Monster Train 2
" Expansive indie strategy deckbuilder with deep mechanics and replayability but busy art style "
Monster Train 2 Review
Monster Train 2 is a highly praised sequel that builds upon the solid foundation of its predecessor with expanded content, improved mechanics, and quality-of-life features. Players appreciate the addition of new clans, equipment and room cards, and activated abilities that deepen strategic options without overwhelming newcomers. The game retains the core deck-building roguelike gameplay while introducing fresh challenges and customization, including a story mode, a covenant outpost for progression, and a vast array of clan and champion combinations.
Though the art style and zoomed-in camera received mixed reactions, the gameplay depth and replayability have been widely celebrated. The soundtrack and enemy design also contribute positively to the overall experience. Some players noted that the story and dialogue can feel awkward or cringeworthy but are brief and optional. The game is regarded as a must-play for fans of the genre and a worthy successor that may surpass the original in quality and content.
Highlights
Players particularly praise the game's strategic depth enhanced by new mechanics like room and equipment cards, which add meaningful layers to deck-building. The introduction of five new unique clans alongside the return of original factions significantly increases variety and replayability.
The soundtrack and enemy designs receive consistent commendation for their quality and atmosphere. Quality-of-life improvements such as the undo button and restart battle option are valued for making gameplay smoother and more accessible. Overall, the game is seen as a refined and expanded version of the original, delivering addictive, challenging, and rewarding gameplay.
Criticisms
Common criticisms focus on the art style, which some find overly busy or less appealing compared to the first game. The zoomed-in camera and the need to scroll to view different train floors have been described as inconvenient. The story and dialogue are viewed by some as awkward or cringe-worthy, detracting from immersion, though they are brief and optional.
Additionally, the initial deployment phase can feel blind and frustrating due to lack of information about upcoming enemy formations. Some players feel the game is more of a substantial expansion than a fully new experience, with limited innovation in core gameplay. Minor UI issues and icon clutter were also noted.
Pros
- • Expansive content with five new unique clans and return of original factions.
- • New mechanics like equipment and room cards add strategic depth.
- • Quality-of-life features such as undo and restart battle buttons.
- • Highly replayable with up to 180 clan and champion combinations.
- • Engaging soundtrack that enhances the game's atmosphere.
- • Challenging difficulty balanced with opportunities for creative combos.
- • Covenant outpost adds long-term progression and unlockables.
Cons
- • Art style considered too busy or less appealing by some players.
- • Zoomed-in camera requiring scrolling disrupts situational awareness.
- • Story and dialogue are awkward and may detract from experience.
- • Initial deployment phase can feel blind and frustrating.
- • Perceived as more of a large expansion than a fully new game.
- • Iconography is cluttered and can be confusing at a glance.
- • Some players find the starting decks unbalanced and grindy.
Rating Criteria
About This Game
Powerful beings known as Titans have seized control of Heaven. A makeshift alliance is formed between former angels and demons, who must learn to work together against their common foe.
Now, you must command these clans aboard newly forged trains, and embark on your journey through Hell, Heaven, and the Abyss, to defeat the Titans before they destroy this world.
Chaos awaits beyond the gates!
You’re in command! Choose from a selection of five brand new clans, each with its own unique strengths and gameplay to forge strategies fitting your personal playstyle. With three vertical levels to defend against dangerous new enemies, you’ll need to recruit powerful new units, upgrade cards, and experiment to survive. Can you defeat the all-new and ultra-challenging Titans?
Reach your deck’s full build potential with all new Room and Equipment Cards. Room Cards add impressive boosts to your train, allowing you new strategic advantages over your foes. Equipment Cards can be applied to units, giving them a variety of bonuses to aid you in battle! 
The Covenant Outpost is the bustling hub that you’ll visit after each run. From here, you’ll have access to Monster Train 2’s core features, as well as experience character interactions that move the story forward.
Pyre Hearts: Each Pyre Heart brings unique functionality to gameplay. Unlocking them not only provides another way to customize your run before departing, but also plays a key role in advancing the story.
Dimensional Challenges: Ready for a new twist on your adventure? This mode offers handcrafted challenges, new Mutators, and unique cosmetic rewards to be earned as you complete them.
Train Customization: Unlock new parts for your train and customize it to suit your personal style.
The Logbook: In addition to recording completion goals, the improved Logbook also now includes new features, such as enemy information, collection objectives, and more ways to compare your achievements against your friends.
Daily Challenges: Take on a new challenge every day with a hugely modified run featuring brand new mutators, as well as some returning old favorites. Compete globally and against friends, and climb the leaderboards with a skill-focused scoring system.
Celestial Alcoves: The rapid expansion of the Rail has attracted many new visitors to Hell. Encounter a wide variety of random events with exciting gameplay and maybe even a few surprises from outside of the Monster Train universe.
One of the most requested features by Monster Train players is here! Travel the Rails with ever-increasing difficulty to test your skills and see how long you can survive. You can even compare your stats against your friends!
9/10 – IGN
“roguelike deckbuilder heaven, and a worthy challenger to Slay the Spire and Balatro”
91/100 – PC Gamer
“All Aboard For This Masterful Sequel”
10/10 – Screen Rant
Monster Train returns with all new clans, new enemy factions, new challenges, new modes and more! Defend your Pyre in the classic three-tiered, vertical gameplay that made the original roguelike deckbuilder a hit.
