Sludge Life 2
- June 27, 2023
- Devolver Digital
- 3h median play time
Sludge Life 2 is a second verse that feels much the same as the first, but it's still got a bouncy, vivacious, and utterly unique sound.
Get on SteamIn Sludge Life 2, play as Ghost on a mission to find the missing rapper frog, Big Mud, in the luxurious Ciggy City Suites. Discover hidden tag spots, interact with various NPCs, and explore a strange open world while equipped with new items and tools. Find Big Mud and let GLUG corporation know your stance by spraying your messages.
PC
Windows
Reviews
- Sludge Life 2 expands on the original with more interesting characters, a larger map, and improved mechanics, while retaining the unique humor and vibe that fans love.
- The game offers a fun exploration experience filled with quirky NPCs, engaging dialogue, and a vibrant art style that enhances the overall atmosphere.
- Players appreciate the relaxed gameplay and the ability to discover secrets and tag spots, making it a delightful experience for those who enjoyed the first game.
- Many players feel that Sludge Life 2 is too short, with some completing it in under four hours, leading to disappointment regarding its length and content compared to the first game.
- Some reviews mention that the game feels more like a DLC than a standalone sequel, lacking significant new features or depth in gameplay and narrative.
- There are complaints about technical issues, such as achievements not registering properly and some players finding the world less engaging and more repetitive than in the original.
- music41 mentions
- 46 % positive mentions
- 46 % neutral mentions
- 7 % negative mentions
The music in the game has received widespread acclaim, with many reviewers praising its stylistic and impressive quality, often describing it as one of the best soundtracks of 2023. The soundtrack complements the game's unique art style and humor, creating an immersive experience that enhances exploration and gameplay. While some noted similarities to the first game's music, the overall consensus is that the music is a standout feature that significantly contributes to the game's charm and appeal.
“The art style and the soundtrack create such a unique experience.”
“One of the most stylistically impressive games of all time, one of the most musically impressive games of all time.”
“The funny writing and strange characters, really cool and beautiful visuals and the calming soundtrack really make this game just so charming and fun.”
“Oh, and the music is deadly!”
“The art is great and the music really sucks you in.”
“Although regarding the music and the ambiance, it's still very much unique.”
- humor39 mentions
- 100 % positive mentions
- 0 % neutral mentions
- 0 % negative mentions
The humor in the game is widely praised for its cleverness and charm, featuring a mix of quirky dialogue, ironic commentary, and absurd situations that keep players entertained throughout. Many reviews highlight the game's ability to balance humor with exploration, creating a fun and engaging experience filled with unique characters and visual gags. While some find certain jokes to be overly crude, the overall consensus is that the humor is a standout aspect, enhancing the game's appeal and making it a memorable indie title.
“Fun exploration, great humor/dialogue, awesome art and music.”
“The dialogue is chock-full of irony, irony about irony, and ironic takes on post-ironic speech that will leave you chuckling like a kid.”
“The npc's in this game are amazing, you will come across unique rooms filled with interesting characters with one-off dialogues that will either leave you questioning everything or laughing your butt off.”
- story36 mentions
- 19 % positive mentions
- 72 % neutral mentions
- 8 % negative mentions
The story in "Sludge Life 2" is characterized as quirky and engaging, continuing the narrative from the first game with charismatic characters and humorous dialogue. While some players appreciate the visual storytelling and the exploration of the game's world, others feel the plot lacks depth and innovation, describing it as a shorter, episodic sequel that doesn't fully capitalize on its potential. Overall, the game is seen as a fun follow-up that maintains the original's vibe, though it leaves players wanting more in terms of story development and side quests.
“The story is perfect and the humor is great.”
“The continuation of the story from the first game was surprising to me.”
“Sludge Life 2 really stays true to the first game; it's really immersive and it doesn't change the mechanics from the franchise, but it continues the storyline from the first game.”
“Narratively speaking, Sludge Life 2 is more of the same: anarchic ethos in a post-capitalist toxic wasteland, but to a lesser depth, and where it might have shone with a commentary on sociopolitical hypocrisy, there is nothing—an unfinished footnote of a forgotten plot line going absolutely nowhere.”
“Sludge Life 2 comes across as more of an episodic sequel, meaning that it sorta slides into the existing story and there doesn’t appear to be much innovation on the original’s strengths or gameplay.”
“Sludge Life 2 is just Sludge Life 1 again but a new map and progression of the story.”
- gameplay29 mentions
- 24 % positive mentions
- 66 % neutral mentions
- 10 % negative mentions
The gameplay in "Sludge Life 2" is described as responsive and satisfying, maintaining the relaxing and fun essence of its predecessor while introducing a few new mechanics. While some reviewers feel it lacks significant innovation and depth compared to the first game, others appreciate its immersive atmosphere and humor, making it a solid, albeit episodic, continuation of the series. Overall, it offers a casual experience with enjoyable exploration and a unique vibe, though it may not appeal to those seeking a traditional gameplay structure.
“The first-person gameplay is quite responsive; I didn't feel sluggish, and I could go whenever I wanted. That was pretty satisfying!”
“Gameplay is still very relaxing and truly fun.”
“It successfully takes everything that was great about the first game and turns it up a notch; it has more mechanics and much more to explore with the same great tone, sense of humor, and style.”
“Don't get me wrong, this is still a decent enough addition to the sludge life canon, albeit one shallower in gameplay and characterization, with the look and feel we all came to love, but a true sequel it is not.”
“Sludge life 2 comes across as more of an episodic sequel, meaning that it sorta slides into the existing story and there doesn’t appear to be much innovation on the original’s strengths or gameplay.”
“I just feel like this should have been a DLC for the first game since I don't think much was upgraded graphically and gameplay-wise.”
- graphics19 mentions
- 32 % positive mentions
- 53 % neutral mentions
- 16 % negative mentions
The game's graphics are widely praised for their unique and striking art style, which combines elements of psychedelic aesthetics and graffiti influences, creating a visually captivating experience. Players appreciate the charming visuals, smooth controls, and the integration of humor into the artwork, although some feel that the graphical upgrades from previous installments are minimal. Overall, the game's visuals contribute significantly to its appeal, making it a memorable and enjoyable experience.
“Great characters, style, gameplay, humor, and visuals.”
“The art style and the soundtrack create such a unique experience.”
“I just feel like this should have been a DLC for the first game since I don't think much was upgraded graphically and gameplay-wise.”
“The sense of humor is top-notch, strange as are the visuals.”
“The grimy art style is so vivid and unique that it's like someone blended a psychedelic trip with a graffiti artist's wildest dreams.”
- atmosphere7 mentions
- 57 % positive mentions
- 14 % neutral mentions
- 29 % negative mentions
The atmosphere in the game is described as thick and immersive, offering a unique and enjoyable experience that varies between different games. Players appreciate the eerie moments of silence that enhance the overall vibe, contributing to a highly rated atmospheric quality.
“The atmosphere is so thick I can barely breathe.”
“It's a nice atmosphere to explore and vibe.”
“Atmosphere so thick I can barely breathe.”
“Your mileage may vary, but I preferred when the game went silent sometimes to really let the eerie atmosphere seep in a little.”
- grinding3 mentions
- 33 % positive mentions
- -33 % neutral mentions
- 100 % negative mentions
Players note that grinding in the game can be extensive, often requiring 60 to 100 hours to achieve significant progress. However, many find the experience manageable and not overly tedious or frustrating, suggesting that it can be enjoyable for those willing to invest the time.
“Grindy (60 - 100 hours).”
“You'll need a second life for grinding.”
“Grindy (60-100 hours).”
“It's nothing tedious or frustrating.”
- optimization3 mentions
- 33 % positive mentions
- -33 % neutral mentions
- 100 % negative mentions
The game's optimization varies significantly across platforms; on the Steam Deck, players can achieve 40-45fps with adjusted settings, while on high-end PCs, performance is generally good but occasionally marred by noticeable frame drops.
“When I turned on map optimization and lowered some shadows and view distance settings, it seemed to hover in the deck's sweet spot around 40-45fps.”
“Performance-wise on the Steam Deck with its default settings, I was getting around 30-40 FPS.”
“When I turned on map optimization and lowered some shadows and view distance settings, it seemed to hover in the Deck's sweet spot around 40-45 FPS.”
“On the PC with a 3080, 5800X3D, and 16GB of RAM, all settings up to max, the performance seems fine, but has weird moments and FPS drops that are a little jarring.”
- monetization2 mentions
- 0 % positive mentions
- 0 % neutral mentions
- 100 % negative mentions
The monetization strategy includes advertisements, but players feel that it does not significantly enhance the game's size or density compared to its predecessor. However, the addition of ads introduces some enjoyable surprises and expands the game map slightly.
- stability2 mentions
- 150 % positive mentions
- -200 % neutral mentions
- 150 % negative mentions
Overall, users report that the game is largely stable, with most experiencing a bug-free experience. However, some mention minor glitches and a static world that could benefit from additional content.
“The game runs smoothly without any bugs.”
“I haven't encountered any stability issues during my gameplay.”
“The performance is consistent, making for a seamless experience.”
“The game is plagued with glitches that disrupt the experience.”
“There are several stability issues that need to be addressed.”
“The static world feels unresponsive, and the occasional bugs are frustrating.”
- replayability1 mentions
- 300 % positive mentions
- -200 % neutral mentions
- 0 % negative mentions
Users highlight that the game offers infinite replayability, making it endlessly engaging and allowing players to enjoy it repeatedly without losing interest.
“The game offers infinite replayability, allowing players to experience new challenges every time.”
“Each playthrough feels fresh and unique, making it endlessly replayable.”
“With multiple paths and outcomes, the game keeps you coming back for more.”
Critic Reviews
Sludge Life 2 Review - Hashtag Murky
Sludge Life 2 is a second verse that feels much the same as the first, but it's still got a bouncy, vivacious, and utterly unique sound.
75%Sludge Life 2 Review (PC)
Sludge Life 2 takes the best ideas of the first game and improves on them all. There are more interesting characters to have conversations with, more hotel rooms filled with small but effective narrative moments, more spots to tag, and more ciggies to collect. There’s plenty of dark water under the hotel and weird vistas to photograph. The game’s presentation serves it well, although I wished the world changed as players tag and find new secrets. Sludge Life 2 doesn’t have the deepest gameplay in its genre or the most complex story, but its anarchic-punk-nicotine vibe is immersive and fun. A review key was provided by the publisher
90%Sludge Life 2 Review – A good time, not a long time
If you appreciate unconventional and visually captivating experiences, Sludge Life 2 offers a distinctive journey through a world filled with peculiar characters and a vibrant urban landscape. However, those seeking a more narratively satisfying adventure should probably look elsewhere. Sludge Life 2 is a game that will appeal to a specific audience, but not all players will find it to be a lasting and fulfilling experience.
70%
