Remnant II Review: A Top Tier Distraction (PS5)

We last took a look at Remnant: From the Ashes after its release four years ago. Since then a trailer announced a continuation to the franchise during The Game Awards in 2022. Following up with a playable demo at the Summer Fest last June, until ultimately releasing a month after. General feedback found the franchise lacking which left it unable to reach complete novelty when compared to similar titles. It’s safe to say the sequel has aimed higher but this boss-focused RPG is still flying under the radar as the game of mayhem it is.

Developed by Gunfire Games and published by Gearbox, Remnant II is available to play on PC, PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X and S.

Story – Not on the Forefront

At face value the game’s story is moderately understandable and sticks to the lore from its previous installments. The journey takes place twenty years after we meet Clementine in the DLC of Remnant: From the Ashes. A key point to remember is her telepathic-like abilities are only available to her; newcomers could find her role confusing if going in blindly. Rather than continuing as the wanderer, players instead are now seeing the effects of their actions (canonically) from then to this latest game.  

We open into the post-apocalyptic domain now as a traveler with a companion suffering from root rot named Cass. While seeking a mythic location known as The Ward, deadwood creatures ambush our party. Arriving just in the nick of time Clementine and Boe guide us back to Ward 13, sending Cass to get treatment, then leading us to Ford and the world stone. From here it becomes a bit sloppy as we begin to learn more regarding the world stone and Ford’s wishes to bury the area before sapping himself inside the stone. Eavesdropping, Clementine is suddenly pulled into the stone as well by an unknown force.

Clementine and Boe rescue players from ambush

What initially was a rescue turns into a world saving mission to stop The Root. We get to see more familiarities such as the Yeasha realm, and The Ravager. Many deem this non important and typically skim through until we’re able to add other players. Arguably this storytelling works but rushes itself around the conclusion of the tale. Playthroughs per world has a subplot for players to progress within the main story. Finding more lore will require paying close attention to NPC dialogue, item descriptions and puzzle solving. In total, the plot isn’t on the forefront for the escapades. Players are able to choose how they play but will find the same enemies to fight regardless of the in-game choices made. 

Gameplay – Great Replayability

Once you get to the main hub, Ward 13, you choose a character archetype to establish a style of play. Hunter, Challenger, Medic, and Handler are the initial choices with each having unique skills and traits to aid the quest. Users can eventually use two varieties at a time– with one acting as a primary. Experience seemingly endless customizability as users modify, upgrade, purchase and unlock archetypes and weapons. Loot lovers will have a blast with this segment constantly delivering a reward within every search of the vast arenas. Secrets can also be discovered in the nooks and crannies across worlds.

Medic archetype overview

As mentioned the neat thing is that no playthrough is the same for players. Campaigns will have the items, bosses, realm order and layouts shuffled within the main plot. In total there are five worlds to see, and two separate stories to encounter upon your visit to each. Three of five locations are standard to visit, though the order can still be randomized. Speed runners could finish the game within 6-8 hours. Though gamers shouldn’t expect a zero death encounter; soloist will undergo punishment as they fend for themselves. One day quickly turns to one week in between all the rage quits. 

Three Is Not a Crowd Here

The adventure is far more enjoyable when on max three multiplayer; nonetheless challenging as the squad guards each other’s backs. Boss’ designs have distinctive traits with cooperation in mind rather than a host player attack structure. Small bugs can occur during the playthrough, such as occasionally long load screens, or a lagging dog companion animation during a fight. Nothing that truly takes away from the feel, if anything giving a good laugh. 

Coop battle against the Corrupted Ravager

In-Play Mechanics

Overall a smoother experience compared to Remnant: From the Ashes. Timing is everything as you master dodge cues to avoid projectiles, long, and close ranged attacks. In fact majority of battle encounters follow a continuous dodge and shoot pattern. Players will especially feel repetition in this regard when facing minor bosses and hordes. The charm and difficulty stem more from the endless spawn warfare, looting and upgrades. There are hardly any instances where you aren’t defending yourself against a swarm. 

Graphics and Sound – Sets the Mood

The visual atmosphere really shows off Unreal Engine 5 no matter where players travel to. Scenery renders to match in cutscenes and gameplay. Each realm gives immersive color palettes that satisfy the journey stimulation. In game graphics and enemies are identical and detailed, particularly boss levels which gradually become more dynamic with every progression. One clever design element is when players find themselves on fire; either jumping or rolling into water will immediately put them out with a steam cloud. Animation serves best in each conflict as every shot, punch and slice delivers descriptive graphics. 

Player encounters Nimue

Lukewarm Dialogue 

One elephant in the room for the gameplay lies in the character’s dialogue. The traveler character we play as will usually comment before or after combat in ways that don’t suite the narrative. Going from a relatable millennial’s voice acting into other character’s deep realm fantasy vocals made for a cringe pairing. This tone is similar to playing dungeons and dragons with the lights on. To reiterate, the voice acting is in no way done poorly but it clearly sticks out from the atmosphere. Toppling alongside the rush of the narration, users easily steer to playing the game on mute in the long run. 

Memorable Bosses

Enemy introductions peak in contrast to the prior games by far. The amount of detail put into individual figure alone creates a captivating dynamic that seals a player in the moment when taking on titans. Some, like the Labyrinth Sentinel, are ingenious in using its design mechanics for user to think beyond simply rolling to avoid attacks. Others shine in their difficulty, massive sizes, or stunning model concepts. Each foe serves ruthless retaliation and you’ll be sure to remember who you face for months to come. 

Epic battle against the Labyrinth Sentinel

A Gold Score Soundtrack 

Beside crispy graphics is a powerful soundtrack composed by Rob Westwood, who received a Jerry Goldsmith XIV Award nomination for his past work in Remnant: From the Ashes. The epic orchestra follows our character into every battle and perfectly matches whatever scenario we find ourselves in. This salvages the game from the dialogue’s more mundane tone, and keeps effective engagement.

Remnant II was reviewed on PlayStation 5.