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The Talos Principle 2

Name: Comprehensive Review and Analysis of The Talos Principle 2
Item: The Talos Principle 2
Author: Critik Editorial Team

2023

GenresAdventure, Indie, Third Person Perspective, Puzzle and Logic, Single Player, First Person Perspective

AvailableNov 2, 2023

PlatformXbox Series X, PlayStation 4, PC, PlayStation 5

DeveloperCroteam

Overview

The Talos Principle II is a thought-provoking first-person puzzle experience that greatly expands on the first game's philosophical themes and stunning environments with increasingly mind-bending challenges.

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Game analysis

Monster Scorecard

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Story and Narrative

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SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR STORY

Story Score

Positive (80-100)

97%

Mixed (50-79)

Negative (0-49)

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

The opinions of the critics regarding the story of The Talos Principle 2 are overwhelmingly positive. Many critics praise the game for its masterful and captivating storytelling, with deep reflections on knowledge and life. Areajugones commends the story and characters as being "masterful and captivating," while Checkpoint Gaming mentions that the game massively expands the narrative elements of the series with engaging characters and fascinating dialogue. The story is described as intriguing, thought-provoking, and with a deep narrative that covers philosophical themes by critics such as GamingTrend, Hardcore Gamer, and New Game Network. The narrative is also said to explore profound concepts and forge deeper connections, tackling questions about sentience, coexistence, and the pursuit of knowledge, as stated by New Game Network. The story of The Talos Principle 2 is praised for its exploration of deep philosophical questions, themes of human existence, responsibility, faith, and the meaning of life. It also delves into themes of transhumanism, scientific positivism, and societal and interpersonal issues, as mentioned by IGN Italia and XboxEra. The story is commended for its well-written and voiced characters, as noted by PC Gamer. Despite the overwhelmingly positive reception, there are some criticisms regarding the story of The Talos Principle 2. God is a Geek mentions that the game adds too much unnecessary exposition and finds the story to be less compelling compared to the first game. The review from Digital Trends suggests that the narrative may sometimes overshadow the gameplay, which could be a potential drawback for some players. However, these criticisms are in the minority and do not significantly impact the overall positive reception of the story. In conclusion, the majority of critics highly praise the story of The Talos Principle 2. The game is commended for its masterful and captivating storytelling, deep reflections on knowledge and life, and exploration of profound philosophical themes. The narrative is described as intriguing, thought-provoking, and with well-written and voiced characters. While there are some criticisms regarding unnecessary exposition and potential overshadowing of gameplay, these criticisms are in the minority and do not diminish the overall positive consensus of the critics. The story of The Talos Principle 2 is widely regarded as a highlight of the game, with its deep world-building, lovable characters, and philosophical themes.

TL;DR

story and narrative

Critics overwhelmingly praise The Talos Principle 2 for its masterful storytelling, deep philosophical themes, and well-developed characters. While some mention issues with excessive exposition and potential gameplay overshadowing, these criticisms are in the minority compared to the game's overall positive reception. The narrative explores profound questions about human existence, knowledge, and societal issues, making it a standout feature of the game.

Gameplay Mechanics

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SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR GAMEPLAY

Gameplay Score

Positive (80-100)

87%

Mixed (50-79)

13%

Negative (0-49)

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

The majority of the critics praised the gameplay of The Talos Principle 2, with many highlighting the challenging and creative puzzles as one of the game's strongest aspects. Areajugones commends the puzzles for offering a rich and immersive experience, while CGMagazine emphasizes the logical reasoning required to solve the challenging puzzles. Checkpoint Gaming mentions that the returning puzzle elements are enhanced with new devices and combinations, providing a fair and satisfying challenge. Digital Spy states that the puzzles in the game are even better than those in the first game, with new mechanics introduced as you progress, such as gravity manipulation and mind transference. The puzzles are described as focused, less tedious, and allowing for creative solutions and experimentation. The diverse and rarely repetitive puzzles, the introduction of new tools, and the variable difficulty curve are also praised by Everyeye.it. However, there are a few criticisms regarding the gameplay of The Talos Principle 2. IGN Italia mentions that the change in puzzles involving tetrominos is less intuitive and challenging. PC Invasion notes that while the introduction of new puzzle mechanics later in the game is a highlight, the puzzle layouts and design philosophy can be mixed, with some sections being enjoyable and creative, while others can be frustrating. Overall, the consensus among the critics is that the gameplay of The Talos Principle 2 is very good. The puzzles are consistently praised for their challenging and inventive nature, with a variety of tools and mechanics to manipulate the environment. The addition of new mechanics and the gradual increase in complexity keep the gameplay fresh and engaging. The well-designed puzzles consistently provide moments of epiphany and satisfaction. The gameplay is described as mentally stimulating, enjoyable, and rewarding. The positive opinions from critics such as Digital Trends, Eurogamer, Hardcore Gamer, and Push Square further support the overall consensus of the game's strong gameplay.

TL;DR

gameplay mechanics

Critics laud The Talos Principle 2 for its challenging and creative puzzles, enhanced by new mechanics like gravity manipulation. While some criticize certain puzzle aspects, overall consensus is overwhelmingly positive, with gameplay described as mentally stimulating and rewarding.

Graphics and Visual Design

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SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR VISUALS

Visual Score

Positive (80-100)

87%

Mixed (50-79)

13%

Negative (0-49)

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

The opinions of the critics regarding the Graphics and Visual Design of The Talos Principle 2 are overwhelmingly positive. Many critics praised the game for its stunning and beautiful environments, with CGMagazine, Gamepressure, and Noisy Pixel all highlighting the game's varied and gorgeous visuals. The game's landscapes, structures, and biomes were described as breathtaking, drop-dead gorgeous, and awe-inspiring by critics such as God is a Geek, GamesRadar++, and GameSpot. The use of Unreal Engine 5 was also commended by Vandal, who mentioned the fantastic and memorable artistic design of the game. Despite the overall positive reception, there were a few minor negatives mentioned by some critics. GameSpot pointed out minor visual issues like texture pop-in, while PC Invasion mentioned occasional subtitle errors and a visual problem of clipping out of the map. However, these issues were considered manageable and did not significantly impact the overall experience of the game. In conclusion, the majority of the critics were highly impressed with the Graphics and Visual Design of The Talos Principle 2. The game's stunning environments, beautifully designed structures, and varied biomes were praised by multiple critics. The use of Unreal Engine 5 was also seen as effective in creating fantastic and memorable landscapes. While there were a few minor visual issues mentioned, they did not detract from the overall positive reception of the game's graphics and visual design. Overall, the consensus among the critics is that The Talos Principle 2 offers a visually stunning and immersive experience.

TL;DR

graphics and visual design

Critics rave about The Talos Principle 2's breathtaking visuals and stunning environments, with praise for its gorgeous landscapes and effective use of Unreal Engine 5. Minor visual issues like texture pop-in and clipping were noted but didn't overshadow the overwhelmingly positive reception. Overall, critics agree that the game offers a visually stunning and immersive experience.

Music and Sound Design

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SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR SOUND DESIGN

Sound Score

Positive (80-100)

93%

Mixed (50-79)

Negative (0-49)

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

The Sound Design and Music of The Talos Principle 2 received overwhelmingly positive reviews from the critics. Many of them praised the soundtrack for its ability to enhance the atmosphere and immerse players in the game world. Checkpoint Gaming describes the soundtrack as moving and melancholic, contributing to the lonely and haunting feel of the game. Digital Spy goes even further, stating that the music is just as important as the puzzles and story in cementing the game as one of the best in the genre. They describe it as haunting, reflective, and perfect. Everyeye.it also commends the integration of music with the narrative, leaving a lasting impression and amplifying the sense of grandeur. Gamepressure adds that the soundtrack is thought-provoking and complements the gameplay. Windows Central specifically mentions the calm and bittersweet soundtrack composed by Damjan Mravunac, with a guest appearance from Chris Christodoulou. XboxEra highlights the score by Damjan Mravunac, which enhances the experience with slower melodies and chanting that fit the atmosphere. While the majority of critics praised the Sound Design and Music of The Talos Principle 2, there were a few minor issues mentioned. Noisy Pixel points out some minor issues with NPCs getting stuck or voice lines being cut off, which could potentially disrupt the immersion. Shacknews also mentions occasional audio skips, which could be a minor annoyance for some players. However, these negatives are relatively minor compared to the overall positive reception of the sound design and music. Overall, the consensus among the critics is that the Sound Design and Music of The Talos Principle 2 is highly impressive and greatly enhances the overall experience of the game. The soundtrack is described as moving, haunting, and thought-provoking, with orchestral and ethereal elements that instill wonder, melancholy, and inspiration. The integration of music with the narrative is praised for its ability to amplify the sense of grandeur and immerse players in the adventure. The voice acting is also commended for its emotional moments and apt poetry. While there are some minor issues mentioned, the overwhelming majority of critics agree that the sound design and music of The Talos Principle 2 are of exceptional quality, contributing significantly to the game's audiovisual presentation.

TL;DR

music and sound design

Critics rave about the captivating soundtrack of The Talos Principle 2, with praise for its ability to enhance the game's atmosphere and immerse players. While some minor issues like NPC glitches and audio skips were noted, the overall consensus is overwhelmingly positive, highlighting the music as a key element that elevates the gaming experience with its moving, haunting, and thought-provoking qualities.

Voice Acting

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SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR VOICE ACTING

Acting Score

Positive (80-100)

64%

Mixed (50-79)

36%

Negative (0-49)

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

The overall sentiment towards the voice acting in The Talos Principle 2 is overwhelmingly positive, with several critics praising the performances and the depth they bring to the characters. GameSkinny mentions that the game features likeable robot companions with distinct personalities, while Gamepressure highlights the fully voiced conversations that allow for deeper immersion. God is a Geek adds that the characters act very human despite being artificial, and have a variety of regional accents. This positive feedback indicates that the voice acting successfully brings the characters to life and enhances the overall experience of the game. On the negative side, Shacknews points out occasional audio skips that cut off speech. While this may be a minor issue, it can still disrupt the immersion and impact the overall quality of the voice acting. However, this seems to be a minor complaint compared to the overwhelmingly positive feedback from other critics. Overall, the consensus among the critics is that the voice acting in The Talos Principle 2 is well-done and helps bring the characters to life. Noisy Pixel describes it as "stellar" and PC Gamer mentions that the cast delivers performances that are cantankerous, contradictory, and charming. The New Game Network also praises the emotional moments and apt poetry in the voice acting. This overall positive sentiment suggests that the voice acting in The Talos Principle 2 is a strong aspect of the game and contributes to its immersive and engaging storytelling.

TL;DR

voice acting

Critics love the voice acting in The Talos Principle 2 for bringing depth and personality to characters, despite minor audio issues. Overall, the performances are praised as stellar, emotional, and charming, enhancing the game's immersive storytelling experience.

Technical Performance

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SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR TECHNICAL PERFORMANCE

Tech Score

Positive (80-100)

14%

Mixed (50-79)

82%

Negative (0-49)

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

In terms of the technical performance on PC, several critics had positive experiences with The Talos Principle 2. Reviewers such as Everyeye.it and GameSkinny reported smooth gameplay with stable framerates and no stuttering. They praised the game's performance on upgraded hardware and quick loading screens. Additionally, God is a Geek mentioned that the game was not technically taxing and had no issues with slowdown or poor framerates on PC, although some settings had to be adjusted to medium. However, there were also negative aspects mentioned by critics regarding the technical performance on PC. Checkpoint Gaming highlighted stutters, lags, and crashes, particularly on HDD drives, which affected the overall experience. IGN reported frequent crashes, particularly under heavy load or during saving, with one instance almost resulting in progress loss. GameSpot mentioned minor technical issues such as texture pop-in and characters remaining present when they should have left, which weakened immersion. Hardcore Gamer also noted inconsistent performance, crashes, and flickering lights. Overall, the consensus among critics for the technical performance of The Talos Principle 2 on PC is mixed. While some reviewers had positive experiences with smooth gameplay and stable framerates, others encountered issues such as crashes, stuttering, and technical inconsistencies. It is worth noting that updates and patches are planned to address these concerns, as mentioned by GamingTrend. It is recommended to play the game on upgraded hardware for optimal performance, as suggested by GameSkinny. Moving on to the PlayStation 5 version, the technical performance was generally seen as acceptable, with only minor issues mentioned by critics. Metro GameCentral reported minor technical issues that the developer promised to fix in a patch. Push Square mentioned occasional visual glitches during cutscenes and frame rate drops when loading, but no major issues were noticed. Vandal, however, criticized the technical performance on PS5 with Lumen enabled, describing fluctuating framerates between 60 and less than 30 frames per second, making it practically unplayable in quality mode. They suggested the need for an option to limit the framerate to 30 frames per second in quality mode. In conclusion, while The Talos Principle 2 received positive feedback for its technical performance on PC from reviewers like Everyeye.it and GameSkinny, there were also concerns raised by critics such as Checkpoint Gaming and IGN regarding stutters, crashes, and inconsistent performance. The PlayStation 5 version had generally acceptable performance, with minor issues mentioned by Metro GameCentral and Push Square. However, Vandal criticized the performance on PS5 with Lumen enabled, suggesting the need for framerate options. It is important to note that future updates and patches are expected to address some of these technical issues, as mentioned by GamingTrend and IGN Italia.

TL;DR

technical performance

Critics had mixed opinions on The Talos Principle 2's technical performance on PC, with some praising smooth gameplay and stable framerates, while others noted issues like crashes and stuttering. Updates are planned to address concerns. The PlayStation 5 version had minor technical issues, but Vandal criticized performance with Lumen enabled. Overall, feedback suggests playing on upgraded hardware for optimal experience.

Replay Value

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SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR REPLAY VALUE

Replay Score

Positive (80-100)

39%

Mixed (50-79)

61%

Negative (0-49)

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

In analyzing the opinions of the videogame reviewers regarding the replay value of The Talos Principle 2, it is evident that the game offers several positive aspects that contribute to its replayability. Many critics highlight the presence of secrets, hidden content, and optional puzzles as factors that encourage players to revisit the game. Areajugones mentions the opportunity for exploration and discovery of secrets, while Gamepressure emphasizes how optional puzzles and hidden content encourage replayability. Additionally, Digital Spy praises the game for its ability to be solved in creative and unintended ways, further adding to its replay value. The presence of multiple endings and the impact of conversation choices, as mentioned by GameSpot and Shacknews, respectively, also contribute positively to the replay value of the game. On the other hand, while the majority of the critics express positive opinions about the replay value of The Talos Principle 2, there are a few aspects that can be considered as potential negatives. Digital Trends notes that the game may not be friendly for casual players, suggesting that the level of challenge may limit its appeal to a broader audience. Furthermore, IGN Italia estimates the game to have over 30 hours of gameplay, which may be seen as a potential drawback for players who prefer shorter experiences. Overall, the consensus among the critics is that The Talos Principle 2 offers a high level of replay value. The presence of secrets, optional puzzles, and hidden content, along with the ability to choose different paths and make impactful conversation choices, contribute to the game's replayability. Critics such as GamingTrend, PC Gamer, and New Game Network highlight the substantial amount of content and the potential for multiple playthroughs as positive aspects. The game's lengthy runtime, estimated to be around 30 hours, is seen as a positive by some critics, while others mention the presence of additional challenging puzzles and collectibles as factors that enhance the replay value. Overall, the opinions of the critics indicate that The Talos Principle 2 offers a compelling and engaging experience that encourages players to revisit the game and explore its various possibilities.

TL;DR

replay value

The Talos Principle 2 impresses critics with its high replay value due to secrets, optional puzzles, and multiple endings. While some note potential drawbacks like high difficulty and long gameplay, overall consensus is positive for this engaging and immersive game that invites players to explore its depth and creativity.

Overall Verdict

MONSTER

OVERALL SCORE DISTRIBUTION

Monster Score

Positive (80-100)

97%

Mixed (50-79)

Negative (0-49)

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

The overall sentiment regarding the Overall Verdict of The Talos Principle 2 is overwhelmingly positive, with the majority of critics praising the game for its exceptional puzzle design, thought-provoking narrative, and immersive gameplay experience. Critics such as Areajugones, CGMagazine, Checkpoint Gaming, and Digital Spy highlight the game's entertainment value, its ability to make players appreciate the beauty of humanity and existence, and its larger world with improved puzzles and a captivating soundtrack. The Talos Principle 2 is described as a remarkable, beautifully designed, and masterfully crafted game that leaves players craving for more. The blend of philosophy with puzzles is commended by critics like New Game Network, Noisy Pixel, and The Games Machine, who appreciate the enthralling concepts, emotional connections, and well-designed puzzles that add depth to the experience. The game is also praised for seamlessly combining gameplay and storytelling, providing a thought-provoking experience that goes beyond mere puzzle-solving, as noted by IGN Italia and Impulsegamer. While the overall consensus is overwhelmingly positive, there are a few criticisms raised by some critics. Digital Trends mentions that the game may be long-winded at times and have pacing issues, which could affect the overall experience. God is a Geek points out that excessive exposition and a lackluster story may put some players off. Vandal highlights that the increased focus on narrative and exploration in The Talos Principle 2 may overshadow the puzzles, which were a highlight of the first game, potentially detracting from the essence of the original. Despite these minor criticisms, the overall sentiment among the critics is highly positive. The Talos Principle 2 is widely regarded as a puzzle game masterpiece and one of the best puzzle games of all time, as stated by GamesRadar++. Critics such as Eurogamer, Hardcore Gamer, and PC Gamer praise the game for its thought-provoking narrative, stimulating gameplay, and captivating storytelling. The game is commended for its deep philosophical themes, engaging puzzles, beautiful environments, and immersive storytelling. The Talos Principle 2 is described as a superb, excellent, and complete gaming experience that expands on the first game in every way, surpassing the expectations of fans and providing a rewarding and memorable gameplay experience. In conclusion, the Overall Verdict of The Talos Principle 2 is overwhelmingly positive, with the majority of critics praising the game for its exceptional puzzle design, thought-provoking narrative, and immersive gameplay experience. While a few critics mention minor issues such as pacing, excessive exposition, and a shift in focus from puzzles to narrative and exploration, these criticisms do not overshadow the overall positive sentiment. The game is widely regarded as a masterpiece in the genre, blending philosophy with puzzles effectively and providing a thought-provoking and engaging experience that appeals to fans of challenging puzzles and deep storytelling. The Talos Principle 2 is recommended for players looking for a complete gaming experience that goes beyond mere puzzle-solving.

TL;DR

Critics overwhelmingly praise The Talos Principle 2 for its exceptional puzzle design, thought-provoking narrative, and immersive gameplay. Despite minor criticisms about pacing and storytelling, the game is hailed as a masterpiece that expands on its predecessor in every way. Blending philosophy with puzzles, it offers a deep and engaging experience that surpasses expectations, making it a must-play for fans of challenging puzzles and rich storytelling.

MONSTER

Reviews

95 reviews found

100

Digital Spy

Nov 2, 2023

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

The review describes The Talos Principle 2 as a masterpiece in the genre and praises its puzzle design, narrative focus, and sublime world. It states that there is nothing else quite like experiencing every mystery the game has to offer.

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100

Eurogamer Germany

Nov 3, 2023

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

The Talos Principle 2 is a thought-provoking game that goes beyond being a simple puzzle game and encourages players to engage in deep thinking.

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Impulsegamer

Nov 3, 2023

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

The game is visually pleasing and mentally stimulating, making it a great experience for fans of philosophy or puzzle solving. It is recommended to add to your collection.

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IGN Italia

Nov 2, 2023

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

The Talos Principle 2 is an extraordinary game that seamlessly combines gameplay and storytelling, providing a thought-provoking experience that goes beyond mere puzzle-solving.

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Areajugones

Nov 2, 2023

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

The Talos Principle 2 is a remarkable game that stands out for its entertainment value and its ability to make players appreciate the beauty of humanity and existence.

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XboxEra

Nov 2, 2023

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

The Talos Principle 2 is praised as one of the best narrative puzzle titles, with strong puzzle design, compelling storytelling, and great art direction. Some minor UX issues are mentioned as cons.

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GamesRadar+

Nov 2, 2023

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

The review concludes that The Talos Principle 2 is a puzzle game masterpiece and one of the best puzzle games of all time.

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Noisy Pixel

Nov 2, 2023

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

The Talos Principle 2 is a beautiful and thought-provoking sequel that lives up to high expectations. It appeals to fans of challenging puzzles and those interested in deep storytelling.

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GamingTrend

Nov 2, 2023

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

The Talos Principle 2 is an excellent philosophical puzzle adventure game that expands on the first game in every way. It offers a deep narrative, intriguing puzzles, and beautiful environments to explore.

GameSkinny

Nov 2, 2023

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

The Talos Principle 2 is a brilliant puzzler that expands upon the experience of the original game, with a compelling storyline and challenging puzzles. It is accessible to players of all skill levels.

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