Info about I Expect You To Die 2: The Spy and the Liar:

Official game description:
**The encore to _I Expect You To Die_ is here...**
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Welcome back, Agent! Right now, Zoraxis believes you are dead. To capitalize on this moment, we are sending you deep undercover to explore some diabolical intelligence the Agency has received regarding Zoraxis’ move for world domination. Here’s what we can tell you now...your first mission is to protect the prime minister, who is attending a theater production featuring world-famous actor and celebrity John Juniper. Agent, we need you to:  
*   Use your ever-present power of telekinesis to solve puzzles, escape dangerous situations, and manipulate objects.  
*   Go undercover using disguises to figure out exactly what Zoraxis is up to.  
*   Not die.
**What to ‘Expect’ in _I Expect You To Die 2: The Spy and the Liar_ (besides...you know 💀):**
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Embark on six new missions
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Put your cunning to good use as you solve confounding puzzles and travel across the globe to stop Zoraxis’ plans for world domination. Every mission is a new scene and you are the star!
Start your adventure with a brand new 360° intro sequence
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You are in for an amazing visual and audio experience with the intro credits. _Puddles Pity Party_ belts out the new theme song in his well-honed baritone.
Meet John Juniper
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Rub shoulders with John Juniper, celebrity extraordinaire, voiced by famed actor _Wil Wheaton_.
Play in comfort
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Explore new locations and environments in this seated experience that can be played with one or two hands. The game was built with accessibility in mind.
Experience more of everything
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In this sequel, you will get more immersive mission spaces, more characters, more music in every level, more food to eat, more disguises, and it goes without saying...more dying!  
**Join our Discord server for the latest intel.**

Release date: Aug 24, 2021

Categories: Virtual Reality, Puzzle Solving, Escape Room Puzzle, First-Person Perspective, Spy Experience, Narrative Adventure, Telekinesis


- Hardware Profile: No data
Feature extractions:
- Community Price:
  - Community fair range: $20.00 - $30.00
  - Reasoning: The reviews show mixed price sensitivity. Some players feel the game is short and recommend waiting for a sale, with one explicitly naming a $10-$15 sale target. Others say the production quality and overall experience make the full price acceptable or even worth it. Since the explicit $10-$15 figure is framed as a sale price rather than a fair base price, and some reviewers would not be disappointed paying full price, the community fair base-game range is best estimated around $20-$30.
- Playtime Metrics:
  - Game completion: 14.5h
  - Story completion: 3.0h
  - Session length: N/A
  - Endgame: 3.0h
  - Reasoning: The explicit 100% report supports gameCompletion at 14.5 hours. Multiple first-playthrough reports cluster around 2-4 hours, with direct statements of about 3 hours for the main story or first playthrough, so storyCompletion is set to 3 hours. The same quote about a 3-hour first playthrough says another 3 hours were expected for all achievements, supporting endgame at 3 hours. No review gives a clear numeric typical session length, so sessionLength is null.
- Time-to-fun: No data
- Player Archetypes:
  - VR-First Medium Believer (buy)
    - Motivation: Living out a tactile, physically immersive spy-fantasy inside VR that justifies owning and recommending a headset.
    - Playstyle: Plays seated or room-scale in a headset, treats each mission as a physical object-manipulation and escape-room set piece, and evangelizes VR to non-owners.
    - Experience: mixed
    - Purchase stance: buy
    - Labels: N/A
    - Reference games: I Expect You To Die
  - Series Continuity Devotee (buy)
    - Motivation: Continuing a beloved spy-escape-room franchise and seeing how the narrative and gags evolve from the first game into sequels and DLC.
    - Playstyle: Plays every entry in sequence, compares new levels and story beats to the original, and commits early to future installments.
    - Experience: familiar
    - Purchase stance: buy
    - Labels: N/A
    - Reference games: I Expect You To Die
  - Achievement Completionist (buy)
    - Motivation: Fully completing every mission, achievement, and optional challenge to extract maximum content from the game.
    - Playstyle: Replays missions for 100% completion, hunts achievements and per-mission challenges, and measures enjoyment by content density rather than main-story length.
    - Experience: veteran
    - Purchase stance: buy
    - Labels: completionist
    - Reference games: I Expect You To Die
  - Trial-and-Error Puzzle Masochist (buy)
    - Motivation: The satisfaction of cracking difficult, deadly escape-room puzzles and enjoying the blackly comic spy tone through repeated failure and retries.
    - Playstyle: Methodical trial-and-error solving in VR, replaying deaths and restarting missions until the puzzle logic clicks.
    - Experience: mixed
    - Purchase stance: buy
    - Labels: N/A
    - Reference games: I Expect You To Die


Below are summaries of things people say about the game per category.
Each point is assigned a weight that represents how often it is mentioned across all reviews.
What players like:
- Sequel improves on original (weight 0.79): The game is widely considered a superior sequel, expanding on the first game with more levels, characters, and improvements in every area. It exceeds expectations set by the original.
- Overall game quality highly rated (weight 0.7): Many reviewers describe the game as genuinely good, amazing, and well-made with great gameplay. The overall consensus is extremely positive.
- Exceptional puzzle design praised (weight 0.56): Players consistently highlight the puzzles as exciting, clever, varied, and perfectly challenging. The puzzle design is described as the standout feature of the game.
- Outstanding story and storytelling (weight 0.52): The story is repeatedly praised as great, amazing, and top-tier, with more cohesive storytelling than the first game. Story delivery is a major strength.
- Incredible music and intro (weight 0.4): The music is phenomenal and brilliant, and the intro credits are jaw-dropping, catchy, and give goosebumps. The intro sequence is considered one of the best in VR.
- Well-polished and charming (weight 0.31): The game is extremely well polished with great level design, and it retains its charm. Production quality is consistently noted.
- Great voice acting performances (weight 0.29): Voice acting is described as amazing, great, and outstanding, with special mention of Wil Wheaton's performance as John Juniper. The cast elevates the experience.
- Excellent seated VR escape room (weight 0.22): It is regarded as one of the best seated VR experiences available, specifically a chair-only escape room game. It stands out among VR titles.
- Good humor and fun moments (weight 0.18): Humor elements are appreciated and found pretty good, with funny stuff throughout. The game is simply fun.
- Immersive spy fantasy experience (weight 0.15): The game successfully makes players feel like a secret agent or super spy, evoking the feeling of a classic spy movie. This immersion is highly effective.
- Cool and amazing missions (weight 0.1): Missions are described as very cool and amazing, adding to the overall enjoyment. The variety and design of missions are praised.
- Worth the price (weight 0.1): Despite a higher cost-per-hour, many reviewers find the game worth the price. The experience justifies the investment.
- Hidden items and secrets (weight 0.1): There are lots of hidden items, secrets, and trophies to find, adding replay value. Exploration is rewarded.
- Favourite VR game for some (weight 0.09): For some players, this is their favourite VR game to date, easily surpassing other titles. It holds a special place for them.

Common complaints:
- Game is very short for the price (weight 0.95): A large number of reviews mention the game is extremely short, with some completing it in under an hour and levels lasting only a few minutes. Many feel the price is too high for the amount of content.
- Price too high for content (weight 0.43): Many reviewers feel the full price is too high given the short length and limited content. The price-per-hour ratio is unfavorable compared to the first game.
- Puzzles easier than first game (weight 0.41): Several players note that the puzzles are much easier and less challenging than in the original, often solvable instantly or with little thought. This reduces satisfaction for those seeking a mental challenge.
- Controls and VR interaction issues (weight 0.41): Multiple complaints about imprecise controls, especially when reaching for far objects, moving quickly, or manipulating small items. Motion controller detection, janky speedrun controls, and physical awkwardness are also noted.
- Limited replayability and post-game content (weight 0.4): Players report low replay value because puzzles have fixed solutions, and there is little incentive to replay beyond collecting souvenirs or achievements. The lack of developer commentary and post-game content further reduces longevity.
- No subtitles in any language (weight 0.38): Multiple players report the game completely lacks subtitles, including English, which harms accessibility and comprehension. This is especially problematic in missions where listening to spoken instructions is required.
- Lacks charm of first game (weight 0.32): Many reviewers feel the sequel fails to capture the charm and quality of the original, describing it as feeling like an expansion rather than a full sequel. Comparisons frequently mention the first game being better.
- Poor optimization and technical bugs (weight 0.3): Reports of poor performance on Pico 4, items clipping or bugging, and a critical puzzle item failing to spawn. Minor bugs and controller vibration issues also detract from the experience.
- No localization in multiple languages (weight 0.28): The game lacks support for several languages such as Japanese, Chinese, and French, with no subtitles or options to change language. This makes it inaccessible to non-English speakers and forces English-only play.
- Missing features from first game (weight 0.27): The sequel omits features like developer commentary and the ability to smoke cigars, which were present in the first game. The hub area is a tiny van compared to the original's office, limiting interaction.
- Trial-and-error puzzle design (weight 0.25): Some puzzles rely heavily on trial and error, which can be frustrating and off-putting. A few specific puzzles were confusing or unclear, leading to repeated attempts.
- Restart entire level on mistake (weight 0.22): A single mistake often forces players to restart the entire level from the beginning, which is irritating and punishing. This is exacerbated by long load times or repeated actions to get back to the same point.
- English required for story comprehension (weight 0.22): Without English listening skills, it is difficult to follow the story or understand instructions, as voice acting is only in English and no subtitles are provided. This alienates non-English speakers.
- Underwhelming missions and ending (weight 0.18): Some missions, like the plane level and the fifth mission, were disappointing or lacked excitement. The ending is a cliffhanger that leaves the story unresolved.
- No hard mode or elevated difficulty (weight 0.14): The absence of a hard mode reduces replay value for players seeking a greater challenge. Some find the game too easy overall.
- Immersion-breaking elements (weight 0.14): Telekinesis-style item pulling while seated and other control choices break immersion. The hub area's limited movement also reduces the sense of presence.
- No options menu or settings (weight 0.11): Players could not find any settings for language or general options, indicating a lack of basic customization. This adds to the frustration, especially for those needing accessibility features.
- No voice acting (weight 0.11): The game lacks voice acting, which is particularly problematic for players who rely on audio cues. Combined with no subtitles, it hampers the experience.
- Dated graphics and awkward interactions (weight 0.1): Graphics are considered dated, and physical interactions with objects look awkward. This detracts from the immersion and overall polish.
- Small active community (weight 0.09): The player base is very small, with only a few active players, which may affect multiplayer or community engagement. However, the game is single-player only, so impact is limited.

Gameplay feedback:
- Puzzle-Focused Gameplay (weight 0.38): The game features puzzles as a core part of its gameplay, with multiple solutions and interactive operations. It is fundamentally a puzzle game with levels.
- Sequel to Previous Game (weight 0.34): The game is a sequel to a successful first installment, continuing the series with familiar mechanics. It is explicitly described as the second title in the series.
- First-Person VR Adventure (weight 0.29): The game is a first-person virtual reality adventure with story missions and puzzle solving. It is designed as a VR escape-room experience.
- Seated VR Experience (weight 0.25): The game is played entirely while seated, requiring interaction with the virtual world. It is a chair-only VR experience with escape-room-style scenarios.
- Spy-Themed Escape Room (weight 0.25): The game is set in a spy or agent setting, combining espionage elements with escape room puzzles. Players use super spy gadgets to solve challenges.
- Interactive VR Puzzles (weight 0.18): The VR puzzle game features interactive environments and contraption-based challenges. Gameplay involves solving puzzles across multiple missions.
- Story-Driven Experience (weight 0.17): The game has a narrative-driven structure and includes storytelling content delivered through gameplay. It is a story-driven experience.
- Replayability and Challenges (weight 0.17): Per-mission challenges and a speedrun challenge provide replay value, along with collecting achievements. Players can find new things on subsequent playthroughs.
- Puzzle Difficulty Progression (weight 0.16): Puzzle difficulty is comparable to or easier than the first game, with some steps up in challenge. The game offers new puzzles with similar mechanics.
- Telekinesis Interaction Mechanic (weight 0.14): Telekinesis is used to pull, release, and pin objects in midair in about 90% of interactions. This power allows players to point and pull items.
- Varied Mission Lengths (weight 0.09): The game includes missions of varying lengths, offering diverse gameplay segments. This structure supports different pacing throughout the experience.
- Built-In Speedrun Mode (weight 0.09): The game includes a built-in speedrun mode for players who want to optimize their completion time. This adds an additional layer of replayability.
- Vive Controller Reset Controls (weight 0.08): On Vive, holding the left controller menu button restarts or exits the game, while holding the right controller menu button resets the view. These are specific hardware controls.

Performance notes:
- Stable performance with minor VR issues (weight 0.17): Performance is generally stable but VR is never perfect. Tested across multiple headsets including Vive Pro 2, Valve Index, and Oculus CV1 with good results.
- Controller vibration issues and battery drain (weight 0.09): Controllers kept vibrating and vibration drains battery during missions. This affects gameplay experience and device longevity.
- Bad optimization on Pico 4 (weight 0.06): The game is badly optimized on Pico 4 hardware. Users report poor performance on this specific device.
- High PC requirements (weight 0.05): Fast PC requirements are needed to run the game. This limits accessibility for users with older hardware.
- Collision bugs with objects (weight 0.05): Objects bug when colliding with each other. This can cause visual glitches or gameplay disruption.

Recommendations:
- Strong Overall Recommendation (weight 0.53): A large number of reviewers give an unreserved recommendation, calling it a must-buy, worth the price, or a must-play. The enthusiasm is consistent and widespread.
- Sequel Highly Recommended for Fans (weight 0.47): Many reviewers strongly recommend the game to those who enjoyed the original, stating that fans will adore it and it surpasses the first entry. This sentiment is echoed across numerous clusters, highlighting its appeal to returning players.
- Ideal for VR Puzzle Fans (weight 0.32): The game is highly recommended for players who enjoy VR puzzle games, especially those with a good story and goofy humor. It is often described as a must-play for VR enthusiasts.
- Wait for a Sale (weight 0.29): Several reviewers recommend waiting for a discount before purchasing, often citing short playtime or lack of content as reasons. This advice appears in multiple clusters, indicating a common concern.
- Play the First Game First (weight 0.26): Many reviewers advise playing the original game before this sequel to fully understand references and enhance enjoyment. Some note it's not strictly necessary but still beneficial.
- Appeal to Humor and Puzzle Lovers (weight 0.21): Reviewers specifically recommend the game to those who appreciate dark humor, escape rooms, and spy-themed puzzles. It is seen as a perfect fit for that niche audience.
- Good Value for Money (weight 0.21): Reviewers find the game worth its price, especially when purchased as a bundle or on sale. It offers a satisfying experience for the cost.
- Recommended for Newcomers and Completionists (weight 0.14): Even those new to the series can enjoy the game, and completionists aiming for all achievements will find it rewarding. It offers value to a broad range of players.
- Great for Small Spaces and VR Newbies (weight 0.1): The game is recommended for players with limited space and those new to VR, as it provides an excellent introduction to VR gaming. It encourages more people to try VR.
- Tentative or Conditional Recommendations (weight 0.09): A few reviewers give tentative recommendations, noting that the game may not appeal to everyone and picks its audience. They recommend it with reservations.
- Not for Action or Co-op Seekers (weight 0.06): The game is not recommended for players seeking action or cooperative gameplay. It is best suited for those who prefer solo puzzle-solving experiences.
- Dated Graphics but Enjoyable (weight 0.05): Despite having dated graphics, the game is still recommended for its engaging gameplay and humor. Reviewers find it enjoyable enough to overlook visual shortcomings.
- Challenge and Repetition Acceptable (weight 0.05): Some reviewers note that the game involves repetitive trial-and-error, but it is still recommended for those who don't mind dying and retrying. This aspect is seen as part of the challenge.
- Negative: Fans of First May Dislike (weight 0.05): Some players who did not like the first game will likely hate this sequel as well. This is a warning for those who were not fans of the original.

Other player notes:
- Direct sequel similarities (weight 0.42): Multiple reviewers note that this game is very similar to the first game, essentially offering more of the same. It is a direct sequel with a more cohesive storyline and additional content.
- Part of I Expect You To Die series (weight 0.23): The game is the second title in the I Expect You To Die franchise and improves on the original in every way. It is based on the 2016 predecessor and is a follow-up in the series.
- Favorable comparison to previous game (weight 0.22): Reviewers compare it favorably to the first game, which some consider one of the best VR games. It is seen as on par or better than the original.
- More story content than first (weight 0.19): The game expands on the first game with more story content and additional levels. The story is more developed and adds to the overall experience.
- First game considered better (weight 0.15): Some reviewers feel the first game in the series is better and was well received. The sequel is compared favorably but not always surpassing the original.
- Easier and shorter than first (weight 0.14): The game is comparatively easier and shorter than the first game, with puzzles that are less challenging. This may reduce the overall playtime.
- Improved environments and missions (weight 0.11): Compared to the first game, the environments are more complicated, missions are longer, and story linkage is better. Almost every new mission is considered better.
- Masterclass VR titles (weight 0.11): The first game is considered a must-have for VR, and both the first and second games are praised as masterclass VR titles. They set a high standard for VR experiences.
- Anticipation for third installment (weight 0.11): Reviewers look forward to a third installment in the series, indicating high satisfaction with the second game. They are excited for the continuation of the franchise.
- About 3 hours to complete (weight 0.1): The game takes about 3 hours to complete on first playthrough, with achievements adding replay value. Some players hope for another 3 hours to unlock all achievements.
- Sold as bundle (weight 0.1): The game is sold as part of a bundle of three games, offering a complete package for players. This provides value for those who want the entire series.
- VR title (weight 0.1): The game is a virtual reality title, designed for VR platforms. It leverages VR mechanics to enhance immersion.
- First game expanded post-launch (weight 0.1): The original title was expanded with additional levels after launch to address the lack of levels. This suggests the sequel might receive similar support.
- Variable playtime reported (weight 0.09): Some players finished the game in about 6 hours, while others completed it in about 2 hours. Playtime can vary based on playstyle and completion goals.

Emotions:
- Enjoyment (weight 0.18): Players find the puzzles clever, challenging, and fun, with a good balance of humor and storytelling. The game's atmosphere, voice acting, music, and VR interactions are also praised for creating an enjoyable experience. Many appreciate the replayability and improvements over the original.
- Disappointment (weight 0.15): The game is often criticized for being too short, especially compared to its price and the first game. Missing features like subtitles, voice acting, and replayability also contribute to letdown. Some feel the sequel lacks the charm and originality of the original.
- Satisfaction (weight 0.1): Players feel satisfied when puzzles are solvable and rewarding, and the game offers noticeable improvements over its predecessor. The emotional payoff, polished gameplay, and engaging story contribute to a fulfilling experience. Many appreciate the sequel's enhancements while retaining the original's charm.
- Frustration (weight 0.1): Frustration stems from trial-and-error puzzle design that forces level restarts, unclear objectives, and technical issues like bad controls, bugs, and missing subtitles. Localization problems and lack of developer support further aggravate players. These elements hinder enjoyment and make the game feel unfair.
- Admiration (weight 0.08): Players admire the game for its clever puzzles, excellent voice acting, and phenomenal music, considering it a masterpiece in VR. The story, characters, and polished gameplay are highly praised, with many calling it one of the best games they've ever played. The sequel is seen as a worthy follow-up that expands on the original.
- Excitement (weight 0.08): Excitement is driven by the game's cinematic quality, thrilling story, and high-quality intro. Players are hooked and eagerly anticipate future installments or DLC. The improved gameplay and best final mission also generate enthusiasm.
- Love (weight 0.04): Players express deep affection for the series, citing amazing stories, fun puzzles, and added replayability features. Many have a personal connection, enjoying the game with siblings or revisiting the original. The overall experience fosters a strong bond with the franchise.
- Amusement (weight 0.03): The game's humor, over-the-top characters, and absurd hazards like a scorpion sandwich provide comedic relief. Players laugh at their own repeated deaths and enjoy the witty jokes. This lighthearted tone adds to the overall fun.
- Appreciation (weight 0.03): Players appreciate the game's excellent presentation, level design, and engaging spy-thriller storyline. The soundtrack and increasing difficulty are also highlighted. The craftsmanship and humor make it a standout experience.
- Anticipation (weight 0.03): Anticipation is high for future sequels, with players looking forward to the third and fourth installments. The credits hint at more content, fueling excitement. Many can't wait to see how the series continues.
- Enthusiasm (weight 0.02): Enthusiastic players praise the fantastic puzzles, writing, music, and overall vibe. They consider it the best in the franchise, noting that the sequel improves upon everything from the first game. The atmosphere and gameplay are particularly lauded.
- Delight (weight 0.02): Delight comes from the pleasant puzzle experience, brilliant music, and storytelling. The 60s spy vibe and VR immersion add to the charm. Players find it a short but thoroughly enjoyable ride.
- Immersion (weight 0.02): The engaging narrative makes players feel like a secret agent, fully immersing them in the espionage world. They even feel like a bumbling agent, which enhances the role-playing aspect. This immersion is a key part of the experience.
- Mild disappointment (weight 0.01): Some players are mildly disappointed by the reduced number of cigars and the game feeling shorter. These minor letdowns slightly detract from the overall experience. However, the core enjoyment remains.
- Dissatisfaction (weight 0.01): Dissatisfaction arises from imprecise controls when reaching for distant objects and the game being perceived as overrated. These issues hinder gameplay and lead to a less satisfying experience. Some players expected more from the mechanics.
- Fun (weight 0.01): Players have fun playing the game, especially noting improvements over the predecessor. The puzzles are a key source of enjoyment. The overall experience is described as entertaining and engaging.
- Engagement (weight 0.01): Engagement is driven by clever puzzle construction and an immersive narrative that frames the game like a classic spy movie. The intriguing tale of espionage keeps players invested. This combination creates a compelling experience.
- Mild frustration (weight 0.01): Mild frustration occurs when players need to listen to dialogue but voice acting is only in English, and controls can be clunky. These minor issues slightly impede enjoyment. They are not severe enough to ruin the experience.
- Annoyance (weight 0.01): Annoyance stems from manipulating small objects and getting stuck, requiring repeated actions to progress. These gameplay quirks can be irritating. They temporarily disrupt the flow of the game.
- Intelligence (weight 0.01): Solving puzzles makes players feel smart, even if only briefly. This sense of accomplishment is a rewarding aspect of the game. It adds to the overall satisfaction of overcoming challenges.}