Reed 2 [Xbox]

After the events of PXLink’s Reed Remastered, the reboot of the digital world failed, and now Reed must deliver the backup files from the supercomputer to the developer of this world to save everything, once and for all. There are a lot more information cubes to collect this time around, with the world being somewhat larger than the previous game. It’s still a very simple, straightforward platformer, requiring you to collect three information cubes from each level, across a total of 52 levels this time round - made up of 49 selectable levels (once completed) and 3 hidden levels.

Visually very similar to the first game, but with larger areas to explore - allowing for more cubes to be found within each level. Enemies are exactly the same, and the traps have not changed either, which feels like a bit of a missed trick as adding new enemy designs or different traps would have kept things fresh and interesting. Likewise, music is similar to before, with a largely atmospheric and ethereal sound - but has a somewhat more ominous vibe to it.

Controls again feel nice and tight, which is good considering just how much larger some of these levels are (and how many traps you’ll have to jump over and dodge). There were a few more levels this time round that felt a good bit more complex and challenging than before, but it still retains its very relaxed tone. Like the previous title, there are a few secrets to be found as you progress - from hidden characters to secret rooms, so you’ll need to keep your eyes peeled for these.

At £4.99 on the Xbox Store, Reed 2 is the same price as its predecessor. It doesn’t really innovate at all from the original formula, heck - even the storyline is essentially the same, with you repeating the mission of collecting cubes (albeit in larger numbers) to stop the destruction of this digital world you’re in. Overall, it feels kinda like it could have done more to differentiate itself from the original. Enemies and traps are the same as before, and the environments are largely the same though on a bigger scale, so it loses a bit of the sparkle that Reed Remastered had. With a bit more variety, as well as a larger number of levels, this could have been the push it needed to really make it stand out against its forerunner.

In the end, we decided to give Reed 2 the Collecting Asylum rating of 7.5/10.

Have you played Reed 2 yet? What did you think of it?
Let us know in the comments below!

- V x

Thank you to Ratalaika Games for the Reed 2 Xbox review code!