcoves, and endless mode. Dimensional challenges offer a new twist on each player’s adventure by offering handcrafted challenges, new mutators, and unique cosmetic rewards that can be earned as players complete them. The celestial alcoves are a rapid expansion of the railway, which attracts many new visitors to hell. Players will encounter a wide variety of random events that offer exciting gameplay and possibly even a few surprises outside of the Monster Train universe. And finally, there is an endless mode which allows players to travel the rails, whatever increasing difficulty, which will test their skills to see how long they can survive. It’ll also allow players to be able to compare their stats with other online friends.
Monster Train 2 offers an unlimited number of ways to play. From the start of the game, players are thrown immediately into the gameplay where their starter group has to defend the Pyre heart from oncoming attackers. The game is not meant to be completed in the first run, but there could be a way for those who pay close enough attention. Within every run, after each battle, players have the option to traverse one of two paths. Each path offers a means of either upgrading the player’s cards, adding creatures to their roster, purchasing equipment and mystical artifacts, or gathering pure heart health and extra gold. Upon defeating enemies in battles, players will unlock special rewards, including cards for monsters/ equipment and gold that can be spent on mystical upgrades for both equipment and the various monsters players can collect during their different runs. Players also have the opportunity to increase the challenge by accepting trials before battles, which will grant players extra gold, but so far, these are only optional within regular enemy encounters, except for the Boss encounters, which will reward players with massive rewards if players can win.
Overall, Monster Train 2 takes what made the first game fun and improves it with its sequel. Its ability to have unlimited play possibilities with its many clans and cards to gather and deck build offers a massive amount of replayability and fun experiences for those who enjoyed the first installment. Hopefully, this game is great for the fan base that enjoyed the previous entry, because if they found enjoyment from Monster Train 1, then no doubt those fans will enjoy this entry even more.
Overall Score: 8 out of 10
Reviewed on PC