The Evil Within 2

Now three years old, The Evil Within left me conflicted.

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In "The Evil Within 2," detective Sebastian Castellanos searches for his missing daughter within a nightmarish, virtual city. Using stealth and strategic combat, navigate grotesque horrors and unravel conspiracies while trying to save your daughter and escape the illusion. This survival horror sequel offers a more open-world experience with diverse challenges, striking the balance between tension and exploration.

Play Modes

Single-Player Play through the game's story or campaign solo

Reviews

91%

Audience ScoreBased on 5,349 reviews

story1,063 positive mentions

optimization87 negative mentions

The Evil Within 2 features a more personal and in-depth story, enhancing Sebastian's character arc compared to the first game.
The game introduces a semi-open world design, allowing for exploration and side quests that add depth to the gameplay.
Improved gameplay mechanics, including better stealth options and a crafting system, make for a more engaging experience.

The game is less scary than the first installment, with some players feeling it lacks the horror elements that made the original compelling.
There are numerous bugs and performance issues, including frame rate drops and glitches that can disrupt gameplay.
The story can feel predictable and clichéd at times, with some characters lacking depth and development.

story
2,884 mentions
37 % positive mentions
58 % neutral mentions
5 % negative mentions
The story of "The Evil Within 2" is generally regarded as a significant improvement over its predecessor, offering a more personal and emotionally engaging narrative centered on protagonist Sebastian Castellanos's quest to rescue his daughter, Lily. While some players appreciate the clearer and more straightforward storytelling, others feel it lacks the depth and complexity of the first game, with some plot points being predictable or cliché. Overall, the game successfully combines horror elements with character development, making it a compelling experience for fans of the genre.
- “It's a good and fun sequel that nicely concludes Sebastian's character arc with a more personal and in-depth story than what the first game offers.”
- “Sebastian is more humanized in this story, albeit with a fair share of emotional character clichés, but I like the idea that -- even after all the hell he went through in the first STEM system -- he's still willing to dive back in to save his child.”
- “The story is deeply engaging, weaving a tale of redemption, loss, and the human spirit's unyielding resolve.”
- “The story is technically there, but I never felt invested.”
- “The story is very generic and, frankly, has been used in tons of other games, movies, shows, comics, etc. etc. stop me if you've heard this; some tortured soul of a guy finds out his wife, kid, friend, or whatever is stuck in a land infested with mutants and undead and he's going to redeem himself by saving them and taking down the evil corporation that started this mess.”
- “The story is a cliché and the characters are kind of annoying.”
gameplay
1,275 mentions
32 % positive mentions
62 % neutral mentions
6 % negative mentions
The gameplay of "The Evil Within 2" has received mixed reviews, with many players noting significant improvements over its predecessor. While some appreciate the enhanced stealth mechanics, open-world elements, and smoother controls, others criticize the game for its occasional clunkiness and reliance on familiar tropes from other titles. Overall, the gameplay is seen as engaging and enjoyable, blending action and horror effectively, though it may not resonate with everyone due to its departure from the first game's linear design.
- “The gameplay of 'The Evil Within 2' excels in its perfect balance of challenging combat, strategic resource management, and captivating puzzles.”
- “The gameplay is very good and the story is very well made.”
- “The gameplay is fantastic - the choice to upgrade weapons and ammo development to suit your needs is the perfect way to make a game like this.”
- “The gameplay is tough to get used to with janky controls, but once you get the hang of it, it's fun.”
- “In only 4 hours of gameplay, I encountered a ton of bugs that made the game feel cheap and unfinished.”
- “The gameplay was janky, trying stealth and combat and succeeding with neither.”
graphics
622 mentions
50 % positive mentions
45 % neutral mentions
5 % negative mentions
The graphics in "The Evil Within 2" have received a mixed but generally positive reception, with many praising the improved visual fidelity and atmospheric design compared to its predecessor. While some players noted occasional graphical glitches and performance issues, the overall aesthetic, lighting, and character models were highlighted as stunning and immersive, contributing significantly to the game's horror experience. However, a few reviews pointed out that certain textures and effects could appear dated or inconsistent, particularly in comparison to more recent titles.
- “The exceptional graphics and masterfully composed soundtrack contribute to an immersive experience that captivates from the very first minute.”
- “The graphics are beautiful, and I love the entire gameplay.”
- “The visuals overall are astounding from start to finish.”
- “Bad production value (graphics, animations, sounds, effects) all very mediocre, highly overrated game.”
- “Sadly can't recommend, graphics look like 2012 at best, game is very quickly boring and a bit of nonsense.”
- “The only thing that's got better, albeit arguably, is the graphics, which is generously matched by a number of engine, AI, and visual bugs.”
atmosphere
330 mentions
48 % positive mentions
48 % neutral mentions
4 % negative mentions
The atmosphere in "The Evil Within" series has received mixed reviews, with many players praising the first game for its intense, haunting ambiance that effectively created a sense of dread and horror. In contrast, the sequel, while still atmospheric, is often described as less frightening and more open-world, leading to a dilution of the original's psychological tension. Overall, the sequel maintains a strong atmosphere with impressive sound design and visual elements, but it lacks the same level of horror and immersion that characterized its predecessor.
- “The atmosphere is thick and palpable, with a chilling aura that one can almost feel brushing against their skin.”
- “The level of detail is truly astonishing, from the haunting environments that drip with atmosphere, to the terrifying yet captivating enemy designs.”
- “The atmosphere, level design, monster design, and bosses really stood out more in the original game despite the original being more heavily linear.”
- “The atmosphere is much much worse than the first one.”
- “This game neutered the atmosphere, enemy design, story, and gameplay of the first for an awful repetitive semi-open level design.”
- “However, I find the atmosphere and boss fights lacking compared to the first game.”
optimization
251 mentions
17 % positive mentions
48 % neutral mentions
35 % negative mentions
The optimization of the game has received mixed reviews, with many players reporting significant performance issues, including stuttering and frame rate drops, even on high-end systems. While some users have managed to achieve stable performance with lower settings, the overall consensus is that the game is poorly optimized, particularly for PC, leading to frustration among players. Despite improvements over its predecessor, the optimization remains a major drawback for many, affecting the overall gameplay experience.
- “Aside from gameplay, this game only being a 3-year difference from the first, the performance and graphics are magnitudes better.”
- “The game feels like a mediocre PC port of a console game, especially regarding optimization.”
- “The game is very well optimized.”
- “The game has poor optimization and memory leaks; those who don't know can fix it by clearing the cache on their PC.”
- “The game stutters like crazy, thanks to a CPU bottleneck that ruins the entire experience with random but constant stuttering on the frame times.”
- “I have most of my settings either disabled where possible with most other settings put to low or medium; even with all this, the game struggles to perform consistent frame rates above 30, often stuttering for one or two frames.”
emotional
164 mentions
98 % positive mentions
0 % neutral mentions
2 % negative mentions
The emotional aspect of "The Evil Within 2" is widely praised, with many players highlighting the depth of protagonist Sebastian Castellanos' character and his personal journey to rescue his daughter, which resonates deeply throughout the game. The narrative is described as a compelling emotional rollercoaster, filled with themes of loss, trauma, and redemption, often leading players to tears, especially during pivotal moments and the impactful ending. While some critiques mention inconsistencies in voice acting and character engagement, the overall consensus is that the game successfully combines horror with a heartfelt story, making it a standout emotional experience in the survival horror genre.
- “The emotional depth infused into the character development binds the player closely to Sebastian, infusing each decision with profound significance.”
- “The emotional and mental journey of Sebastian as he tries to rescue his daughter from the horrifying world of STEM left me nearly in tears by the end.”
- “The ending was very emotional and touching and for me very satisfying compared to other games these days.”
- “Instead we get an 'open world' that feels like a cheap asset flip, annoying new mechanics ('communicator') and an even more annoying and boring story with characters I really don't care about.”
- “Boring storyline, forgettable characters.”
- “Want good game mechanics and a super boring story? You can play the second one, but I highly advise you not to; it's just going to waste your time and money.”
music
155 mentions
49 % positive mentions
49 % neutral mentions
2 % negative mentions
The music in the game receives mixed reviews, with some praising its ability to enhance the atmosphere and emotional depth, particularly during key moments and boss fights, while others criticize it as repetitive or unremarkable. Many players highlight the soundtrack's effectiveness in building tension and complementing the horror elements, though some feel it doesn't reach the heights of iconic horror soundtracks. Overall, the sound design is generally well-received, contributing significantly to the game's immersive experience.
- “The exceptional graphics and masterfully composed soundtrack contribute to an immersive experience that captivates from the very first minute.”
- “The game's use of sound and music heightens the tension, with a soundtrack that complements the action and horror perfectly.”
- “The music and sound design is beautiful and appropriately atmospheric.”
- “The soundtrack is weak, without achieving its goal of stirring up a spine-tingling feeling.”
- “The music is beyond forgettable.”
- “The music can be constantly loud at times which starts to get annoying after a while.”
stability
108 mentions
7 % positive mentions
1 % neutral mentions
92 % negative mentions
The stability of the game has received mixed reviews, with many players reporting a range of bugs and glitches, including issues with controls, animations, and framerate drops. While some users experienced smooth gameplay with minimal problems, others described it as a "buggy mess" with game-breaking issues. Overall, the game appears to have a foundation for enjoyable play, but significant stability concerns persist, particularly at launch.
- “I ran the game smoothly with no glitches or bugs, contrary to what many are saying in the reviews.”
- “This game runs great on my i5-4460 and my GTX 1060.”
- “Performance: looks beautiful and runs great on a good system; really good optimization compared to the last game.”
- “A buggy mess of a game.”
- “There are so many glitches and crash sections of the game it's ridiculous.”
- “This game is not finished, the glitches are everywhere in the game and very often, the A.I.”
replayability
58 mentions
34 % positive mentions
60 % neutral mentions
5 % negative mentions
"The Evil Within 2" is generally regarded as having significant replayability due to its various difficulty settings, unlockable content, and the introduction of a New Game Plus mode. While some players find the replay value high, citing the fun of exploring different play styles and secrets, others feel that it lacks sufficient incentive for multiple playthroughs, especially compared to its predecessor. Overall, the game offers a mix of replayability that appeals to many, though opinions vary on its longevity.
- “Frankly, The Evil Within 2 has the difficulty, replayability, and general vibe that made it an awesome experience for me.”
- “Lastly, The Evil Within 2 offers a level of replayability through its different difficulty settings and the discovery of secrets and side quests scattered throughout Union.”
- “Good replay value because of unlockable content.”
- “Replayability: the game's replayability is limited, with little incentive to play through the game again after completing it once.”
- “It's a good game but it's a bit on the short side for its price tag, and it's not really that replayable.”
- “The replayability doesn't really offer much honestly.”
humor
50 mentions
100 % positive mentions
0 % neutral mentions
0 % negative mentions
The humor in the game is described as a mix of intentional and unintentional moments, with players finding amusement in glitches, awkward dialogue, and absurd character interactions. While some reviews highlight a lack of genuine comedic depth, others appreciate the game's ability to balance dark themes with quirky humor, resulting in a lighthearted experience amidst the horror. Overall, the humor is seen as a notable aspect, contributing to the game's charm despite its flaws.
- “The cut scenes are too funny to be taken seriously.”
- “Some of Castellanos’ dialogue in this game is hilarious and totally awesome.”
- “The evil within 2 has had its fair share of dumb, yet hilarious AI and glitches.”
grinding
48 mentions
6 % positive mentions
21 % neutral mentions
73 % negative mentions
Reviews consistently highlight that grinding in the game is a significant and often tedious aspect, requiring players to invest substantial time in repetitive tasks such as farming resources and battling enemies. Many players find the grinding mechanics frustrating, particularly due to unskippable cutscenes and lengthy animations that disrupt gameplay flow. While some appreciate the challenge and depth it adds, the overall sentiment leans towards grinding being a burdensome experience that detracts from the enjoyment of the game.
- “You'll need a second life for grinding.”
- “A bit grindy sometimes.”
- “The achievement hunting is fun and not too tedious also, if that matters to you.”
- “Tedious progression and 2D movement make this game more trouble than it's worth.”
- “In terms of game design, it's a total disaster: the mechanical design of the game is centered around farming so you can craft, so you can farm, so you can upgrade.”
- “You will go through the journey of grinding levels which you will not really enjoy, only to realize at the end there is nothing enjoyable waiting for you.”
character development
40 mentions
43 % positive mentions
50 % neutral mentions
8 % negative mentions
Character development in "The Evil Within II" is significantly enhanced compared to its predecessor, with players praising the emotional depth and growth of the protagonist, Sebastian, as well as other characters like Kidman. The game effectively intertwines character arcs with the narrative, creating a more engaging and psychologically rich experience that resonates with players, making it a standout feature of the title. Overall, the character development is described as well-rounded, believable, and integral to the game's storytelling, elevating it above typical horror game standards.
- “The emotional depth infused into the character development binds the player closely to Sebastian, infusing each decision with profound significance.”
- “Convincing characters with a lot of depth; Sebastian goes through some amazing character development and growth, a psychological journey, with a conclusion that is well warranted.”
- “And accompanying the horror is something the first game really lacked - carefully written and genuinely touching character development, and emotional sequences that had me close to tears, especially during the brilliant final chapters.”
- “The attempts at giving him character development and personality mainly have him going 'huh?'”
- “While the first game had its faults (it was heavily rushed, had no character development, and had a bullshit running system), this game improves on nearly all of them.”
- “Storywise the character development is more fleshed out, but the overall storyline is not as scary or compelling as the original.”
monetization
28 mentions
11 % positive mentions
75 % neutral mentions
14 % negative mentions
The game has been praised for its lack of microtransactions, which is considered a refreshing change in an industry increasingly focused on monetization through additional purchases. Reviewers highlight the absence of day-one DLC, season passes, and unskippable ads, emphasizing that it offers a complete experience without exploiting players financially. Overall, the game's monetization model is seen as a positive aspect, contributing to its appeal as a high-quality, single-player title.
- “There is a lot of content here, a cohesive narrative and gameplay loop, zero microtransactions.”
- “It's nice to see a single-player survival horror experience with no microtransactions in sight.”
- “Just... oh my god, no day 1 DLC, no microtransactions, seriously, this is by far one of the best games of this year, not overpriced at all, I would have even paid more for this.”
- “Pretty solid game but jesus christ the intro ads make me wanna thumbs down the game.”
- “So they put microtransactions and overpriced DLCs into their games, and less people buy them.”
- “Finally, the game closes with an allusion to a third entry, but the open ending is completely meaningless, and really, it's just a blank check for another cash grab.”