Planet Alcatraz 2

About

Planet Alcatraz 2 is a single player role playing game. It was developed by Fulqrum Publishing and was released on August 12, 2015. It received mostly positive reviews from players.

"Planet Alcatraz 2" is the sequel to the Russian-language only adventure RPG, where you play as Sergeant Hartman, a grizzled soldier with enhanced combat skills. The game features two playstyles - a regular mode and the new, ultimate Goblin mode. Hartman is on a mission to rescue his captured comrades and uncover the mysterious enemy force that attacked his unit on the prison planet Alcatraz.

Genres & Tags

Play Modes

Single-Player

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76%

Audience ScoreBased on 21 reviews

humor4 positive mentions

story3 negative mentions

Planet Alcatraz 2 successfully expands on the darkly humorous and gritty legacy of its predecessor, offering a larger, more complex world filled with engaging side quests and a compelling narrative.
The dual-mode system allows players to choose between a streamlined, story-driven experience or a classic RPG mode, catering to both newcomers and veterans while balancing the game's difficulty.
The writing is sharp and filled with gallows humor, enhancing the immersive atmosphere and providing a unique experience that resonates with players who appreciate moral ambiguity and complex character interactions.

The game suffers from technical issues, including bugs, crashes, and pathfinding problems, which can disrupt immersion and gameplay experience.
The lack of localization for non-Russian speakers significantly limits accessibility, making it difficult for a broader audience to fully engage with the narrative and humor.
Graphically, the game shows its age with basic textures and a clunky interface, which may deter players seeking a more polished modern experience.

story
11 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
9%
64%
27%
The story of "Planet Alcatraz 2" is a complex tapestry that blends military sci-fi, post-apocalyptic survival, and political intrigue, exploring themes of betrayal, fanaticism, and the darker aspects of human behavior through dialogue-driven quests and engaging narratives. Players can choose between a streamlined "goblin mode" for a more story-focused experience or a traditional RPG mode that emphasizes tactical gameplay, while the continuation of Hartman's story adds emotional depth and closure to the overarching lore. The game’s richly detailed world and bizarre quests contribute to a grimly believable narrative that challenges players to confront the harsh realities of survival and human nature.
- “For those familiar with the first game, the continuation of Hartman’s story adds emotional and thematic weight to the proceedings, providing closure to long-standing mysteries while deepening the lore of the Alcatraz universe.”
- “Much of the story unfolds through conversations and quest chains that explore the darker corners of human behavior—betrayal, fanaticism, greed, and the illusion of order in a lawless land.”
- “The story weaves together elements of military sci-fi, post-apocalyptic survival, and political intrigue, creating a tapestry that feels grimly believable despite its absurdities.”
- “It’s a story about endurance, about what happens when humanity is stripped of its illusions and left to rebuild itself from blood and ash.”
humor
4 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
100%
Planet Alcatraz 2 maintains the darkly humorous tone of its predecessor, featuring sharp dialogue rich in gallows humor and sarcasm that enhances the game's grim atmosphere. The writing is filled with biting wit and cultural references, though some humor may resonate more with Russian audiences. Overall, the game successfully balances moments of levity with its violent and gritty themes.
- “Planet Alcatraz 2, developed and published by Fulqrum Publishing, continues the gritty, violent, and darkly humorous legacy of its predecessor while attempting to expand the scope of its world and refine its systems.”
- “The dialogue system is as sharp as ever, dripping with gallows humor and sarcasm, and the writing reinforces the world’s tone of grim absurdity.”
- “The humor remains biting and dark, offering moments of levity amid the despair.”
graphics
4 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
50%
50%
The game's graphics are a mixed bag; while some reviewers note that it shows its age and has outdated elements, others appreciate its functional and thematically consistent aesthetic that enhances the overall experience. The art style is praised for its suitability, with some feeling it does not appear old or outdated. Overall, the visuals contribute positively to the game's sense of place and tone.
- “The game is insane, very good in all aspects and the art style really suits it; it doesn't seem old or outdated.”
- “Graphically, the game shows its age, but its aesthetic remains functional and thematically consistent.”
- “Its flaws—outdated graphics, uneven pacing, and limited accessibility—are balanced by its strong sense of place and tone.”
gameplay
3 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
33%
67%
The gameplay of Planet Alcatraz 2 retains the original's mix of real-time tactical combat, exploration, and RPG elements, but it tends to lose its appeal after the initial hours, with players feeling that it constitutes only about 30% of the overall experience.
- “The gameplay pleases only the first few hours.”
- “Mechanically, Planet Alcatraz 2 preserves the core structure of the first game’s blend of real-time tactical combat, exploration, and traditional role-playing progression.”
atmosphere
3 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
67%
67%
The game's atmosphere is characterized by effective lighting and shadow effects that create a claustrophobic and dangerous environment, enhancing the lore and combat dynamics. Despite some minor bugs and crashes, players find the immersive atmosphere compelling enough to overlook these issues.
- “It deepens the lore, improves combat dynamics, and expands the game’s scope while retaining the same uncompromising atmosphere.”
- “It's got some bugs, but nothing major; some crashes, but I can deal with that because the atmosphere is worth it.”
- “Lighting and shadow effects help mask technical simplicity, creating an atmosphere that feels claustrophobic and dangerous.”
- “It's got some bugs, but nothing major, some crashes, but I can deal with that, because the atmosphere is worth it.”
music
3 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
33%
67%
The music and ambient effects are praised for enhancing immersion, featuring low, industrial tones and sparse melodies that evoke a strong sense of isolation. Many players find the soundtrack soothing, with some even noting its calming effect during gameplay.
- “The soundtrack and ambient effects contribute significantly to the immersion, layering low, industrial tones and sparse music that accentuate the feeling of isolation.”
- “I relaxed for 5 minutes listening to this music, long enough to realize that I would be okay.”
replayability
3 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
100%
100%
Players appreciate the replayability and freedom offered by the game, although they note that the execution of these features can be inconsistent.
- “The variety of options lends replayability and freedom, even if the execution is uneven.”
- “Each playthrough feels unique, thanks to the diverse choices available.”
- “The game encourages multiple runs, with different strategies leading to new experiences.”
- “These options lend replayability and freedom, even if the execution is uneven.”
- “Once you've completed the game, there's little incentive to go back and play again.”
- “The lack of meaningful choices makes replaying the game feel redundant.”
emotional
2 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
100%
The emotional aspect of the game is enhanced by the continuation of Hartman's story, which provides closure and deepens the lore, resonating strongly with returning players. However, international players may experience a diminished emotional connection due to language barriers, despite the narrative's inherent strength.
- “For those familiar with the first game, the continuation of Hartman's story adds emotional and thematic weight to the proceedings, providing closure to long-standing mysteries while deepening the lore of the Alcatraz universe.”