Costume Quest 2 Reviews
Double Fine has brought back Wren and Reynolds in another adventure to save Halloween in Costume Quest 2, a sequel that manages to improve on almost every weak aspect of the first outing while pushing the story further in a way that's not incredibly ridiculous.
Halloween may be over, but you should take the chance to go trick-or-treating once again with Costume Quest 2.
An almost apathetic sequel that accomplishes nothing more and a little less than its predecessor.
Costume Quest 2 makes key changes to the way battles unfold, removing the unique play style of each costume. The streamlined mechanics work to the game's advantage, especially when you are trying to focus on bonus attacks, as well as blocking and countering. The dialogue is well-written, but the last hour or so of the game falls short of expectations. Parts of the narrative aren't explained as well as they should be, and the last battle in the game occurs rather abruptly.
Costume Quest 2 is at its best when the repetitive role-playing combat system takes a backseat to its adventure-style exploration and dialogue.
All Costume Quest needed was a more interesting battle system, better quests and a longer more involving story to be a great game. Costume Quest 2 has better quests and a more interesting story, and a better designed world. It's still got the excellent writing, sound, and music that'll keep most people happy, but it was the battle system that needed an overhaul most and it hasn't had it.
Costume Quest 2 is a decent sequel in terms of story but lacks the necessary gameplay innovations. Environments are varied but a bit confusing and some of the new costumes are relatively fun, while others recycle abilities seen in the first two experiences. As such, while fans will certainly enjoy the "more of the same" nature of the new title, those looking for more new things might have to go elsewhere.
Being too similar to the first game and finishing far too quickly keep 'Costume Quest 2' from greatness. It maintains its predecessor's wit, although the jokes have been diluted somewhat, as have the mechanics. It could most accurately be described as a playable cartoon, and is a short and sweet romp for any RPG fan who doesn't mind its cuteness or brevity.
Costume Quest 2 is a repetitive carbon copy of the 2010 title and should probably have been DLC or released as part of a double pack with the original on Xbox One. It's a fun game, but with realistically only six hours of playing time on hand, it may leave you wanting.
Even with all of its Halloween charm, Costume Quest 2's greatest strength is that it knows its limits. It's a short experience, and it's to it benefit as it never feels bloated. It's the quintessential bite-sized RPG, wrapped in all the Halloween charm you could ever hope for.
A heart-warming, nostalgic sequel to everyone's favourite Halloween adventure. If you enjoyed the first game, Give Wren and Reynold another go, but Costume Quest 2 sticks close to the original's formula.
Costume Quest 2 has a lot to like, especially with its fun gameplay and witty, clever story. It isn't a particularly long title, but the five hours I spent with it was a blast. Some framerate troubles persist here and there, and the trick-or-treat aspect can get redundant after a while, but the faults I had with the game are minimal compared to the overall experience. It's definitely a game that is not only a treat, but won't rot out your teeth after finishing it.
Lightweight but inventive, Costume Quest 2 feels like a Pixar adventure masquerading as an RPG. It goes out of its way to keep things simple... perhaps too simple at times. But its simplicity is redeemed by its terrific art and wry sense of humor, and most importantly, the sheer fun of its premise.
It's a great game for a younger audience who wouldn't mind the slowness to it, but for those who are used to instant gratification games, this is not for you.