RHEM II SE: The Cave
- October 3, 2018
- Knut Mueller
Get on Steam"Rhem II SE: The Cave" is a first-person graphic adventure game with point-and-click mouse navigation and mind-bending puzzles. It offers a non-violent, non-linear story in a vast underground city with secret rooms, caves, and intricate systems. This Special Edition extends the original Rhem 2 with new areas, puzzles, and challenges to find a quarter of a medallion needed for Rhem V. It boasts thousands of images, animations, and stereo environment sound.
PC
Windows
Reviews
- RHEM II features brilliantly designed puzzles that are challenging yet satisfying to solve, often requiring out-of-the-box thinking and attention to detail.
- The game offers a nostalgic experience for fans of classic point-and-click adventure games, with a unique atmosphere and intricate environments that encourage exploration.
- As a one-man project, RHEM II showcases impressive creativity and complexity, making it a standout title for puzzle enthusiasts.
- The puzzles can be excessively difficult and may require frequent use of walkthroughs, which can frustrate players who prefer a more casual gaming experience.
- The lack of a cohesive story and minimal guidance can leave players feeling lost, especially when navigating the game's complex environments and puzzles.
- Technical issues, such as compatibility problems and glitches, have been reported, which can detract from the overall gaming experience.
- story10 mentions
- 30 % positive mentions
- 30 % neutral mentions
- 40 % negative mentions
The story in Rhem II and the series as a whole is minimal and often considered lacking, serving primarily as a loose framework to connect the games rather than a focal point. While some players appreciate the simplicity and focus on puzzles, others find the plot and voice acting to be subpar, adding an unintended charm. Overall, the narrative is not a significant draw for the series, making it more suitable for those who prioritize puzzle-solving over storytelling.
“While you can't expect the storytelling present in the Myst series, which seems to have inspired Rhem, I still recommend Rhem II and the rest of the series to all adventure game fans.”
“Of course, if you're considering Rhem II, you've probably played and completed Rhem I (or should have; I recommend playing the games in order, despite the easy-to-follow story) and I can promise the same level of quality.”
“There is a loose plot that links the four Rhem games together, but you don't have to play them in order.”
“The plot and video/voice acting is laughably bad; so bad, in fact, that they almost provide charm.”
“There is a story, but its only purpose is to tell you you're looking for 'something'.”
“I can't stand the story-line adventure games; they're so trite.”
- graphics7 mentions
- 43 % positive mentions
- 14 % neutral mentions
- 43 % negative mentions
The graphics in Rhem II are described as simple and somewhat dated, with a limited color palette that lacks the breathtaking visuals of its predecessor. While the environments offer enough variety to maintain interest, they do not evoke the same sense of awe, focusing instead on functional design that supports the puzzle-solving experience. Overall, the visuals are not the highlight of the game, but they serve the gameplay well for those prioritizing puzzles over aesthetics.
“The graphics of said environment aren't as breathtaking as the geometry, but there's enough color and variety to keep things interesting.”
“For someone who has played Rhem I, while the formula is the same, Rhem II loses a bit of the sprawling openness that made the first game so remarkable, but makes up for it in a varied set of visuals and interesting interconnectedness between the more local and contained puzzle areas.”
“The Rhem series has never been about great visuals, but there are a lot of buildings and different-looking grottos so you don't feel you've been wandering around in the same cave for hours.”
“It felt out of place, both in terms of graphics/atmosphere and in puzzle logic.”
“The graphics are simple and in a limited color palette (Rhem II dates to 2005).”
“That said, I'm bound and determined to finish the series (I'll just have to detox this thing later...) graphics, sound, maneuvering all the same as the first game, i.e.”
- atmosphere3 mentions
- 67 % positive mentions
- 0 % neutral mentions
- 33 % negative mentions
The atmosphere of the game is characterized by a subtle and mysterious quality that enhances exploration and navigation, requiring players to be highly aware of their surroundings. While some users felt that certain elements felt out of place, many appreciated the immersive environment that encourages mental mapping and spatial awareness.
“But I really like the atmosphere.”
“The strength of Rhem lies in the subtle, mysterious atmosphere and finding your way around the map: you have to be very aware of where you are in relation to everything else, and following wires and drawing mental maps of an area is key.”
“It felt out of place, both in terms of graphics and atmosphere, as well as in puzzle logic.”
- gameplay2 mentions
- 0 % positive mentions
- 50 % neutral mentions
- 50 % negative mentions
The gameplay features intricate puzzle sequences that require a blend of logical reasoning and hint discovery to solve. Players may find a dedicated discussion thread for gameplay hints helpful in navigating these challenges.
“The gameplay is largely the same, consisting of rather complex sequences of puzzles that are usually solved through a combination of finding the right hint and logic.”
- music1 mentions
- 0 % positive mentions
- 0 % neutral mentions
- 100 % negative mentions
Reviews indicate that the game lacks sufficient musical content, with players expressing a desire for more engaging and varied music to enhance the overall experience.
“What the game really needs is actual music.”
