Monster Train 2 Review Summary

Significant improvement over original: The sequel significantly improves upon the original in almost every aspect, including graphics, mechanics, content, and QoL features. It retains the core elements that made the first game enjoyable while expanding the story and world. Many reviewers express that the game is a worthy successor and exceeds expectations.

New clans and mechanics added: The game introduces new clans, mechanics, and card types, such as equipment and room cards, that add depth and complexity to the gameplay. These additions provide fresh gameplay experiences and encourage experimentation, enhancing the strategic possibilities and customization options.

Addictive and highly enjoyable: The game is highly addictive and provides many hours of entertainment. Reviewers express strong enjoyment of the game, praising its depth, fun, and charming qualities. Many recommend buying the game without hesitation.

Equipment and room card customization: Equipment and room cards add a new layer of strategy and customization, allowing players to modify entire floors and boost specific units. The deployment phase encourages players to utilize multiple floors, shifting away from a single-floor focus and adding more strategic depth.

Top-class roguelike card game: The game is a high-quality roguelike card game sequel, with some reviewers considering it the best in its class. It is visually more appealing than Slay the Spire and adds enough mechanics to feel differentiated.

Lacks innovation; feels repetitive: Many reviewers feel the game doesn't significantly differentiate itself from the first Monster Train. Some find the art style and UI to be a downgrade, resembling a generic mobile game, while others feel it's too similar to the original, lacking enough new content or innovation to justify a full sequel.

Poor translation quality/errors: Several reviews cite issues with translation quality, particularly in Korean and Chinese. These errors make it difficult to understand game mechanics and card descriptions, hindering the player experience.

Bugs and high difficulty: Some players have encountered bugs, including game freezes and issues with the save system that lead to lost progress. The difficulty is also noted, with some finding the game significantly more challenging than expected.

Sap Seraph: limited strategies: The Sap Seraph boss fight is criticized for its limited strategic options. Reviewers feel forced to use specific damage spells and often reroll to avoid this encounter due to the lack of viable strategies.

Zoomed-in camera is restrictive: The zoomed-in camera perspective, locked to a single floor, is a common complaint. Players find it difficult to manage multiple floors without constant scrolling, and the inability to zoom out exacerbates this issue.

Deckbuilding tower defense roguelike: The game blends deckbuilding, roguelike elements, and tower defense gameplay. Players strategically deploy units across multiple floors to defend against enemies. This core formula remains similar to the first game, but with refinements.

Refined, but familiar gameplay: The game feels similar to the previous title, but significantly refined. Many unlockable elements and content have been added compared to the first game.

Clan combinations enable varied playstyles: The game features five clans that can be combined in pairs, offering diverse playstyles and encouraging players to explore unexpected synergies between tribes. This system results in 10 unique clan combinations.

New abilities and itemization options: Champions now possess 'Actives,' abilities with cooldowns, and equippable items that grant passive or active stats. New buffs and debuffs like courage and furnace oil are present. These additions add complexity to character customization and combat tactics.

Strategic minion deployment phase added: A 'placement turn' has been added, allowing minion deployment before combat. This deployment phase is a notable improvement to gameplay, adding a layer of strategic depth.

Good performance and device compatibility: The game exhibits good compatibility and performance across various devices, including the Legion Go, Steam Deck, and even lower-end PCs. External controllers are also well-supported, contributing to a smooth user experience on different platforms.

Strongly recommended; great sequel: The game is highly recommended, especially for fans of the first game or the deck-building genre. Many reviewers state that the game expands upon the original while remaining accessible to newcomers. Some suggest that the sequel is better than the original and other similar games.

High replayability, hours of content: Reviewers anticipate investing many hours into the game due to its engaging content and customization options. Some reviewers express excitement for future content and DLC. However, one reviewer felt the game was like a large DLC instead of a standalone game.

Need bug fixes/patches: Some reviewers are requesting bug fixes and patches to improve the game's overall experience. One reviewer specifically mentions issues with the Russian language and suggests trying the English version for clarity.

Good value for price: The game is considered to be an excellent value, especially at its current price point. Some reviewers recommend buying the game to support the developers, while others suggest waiting for a sale.

Niche appeal, not for everyone: The game is only recommended for dedicated fans who can tolerate significant issues or enjoy grinding. Normal players may find the reliance on randomness frustrating.

Humorous, simple story continuation: The game features a humorous story about angels and demons cooperating against giants, continuing the narrative from the previous title. However, the plot is simple and may not be the primary draw for players of this card game genre.

Helpful quality-of-life features: The game includes quality-of-life features such as the ability to undo misplayed cards within a round and quickly restart dungeon battles. These features streamline the gameplay experience and reduce frustration.

Regional pricing implemented: The developers have implemented regional pricing, making the game more accessible to players in different regions. This is a positive step towards affordability and inclusivity.

Focus on single-player content: The game focuses on single-player content, with limited multiplayer elements but includes an endless mode. This caters to players who prefer solo experiences.

Rock-style BGM: subjective appeal: The game's rock-style BGM may not appeal to all players, but it is not considered bad. This is a subjective element that may vary depending on individual preferences.