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Adventure Classic Gaming recently posted a new review of Penny Arcade Adventures: On The Rain-Slick Precipice of Darkness, Episode 2. In the latest chapter in the series players rejoin Gabe and Tycho in a quest that moves ever closer to solving the mystery in the heart of New Arcadia. ACG gave Episode 2 a score of 4 out of 5.

From the review.

A great deal about this game feels significantly scaled up from the first episode, from the number of characters you will meet and converse with, to the variety in enemies and locations, and the quality of its puzzles. As in most adventure games, the main characters make use of an inventory to store items, some of which are consumable items to aid in battle and some of which are relevant to the plot and puzzle solving. However, all plot relevant items are used automatically if the situation is appropriate, thus limiting the ingenuity required on the part of the player. While the overall structure of the puzzles is still based on quests, with the main challenge being exploring every environment exhaustively and acting as necessary to accomplish your specific goal, there are a few interesting examples of puzzles that can fool you with their initial simplicity but reveal more depth as you dive into them.

The combat system is also significantly improved from the first episode. Among my major gripes from the last game is how the difficulty curve starts out steep upon first entering an area and meeting a new type of enemy, then flattens out as you move towards completing an area, only to spike up again upon reaching a new area to the point of demanding more experience or upgrades from the player. Now, the game allows players to change the difficulty level at will if they prefer to worry less about the combat and more about the story, and the enemies are better spaced out for a gradual slope of challenge. The particulars of the combat system are worth noting, as you move through scrolling areas interacting with characters and items, you will occasionally see enemy characters who will engage you in a combat screen when you draw close.

Adventure Classic Gaming: PAA Episode 2 Review

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