THE FALL PART 2: UNBOUND

Totally wired in to this intriguing sequel

Quietly released on PS4 to positive fanfare back in 2015, the first entry in this 2D sci-fi action adventure trilogy saw you take control of A.R.I.D, an AI built into a combat suit whose main purpose is to protect the pilot inside it. Thankfully it was nowhere near as generic as it sounds, and this sequel is set to make a much bigger impact.

It’s a supremely confident mix of genres, thanks to A.R.I.D hopping between different robotic bodies. On the surface this is a Metroidvania adventure, but each android we body-jack significantly changes the game. The Soldier, for instance, requires us to fight off waves of rushing enemies with nothing but our hands while standing still, resulting in a hypnotising rhythm-action-like punching fest as we fend off foes.

After this, A.R.I.D ends up in a new body and the game becomes a point-’n’-click mystery. Here we join The Butler, a very pleasant android in a lavish mansion. We quickly pick up clues that things aren’t quite what they seem, and need to then prove this by tricking our new host. We leave notes for him and move items when he’s not paying attention, until he snaps and forces A.R.I.D out. The confidence and variety on show in this indie follow-up mean we’re already falling head over heels for this one.

“ON THE SURFACE IT’S METROIDVANIA, BUT IT’S ACTUALLY A MIX OF GENRES.”

Identity is one of the key themes of the game, with A.R.I.D jumping between different robot bodies. Above The original was heavily celebrated for its story, but the sequel’s likely to be praised most of all for its mix of styles.