64
MONSTER
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.
Game analysis
Monster Scorecard
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Story and Narrative
Expand for full analysis
69
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
69
Positive (80-100)
26%
Mixed (50-79)
68%
Negative (0-49)
6%
Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the story and narrative.
TL;DR
story and narrative
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.
Gameplay Mechanics
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61
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
61
Positive (80-100)
28%
Mixed (50-79)
47%
Negative (0-49)
25%
Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the gameplay mechanics.
TL;DR
gameplay mechanics
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.
Graphics and Visual Design
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63
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
63
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.
TL;DR
graphics and visual design
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.
Music and Sound Design
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64
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
64
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.
TL;DR
music and sound design
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.
Voice Acting
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62
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
62
Positive (80-100)
21%
Mixed (50-79)
64%
Negative (0-49)
14%
Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the voice acting.
TL;DR
voice acting
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.
Technical Performance
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52
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
52
Positive (80-100)
11%
Mixed (50-79)
32%
Negative (0-49)
58%
Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the technical performance.
TL;DR
technical performance
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.
Replay Value
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73
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
73
Positive (80-100)
44%
Mixed (50-79)
56%
Negative (0-49)
0%
Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the replay value.
TL;DR
replay value
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.
Overall Verdict
64
MONSTER
OVERALL SCORE DISTRIBUTION
Monster Score
64
Positive (80-100)
17%
Mixed (50-79)
72%
Negative (0-49)
10%
Based on analyzing all available reviews that scored and critiqued the game.
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.
64
MONSTER
Reviews
102 reviews found90
Game Rant
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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83
Xbox Tavern
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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80
Digitally Downloaded
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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80
GamingTrend
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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80
Twinfinite
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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80
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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75
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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75
GameCritics
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.
73
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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70
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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