Curious Expedition 2 Reviews
Curiosity Expedition 2 is a roguelike that would probably be lots of fun to play on a video chat with friends, voting on actions as a group, and watching the chaos unfold. Otherwise, it’s an enjoyable exploration game with a host of unique features that lets you put your mind to the test without too much stress unless you want it to be.
If you want to recapture the feeling of old timey adventure movies, Curious Expedition 2 is a great way to do it. While it can be a lot for a first timer, the experience is rewarding run after run. During my first eight hours with the game, I completed five runs, and barely scratched the surface of things to do.
Curious Expedition 2 is more of an interactive board game of level one D&D. A game that balances roguelike tactics, RPG, and procedural storytelling well. A delightful top down surprise with a great depth to explore, do and encounter, that’s if RNG is on your side! If not, it’s into the lion’s den you go. Although slightly repetitive visually, you will likely not get the same story twice.
I’ve gotten the same enjoyment from Curious Expedition 2 as I did from its predecessor: the fun of exploring uncharted lands, the thrill of danger, the satisfaction of shrewd planning. I’ve spent over 20 hours with CE2 and haven’t tired of it. If you like survival, resource management, or elaborate board games, you might enjoy this unique strategy game. The colonial elements might turn some players off but not trouble others. Curious Expedition 2 makes many improvements, like offering an easier game to first-time players. If you can’t endure roguelikes, you can switch off that element by changing the difficulty settings, even mid-game. The lovely new art style and generous offering of new content also make CE2 worth picking up for old fans. My only big complaint is that each run is longer than it needs to be. A word about the Nintendo Switch port: I love playing this handheld. I just have two minor grouses about the UI. Scrolling through inventory takes a bit longer in CE2 than in CE1. And while trading, tool-tips often block half the screen. But overall, it’s an excellent port.
Curious Expedition 2 can be recommended to fans of strategy games with narrative elements and colorful graphics. Especially the different roles with their special abilities and personalities as well as procedural map generation lead to a high replay value, where you can still experience new things in the third playthrough. Only the random rolls could be improved, as they can throw a spanner in the works even with the best planning. If you don't get frustrated too easily and enjoy tactically dealing with all kinds of diseases, madness and the wilderness, Curious Expedition 2 will offer you some challenging hours.
Review in German | Read full review
Curious Expedition 2 is a great game during its first hours and expeditions, even excellent. But when there's nothing new to discover — which happens way too quickly for a roguelike — there's not much left to enjoy.
Review in Portuguese | Read full review
Curious Expedition 2 is highly motivating as well as highly frustrating. There's a lot of variety in the game, but also a lot of repetition. Contraries go together here, which makes it a good experience.
Review in German | Read full review
Curious Expedition 2 isn’t for those looking to relax at the end of a long day, rather for those looking for an 1800s adventure crazier than their wildest dreams. It’s a punishing experience in the vein of what it must have actually been like back in the day (sans the glowing purple fog and disappearing islands and all that), and one that will absolutely exhaust players as they lose track of time exploring the chain of procedurally-generated islands. If you’re very fond of rogue-likes and want to try a unique spin on the genre, Curious Expedition 2 is very likely your cup of Earl Grey; anyone else may want to watch a let’s play or two before spending your hard-plundered riches here.