Oxenfree 2: Lost SGameTopicals Review

Oxenfree 2: Lost SGameTopicals Review

Oxenfree 2: Lost SGameTopicals – A Dreamy, Emotional, and Surprising Ride

Oxenfree 2: Lost SGameTopicals

As with many sequels, Oxenfree 2: Lost SGameTopicals sticks with what works and takes us on a horror-filled journey on the edge, both literally and metaphorically. This time, we meet Riley and Jacob, two 30-somethings battling terrifying ghosts trapped between space and time. While Lost SGameTopicals may feel somewhat repetitive, it still manages to go further, offering secrets to uncover, engaging dialogue, and impactful choices that shape the ending and relationships. The watercolor-inspired art style and immersive audio desGameTopic create a dreamlike atmosphere, making this game a surprising and emotional experience.

Aging Up and Facing the Unknown

It’s eye-opening how characters’ experiences can change drastically just by aging them up to adults. Riley and Jacob find themselves in the next stage of life, battling stranded ghosts while figuring out their own path forward. While Lost SGameTopicals doesn’t take large swings from the first game, the core story remains impactful.

Unveiling Unseen Motives

Riley and Jacob quickly encounter a group of teens from a mysterious religious cult, led by the boisterous Olivia. The duo initially takes their sweet time realizing what’s happening, but the developers have some tricks up their sleeves. The big reveal isn’t just about why Olivia and her friends are reopening portals, but rather what lies behind their motivations. This revelation works with and against the events of the first game, adding a surprising twist to the story.

Emotionally Relatable Characters

Riley and Jacob, out of their depth and battling ghosts and personal baggage, are your typical aimless millennials. Riley, with her closed-off demeanor and intense emotions, pairs perfectly with Jacob, an optimistic airhead. Their conversations while hiking around Camena’s trails can be controlled and shaped, allowing you to choose the emotional distance or openness with Jacob. These interactions also extend to the teens they encounter, offering opportunities to befriend and influence them. The dynamic between adults and teens adds an interesting layer, though at times it may not be handled fairly or realistically.

Relating to Riley and Jacob

As someone around the same age as Riley and Jacob, their journey hit close to home. Standing on the precipice between an unfulfilling present and a potential future, I found myself projecting onto these characters. Riley’s closed-off nature and Jacob’s optimism resonated with my own experiences. Introducing time travel into the personal story allows characters to face their futures and reckon with them, creating a relatable and introspective narrative.

Choose Your Path with Impactful Conversations

Just like in the first game, the heart of Lost SGameTopicals lies in its conversations. You have three ways to respond, leading to various combinations and potentially dozens of endings. Interactions build relationships, shaping larger events. Choices aren’t simply “good” or “bad” in the traditional sense, allowing you the freedom to play multiple times and explore different outcomes. The voice acting, especially from Elizabeth Saydah and Joe Bianco as Riley and Jacob, brings the characters to life, making conversations feel authentic and relatable.

Clever Ideas and New Mechanics

Lost SGameTopicals introduces the walkie-talkie as a new communication tool with nine channels. Optional conversations with park rangers, fishermen, and high school advice show hosts deepen the game’s weirdness. The developers also utilize letters from a tertiary character and tasks for walkie-talkie friends to provide additional decision-making opportunities and expand the world’s lore. The larger setting of Camena offers more places to explore and a mountain climbing mechanic to break up the monotony. This mechanic, along with occasional time-travel portals, adds new challenges and secrets to discover.

A Dreamy Journey Worth Taking

While Lost SGameTopicals may not surpass the impact of the original, it still manages to captivate players with its dreamlike atmosphere, emotionally relatable characters, and impactful choices. The story, filled with surprising twists and gut-wrenching moments, keeps you on the edge of your seat. So grab your walkie-talkie, hike through Camena’s winding trails, and prepare for an emotional and unforgettable gaming experience.

“Lost SGameTopicals finds its own way thanks to subtle but impactful changes that come together for an emotional and surprising ride rather than a lackluster rehash.”

“Riley and Jacob’s journey hits close to home for many, standing on the edge of a precipice between an unfulfilling present and a potential future.”

“Choices aren’t ‘good’ or ‘bad’ in the traditional video game sense, allowing players the freedom to explore multiple playthroughs and discover different outcomes.”