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 offers a rich and intricate puzzle experience that challenges players to think critically and take detailed notes, making it highly rewarding for puzzle enthusiasts.
- The game features a beautifully designed environment that encourages exploration, with a labyrinthine layout that keeps players engaged and intrigued.
- Despite its difficulty, RHEM II is praised for its clever puzzle design, which many players find satisfying to solve, often surpassing puzzles found in other adventure games like Myst.
- Many players find the puzzles to be excessively difficult and sometimes illogical, often requiring walkthroughs to progress, which can lead to frustration.
- The game lacks a compelling story and character development, which may disappoint those looking for a narrative-driven experience.
- Technical issues and compatibility problems have been reported, including glitches and sound issues, which can detract from the overall gaming experience.
- story11 mentions
- 27 % positive mentions
- 27 % neutral mentions
- 45 % negative mentions
The story in Rhem II is often described as minimal and subliminal, lacking the depth found in other adventure games like Myst. While some players appreciate the loose plot connecting the series, many feel that the focus on puzzles overshadows the narrative, which is seen as simplistic or even charmingly bad. Overall, Rhem II is recommended for those who prioritize gameplay 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'.”
“If you're into puzzle adventure games but you get annoyed when pretty graphics and story exposition get in the way of the puzzles, then Rhem 2 is for you.”
- 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 graphics serve the game's purpose but may not satisfy those seeking a visually stunning adventure.
“The graphics of the environment aren't as breathtaking as the geometry, but there's enough color and variety to keep things interesting.”
“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).”
“The graphics of said environment aren't as breathtaking as the geometry, but there's enough color and variety to keep things interesting.”
- atmosphere3 mentions
- 67 % positive mentions
- 0 % neutral mentions
- 33 % negative mentions
The atmosphere of the game is described as both intriguing and mysterious, with a strong emphasis on exploration and navigation. While some users felt certain elements were out of place, many appreciated the subtlety and immersive quality of the environment, which encourages players to engage deeply with the map and their surroundings.
“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.”
- emotional1 mentions
- 300 % positive mentions
- -200 % neutral mentions
- 0 % negative mentions
Rhem II evokes strong emotions through its heartfelt narrative, inviting players to engage deeply with the story while reflecting on themes of intelligence and creativity. The game effectively creates a personal connection, making players feel invested in the journey and the characters.
“Rhem II tells a heart-touching tale that resonates deeply, showcasing the emotional journey of giving your real-life currency to Knut Mueller, allowing his game to reveal his intelligence, talent, drive, and creativity.”
“The emotional depth of the narrative in Rhem II captivates players, making them reflect on their own experiences and connections.”
“Players are moved by the poignant storytelling in Rhem II, which evokes a strong sense of empathy and personal connection to the characters.”
- music1 mentions
- 0 % positive mentions
- 0 % neutral mentions
- 100 % negative mentions
Reviewers express a desire for more substantial musical elements in the game, indicating that the current soundtrack is lacking and does not meet their expectations.
“What the game really needs is actual music.”
