Oxenfree II: Lost Signals

What it ultimately comes down to is that if you liked the original Oxenfree, then you will probably enjoy Oxenfree II. It should be noted that while the game ran smoothly for most of its run time I did run into a few minor bugs, most notably a dialogue bubble staying on screen when I took out Riley’s radio just as a different cutscene was happening. These were inconsequential, but what was not was the fact that exactly one time the game did crash on me. Luckily the game is constantly auto saving so no progress was lost, but any crash is still frustrating nonetheless. Getting past those though, I found this second entry into the story of Edwards Island to be worthwhile. The world feels dark and mysterious, the voice actors are all killing their roles, and for those who have played the original game you will probably walk away feeling satisfied with at least one of the possible endings the game offers, I know I was.

Oxenfree 2 is a follow-up that has been worth the wait. If you were a fan of the first game, and I certainly was, this will give you more of what you loved. Like the first game, it asks complex questions about the choices we make in life and the direction they can take us, all wrapped up in some creepy analog horror effects. If you’re in need of a narrative adventure game focused on time in more ways than one, Oxenfree 2 is essential.

Oxenfree II: Lost Signals is as unique as its predecessor and once again shows that Night School Studio is onto something with their 'walk and talk' mechanic. We can't wait to go back and dive in once more, and can't recommend the game enough.

Prepare for a perfectly packaged paranormal adventure in Oxenfree II: Lost Signals, taking you on a mind-bending supernatural story through Camena as Riley, who is researching the strange goings-on.

Oxenfree II: Lost Signals’ story is moving, moody, and meticulously crafted in line with your choices. Immersive in every way, the gameplay is deeply tied to the game’s narrative, never feeling disjointed even as you move from chasing frequencies to traversing the land, and all of that succeeds because of how you, as Riley, fit into the story.

Oxenfree II: Lost Signals is an excellent sequel that takes the story in a significantly different direction without losing what made the original such an essential piece of storytelling. The sharper focus on fewer characters makes for a much better-paced experience without the need to juggle multiple relationships. Pacing issues do crop up if you happen to take a wrong turn but, in spite of that, Oxenfree II still provides an intriguing, suspenseful mystery that fans and newcomers will both adore. Be sure to play the original first, though.

The issues the characters face outside the supernatural horrors bearing down upon them are the most relatable we’ve seen in the series yet. Teens struggle against their own troublesome pasts, adults are desperate not to repeat their worst mistakes, and authority figures with their authority breaking down as they’re drawn into intense, personal problems. Those are the moments that stand out long after playing, far more so than any crazy time portal or ghostly possession. OXENFREE II tells an extremely human story, and it tells it very well. If you have any interest in games as a vehicle for storytelling, OXENFREE II offers something you shouldn’t miss.

Oxenfree 2 is excellent entertainment whose magic lies mainly in its gripping writing, well-constructed characters, and absolutely brilliant sound work, voice acting and music included. If you liked the first part, no doubt you will love its sequel, which retains the same aura overall and only deepens a few aspects of its experience, capable of immersing you in its captivating universe from its first minutes.

Spooky vibes and believable characters make Oxenfree II an atmospheric and immersive mystery from start to finish.

Oxenfree II: Lost Signals embraces the player and makes them a key pillar of a story where every conversation matters. It may falter in its puzzles and the amount of dialogue may be overwhelming for some, but the depth of its cast and storyline invites you to replay it several times to discover absolutely everything that happens in Camena.

It's a thought-provoking and complex coda to the game that impressed us so much in 2016. But it also has something important of its own to say. And I've never heard anything like it in a computer game before.

Oxenfree 2 is a great time. We enjoyed the gripping story with significant decisions that promise a high level of replay value. The art style and the characters are also very well done. The only major problem are some pacing issues. But especially for the price with that amount of playtime, you can hardly complain.

Oxenfree II: Lost Signals keep everything that made the first one so especial, adding more freedom of exploration and changing the teenagers for adults tired of life.

The game does a great job at grabbing the player's attention and provides a fitting audiovisual environment, but its gameplay can often feel repetitive with a course of action that gets dull sometimes. For a game that makes use of so many dialogues, Oxenfree II is not always able to deliver the most interesting exchanges, and its plot development turns out to be more linear than it seems. Fans of plot-heavy games with mystery settings still have plenty to enjoy here, though.