Sequel engine based Source game entitled Zeno Clash. For the second time we have the opportunity to direct the actions of the warrior Ghat, who travels through the abstract land of fantasy filled with monsters.
Building upon the daring visual design and gratifying first-person fisticuffs of the acclaimed original, Zeno Clash II is bigger, bolder, and better in every way. Zenozoik comes alive like never before, an open world waiting to be explored, one rendered with breathtaking splendor. Moreover, the entire game can be experienced with drop-in/drop-out online cooperative multiplayer.
Unique Art Direction and Visuals: The game's art style is described as surreal, bizarre, and beautiful, with stunning landscapes and memorable character designs that create a dreamlike atmosphere.
Expanded Combat Mechanics: The combat system has been refined with more moves and satisfying melee mechanics, enhancing the overall fighting experience.
Engaging Story and World-Building: The narrative continues the intriguing story from the first game, exploring themes of family and connection in a unique and abstract manner.
Open World Exploration: The shift to a more open-world design allows for greater exploration, rewarding players with secrets, collectibles, and side quests.
Co-op Mode: The introduction of multiplayer allows friends to play together, adding to the fun despite some reported bugs.
Sound Design and Music: The game features good sound design that complements its surreal atmosphere.
The main cons of the game
Combat Issues: While improved, combat can still feel clunky and inconsistent, with issues like hit detection and chaotic battles.
Underdeveloped Open World Elements: Some players found the open-world aspects lacking in polish, with areas feeling empty and exploration not fully rewarding.
Technical Bugs: Reports of bugs, especially in co-op mode, such as player movement issues and animation glitches, detracted from the experience.
Narrative Complexity: The abstract storytelling can be hard to follow, especially for those unfamiliar with the first game.
Lack of Manual Saving and Fast Travel: Some users expressed frustration over the absence of manual saving options and insufficient fast travel points.
The features or elements that are missing from the game according to users
More Polished Co-op Experience: Many players noted that the multiplayer mode could be buggy and hoped for a more seamless experience.
Enhanced Open World Mechanics: Suggestions for more engaging exploration and meaningful side quests were common, as well as a desire for a more robust upgrade system tied to combat rather than totems.
Improved Combat Responsiveness: Users expressed a desire for smoother and more responsive combat mechanics, particularly to eliminate sluggishness and input delay.
More Narrative Clarity: Some players wished for clearer storytelling that would make the plot easier to follow without prior knowledge of the first game.
Summary
Overall, while Zeno Clash 2 is praised for its creativity and unique style, it faces criticism for technical issues and narrative complexity that may hinder the experience for some players.