Freedom Planet 2

Freedom Planet 2 takes everything great about the first game, adds a bit of polish and some extra mechanics, and gives us an absolute beast of a game. I cannot praise it enough, it’s just brilliant fun!

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"Freedom Planet 2" is a thrilling platformer where players can choose from four distinct characters to stop the water dragon Merga's rise to power. In Adventure mode, explore the vast world of Avalice, interact with NPCs, and discover hidden treasures, while Classic mode offers direct action. The story tests friendships as the heroes are split between sides during a resurgent war.

Genres & Tags

Play Modes

Single-Player Play through the game's story or campaign solo

Reviews

90%

Audience ScoreBased on 1,984 reviews

story282 positive mentions

stability38 negative mentions

Freedom Planet 2 is a significant improvement over the first game, with better character designs, gameplay mechanics, and level variety.
The game features a compelling story with well-developed characters and engaging voice acting, making it a joy to experience.
The graphics and music are stunning, with beautiful pixel art and a soundtrack that enhances the overall experience.

Some levels are overly long and can feel tedious, leading to a sense of fatigue during gameplay.
The new guard mechanic can be finicky and may not always work as intended, leading to frustration in boss fights.
The story, while improved, still has moments of awkward dialogue and pacing issues that can detract from the overall experience.

story
1,140 mentions
25 % positive mentions
71 % neutral mentions
4 % negative mentions
The story in "Freedom Planet 2" has been widely praised for its significant improvement over the first game, featuring more developed characters, engaging world-building, and a compelling narrative that explores deeper themes. While some players found the pacing and structure of the story to be inconsistent or overly long, many appreciated the character-specific arcs and the emotional stakes involved, particularly with the new villain, Merga. Overall, the narrative is seen as a blend of lightheartedness and serious undertones, making it a notable aspect of the game despite some criticisms regarding its execution and coherence.
- “I'd say that the story is really good--great even this time around, thanks to the improved presentation, very likable characters (with Lilac being one of my new favorite characters of all time), great voice acting, tighter writing, fairly high stakes, really funny humor, and better cutscene pacing to name a few things.”
- “The story is a huge step up from the first game, the music is as solid as ever, the sprites are gorgeous, and the gameplay takes everything that worked in Freedom Planet and improves it to near-perfection.”
- “Freedom Planet 2 is a fantastic action platformer but also a love letter to 90s/2000s animated shows with an endearing cast of characters, a thoughtful story, and a truly memorable villain.”
- “The story overall had some odd plot holes & it certainly wasn't the highlight of the game.”
- “The story of this game is honestly weaker than the original, I won't deny it.”
- “If it weren't for the non-distinct campaigns and for the weaker story and characters, I would say this game is a perfect 10/10 platformer.”
music
784 mentions
51 % positive mentions
47 % neutral mentions
3 % negative mentions
The music in "Freedom Planet 2" has received mixed reviews, with many praising its variety and quality, while some feel it doesn't quite match the memorable impact of the first game's soundtrack. While standout tracks exist and the overall composition is considered excellent, several players noted that the boss themes lack the intensity and excitement found in the original. Overall, the soundtrack is seen as a solid addition, though it may not resonate as strongly with fans of the first game.
- “The music of this game will go down as being one of my favorite OSTs.”
- “The music is absolutely amazing and adds a lot to the atmosphere of the levels.”
- “The soundtrack is a great listen, on par with the first game in terms of overall quality, some of my favorites being Shade Armory, Lightning Tower, and Ancestral Forge.”
- “Also, I'm really sorry to say but the OST is not as well received as the first one and I agree with that take.”
- “The music here is generic and doesn't fit the energetic nature of the game or the tone of some of the things in it.”
- “The only strict downgrade I'd have to mention is the soundtrack.”
gameplay
729 mentions
36 % positive mentions
62 % neutral mentions
2 % negative mentions
The gameplay in "Freedom Planet 2" has received widespread acclaim for its significant improvements over the original, featuring refined mechanics, a new guard system, and diverse character abilities that enhance both combat and platforming. Players appreciate the fast-paced, fluid gameplay complemented by creative level designs and unique stage mechanics, making for a rewarding experience that encourages exploration and mastery. While some elements, like the new dodge mechanic, may require adjustment, the overall consensus is that the game successfully combines nostalgic influences with fresh innovations, resulting in a standout 2D platformer.
- “From the core gameplay tweaks, the level design bursting with really fun and creative gimmicks, more balanced bosses, the more appealing and improved character designs, the improved combat thanks to the new abilities and the guard move, and the gorgeous spritework--some of the best I've ever seen in a video game--there is a lot to love about this game.”
- “The gameplay is soooo much better than the first game (the dodge mechanic makes things so much more fun! Mastering it makes you feel like a combat master and I love it!), sprite quality is much better now, the voice acting is so much better now, the level design is a lot more fun, and unpopular opinion but I think the music is a lot better this time around.”
- “The gameplay is refined far beyond the first game, giving the characters a new array of well-balanced abilities that give them versatility without making them more powerful.”
- “But then there are the downsides of the gameplay; for one thing, the main campaign is twice as long as the first and ends up overstaying its welcome again.”
- “Now the game does have a 'guard' mechanic that's more or less a sort of lenient parry but I don't think it's a mechanic that's fleshed out to the degree it should be.”
- “I know there's a guard mechanic, but it's very finicky and often results in you getting hit anyway; perhaps if they added a freeze-frame or a parry/counter mechanic then the guarding would make more sense.”
graphics
300 mentions
49 % positive mentions
50 % neutral mentions
1 % negative mentions
The graphics in "Freedom Planet 2" have received widespread acclaim for their vibrant, detailed pixel art and improved animations, marking a significant upgrade from the first game. Many reviewers noted the game's colorful art style and unique level designs, which contribute to a visually stunning experience reminiscent of classic Sega titles. However, some players expressed concerns about minor graphical issues and the occasional awkwardness in character animations, but overall, the visuals are celebrated as a highlight of the game.
- “Visually, this game looks impressive; the very colorful art style and detailed animations bring a lot of life to the universe of Freedom Planet 2.”
- “The graphics are more detailed and prettier than FP1, and are impressive in motion with how well-animated every single one is.”
- “Freedom Planet 2 takes you on a tour of Avalice, with stunning visuals, amazing level design, a banging soundtrack, endearing characters, a smooth difficulty curve, and bosses with so much spectacle.”
- “I really loved the first game and was sure this one wouldn't disappoint, and it did in ways I couldn't even imagine, because the first game's art style and levels seemed to be expertly designed, and even more annoying elements like having to manually charge dragon dash were removed pretty early on.”
- “There are some bad things in this game like some levels going on for too long, having cluttered visuals and bad enemy/obstacle placements, being forced to play the story (whereas in the first game you had classic mode), and some good like the character sprites, some levels actually being fun and the game controls well.”
- “And in the final stages with the light on/off system, the game lagged a lot and experienced graphical glitches (had to restart the stage a couple of times for them to be fixed).”
replayability
97 mentions
42 % positive mentions
55 % neutral mentions
3 % negative mentions
The game boasts exceptionally high replayability, primarily due to its four distinct playable characters, each offering unique mechanics and gameplay experiences. Players can engage with a variety of levels, collectibles, and challenges, alongside a ranking system that encourages mastery and repeated playthroughs. Overall, the combination of diverse character abilities, engaging level design, and additional content ensures that players will find ample reasons to revisit the game.
- “Combined with the items and the ranking system on top of that, you have a game that’s endlessly replayable.”
- “Around 30 levels, with 4 characters who play very differently, which gives it a shocking amount of replay value.”
- “Throw in high replayability in the form of 4 playable characters, the ability to talk to over 100 NPCs (who all have unique sprites!), tons of extra challenges, and an effin' museum for the spritework, and you get a dizzyingly rich package for the asking price.”
- “The only things I can say I find lacking is that I want more playable characters if there aren't any or some kind of online or local PvP character fighting arena...”
- “There are still some launch bugs they are working through, but this is a fantastic platformer that's looking to have dozens of hours of replay value!”
- “This game has so much to offer in terms of replay value such as extra parts to the story for each character with stuff only seen for that character but also the normal and secret endings to the game itself and the post credits. Accessing the secret ending is the same for all characters from what I gather, but the boss fights are tough no matter what difficulty you play on.”
humor
96 mentions
100 % positive mentions
0 % neutral mentions
0 % negative mentions
The humor in the game is widely praised for its cleverness and charm, blending lighthearted moments with serious themes effectively. Players appreciate the engaging character interactions, witty dialogue, and improved voice acting, which contribute to a comedic atmosphere that often elicits genuine laughter. While some found certain jokes to be hit-or-miss, the overall consensus is that the humor enhances the game's appeal, making it both entertaining and memorable.
- “The humor is incredible (Serpentine is the best character in the whole game), the voice acting is considerably improved, and the villains were both hammy, yet threatening at the same time.”
- “Despite all the sadness in the game, there is also a lot of hilarious stuff, a lot of which you'll find in those character-specific cutscenes I mentioned earlier.”
- “The jokes and humor add an extra level of charm which give each dialogue with the various cast and NPC a lovable charm and delight.”
stability
46 mentions
17 % positive mentions
0 % neutral mentions
83 % negative mentions
The game's stability has improved significantly since launch, with most players reporting a stable experience and only occasional minor bugs or glitches. While some users encountered issues like temporary freezes and soft-locks, particularly during specific actions or levels, the developers have been proactive in addressing these problems through updates. Overall, the game is considered playable and enjoyable, with many praising the developers' commitment to ongoing support and improvements.
- “The support after launch has also been phenomenal, with the first week getting an update to fix issues I never knew were there, as my experience was bug-free.”
- “Runs great on PC at 165fps or Steam Deck.”
- “While it would have been nice to have a native Linux build, the game runs great in Proton Experimental.”
- “In Freedom Planet 2, it's very hard to play the game without running into soft-locks, buggy collision, and other oddities that make the game feel somewhere between unpolished and lazy.”
- “A buggy mess in its current state, but hopefully with time this issue will be remedied.”
- “Bugs and glitches - I understand the team poured their heart and soul into this sequel and I thank you guys from the bottom of my heart, but for a game that was pushed back for 7 years, I truly expected to see very little to no glitches or bugs in the game.”
character development
44 mentions
36 % positive mentions
57 % neutral mentions
7 % negative mentions
Character development in "Freedom Planet 2" has received mixed feedback; while the redesigns and visual presentation of the characters are praised for their originality and appeal, some reviewers note a lack of substantial character growth and depth in the narrative. The improved script-writing and character designs, particularly those by Tyson Tan, enhance the overall experience, but many feel that the characters still lack meaningful development compared to the first game. Overall, while the game excels in aesthetics and gameplay, it falls short in delivering impactful character arcs.
- “Not only does Freedom Planet 2 heavily redesign most of its cast to great success, but proportions and details in the character designs truly make them feel as original as they could be.”
- “The character designs are even better than they were in the first one, and it really feels like the voice actors not only enjoyed voicing the characters but had genuine passion for the project.”
- “Fp1 was pretty good for what it needed to do, but it didn't really go very far with things like character development or lore, in which this game... well, it does a lot more of.”
- “Even weirder that she had no interest in this in the first game so that was pulled out of the aether (yet she, a fan-favorite & main character, still has 0 character development??).”
- “Now is the story comprehensive? Well, what saps the quality out of it is the lack of character development across the board; big stakes but little impact since, spoiler... no one dies.”
- “FP1 was pretty good for what it needed to do, but it didn't really go very far with things like character development or lore, in which this game... well, it does a lot more of.”
emotional
40 mentions
100 % positive mentions
0 % neutral mentions
0 % negative mentions
The emotional aspect of the game has received mixed feedback; while some players found the character performances and story arcs, particularly those of Merga and Neera, to be deeply engaging and heartwarming, others felt a lack of emotional resonance compared to the previous installment. The voice acting and script improvements were noted as enhancing the emotional stakes, yet the soundtrack did not evoke the same memorable feelings as before. Overall, the game offers a blend of thrilling, heartfelt moments alongside complex character motivations, though not all players connected with the emotional storytelling.
- “Been a fan since 2017, and it is really hard to express in words how heartwarming it is to be back in this world.”
- “Merga has a motive that makes them able to be sympathized with, and that extra cutscene with Merga is so heart-wrenching; she really loved her.”
- “Both Neera and Merga have incredible emotional performances; I love them both.”
grinding
24 mentions
0 % positive mentions
0 % neutral mentions
100 % negative mentions
Reviews highlight that the grinding aspect of "Freedom Planet 2" can be quite tedious, with many players finding the longer stages and lack of in-stage maps to be a drag when revisiting levels for better completion ratings or hidden items. While some enjoy the grinding mechanic reminiscent of Sonic games, the overall sentiment leans towards frustration due to repetitive gameplay and drawn-out story elements that detract from the experience.
- “While the story of the first game had a kind of cheesy Saturday-morning-cartoon charm, here it is dragged out so long that it just becomes boring and tedious.”
- “The vast majority of the levels are all tedious slogs with set pieces and ideas that seem like they should be in one of the Klonoa GBA games instead of a Sonic-inspired action platformer.”
- “While having longer stages (compared to the first game) may sound like a good thing at first, the stages in this sequel are so long that it feels tedious to go back to again, especially if you want to achieve a better stage completion rating or find hidden chests that you missed.”
optimization
16 mentions
38 % positive mentions
44 % neutral mentions
19 % negative mentions
Overall, the game's optimization is generally smooth, providing an engaging and action-packed platforming experience. However, some players have reported performance drops in darker levels, particularly those affected by lightning, which can lead to lower frame rates. Additionally, while the voice acting remains strong, issues with sound mixing have been noted, where music occasionally overpowers dialogue.
- “Plus it runs smoothly, really actiony platformer to say the least.”
- “The game is divided up into levels where players are tasked with fighting off enemies in close-off encounters and then players are ranked at the end of the level based on their performance.”
- “[*] Engaging story, supported by high-quality performances.”
- “The other bug I'd like to address is the performance drop in levels that are affected by lightning; basically, levels that have 'darkness' in them make the game run with less FPS for me.”
- “Performance:”
- “The game is divided up into levels where players are tasked with fighting off enemies in close encounters, and then players are ranked at the end of the level based on their performance.”
atmosphere
6 mentions
67 % positive mentions
33 % neutral mentions
0 % negative mentions
The atmosphere of the game is enhanced by an exceptional soundtrack that emphasizes melody and charm, creating a vibrant world filled with lively NPCs. Each hub features its own unique ambiance, contributing to an immersive experience that feels alive and engaging. Overall, the music significantly enriches the game's atmosphere, offering a more subdued yet captivating score compared to its predecessor.
- “The music is absolutely amazing and adds a lot to the atmosphere of the levels.”
- “These hubs all have their own atmosphere and incredibly charming NPCs that add to the feeling of this world being alive.”
- “With a greater focus on melody and atmosphere, the soundtrack offers a less high-octane score compared to the first game.”