Return to Avalice on your console. Freedom Planet 2 is the long-awaited sequel to the 2014 game Freedom Planet. Initially announced in 2018 and released on PC in Q4 2022, FP2 has finally made its way to console gaming.

It has been three years after the tyrannical Lord Brevon has been defeated and forced to retreat, but his legacy continues to cast a shadow over Avalice. The once-imprisoned water dragon Merga is released, unleashing a wave of destruction fueled by rage and grief across the planet.

The core gameplay remains focused on blistering speed and momentum-based platforming. You can chain together jumps, wall slides, and aerial maneuvers to navigate intricate levels at breakneck speeds. Think early Sonic side-scrollers. The pixel graphics are nostalgic but meticulous, breathing life into lush forests, neon cities, and icy wastelands.

While speed is the name of the game, FP2 injects variety with epic boss battles, environmental puzzles, and well-integrated story elements. The narrative is relatively straightforward, but is engaging enough to keep you invested in the fate of Avalice and its inhabitants, as well as the motives behind Merga’s attack.

A word of warning: Enemy hitboxes can feel a little inconsistent at times, and later levels may feel slightly repetitive. Because the story takes a backseat to the gameplay, those looking for a deep-diving narrative may be left wanting. Cutscenes and story beats are sprinkled throughout the adventure, but the narrative unfolds more through environmental details and character interactions.

FP2 is a love letter to classic 2D platformers. Its exhilarating speed, gorgeous visuals, and tight controls deliver a pure and unadulterated dose of fun, making it a fantastic experience for anyone seeking the fast-paced charming arcade adventures of yore.

💯 Rating: 10/10 on Steam, 98% on Google Reviews, check out the trailer (watch trailer, runtime: 2:04).

⌛ Hours of gameplay: 14.5 hours to complete the main story, 28 hours for all PlayStyles, and 40 hours if you’re a completionist.

👾 Platforms: Steam for PC, Nintendo Switch, PlayStation, and Xbox.

💵 Price: USD 12.49 for the standard edition on Steam, and USD 24.99 on Nintendo Switch, PlayStation, and Xbox.

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