I got this game Day 1 back in October 13, 2017. I don't regret it. While I did enjoy Evil Within 1 (saw the Two Best Friend's playthrough, then played it after beating the second game), it was just weak remake of RE4. Yet, I had more fun with it than RE4. What got me invested so much in the sequel was seeing the Tango Games step up. Shinji intentionally chose to step down and let John Johanas take over, because he wanted new blood, and I noticed the change ups in gameplay by some of the marketing and later playing for myself.
No longer was it just a linear, chapter based RE4 game. EW2 became the RE2 of this duology. You have a linear game with open ended level design, the semi-structure of a System Shock 2, combined with the action-horror of RE2-RE4 (mainly RE2 & RE3 [there's so many subtle callbacks and references to the PSX titles]), and the psychological horror atmosphere of Silent Hill. The game has a small open world with many things to fine, and loaded with side quests and secrets. What's great about the side quests are that they are useful in either finding new weapons, upgrading them, new story bits and lore about STEM/Mobius, Sebastian himself (especially with his personal side quests involving Anima), or all the above. Other gameplay improvements are Sebastian having better sprint meter, giving him more melee action commands (he's no Leon, but his much more pragmatic with his action commands), a better upgrade system for himself, and much better stealth. The stealth is not perfect and can be exploited when having the proper upgrades, but in the very beginning you have to stay alert and can't waste ammo.
The story is a huge improvement over the first game. I didn't hate the first game's story, but it was more about Ruvik and Kidman (with her two DLC campaigns) than anything having to do with Seb or Joseph. I get that was the intent, but I wanted to know what was up with Seb. What we only get hints of in the first game, is fully explored in the sequel. We learn that is daughter Lily is not dead, and is the core of STEM (A Matrix type machine where everyone's brains are hooked in), his wife, Myra, is alive and working for Mobius (hinted at in one of the DLCs) in STEM as well, and Sebastian actually develops as a character! He's more than a "sad dad"! The guy has his moments of humor, but only when it is appropriate. That said, this game wouldn't be complete with the few side characters that show up and stick around long enough. Everyone in the cast put their A game in. Especially the villains. Yeah, unlike the first game, you're dealing with a small rouge's gallery of villains and not just the Freddy Kruger Remake Clone.
Enemy design is good, While not as creative as some of the enemies from the first game, but their are crazy and creepy designs. The Lost ain't exactly stupid either. The Haunted I liked to an extent, but they were just lesser versions of Ganados. The Lost can't use guns though, but they can use melee weapons and are not afraid to gang up on Sebastian.
I know it's been 6 years since the game came out, but I don't want spoil the game for those interested. If you have any questions or need advice, feel free to ask. I won't remember everything, but I remember a lot. @Chimpzy & @hanselthecaretaker2, I wish the best of luck for both of you, when either of you start the game. The same goes for anyone else. I do recommend that you either watch a playthrough of EW1, or play the game before starting the sequel. It'll make you appreciate everything in the sequel so much more and connect a full picture. You're reading the words of a man who spent about 73 hours on this game.
Both games are on sale on PSN. EW at $4.99 and EW2 at $7.99. You have until 11/2/23 for the PlayStation owners. These games are also on sale at Steam, GOG, and Epic too.
No longer was it just a linear, chapter based RE4 game. EW2 became the RE2 of this duology. You have a linear game with open ended level design, the semi-structure of a System Shock 2, combined with the action-horror of RE2-RE4 (mainly RE2 & RE3 [there's so many subtle callbacks and references to the PSX titles]), and the psychological horror atmosphere of Silent Hill. The game has a small open world with many things to fine, and loaded with side quests and secrets. What's great about the side quests are that they are useful in either finding new weapons, upgrading them, new story bits and lore about STEM/Mobius, Sebastian himself (especially with his personal side quests involving Anima), or all the above. Other gameplay improvements are Sebastian having better sprint meter, giving him more melee action commands (he's no Leon, but his much more pragmatic with his action commands), a better upgrade system for himself, and much better stealth. The stealth is not perfect and can be exploited when having the proper upgrades, but in the very beginning you have to stay alert and can't waste ammo.
The story is a huge improvement over the first game. I didn't hate the first game's story, but it was more about Ruvik and Kidman (with her two DLC campaigns) than anything having to do with Seb or Joseph. I get that was the intent, but I wanted to know what was up with Seb. What we only get hints of in the first game, is fully explored in the sequel. We learn that is daughter Lily is not dead, and is the core of STEM (A Matrix type machine where everyone's brains are hooked in), his wife, Myra, is alive and working for Mobius (hinted at in one of the DLCs) in STEM as well, and Sebastian actually develops as a character! He's more than a "sad dad"! The guy has his moments of humor, but only when it is appropriate. That said, this game wouldn't be complete with the few side characters that show up and stick around long enough. Everyone in the cast put their A game in. Especially the villains. Yeah, unlike the first game, you're dealing with a small rouge's gallery of villains and not just the Freddy Kruger Remake Clone.
Enemy design is good, While not as creative as some of the enemies from the first game, but their are crazy and creepy designs. The Lost ain't exactly stupid either. The Haunted I liked to an extent, but they were just lesser versions of Ganados. The Lost can't use guns though, but they can use melee weapons and are not afraid to gang up on Sebastian.
I know it's been 6 years since the game came out, but I don't want spoil the game for those interested. If you have any questions or need advice, feel free to ask. I won't remember everything, but I remember a lot. @Chimpzy & @hanselthecaretaker2, I wish the best of luck for both of you, when either of you start the game. The same goes for anyone else. I do recommend that you either watch a playthrough of EW1, or play the game before starting the sequel. It'll make you appreciate everything in the sequel so much more and connect a full picture. You're reading the words of a man who spent about 73 hours on this game.
Both games are on sale on PSN. EW at $4.99 and EW2 at $7.99. You have until 11/2/23 for the PlayStation owners. These games are also on sale at Steam, GOG, and Epic too.
Last edited:
