PixelJunk Shooter 2

Shines in every way one could expect from a downloadable title, and it simply can't come more highly recommended.

PixelJunk Shooter 2 is Q-Games' most complete and robust package yet, offering not only an excellently polished single-player campaign, but also what will likely go down in history as one of the year's best multiplayer experiences.

There really isn't one negative thing I can say about PixelJunk Shooter 2. The game is even better than I thought it was going to be. And after loving the original, I had high expectations!

A lot like difficult classics like Mega Man or Ghouls 'N Ghosts in that the trials themselves are half the fun. [Issue#108, p.127]

More of the same in a good way rather than a lazy more of the same. [Issue#204, p.96]

It has the same base as the first game, but adds lots of new dangers and interactive mazes that make it more than an expansion. And also something that extends the duration of the game: competitive and cooperative multiplayer modes.

With its PixelJunk Shooter series, Q-Games has created some fascinating, beautiful worlds that are fun to explore and play in. And to its credit, PixelJunk Shooter 2 manages to successfully do what every sequel hopes to accomplish -- improve on the original in almost every way.

The campaign seemed to last a good bit longer than the original did at just over seven hours with a good reason to replay those levels to get all survivors and diamonds that gives it a lot of replay value before the multiplayer factors in. If you enjoyed PixelJunk Shooter, there's no reason to skip out on the sequel.

Almost perfect control in this puzzle shooter with lots of smart ideas. A fun multiplayer mode and the addictive co-op makes it a brilliant sequel to a great game.

That said, however, Pixeljunk Shooter 2 is an excellent game. With a fresh graphical style, tight controls, and innovative gameplay, it's everything a downloadable game should be. While there are some minor stumbles for the more casual, puzzle-oriented player, that shouldn't discourage anyone who's curious from picking it up.

Add a new competitive online mode (only two players, mind) where you can earn upgrades for your ship and you're looking at another must-buy. [May 2011, p.92]

After a great First part, it's time for a new one. This new PixelJunk shooter game delivers great gameplay, nice co-op features and a lot of colors in different levels. Every fan will enjoy this sequel.

PixelJunk Shooter 2 is a very nice puzzle shooter, packed with stylish graphics and sounds. The game can be very frustrating at times, but also very rewarding.

PixelJunk Shooter 2 is a big improvement on the first game. Everything is bigger and better. If you want to download a great game for your PlayStation 3 you should consider buying this game!

PJS2 isn't a paradigm-shifter, but it's smart and fun.

Sometimes more of the same is better than nothing, but PJS2's core gameplay will need some serious experimentation if the series is to continue any further; because as awesome as manipulating the geology and chemistry of your environments was in the beginning, it doesn't take long for it to run its course without feeling a little thin in the end...For now though, it's just right.

The perfect gaming colonic. [May 2011, p.91]

It takes winning ideas and simply builds on them without sacrificing anything essential.

PixelJunk Shooter 2 is the faster, more difficult second half of the original game. But in no way is that a bad thing. There are more frustrations than the first, with a lot of levels demanding multiple replays to avoid some surprise deaths.

PixelJunk Shooter 2 once again proves that creative minds have all the space they need on the current generation of consoles. The mixing of different elements (like water, lava, gas and oil) is innovative, works extremely well and is expertly executed. What makes this interesting from start to finish are the different elements each level brings with it.

Though frustration can mount during the solo adventure, Shooter 2 still offers up a ton of ingenuity and creative punch at a puny price. [May 2011, p.83]

Well-designed and beautifully animated. [Apr 2011, p.118]

Shooter 2 is not as consistent of an experience as its predecessor. Given Q's record of creating terrific "Encore" expansions for previous PixelJunk games, it's a bit disappointing that the franchise's first real sequel falls a little short. Still, I imagine it'd be a welcome addition to anyone's PSN library.

While PixelJunk Shooter 2 may seem more like an expansion than a standalone game, there's no shortage of new ingredients to enrich what was already a lively concoction. [Apr 2011, p.97]

By and large, PixelJunk Shooter 2 is actually a better game than the first. There are more toys, more variety, online play (in theory) and arguably a better use of colour and sound as well. The drawbacks actually arise out of being a massive fan of the PixelJunk games and expecting more.

The challenge may be a little steep for newcomers, but PixelJunk Shooter 2 still lives up to the standard of quality and fun Q Games has consistently delivered.

Short but otherwise highly entertaining shooter game filled to the brim with unique aesthetics and enjoyable gameplay. The newly added multi player lacks depth, though. There are plenty of shooter games around these days, but Pixeljunk Shooter is one of the most entertaining on PSN right now.

Better, longer, more diverse and much more intense. The sequel of PixelJunk Shooter honors its name with a new focus on action without losing the essence of what made the first one so great.

A great game just like its predecessor, but be prepared for a significantly greater challenge. The unique vibe is as cool as ever, with possibly even more head-thumping music than before and simple, eye-pleasing visuals to round out the aesthetic package.

Rather than leaving players blasting away indiscriminately, the game introduces more complex and engaging design based around its excellent fluid dynamics, inviting us to invest greater mental energy into our play.

While some of the charm of Pixeljunk Shooter 2 is lost because it recycles a lot of the same mechanics as the first, it's still a damn fine arcade shooter.

While not exactly a bad thing, the single player campaign in PixelJunk Shooter 2 is basically more of the same puzzle/shoot'em up hybrid from the first game. However an interesting online battle mode adds both value and freshness to the formula.

The new elements and levels produced for PixelJunk Shooter 2 are nice, but they don't feel like enough to justify another full-priced game. The engine is still the exact same, so while the visuals and art are still high-quality, the imprecise and sloppy controls have also returned.

Imaginative puzzles and explosive boss fights are the most exciting elements of this sequel, but a new emphasis on shooting brings some frustration to the mix.

Quotation forthcoming.

It tries to expand the first game's experience by adding more length and difficulty, but a bad balance makes it a slightly worse game.

A slightly disappointing sequel that abandons much of the mellow charm of the original in favour of more action and a lot more aggravation.

I enjoyed Shooter 2 enough to recommend it, but I don't see myself replaying levels in order to find all the secrets, like I did for the first game. At least not without help.

But while this multiplayer mode is one of the game's most successful additions, it's curious that a series known for rejecting convention seems to be embracing the 'bigger, better, more' mentality here.