Simply due to the huge volume of them these days, and the constant flow of newcomers joining the pile, I have to admit that I'm getting a little bit burnt out when it comes to roguelike deckbuilders. Some of the greatest PC games ever reside in this strategic, highly replayable genre, but it's certainly a saturated market. However, it's hard not to get invested in Monster Train 2. Launching exactly five years on from its predecessor - one of the best rated and reviewed roguelike deckbuilders ever - it's finally arrived, and it's already meeting players' lofty expectations.
The first Monster Train set a very high bar. One of the best roguelikes of the early 2020s, it flips the usual 'Heaven versus Hell' trope on its head, tasking you with saving the underworld. It sits on a mighty 96% positive user rating on Steam, and it earned some impressive critic review scores as well - an 86 average on Metacritic is not to be sniffed at. Big boots for Monster Train 2 to fill, then.
The sequel follows a lot of the principles that made its predecessor so brilliant. Hundreds of cards, brilliantly designed enemies, and battle arenas with multiple floors that add some verticality into the often flat encounters you see in its genre rivals. However, instead of being a train ride through just Hell, this time you'll visit Heaven and a mysterious realm known as the Abyss. The angels of Heaven and the demons of Hell have forged an unlikely alliance due to an invasion of beasts known as Titans, which are in need of a good slaying.
With new angelic and demonic factions to play as, loads of new cards, and Pyre Hearts which help you modify each run before you leave the station, battling should feel familiar yet fresh for those that played the first Monster Train.
More innovation can be found with some of Monster Train 2's new modes and features. There's an endless mode, for those that want to take things to the extreme. "Handcrafted challenges, new Mutators, and unique cosmetic rewards," await you in Dimensional Challenges. Celestial Alcoves tee up some unexpected, random events, which may also include "a few surprises from outside of the Monster Train universe," according to developer Shiny Shoe. But best of all, you can customize your train. Superb.
Monster Train 2's launch day couldn't be going much better, even when you factor in the high expectations set by the original. At the time of writing, its Metacritic score is sitting at a sensational 89 - not only has it trumped the first game, but it's on course to be one of the best reviewed PC games of the year overall. While it's only had about 200 user reviews on Steam so far, it looks like it's also heading for a huge score - right now, it's sitting on a 95% rating.
Its day one player count on Steam is looking healthy as well, peaking at 11,200 concurrent players. That's all the more impressive when you consider the game is also available straight away through Game Pass, where millions of subscribers will get access to it at no extra cost.
Monster Train 2 is out now on PC, Game Pass, and consoles. It'll set you back $24.99 / £20.99. You can grab it on Steam right here.
While it's definitely worth giving a spin if you're already subbed, here are some of the best Game Pass games that Monster Train 2 is joining on the service. You can also check out some of the best card games on PC for more strategic, deckbuilding experiences.
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