May 23rd 2025.
Monster Train 2 has arrived and it's making quite the splash in the world of deck-building roguelites. With its impressive sequel, it's safe to say that running the train on time is the least of your worries. In fact, the real challenge lies in defending against the Titans, a formidable new threat that could bring about the destruction of both Heaven and Hell. But let's not get too ahead of ourselves, there's a lot to unpack here.
Roguelike deck builders are certainly having a moment, with a staggering 861 results on Steam alone. It's a genre that has gained notoriety thanks to two standout games: Slay The Spire and Balatro. While the latter is often praised as one of the best games of the year, it's the former that shares a similar style and gameplay to Monster Train. In the original game, players were tasked with defending the frozen wastes of Hell from the invading forces of Heaven. Now, in its sequel, both realms must unite to face a new common enemy.
But let's not get too caught up in the story, as it doesn't directly affect the gameplay. Once again, players will find themselves onboard a quadruple-decker train, engaging in turn-based battles on the bottom three floors. The top floor is reserved for the pyre, the burning heart of the train, which serves as its power source. Just like in tower defense games, it's essential to protect the pyre at all costs. If its health reaches zero, it's game over.
In the original game, players often focused on stacking their third floor with the strongest troops available. However, in the sequel, the game encourages players to distribute their defenses across all three floors. To aid in this, there are now room-level upgrades available, such as increasing a troop's valour (which acts as armor) or reducing the cost of magic. This adds a new layer of strategy and ties into the meta game of deck building.
Speaking of deck building, there are now a total of 10 different clans to choose from, with each run featuring a main and support clan. As players progress through runs, they earn experience for the clans they use, unlocking new cards and spells. This also adds a sense of progression, even in runs that may not have gone as well. Plus, players can earn experience and extra cards or magic items to assist in future runs.
As with any roguelite, there is a sense of repetition as players navigate the four floors of the train. However, the random elements in each run make it feel unique every time, especially as players unlock more clans and their respective cards. To add even more variety, there are challenges that players can take on, each with its own set of mutators that add extra conditions to the game.
Players can also change their pyre heart, each with its own unique stats and abilities. These come into play when the train's top floor is invaded by Titans. It's important to strategize and plan accordingly, knowing which bosses you'll be facing and how to counter their special abilities. Of course, luck also plays a role in which cards players draw, but with careful planning, they can contain the bosses before they become too overwhelming.
One notable improvement in this sequel is the focus on character and story. The plot unfolds through text-only encounters in between runs, much like in the game Hades. While it may not quite reach the same level of wit and personality, it adds a nice touch to the game beyond its core turn-based combat.
If you were a fan of the original Monster Train, you'll be pleased to know that the sequel offers more than just more of the same. With new clans, cards, and strategic options, there's plenty to experiment with. The game also offers a sense of progression, making it easier to tackle future runs. However, like many roguelites, it can eventually become repetitive, and using a controller may not be as intuitive as a mouse or touchscreen. But overall, Monster Train 2 is definitely on track to rival Slay The Spire in terms of quality.
So, if you're ready to hop aboard the Monster Train 2, it's available on PlayStation 5, Nintendo Switch, Xbox Series X/S, and PC for £19.99. Published by Good Shepherd Entertainment and developed by Shiny Shoe, this game is a must-try for fans of deck-building roguelites. Just be prepared for some challenging and addictive gameplay.
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