Q.U.B.E. 2

The story of Q.U.B.E. 2 receives mixed praise, with several critics highlighting its attempt to expand on the original’s narrative framework. Multiplayer.it notes that the sequel offers a “more immersive and engaging story” compared to its predecessor, emphasizing two distinct endings and a stronger focus on storytelling. IGN Italia appreciates the emotional engagement through protagonist Amelia Cross’s journey, while Nintenderos describes the narrative as “engaging and integral to the experience.” TheXboxHub praises the “cracking story that twists and turns at every opportunity,” praising its pacing and the inclusion of multiple concluding paths. Additionally, some reviewers, like Cubed3, acknowledge the game’s philosophical undertones and surreal elements, suggesting that the narrative, while minimalistic, adds layers to the puzzle-solving experience. These positives often center on the game’s ambition to deepen its world-building and provide a more structured storyline than the first installment. However, the majority of critics criticize Q.U.B.E. 2 for its underdeveloped plot, reliance on clichés, and lack of emotional depth. Gaming Nexus calls the story “minimal and unengaging,” with a protagonist whose journey feels “basic and uninteresting.” Riot Pixels argues that the narrative is “unoriginal” and “repetitive,” failing to innovate compared to games like The Talos Principle. Jeuxvideo.com and Metro GameCentral both point to weak writing, forced voiceovers, and a rushed second half filled with “unlikely plot twists.” Hardcore Gamer and COGconnected criticize the story’s reliance on disconnected dialogue and “obligatory narrator” tropes, while GameCritics dismisses it as a “cliché” with redundant plot twists. Many reviewers, including DarkStation and Everyeye.it, note that the narrative feels like an afterthought, overshadowed by the puzzle mechanics and lacking meaningful context or character development. Overall, the critical consensus leans toward disappointment, with the story of Q.U.B.E. 2 being seen as a missed opportunity to elevate the game beyond its puzzle-driven core. While some critics, like Multiplayer.it and TheXboxHub, appreciate its ambition and structural improvements, the majority find it shallow, formulaic, and overly reliant on sci-fi tropes. The narrative’s minimalism and lack of emotional investment are recurring complaints, with many comparing it unfavorably to Portal or other puzzle games that balance storytelling and gameplay more effectively. Despite occasional praise for its philosophical themes or environmental storytelling, the game’s story is widely regarded as a weaker component, leaving players more engaged by the puzzles than the narrative itself.

The gameplay of Q.U.B.E. 2 receives praise for its evolved puzzle mechanics, creative challenge design, and progressive difficulty curves. Critics like IGN Spain highlight the intuitive cube-manipulation system, where color-coded abilities (blue, red, green) enable dynamic interactions with the environment, while GameSpot commends the enhanced player agency through red, blue, and green blocks that interact in complex ways. Vandal and TheSixthAxis laud the game’s logical progression, noting how puzzles balance simplicity with complexity, offering satisfying "eureka" moments. The introduction of environmental elements like magnets, rotating platforms, and fire-based mechanics (as noted by Multiplayer.it and DarkStation) adds variety, while GameStar praises the strategic planning required for increasingly intricate sequences. Many reviewers, including Push Square and Video Chums, appreciate the gradual escalation in difficulty, with early puzzles serving as tutorials for later, more ambitious challenges that test adaptability and creativity. However, several critics criticize Q.U.B.E. 2 for its repetitive structure, underdeveloped mechanics, and lack of innovation. Gaming Nexus and PCWorld argue that the game’s core puzzle design feels monotonous, with identical rooms and puzzles that fail to evolve meaningfully, while Riot Pixels and Jeuxvideo.com note that early stages suffer from monotony despite later complexity. Cubed3 and 3DJuegos point to restrictive mechanics, such as single-solution puzzles that limit player freedom, and GameCritics and Hardcore Gamer observe that the game leans on genre tropes with telegraphed solutions. Additionally, PCWorld and Multiplayer.it mention frustrating elements like punishing restarts and unreliable physics, while Cubed3 compares the experience to a "board game," highlighting its lack of open-ended exploration. These critiques suggest that while the game’s mechanics are functional, they often feel derivative or unexciting over time. Overall, critics present a mixed but largely balanced view of Q.U.B.E. 2’s gameplay. While many praise its clever puzzle design, progressive difficulty, and creative use of color-based mechanics (as highlighted by Vandal and GameStar), others argue that the game’s reliance on familiar structures and repetitive challenges diminishes its impact. The consensus leans toward it being a solid, if not groundbreaking, entry in the puzzle genre. Reviewers like Nintenderos and DarkStation appreciate its ingenuity and satisfying mechanics, while Gaming Nexus and PCWorld find it lacking in originality and variety. Ultimately, Q.U.B.E. 2 is seen as a game that successfully builds on its predecessor’s strengths but struggles to innovate beyond its core formula, resulting in an experience that is enjoyable for puzzle enthusiasts but occasionally frustrating for those seeking deeper creativity or freedom.

The graphics and visual design of Q.U.B.E. 2 received praise for their artistic direction, atmospheric depth, and evolution from the original game’s minimalist aesthetic. Critics like PCWorld highlighted the unique transition from sterile white rooms to darker, more textured environments inspired by Frank Lloyd Wright’s architecture, while GameGrin noted the improved detail in cube structures and open-world locations. The use of Unreal Engine 4 was frequently lauded for its lighting and environmental storytelling, with TheXboxHub calling the visuals “glorious” and Windows Central praising their “breathtaking beauty” and emotional resonance. Many reviewers, including IGN Spain and MondoXbox, appreciated the shift from clinical test chambers to varied environments like overgrown areas and mechanical structures, which added visual diversity while maintaining a cohesive sci-fi tone. The game’s clean, sterile aesthetic was often described as effective in conveying its narrative, with IGN Italia noting how subtle details like a red-leafed tree enhanced immersion. However, several critics pointed out significant technical and design flaws that undermined the visual experience. Gameplanet criticized the reliance on Portal’s formula but called out issues like overly dark areas, poor lighting cues, and graphical glitches, particularly in later levels. Vooks and Cultured Vultures highlighted performance issues on Nintendo Switch, such as frame rate drops, flickering scenery, and texture pop-in, which detracted from the game’s otherwise appealing art style. Eurogamer Italy and New Game Network noted a lack of variety in environments, with repetitive assets and underutilized overgrown areas, while GameCritics and Vandal pointed to choppy framerates and technical limitations on consoles like PS4 and Xbox One. Even positive reviews acknowledged that the game’s visual ambition sometimes clashed with its execution, as seen in Jeuxvideo.com’s critique of “old-gen” water rendering or Everyeye.it’s observation of a “basic” aesthetic despite improvements. Overall, critics generally agreed that Q.U.B.E. 2 showcased a strong artistic vision and technical progress compared to its predecessor, but its visual design was often hampered by platform-specific technical issues and repetitive elements. While PCWorld, TheXboxHub, and Windows Central celebrated the game’s immersive environments and atmospheric storytelling, others like Gameplanet and Vooks emphasized that flaws in lighting, performance, and variety diminished the experience. The consensus leaned toward appreciation for the game’s creative direction—particularly its evolution from Portal-inspired minimalism to more dynamic settings—but many felt these strengths were occasionally overshadowed by technical shortcomings. Despite this, the visual design remained a standout aspect for many, with Generación Xbox and MondoXbox highlighting its role as a major strength despite occasional missteps.

The sound design and music of Q.U.B.E. 2 received largely positive feedback from several critics, who praised its atmospheric and immersive qualities. COGconnected described the audio as an "audio treat," highlighting soft, atmospheric music that complements gameplay and enhances immersion during puzzles. Destructoid called it a "haunting soundtrack" that pairs well with visuals to create an engaging experience, while Everyeye.it noted the "eterea ed essenziale" (ethereal and essential) nature of the score. PlaySense emphasized its effectiveness in creating a mysterious and tense atmosphere, and PlayStation Universe praised its minimalistic approach, noting that subtle music supports the game’s tone without overpowering gameplay. IGN Italia and We Got This Covered also highlighted environmental audio elements, such as oppressive wind and eerie moods, which contribute to the game’s immersive quality. These reviews collectively underscore the soundtrack’s role in reinforcing the game’s sci-fi aesthetic and emotional depth. However, several critics pointed out notable flaws in the sound design and music. Cubed3 on PS4 criticized the audio as "harsh and uninviting," with clattering doors and plain cube sounds undermining immersion. Gaming Nexus described the sound design as "bland" with repetitive effects and minimal ambient noise, while NintendoWorldReport highlighted technical issues like loud audio clipping during interactions with blue tiles, which became uncomfortable for Switch players using headphones. Vooks also noted distortion in handheld mode during loud moments, and 3DJuegos remarked that the music was present but not prominent. IGN Spain mentioned translation issues in dialogues, though this pertains more to localization than sound design itself. These critiques suggest that while the soundtrack aimed for atmospheric cohesion, its execution sometimes fell short, particularly in terms of consistency and technical polish across platforms. Overall, the reception of Q.U.B.E. 2’s audio was mixed but leaned toward appreciation for its atmospheric contributions. Many critics, including COGconnected, Destructoid, and GameGrin, praised the soundtrack’s ability to enhance immersion and emotional tone, with David Housden’s score being a standout element. However, technical issues like audio clipping (NintendoWorldReport) and repetitive sound effects (Gaming Nexus) tempered this enthusiasm. The disparity in opinions may reflect differences in platform-specific implementation or subjective preferences for minimalistic versus more dynamic soundscapes. Despite these criticisms, the majority of reviewers acknowledged that the music and sound design effectively supported the game’s puzzle-solving mechanics and sci-fi atmosphere, even if they weren’t universally memorable or polished.

The voice acting in Q.U.B.E. 2 receives generally positive feedback from several critics, who highlight its role in enhancing narrative depth and emotional engagement. Destructoid notes that Commander Emma Sutcliffe’s dialogue serves as a narrative anchor, while GameSpot praises the "strong performances" in dialogues between Amelia and Emma, adding character depth despite narrative flaws. IGN Italia emphasizes Amelia Cross’s humorous and emotionally resonant interactions, and PlaySense commends the "believable and emotionally expressive" delivery of characters like Amelia and Emma, which enriches the story. We Got This Covered specifically applauds Tamaryn Payne and Alix Dunmore for their "emotionally strong performances," while GameCritics highlights the narrator’s "dramatic gravitas" that elevates the formulaic plot. These reviews suggest that the voice acting effectively supports the game’s storytelling, even when the narrative itself is criticized. However, several critics express reservations about the voice acting’s quality and impact. TheSixthAxis criticizes the performances as "wooden and unconvincing," with Emma Sutcliffe’s dialogue described as overly cryptic and detracting from character believability. Gaming Nexus notes that the Commander’s dismissive or unhelpful dialogue contributes to a "lackluster atmosphere," while Riot Pixels calls the voiceovers "unreliable" and lacking in narrative depth. GameSpew and others mention minimal evaluation of vocal quality, focusing instead on the presence of voices rather than their execution. Additionally, some reviews, like those from Jeuxvideo.com and Eurogamer Italy, note that the voice work is acknowledged but not elaborated on, leaving its effectiveness somewhat ambiguous. These critiques suggest that while the voice acting is present, it often fails to fully engage or impress. Overall, the consensus among critics leans toward a balanced view: the voice acting in Q.U.B.E. 2 is generally competent and contributes meaningfully to the narrative, but it lacks the depth or memorability to be truly exceptional. Positives like GameSpot’s "strong performances" and PlaySense’s "emotionally expressive" delivery underscore its role in enhancing storytelling, while negatives such as TheSixthAxis’s criticism of "wooden" acting and Riot Pixels’ dismissal of unreliable dialogue highlight its limitations. Despite these mixed assessments, most reviewers agree that the voice work effectively supports the game’s atmosphere and progression, even if it doesn’t elevate the experience beyond its technical or narrative constraints.

The technical performance of Q.U.B.E. 2 varies across platforms, with several positives highlighted by reviewers. On PS4, Jeuxvideo.com praised the use of Unreal Engine 4 for creating immersive environments, while PlayStation Universe noted smooth gameplay despite a single glitch. TheSixthAxis commended the responsive controls, and GameSpot acknowledged the game’s overall stability, even if it occasionally struggled with framerate. For Xbox One, TheXboxHub lauded its "not so much as a single glitch," emphasizing strong technical execution, while TrueAchievements highlighted smoother movement and improved visuals compared to the first installment. On PC, Jeuxvideo.com and Multiplayer.it praised the engine’s mastery and smooth performance at 60fps/1440p, with New Game Network noting minimal camera glitches. Even on Nintendo Switch, God is a Geek acknowledged smooth visuals despite control issues, and Nintendo Life noted that technical flaws were mitigated by the game’s slow pace. However, several platform-specific negatives emerged. On PS4, DualShockers criticized noticeable framerate drops and control sensitivity issues, while Hardcore Gamer highlighted frequent asset loading and visual glitches like excessive lens flares. IGN Spain pointed to poor texture detail and suboptimal optimization for high-end consoles, and Vandal noted low frame rates on the PS4 Pro. For Xbox One, GameCritics described framerate stuttering in empty rooms, and Hobby Consolas mentioned subtitle size and stuttering issues, while Generación Xbox criticized untranslated text and incomplete achievements. On Nintendo Switch, COGconnected and Cultured Vultures cited Joy-Con responsiveness problems and glitches, with DarkStation and Gameplanet reporting severe frame drops and dead zones. PC reviewers like PCWorld noted physics inconsistencies that could frustrate players, though these were minor compared to other platforms’ issues. Overall, the consensus among critics is that Q.U.B.E. 2 delivers a generally polished experience, but technical performance varies significantly by platform. While PS4 and Xbox One received mixed reviews with some notable bugs and optimization challenges, PC and Nintendo Switch faced more pronounced issues, particularly on the latter due to hardware limitations. Despite these flaws, many reviewers acknowledged the game’s core mechanics and design as strong, with Jeuxvideo.com and TheXboxHub highlighting its technical strengths. The discrepancies in performance underscore the importance of platform-specific optimization, but the game’s overall appeal remains intact for fans of its puzzle-driven gameplay.

The reviewers who highlighted positive aspects of Q.U.B.E. 2’s replay value emphasized its structured design and narrative depth. IGN Spain noted the game’s “11-chapter format with varied puzzles” and a season pass that adds extra content, suggesting it encourages players to revisit for additional challenges. Similarly, Everyeye.it praised the “two distinct endings” and puzzle diversity, while PlayStation Universe pointed out that a second playthrough allows players to apply learned skills faster, appealing to completionists. God is a Geek also noted that the game’s “lengthy campaign with challenging puzzles” and handheld mode on Nintendo Switch made it convenient for repeated playthroughs, even if the experience wasn’t as polished as other versions. These critics saw elements like multiple endings and structured progression as meaningful incentives for revisiting the game. However, the majority of reviewers criticized Q.U.B.E. 2’s limited replayability due to its short runtime and lack of post-game content. Hardcore Gamer described the “ten-hour” campaign as too brief, while Jeuxvideo.com and PlaySense argued that once the narrative is completed, there’s little incentive to return. TheXboxHub echoed this sentiment, stating there was “next to no reason” to play again except for achievements, and PCWorld noted the game’s “novelty wearing off” after a single playthrough. Critics like Vandal and Gaming Nexus highlighted the linear puzzle structure and absence of hidden secrets or alternate paths, which they felt diminished long-term appeal. Even MondoXbox acknowledged that while some puzzles could be solved in multiple ways, the overall lack of optional content made replaying feel uneventful. The overall consensus among critics is mixed but leans toward limited replayability. While a few praised elements like multiple endings and structured chapters as minor incentives for revisiting the game, most felt its short length (ranging from four to ten hours) and lack of post-game challenges or content significantly reduced its longevity. IGN Spain and PlayStation Universe were exceptions, seeing value in the game’s design for dedicated fans, but critics like We Got This Covered and Gaming Nexus emphasized that the experience feels “finite” once completed. The divide reflects a tension between the game’s polished puzzle mechanics and its repetitive structure, leaving many reviewers unconvinced of its long-term appeal despite its initial charm.