I spent an ungodly amount of time glued to my screen playing the original Monster Train. Hundreds of hours, countless runs, and a deep-seated understanding of synergies (or lack thereof) became ingrained in my very being. It was a perfectly crafted deck-building roguelike that snagged me with its strategic depth and addictive loop. So, when Monster Train 2 was announced, skepticism warred with eager anticipation. Could it possibly recapture the magic? Could it even improve upon perfection? The answer, emphatically, is yes.
A familiar loop
At its core, Monster Train 2 feels strikingly familiar. You’re still defending your Pyre from waves of invading forces as it ascends towards hell. You still pick a primary and secondary clan, synergizing their unique units and spells to create a devastating engine of destruction. You still upgrade cards, adding crucial effects like increased damage, cost reduction, or endless status. And, of course, you still face a series of increasingly challenging encounters culminating in a formidable final boss. The essence of the gameplay loop remains the same – build a deck, defend your train, conquer hell.
A worthy sequel filled with goodies
But don’t let the familiarity fool you. This is no mere reskin or expansion pack. Monster Train 2 boldly replaces all the old clans, cards, and units, introducing a completely fresh roster with new mechanics and strategic possibilities. This wholesale change is what truly elevates it to a sequel rather than a simple iteration.
One of the most impactful additions is the introduction of “Floor Cards.” These cards modify the behavior of a specific floor on your train. These floor cards introduce a new layer of strategic planning, forcing you to consider not just your deck composition, but also how you optimize each individual level of your train. They can drastically shift the tide of battle, turning a precarious standoff into a decisive victory.
Another seemingly small, yet incredibly valuable addition, is the undo button. Miss-clicks happen. The undo button provides a safety net, allowing you to rewind a misplayed card and course-correct before disaster strikes. It’s a quality-of-life improvement that drastically reduces frustration and encourages experimentation, knowing you can always undo a risky move.
Synergies for the win
The real magic of Monster Train 2, like its predecessor, lies in the sheer joy of crafting the perfect deck. The moment you uncover a synergy so potent it feels almost broken, the power fantasy kicks into high gear. Whether it’s a swarm of regenerating monsters, a single unit with ungodly health and damage, or a spell that wipes out entire waves of enemies, the feeling of dominance is unparalleled. Experimenting with different clan combinations and card upgrades to discover these potent synergies remains as addictive and rewarding as ever.
Conclusion
Monster Train 2 isn’t just a worthy successor; it’s a genuine improvement over an already exceptional game. If you, like me, sunk countless hours into the original, you’ll find this sequel just as captivating, if not more so. The new clans, cards, floor mechanics, and the oh-so-welcome undo button all contribute to a richer, more strategic, and ultimately more satisfying experience. And if you somehow missed out on the Monster Train phenomenon the first time around, Monster Train 2 is the perfect place to jump in. It’s a masterclass in deck-building roguelikes and might just be the best the genre has to offer. Buckle up, summon your champions, and prepare for another thrilling ride into the depths of hell.
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