[Review] Monster Train 2 on PlayStation 5

Sure thing, here we go.

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Okay, so you ever just play a game and wonder how they keep pumping out sequels that somehow manage to not be boring? Like, for real, Monster Train 2 from Big Fan Games, Devolver Digital, and Shiny Shoe is weirdly addictive. Maybe it’s the whole “angels and demons team-up” shtick—it’s like they thought, “Why not?” They’ve added all sorts of flashy new stuff and, of course, it’s on PS5. I mean, I loved Monster Train: First Class. Seriously. So why not dive in, right?

Picture this: things go nuts in heaven ‘cause Seraph, the big boss, flubs its attempt to smack down hell’s baddies. Chaos unleashes the Titans. Oops. Now, angels and demons gotta buddy up to fix this mess. Can they, though? No clue, but you’ll take charge of these madcap trains to whip things back into shape. Sorta like trying to navigate a carnival in a dust storm. Fun, though.

Anyway, back to what’s cooking. New clans and cards galore, but it’s the mix-up in difficulty that caught me off guard. You can pretty much tailor how wild you want this experience. Now, if you remember the first game, jump right in. If not, well, maybe peruse through my First Class review—or don’t. Whatever floats your boat.

The depth here—whoa. There’s these room cards? And equipment cards that make you rethink strategies on the fly. Like, should I strap this weird card to my enemy or my sidekick? Decisions, decisions. Oh, and cutscenes finally make some narrative sense! New Pyre hearts to unlock, mind you, offering all these tweakable stats and options for your ride—like buffing coins to copy cards. Wild stuff, really.

You’ve got these runs, right, and boy, are they something. Protect the Pyre, or it’s game over, man! Deploy your crew and hope they hold the line on those tiers. Ember’s a factor too, so don’t blow it all in one go. Ever play a card game while balancing on a stool? Kind of like that.

Combat’s neat, though. Each card has its quirks—stats for smack damage and durability. Special moves like Revenge or Multistrike add some spice. Half the time, I was like, “What does this do again? Oh right, crushes foes!”

Spells eat up Ember, so there’s a dance going on between laying traps and summoning allies. You wanna zap foes but—oops, not enough juice. Time for plan B…or was it C?

Enemies sneak up from the bottom, climbing ceilings like they own the place. If they get too far up, your Pyre will (hopefully) slap them, but why chance it? Best take ‘em down early. Smack ‘em hard with spells when they burst onto the scene.

Wrap your head around choices after battling. Gold and cards await, but pick wisely. Build a killer deck or plug holes you didn’t know existed in your strategy. Watching Upbeat Warbler granting Quick is like, whoa, game-changer.

Journey? Oh, this one’s a winding one. Choose paths with care because nodes offer unique goodies. Forge spells, beef up units, or make pivotal choices at event spots. Lifelines in the chaos, really.

And, oh, trophies. Tons of ‘em! A shiny Platinum for the hardcore. Deal mega-damage, level clans—you know the drill. Check the checklist and, well, grind away. A labor of love, some might say.

Monster Train 2? It’s more than worth hopping onto on PlayStation 5. Whether it’s cosmic alliances or just a wild ride, this sequel pulls no punches. There’s heaps to unlock, paths to explore, and scores to settle. Get cracking on climbing those levels, pumping those cards, and, heck, maybe even challenge an endless mode. Are you in?

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Disclaimer: Thanks, Big Fan Games, for the PlayStation 5 review copy. Appreciate it.