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

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

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Story and Narrative

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TL;DR

Evil Genius 2: World Domination delivers a quirky, humorous take on villainy that charms with nostalgia and creativity, winning praise for its engaging side stories and distinct narratives for each genius. However, critics lament the shallow plot and reliance on clichés, arguing it lacks depth and complexity to truly captivate players. While fun and entertaining, the game misses the mark on narrative ambition, leaving room for improvement.

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 overall sentiment regarding the story of Evil Genius 2: World Domination showcases a blend of humor, creativity, and a nostalgic nod to classic spy narratives. Many critics, such as Guardian and GameSpace, appreciate the game's satirical tone and the opportunity it provides players to embrace their inner villain. The narrative allows for a light-hearted approach to world domination, with Hey Poor Player highlighting the engaging side stories that add depth to the villainous experience. Furthermore, Metro GameCentral and Cultured Vultures commend the distinct narratives for each of the four playable geniuses, which enhance replayability and provide a variety of gameplay experiences. Conversely, several reviewers express concerns about the depth and quality of the story. Critics like JeuxActu and BaziCenter point out the minimal narrative aspect, with JeuxActu noting the lack of developed storylines and cinematic scenes, which detracts from the overall immersion. Additionally, Wccftech and God is a Geek mention that while the game allows players to embody a villain, the execution of these villainous actions often feels less sinister, and the reliance on clichés from spy films can lead to a sense of repetitiveness. This sentiment is echoed by GAMES.CH, who notes that while the characters are distinct, they do not significantly enhance the overall experience. The critics' consensus reflects a mixed reception of the narrative in Evil Genius 2: World Domination. While the game successfully captures a humorous and engaging atmosphere, allowing players to indulge in their villainous fantasies, many feel that the story lacks the depth and complexity that could elevate the experience. Critics like Game Rant and VG247 acknowledge the unique storylines for each genius, but also point out pacing issues and a reliance on familiar tropes. Ultimately, the game is seen as a fun and entertaining experience, but one that could benefit from a more robust narrative structure to fully realize its potential.

TL;DR

story and narrative

Gameplay Mechanics

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TL;DR

Evil Genius 2: World Domination impresses with its engaging base-building and resource management mechanics, winning praise from critics for its strategic gameplay and creative options. However, it suffers from repetitiveness, poor AI, and a lack of depth, leading to tedious experiences. While fans of the genre may find enjoyment, its limitations may frustrate those seeking more complexity. A mixed bag that delivers fun moments but leaves room for improvement.

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 has garnered a mix of positive feedback from critics, particularly regarding its core mechanics of base building and resource management. Many reviewers, such as PC Gamer and Windows Central, praised the engaging gameplay loop that combines elements of strategy and simulation, allowing players to construct and optimize their evil lairs. The game offers a variety of minion types and the ability to execute schemes, which adds depth to the gameplay experience. Critics like Hardcore Gamer and GamingTrend highlighted the satisfying progression players experience as they expand their bases and manage criminal activities, while others noted the enjoyable mechanics that allow for creativity in layout and strategy, as seen in the comments from Cultured Vultures and The Digital Fix. However, a significant number of reviewers pointed out several shortcomings in the gameplay, primarily focusing on repetitiveness and a lack of depth. Game Informer and Riot Pixels criticized the gameplay for feeling mechanical and lacking strategic depth, with many tasks becoming tedious over time. Critics such as GameWatcher and COGconnected noted issues with poor AI and limited player control, which can lead to frustrating experiences. The tutorial was also mentioned as inadequate by BaziCenter, leaving players to learn through trial and error. Moreover, several reviewers, including GameSpot and Everyeye.it, echoed concerns about the simplistic nature of certain gameplay elements, particularly during missions and combat, which detracted from the overall experience. Overall, the consensus among critics suggests that while Evil Genius 2 offers a solid foundation with its engaging base-building mechanics and strategic elements, it is hampered by repetitiveness and a lack of depth in certain areas. Critics like Eurogamer Italy and Game Debate acknowledged the fun aspects of building and managing a lair but also pointed out the tedious nature of some gameplay elements. The game appears to be enjoyable for those who appreciate the genre, but the criticisms regarding its mechanics and AI may deter players seeking a more complex and varied experience. Ultimately, Evil Genius 2 seems to deliver a mixed bag of enjoyable moments alongside frustrating limitations, making it a title that may appeal to fans of management sims while leaving others wanting more.

TL;DR

gameplay mechanics

Graphics and Visual Design

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TL;DR

Evil Genius 2: World Domination features a vibrant, cartoonish aesthetic that most critics laud for its lively animations and 1960s spy theme. While the humor and design add charm, some reviewers criticize the graphical fidelity and lack of variety in lair designs. Overall, the visuals are seen as a strong asset, enhancing the game's engaging experience, despite a few notable shortcomings.

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 overall sentiment regarding the graphics and visual design of Evil Genius 2: World Domination is predominantly positive, with many critics praising its vibrant, cartoonish aesthetic. Reviewers like Multiplayer.it and PC Gamer highlight the game's lively art style and meticulous animations, which contribute significantly to the overall experience. The game successfully captures the essence of its 1960s spy theme, with critics such as Hey Poor Player and Shacknews noting the retro-futuristic designs and cohesive presentation that enhance the visual appeal. The humor infused into the animations and character designs, as mentioned by IGN and Screen Rant, adds personality to the gameplay, making the visuals engaging and entertaining. However, not all feedback is complimentary. Some critics, like Wccftech and Hardcore Gamer, express concerns about the graphical fidelity, suggesting that the visuals can feel somewhat cheap compared to other contemporary titles. Wccftech specifically points out synchronization issues in cutscenes, which detracts from the overall experience. Additionally, GameSpew mentions that the design of the lair can feel slapdash, making it challenging for newcomers to appreciate the visual appeal fully. This sentiment is echoed by New Game Network, which notes a lack of variety in lair designs, indicating that while the graphics are colorful, they may not be as diverse as some players would hope. Despite these criticisms, the overall consensus among critics is that Evil Genius 2 boasts a charming and visually appealing design that resonates well with its theme. The majority of reviewers agree that the game successfully marries its cartoonish style with the playful elements of its narrative, creating an enjoyable visual experience. Critics like GameByte and XboxAddict appreciate the clean and classic visual style, while others like Metro GameCentral and Cultured Vultures commend its polished look and engaging animations. Ultimately, while there are areas for improvement, the game's graphics and visual design are generally considered a strong point, contributing positively to the overall enjoyment of the game.

TL;DR

graphics and visual design

Music and Sound Design

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TL;DR

Evil Genius 2: World Domination boasts a captivating soundtrack and engaging voice acting, evoking classic spy films, especially reminiscent of James Bond. Critics praise its lively compositions and immersive atmosphere, despite some technical hiccups and occasional repetitiveness. While some voice performances felt stilted, the overall sound design enhances gameplay, making it a significant highlight despite minor flaws.

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 have garnered a largely positive reception from critics, highlighting the game's ability to capture the essence of classic spy films, particularly those reminiscent of the James Bond franchise. Reviewers such as Everyeye.it and Eurogamer Italy praised the soundtrack for its well-crafted compositions that enhance the game's atmosphere, with the former noting how the music complements the satirical elements of the gameplay. The voice acting has also received acclaim, with Player 2 and Xbox Achievements emphasizing the engaging performances that bring characters to life, contributing to the overall enjoyment of the game. Critics like COGconnected and Shacknews appreciated the lively and dynamic music, with the latter mentioning the delightful brass and surf guitar elements that set the mood effectively. However, not all feedback has been favorable. Some critics pointed out issues with sound design, particularly GamingTrend, which reported that music and voice acting stopped playing after a while, indicating potential technical problems. Additionally, App Trigger criticized the repetitiveness of the music during base-building segments, suggesting that players might prefer to listen to their own music instead. While many reviews acknowledged the quality of the voice acting, PC Gamer noted that the performances of minions and subordinates felt stilted and unconvincing, detracting from the overall experience. This inconsistency in sound quality and the occasional repetitiveness in music tracks were recurring themes in the critiques. Overall, the consensus among critics is that Evil Genius 2: World Domination features a strong and engaging sound design and musical score that enhances the gameplay experience, with many reviewers celebrating its homage to classic spy themes. Critics like GameSpot and VG247 highlighted the soundtrack's ability to blend dramatic and campy elements, effectively immersing players in the game's world. While there are notable criticisms regarding technical issues and repetitiveness, the positive aspects of the voice acting and the thematic music largely overshadow these concerns, making the audio experience a significant highlight of the game.

TL;DR

music and sound design

Voice Acting

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TL;DR

Evil Genius 2: World Domination features a star-studded voice cast that injects charm and humor into the game, earning praise for lively performances from critics like IGN and COGconnected. However, the voice acting also faces criticism for repetitiveness and inconsistent quality, with some characters feeling lackluster. Overall, it’s a mixed bag that enhances the game's comedic tone but also risks breaking immersion.

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 has received a mix of praise from various critics, highlighting its contribution to the game's overall charm and comedic tone. Many reviewers, such as BaziCenter and COGconnected, commend the strong performances from a star-studded cast, which includes notable actors like Brian Blessed and Samantha Bond. The voice acting is described as lively and animated, effectively enhancing character personality and humor, as noted by IGN and MMORPG.com. Critics like Player 2 appreciate the hammy and over-the-top nature of the performances, which aligns well with the game's comedic intent, while others, such as Worth Playing, emphasize how this lively delivery contributes to the game's overall appeal. However, not all feedback is positive, as several critics point out significant drawbacks in the voice acting. GamingTrend mentions issues with voice acting repetition and the performance of specific characters, such as Agent Olga, which detracts from the immersion. Game Debate and Gamer.no criticize some performances, suggesting that they feel lackluster or "phoned in," leading to confusion and a diminished comedic effect. Additionally, GameWatcher and Wccftech highlight problems with the direction of the voice acting, noting that dialogues can feel disjointed and repetitive, which may hinder the overall experience for players. In summary, the consensus among critics regarding the voice acting in Evil Genius 2: World Domination is largely mixed. While many appreciate the lively and comedic performances that contribute to the game's charm, others express concerns about repetitiveness and inconsistent quality across different characters. Critics like IGN and COGconnected celebrate the humor and quality of the voice acting, while others like Game Debate and Wccftech highlight the shortcomings that affect immersion. Ultimately, the voice acting serves as a defining element of the game, with its strengths and weaknesses shaping the overall player experience.

TL;DR

voice acting

Technical Performance

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TL;DR

Evil Genius 2: World Domination shines on PS5 and Xbox Series X with stable performance and smooth controls, earning mostly positive reviews. However, the PC version is hit-or-miss, plagued by glitches and AI issues that can hinder gameplay. Critics agree it's enjoyable, but potential players should be cautious of performance inconsistencies, especially on PC.

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 varies across different gaming platforms, with generally positive feedback for the PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X, while the PC version presents a mixed bag of experiences. On the PS5, critics like Everyeye.it and GameSpew commend the game for its stable frame rate and smooth performance, with Everyeye.it noting the intuitive controls that accommodate the game's complexity. Player 2 and God is a Geek also echo these sentiments, emphasizing the overall stability and optimization of the PS5 version, which is said to be comparable to the PC version according to The Games Machine. Meanwhile, Xbox Series X reviewers, including Eurogamer Italy and TheXboxHub, highlight the quick loading times and effective control mapping, further reinforcing the console's solid performance. However, there are notable negatives, particularly for the PS5 and PC platforms. GamingTrend points out several glitches and stability issues on the PS5, including softlocking and invisible Super Agents, which detract from the gameplay experience. ZTGD also mentions glitches related to AI behavior, such as minions not responding correctly during critical moments. On the PC, the situation is more complex, with critics like BaziCenter and GameWatcher reporting multiple bugs and AI issues that can lead to frustrating gameplay experiences. While some reviews, like those from IGN Italia and New Game Network, praise the overall performance and stability on PC, others highlight significant issues with the user interface and management mechanics, indicating that the experience can be hit or miss depending on the hardware and setup. Overall, the consensus among critics suggests that while Evil Genius 2: World Domination performs well on both the PS5 and Xbox Series X, with stable frame rates and responsive controls, the PC version presents a more varied experience. Critics like God is a Geek and PC Gamer acknowledge that the game runs smoothly for the most part, yet they also recognize the presence of bugs and interface issues that may hinder the experience for some players. The mixed reviews highlight that while the game can be enjoyable and technically sound, it is essential for players to be aware of potential glitches and performance inconsistencies, particularly on PC.

TL;DR

technical performance

Replay Value

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TL;DR

Evil Genius 2: World Domination gets high marks for replayability thanks to its diverse characters, lengthy campaigns, and a sandbox mode that invites experimentation. Critics laud the game's rich content, which encourages multiple playthroughs. However, concerns about repetition, lack of depth, and potential burnout are prevalent. While many players will enjoy the varied experiences, some may quickly tire of its mechanics. Overall, it’s a solid choice for strategy fans, but with notable caveats.

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 overall sentiment regarding the replay value of Evil Genius 2: World Domination is largely positive, with many critics praising the game's diverse offerings that enhance its longevity. Reviewers like Everyeye.it and Checkpoint Gaming highlight the multiple characters and lengthy campaigns, which provide players with various ways to engage with the game. The inclusion of a sandbox mode is frequently noted as a significant factor in replayability, allowing players to experiment without the constraints of the main campaign. Critics such as GameGrin and Cultured Vultures emphasize the abundance of content, including multiple Geniuses, distinct narratives, and various difficulty levels, which collectively contribute to a rich and engaging experience that encourages players to return for more. However, several critics point out notable drawbacks that may hinder the game's replay value. App Trigger and Attack of the Fanboy mention a sense of repetition that becomes apparent during subsequent playthroughs, particularly with the Geniuses and campaign structure. Critics like COGconnected and Riot Pixels express concerns over the game's lack of depth and strategic complexity, suggesting that the gameplay can become monotonous over time. Additionally, some reviewers, such as TheXboxHub, argue that while the game offers different playthrough experiences, much of the content can be exhausted in a single run, potentially limiting the incentive for players to revisit the game. In summary, the consensus among critics is that Evil Genius 2: World Domination possesses a solid foundation for replayability through its varied characters, sandbox mode, and extensive content. While many reviewers, including Hardcore Gamer and GamingTrend, appreciate the potential for multiple campaigns and side missions, the concerns regarding repetition and limited depth raised by others, such as New Game Network and Jeuxvideo.com, suggest that some players may find their interest waning after the initial exploration. Overall, the game appears to offer a mix of engaging content and potential pitfalls, making it a title that could appeal to both strategy enthusiasts and casual players, albeit with some caveats.

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.

Evil Genius 2: World Domination has garnered a range of opinions from critics, with several highlighting its nostalgic charm and engaging elements. Many reviewers appreciate the game's ability to capture the essence of being a supervillain, with Game Rant noting it as a "worthy successor" that delivers a compelling management simulation. Critics like Hardcore Gamer and Gfinity praise its balance of complexity and accessibility, making it enjoyable for both newcomers and veterans alike. The game's humor, visuals, and the fun of building an underground lair have been positively received, with GameSpace and TheXboxHub emphasizing its well-presented and layered design. Additionally, some reviewers, such as GameSpew and Shacknews, commend the addictive gameplay and the overall experience, suggesting that it appeals to fans of the genre. However, despite these positive aspects, many critics point out significant flaws that detract from the overall experience. Riot Pixels expresses disappointment in the tedious gameplay loop and lack of engaging mechanics, while Game Informer mentions that the game is held back by outdated methods and inconvenience. A recurring theme in the reviews is the lack of depth and challenge, as highlighted by Wccftech and COGconnected, who feel that the game fails to innovate or improve upon its predecessor. The slow pacing of the campaign and mission structure has also been criticized, with Game Over Online and PC Gamer noting that this can lead to frustration during longer play sessions. Furthermore, issues with minion control and UI problems have been flagged by several reviewers, including VGC and Attack of the Fanboy. Overall, the consensus among critics is mixed, with many acknowledging the game's charm and potential while also pointing out its shortcomings. While some, like GameGrin and Destructoid, view it as a solid sequel that retains the spirit of the original, others, such as GameWatcher and BaziCenter, highlight critical gameplay issues that hinder its recommendation. The game appears to resonate well with fans of the original and those who appreciate its humor and nostalgic elements, but it may not satisfy players seeking a more modern and refined experience. As such, Evil Genius 2: World Domination stands as a title that offers enjoyment for some, while leaving others yearning for deeper gameplay and innovation.

TL;DR

Evil Genius 2: World Domination charms with its nostalgic supervillain experience and engaging management sim elements, winning praise for humor and design. Critics enjoy its accessibility but also flag significant flaws like tedious gameplay, outdated mechanics, and lack of depth. While some see it as a solid sequel, others criticize its slow pacing and UI issues, leaving mixed feelings overall—great for fans of the original, but lacking for those craving modern gameplay innovation.

MONSTER

Reviews

103 reviews found

100

The Digital Fix

Mar 29, 2021