Q.U.B.E. 2 (2018)

The puzzle platformer in first person mode makes its comeback and it shows that the overhaul is there. The player is set out in another cubic complex but with more planetary environment to set the stage. The story focuses on a female scientist who found herself in an alien establishment and is set on finding answers behind the supposed threat. It is a bit more emphasized compared to the first game and is quite all right, though somewhat clichéd in the human-alien relationship topic.

The puzzles are laid out with a smooth learning curve for the player and are intuitively designed with several new additions to spice it up, although none too challenging to the point of leave an average puzzle fan like me stumped. I dig that the graphics got its slick improvement, with the design and realistic lighting on the high-end side.

I am sure that Q.U.B.E 2 will satisfy a good amount of puzzle fans who want something Portal-like with some story intrigue to motivate your progress, if the puzzles aren't satisfying by its challenge level.

Q.U.B.E. 2 is a first person puzzle game which draws comparisons with the more renowned portal series. And while there's undeniable similarities, the game stands on its own with interesting mechanics and an intriguing, though somewhat confusing, story. The basic puzzle mechanics are quite similar to what was presented in its predecessor; a game which, in turn, is worth playing but that is not mandatory to get a good experience out of this sequel. Definitely recommended, however, in order to better decipher the already quite obscure story line.

On this chapter, the visuals were given a substantial improvement, with better graphic, lightning and variety in the design of the levels. The game play mechanics got a revision too with new interesting, but not revolutionary, additions built on top of what players already experienced. You still create platforms and cubes, use magnets and spheres; but, on top of it, now there are switches, moving platforms, and flame throwers. Thus, effort in the creation of something new is certainly visible, just don't expect a huge leap in depth of complexity.

The puzzles can be considered average in difficulty with nothing extraordinarily mind bending or particularly hard. The structure they follow is pretty linear with each puzzle being a self contained experience. The way they tie into the story line is also quite straightforward as you solve them to power up generators.

Overall a short and enjoyable experience both for those who liked the prequel and, in general, for puzzle lovers.