The Incredible Adventures of Van Helsing II

 PC
Metascore
77

Generally favorable reviews - based on 36 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 24 out of 36
  2. Mixed: 12 out of 36
  3. Negative: 0 out of 36
  1. Impulsegamer
    May 28, 2014
    90
    In short, the dialogue was witty, amusing, and full of fun references. The graphics were beautiful and had a fitting art style that added to the game. And the story was interesting and made me want to play more.
  2. GameWatcher
    May 28, 2014
    90
    This feels like a complete experience, one that is a natural and smart evolution of the first game's mechanics.
  3. GameOver.gr
    May 23, 2014
    90
    With this sequel Neocore Games proves that the studio has tons of talent and understands quite well what it takes to create a great Action RPG. Either you're a fan of Diablo or not - don't miss the continuing adventures of Abraham.
  5. Hooked Gamers
    May 21, 2014
    90
    Van Helsing II eclipses its predecessor in almost every way.
  6. Ragequit.gr
    Jun 6, 2014
    89
    TIAOVH2 is hands down the best single-player action-RPG out there, with engaging gameplay full of discrete doses of witty humour. It shines for catering for the casual player while offering exhaustively deep gameplay elements for the hardcore player at the same time. A few optimization hiccups deprive the game of an almost perfect grade, yet I cannot wait to see the third installment of the series.
  7. RPG Fan
    May 23, 2014
    89
    Not just another Diablo clone.
  8. COGconnected
    May 22, 2014
    87
    Neocore hasn’t strayed too far from what made the first game so amazing, but it has managed to add a layer of refinement by improving the some of the game mechanics, UI and visuals.
  9. ZTGD
    Jun 3, 2014
    85
    For all intents and purposes, Van Helsing II is more of the same. It just so happens that “same” is really, really good.
  10. XGN
    May 20, 2014
    85
    Part two of the Van Helsing game is a great sequel in every aspect. There are more options for you to choose from and the expansion of the skill tree is another plus. All of this comes with a relatively low price.
  11. Meristation
    May 26, 2014
    81
    A technically correct game, with many hours of fun for less than 15 €, but it fails to achieve the balance in combat, which is essential in this genre.
  12. CD-Action
    Aug 25, 2014
    80
    As expected the sequel is massively improved and expanded (e.g. with two more character classes) in comparison to the original game. If it weren’t for Path of Exile and Reaper of Souls that got me my fix of hack’n’slash, I would be playing Van Helsing II till the third part appears. [08/2014, p.54]
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  13. Destructoid
    Jun 30, 2014
    80
    The Incredible Adventures of Van Helsing II is a much better showing than the original. It's what a sequel should be; it improves on nearly everything while adding brand new ideas to the pile.
  14. Hyper Magazine
    Jun 28, 2014
    80
    The Little Engine that Could of action RPGs. [Issue#250, p.56]
    All this publication's reviews
  15. 4P.de
    Jun 20, 2014
    80
    If you love games like Torchlight and Diablo there is surely something here that will keep you going, be it more loot than you can carry, more monsters than you can kill or more intelligent jokes and easter eggs that you will recognize. Unfortunately balancing hardware specs and the story proves costly.
  16. PC Games
    Jun 12, 2014
    80
    Neocore hasn't changed the formula much since the surprise hit that was the first The Incredible Adventures of Van Helsing and why should they? Part 2 offers loads of low-priced fun for the hack 'n' slash fan who has (played) everything else. It doesn't offer the addicting loot runs of Torchlight 2 or Diablo 3, but Van Helsing 2 is a well crafted monster slaying experience in its own right with some fun ideas like the tower defense bits and the chimera pet.
  17. Gaming Nexus
    Jun 11, 2014
    80
    If you didn't play the first game, you may be a little confused in terms of the story, but it's an incredibly fun game.
  18. DarkStation
    Jun 2, 2014
    80
    The Incredible Adventures of Van Helsing was a treat, and hopefully, we’ll be able to have more in the future.
  19. 3DJuegos
    Jun 2, 2014
    80
    The Incredible Adventures of Van Helsing II is a great action RPG, a sequel that eclipses to the original in almost every way.
  20. Vandal
    May 29, 2014
    80
    It solves many of the problems of the original game, and even though it's not perfect, it's a good choice if you're looking for a game of this genre.
  21. GameStar
    May 29, 2014
    80
    Just like the first one, but with a different villain, more skills, more crafting and more mini games.
  22. GameSpot
    May 28, 2014
    80
    It is stellar in spite of a few big missteps and the fact that, with the exception of the world itself, none of the experience feels cohesive.
  23. IGN Italia
    May 20, 2014
    80
    The Incredible Adventures of Van Helsing II is not a chimera, wisely expanding the solid action RPG features of the first episode, from deeper skill trees to... a new chimera pet, indeed.
  24. Multiplayer.it
    May 27, 2014
    78
    The Incredible Adventures of Van Helsing II takes the original formula and build a sequel fun and rich in contents, even if technically imperfect and a bit poor of new core gameplay mechanics.
  25. GamingTrend
    Jun 4, 2014
    75
    NeocoreGames ultimately delivers more of what we fell in love with in the first Van Helsing title.

Awards & Rankings

99
#99 Best PC Game of 2014
89
#89 Most Discussed PC Game of 2014
97
#97 Most Shared PC Game of 2014

User Reviews

All reviews »
User Score
7.7

Generally favorable reviews- based on 244 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 159 out of 244
  2. Mixed: 52 out of 244
  3. Negative: 33 out of 244
  1. jrp07
    May 22, 2014
    10
    This game is an amazing arpg with an abundance of depth and beauty. Fans of the genre will not be disappointed, and for $15 it's a safe bet. IThis game is an amazing arpg with an abundance of depth and beauty. Fans of the genre will not be disappointed, and for $15 it's a safe bet. I didn't play the first one, but am loving it so far. Veteran of Titan quest, Diablo 1-3, Torchlight, PoE and backer of Grim dawn giving VH2 2 thumbs up. The lack of publicity for this game is mind boggling!… Full Review »
  2. elManicho
    May 23, 2014
    9
    This is a great game, the second in a great saga. Thanks to Neocore Games for keeping true to their promises.

    The good: + Rock solid    This is a great game, the second in a great saga. Thanks to Neocore Games for keeping true to their promises.

    The good:
    + Rock solid gameplay. Fluid, fast and deadly combat, well thought and executed quests and defense phases, a well designed and fonctional UI, a multitude of tactics and skills, different approaches to every situation. This is not a loot grinding hack and slash game, it's a well crafted RPG with action mechanics.

    + Higher level cap and more character choices. Several classes to chose from for various gaming styles. Balanced and fun to build, your hero have many perks, abilities, tricks, auras he can learn (and Katarina too!) You can also import your character from the first game. Basic skills keep their usefulness to late game stages, and respeccing is possible after advancing the story for a couple hours.

    + Dialogues are well written, and the city of Borgovia feel alive and offer some great moments of humor that contribute to the immersion and makes the player root for the characters and care about the game world and those within it. The witty banter between Abraham Van Helsing and his unique companion Lady Katarina is awesome. The storyline is one of the most captivating aspects of the game. Once I started playing I felt a sense of urgency that drives me to keep going.

    + Well done side quests that never feel contrived and offered great interactions with unusual characters. To help Abraham in his missions, you can make friends, gain allies, micromanage your troops and bolster morale of the Borgovian resistance. Van Helsing doesn't fight alone, and his choices have consequences. The principal villain have grit and charisma, he must go down, this will not be easy.

    + The defense of the town of Borgovia and continuous war of attrition with your enemies feels great and is immensely fun. Alternate tower defense which takes an important role, and hack and slash sequences. Lay traps, prepare or evade ambushes, make quick strikes. Being constantly tested, elaborating various tactics accordingly, and seeing your efforts impact the game world offers a deeply satisfying feeling of completion to the player.

    + Fantastic scenery, stunning graphics. Landscape change with war damage. The various skills offer interesting visuals and some beautiful animations, feel the power of your protagonist putting weight in every combat move.

    + Character build is of the utmost importance. When built right, Van Helsing is a sight to behold in combat. The game keep things challenging, helped by a good AI and enemies scripts that adapt to your tactics and develop synergies and skills on their own. Also Katrina buffed up and can hold her own in combat. While in the first game she died quickly and was mainly around for banter and passive bonuses, now the bond between her and Van Helsing makes for a very efficient pair in combat, health can drop very fast, a la Titan Quest, so better fight as a pair, Katrina can tank, support or cover Van Helsing retreat quite efficiently.

    + One of the characters newly introduced held particularily my interest. I kept thinking this guy have his own agenda and motivations, and can't help but wonder if he is an ally or a liability. Katrina snide remarks and banter whenever this character is present are priceless.

    + Balanced loot and decent drop rate. Quests are varied and interesting. Monsters both bio and mechanical abound (learn to hate those electrical bots), a hall of trophies, spectacular and non intrusive cutscenes, gothic 19th century Eastern Europe ambiance, numerous easter eggs and secrets to discover, beautiful music, all contribute to a great gaming experience. Van Helsing have co-op and PvP modes to boot.

    + Game price is $15 on Steam. A buck per gaming hour. This is a steal. A crowning achievement from a small studio that puts many AAA titles to shame.

    The bad:
    - Some minor bugs and text typos. A patch is needed to iron some multiplayer issues.
    - Would love to start from level 1 and have fun building my characters and grinding levels, especially in co-op. The game is a sequel and it makes sense to play from lvl 30 to 60 storywise, still the option to start from scratch is present but grayed out. This might also alienate new players, hopefully a patch will change that.
    - Enemies keep coming in waves in the extended lair defense mini-game. I didn't mind, but some friends who haven't played Van Helsing before found it frustrating to have no respite in tower defense phases, which are more important in this game. 5 or 6 of attacks on Van Helsing lair happened in my playthrough, countless waves repelled and generous loot drop made me happy, not all may agree. I guess either you enjoy tower defense mechanics or you don't.    … Full Review »
  3. PixelCheese
    May 23, 2014
    9
    VH1 was a really good game that everyone could get for a very affordable price and every penny i spent was far than worth it.

    VH2 surpasses    VH1 was a really good game that everyone could get for a very affordable price and every penny i spent was far than worth it.

    VH2 surpasses VH1 by a milestone.    … Full Review »
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