Metascore
88

Generally favorable reviews - based on 46 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 45 out of 46
  2. Negative: 0 out of 46
  1. 100
    For me, The Talos Principle 2 is more than just a puzzle game. It is a game that makes you think in every respect. One with which gets your gray matter firing in the best possible way.
  2. Nov 2, 2023
    100
    The Talos Principle 2 builds on the genius puzzle design of the first game in innovative ways that makes it another masterpiece in the genre. Even with a more story-driven focus, there's nothing else quite like experiencing every mystery its sublime world has to offer...Even after completing every puzzle, collecting every star, and seeing numerous endings, I can't wait to go back and do it all again to uncover all of its secrets – and when I've seen them all, I'll still be trying to solve the puzzles again in creative and unintended ways.
  3. 97
    A rare sequel that fully capitalizes on the potential of where its predecessor left off, The Talos Principle 2 elegantly makes space for genius puzzle design and captivating characterization to tell an extraordinarily unique, gripping, moving, and surprisingly funny story. A masterpiece for the ages.
  4. Nov 3, 2023
    96
    Absolutely grab a copy if you are a fan of either philosophy or puzzle solving or both. Visually pleasing and mentally stimulating… a great experience to add to your collection.
  5. Nov 13, 2023
    95
    The Talos Principle II exceeds the highs of the previous game, bringing a deeper story and a visually stunning world alongside the exceptionally well crafted puzzles we saw in the first game. In my opinion, one of the best puzzlers I've seen in a long time.
  6. Nov 2, 2023
    95
    The Talos Principle 2 stands out for its ability to intertwine gameplay and storytelling, creating a gaming experience that goes beyond mere puzzle-solving. The variety and complexity of the puzzles reflect a meticulous design, making each challenge unique and rewarding, especially thanks to a masterfully balanced difficulty curve. However, the game's narrative and philosophical component is the real highlight. The Talos Principle 2 explores philosophical and ethical themes with depth and intelligence, engaging the player in reflections on the meaning of humanity, self-awareness, and our role in the universe. Simply extraordinary.
  7. Nov 2, 2023
    95
    The Talos Principle 2 goes far beyond the concepts of video game and art, and pushes a reflecting process that in turn helps its candidacy as one of 2023's top games. It also is a far better product than its predecessor. Croteam has outdone itself with a video game that is amazingly entertaining, but that really shines because of its capacity to make the player ponder about the ideas of beauty, humanity, life and existence.
  8. Nov 2, 2023
    94
    The Talos Principle 2 is Croteam’s largest and most realised project yet. It’s in every way a natural step from the first title, a beautifully written and challenging one. This game may very well be one of the best narrative puzzle titles I’ve played in quite a long time.
  9. Nov 13, 2023
    92
    The Talos Principle 2 is one of the best games of 2023, a spectacular year for the video game sector. Puzzles, philosophy and science fiction mix to offer an unforgettable experience. It manages to constantly surprise the player for more than 30 hours, with new mechanics in its puzzles, a superb story and a spectacular staging.
  10. Feb 2, 2024
    90
    The Talos Principle 2 is a complex puzzle game with an equally multifaceted but engaging narrative featuring rational and religious undertones. There are a couple of control issues, and the unorthodoxy of certain puzzles may be too challenging for some players. This point may also be compounded by the game’s length, which can take 35 hours if only dealing with the main content, with side content adding several additional hours. Still, this is a gorgeous game well worth experiencing and an invigorating treat for puzzle game enthusiasts or philosophy majors.
  11. Jan 4, 2024
    90
    The Talos Principle II does what is expected from a video game sequel, and it does it well. The puzzles remain clever, and the additional tools complement the old ones. The story is more prominent and plays out in a way that remains philosophical yet still provides some satisfaction, no matter which ending you get. It looks and runs great, and the experience never feels like it drags on. Whether you're a fan of the series or a puzzle fan in general, you owe it to yourself to a playthrough of The Talos Principle II.
  12. Dec 24, 2023
    90
    The Talos Principle 2 combines the pleasure offered by strong mind-benders, with a masterfully crafted story with very interesting philosophical pursuits.
  13. Nov 15, 2023
    90
    The sum of my opinions with The Talos Principle II is that you can buy it without the slightest concern. It is a clear improvement on one of my favourite games of 2014 in exactly every way.
  14. Nov 12, 2023
    90
    If you like Portal-style games, don't miss the new Talos Principle, which offers hours of puzzle challenges. The game offers a large number of rooms, a quality story, and constantly adding elements that you have to use to solve puzzle. Expect the best game in this genre for this year.
  15. Nov 7, 2023
    90
    If one day we were facing extinction and I had to choose something to save, I would definitely save The Talos Principle 2, because it's really worth it.
  16. Nov 7, 2023
    90
    There’s little doubt that gamers who liked The Talos Principle will enjoy its sequel. It offers much the same experience in a more cohesive package. The puzzles are more accessible to the layman while still presenting a satisfying challenge, and very few will have to be skipped, even for someone who doesn’t consider themselves a puzzle person. And while the philosophical meanderings can be a bit long-winded, most of them can thankfully be ignored. Overall, any complaints pale in comparison to the fully engaging adventure puzzle experience that Croteam is offering with The Talos Principle 2.
  17. Nov 6, 2023
    90
    The Talos Principle 2 is the perfect sequel that expands upon the original game and addresses the issues it had in order to improve as much as possible. It is well-written, features clever puzzles, although in some cases they might be a bit too easy, and engages players from start to finish, skillfully blending its elements. Like the first chapter, it doesn't leave anyone indifferent, raising numerous thought-provoking questions that deserve to be addressed. Alternatively, it can also be just a delightful stroll between one puzzle and the next.
  18. Nov 6, 2023
    90
    The Talos Principle 2 is quite simply one of the best games of 2023, and while I was hoping it would play a bit better on Steam Deck, it is essential. If you have the option to play it on console, I’d get it there. The Talos Principle 2 is just stunning on PS5 and Xbox Series X. If you are ok with some visual compromises to play on a portable, I can’t recommend The Talos Principle 2 enough on Steam Deck. I’m looking forward to grabbing the PS5 physical edition when it releases in the near future.
  19. 90
    The Talos Principle 2 is the perfect combination of puzzle game and RPG phases. A philosophical story that starts from the game but reaches out to touch the player and the history of the human being. The Talos Principle 2 is one of the most complete gaming experiences of this year.
  20. Nov 3, 2023
    90
    Croteam has created an uncanny post-biological-human world full of Artificial Intelligence, and they are decidedly unique and interesting characters you actually want to interact with and care about. The Talos Principles 2's puzzles are challenging but fair, and rewarding to solve.
  21. Nov 2, 2023
    90
    Overall, puzzler fans will find a lot to love with The Talos Principle 2. It’s thoughtful, hopeful, and adventurous with both its puzzles and its narrative. With new companions and mechanics, it expands upon the experience of the original. Additionally, it pushes its design with the same imagination that it encourages you to use all throughout. Perhaps the best thing of all is you don’t need to be a puzzling genius to enjoy this game. All you need is a little curiosity.
  22. Nov 2, 2023
    90
    The Talos Principle 2 is a powerful puzzle game that builds on its predecessor and effortlessly takes your mind for a ride.
  23. Nov 2, 2023
    90
    Despite the occasional audio glitch or technical hiccup, The Talos Principle 2 stays faithful to the original while elegantly iterating upon all aspects of the game like a cleverly designed nesting doll. With its compelling narrative, complex characters, and perplexing puzzles, the sequel has exceeded my expectations on all fronts. This game is a testament to the art of thoughtful and immersive storytelling, with thought-provoking environmental puzzles that rival those of Portal and other icons of the genre. Navigating the philosophical labyrinth that is The Talos Principle 2 has been captivating, satisfying, and well worth the wait.
  24. 90
    There wasn’t much to improve about the original, but Croteam has succeeded in creating an incredible sequel in The Talos Principle 2. The puzzles are better, the world is larger, and the narrative is even more thought-provoking. Top it off with a breathtaking environment and a moving soundtrack, and this just might be the puzzle game of the year.
  25. Nov 2, 2023
    90
    The Talos Principle 2 takes all the genre-defining traits its 2014 puzzle predecessor championed, and improves them. Those familiar with the original will fall in love all over again, while newcomers will be kept on their toes from beginning to end.
  26. Nov 2, 2023
    90
    The Talos Principle 2 is a philosophical puzzle adventure game that’s also thought-provoking and has a deep narrative. It takes the foundation laid by the first game and expands on it in every way possible.
  27. Nov 2, 2023
    90
    Lots of games are about the possible end of the world, but I can't remember playing one that thought about that end, or made me think about it, as much as The Talos Principle 2. As we live through what can often feel like a slow-motion apocalypse, it's been fascinating, heartbreaking, and hopeful to consider things like our essential humanity, the things that make us who we are, and the choices we have made and can still make. And also, the puzzles are really good.
  28. Nov 2, 2023
    90
    The Talos Principle 2 is a beautiful, carefully crafted experience. It will appeal to both fans of challenging puzzlers as well as everyone looking for a storyline that will make you question deep, philosophical topics. I only wish it leaned more into storytelling via its puzzles rather than mostly text and dialogue, especially with so much of the game being spent on them. In the end, however, The Talos Principle 2 truly lived up to my high expectations and proved itself to be a worthy and thought-provoking sequel.
  29. Nov 7, 2023
    89
    A worthy sequel with a great story, some impressive graphics and lots of brainteasers that won't just delight puzzle fans.
  30. Nov 2, 2023
    89
    Not just a great sequel, but a thoughtful and human narrative adventure wrapped in a satisfying and beautiful puzzle game.
  31. Nov 17, 2023
    88
    The Talos Principle II is a long game, perhaps to a fault. I clocked in around 34 hours, and despite my generally consistent enthusiasm, I was ready to see the end before it hit me with another round of puzzles or a story-focused exploration segment. It’s an ambitious and ultimately well-made package with many social, artistic, and scientific ideas that I’ll be thinking about for the foreseeable future, long after the solution to its final riddle has faded from memory. That enlightenment makes The Talos Principle II’s challenges worth the effort.
  32. Nov 2, 2023
    87
    Original and imaginative experience for a puzzle game that delivers on what it is.
  33. Nov 2, 2023
    86
    With thought-provoking philosophy and sharply varied puzzles, The Talos Principle 2 is a sublime sequel that seeks the knowledge of the gods but maintains its humanity.
  34. Dec 13, 2023
    85
    Wonderful philosophical reflections, a lot to discover, and truly phenomenal brainteasers make The Talos Principle II a dream puzzle game. I’d love more continuity in the dialogues and a stronger impact of my choices on what the androids discuss, but The Talos Principles II is still amazing.
  35. Nov 23, 2023
    85
    The Talos Principle 2 is more than the first game in every sense, with more innovative puzzles, vast regions to explore, and more thought-provoking questions.
  36. Nov 7, 2023
    85
    The Talos Principle 2 builds on the foundation of the first excellent game. It has a rich, thoughtful narrative where the puzzles aren’t just moving laser beams, but trying to figure out what it means to be part of a society. Moving the laser beams is fun, too, and there are enough systems to make those puzzles accessible but challenging. The Talos Principle 2 gives players a lot to think about.
  37. Nov 2, 2023
    85
    The Talos Principle II gives you a philosophical deep dive into yourself while offering some challenging puzzles as well. A great entry in the series.
  38. Nov 2, 2023
    82
    Despite a less than brilliant pace, The Talos Principle 2 manages to strengthen the formula of its predecessor, offering fans of the genre not a simple puzzle game, but rather a work designed to offer a mature and engaging experience, capable of keeping people moving your mind even after you move away from the screen.
  39. Nov 28, 2023
    80
    Too bad for the attention, overly zealous, towards a narrative aspect that should have followed the example of the first chapter to replicate its success. However, The Talos Principle 2 remains an essential title for all puzzle game enthusiasts, who will find plenty to sink their teeth into, especially (and it is highly recommended) if they aim for completeness.
  40. 80
    Beautiful and wonderfully clever, The Talos Principle 2 has a lot to say about both laser puzzles and the fundamental questions of humanity, even if it can't quite blend the two together.
  41. Nov 2, 2023
    80
    Though an occasional lack of polish and size for size’s sake approach doesn’t always prove beneficial, a brilliant assortment of puzzles nestled amidst a thought-provoking but compelling narrative still grants The Talos Principle II status as a sequel well worth the near-decade wait. That Croteam can inject a surprising amount of smart designs into their puzzles, as much they can demonstrate a commendable level of maturity as to the writing and choices provided in their tale, proves that even after all these years, the team’s talents across an array of departments remains untainted. And in the sequel’s case, stronger than what came before. Mechanically and narratively stimulating throughout, The Talos Principle II is an accomplished follow-up that just might eclipse the 2014 original.
  42. Nov 2, 2023
    80
    The Talos Principle 2 turns puzzle solving into a sacred act with its super-sized suite of intellectual challenges.
  43. Nov 2, 2023
    80
    The Talos Principle 2 is an ambitious sequel that explores bold, if unambiguous territory in its philosophical robot puzzling.
  44. Nov 2, 2023
    80
    Whether you played the original or not, The Talos Principle 2 is still a drop dead gorgeous, incredibly challenging puzzle game.
  45. Nov 2, 2023
    80
    Puzzles are meant to be solved; philosophy deals with something that, inherently, can’t be. That The Talos Principle 2 manages to explore both simultaneously is incredibly impressive.
  46. If you’re just in this for the puzzles, then The Talos Principle 2 is a fantastic puzzle game that, despite its difficulty, carefully crafts itself to be accessible to everyone with innovative mechanics that all interlink in ways that will keep surprising you. Taking the game as a whole package though, the narrative greatly drags it down both in terms of the quality of the writing and how it’s implemented as part of the experience.
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  1. All of which is to say that there's a lot to love in The Talos Principle 2, even aside from its excellent puzzles, philosophical questions, and really quite gorgeous scenery. [RPS Bestest Bests]