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Evil Genius 2: World Domination

Name: Comprehensive Review and Analysis of Evil Genius 2: World Domination
Item: Evil Genius 2: World Domination
Author: MonsterCritic Editorial Team

2021

GenresAdventure, Science Fiction and Futuristic, Simulation, Top-Down Perspective, Strategy, Single Player

AvailableMar 30, 2021

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

DeveloperRebellion

Overview

A satirical spy-fi lair builder where YOU are the criminal mastermind! Construct your base, train your minions, defend your operations from the Forces of Justice, and achieve global domination!

Elsewhere

6.8

Game analysis

Monster Scorecard

EXPAND ALL

Story and Narrative

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TL;DR

Evil Genius 2: World Domination crushes with hilarious spy-fi satire, quirky villain arcs, and creative lair-building, but its shallow storytelling, repetitive gameplay, and gimmicky approach leave it as a fun, satirical experience rather than a deep world domination sim.

SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR STORY

Story Score

Positive Reviews (80-100)

59%

Mixed Reviews (50-79)

38%

Negative Reviews (0-49)

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

The majority of critics praise Evil Genius 2: World Domination for its humorous, satirical tone and engaging narrative framework. Many highlight the game’s lighthearted approach to world domination, with IGN noting its "classic spy thriller tropes" and "distinct personalities for each playable character," while Cultured Vultures appreciates the "unique narratives for each of the four Geniuses" that enhance replayability. The game’s focus on building a lair and managing minions is seen as a strength, with GameSpot emphasizing its "different flavor of narrative" per character and PCMag describing it as a "cartoonish supervillain" experience. Critics like Jeuxvideo.com and VG247 also commend the inclusion of side quests and voiced dialogue, which add depth to the story despite some pacing issues. The game’s nostalgic appeal, reminiscent of Bond-style villains and 1960s spy films, is frequently praised, with The Guardian likening it to a "Dr Evil backstory" from Austin Powers. However, several critics point out significant shortcomings in the narrative structure. JeuxActu and BaziCenter criticize the minimal storytelling, noting that dialogues are "static" and the plot lacks depth, relying on "old clichés from spy films." GameSkinny mentions the slow progression of unlocking content, while Wccftech and COGconnected highlight a "simple narrative loop" with little character differentiation. Some reviewers, like Eurogamer Italy, acknowledge the unique traits of the four villains but argue that the main campaign feels repetitive, with GAMES.CH noting the "static" main path despite varied villain stories. Additionally, several critics (e.g., Game Rant and PC Gamer) point out that the narrative doesn’t significantly impact gameplay, with Windows Central stating the 1960s setting "doesn’t significantly affect gameplay." The reliance on humor over substantive storytelling is a recurring critique, with some feeling it overshadows potential for deeper engagement. Overall, the critics present a mixed but largely balanced view of Evil Genius 2: World Domination. While many appreciate its comedic tone, sandbox elements, and unique villain perspectives—celebrated by outlets like IGN, GameSpot, and Cultured Vultures—the narrative is frequently deemed shallow or derivative. The game’s strength lies in its ability to deliver a fun, satirical experience that appeals to fans of spy-fi and strategy genres, even if it doesn’t reinvent the wheel. Critics like VG247 and The Guardian acknowledge its charm and replayability, while others, such as JeuxActu and BaziCenter, feel it falls short in storytelling depth. Despite these contradictions, the consensus leans toward viewing Evil Genius 2 as a worthwhile, if uneven, entry in the genre, offering entertainment through its humor and variety rather than a groundbreaking narrative.

TL;DR

story and narrative

Gameplay Mechanics

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TL;DR

"Evil Genius 2" delivers addictive base-building and creative freedom, with stellar resource management and a polished tutorial, but repetitive mechanics and underdeveloped AI drag down its potential. A must-play for fans, but beware of tedium.

SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR GAMEPLAY

Gameplay Score

Positive Reviews (80-100)

59%

Mixed Reviews (50-79)

37%

Negative Reviews (0-49)

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

The gameplay of Evil Genius 2: World Domination receives praise for its engaging base-building mechanics, strategic depth, and creative freedom. Critics like PCMag and Cultured Vultures highlight the satisfaction in designing and optimizing a villainous lair, with GameGrin noting that the core experience remains faithful to the original while introducing new traps and verticality. GamingTrend and VGC commend the game’s emphasis on resource management, minion training, and mission execution, with Metro GameCentral praising its intricate systems and intuitive controls. The tutorial is also a standout, as noted by The Digital Fix and Screen Rant, which describe it as both informative and entertaining, helping players grasp complex interactions between base expansion, criminal networks, and global schemes. However, several critics criticize the game’s repetitive nature and lack of strategic depth. Riot Pixels and GameWatcher argue that the gameplay feels mechanical, with players issuing commands and waiting for results, leading to a monotonous experience. IGN and COGconnected point out simplistic trap systems and underdeveloped AI, while PC Gamer mentions long-winded missions and frustrating waiting periods. New Game Network and GameSpot highlight issues with AI behavior and repetitive world map mechanics, though sandbox mode is praised as a mitigating factor. Hey Poor Player and Destructoid note that combat can feel chaotic or unbalanced, and Game Debate criticizes the chore-like nature of defending the island and managing global schemes. Overall, the critics present a mixed but largely positive consensus, acknowledging the game’s strengths in base-building and strategic planning while critiquing its repetitive elements and technical shortcomings. While PCMag, Cultured Vultures, and Gfinity celebrate the engaging loop of creativity and management, others like Riot Pixels and IGN emphasize the need for more complexity and polish. The game’s appeal lies in its accessibility and creative freedom, but its success hinges on players’ tolerance for repetitive tasks and streamlined mechanics. Despite these flaws, many reviewers agree that Evil Genius 2 offers a unique and enjoyable experience for fans of the genre, with GameGrin and Metro GameCentral noting its addictive, layered gameplay that stands out among console titles.

TL;DR

gameplay mechanics

Graphics and Visual Design

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TL;DR

Evil Genius 2: World Domination dazzles with its hyper-stylized, 1960s-inspired visuals, vibrant color palettes, and Pixar-grade animations that breathe life into its campy spy world—though some lairs feel half-baked, cutscenes stumble, and repetitive designs linger. A triumph of retro charm, but not without clunky quirks.

SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR VISUALS

Visual Score

Positive Reviews (80-100)

78%

Mixed Reviews (50-79)

22%

Negative Reviews (0-49)

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

The majority of reviewers praised Evil Genius 2: World Domination for its vibrant, stylized visuals and cohesive artistic direction. Critics consistently highlighted its cartoonish aesthetic and retro-inspired design, with many noting its strong ties to 1960s spy themes and classic animations. Windows Central lauded the "vibrant art" and "Pixar-grade visuals," while Checkpoint Gaming celebrated the game’s "colorful 60's style" and "lush environments." Push Square emphasized the smooth, amusing animations that inject personality into every room, and TheXboxHub compared the visuals to Pixar’s style, calling them a key strength. The game’s campy, nostalgic charm was repeatedly praised, with IGN noting its "delightful style" and GameSpot highlighting its "vibrant, engaging art style." Even critics like PCMag appreciated the detailed animations and "bright colors," while Shacknews called the presentation "cohesive" and "slick." These positives underscore a game that successfully balances humor, retro flair, and visual appeal. However, some reviewers pointed out specific flaws in the graphics and design. GameSpew noted that the lair design felt "slapdash" and challenging for newcomers, while Wccftech criticized the visuals as "cheap" compared to other games, citing disjointed cutscenes where dialogue and animations didn’t align. VGC mentioned a clunky interface, and Hardcore Gamer suggested the visual aesthetic wasn’t a core focus, implying a lack of graphical ambition. New Game Network pointed to a lack of variety in lair designs, while App Trigger noted that fight animations were a weakness. TheSixthAxis also observed that some cutscenes felt "impersonal," and God is a Geek mentioned repetitive character designs. These critiques, though less frequent, highlight areas where the game’s visual execution fell short of expectations. Overall, the consensus among critics was overwhelmingly positive, with most agreeing that Evil Genius 2: World Domination delivers a visually engaging and stylistically cohesive experience. While some noted minor issues—such as repetitive elements or technical shortcomings—the majority celebrated its cartoonish charm, vibrant color palette, and retro spy-inspired design. Reviews from outlets like PC Gamer, VG247, and Cultured Vultures emphasized the game’s polished presentation and ability to "feel more polished than its budget suggests," reinforcing that the visual design was a standout aspect. Despite the critiques, the overwhelming praise for the art style, animations, and thematic coherence underscores that Evil Genius 2 succeeded in creating a visually appealing world that aligns with its humorous, spy-themed gameplay.

TL;DR

graphics and visual design

Music and Sound Design

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TL;DR

Nostalgic Bond-inspired score and stellar voice acting elevate Evil Genius 2, blending retro 60s charm with campy espionage flair—though repetition and technical hiccups temper its polish.

SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR SOUND DESIGN

Sound Score

Positive Reviews (80-100)

69%

Mixed Reviews (50-79)

31%

Negative Reviews (0-49)

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

The sound design and music of Evil Genius 2: World Domination received widespread praise for its nostalgic, Bond-inspired aesthetic and immersive atmosphere. Critics highlighted the soundtrack’s ability to evoke classic spy film vibes, with many noting its retro 1960s charm. Everyeye.it praised the “classic Bond themes” that enhance the game’s satirical tone, while Push Square and Checkpoint Gaming emphasized the melodramatic, James Bond-esque music and its alignment with the game’s playful espionage theme. The score, composed by James Hannigan, was frequently lauded for its dynamic range, blending brass-heavy surf-guitar riffs (as noted by Shacknews) and orchestral flourishes (COGconnected) to create a lively, campy atmosphere. Voice acting also shone, with Game Rant and Gfinity highlighting the “star-studded cast” and “fantastic villain music,” while Cultured Vultures praised the “top-notch voice cast” that brought characters to life. The audio design was seen as integral to the game’s identity, with GameSpace noting its parodies of serious spy themes and TheXboxHub crediting it for enhancing the satirical style. However, some criticisms emerged regarding repetition and technical issues. App Trigger and Attack of the Fanboy both noted that the base-building music became “repetitive and boring,” suggesting players might opt for personal playlists. GamingTrend (PS5) mentioned a specific flaw where “music and voice acting stopped playing after a while,” pointing to potential sound design bugs. PC Gamer criticized the “stilted and unconvincing” voice performances for minions, which disrupted immersion despite strong lead voices. Additionally, some reviewers, like Cultured Vultures, acknowledged that while the music was “excellent,” it occasionally suffered from repetition, and others, such as GamingTrend (PC), wished for more tracks to maintain variety. These issues, though minor, highlighted areas where the sound design could have been more polished or varied. Overall, the critics’ consensus leaned heavily positive, with most agreeing that the soundtrack and voice acting were a standout feature of Evil Genius 2. The Bond-inspired score and retro aesthetic resonated strongly, as noted by Eurogamer Italy and New Game Network, who praised its “perfect” 60s vibe. While repetition and technical hiccups were mentioned, they didn’t overshadow the game’s strengths. Critics like Cultured Vultures and PC Gamer acknowledged these flaws but still emphasized that the audio design significantly enhanced the experience. The combination of lively music, over-the-top voice acting, and satirical tone created a cohesive and enjoyable atmosphere, making the sound design a key component of the game’s charm despite its occasional shortcomings.

TL;DR

music and sound design

Nostalgic Bond-inspired score and stellar voice acting elevate Evil Genius 2, blending retro 60s charm with campy espionage flair—though repetition and technical hiccups temper its polish.

Voice Acting

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TL;DR

Energetic, humorous voice acting steals the show in Evil Genius 2, with standout performances from stars like Brian Blessed elevating its over-the-top comedy. Critics praise the lively dialogue and character-driven humor, but technical glitches, repetitive lines, and uneven delivery undermine consistency, leaving some players frustrated. A mixed bag of brilliance and bloat.

SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR VOICE ACTING

Acting Score

Positive Reviews (80-100)

56%

Mixed Reviews (50-79)

41%

Negative Reviews (0-49)

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

The voice acting in Evil Genius 2: World Domination receives largely positive acclaim, with many critics highlighting its energetic, humorous, and character-driven performances. Reviewers like BaziCenter, COGconnected, and Cultured Vultures praise the fully voiced characters, noting that the dialogue enhances personality and fits the game’s comedic tone. Digitally Downloaded specifically commends Brian Blessed’s portrayal of Red Ivan, calling it “wonderfully” executed, while IGN and The Digital Fix laud the "gleeful" and "flavorful" performances that bring the characters to life. Gfinity and Hey Poor Player emphasize the star-studded cast and the humor derived from accents and character contrasts, with Worth Playing noting the "lively" performances that contribute to the game’s charm. These positives underscore a cohesive effort to make the voice acting an integral part of the game’s identity. However, several critics point out flaws or inconsistencies in the voice acting. GamingTrend (PS5) mentions technical issues where voice acting “stopped playing after a while,” while Game Debate criticizes Brian Blessed’s performance as “phoning it in” and calls the dialogue “confusing.” PC Gamer notes that while the Geniuses are well-acted, other characters’ performances “fall flat,” reducing immersion. Wccftech highlights repetitive lines, and TheSixthAxis finds cutscenes “impersonal,” suggesting a lack of emotional depth. Gamer.no argues that the dialogue’s presentation undermines its humor, and PSX Extreme describes the humor as “hit-or-miss.” These critiques reveal uneven execution, with some performances failing to match the game’s ambitious tone or technical polish. Overall, the consensus leans positive but acknowledges mixed experiences. While many critics, including MMORPG.com and Shacknews, celebrate the voice acting as a standout feature that enriches the game’s narrative and humor, others like PC Gamer and Game Debate point to inconsistencies in delivery and character depth. The praise for notable actors like Brian Blessed and the comedic tone of the dialogue contrasts with frustrations over repetition, technical glitches, and uneven performances. Despite these drawbacks, the voice acting is widely seen as a key strength that complements the game’s over-the-top style, even if not every performance fully lives up to its potential.

TL;DR

voice acting

Technical Performance

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TL;DR

Evil Genius 2: World Domination delivers solid technical performance across platforms, with strong optimization and stability praised for PS5, PC, and Xbox Series X/S—though glitches, UI flaws, and AI issues persist, leaving room for polish.

SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR TECHNICAL PERFORMANCE

Tech Score

Positive Reviews (80-100)

47%

Mixed Reviews (50-79)

45%

Negative Reviews (0-49)

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

The technical performance of Evil Genius 2: World Domination receives generally positive feedback across all platforms, with notable strengths in stability and optimization. On the PS5, reviewers like Everyeye.it, GameSpew, and God is a Geek highlight smooth gameplay, stable frame rates, and intuitive controls despite the game’s complexity. The Games Machine notes that the PS5 version is well-optimized and comparable to the PC release, while Player 2 emphasizes a lack of significant technical issues. For PC, multiple critics—such as IGN Italia, PC Gamer, and Wccftech—praise its smooth performance across varied hardware, with Eurogamer Italy specifically commending the user-friendly interface. On Xbox Series X/S, Metro GameCentral and TheXboxHub commend the responsive control schemes and quick load times, while Xbox Achievements highlights stability even during intense gameplay scenarios. These platforms collectively benefit from strong optimization efforts, though some minor quirks persist. However, technical challenges are evident across all platforms. On PS5, GamingTrend and ZTGD report glitches like softlocking, invisible Super Agents, and minions failing to follow commands, which disrupt immersion. For PC, the criticism is more varied: BaziCenter and Cultured Vultures note bugs and UI flaws, while GameWatcher and GamingTrend describe AI issues and crashes that can render gameplay unplayable. Additionally, some reviewers like GameGrin and MMORPG.com mention clunky menus or unclear mechanics, though these are often framed as minor frustrations. On Xbox Series X, TheXboxHub acknowledges minor building mechanic frustrations despite overall optimization, while Xbox Achievements’ praise for stability contrasts with the broader PC issues. These problems, while not universal, suggest that technical polish remains a work in progress across platforms. The overall consensus among critics is largely positive, with most agreeing that Evil Genius 2 delivers solid technical performance despite its flaws. On PS5, the game’s optimization and stability are widely praised, though glitches like those noted by GamingTrend and ZTGD indicate room for improvement. For PC, while UI and AI issues persist—highlighted by BaziCenter, GameWatcher, and Cultured Vultures—the majority of reviewers (e.g., IGN Italia, PC Gamer) acknowledge smooth performance and effective patches. On Xbox Series X/S, the port is deemed well-optimized, with Metro GameCentral and TheXboxHub emphasizing its responsiveness. While no platform is flawless, the game’s technical foundation appears robust, with most critics agreeing that it offers a stable and enjoyable experience despite occasional hiccups. This balance of praise and critique reflects a title that prioritizes gameplay over perfection, leaving room for future refinements.

TL;DR

technical performance

Replay Value

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TL;DR

Evil Genius 2: World Domination delivers explosive replay value through its sandbox freedom, diverse characters, and endless side missions, but repetitive tasks, shallow mechanics, and a grindy mid-game risk alienating players. While fans of chaos and creativity will relish its flexibility, critics warn that its charm fades when repetition outshines depth.

SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR REPLAY VALUE

Replay Score

Positive Reviews (80-100)

48%

Mixed Reviews (50-79)

45%

Negative Reviews (0-49)

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

The majority of critics highlight strong positives regarding the replay value of Evil Genius 2: World Domination, emphasizing its diverse gameplay elements and flexibility. Multiple reviewers praise the game’s sandbox mode, which allows for relaxed, experimental playstyles, as noted by GameSpew and Eurogamer Italy. The inclusion of multiple playable characters (such as different Evil Geniuses) and varied island locations is frequently cited as a key driver of replayability. For instance, Checkpoint Gaming and Cultured Vultures highlight the hundreds of hours of gameplay and distinct narratives for each mastermind, while GameGrin and GamingTrend commend the sandbox mode’s freedom to build and tinker. Additionally, side missions, criminal challenges, and randomized objectives (as mentioned by CGMagazine and Destructoid) add layers of content, ensuring players can approach the game differently each time. The ability to revisit campaigns with new strategies or difficulty settings further enhances its longevity, as noted by The Games Machine and Game Informer. However, several critics point out notable drawbacks that may limit replay value. Some argue that the repetitive nature of tasks and limited strategic depth can lead to monotony. App Trigger and Jeuxvideo.com criticize the lack of variability between playthroughs, while COGconnected and Riot Pixels note simplistic mechanics that make the game feel complete after a single run. Additionally, Attack of the Fanboy and Game Debate mention repetition in campaigns, particularly with the Geniuses’ arcs, and PCMag highlights the mid-game grind as a potential deterrent. The limited number of islands compared to the four Evil Geniuses (as noted by Game Rant) also raises concerns about forced repetition. While some praise the game’s creativity, others feel its complexity or frustration factors, such as fiddly interfaces (VGC) or stretched feedback loops (PC Gamer), may discourage multiple playthroughs. Overall, the consensus among critics leans toward a generally positive assessment of replay value, albeit with caveats. Most agree that the game’s variety of characters, sandbox mode, and side content provide substantial reasons to return, as emphasized by Everyeye.it, GameSpew, and TheXboxHub. However, concerns about repetition, lack of depth, and gameplay frustrations temper this enthusiasm. While Metro GameCentral and VG247 laud the game’s addictive and endlessly replayable nature, others like Wccftech and JeuxActu question its long-term appeal due to limited innovation. Ultimately, Evil Genius 2: World Domination is seen as a title that rewards players with significant content and flexibility, but its replayability hinges on individual tolerance for repetition and strategic depth. The balance between these factors suggests it will satisfy fans of the genre while leaving some critics underwhelmed.

TL;DR

replay value

Overall Verdict

MONSTER

OVERALL SCORE DISTRIBUTION

Monster Score

Positive Reviews (80-100)

55%

Mixed Reviews (50-79)

44%

Negative Reviews (0-49)

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

The overall reception of Evil Genius 2: World Domination highlights its nostalgic charm, engaging humor, and strong visual presentation. Many reviewers praised its ability to recapture the spirit of the original game while modernizing it for contemporary audiences. IGN noted its "style and humor," while PCMag highlighted "new features and improved visuals" that make it a satisfying sequel. The game’s whimsical tone, reminiscent of 1960s spy spoofs, was frequently lauded, with GameSpot emphasizing its "intricate management gameplay" and "whimsical elements." Critics like Game Rant and VG247 also appreciated the game’s faithful homage to the original, balancing nostalgia with fresh mechanics. Additionally, the base-building and resource-management aspects were seen as a core strength, with CGMagazine noting that "the joy of building and growing an evil empire prevails" despite some flaws. However, several critics pointed out significant drawbacks, particularly around gameplay repetition, pacing issues, and lack of innovation. Riot Pixels described it as a "disappointing sequel" with "tedious gameplay loops," while BaziCenter criticized its failure to "innovate or improve upon its predecessor." Multiple reviewers, including COGconnected and PC Gamer, highlighted frustrations with the game’s "lack of engaging strategic depth" and "overly long missions," which could make extended play sessions feel grindy. The interface and control systems also drew criticism, with IGN noting a "confusing world map interface" and VGC pointing out "fiddly interface" issues. Additionally, some felt the game’s narrative and minion management lacked depth, as noted by Eurogamer Italy and GameSpot, which mentioned "minor flaws in dialogue" and "lack of control over minions." These critiques often centered on the game feeling like a polished but unexciting evolution of its predecessor. Despite these criticisms, the overall consensus among critics leans positive, with many acknowledging Evil Genius 2 as an enjoyable and entertaining experience for fans of the genre. While some reviewers, like TheSixthAxis and GameSkinny, noted that the game "lacks significant innovations," they still found it "worth visiting" for its charm and fun gameplay. The balance between nostalgia and modernization was a key selling point, with Cultured Vultures calling it a "solid and enjoyable game" and Hardcore Gamer praising its "impressive revival of strategy games." While the game’s flaws—repetition, pacing issues, and interface quirks—are acknowledged, many critics felt it succeeded in delivering a satisfying villainous fantasy. As PC Gamer put it, it’s a "fun and imaginative management game" that, despite its shortcomings, remains "engaging for those who enjoy being a supervillain." The mixed reception reflects a game that is enjoyable but imperfect, with room for growth in future iterations.

TL;DR

Nostalgic charm meets whimsical fun in Evil Genius 2, a polished sequel that balances 1960s spy spoof vibes with modernized base-building and management gameplay. While its humor, visuals, and strategic depth earn praise, repetitive loops, clunky interfaces, and lackluster innovation drag down the experience. A satisfying but flawed entry for fans, it’s enjoyable but feels like a safe evolution rather than a bold leap.

MONSTER

Reviews

103 reviews found

100

The Digital Fix

Mar 29, 2021