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MONSTER

ELEX II

Name: Comprehensive Review and Analysis of ELEX II
Item: ELEX II
Author: Critik Editorial Team

2022

GenresAdventure, Action, Third Person Perspective, RPG, Single Player

AvailableMar 1, 2022

PlatformPC, PlayStation 5, PlayStation 4, Xbox Series X, Xbox One

DeveloperPiranha Bytes

Overview

Several years after Jax defeated the Hybrid, a new threat arrives from the sky, unleashing the dangerous powers of dark Elex and endangering all life on the planet. In order to defend the peace on Magalan and the safety of his own family, Jax has to go on a mission to convince the factions to unite against the invaders. Dive into a huge, hand-crafted, completely unique world with multiple factions and diverse environments set in a post-apocalyptic science fantasy universe. Explore the vast world of Magalan with your jetpack, and play through the epic story the way you want.

Elsewhere

6.6

Game analysis

Monster Scorecard

EXPAND ALL

Story and Narrative

Expand for full analysis

TL;DR

Critics have mixed opinions on ELEX II's story. Positive feedback includes expanded lore, engaging player choices, and enjoyable world mythology. However, negative sentiments focus on lack of explanation, uninteresting characters, forced dialogue, wasted potential, and uneven writing. While some find it engaging and well-executed, others feel it falls short. Players should weigh these differing views to decide if ELEX II's story suits their preferences.

SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR STORY

Story Score

Positive (80-100)

26%

Mixed (50-79)

68%

Negative (0-49)

Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the story and narrative.

The opinions of the critics regarding the story of ELEX II are varied, with some positive aspects highlighted. GameSkinny praises the game for expanding on the lore and story of the previous installment, creating engaging ways to unite different factions against an alien threat. Player 2 also commends the incorporation of player choice, uplifting the otherwise familiar plot and creating interesting conflicts and characterizations. TheXboxHub finds the story enjoyable and well-designed, with a world mythology that adds to the overall experience. Wccftech describes the story and its turns as engaging, indicating that there are elements within the narrative that capture the attention of players. However, several critics express negative sentiments towards the story of ELEX II. Digitally Downloaded criticizes the lack of explanation in the narrative, making it difficult to follow for those who didn't play the first ELEX. GamingBolt considers the story and characters mostly uninteresting, while PlayStation Universe highlights forced dialogue and immersion-breaking lines. GameStar mentions that the second half of the story wastes potential and leaves narrative ambitions unfulfilled. God is a Geek finds the writing uneven, with good world-building but maddening characters and interactions. RPG Site states that the premise of uniting factions against a common enemy is executed poorly, making the story feel less interesting compared to the original game. Overall, the consensus among the critics is mixed. While there are positive aspects mentioned, such as the expansion of lore, engaging player choices, and enjoyable world mythology, there are also significant criticisms regarding the lack of explanation, uninteresting characters, forced dialogue, wasted potential, and uneven writing. The story of ELEX II seems to have divided opinions, with some critics finding it engaging and well-executed, while others feel it falls short in various aspects. It is important for players to consider these differing opinions and decide for themselves whether the story of ELEX II aligns with their preferences.

TL;DR

story and narrative

Gameplay Mechanics

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TL;DR

Critics have mixed opinions about ELEX II gameplay. Positives include open-world freedom, jetpack feature, RPG mechanics, and challenging gameplay. However, combat mechanics received mixed reviews with some finding it clunky and lacking impact. Movement issues and lack of balance were also criticized. Overall, gameplay strengths include exploration and customization, but weaknesses include combat mechanics and balance issues. Opinions varied among critics depending on platform and preferences.

SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR GAMEPLAY

Gameplay Score

Positive (80-100)

28%

Mixed (50-79)

47%

Negative (0-49)

25%

Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the gameplay mechanics.

The opinions of the critics regarding the gameplay of ELEX II are varied, with both positive and negative aspects highlighted. In terms of positives, several critics praised the open-world freedom and exploration offered by the game. The inclusion of a jetpack was particularly lauded, as it provided a significant impact on gameplay and made the world feel more open and exploitable. The RPG mechanics and character development were also commended, with critics mentioning the wide range of skills, abilities, and weapons available for customization. The inclusion of faction conflicts and a complex leveling and skill system added depth to the gameplay experience. Additionally, the challenging nature of the game was appreciated by some critics, as it required careful navigation and combat, and allowed players to build up their arsenal and recruit allies. On the negative side, the combat mechanics of ELEX II received mixed reviews. While some critics found the combat to be acceptable or improved compared to its predecessor, others described it as clunky, difficult, and lacking impact. The melee mechanics were often criticized for feeling repetitive and lacking a sense of impact, while ranged combat was deemed functional but underwhelming. Several critics mentioned issues with hitboxes, animation quirks, and unresponsive controls, which made combat frustrating and unwieldy. The character movement was also criticized for feeling wonky and messy, affecting the overall gameplay experience. Repetition and lack of balance were mentioned as drawbacks, with punishing difficulty at the start and overly easy combat later on. Overall, the consensus among the critics is that the gameplay of ELEX II has its strengths and weaknesses. The open-world exploration, RPG mechanics, and character customization were generally praised, with the inclusion of a jetpack being a standout feature. However, the combat mechanics received mixed reviews, with some critics finding it acceptable or improved, while others found it clunky, difficult, and lacking impact. The challenging nature of the game was appreciated by some, but repetition and lack of balance were mentioned as drawbacks. It is worth noting that opinions varied depending on the platform and individual preferences, with some critics playing on different consoles or PC. Critics such as Twinfinite and GameStar highlighted the positives of the gameplay, while others like Movies Games and Tech and God is a Geek were more critical of certain aspects.

TL;DR

gameplay mechanics

Graphics and Visual Design

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TL;DR

Critics are divided on ELEX II's graphics. Some praise the beautiful post-apocalyptic world and immersive environments, while others criticize outdated graphics, inconsistent textures, and technical issues. Mixed opinions highlight the game's impressive visuals but also point out flaws like short draw distance and performance problems. Overall, reception is subjective, with some appreciating the rough, organic feel while others find the visuals lacking polish and modern standards.

SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR VISUALS

Visual Score

Positive (80-100)

23%

Mixed (50-79)

58%

Negative (0-49)

19%

Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the graphics and visual design.

The opinions of the critics regarding the graphics and visual design of ELEX II are varied. Some critics, such as COGconnected and GAMES.CH, praise the game's graphics, describing them as beautiful, post-apocalyptic, and visually impressive. They appreciate the diverse range of flora and fauna, ruins, settlements, and camps that contribute to the immersive and atmospheric world of ELEX II. Additionally, GamingTrend and PlayStation Universe highlight the vibrant and lush environments, with GamingTrend specifically mentioning the vintage aesthetic and beautiful landscapes. On the other hand, several critics express negative opinions about the graphics and visual design of ELEX II. Digitally Downloaded criticizes the outdated graphics, comparing them to something from two generations ago. GamingBolt mentions inconsistent textures and uneven lighting, while GameSkinny criticizes the graphical quality on the PlayStation, pointing out issues such as short draw distance, clipping, disappearing walls, lighting bugs, and a visual disconnect between futuristic technology and medieval weaponry. RPG Site also mentions disappointing visual fidelity, with environments and facial animations often looking worse than the original game and frequent framerate drops in crowded locations. Overall, the consensus among the critics leans towards a mixed reception of the graphics and visual design of ELEX II. While some critics appreciate the beautiful and post-apocalyptic aesthetics, detailed designs, and impressive visuals of the world, others criticize the outdated graphics, inconsistent textures, and technical issues. It is worth noting that some critics, such as Shindig and Gaming Age, appreciate the roughness and organic feel of the world, considering it to add to the believability. However, the negative aspects mentioned by several critics, such as dated character features, major pop-ins, and performance issues, cannot be ignored. Ultimately, the reception of the graphics and visual design of ELEX II is subjective, with some critics finding them visually appealing while others find them lacking in polish and modern standards.

TL;DR

graphics and visual design

Music and Sound Design

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TL;DR

Critics praised ELEX II for its engaging voice acting and immersive music, with some highlighting the gritty portrayal of the protagonist and the fully voiced NPC conversations. However, negative feedback pointed out issues with sound design, including constant pops and cracks, poor balancing, and jarring sound effects. While some critics appreciated specific aspects, others deemed the voice acting and sound design as bad. Overall, opinions are mixed, with a need for improvement in certain areas of ELEX II's sound design and music.

SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR SOUND DESIGN

Sound Score

Positive (80-100)

15%

Mixed (50-79)

69%

Negative (0-49)

15%

Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the music and sound design.

In terms of the positives, several critics praised the voice acting in ELEX II. PlayStation Universe and Gamepressure both mentioned that the voice performances were well done and helped keep players invested in the game's world. Xbox Tavern also commended the voice acting, particularly highlighting the gritty and direct portrayal of the protagonist. Additionally, GameGrin noted that the chatter between NPCs and conversations were fully voiced, adding a layer of immersion to the game. COGconnected and TheXboxHub both mentioned that the music in ELEX II was good, with TheXboxHub specifically stating that the soundtrack enhanced the overall experience. However, there were several negative aspects of the sound design and music that were pointed out by the critics. Hardcore Gamer criticized the sound design, mentioning constant pops and cracks in the background, as well as poor sound balancing. They particularly highlighted the unpleasant and painful sound during battles. GameSkinny also had issues with the sound design, describing it as ranging from acceptable to jarring, with gratingly loud and repetitive sound effects. WellPlayed went as far as stating that the voice acting and sound design were bad, with poor delivery and coherence. Taking into account the opinions of the critics, there is a mixed consensus regarding the sound design and music of ELEX II. While there were positive remarks about the voice acting and music, with critics like PlayStation Universe, Xbox Tavern, and COGconnected expressing their appreciation, there were also significant criticisms. The negative feedback from Hardcore Gamer, GameSkinny, and WellPlayed highlights issues with sound balancing, unpleasant sound effects, and poor delivery. It is worth noting that some critics, such as RPG Fan and GameGrin, mentioned specific aspects of the sound design that were both enjoyable and disruptive, indicating a more nuanced perspective. Overall, the opinions of the critics suggest that while ELEX II has its positive moments in terms of sound design and music, there are also notable areas for improvement.

TL;DR

music and sound design

Voice Acting

Expand for full analysis

TL;DR

Mixed opinions among critics on voice acting in ELEX II. Some praise it for enhancing storytelling and immersion, while others criticize it as wooden and lacking coherence. Overall, divisive aspect of the game with varying perspectives on its effectiveness.

SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR VOICE ACTING

Acting Score

Positive (80-100)

21%

Mixed (50-79)

64%

Negative (0-49)

14%

Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the voice acting.

The opinions of the critics regarding the voice acting in ELEX II are quite varied. Some critics, such as PlayStation Universe and TheXboxHub, praise the voice acting, stating that it is well done and enhances the storytelling. They mention that the performances are appropriate for the game's bleak world and keep the players invested in the writing. Gamepressure also adds that the voice acting is surprisingly good and helps to keep players immersed in the game's world. These positive opinions highlight the effectiveness of the voice acting in creating an engaging experience for players. On the other hand, several critics express negative views about the voice acting in ELEX II. Hardcore Gamer describes it as passable at best, suggesting that it may not meet the highest standards. Movies Games and Tech criticizes the voice acting as hilariously wooden, with NPCs often speaking over cutscenes. WellPlayed goes even further, stating that the voice acting is bad, with poor delivery and coherence. These negative opinions indicate that the voice acting in the game may have some shortcomings that detract from the overall experience. Overall, the consensus among the critics is mixed. While some critics, like PlayStation Universe and TheXboxHub, appreciate the voice acting and believe it enhances the storytelling, others, such as WellPlayed, express disappointment with the quality of the performances. GameGrin and Gamepressure provide more balanced perspectives, acknowledging both the positive and negative aspects of the voice acting. It is worth noting that RPG Site mentions negative impacts due to changes in voice actors between Elex and Elex II, although no further details are provided. Considering the mixed opinions, it can be concluded that the voice acting in ELEX II is a divisive aspect of the game, with some critics finding it effective and engaging, while others find it lacking in quality and coherence.

TL;DR

voice acting

Technical Performance

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TL;DR

Critics have mixed opinions on ELEX II's technical performance. PS5 praised for no major bugs, while Xbox Series X had rare bugs. However, PS5 faced issues like screen tearing and frame rate drops, while Xbox Series X criticized for buggy gameplay and poor quality. Overall, technical issues plague all platforms, affecting gameplay experience negatively.

SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR TECHNICAL PERFORMANCE

Tech Score

Positive (80-100)

11%

Mixed (50-79)

32%

Negative (0-49)

58%

Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the technical performance.

The opinions of the critics regarding the Technical Performance of ELEX II vary across different gaming platforms. Starting with the positives, on the PS5, critics such as Digitally Downloaded and Twinfinite mentioned that there were no major game-breaking bugs or issues. Hardcore Gamer also noted that the game met expectations in terms of bugs and glitches, with no major issues in terms of NPCs crediting or berating the player for their choices. Moving on to the Xbox Series X, Game Rant and GamingTrend both mentioned that bugs were rare and not intrusive during their playthroughs. However, there were also several negatives highlighted by the critics. On the PS5, GamingBolt mentioned bad performance, multiple lines of screen tearing, and an unstable frame rate. PlayStation Universe pointed out frame rate drops in densely populated areas and performance issues when opening the menu. On the Xbox Series X, Movies Games and Tech criticized the game for being buggy, with limbs clipping through objects, animations not working properly, and poor cinematic quality. RPG Fan mentioned laggy controls and clunky combat, with major pop-ins disrupting immersion. ZTGD also noted unresponsive combat and a lack of smoothness even on a Series X. Overall, the consensus among the critics is that ELEX II has technical performance issues across all gaming platforms. GameSkinny mentioned that the PS4 version was plagued by bugs, and GamersRD highlighted serious technical issues on PC, particularly with performance and FPS stability. God is a Geek and RPG Site both mentioned performance issues on PC, with frequent framerate drops even on powerful hardware. The Games Machine noted occasional slowdowns and texture pop-in on PC. However, it should be noted that TheSixthAxis experienced stable performance with a constant 60fps on PC. The general sentiment is that the game suffers from various technical issues, including bugs, performance drops, and optimization problems, which can impact the overall enjoyment of the game for players.

TL;DR

technical performance

Replay Value

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TL;DR

Critics praise ELEX II for its replay value thanks to different factions, deep stories, and player skill trees, providing unique playthroughs with multiple endings and choices. However, criticisms include technical issues, tedious gameplay, and generic combat. Overall, the game offers plenty of content and replay value for genre fans, despite some drawbacks.

SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR REPLAY VALUE

Replay Score

Positive (80-100)

44%

Mixed (50-79)

56%

Negative (0-49)

Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the replay value.

The opinions of the critics regarding the replay value of ELEX II are generally positive. Multiple critics mention the presence of different factions, deep stories, and player ability skill trees as factors that contribute to the game's replayability. Hardcore Gamer highlights the presence of five different factions with their own unique stories and skill trees, providing players with plenty of replay value. Twinfinite also mentions the freedom of traversal mechanics and the ability to explore the entire map from the start, adding to the replay value. GameCritics and GamingTrend both mention the presence of different endings and choices that influence the outcome, further enhancing the replayability of the game. However, there are also some negative aspects mentioned by the critics. PlayStation Universe mentions the presence of downtime, jank, and clunkiness in the game, which may initially be off-putting. Movies Games and Tech notes that the game has issues and tedious gameplay, which may discourage players from wanting to experience everything. GamersRD also mentions the need for optimization patches and revisions, suggesting that the game may have technical issues that affect the overall experience. Overall, the consensus among the critics is that ELEX II offers a good amount of replay value. The presence of different factions, quests, choices, and multiple endings provide players with the opportunity to have unique playthroughs and customize their gameplay experience. The game's open world, player agency, and variety of quest branches are also praised for emphasizing discovery and adventure. However, some critics mention technical issues, tedious gameplay, and generic combat as potential drawbacks. Despite these negatives, the majority of critics agree that ELEX II offers enough content and replay value to satisfy fans of the genre, especially those who enjoyed the first game.

TL;DR

replay value

Overall Verdict

MONSTER

OVERALL SCORE DISTRIBUTION

Monster Score

Positive (80-100)

17%

Mixed (50-79)

72%

Negative (0-49)

10%

Based on analyzing all available reviews that scored and critiqued the game.

ELEX II, according to the opinions of the critics, has received mixed reviews regarding its overall verdict. In terms of positives, some critics highlight the game's ambition and unique world. Digitally Downloaded describes it as a massive and ambitious game that becomes difficult to put down once it clicks, appealing to hardcore RPG fans. Twinfinite praises it as a sleeper hit with open-world freedom and a unique experience. The Games Machine mentions that it offers a familiar RPG experience with improved mechanics and visuals. These positive aspects suggest that ELEX II has elements that can engage and captivate players who appreciate its ambitious scope and immersive world. On the other hand, there are several negatives mentioned by the critics. COGconnected criticizes the game for its janky movement, weak combat, annoying mechanics, slow progression, and bland writing. GameSkinny mentions that despite the richness of its world and engaging story, the lack of polish and numerous bugs work against the game. RPG Site expresses disappointment in ELEX II, citing weaker characters, weak quest design, and a lack of polish. These negative aspects indicate that the game suffers from technical issues, lackluster gameplay mechanics, and a failure to fully deliver on its potential. Overall, the consensus among the critics leans towards a mixed reception for ELEX II. While some critics appreciate its ambition, unique world, and immersive experience, others find it lacking in various areas such as combat, story, and technical aspects. The opinions range from recommendations for fans of the genre who can overlook its flaws, as suggested by Shindig, to limited appeal and not being particularly recommendable, as stated by GamingBolt. It is clear that ELEX II has its strengths and weaknesses, making it a game that may not appeal to everyone but can provide a satisfying experience for those who enjoy its specific genre and gameplay.

TL;DR

ELEX II receives mixed reviews from critics: praised for ambition and world but criticized for technical issues and lackluster gameplay. Some find it engaging for RPG fans, while others see it as disappointing. Overall, it's a divisive game with strengths and weaknesses that cater to specific genre fans.

MONSTER

Reviews

102 reviews found

Game Rant

Xbox Series X

Mar 1, 2022

AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details

Elex 2 is an open-world RPG that puts others to shame and improves upon the first game tenfold, despite some small shortcomings.

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Xbox Tavern

Xbox Series X

Mar 16, 2022

AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details

Elex 2 has improved graphically and has a more robust storyline compared to the first game. The combat feels dated, but the game offers plenty of content for RPG fans to enjoy.

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Digitally Downloaded

PlayStation 5

Mar 1, 2022

AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details

Elex II is a massive and ambitious game that may not have a strong start, but it becomes difficult to put down once it clicks. It appeals to hardcore RPG fans.

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GamingTrend

Xbox Series X

Feb 28, 2022

AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details

Elex II is a blast and expands upon the achievements of its predecessor. It has a living, breathing open world and a curious and captivating story. Minor technical issues and a learning curve may be drawbacks.

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Twinfinite

PlayStation 5

Feb 28, 2022

AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details

ELEX II is praised as a sleeper hit and an adventure with its open-world freedom and the inclusion of a jetpack. The game has some minor flaws, such as lackluster ranged combat and occasional framerate dips, but overall it provides a unique and enjoyable experience.

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GameStar

Feb 28, 2022

AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details

Elex 2 is a divided RPG that entertains for at least 40 hours but falls short in terms of its story ambitions.

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GamersRD

Mar 31, 2022

AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details

Elex II is a game with strengths and weaknesses. It may not appeal to everyone, but for those who enjoy the specific genre and gameplay, it can be a satisfying experience.

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GameCritics

Xbox Series X

Mar 9, 2022

AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details

ELEX 2 is just one failed element away from being a truly great game, with the combat being its weakest aspect.

The Games Machine

Mar 1, 2022

AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details

Elex 2 is a classic Piranha Bytes game with improved mechanics and visuals. It offers a familiar RPG experience with a revised narrative, but retains the same rough edges that the studio is known for.

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Gamepressure

Feb 28, 2022

AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details

Elex 2 is a solid RPG with a unique story that grows on you over time. It may feel visually uninspiring and lacking in UI, but the gameplay and customization features make it an acquired taste that can grow on players.

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