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Teslagrad 2

Name: Comprehensive Review and Analysis of Teslagrad 2
Item: Teslagrad 2
Author: MonsterCritic Editorial Team

2023

GenresAdventure, Indie, Action, Platformer, Side View Perspective, Puzzle and Logic, Single Player

AvailableApr 19, 2023

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

DeveloperRain Games

Overview

Lumina, a young Teslamancer, finds herself stranded after her airship crashes in Wyrmheim, a remote and treacherous land to the North. Embark on a dangerous adventure, exploring a gigantic, abandoned tower looming over a fjordside valley, on a quest to get Lumina home and back to her family. Use electromagnetic powers to survive the dangers of a wild and untamed land. Defend yourself against Viking raiders, face gruesome beasts inspired by Nordic mythology, and triumph against epic bosses! As your journey progresses, you’ll discover new skills and equipment needed to uncover the secrets of the land and delve into the dark past of Lumina’s ancestors. Teslagrad 2 is the follow-up to the hugely popular physics-based game where electromagnetic powers are at the heart of survival. With improved visuals, a bigger world, and new puzzle-solving tools, Teslagrad 2 delivers a fresh and immersive puzzle-platform experience!

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Game analysis

Monster Scorecard

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Story and Narrative

Expand for full analysis

TL;DR

Teslagrad 2 dazzles with atmospheric visuals and inventive nonverbal storytelling, but its enigmatic, dialogue-free narrative feels fragmented and emotionally distant, leaving players to decode a thin plot through environmental cues and optional collectibles—celebrated as artistic ambition by some, criticized as hollow by others.

SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR STORY

Story Score

Positive Reviews (80-100)

13%

Mixed Reviews (50-79)

71%

Negative Reviews (0-49)

17%

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

The story of Teslagrad 2 receives praise for its creative use of visual storytelling and atmospheric mystery, with several critics highlighting its unique approach. Impulsegamer notes that the narrative is "twisting" and "well-executed," conveyed through gameplay and environmental details that unravel the Sky Viking invasion’s lore. GamingTrend and Video Chums commend the game’s reliance on animations, illustrations, and collectible cards to flesh out the world, while Starbit acknowledges the visual storytelling as a strength despite its lack of text. The minimalistic approach allows players to piece together the plot through murals, paintings, and environmental cues, creating an immersive yet enigmatic experience. Critics like Nintendo Life and Gaming Nexus also appreciate the focus on Lumina’s journey, with the latter noting her connection to her past as a Teslamancer adds depth to her motivations. However, many reviewers criticize the story for its lack of depth, clarity, and emotional engagement. App Trigger and COGconnected argue that the narrative feels "barebones" and disconnected from characters or world-building, while Pocket Tactics describes it as "thin and wordless." Nintendo Life and Softpedia emphasize the absence of dialogue or cutscenes, which leaves players struggling to connect with Lumina’s journey. Screen Rant and Gamer.no point out that the story is "unclear" and "mysterious" to a fault, with unexplained motivations and vague goals. The reliance on optional collectibles for backstory, as noted by GameGrin and Hardcore Gamer, further distances players from a cohesive narrative, leaving the plot feeling fragmented or underdeveloped. Even critics who acknowledge the game’s visual creativity, like Starbit, note that the ending may leave some dissatisfied with unresolved questions about the enemy forces. Overall, the consensus leans toward Teslagrad 2’s story being an ambitious but uneven experiment in nonverbal storytelling. While it excels at creating a mysterious, atmospheric world through environmental design and visual cues—praised by Impulsegamer, GamingTrend, and Video Chums—it struggles to deliver emotional resonance or clarity. Many critics, including App Trigger, COGconnected, and Nintendo Life, view the narrative as a secondary element that prioritizes gameplay over depth, which could alienate players seeking a more traditional story-driven experience. Yet, others like Gamer.no and Movies Games and Tech appreciate its unique approach, suggesting that the game’s focus on exploration and interpretation aligns with its artistic vision. The mixed reception reflects a divide between those who value its creativity and those who find it lacking in substance.

TL;DR

story and narrative

Gameplay Mechanics

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TL;DR

Teslagrad 2 dazzles with fluid physics-based traversal and creative electricity/magnetism mechanics, but clunky controls, uneven pacing, and simplified puzzles undermine its ambition, splitting fans between praise for its daring design and frustration over its polish.

SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR GAMEPLAY

Gameplay Score

Positive Reviews (80-100)

62%

Mixed Reviews (50-79)

35%

Negative Reviews (0-49)

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

The gameplay of Teslagrad 2 receives widespread praise for its physics-based mechanics, creative use of electricity and magnetism, and dynamic platforming. Reviewers like Impulsegamer highlight the "solid" gameplay with "physics-based puzzle platforming" and a suite of electricity-based powers that evolve throughout the game, while Nintendo Life emphasizes the "mobility and movement mechanics" as a standout feature. The game’s emphasis on traversal and exploration is frequently noted, with Movies Games and Tech praising its "excellent physics-based mechanics" and Video Chums applauding the "fantastic challenges" of boss fights. Many critics, including GameGrin and GameMAG, appreciate the unique abilities that allow for creative problem-solving, and Softpedia commends the gradual difficulty curve and speedrunning potential. The game’s focus on movement—such as sliding, dashing, and magnetic interactions—creates a sense of fluidity and excitement, particularly in faster-paced sections. However, several critics point to significant drawbacks, including inconsistent controls, unbalanced combat, and design flaws. App Trigger criticizes the "wonky controls and platforming problems," while COGconnected describes the gameplay as "slow and floaty" with "less responsive controls." Gamer.no and PlayStation Universe note issues with pacing, unclear level design, and frustrating puzzles, with the latter calling the game "less polished than its predecessor." Some reviewers, like Pocket Tactics, feel the game leans less into puzzle-solving compared to its predecessor, while TheXboxHub argues that new mechanics like sprinting disrupt the Metroidvania structure, making the world feel "less dense." Additionally, Starbit and Hardcore Gamer mention awkward controls requiring repetition to solve puzzles, and XboxEra points to "frustrating and inconsistent" physics. These issues collectively create a mixed experience, particularly for players seeking tighter mechanics or more complex challenges. Overall, the critics agree that Teslagrad 2 is a technically impressive and creatively ambitious game, but its execution is uneven. While Impulsegamer, Nintendo Life, and Movies Games and Tech celebrate its physics-driven gameplay and exploration, others like App Trigger and COGconnected highlight persistent control issues that detract from the experience. The game’s shift toward action-oriented mechanics and reduced puzzle complexity divides opinions, with some praising its accessibility (Multiplayer.it) and others lamenting its departure from the first title’s depth (Pocket Tactics). Despite these contradictions, there is a consensus that Teslagrad 2 remains a compelling entry in the Metroidvania genre, offering rewarding traversal and creative mechanics, even if it falls short of perfection.

TL;DR

gameplay mechanics

Graphics and Visual Design

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TL;DR

Critics rave about Teslagrad 2’s breathtaking hand-drawn visuals, praising its vibrant Norse steampunk art style, intricate details, and immersive charm—though some note overly dark scenes, cluttered design, and minor performance hiccups. The consensus? A stunning artistic triumph.

SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR VISUALS

Visual Score

Positive Reviews (80-100)

84%

Mixed Reviews (50-79)

12%

Negative Reviews (0-49)

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

The majority of critics praised Teslagrad 2’s graphics and visual design as a standout achievement, emphasizing its artistic ambition and technical execution. Reviewers like Impulsegamer lauded the game’s “shockingly beautiful” presentation, noting that every detail—from foes to environments—exudes life and energy. Nintendo Life highlighted the “gorgeous hand-drawn aesthetic,” while Gaming Nexus and Screen Rant celebrated its Norse-inspired steampunk world, describing it as a “beautifully rendered” blend of vibrant colors and intricate backgrounds. The 2D art style was frequently praised for its charm, with Finger Guns calling the hand-painted graphics “gorgeous” and SpazioGames noting how detailed landscapes aid puzzle-solving. Even critics on PC and PlayStation platforms, such as GameMAG and Multiplayer.it, highlighted the game’s “Norwegian fantasy aesthetics” and “visually stunning” environments, underscoring a consistent admiration for its artistic vision. However, some critiques pointed to specific flaws that detracted from the experience. App Trigger criticized the game’s “obnoxiously dark” visuals and cluttered foregrounds, which occasionally hindered visibility. COGconnected found the Viking-themed design unoriginal, while Hardcore Gamer lamented a lack of defined world context and “empty space” that made the visuals feel less immersive. Performance issues also arose, with Pocket Tactics and Starbit noting framerate dips on the Switch, though these were framed as minor technical hiccups rather than major flaws. Additionally, some reviewers, like Gaming Nexus, mentioned that certain areas felt overly dark, and Hardcore Gamer argued the visuals lacked memorability. These criticisms, while present, were often overshadowed by the game’s broader artistic strengths. Overall, the consensus among critics was overwhelmingly positive, with most agreeing that Teslagrad 2’s graphics and visual design are a major highlight. While a few reviewers raised concerns about darkness, performance, or originality, these points were relatively minor compared to the widespread acclaim for its hand-drawn art style, attention to detail, and atmospheric storytelling. Nintendo Life, PlayStation Universe, and TheXboxHub all emphasized the game’s “breathtaking” visuals, while Gamer.no and Movies Games and Tech praised its fairy-tale-like charm. Even critics with reservations acknowledged the game’s artistic merits, reinforcing that Teslagrad 2 succeeds as a visually immersive experience, blending creativity with technical polish across platforms.

TL;DR

graphics and visual design

Music and Sound Design

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TL;DR

Critics praise Teslagrad 2's atmospheric, folk-influenced soundtrack for its Nordic folklore charm and immersive world-building, though some find its traditional motifs occasionally clash with the game’s sci-fi mechanics.

SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR SOUND DESIGN

Sound Score

Positive Reviews (80-100)

79%

Mixed Reviews (50-79)

21%

Negative Reviews (0-49)

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

The sound design and music of Teslagrad 2 received widespread acclaim from critics, with many praising its atmospheric depth and thematic cohesion. Impulsegamer highlighted the "epic" soundtrack, noting its Scandinavian folk roots with a Slavic twist, which "enhances the overall experience." Pocket Tactics lauded the "stellar" audio presentation, emphasizing how the evocative score and satisfying sound effects elevate gameplay. Similarly, Starbit praised the music for evoking a "Nordic folklore atmosphere," while Gaming Nexus celebrated its "adrenaline-pumping boss music" and "amazing opening song." Finger Guns called the soundtrack "exemplary," noting its use of Norse folkloric sea shanties and powerful crescendos during battles. GameGrin and XboxEra also commended the rich drumming, choirs, and upbeat Nordic melodies that complement the game’s visuals and setting. These reviews collectively underscore the music’s ability to immerse players in the game’s Scandinavian-inspired world, creating a sense of wonder and tranquility. However, some critics pointed out minor drawbacks. Nintendo Life noted that while the orchestral soundtrack is commendable, the "Nordic folk music doesn’t mesh as well with the gameplay and atmosphere" compared to electronic elements. COGconnected criticized the music as "good but not memorable," arguing that Scandinavian folk themes "suit the world but not the gameplay involving electricity and magnets." Softpedia mentioned that while the sound design fits the universe, the "electric barriers' sound can become frustrating." Additionally, Movies Games and Tech described the folksy soundtrack as "calming" but noted "occasionally obnoxious sound effects," while TheXboxHub observed that the "Norse folk music is powerful but may not always fit the gameplay scenarios." These critiques suggest that while the music is largely effective, its thematic choices occasionally clash with the game’s mechanics or pacing. Despite these reservations, the majority of critics agreed that Teslagrad 2’s sound design and music are a standout feature. The consensus highlights their ability to create an immersive, emotionally resonant experience, even if some elements feel mismatched in specific contexts. Impulsegamer, Pocket Tactics, and Gaming Nexus all emphasized the soundtrack’s strength in enhancing the game’s atmosphere, while Finger Guns and GameGrin praised its historical and cultural authenticity. Even critics with reservations, like Nintendo Life and COGconnected, acknowledged the music’s quality, albeit with caveats. Overall, the reviews reflect a strong appreciation for the audio design, which largely succeeds in blending traditional folk elements with the game’s sci-fi undertones to create a unique and memorable auditory experience.

TL;DR

music and sound design

Voice Acting

Analysis Unavailable

Summary unavailable

TL;DR

voice acting

Description unavailable

Technical Performance

Analysis Unavailable

Summary unavailable

TL;DR

technical performance

Description unavailable

Replay Value

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TL;DR

Teslagrad 2 balances collectibles and hidden challenges with a short, underwhelming run. While some praise optional content for exploration, critics dismiss it as insufficient to justify multiple playthroughs, leaving it as a niche pick.

SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR REPLAY VALUE

Replay Score

Positive Reviews (80-100)

Mixed Reviews (50-79)

90%

Negative Reviews (0-49)

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

The majority of reviewers acknowledge that Teslagrad 2 offers some replay value through its collectibles, hidden challenges, and optional content. Impulsegamer highlights that "hidden challenges and collectibles extend the runtime," while Gaming Nexus notes the presence of 81 collectables, which add to the game’s longevity. Video Chums and GameGrin emphasize rewarding unlockable elements like secret upgrades and a different final boss upon collecting all cards. Starbit praises the innovative puzzle design, suggesting that the game’s mechanics encourage exploration, and Movies Games and Tech points to a "massive list of collectables" and a large map to explore. These positives indicate that players who enjoy meticulous discovery or speedrunning may find value in revisiting the world, particularly on platforms like PC where autosaves and checkpoints ease experimentation. However, several critics argue that the game’s short length and lack of meaningful incentives undermine its replayability. COGconnected describes it as "very short" with only one collectible outside the main story, while Gamer.no criticizes the absence of guidance for post-game content. Push Square and GamingTrend note that the brief runtime and minimal exploration options limit engagement after the credits roll. TheXboxHub and XboxAddict similarly dismiss the impact of collectibles, stating they "don’t have much impact on the game," and Softpedia suggests the limited narrative might deter replays. Critics like GameMAG and Hardcore Gamer also highlight that the game’s brevity and lack of a compelling world leave little motivation to return, even with optional content. Overall, while Teslagrad 2 receives mixed reviews on replay value, there is a general consensus that its collectibles and hidden challenges provide some incentive for multiple playthroughs, though they are often overshadowed by the game’s short length. Impulsegamer and Gaming Nexus see these elements as sufficient to justify revisiting, but others like COGconnected and TheXboxHub find them insufficient to compensate for a lack of depth or narrative engagement. The divide reflects differing expectations: players who prioritize exploration and puzzle-solving may appreciate the game’s design, while those seeking a longer, more immersive experience will likely be disappointed. Ultimately, Teslagrad 2 seems to cater to niche audiences rather than offering broad replay appeal.

TL;DR

replay value

Overall Verdict

MONSTER

OVERALL SCORE DISTRIBUTION

Monster Score

Positive Reviews (80-100)

34%

Mixed Reviews (50-79)

63%

Negative Reviews (0-49)

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

The overall reception of Teslagrad 2 highlights its strengths in visual design, gameplay mechanics, and puzzle-platforming elements. Critics like Nintendo Life praised its "gorgeous visuals" and "excellent movement mechanics," while Pocket Tactics noted its "smart new ideas" and engaging environmental narrative. Impulsegamer called it a "fun and engaging platformer with superb presentation," emphasizing its appeal to fans of puzzle-driven Metroidvania experiences. The game’s atmospheric art style, challenging puzzles, and fluid traversal were frequently lauded, with Gaming Nexus highlighting its "beautiful graphics" and Screen Rant noting its "foggy narrative" as a unique charm. Many reviewers, including Video Chums and SpazioGames, appreciated the game’s polished mechanics and enjoyable secret upgrades, suggesting it successfully builds on the original’s foundation in terms of exploration and progression. However, several critics pointed to significant drawbacks that hindered the experience. The most common complaints centered on its "short length" and lack of depth, with Nintendo Life and GamingTrend both criticizing the campaign for feeling rushed. COGconnected called it a "disappointment compared to the original," while Gamer.no noted it "still has frustrating elements" and fails to match the ambition of games like Ori and the Blind Forest. Issues with control mapping, such as Finger Guns’ critique of "fiddly controls" and Multiplayer.it’s mention of "strange button mapping," also detracted from the experience. Additionally, Softpedia and Meristation highlighted a lack of narrative depth and repetitive enemy encounters, with the latter criticizing "lack of variety in enemies and bosses." These flaws, combined with a perceived decline in creativity, left some reviewers feeling the sequel didn’t fully capitalize on its potential. Despite these criticisms, the overall consensus among critics leans toward appreciation for Teslagrad 2 as a polished but flawed follow-up. While Push Square acknowledged it as an "agreeable successor" and Movies Games and Tech called it a "great Metroidvania experience," many agreed it falls short of its predecessor’s legacy. The game’s visual polish, challenging puzzles, and nostalgic charm resonated with fans, but its brevity, control issues, and narrative shortcomings prevented it from achieving broader acclaim. XboxEra and Xbox Tavern noted it as a "pleasant experience" for enthusiasts, while GameGrin described it as "good" but lacking in depth. Ultimately, Teslagrad 2 is seen as a worthwhile title for fans of the genre, though its shortcomings may limit its appeal to newcomers or those seeking a more substantial adventure.

TL;DR

Teslagrad 2 dazzles with stunning visuals, fluid mechanics, and clever puzzles but falters with a rushed campaign, clunky controls, and shallow narrative, offering a polished yet underwhelming Metroidvania experience.

MONSTER

Reviews

42 reviews found

Xbox Tavern

Xbox Series X

Jun 6, 2023

AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details

Teslagrad 2 is praised as a step up from its predecessor, a fantastic platformer that should be played by fans of the genre.

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XboxEra

Xbox Series X

May 10, 2023

AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details

Teslagrad 2 is a short but well-designed and pleasant experience, perfect for those who enjoy speed and puzzle solving in a Metroidvania.

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Movies Games and Tech

Xbox Series X

Jun 5, 2023

AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details

Teslagrad 2 is a great Metroidvania experience with a colorful world, interesting mechanics, and strange lore. The atmospheric music adds to the experience. The only disappointment is that it isn't long enough.

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Nintendo Life

Nintendo Switch

Apr 29, 2023

AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details

Teslagrad 2 is a great follow-up to the original, with gorgeous visuals, excellent movement mechanics, and a joy to explore world. However, the short length may disappoint some players.

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Impulsegamer

Nintendo Switch

May 1, 2023

AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details

Teslagrad 2 is a fun and engaging platformer with superb presentation and great environmental narrative design. It is recommended for those looking for a varied and engaging puzzle platformer.

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Screen Rant

PlayStation 5

Apr 24, 2023

AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details

The review concludes that Teslagrad 2 is a fun, smooth, and engaging platformer with a foggy narrative. It is recommended for those looking for a unique and challenging experience.

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Multiplayer.it

Apr 25, 2023

AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details

Teslagrad 2 is a successful blend of platforming and puzzle elements, with a captivating Nordic game world and engaging boss battles. However, it has some issues with control mapping, a narrative that relies too heavily on collectibles, and a relatively short playtime that may be a drawback for some players.

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Softpedia

Apr 27, 2023

AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details

Teslagrad 2 offers a challenging platforming experience with a minimalist approach that may not resonate with all players. The intriguing world and gameplay mechanics are overshadowed by a lack of narrative depth.

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SpazioGames

PlayStation 5

Apr 30, 2023

AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details

Teslagrad 2 is an engaging metroidvania game with stunning visuals and challenging gameplay. It falls short in terms of length and control mapping, but still offers a pleasant and enjoyable experience for fans of the genre.

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XboxAddict

Xbox Series X

May 23, 2023

AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details

The game is beautiful and enjoyable, with a few downsides like a blurry story and strange button mapping.

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