Monster Train 2 review: All aboard

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Initially, Shiny Shoe introduced Monster Train in the year 2020 amidst the COVID-19 pandemic. This deckbuilding roguelite quickly garnered a following among card aficionados and thrill-seekers who enjoy games similar to Slay the Spire. To this day, the game remains popular, but now Shiny Shoe’s locomotive has arrived at its next destination: Sequel Town. Monster Train 2 doesn’t significantly alter a winning formula, yet it offers minor adjustments to the exterior design, introduces new components, and provides additional space in the baggage car for an enjoyable ride.

Tickets, please

In Monster Train 2, the story takes a new path. Instead of our train traveling through Hell, this time it’s Heaven that’s under attack by the formidable Titans. Their goal is not only to obliterate Heaven but also Hell, leaving behind the Abyss as the sole existence. This situation forces an unusual and unholy partnership between the forces from both realms, working together to overthrow the Titans and prolong the survival of their worlds for a little while longer.

Similar to many roguelike games, this one involves numerous playthroughs, often reaching into the tens or even hundreds. The game’s narrative is primarily presented through short, graphically illustrated scenes. These story segments serve to introduce players to the various characters they’ll meet, as well as new characters that become available over time. For instance, I began unaware of who Lord Fenix from the Pyreborn clan was, but now his miserly behavior keeps me entertained.

In a more engaging manner, the various story segments serve as a refresher since progressing to new content moves at a snail’s speed. Each gameplay session typically lasts between 30-60 minutes, and the process of unlocking additional clans and alternate champions can be tiresome, leading to a sense of repetition until the pace quickens.

Murder on the heavenly express

In Monster Train 2, there are numerous components at play, without resorting to puns. The objective is to safeguard the Pyre Heart located on the train’s topmost level. Each of the subsequent three floors requires a single Champion and an assortment of minion cards for protection. During combat with allied forces, there’s a preparation phase that offers players the opportunity to influence the outcome. Spell cards can boost friendly units, weaken enemies, or strike them directly. Additionally, Room and Equipment cards are available, which can impact any unit present on the current floor.

Winning in Monster Train 2 requires strategic thinking as it’s more of a mental challenge than a reflex-based game. To succeed, you need to choose the right monster units for each floor, match them with suitable Room and Equipment cards, strategically position your Champion, and consider the stats and effects of the enemies. The final boss intensifies when all reinforcements are depleted. It might seem overwhelming at first due to the many keywords involved, but the mechanics gradually become easier to comprehend as they’re thoughtfully designed. Additionally, Pyre Hearts, which can be unlocked, provide their own enhancements and add an extra layer of complexity to each run.

One intriguing aspect that sets Monster Train 2 apart is the concept of having a Main Faction (Primary Clan) and an Assisted Faction (Allied Clan). The Main Faction sends out its Champion, while the supporting one offers access to various cards. This setup invites creativity, although it’s not a secret that certain combinations prove more effective than others. After uncovering the Luna Coven Clan, which is rich in magic-enhancing spells and particularly healing effects, I found myself rarely venturing into combat without it. While I wouldn’t go so far as to claim a balance problem, since this advantage didn’t always lead to victory, combinations with the Luna Coven undeniably took me further than some of the game’s other clans and their abilities did.

Despite meticulously planning your strategy and constructing a powerful deck, some games can ultimately boil down to sheer luck. It’s disheartening when you encounter an opponent’s boss with abilities that directly contradict your carefully laid plans. For instance, one might possess an Incant ability that strikes everyone in the game simultaneously, wiping out your initial support units and disrupting your strategy from the get-go. Another could have a Reanimate effect, which grows stronger over time, making it immune to damage because you’d need to defeat it multiple times as it keeps resurrecting itself. These are the matches where you almost feel like you’ve been unfairly treated, and such defeats can leave a sour taste, especially after investing an hour into a game.

During individual runs, it’s worth mentioning that players can enhance their decks between fights by choosing one of two options. This adds another layer to deckbuilding, as they can purchase and mix specific cards for upcoming battles. Additionally, the Celestial Alcove incorporates role-playing game (RPG)-style narrative moments, which can alter the course of a run or provide helpful or hindering equipment based on the situation. The most exciting part of these RPG-inspired scenes is that players might encounter familiar faces from the indie gaming world.

Choo-choo

Essentially, Monster Train 2 retains the core mechanics of its predecessor but introduces fresh elements that significantly enhance the gameplay experience. The new clans and their primary/secondary system, the expanded card collection, and captivating story moments make this a game that’s engaging and replayable. However, it may take some time to unlock all the content in the game. Yet, the game remains fresh due to the addition of new modes like Dimensional Challenges, which present players with runs under specific conditions. Even if you manage a successful run, you can then test your deck further in Endless Mode to see how long it can sustain success.

In a simple and fluid manner, I’d rephrase that as follows: Monster Train 2 significantly enhances its predecessor, offering an even better gaming experience. Once set in motion, it gathers momentum rapidly, making it essential to hop aboard or step aside!

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2025-05-21 17:27