Tails of Iron 2: Whiskers of Winter

 Xbox Series X
Metascore
78

Generally favorable reviews - based on 8 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 5 out of 8
  2. Mixed: 3 out of 8
  3. Negative: 0 out of 8
  1. XboxEra
    Jan 27, 2025
    90
    Tails of Iron 2: Whiskers of Winter is a thoroughly enjoyable Metroidvania with detailed action-RPG mechanics, that still offers challenging soulslike combat without feeling like a punishing ride on its easiest mode. On its normal and hard difficulties, the game offers a grind that will leave you feeling tested at best, and a crying mess at very worst. It’s an extremely well-put-together experience that I can wholeheartedly recommend.
  2. GAMES.CH
    Mar 10, 2025
    83
    Overall Tails of Iron 2: Whiskers of Winter plays it very safe. It takes what worked in the first game and adds a few bells and whistles in different areas of the game. The combat is still very satisfying and the world is brimming with life and atmosphere. Thanks to a fantastic look and Doug Cockle as the narrator it is easy to get lost in this grim world of rats and frogs.
  3. ElDesmarque
    Feb 24, 2025
    82
    A sequel that refines the formula of the first game without revolutionizing it. Its combat is challenging and satisfying, its art direction is impeccable and the atmosphere is once again fabulous. However, the lack of innovation in its story and the few tweaks to its gameplay may not be enough for avid fans of the first installment.
  5. SomosXbox
    Feb 12, 2025
    82
    I’ve had the pleasure of playing Tails of Iron 2 on my Xbox, and the experience has been incredible. Although I haven’t tried the first game, I can say with complete certainty that after this experience, I will definitely play the first as soon as I finish this sequel. This game is a 2D soulslike where you play as Arlo, a little rat with a lot of problems. The action is fast-paced from the very beginning, and it won’t be long before you face an enemy that truly tests your skills.
  6. TheXboxHub
    Jan 27, 2025
    80
    You’ll want to arrive in Tails of Iron 2: Whiskers of Winter knowing that the game is absolutely brutal, and so that means you’ll need to absolutely dedicate yourself to learning the game's systems, closing your eyes and going for it. For many though, that bar of entry may feel a little too high.
  7. ZTGD
    Feb 21, 2025
    70
    I enjoyed the original Tails of Iron, its hand drawn art and the story is what really did it. Tails of Iron 2 delivers more but polishes some of the rough edges that the original launched with. The new setting of the game is nice as well as the additions to the combat. The best addition by far is the ability to dial down the challenge, I love that we are seeing these sliders more and more in “soulslike” games. Whiskers of Winter is a solid sequel, even if it played it safe by not really making drastic changes to the formula from the original.
  8. Gameliner
    Jan 27, 2025
    70
    Tails of Iron 2: Whiskers of Winter builds on the original with enhanced polish and its trademark charm. While improvements are clear, repetitive gameplay and limited RPG depth persist. Fans will appreciate the upgrades, but it won’t convert skeptics.
  9. Gamereactor UK
    Jan 27, 2025
    70
    If you're looking for a competent Souls-like game with brutal boss fights, lots of cool weapons, and armour, and not least a gorgeous art style, then Tails of Iron 2 is a strong choice. For the most part, I enjoyed my 10-15 hours with the game, even though I was constantly nagged by the feeling that something more than just a solid game was lurking around the corner.
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  1. Xboxygen
    Mar 4, 2025
    Tails of Iron 2 uses a tried and tested action-RPG formula, while presenting a very neat 2D artistic direction and even benefiting from Geralt of Rivia's voice. Apart from a few ergonomic adjustments, the combat component, which embodies the heart of its gameplay, is well oiled. Exploration and management could be far better to what is currently on offer. All in all, even if it is a decent game that we can recommend without any hesitation, the Tails of Iron licence could become much more, provided that these other aspects are exploited further. As they say, all good things come in threes.