Back in February, I conveniently reviewed Reed Remastered which, at the time, was a pretty standard platformer with a cute protagonist. Beyond the bare story there was a fairly simple and repetitive structure to Reed Remastered, effectively each levels difficulty would gradually increase but the structure remained. This time, I found Reed 2 has found its way into my reviewing eyes, so lets see if there have been any improvements. Luckily, like the first game, for the Platinum Trophy hunters out there, Reed 2 is another to definitely add to your to do list!
This time in Reed 2 the plot has moved on from the old supercomputer creating a digital world that which started to break down. The actions of Reed didn’t fix the world, so now Reed must get to the developer and deliver the backup files. Just like Reed Remastered, after the initial plot is mentioned it’s not really referred to again in Reed 2. Whilst before just one cube was required to open a door, in Reed 2 every level contains three cubes which, when collected, lets you access the next level. There are 52 levels to get through, so 156 cubes to find, as before there are also some special hidden levels which don’t add anything besides some random text.
Reed 2 feels like the next set of levels which you played in Reed Remastered. You run and jump, avoiding enemies, traps and hazards until you find the three cubes dotted around the level. Once they’ve been found the door that was locked at the start open. Reed 2 starts off almost like it expects you to have played the first game and it’s difficulty curve shoots up drastically early on. This could be classed as clever design or laziness, but often the exit doors will often be quite close to where you started, which means going back through the obstacles you have already been past once.
Reed 2 continues the the one hit and your dead mechanic which is especially annoying in this second title, especially when you’ve collected the three cubes and have to make your way back. The usual hazards can be found in Reed 2 such as spikes, projectile shooting surfaces, timed platforms and buzzsaws. There are also crazy chickens that run around which obviously, when touched, will result in your demise and you have to start the level again. The level designs are pretty much the same throughout Reed 2 in the same vein as Reed Remastered. After the first 5 or so, the Reed 2 experience will remain the same as Reed Remastered.
Reed 2’s main character still does a frustrating slide at the end of a big jump or run which will often result in you hitting some spikes. There isn’t much to do in Reed 2 besides jumping and running, but if you enjoy a challenge then Reed 2 will challenge you. An issue with Reed Remastered was it wouldn’t let you see what’s underneath you, this is repeated in Reed 2. Musically, Reed 2 carries on the dark synth vibe. Graphically, Reed 2 looks exactly like Reed Remastered, so there’s been no improvement in that department. Once completed Reed 2 hasn’t got any worthy collectibles or secrets. There are hidden levels and hidden characters, but they don’t add to the story nor do they add anything to your experience
Reed 2 is a simplistic platform title but starts off at a much higher difficulty level than it’s predecessor, Reed Remastered. If you enjoyed Reed Remastered then Reed 2 will give you a couple of hours at least of of reasonably challenging entertainment. Reed 2 is better than Reed Remastered, but it still lacks a little polish and depth to recommend it to anyone who isn’t a keen platform fan.
REVIEW CODE: A complimentary Playstation 4 code was provided to Bonus Stage for this review. Please send all review code enquiries to press@4gn.co.uk.
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Reed 2 Review
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Gameplay - 6/10
6/10
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Graphics - 6/10
6/10
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Sound - 6/10
6/10
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Replay Value - 6/10
6/10
User Review
( votes)Overall
Summary
The reboot failed so now you need to find the developer to help you in Reed 2!