PixelJunk Monsters 2

 PlayStation 4
Metascore
72

Mixed or average reviews - based on 10 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 4 out of 10
  2. Mixed: 6 out of 10
  3. Negative: 0 out of 10
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  1. Video Chums
    Jun 4, 2018
    72
    PixelJunk Monsters 2 is a decent follow-up to the classic tower defense game. It may take a few steps back but there's no denying that its fresh visuals and addictive gameplay make it worth checking out for long-time fans and real-time strategy enthusiasts.
  2. Easy Allies
    Jun 24, 2018
    70
    PixelJunk Monsters 2 is exceedingly similar to its predecessor. The core mechanics remain simple with deep, nuanced strategy, but the short length and lack of multiplayer innovations are a letdown. It’s an easy game to recommend for fans and newcomers to the tower defense genre, but it lacks the impact of the original.
  3. Gamer.nl
    Jun 7, 2018
    70
    PixelJunk Monsters 1 was a great tower defense game, and its sequel is exactly that. The claymation layer is impressive, but the game is haunted by a clumsy camera and limitations in co-op.
  5. Push Square
    May 26, 2018
    70
    PixelJunk Monsters 2 is a brave sequel that attempts to fix something that isn't broken, and has ended up taking away more than it adds. The 3D graphics are gorgeous, but the game is less readable as a result, and maintaining all your towers is more difficult when you can't see them all at once. However, the root of what makes these games special shines through, and when you're slaying enemies in a perfectly executed run, the flaws fade away, and you're left with a delightfully satisfying tower defence title that almost anyone can enjoy.
  6. PlayStation LifeStyle
    May 25, 2018
    70
    Pixeljunk Monsters 2 does the original great justice by lifting the core experience and spreading it across a big, bright, three-dimensional playing field. But it feels like a typical tower defense game from the 2007-08 boom. It fails to incorporate ideas from genre contemporaries who have moved the mark as far as agency.
  7. Destructoid
    May 31, 2018
    60
    It's an okay-at-best tower defense title that treads familiar ground. Coming off the original, that's a huge downgrade.
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  1. Eurogamer
    May 30, 2018
    PixelJunk Monsters 2 isn't as fresh as the original, perhaps, and it's not as gloriously dark and confusing as The Tomorrow Children, but it is precise and clever and it asks quite a lot of you when you're playing. For me, that was enough to win me over.

User Reviews

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User Score
7.0

Mixed or average reviews- based on 30 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 20 out of 30
  2. Mixed: 3 out of 30
  3. Negative: 7 out of 30
  1. metaboar
    Jul 7, 2018
    9
    Another low ranking review like what the hell?!?!? This is one of the best tower defense games in years this makes no sense.
  2. tmillet2017
    May 29, 2018
    8
    To put this in perspective, I would rate the original game somewhere between 9-10. The original PixelJunk Monsters appeared simple on theTo put this in perspective, I would rate the original game somewhere between 9-10. The original PixelJunk Monsters appeared simple on the surface, but as you looked closer, it was a strategic masterpiece that required a lot of thought, planning, and timely execution in order to conquer the most difficult levels (aside from the stupid "Eruption Destruction" level which required a lot of luck).

    First off, I cannot speak to the multiplayer aspect, as I have yet to try it. But now that I've rainbowed every level on Fun and Tricky difficulties (haven't tried Mayhem yet), I can safely say that the second game stays mostly true to the original's core mechanics. The biggest issue to me is that it adds a few unnecessary things, and takes away a few vital things.

    It adds 3D graphics, the ability to jump, and an option to use a new 3rd person perspective. It also adds new customizable outfits for your tiki dude. However, it takes away the top down view of the entire map, replacing it with a slightly zoomed in top-down view. This makes it a little more difficult to oversee your towers and quickly identify areas of weakness that need fortifying. Also, one tower can now consume up to three trees, depending on where you place it. It's not a one to one ratio anymore. You can no longer check the upgrade status of all your towers at once, which helped me identify which ones to dance on next (or at least I have not found that button yet). I also haven't come across a sprint button (would be nice to have a sprint option, with maybe a stamina bar or something). There are no new towers in the original game (two new towers to come in the DLC).

    In conclusion, the game is still fantastic. However, as one reviewer stated, it felt like they tried to fix a few things that weren't broken, rather than just add to the already amazing original game. If you like strategy based, trial and error type games, this is for you.    … Full Review »
  3. boynamedluke
    May 25, 2018
    10
    Having played Monsters 1 to excess with each iteration released and on each platform it was released on, I was ecstatic to learn of theHaving played Monsters 1 to excess with each iteration released and on each platform it was released on, I was ecstatic to learn of the Monsters 2 launch! The original was a near perfect game and the absolute best couch co-op experience on this planet. Monsters 2 brings all of that back - ALL of it - and then some. Visually stunning, I love the design - are these the dead Tomorrow People assets? The controls are tight, multiplayer dancing is rewarding, and the challenge remains on each curvy road. Outstanding release from Pixeljunk, well done. Now to earn all these rainbows...… Full Review »
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