Video Game

Reigning Supreme: A Downpour of Thrills in Risk of Rain 2

Posted by David McKenzie on

A Video Game Review: Risk of Rain 2

Overall Rating: 8.7/10

  • Gameplay: 9.0/10
  • Graphics and Art Style: 8.5/10
  • Sound and Music: 9.0/10
  • Replayability: 9.5/10
  • Performance and Optimization: 8.0/10

Introduction

Risk of Rain 2, developed by Hopoo Games and published by Gearbox Publishing, is a roguelike third-person shooter that transitions the series from its original 2D platformer roots into a fully realized 3D experience. Released in August 2020, the game has captivated players with its challenging gameplay, diverse character roster, and cooperative multiplayer mode. The subsequent expansions, notably Survivors of the Void and Seekers of the Storm, have further enriched the game’s content and replayability. It is one of my favorite FPS/Third Person shooter I think of all time. I’ll be unbiased in this review – but it’s an absolute gem of a game.

Gameplay (9.0/10)

Risk of Rain 2 offers a compelling blend of fast-paced action and strategic depth, characteristic of the roguelike genre.

Strengths:

  • Diverse Survivors: The game features a roster of unique characters, each with distinct abilities and playstyles, encouraging players to experiment and find their preferred survivor. Steam Store
  • Engaging Progression: As players defeat enemies and bosses, they collect items that stack to create powerful synergies, leading to dynamic and varied gameplay experiences. pcgamer
  • Cooperative Multiplayer: Supporting up to four players, the cooperative mode enhances the game’s enjoyment, allowing friends to strategize and tackle challenges together. Steam Store

Weaknesses:

  • Steep Learning Curve: New players may find the game’s difficulty and mechanics challenging to grasp initially, which can be discouraging. GameSpot
  • Repetitive Environments: Some players have noted that the procedural generation can lead to familiar level layouts over multiple runs. Entertainment Reviews

Graphics and Art Style (8.5/10)

The transition to 3D has been executed with a vibrant and stylized art direction.

Strengths:

  • Visual Clarity: Despite the chaotic on-screen action, the game’s art style ensures that enemies, items, and projectiles are easily distinguishable. pcgamer
  • Artistic Design: The diverse biomes and imaginative enemy designs contribute to an engaging visual experience. GameSpot

Weaknesses:

  • Technical Limitations: Some environmental textures and models lack detail, which can detract from the overall immersion. Entertainment Reviews

Sound and Music (9.0/10)

Composer Chris Christodoulou delivers a dynamic and atmospheric soundtrack that complements the game’s intensity.

Strengths:

  • Memorable Tracks: The music adapts to the gameplay, enhancing both the calm exploration moments and the frenetic combat sequences. GameSpot
  • Sound Design: Distinct audio cues for enemies and items provide valuable feedback, aiding player awareness during chaotic battles. pcgamer

Weaknesses:

  • Repetitive Audio: Over extended play sessions, some players may find the music and sound effects become repetitive. Entertainment Reviews

Replayability (9.5/10)

The game’s roguelike structure and variety of content offer extensive replay value.

Strengths:

  • Procedural Generation: Each run features different item drops, enemy spawns, and level variations, ensuring no two playthroughs are identical. pcgamer
  • Unlockable Content: Numerous characters, items, and challenges are available to unlock, motivating players to continue exploring and experimenting. Steam Store

Weaknesses:

  • Content Gating: Some players may find the unlock requirements for certain characters and items to be overly demanding. Entertainment Reviews

Performance and Optimization (8.0/10)

The game generally performs well across platforms, with minor issues.

Strengths:

  • Stable Performance: Most players experience smooth gameplay with minimal frame rate drops or crashes. Steam Store

Weaknesses:

  • Multiplayer Connectivity: Some users have reported occasional connectivity issues and lag during online co-op sessions. Entertainment Reviews

Expansions Overview

Risk of Rain 2 has received notable expansions that enhance the core experience:

  1. Survivors of the Void:
    • New Content: Introduces additional survivors, items, and stages, enriching the game’s diversity. Rogueliker
    • Community Feedback: While praised for its depth, some players have expressed concerns regarding balance and difficulty adjustments. Reddit
  2. Seekers of the Storm:
    • New Content: Adds fresh characters, items, and challenges, expanding the game’s replayability. YouTube
    • Community Feedback: The expansion faced criticism due to bugs and performance issues at launch, leading to mixed reviews.

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