Developer: Red Ego Games
Publisher: Red Ego Games
Platform: PC, PS4, PS5, Xbox One, Xbox Series X/S, Switch
Tested on: PC
Re:Turn 2 – Runaway – Review
With Re:Turn – One Way Trip, Red Ego Games put itself on the map in the horror genre. Their style reminds many of classic JPRG horror games such as the famed Corpse Party series, both in gameplay and storytelling. Re:Turn 2 – Runaway is a direct sequel to the first game, picking up right where the original left off and delivering another dose of intense, blood-chilling pixel horror that continues the story of a mysterious train lost in time.
Story
Since the game continues right where the previous one left off, it might be hard for newcomers to get what’s going on. There’s an opening narration that explains in enough detail the events of the first Re:Turn, so you’ll be able to follow along, but there are lots of smaller plot elements you’ll be missing out on. Regardless: we once again follow Saki, a young woman who went camping with her friends and fiancee. Instead of having a fun weekend in nature, the group found a mysterious haunted train and dark forces that were out to kill them. When on the train, they can travel into the past and uncover the tragic circumstances that led to these ghostly beings getting stuck in the living world. At the end of the previous game, it seemed like Saki was about to escape, but it seems that was easier said than done. Once again she will have to risk her life to escape the train’s clutches.
The game delivers the story to us in various ways, from character dialogues and diary pages with additional background information, to a series of fully animated cutscenes sprinkled throughout the game.
Graphics
The pixel art was one of the highlights of the original Re:Turn and we’re glad to say the game looks as good as ever. The style manages to give a lot of character to the scenery, despite the game being pretty much set in a single location. When characters talk, you can enjoy close-up portraits that display their emotions which breathes some life into the models. And as mentioned above, the game does have a series of really good animated cutscenes to enjoy.
Sound
In terms of music, we once again got a quite decent creepy soundtrack to suit the game’s atmosphere. The sound effects stand out too as being really well crafted and add a lot to the overall tension, instead of just being there for the occasional jumpscare. One notable difference between this one and the first Re:Turn is that we get even more voice acting. Where only the cutscenes were voiced previously, Re:Turn 2 is fully voiced even during normal gameplay. And since we got a good cast in either language, this is certainly an asset.
Gameplay
Re:Turn 2 – Runaway is a horror game through and through, giving us a balance between puzzle-solving and more tense chase scenes. As you explore the aforementioned train you always have a certain goal in mind, but you will need to find keys or other items to get to the next area. Some backtracking will be necessary, as you often find yourself walking around and picking up items, combining stuff in your inventory, and using those items to solve simple puzzles. Sometimes you might also need to go out searching for a password or two.
What keeps this from becoming a snoozefest are the shadow creatures that haunt the train. You can’t defend yourself, meaning you’ll have to use a combination of running away and hiding to evade them. The game also lets you literally dodge their attacks, which requires quick reflexes. By keeping these chase sequences sporadic enough, the game makes sure you don’t grow sick of them, while still remaining vigilant as you try and solve the puzzles that are laid out for you.
The game’s biggest weakness is its runtime. You can easily beat the game in under three hours, maybe even two if you’re an experienced puzzler and don’t die often. Since the game is so story-driven, there isn’t that much replayability, making the game a short but fun little horror experience.
Conclusion
Re:Turn 2 manages to live up to the expectations set by the first game and once again delivers a great, terrifying game for horror-lovers to play. Even though it’s not that lengthy, the story is interesting and the nostalgia-infused gameplay is interesting without being too hard. The latter makes this a very accessible horror title, although we advise playing the first game before diving into this new release.
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