Anodyne 2: Return To Dust is easy tp pick up and hard to put down; the core gameplay loop is exploring a 3D world, to find entrances to 2DAnodyne 2: Return To Dust is easy tp pick up and hard to put down; the core gameplay loop is exploring a 3D world, to find entrances to 2D "Zelda" stylized adventure sections. Explore the 2D sections to find dust and cards, and use the dust and cards to unlock new 3D areas. I got about halfway through the second act of this before life got in my way. At this point I had different thoughts of what Anodyne 2 was. Today I revisited the game and decided to begin again, and I am so pleased that I did. At the end of act 2, the developers basically throw that core gameplay out the window, and results in Anodyne 2 having some truly great moments. The writing is easily the biggest strength of this game, as with the rest of the games this developer has created. Anodyne 2 manages to seamlessly meld the quirky and dark humor of Anodyne with the contemplative commentary on human nature presented by Even the Ocean. It manages funny moments mixed with some real tear-jerker times, and even some moments of great tension, without any of it feeling forced or dull in its implimentation. The gameplay is solid and dependable throughout your time with it. While gameplay is not the main draw in Anodyne 2, but manages to stay away from tripping over itself. The 3D sections are mostly about exploration with the occasional moments of platforming, but the double jump and automatic glide means the platforming never feels punishing, and the Ridescale ability makes the necessary backtracking not feel like a grind. The 2D sections use a similar engine to the prequel, but the use of a vacuum cleaner as your primary weapon does keep the game feeling quite fresh. The music is setting the tone and the 3D sections all have an ethereal and somber feeling to them. Overall giving you a sense that all is not well in the world and ilk of despair and gloom is in the atmosphere. In the wake, the 2D action sections have themes that suit the moods of the individual areas. Highlights of the soundtrack include Upon Soaring Highways, Pastel Horizon, Stargaze Valley Night, and the theme for the last 2D section of the game, which I won't name to steer clear of any spoilers. The graphics are retro and makes you full of nostalgia and wonder where was this game in the 16 bit days of gaming. What's new is a game that captures that feeling, but for early 3D graphics and the 3D sections of the game simultaneously look like they were ripped right from a PS1 console in 1996. In the end, this game is utterly fantastic. I'm so pleased with my return to Anodyne 2, as this is now genuinely my favorite game published by the hard working team at Ratalaika Games. I can highly recommend for anyone who likes narrative thick games with a little action spread throughout. So if you do be sure to run (not walk) to the Xbox games store and pick up this diamond in the rough. This was a truly unexpected experience for me but oh so welcome.… Expand
