Gunfire Games, the creators of Darksiders III and the innovative 2019 title Remnant: From the Ashes, are back with their latest action-RPG endeavour, Remnant 2. It’s a tantalizing blend of sci-fi, fantasy and high-octane combat that offers an addictive mix of exploration, discovery and the thrill of survival against overwhelming odds. After a hands-on session with the sequel, I feel safe saying Remnant 2 is set to be a standout entry in the ever-evolving Soulslike genre.
In the four years since the original game’s release, Gunfire Games has not been resting on its laurels. The developers have reimagined, redefined and refined the Remnant experience. They have effectively transformed the franchise with the introduction of new gameplay mechanics, a more visually immersive world, and a deepening of the game’s defining procedurally generated environments.
In Remnant 2, players will traverse through stunning environments that couldn’t be more different from the drab greys and browns of the original. The game now boasts a colour palette that expands the range and look of the overall experience. Whether you’re meandering through dense jungles, delving into dusty catacombs or climbing to dizzying heights in the Imperial Gardens, each environment is a feast for the senses. The attention to detail is breathtaking and something I enjoy seeing in a genre that is often dominated by grey, Elden Ring notwithstanding.
Remnant 2‘s combat mechanics have also been overhauled, adding a new level of depth to battles. The addition of verticality, a feature conspicuously absent from the original, gives encounters a dynamic feel. You’re no longer confined to the ground; gaps can be leapt over, and enemies can attack from above. The gunplay is impressively refined, with each weapon feeling solid, responsive and rewarding. While it is hard to say how different the later game will feel, I was thoroughly impressed by the segment I tried. I found Remnant: From the Ashes a bit clunky the times I played it, so I was very happy to see the team refine it with this outing.
“Remnant 2 will blow you away with its sheer density of content.”
On the RPG side of things, character customization in Remnant 2 is deeper and more rewarding than ever. The game introduces Archetypes — character classes such as Gunslinger, Handler and Challenger — each with their own equipment, weapons, traits and unique skill trees. As you progress, you’ll be able to choose two Archetypes, opening up a whole new world of intriguing character combinations and possibilities. I played the Handler during my time with the demo, and it felt like a good all-around class, but the developers gave a quick overview of all the types, each appealing to a different type of player and all looking solid in the segment I saw.
The progression system for these Archetypes isn’t just a linear path to power. Each has a special trait that evolves as you level up, and you can also find rings and amulets and even modify your dragon heart to customize further and empower your character. Whether you prefer to go in guns blazing or play more supportively with a trusty canine companion, the game offers plenty of flexibility to tailor your character to your play style.
Remnant’s use of procedural creation was one of its aspects; in this way, Remnant 2 stays true to its roots. From the start, each playthrough promises to be totally different, with things like the starting world, enemies, NPCs, side quests, and even some parts of the story changing each time. It’s an idea that makes each session exciting and unpredictable and keeps the game from getting boring or repetitive, no matter how long you play it.
“Remnant 2 is an ambitious sequel that carries the torch of the original while pushing the boundaries of what’s possible in the soulslike genre.”
The game also stands out for the way it mixes magic and science fiction in a unique way. The game harkens back to a wide range of sources, from classic myths to Guillermo Del Toro‘s dark fantasy masterpiece Pan’s Labyrinth. This gives your scary adventures an exciting background. Even though the storylines are different and engaging, they are all stitched together into a rich tapestry that gives the game’s story more depth and mystery.
Remnant 2 is at its best when you team up with friends to take on its terrifying monster enemies. Different archetypes work together in unique ways, opening up a world of strategy options and helping team members work together authentically. You can even jump into other players’ campaigns, giving you a chance to face obstacles and find items you might not find in your own playthrough. Watching people play the game at Summer Game Fest, it’s clear how well-suited it is to play with friends, and the changes made to the formula for this instalment look like they’ll bring some exciting surprises for fans of the series.
Remnant 2 is an ambitious sequel that carries the torch of the original while pushing the boundaries of what’s possible in the soulslike genre. It’s bigger, more daring, and full of exciting tasks that will test your skills and determination. The game is set to come out on July 25, and based on what we’ve seen so far, action RPG fans should definitely mark that date on their calendars.
