At last, OXENFREE II: Lost Signals is unveiled, courtesy of Night School Studio and now under Netflix’s wing. The sequel has left everyone somewhat baffled. We have yet to see the critical divide in quite a spell. Here, we present the varying Oxenfree 2 review scores with different opinions.
Initial critiques of OXENFREE II: Lost Signals, the follow-up to the horror game with 80s motifs, are broadly positive, albeit accompanied by perplexingly negative comments. This indie-style gem unfolds five years after the original game. Following the eerie theme of its predecessor, the successor has already piqued gamers’ interest.
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Oxenfree 2 Review Scores
Oxenfree 2, having racked up 38 reviews right away, carries an average score of 74. That’s not too high, especially compared to Tears of the Kingdom, released just last month. We’re not pitting the two games against each other — we’re simply pointing out the mixed reactions to Oxenfree 2. It’s clear from the varied responses, even from the biggest websites, that the game has sparked some confusion.
Now, let’s dive into the Oxenfree 2 review scores:
- GamesRadar+ — 45
- Inverse — 60
- IGN — 70
- GameSpot — 70
- Gfinity — 70
- DualShockers — 75
- ScreenRant — 80
- Eurogamer — 80
- God is a Geek — 95
We’re hard-pressed to recall a recent game that’s split the critics like this. Perhaps The Last of Us Part II is close, but that’s old news. Delving into the specifics of the reviews, it’s evident that the critics’ impressions widely differ. Take Mick Fraser from God is a Geek, for instance, who bestowed a lofty 95 points on the game:
It’s not often a game of such comparatively small stature keeps its claws in after the credits roll, but OXENFREE II: Lost Signals will likely stay with me for much longer than just another playthrough.
Mick Fraser — God is a Geek
Conversely, over at GamesRadar+, the narrative is markedly different. Jon Bailes, who scored the game a modest 45 points, encapsulates his experience thus:
Oxenfree 2 is a disappointing sequel that takes the flawed gem of a first game and rubs out almost everything that made it shine. A reasonable plot and neat audiovisual effects find themselves submerged under ponderous navigation, flat characters, and overly regimented dialogue.
Jon Bailes — GamesRadar+
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Everyone Has Different Opinions
Opinions about the game vary widely: Some players are enamoured, some appreciative, while others are indifferent or bored. A popular high point is preserving and amplifying the original game’s atmosphere.
Although the protagonist, Riley, is praised, the game’s other characters receive less favourable feedback. In particular, the antagonist, Jacob, is viewed as a weak point.
The standout aspects are the art and sound design, with the storytelling also earning appreciation. However, some have remarked that puzzle mechanics still need to meet expectations — an issue for a game focused on adventure and puzzles.
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Launched seven years after the first instalment, the game’s exceptional artistic design is a positive factor potentially boosting sales. The game’s dialogue system is another plus point that’s caught players’ attention.
There’s curiosity around how the game, with its distinct pros and cons, will fare. It is a title that fans of the genre might be drawn to play outright. The game — now available with a 25% discount — receives more positive initial reactions from Steam reviews than professional critiques. In addition to Steam, the game is also available on Netflix Games.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is OXENFREE II: Lost Signals Worth Playing?
Yes — Oxenfree 2 is a pretty good game, even with mixed review scores. Especially if you’ve played the first game, you’ll want to know how the story continues. Those who do not want to spend money on the game can download Oxenfree 2 to their mobile devices for free using their Netflix subscription.
Do You Have to Play the First Game Before Oxenfree 2?
No — you don’t have to finish the first game to play Oxenfree 2. The story of the second game has a different narrative. You can think of it as a stand-alone game as the characters and locations are also different from the first game. But regardless, Oxenfree 2 is a sequel. Playing the first game can make you enjoy the second game more.
Does Netflix Own Oxenfree 2?
Yes — Netflix Games announced that it acquired Night School Studio in September 2021. After the success of Oxenfree, this indie studio was bound to be bought by someone. Netflix acted quickly and made one of its biggest investments in gaming. As such, Oxenfree 2 is not included in Game Pass — only on Steam and Netflix Games on PC.
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