Elex 2 was released on March 1st and apparently also divides fans of Piranha Bytes: A mixed picture emerges from the Steam ratings. Some reviews are disappointed and sometimes even see a step backwards compared to the predecessor. Others, on the other hand, remain loyal to their favorite developer.
Of course, you can find out how much we liked Elex 2 in our test video. If you prefer to read, the test is of course also available in written form. Due to performance problems, we have adjusted the rating again.
9:00
Elex 2 – Piranha Bytes open-world RPG test video
A lot of joy, but also disappointment
So far, Elex 2 has around 800 reviews with 70 percent positive ratings, which is a mostly positive
is equivalent to. This puts Elex 2 off slightly worse than its predecessor, which still had 72 positive reviews. If you look at the reviews in detail, you can quickly see why some are pointing thumbs down.
Outdated technology
While Open World and Story hardly find any critics, many reviewers on Steam agree on one other thing: The Elex 2 technology is no longer up to date. Notchy fights, unrealistic animations and character models, as well as the performance are criticized. Last but not least, the new camera work also causes disappointment. This is how Steam users write Venum:
Sorry, but the camera work is a disaster, way too close and no settings possible? Why did you change that?
Some players are even of the opinion that Elex 2 sometimes performs significantly worse than its predecessor. Steam users Stranger writes about:
The NPCs look like they are made of plastic. […] The flashbacks are cutscenes from Elex 1 and that’s where it’s noticeable that the character graphics have gotten worse.
The authors of some reviews also state that they are very reluctant to leave negative reviews and are actually fans of the developers and their games. For example write stefan71242which was disappointing in terms of performance, graphics and combat:
First of all: I am a fan of Piranha-Bytes games and have played Risen 1, 2 and 3 as well as Elex 1 for many hours and was enthusiastic. […] Elex 2 is definitely not a big leap at the moment, but in some places even a step backwards for me (graphics, fights, performance). I will now put the game aside and then hope for 1-2 patches.
Elex 2 doesn’t have it easy internationally either, as you can see in our rating table:
Elex 2 in the rating table
Role-playing has a hard time internationally
Despite everything, a lot of enthusiasm
On the other hand, there are still more than two-thirds positive reviews. Lots of players are obviously having fun, although some of them are picking up on gameplay issues. Ratea Xdark Graphics and facial expressions of the characters are also negative, but still a thumbs up:
I’m a little conflicted about whether I would call it a recommendation, as I rather like the game than in order
would sort. I enjoy it, although it has some flaws and isn’t for everyone.
Also tanteslam recommends Elex 2 despite the weaknesses of the game:
Yes, a bit old-fashioned, but you’re back in a Gothic world that’s just not perfect. Personally, I don’t give a damn, the main thing is that the mood is right and it does.
Some reviews also combine their recommendation with a call to the developers to fix existing problems: So writes piuupiuu:
Guys, the game is fine. I buy everything you put on the market. You shaped my childhood. […] But you really need to change something in the graphics.
Some players can hardly or not at all understand the criticism of others and give a positive rating without ifs and buts. Overall, the Steam reviews show that Piranha Bytes has a large and loyal fan base, especially in Europey – but some of them are also disappointed with Elex 2.
Elex 2
All guides and tips for role-playing at a glance
If you’re already exploring the post-apocalyptic world of Elex 2 and confronting the alien threat, then we’ve prepared a bunch of guides and tips for you, all of which you can find in the article linked above.
Have you tried Elex 2 yet? If so, what’s your verdict: Do you like the sequel or are you more of a disappointed fan? Let us know in the comments!
