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MONSTER

ELEX II

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

2022

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

AvailableMar 1, 2022

PlatformPC, PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X

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

ELEX II boasts an intriguing premise and rich world-building, praised for its character depth and moral choice system. However, critics largely find the execution lacking, citing a confusing narrative, poor dialogue, and repetitive storytelling that fails to maintain momentum. While it has nostalgic appeal for returning players, the disjointed pacing and inconsistent character motivations ultimately disappoint, leaving the game struggling to engage a wider audience.

SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR STORY

Story Score

Positive Reviews (80-100)

23%

Mixed Reviews (50-79)

65%

Negative Reviews (0-49)

12%

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

The story of ELEX II receives a mixed reception from critics, with several reviewers highlighting its engaging premise and the depth of its world-building. Critics such as MondoXbox and Gaming Nexus appreciate the narrative's focus on protagonist Jax as he navigates a post-apocalyptic world filled with factions and moral choices, emphasizing the rich lore and character interactions that enhance the gameplay experience. The dynamic choice/morale system noted by XboxAddict adds a layer of complexity to the narrative, allowing players to influence relationships and outcomes, which some reviewers found to be a compelling aspect of the game. Additionally, the game is recognized for its nostalgic elements and the continuation of storylines from the first installment, which may resonate well with returning players, as mentioned by critics like Impulsegamer and Generación Xbox. However, the majority of critics express significant concerns regarding the execution of the story. Many reviewers, including WellPlayed and GamingBolt, describe the narrative as inconsistent and confusing, with poorly written dialogue that detracts from the overall experience. The lack of originality is also a point of criticism, as PlaySense and RPG Site note that the story closely mirrors the first game, leading to feelings of repetitiveness and predictability. The second half of the game is particularly criticized for losing momentum and depth, as highlighted by GameStar and GameOver.gr, which suggests that the narrative fails to maintain its initial intrigue and excitement. Overall, the consensus among critics is that while ELEX II presents an interesting premise and a richly crafted world, its narrative execution leaves much to be desired. Many reviewers agree that the story suffers from disjointed pacing, inconsistent character motivations, and a lack of clarity, which ultimately undermines its potential. Despite some positive remarks about the game's world-building and character interactions, the overwhelming sentiment reflects disappointment in the storytelling quality, as echoed by multiple critics such as IGN and GameMAG. Thus, while ELEX II may offer intriguing elements for fans of the series, it struggles to deliver a compelling narrative experience that resonates with a broader audience.

TL;DR

story and narrative

Gameplay Mechanics

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TL;DR

ELEX II impresses with its open-world exploration and RPG depth, thanks to features like a jetpack and complex character progression. However, it suffers from clunky combat mechanics, frustrating hitboxes, and repetitive quests that undermine the overall experience. Critics are divided—while the world and character options shine, the lackluster combat makes it hard to fully recommend.

SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR GAMEPLAY

Gameplay Score

Positive Reviews (80-100)

28%

Mixed Reviews (50-79)

53%

Negative Reviews (0-49)

19%

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

The gameplay of ELEX II has been met with a mix of appreciation for its open-world design and exploration mechanics, alongside significant criticisms regarding its combat system. Several reviewers, including Generación Xbox and GamersRD, highlight the introduction of a jetpack, which enhances verticality and exploration, allowing players to navigate the world more freely. Critics like Gaming Nexus and Impulsegamer commend the game for its complex character progression and the depth of its RPG mechanics, which offer players various skills and abilities to develop. Additionally, some reviews, such as those from The Games Machine and GRYOnline.pl, note improvements in quest design and combat controls, suggesting that while the game retains some classic elements, it has made strides in refining the overall experience. However, the negatives surrounding ELEX II's gameplay are hard to overlook, especially in the realm of combat. Many reviewers, including IGN and WellPlayed, describe the combat as clunky and poorly designed, with issues such as unresponsive mechanics and frustrating hitboxes. RPG Site and Gaming Age echo these sentiments, pointing out that the combat feels uneven and lacks fluidity, often leading to a tedious gameplay experience. Critics like God is a Geek and Movies Games and Tech emphasize the repetitive nature of quests and the subpar sound design, which detracts from immersion. Overall, the consensus is that while the game offers a rich world and character development opportunities, the execution of its combat mechanics leaves much to be desired. In summary, the overall sentiment among critics is mixed, with a notable divide between the strengths of exploration and character progression versus the weaknesses in combat mechanics. While some reviewers appreciate the nostalgic RPG elements and the potential for player choice, many agree that the clunky and frustrating combat hampers the overall enjoyment of the game. The critiques from outlets like IGN and ZTGD highlight a significant barrier to recommending ELEX II, as the gameplay experience is marred by its combat system, making it challenging for players to fully engage with the world and its narrative.

TL;DR

gameplay mechanics

Graphics and Visual Design

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TL;DR

ELEX II showcases artistic ambition with vibrant, immersive environments and a unique post-apocalyptic sci-fi blend, earning praise for its lush landscapes and exploration potential. However, critics widely agree that it suffers from outdated graphics, citing inconsistent textures, poor animations, and technical issues like frame rate drops. While some visual elements impress, the overall execution falls short of modern standards, leaving many disappointed in its technical performance and polish.

SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR VISUALS

Visual Score

Positive Reviews (80-100)

14%

Mixed Reviews (50-79)

62%

Negative Reviews (0-49)

24%

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

The opinions regarding the graphics and visual design of ELEX II reveal a mix of appreciation for its artistic ambition and the immersive world it creates. Critics like COGconnected and BaziCenter highlight the game's vibrant environments, noting the diverse flora and fauna, as well as the unique blend of post-apocalyptic and sci-fi elements that contribute to a believable atmosphere. GamingTrend and PlayStation Universe also commend the lush landscapes and the game's ability to encourage exploration, with the former describing the world of Magalan as visually stunning. Additionally, some reviewers, such as GameCritics, acknowledge the impressive graphical improvements made to certain elements, particularly the monsters and enemies, suggesting that there are moments of visual appeal throughout the game. However, the criticisms surrounding ELEX II's graphics are significant and widespread. Many reviewers, including Digitally Downloaded and GamingBolt, describe the visuals as outdated, with comparisons to titles from previous console generations. Issues like inconsistent textures, uneven lighting, and poor character animations are frequently mentioned, with Gaming Nexus and Hardcore Gamer pointing out the game's lower budget as a contributing factor to its visual shortcomings. Additionally, technical problems such as frame rate drops, screen tearing, and graphical glitches are highlighted by multiple critics, including PlaySense and Game Rant, which detracts from the overall visual experience. Overall, the consensus among critics is that while ELEX II offers a visually ambitious world with some appealing aspects, it ultimately falls short of modern standards for graphics and visual design. Many reviewers express disappointment at the game's technical performance and artistic execution, with critiques focusing on outdated character models and a lack of polish. Despite some positive remarks about the game's environments and exploration mechanics, the overwhelming sentiment leans towards a recognition that ELEX II's graphics do not meet the expectations set for contemporary titles, as reflected in the opinions of critics like SpazioGames and New Game Network.

TL;DR

graphics and visual design

Music and Sound Design

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TL;DR

ELEX II's sound design and music receive mixed reviews. Critics praise the engaging voice acting and enjoyable soundtrack, enhancing the gaming experience. However, significant issues like glitchy sound effects and lackluster execution detract from immersion, with many noting the music's lack of memorability. Overall, while there are strong points, major flaws hinder the game's audio experience, leaving room for improvement in future releases.

SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR SOUND DESIGN

Sound Score

Positive Reviews (80-100)

18%

Mixed Reviews (50-79)

64%

Negative Reviews (0-49)

18%

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

The opinions regarding the sound design and music of ELEX II present a mixed but generally positive outlook on certain aspects. Critics like COGconnected and TheXboxHub highlight the quality of the music and voice acting, noting that the soundtrack is enjoyable and enhances the overall gaming experience. Impulsegamer and PlayStation Universe also commend the improvements in voice acting, with some performances being entertaining and engaging, which helps to keep players invested in the narrative. Additionally, GameGrin and Gamepressure emphasize the immersive quality of the fully voiced NPC interactions, which contribute to the game's atmosphere and world-building. However, there are significant criticisms that cannot be overlooked. Hardcore Gamer delivers one of the harshest assessments, describing the sound design as plagued by glitches, particularly during combat, which detracts from the overall enjoyment. Other critics, such as Hey Poor Player and GameMAG, express disappointment with the impact of sound effects and the overall execution of sound design, suggesting it falls short of contemporary standards. Moreover, some reviews mention that while the music can be atmospheric, it often lacks memorability, as noted by MondoXbox and New Game Network, which further contributes to a sense of a lower-budget feel. Overall, the consensus among critics indicates that while there are commendable elements in the sound design and music of ELEX II, particularly in voice acting and some musical compositions, significant technical issues and inconsistencies dampen the overall experience. Critics like GRYOnline.pl and SECTOR.sk recognize the potential of the ambient music and voice acting, yet many others point to flaws that hinder immersion and enjoyment. Thus, ELEX II's sound design and music can be seen as a mixed bag, with room for improvement in future iterations.

TL;DR

music and sound design

Voice Acting

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TL;DR

ELEX II’s voice acting is a mixed bag: while some characters like Bloody Baxter and Jax add depth and humor, critics note inconsistent quality, with many performances described as "passable" or "wooden." Despite moments of charm, flaws like awkward dialogue and lackluster delivery hinder immersion, leaving opinions divided—some praise it for enhancing the narrative, while others find it lacking compared to higher-budget titles.

SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR VOICE ACTING

Acting Score

Positive Reviews (80-100)

20%

Mixed Reviews (50-79)

64%

Negative Reviews (0-49)

16%

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

The voice acting in ELEX II has garnered a mix of positive sentiments from various critics, highlighting some commendable aspects of the performances. Critics like Impulsegamer and BaziCenter noted that the voice acting is generally good, with standout characters such as Bloody Baxter and Jax contributing to character development and world-building. PlayStation Universe and Gamepressure echoed this sentiment, stating that the voice acting keeps players invested in the narrative, even when it falters. Additionally, several reviewers appreciated the humor interspersed within the dialogue, which adds a quirky charm to the game, as pointed out by Gaming Nexus and Xbox Tavern. However, the voice acting in ELEX II is not without its flaws, as many critics pointed out inconsistencies and shortcomings. Hardcore Gamer described the voice acting as "passable at best," while Movies Games and Tech criticized it as "hilariously wooden," with NPCs often overlapping during cutscenes. Player 2 and RPG Fan highlighted issues with stilted and flat delivery, which detracted from the overall experience. Furthermore, IGN and GRYOnline.pl noted problems with the quality of the dialogue, including cringe-worthy lines and poor execution in the Polish dubbing, respectively. This inconsistency in performance quality has left some critics feeling that the voice acting does not meet the standards of higher-budget titles. Overall, the consensus among critics suggests a divided opinion on the voice acting in ELEX II. While some reviewers, such as TheXboxHub and SECTOR.sk, praised the performances for enhancing storytelling and character depth, others like WellPlayed and GameOver.gr found the delivery lacking and unpolished. The presence of both engaging performances and moments of unintentional humor indicates that the voice acting contributes to the game's quirky charm, albeit inconsistently. As a result, ELEX II's voice acting appears to be a mixed bag, reflecting a blend of commendable efforts and notable shortcomings that may affect players' immersion in the game.

TL;DR

voice acting

Technical Performance

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TL;DR

ELEX II's technical performance is a mixed bag across platforms. PS5 and Xbox Series X have minor bugs but also struggle with significant issues like screen tearing and crashes. PC generally fares better in optimization but still suffers from unstable frame rates and glitches. Critics agree that while some charm exists, the numerous technical flaws overshadow the experience, leading to a divided reception.

SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR TECHNICAL PERFORMANCE

Tech Score

Positive Reviews (80-100)

11%

Mixed Reviews (50-79)

34%

Negative Reviews (0-49)

55%

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

The technical performance of ELEX II varies significantly across different gaming platforms, with some positive aspects noted by critics. On the PlayStation 5, Digitally Downloaded reported no game-breaking bugs, while SpazioGames acknowledged solid performance with minimal frame rate drops and instant loading times. Twinfinite also mentioned only occasional minor frame rate dips during combat, contributing to a generally acceptable experience. On the Xbox Series X, Game Rant and GamingTrend reported rare and non-intrusive bugs, indicating that while the performance may not be stellar, it is not entirely detrimental to gameplay. On PC, GRYOnline.pl highlighted that the game is well-optimized with virtually no technical errors, and New Game Network noted commendable overall stability, particularly for a game of its type. Conversely, the negative feedback regarding technical performance is prevalent across all platforms. On PS5, critics like GamingBolt and PlaySense pointed out significant issues such as screen tearing and unstable frame rates that detract from the overall experience. Impulsegamer and Hardcore Gamer also mentioned clunky animations and sound glitches, indicating a janky feel to the gameplay. For Xbox Series X, multiple critics, including GameMAG and MondoXbox, reported frequent crashes, low performance, and various glitches that severely impacted the player experience. On PC, despite some positive remarks, many critics such as GamersRD and IGN noted serious performance issues, including unstable frame rates, graphical glitches, and frequent crashes that limit enjoyment. Overall, the consensus among critics is that ELEX II suffers from a range of technical issues across all platforms, with varying degrees of severity. While there are pockets of positivity, particularly regarding stability on certain configurations, the majority of reviews highlight significant performance problems that hinder the gameplay experience. Critics like Gaming Nexus and RPG Site emphasized that while some quirks may add charm to the game, the persistent technical flaws overshadow these aspects. As a result, players may find themselves divided on whether the charm of ELEX II can compensate for its technical shortcomings, leading to a mixed reception overall.

TL;DR

technical performance

Replay Value

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TL;DR

ELEX II shines with its vast world and deep faction systems, promising over 80 hours of gameplay and high replay value through player choice and diverse outcomes. However, criticisms arise over repetitive missions and tedious gameplay, which could dampen the desire for multiple playthroughs. While dedicated fans might find richness in exploration, the game's flaws may limit its broader appeal.

SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR REPLAY VALUE

Replay Score

Positive Reviews (80-100)

36%

Mixed Reviews (50-79)

61%

Negative Reviews (0-49)

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

The overall sentiment regarding the replay value of ELEX II is predominantly positive, with many critics highlighting the game's expansive world and the depth of its faction system. Reviewers like Gaming Nexus and Hardcore Gamer emphasize the game's vast world, numerous quests, and the presence of five distinct factions, each with their own lore and skill trees, which significantly enhances replayability. Impulsegamer and Shindig also underscore the importance of player choices and the variety of outcomes, suggesting that the game encourages exploration and experimentation. Additionally, SpazioGames mentions that players can expect over 80 hours of gameplay due to the multitude of side quests and faction interactions, further solidifying the game's potential for replay value. However, there are notable criticisms regarding the game's replayability, primarily stemming from the repetitive nature of some missions and gameplay mechanics. Critics like XboxAddict and New Game Network point out that while the game offers dynamic choices and faction interactions, the repetitiveness of certain quests may deter players from wanting to engage in multiple playthroughs. Additionally, some reviewers, such as Movies Games and Tech, mention that the game's tedious gameplay and issues may undermine the desire to experience everything it has to offer. This sentiment is echoed by SomosXbox, who notes that the repetitive mission structure could limit the overall appeal for replay. In summary, while the consensus among critics leans towards a favorable view of ELEX II's replay value, with many praising its expansive world and faction dynamics, there are significant concerns regarding the repetitiveness of gameplay and missions. Critics like Generación Xbox and GamingTrend highlight the potential for multiple endings and varied experiences, suggesting that dedicated fans may find ample content to explore. However, the mixed feelings about the game's execution and the potential for monotony in gameplay may temper enthusiasm for repeated playthroughs. Overall, ELEX II appears to be a game that offers substantial replay value for those willing to engage with its systems, but it may not appeal universally due to its flaws.

TL;DR

replay value

Overall Verdict

MONSTER

OVERALL SCORE DISTRIBUTION

Monster Score

Positive Reviews (80-100)

17%

Mixed Reviews (50-79)

72%

Negative Reviews (0-49)

10%

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

ELEX II has garnered a mixed reception from critics, with some reviewers highlighting its ambitious world-building and engaging gameplay elements. Critics like Impulsegamer and GamingTrend praise the game for its depth and captivating storyline, suggesting that it offers a unique experience for fans of the RPG genre. The inclusion of a jetpack and the expansive open world have been noted as standout features that contribute to the game's charm. Additionally, some reviewers, such as Xbox Tavern and GRYOnline.pl, acknowledge improvements in graphics and combat mechanics compared to its predecessor, indicating that the game has made strides in certain areas despite its flaws. On the flip side, ELEX II is criticized for a multitude of issues that detract from the overall experience. Many reviewers, including WellPlayed and IGN, express disappointment with the game's technical shortcomings, such as janky movement and underwhelming combat mechanics. The narrative coherence and character interactions have also been flagged as problematic by critics like CD-Action and God is a Geek, leading to a perception of the game as a "plodding and clunky adventure." The term "Eurojank" is frequently used, with critics like Wccftech and GameCritics pointing out that while the game has its merits, it suffers from outdated mechanics and a lack of polish that may frustrate newcomers to the genre. Overall, the consensus among critics is that ELEX II is a game that may appeal primarily to dedicated fans of Piranha Bytes and the RPG genre, but it struggles to attract a broader audience due to its numerous technical and design issues. While some reviewers, such as IGN Italia and Shindig, acknowledge the game’s potential and unique charm, the majority of feedback leans towards disappointment, with many calling it a missed opportunity. The game's ambition is recognized, but without significant improvements in execution, it remains a niche title that may not resonate with everyone, as highlighted by critics like GamingBolt and Player 2.

TL;DR

ELEX II receives mixed reviews; praised for ambitious world-building, engaging gameplay, and improvements in graphics, but heavily criticized for technical issues, clunky mechanics, and a lack of polish—leading many to label it "Eurojank." While dedicated RPG fans may appreciate its charm, broader appeal is hindered by its flaws, leaving it seen as a missed opportunity by many critics.

MONSTER

Reviews

102 reviews found

Hey Poor Player

Xbox Series X

Feb 28, 2022