Livestream 2: Escape from Togaezuka Happy Place
- October 5, 2023
- Orgesta Inc.
Get on SteamIn "Livestream 2: Escape from Togaezuka Happy Place" , players must navigate a side-scrolling survival action-adventure game set in an abandoned shopping mall. As one of three streamers, you must evade a mysterious mascot, explore the mall for clues, and make choices that will impact the girls' fates. The goal is to reunite and escape the mall without leaving anyone behind. This game features mature content, with all characters over 18 years old.
Nintendo Switch
PC
Windows
Reviews
- The game features high-quality L2D animations and excellent voice acting, enhancing the overall experience.
- Each of the three characters has distinct personalities and story arcs, making their interactions more engaging and meaningful.
- The sequel introduces new mechanics, such as character switching and item sharing, which add depth to the gameplay.
- The horror elements feel less impactful compared to the first game, with predictable jump scares and a less interesting mystery.
- Some puzzles are overly simplistic, and the game lacks a hint system, leading to potential frustration when players get stuck.
- The monster mechanics can be annoying, as it can teleport and catch players off guard, reducing the tension and challenge.
- story15 mentions
- 27 % positive mentions
- 53 % neutral mentions
- 20 % negative mentions
The story in Livestream 2 is seen as a significant improvement over its predecessor, with each of the three main characters having distinct traumas and purposes that enhance character development. While the narrative offers optional segments that deepen player investment, some reviewers feel that the overall plot and supernatural elements are less compelling than in Livestream 1, leading to a mixed reception regarding its impact and engagement.
“All three of them have a story to tell and a trauma that they are dealing with as they escape the nightmarish 'happy place'.”
“I like the story in that it helps develop the characters; it felt that the characters gained something from this.”
“I also believe the story is a bit stronger this time around since each girl has her own issue to resolve and - depending on the player's actions - they either succeed or witness one of the bad endings.”
“Some parts of the game lack guidance and require some random wandering around before you trigger the story continuation.”
“The story, on the other hand, is a little lacking in my opinion.”
“I know I said it's better in that regard, but story-wise it's not that impactful.”
- gameplay9 mentions
- 33 % positive mentions
- 33 % neutral mentions
- 33 % negative mentions
The gameplay in the sequel enhances the original experience with a livestreaming and character-switching mechanic, along with improved puzzle intuitiveness and reduced instant death penalties. However, some players find the game too easy due to the automatic item transfer feature, which diminishes its challenge. Overall, while there are mechanical improvements, the gameplay has been criticized for feeling generic and lacking depth.
“The sequel preserves the core experience and expands it with the neat livestreaming and character switching mechanic.”
“Slight mechanical improvement; you no longer get instantly killed once caught. The puzzles are quite intuitive, and there isn't any moment I felt that an alternate solution should have clearly worked but the game refused to let me do it.”
“It's a horror-themed visual novel with clocktower-like gameplay where you try to escape the mall.”
“I felt that it was too easy; there is a mechanic where you can pass items from one character to the next. Since it automatically selects the right character, you can just spam and get it right, rendering it useless.”
“It's just a boring 'visual novel' with the most generic 'clocktower but garbage' gameplay.”
“A big one: due to the three-floor mechanic, it's super hard to get all six endings.”
- atmosphere2 mentions
- 50 % positive mentions
- -100 % neutral mentions
- 150 % negative mentions
The atmosphere is characterized by a strong horror element, featuring an intricate villain background that enhances the eerie ambiance as players delve deeper into the mystery. The design of the monster contributes to a creepy environment, complemented by engaging puzzles that elevate the overall experience.
“The puzzles are cool, the design of the monster, and the atmosphere is pretty creepy.”
“The original was focused more on the horror aspect, with an intricate villain background and a progressively more eerie atmosphere as you got closer to the roots of the mystery.”
“The game lacks the immersive atmosphere that made the original so captivating; it feels flat and uninspired.”
“Despite the potential for a rich setting, the atmosphere feels generic and fails to evoke any real sense of dread or tension.”
- replayability1 mentions
- 300 % positive mentions
- -500 % neutral mentions
- 300 % negative mentions
The game's replayability is enhanced by the inclusion of three playable heroines, each of whom is essential for progression, encouraging players to explore different perspectives and strategies in subsequent playthroughs.
“The ability to play as all three heroines adds a fresh perspective to each playthrough, making every run feel unique.”
“With multiple storylines and character interactions, the game encourages you to replay it to uncover all the secrets.”
“The diverse gameplay mechanics and choices ensure that no two playthroughs are ever the same.”
“The game lacks meaningful choices, making replaying it feel like a chore rather than an adventure.”
“Once you've completed the story, there's little incentive to go back and experience it again.”
“The gameplay mechanics don't change enough on subsequent playthroughs to keep it interesting.”
