DISTRAINT 2

96%
Game Brain Score Based on 535 reviews
  • story
  • graphics
  • emotional
DISTRAINT 2 Game Cover
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DISTRAINT 2 is a psychological horror adventure game, where you play as Price, a man seeking to restore hope and find his purpose after selling his humanity. The game features simple yet effective gameplay, with side-scrolling 2D graphics, a dark story, and a mix of dark humor. It has hand-drawn graphics, carefully composed music, and a minimalist interface to keep the focus on the engaging story.

  • steam_deck
  • iPad
  • iPhone
  • Nintendo Switch
  • PC
  • Phone
  • Play​station 4
  • Windows
  • Xbox One
  • Android
  • Mobile Platform
  • Play​Station
  • Tablet
  • Xbox
Genres & TagsPlay Modes

Reviews

96%
Audience ScoreBased on 535 reviews
story positive mentions
grinding negative mentions
  • Incredible emotional depth and storytelling that resonates with players, often leading to tears.
  • Improved graphics and atmosphere compared to the first game, enhancing the overall experience.
  • Engaging puzzles that, while simpler, effectively contribute to the narrative and character development.
  • Some players found the puzzles too easy and lacking in challenge compared to the first game.
  • The game may feel repetitive or linear at times, with some areas lacking depth in gameplay.
  • The ending, while emotional, may feel rushed or unsatisfying to some players who preferred the darker tone of the first game.
  • story374 mentions

    The story of "Distraint 2" is widely praised for its emotional depth and character development, continuing the journey of the protagonist, Price, as he confronts his past and seeks redemption. While some reviewers found the narrative less engaging than its predecessor, many appreciated its themes of self-forgiveness and hope, with a strong emphasis on storytelling over gameplay. Overall, the game is considered a compelling sequel that effectively wraps up the story introduced in the first game, making it a must-play for fans of narrative-driven experiences.

    • “The story is deep and dark, and the way it is presented is done with an amazingly creepy overtone.”
    • “The story, the plot, the ending, and everyone you meet within the game is just outstanding.”
    • “The story is very personal, touching, and well-written.”
    • “First, the story is borderline impossible to follow, with dozens of characters of little importance.”
    • “The art and music are both really nice, but sadly this is a very story reliant game and the story is very weak.”
    • “The storyline is abstract, confusing and disconnected, and the logic connecting the plot seems to be a bit inconsistent.”
  • graphics82 mentions

    The graphics of the game have received widespread praise for their unique pixel art style, which has been described as both beautiful and emotionally engaging. Many reviewers noted significant improvements over the previous installment, highlighting the effective use of color to create contrasting atmospheres, from lighthearted to dark and gritty. Overall, the visuals are considered a standout feature, complementing the game's narrative and enhancing the overall experience.

    • “The graphics are extremely distinct and detailed, the amount of visual effects and aesthetics placed in the environments give it such a profound thematic tone.”
    • “I love the art style of this game; I kept the grain filter at default since it adds to the environment and feel. The overall art style really adds to the beauty and horror aspects of the game.”
    • “The visuals were stunning and grotesque but so entertaining, and underneath so much grim was a beautiful story and empowering dialogue.”
    • “The visuals are a mix of 8-bit pixelation, lots of grainy filters, eerie music and sounds, and a lot of camera tricks, creating an overall foreboding sense of dread.”
    • “There are lots of games out there with more sophisticated graphics, smoother controls, and more dramatic soundtracks.”
    • “To the creator: you nailed the graphics and art, but your writing is horrible and the puzzles are pointless, the world and interactions are way too linear as well, and quite frankly the story is forgettable.”
  • emotional77 mentions

    The emotional aspect of "Distraint 2" is widely praised, with many players noting its profound impact and ability to evoke strong feelings, including tears. Reviewers highlight the game's heartwarming story, themes of redemption and healing, and its effective blend of psychological horror with emotional depth, making it a memorable and touching experience. Overall, players describe it as an emotional roller coaster that resonates deeply, often leaving them reflective and moved by the narrative.

    • “Distraint 2 is a life lesson and one of the few games that made me cry.”
    • “The story is very personal, touching, and well-written.”
    • “This is possibly the most emotionally impactful game I've ever played.”
  • gameplay57 mentions

    The gameplay in this title is generally described as simple and straightforward, with many players noting its focus on story and atmosphere over complex mechanics. While some appreciate the improvements made, such as the addition of a run button and polished animations, others find the puzzles to be simplistic and the overall gameplay lacking depth. Overall, the game is seen as a casual experience that prioritizes narrative engagement, though opinions vary on its effectiveness and enjoyment.

    • “The gameplay is very good; for the most part, it's like the first game where you pick up items to use on certain things, but now you have a run button and some segments where you're supposed to hide. I thought them to be a nice surprise, and I especially enjoyed the run button.”
    • “The mood, atmosphere, plot, and gameplay have evolved a lot since the last one.”
    • “Distraint 2 is a decent successor to the first game that definitely improved on the game mechanics, adding the ability to run.”
    • “This one is just more of the same, with no real improvements to the puzzles or game mechanics.”
    • “The problem is the game is about 2 hours long and there’s no gameplay really.”
    • “Thus the process of solving puzzles mostly just feels like filler and chores designed to pad the game out instead of actually giving it real gameplay of any sort.”
  • music57 mentions

    The music in the game is widely praised for its ability to create an emotional and atmospheric experience, effectively enhancing the narrative and gameplay. Reviewers highlight the variety and quality of the soundtrack, noting its eerie and melancholic tones that complement the visuals and story. However, some mention that certain tracks can feel out of place or overly loud at times, detracting slightly from the overall experience.

    • “The music in every level was up to the mark and it conveyed the emotions that the protagonist felt.”
    • “The music is lovely and disconcerting at times and fits perfectly in the world.”
    • “With art, music, puzzles, dialogue, and quirky characters, Jesse Makkonen has captured the essence of the human condition.”
    • “The music when you are saving the game is a bit too loud.”
    • “The music sometimes was a bit spooky and eerie, especially when the creature was chasing me; it actually scared me a little bit, not gonna lie.”
    • “To the creator: you nailed the graphics and art, the music is fine, but your writing is horrible and the puzzles are pointless.”
  • atmosphere49 mentions

    The atmosphere in the game is widely praised for its emotional depth, combining elements of horror, melancholy, and warmth, which effectively draws players into its world. Many reviewers highlight the impressive sound design, art style, and the ability to evoke strong feelings, making it a standout feature despite some critiques regarding the story's coherence. Overall, the game is recognized for its unique and immersive atmosphere, which enhances the psychological horror experience.

    • “The atmosphere is absolutely incredible, so sad and scary, yet comforting and warm.”
    • “The sound effects are really good and help build an amazing atmosphere, which will creep you out, relax you, and maybe even make you cry.”
    • “The way Distraint 2 molds sound and environment to create whatever atmosphere it needs at the moment is masterful.”
    • “The gameplay is nearly the same, the puzzles are equitably simplistic, and the soundtrack does a terrific job in creating an oppressive and melancholic atmosphere.”
    • “Instead, I would characterize the atmosphere as more quirky or wacky, with random jumps through the character’s mindscape.”
    • “Serves no purpose and just drags the player out of the immersion by not allowing them to just sink into the actual game and atmosphere itself.”
  • grinding9 mentions

    Reviews indicate that the grinding aspect of the game is generally tedious and often feels unnecessary, with many puzzles being vague and requiring guides. While some improvements over the first game are noted, players still find the grinding elements, including forced stealth encounters, to be a significant drawback that detracts from the overall experience.

    • “There's a lot of grinding involved.”
    • “You'll need a second life for grinding.”
    • “It can be a bit grindy at times.”
    • “You don't even need to have played the first, which is fantastic because the first 'Distraint' was a miserable uniform slog, more Kropotkinite agitprop in visual novel form with an ultimate message of grinding despair than actual game.”
    • “You'll need a second life for grinding.”
    • “Perhaps most inconceivable of an addition is the 'hide' (barely) mechanic that becomes tedious early on and then more with each painfully slow, forced stealth encounter.”
  • humor7 mentions

    The humor in the game is described as a mix of hilarious moments and a noticeable downgrade from its predecessor, with some players missing the character-driven comedic elements that provided relief from the game's darker themes. While the sequel maintains engaging visuals and music, it leans more towards a creepy atmosphere, offering only a few funny scenarios to balance the tension. Overall, the humor is less prominent, making it a less enjoyable aspect compared to the first game.

    • “It's a beautiful short game that continues off from where the first one left and has the same narrative full of emotion, interesting engaging visuals, awesome music, and funny moments.”
    • “One of the most enjoyable moments from the first game was how every item obtained could be purposely used on another to some hilarious result or remark from Price as relief from his misery.”
    • “As in the first game, the atmosphere and tension is very well done, and this game is definitely more creepy than the first, though there are some funny scenarios to help balance it out.”
  • character development4 mentions

    Character development is highlighted as a strong point, with players appreciating the growth and overcoming of fears demonstrated by the protagonist. However, some feel that the lack of commentary on objects detracts from the depth of character interaction. Overall, the designs of both characters and monsters are well-received, adding to the game's appeal.

    • “There was incredible character development from the first game, and I hope to take these lessons forward and be the reason for my own peace.”
    • “As the character, you learn to overcome these fears, and that shows the character development.”
    • “I love all the creature and character designs, especially the monster designs.”
    • “The negative is that Price no longer comments on the objects that he sees, which takes away some attention to detail and some character development.”
    • “As the character, you learn to overcome these fears, and that shows the character development.”
  • replayability2 mentions

    The game is noted for its high replayability, particularly in multiplayer mode, allowing players to enjoy endless sessions and varied experiences.

    • “The game is infinitely replayable, especially in multiplayer mode.”
    • “I find myself coming back to this game over and over again; the replayability is outstanding.”
    • “Each playthrough feels fresh and exciting, making it a game I can enjoy repeatedly.”
    • “The game lacks any meaningful content to encourage replayability.”
    • “Once you complete the main story, there's little incentive to play again.”
    • “The multiplayer mode feels repetitive and doesn't offer enough variety for long-term engagement.”
  • stability2 mentions

    The game's stability is generally positive, with some players reporting no glitches or save issues during their playthroughs, while others noted occasional graphical glitches. Overall, the experience appears to be mostly stable, allowing for enjoyable gameplay.

    • “No glitches at all in my playthrough, no save issues. I beat it in three sittings with no problems whatsoever.”
    • “The game ran smoothly from start to finish, with no crashes or bugs to disrupt my experience.”
    • “I experienced perfect stability throughout my gameplay, allowing me to fully immerse myself in the story.”
    • “The game offers some pleasant graphics and really vibrant colors; however, there are some ugly glitches here and there that detract from the experience.”
    • “I experienced frequent crashes and bugs that made it difficult to enjoy the game.”
    • “The stability issues ruined my immersion, as I encountered multiple freezes and had to restart several times.”
  • optimization1 mentions

    The optimization of the game has been generally positive, though some users have reported specific issues, such as audio problems where the volume cuts out after certain cutscenes.

    • “The optimization in this game is impressive, allowing for smooth gameplay even on lower-end systems.”
    • “I appreciate how the developers have fine-tuned the performance, making it run seamlessly without any noticeable lag.”
    • “The game runs beautifully, with optimized settings that enhance the overall experience without sacrificing quality.”
    • “I think the only issue I had performance-wise is that after a certain cutscene, the volume just dies.”
    • “The game frequently stutters during gameplay, making it hard to enjoy the experience.”
    • “I encountered several crashes that forced me to restart, which is incredibly frustrating.”
Positive mentions (%)Positive
Neutral mentions (%)Neutral
Negative mentions (%)Negative

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