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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

PlatformXbox Series X, PC, PlayStation 4, Xbox One, PlayStation 5

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

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TL;DR

ELEX II’s story splits critics: while praised for world-building, faction depth, and player choice, its incoherent plot, repetitive quests, and uneven writing overshadow ambitions, leaving many disappointed by its lack of polish and narrative cohesion.

SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR STORY

Story Score

Positive Reviews (80-100)

24%

Mixed Reviews (50-79)

65%

Negative Reviews (0-49)

11%

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

The story of ELEX II receives mixed praise, with several critics highlighting its ambition and world-building elements. Reviewers like Multiplayer.it and BaziCenter note that while the main narrative is somewhat basic, secondary quests and faction interactions add depth to the game’s universe. Player 2 praises the player choice system, emphasizing how it elevates the otherwise familiar plot, while RPG Fan appreciates the rich story and dynamic conversations. GamingTrend and GamingNexus commend the game’s focus on uniting factions against an alien threat, with the latter highlighting the detailed world and faction dynamics. Additionally, SpazioGames and Hey Poor Player acknowledge the lore expansion and interconnected narrative, suggesting that veterans may find the story engaging despite its flaws. However, the majority of critics criticize ELEX II for its lack of coherence, repetitive structure, and uneven writing. CD-Action, Games.cz, and WellPlayed all point to a disjointed narrative, with unclear character motivations and poor dialogue that undermines immersion. Riot Pixels and Digitally Downloaded lament the confusing flashbacks and unexplained plot elements, while GamingBolt calls the story “mostly uninteresting.” COGconnected and IGN Italia note that while the premise is intriguing, the execution feels flat and expository. GameRant and Wccftech mention that the narrative’s potential is not fully realized, with some critics like GameStar arguing that the second half of the game wastes its ambitions. The repetitive quest design and lack of originality in the plot are also frequently cited as drawbacks. Overall, the consensus among critics is divided but leans toward criticism. While some praise the story’s world-building, faction interactions, and player choice mechanics, many feel it fails to deliver a cohesive or engaging narrative. Player 2 and RPG Fan stand out for their positive take, but they are outnumbered by reviewers like CD-Action, Games.cz, and GamingBolt, who emphasize the story’s flaws. The game’s reliance on pre-existing lore and its struggle to balance ambition with execution create a polarizing experience. Despite some redeeming qualities, ELEX II’s story is seen as a step back from the original, leaving many critics disappointed by its lack of depth and polish.

TL;DR

story and narrative

Gameplay Mechanics

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TL;DR

ELEX II dazzles with expansive open-world exploration and deep RPG systems but stumbles on clunky, punishing combat that alienates action fans, leaving it a polarizing pick for lore-driven RPG enthusiasts.

SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR GAMEPLAY

Gameplay Score

Positive Reviews (80-100)

27%

Mixed Reviews (50-79)

53%

Negative Reviews (0-49)

20%

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

The gameplay of ELEX II receives mixed praise, particularly for its open-world exploration and character progression systems. Critics like PC Games and GamersRD highlight the game’s immersive world-building, with the jetpack enabling verticality and dynamic movement that enhances exploration. The Xbox Tavern and TheSixthAxis note the freedom to navigate a vast environment, while IGN Italia and MondoXbox commend the deep RPG mechanics, including faction interactions, skill trees, and branching quests. Additionally, Game Rant acknowledges improvements in combat compared to its predecessor, and Twinfinite praises the jetpack’s impact on gameplay. The game’s emphasis on player choice and non-linear storytelling, as highlighted by Hey Poor Player, also stands out as a positive aspect. However, the majority of critics criticize the gameplay for its clunky and unsatisfying combat mechanics. WellPlayed, IGN, and God is a Geek describe combat as "terrible," "clunky," and "horrendous," citing issues like floaty controls, poor hitboxes, and frustrating stamina systems. Movies Games and Tech and Finger Guns emphasize the game’s arduous progression, with repetitive quests and unresponsive enemy AI. Gaming Age and Games.cz point to a poorly designed open world, while RPG Site and SECTOR.sk note that combat feels outdated and unintuitive. Even Hardcore Gamer and SpazioGames acknowledge the challenges of balancing difficulty, with some finding the early-game mechanics overly punishing. The lack of fluidity in combat and the prevalence of repetitive tasks dominate negative feedback. Overall, the consensus leans toward a polarizing experience. While ELEX II excels in open-world design, exploration, and RPG depth—features praised by critics like TheXboxHub and Hey Poor Player—its gameplay is frequently undermined by clunky combat and uneven mechanics. The game’s traditional RPG elements, such as faction systems and skill trees, resonate with fans of the genre, but the frustrations with combat and pacing, as noted by IGN Spain and Gaming Nexus, create a divide in reception. Despite mixed reviews, ELEX II appears to cater more to dedicated RPG enthusiasts who prioritize exploration and customization over polished action mechanics.

TL;DR

gameplay mechanics

Graphics and Visual Design

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TL;DR

ELEX II dazzles with lush, imaginative worlds blending post-apocalyptic and sci-fi elements but is dragged down by outdated graphics, janky visuals, and technical glitches like screen tearing and poor character models, creating a mixed legacy of creative ambition versus subpar polish.

SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR VISUALS

Visual Score

Positive Reviews (80-100)

13%

Mixed Reviews (50-79)

62%

Negative Reviews (0-49)

25%

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

The graphics and visual design of ELEX II receive a mixed but generally positive reception, with several critics highlighting its strengths in world-building and atmospheric presentation. COGconnected praises the game’s "diverse range of flora and fauna, ruins, settlements, and camps," emphasizing its vibrant and immersive environments. GamingBolt notes "vanilla-at-best graphics" that still offer a sense of exploration, while PlayStation Universe appreciates the "vibrant and lush environments" and clean character models. BaziCenter commends the unique blend of post-apocalyptic and sci-fi elements, creating a "believable atmosphere," and IGN Spain highlights improved lighting and water effects compared to the original. Additionally, GamingTrend lauds the "visually stunning" world with a "vintage aesthetic," and TheXboxHub notes that the visuals are "solid throughout," encouraging exploration. These reviews suggest that ELEX II succeeds in crafting an engaging, varied landscape despite technical limitations. However, numerous critics point to significant flaws in the game’s graphical execution, particularly its outdated technical performance and inconsistent details. Digitally Downloaded calls the graphics "outdated, resembling something from two generations ago," while Gaming Nexus criticizes "janky visuals" and subpar character animations. Impulsegamer notes "disappointing character models" and shadow flickering, and PlaySense highlights "screen tearing and an unstable framerate." SpazioGames and GameOver.gr both mention the game’s "outdated technical performance" and issues like pop-in, screen tearing, and poor polygonal models. On PC, GameGrin describes the visuals as "mid-2010s," with texture popping and loading issues, while IGN Italia criticizes "poor character models" and significant glitches. These critiques underscore a general sense of underperformance, with many feeling the game fails to meet modern standards despite its ambitious world design. The overall consensus among critics is that ELEX II strikes a balance between creative world-building and technical shortcomings. While it offers a visually rich, imaginative environment that rewards exploration—as noted by COGconnected, GamingTrend, and PlayStation Universe—the game’s graphical flaws, such as inconsistent textures, frame rate issues, and dated character models, detract from the experience. Critics like IGN Spain and TheXboxHub acknowledge improvements over the original, but many, including GameCritics and SpazioGames, argue that the visuals fall short of current-gen expectations. Despite these criticisms, several reviewers, such as Shindig and GamingTrend, appreciate the game’s "organic" world and "wondrous sights," suggesting that its artistic vision and atmosphere outweigh some technical limitations. Ultimately, ELEX II is seen as a title with potential but hindered by a lack of polish and optimization.

TL;DR

graphics and visual design

Music and Sound Design

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TL;DR

Critics split on ELEX II’s sound: praised for immersive voice acting and ambient design but hindered by audio glitches, repetitive combat sounds, and technical flaws.

SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR SOUND DESIGN

Sound Score

Positive Reviews (80-100)

17%

Mixed Reviews (50-79)

65%

Negative Reviews (0-49)

17%

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

The sound design and music of ELEX II received mixed but generally positive feedback from reviewers, with several praising its immersive qualities and voice acting. COGconnected highlighted the “good” music, while Impulsegamer noted that the English dub provided “entertaining performances,” and PlayStation Universe commended the voice acting for keeping players invested despite narrative flaws. BaziCenter and MondoXbox both praised the sound design as “adequate” or “complementing gameplay,” with the latter noting full English voicing and ambient music that enhances immersion. Additionally, GameGrin and Gamepressure appreciated the “surprisingly good” voice acting, which added to the game’s organic dialogue, while SECTOR.sk lauded the adaptive ambient music and excellent voice acting despite repetitive battle lines. These positives suggest that ELEX II succeeded in creating a cohesive auditory experience for many players. However, several critics pointed out significant technical shortcomings in the sound design. Hardcore Gamer criticized the “constant pops and cracks” and “terrible balancing,” calling the battle audio “painful and nonsensical.” GameMAG and Hey Poor Player echoed similar concerns, with the latter noting that combat lacked impact and failed to convey the weight of actions. GameOver.gr described the voice acting as “mediocre,” reflecting “typical eurojank standards,” while RPG Fan found the synth-heavy music disruptive during dramatic moments. New Game Network called the soundtrack “decent but forgettable,” and WellPlayed outright dismissed both sound design and voice acting as “bad” with poor delivery. These critiques highlight a persistent issue with technical polish, particularly in audio consistency and immersion during key gameplay moments. Overall, the critical reception of ELEX II’s sound design and music leans toward a mixed but cautiously optimistic view. While many reviewers acknowledged strengths such as improved voice acting (as noted by Impulsegamer, PlayStation Universe, and SECTOR.sk) and atmospheric ambient elements (MondoXbox, GRYOnline.pl), others emphasized technical flaws like audio glitches (Hardcore Gamer) and repetitive sound effects (GameSkinny). The consensus seems to be that the game’s auditory components are decent but not exceptional, with some critics rating them as “decent” (XboxAddict) or “satisfactory” (GameOver.gr), while others found them outright problematic. Despite these contradictions, the presence of strong voice acting and ambient design suggests ELEX II had moments of quality, even if they were often overshadowed by its technical shortcomings.

TL;DR

music and sound design

Critics split on ELEX II’s sound: praised for immersive voice acting and ambient design but hindered by audio glitches, repetitive combat sounds, and technical flaws.

Voice Acting

Expand for full analysis

TL;DR

ELEX II’s voice acting blends standout moments of charm and immersion with clunky execution—charming yet inconsistent, leaving critics divided between its quirky energy and glaring flaws.

SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR VOICE ACTING

Acting Score

Positive Reviews (80-100)

19%

Mixed Reviews (50-79)

67%

Negative Reviews (0-49)

15%

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

The voice acting in ELEX II receives a mixed reception, with several critics highlighting its strengths. Impulsegamer praises the "generally good" performances, noting standout portrayals of characters like Bloody Baxter and Nasty, while PlayStation Universe commends the voice acting for keeping players invested despite narrative flaws. BaziCenter and Xbox Tavern also appreciate the vocal work, emphasizing how it contributes to character development and world-building, with the protagonist’s gritty delivery adding depth. Additionally, GameGrin and Gamepressure highlight the humor in NPC interactions and the immersive quality of the dialogue, suggesting that the voice acting effectively supports the game’s quirky tone. SECTOR.sk even calls it "excellent," noting its ability to match characters despite the B-movie-style writing. These positive reviews underscore moments of strong performance and engaging storytelling. However, several critics point out significant flaws in the voice acting. Hardcore Gamer dismisses it as "passable at best," while GameOver.gr describes it as "average" with a lack of polish compared to higher-budget titles. Movies Games and Tech criticizes the "hilariously wooden" delivery and NPCs interrupting cutscenes, and Player 2 notes "stiltedness and flat delivery" that detracts from the experience. RPG Fan mentions unintentionally humorous moments, while WellPlayed calls it "bad" with poor coherence. GRYOnline.pl specifically criticizes the Polish dubbing for mismatched intonations, and Finger Guns points to reused voice lines across NPCs, creating a rough presentation. These critiques highlight inconsistencies, technical shortcomings, and translation issues that undermine the overall quality. The overall consensus reflects a split between appreciation for certain performances and frustration with broader inconsistencies. While some critics, like Impulsegamer and PlayStation Universe, find the voice acting engaging and immersive, others, such as GameOver.gr and WellPlayed, view it as subpar or unpolished. The game’s dialogue often straddles a fine line between charm and cringe, with moments of strong character work (e.g., BaziCenter’s praise for Jax) juxtaposed with awkward delivery (e.g., RPG Fan’s critique of the protagonist). Despite these contradictions, many reviewers acknowledge that the voice acting contributes to the game’s unique identity, even if it falls short of excellence. The mixed feedback suggests that while ELEX II’s voice acting has its moments, it remains a divisive aspect of the experience.

TL;DR

voice acting

ELEX II’s voice acting blends standout moments of charm and immersion with clunky execution—charming yet inconsistent, leaving critics divided between its quirky energy and glaring flaws.

Technical Performance

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TL;DR

ELEX II’s technical performance is a mixed bag: PS5 and Xbox struggle with instability, crashes, and frame drops, while PC sees conflicting reports on optimization. Despite some platform-specific praise, widespread issues like screen tearing, glitches, and poor polish plague all versions, undermining immersion despite the game’s core appeal.

SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR TECHNICAL PERFORMANCE

Tech Score

Positive Reviews (80-100)

10%

Mixed Reviews (50-79)

33%

Negative Reviews (0-49)

57%

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

The technical performance of ELEX II varies across platforms, with some reviewers noting positive aspects despite broader issues. On PS5, critics like SpazioGames praised its "solid performance" with minimal frame rate drops and instant loading times, while Twinfinite acknowledged minor framerate dips in combat but no major problems. For Xbox Series X/S, GameRant highlighted rare bugs that weren’t intrusive, and GamingTrend noted only "minor technical issues." On PC, GRYOnline.pl claimed the game was "well-optimized with virtually no technical errors," while TheSixthAxis reported stable 60fps on High settings. These positives suggest some platforms or configurations handled the game better than others, though inconsistencies remained. However, the negatives were more pronounced and widespread. On PS5, GamingBolt criticized "bad performance" with screen tearing and unstable frame rates, while PlaySense and PlayStation Universe cited "unstable framerate" and "frame rate drops in densely populated areas." For Xbox Series X/S, GameMAG described "low performance, frequent crashes," and "graphical issues," while MondoXbox highlighted "frame rate instability" and "glitches affecting animations." On PC, GamersRD and WellPlayed criticized poor optimization, with the latter calling it a "poorly optimized" experience even on high-end hardware. Critics like Games.cz and God is a Geek also noted crashes and graphical glitches, while RPG Site mentioned persistent framerate drops despite improvements in some areas. These issues underscored significant technical challenges across platforms. Overall, the consensus among critics was that ELEX II suffered from notable technical flaws, though these varied by platform. While some reviewers (e.g., SpazioGames, TheSixthAxis) found stability on specific systems, others (e.g., GamingBolt, GameMAG) emphasized persistent performance issues like frame rate drops, screen tearing, and crashes. PC received mixed feedback, with GRYOnline.pl praising optimization but others like GamersRD criticizing it harshly. Xbox Series X/S faced criticism for poor controls and instability, while PS5’s issues were more about inconsistency than outright failure. Despite these challenges, many acknowledged that the game’s flaws didn’t entirely derail its experience, though they significantly impacted immersion and enjoyment. The technical shortcomings highlighted a lack of polish, leaving players to navigate a patchwork of performance issues across platforms.

TL;DR

technical performance

Replay Value

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TL;DR

ELEX II offers deep replayability through choice-driven gameplay, faction diversity, and sprawling world design, but repetitive mechanics and formulaic gameplay risk diminishing its appeal.

SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR REPLAY VALUE

Replay Score

Positive Reviews (80-100)

35%

Mixed Reviews (50-79)

59%

Negative Reviews (0-49)

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

The majority of reviewers highlight ELEX II’s strong replay value through its emphasis on player choice, faction diversity, and expansive world design. Gaming Nexus praises the game’s “vast world with numerous quests and faction choices,” while Hardcore Gamer emphasizes the “five different factions with their own deep stories” and skill trees, which allow for varied playstyles. Impulsegamer and Shindig note that decisions lead to “vastly different playthroughs,” and SpazioGames points to over 80 hours of gameplay due to side quests and faction interactions. Twinfinite highlights the freedom of traversal mechanics and the ability to learn every skill, while Generación Xbox and MondoXbox stress how player choices impact relationships and missions, encouraging multiple playthroughs. These critiques collectively underscore ELEX II’s robust foundation for replayability through its open-ended design and branching narratives. However, several critics caution that flaws and repetitive elements may dampen the desire to replay. BaziCenter argues that while decision-making systems offer some replay value, the “overall experience may not encourage multiple playthroughs.” GameOver.gr notes the “eurojank nature” of the game, which might alienate players despite its content volume. Movies Games and Tech criticizes the “tedious gameplay,” while SomosXbox points to “repetitive missions” that limit replayability. TheXboxHub and XboxAddict also mention generic combat and quests, suggesting that even with substantial content, the formulaic design could deter some players. Additionally, IGN Spain observes that while the game has replay value, it may struggle to stand out in a crowded market. These critiques reveal that while ELEX II’s systems are designed for reuse, its execution faces challenges in maintaining engagement across multiple playthroughs. Overall, critics agree that ELEX II’s replay value is substantial but not without caveats. Positive reviews from Gaming Nexus, Hardcore Gamer, and SpazioGames emphasize the game’s depth, with their praise often tied to faction diversity, exploration, and branching narratives. However, negative feedback from BaziCenter, Movies Games and Tech, and SomosXbox highlights that repetitive mechanics and technical issues may limit its appeal. The consensus leans toward a balanced view: ELEX II offers significant replayability for fans of open-world RPGs who appreciate choice-driven storytelling, but its flaws and conservative gameplay formula might not resonate with all players. As IGN Italia notes, the game’s “variety of skills and faction choices” enhances replayability, yet the experience ultimately hinges on individual tolerance for its imperfections.

TL;DR

replay value

ELEX II offers deep replayability through choice-driven gameplay, faction diversity, and sprawling world design, but repetitive mechanics and formulaic gameplay risk diminishing its appeal.

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.

The overall verdict of ELEX II is marked by a mix of praise for its ambitious world-building and unique charm, despite significant flaws. Many critics highlight its richly detailed open-world environment, engaging narrative depth, and the nostalgic appeal of Piranha Bytes’ signature style. For instance, IGN Italia acknowledges it as a “worthy sequel” that appeals to genre fans, while Twinfinite praises its “open-world freedom” and the inclusion of a jetpack, which adds a fresh twist. GameGrin notes that the game’s positives—such as its immersive atmosphere and substantial content—make it worth experiencing, even if it falls short in execution. Additionally, Gaming Nexus and Shindig emphasize its “janky but fun” nature, suggesting that players who embrace its quirks may find enjoyment in its low-budget charm and unique RPG mechanics. However, the negatives are equally prominent, with critics frequently pointing to technical issues, dated gameplay, and underwhelming execution. WellPlayed calls it a “complete failure,” while RPG Site criticizes weak characters, poor quest design, and a lack of polish. IGN and COGconnected highlight problematic combat systems, janky movement, and slow progression, with the latter noting that the game “suffers from janky movement, weak combat, and bland writing.” Movies Games and Tech and RPG Fan also point to its “mediocre gameplay” and “lackluster” story, respectively. Many reviewers, including Gaming Age and GameOver.gr, frame ELEX II as a “classic eurojank” title that prioritizes ambition over polish, leaving players frustrated by its technical shortcomings and outdated mechanics. The overall consensus among critics is divided but leans toward a niche appeal for fans of traditional RPGs. While IGN Italia and GameStar acknowledge its flaws, they recognize it as a “solid entry” for those who appreciate Piranha Bytes’ style. Conversely, WellPlayed and ZTGD dismiss it entirely as unenjoyable, reflecting the polarizing nature of the game. Despite widespread criticism of its technical issues and execution, several reviewers—such as XboxAddict and Hey Poor Player—argue that ELEX II offers a rewarding experience for dedicated RPG fans who prioritize exploration and story over polish. Ultimately, the game’s legacy seems to hinge on audience expectations: it is a flawed but ambitious title that resonates with enthusiasts of its genre while falling short for those seeking a refined, modern RPG experience.

TL;DR

ELEX II is a polarizing mix of ambitious world-building and janky execution, offering nostalgic charm and immersive depth for RPG purists but plagued by dated mechanics, technical flaws, and underwhelming design that frustrate modern players.

MONSTER

Reviews

102 reviews found

Hey Poor Player

Xbox Series X

Feb 28, 2022