The Talos Principle 2: Road to Elysium, published by Devolver Digital and developed by Croteam, expands on the intricate puzzles and deep philosophical themes of The Talos Principle 2 – one of our favorite puzzlers in recent years. It offers an expansive and thought-provoking continuation of the robot world saga, with brand new puzzles to tackle. This review, based on the PlayStation 5 version of the game, delves into how this three-part expansion enriches both the narrative and the gameplay experience.
At the core of Road to Elysium is a new narrative, which revisits and expands upon memorable moments from The Talos Principle 2. The story arcs of Hypatia and Sarabhai bring more of the philosophical depth that fans of the series will recognize and appreciate, while the exploration of themes such as love, death, and resurrection is handled in a way that challenges players to ponder profound questions about existence and identity. This might be a little overwhelming for players just seeking a more straightforward puzzle experience, but it doesn’t get away of the puzzle design either.
The gameplay mechanics in Road to Elysium are a blend of familiar/existing and new elements. It continues to utilize the laser mechanics the series is known for, but also encourages players to think outside the box. Certain puzzles are clearly designed to test even the most seasoned players, offering a mix of medium to extremely difficult challenges. While this depth is sure to satisfy puzzle enthusiasts, it may not be a casual puzzle player’s cup of tea.
Another thing worth mentioning about this expansion is its beautiful and diverse environments. From the ancient Egyptian-inspired desert world to the serene Caribbean island and the surreal floating islands, each setting is beautifully crafted, providing a visually stunning backdrop to the intricate puzzles – it’s no wonder we consider The Talos Principle 2 one of the best looking puzzle games ever made, even though the transitions between visual styles can feel abrupt.
The audio design in Road to Elysium is equally commendable, with a beautiful score that enhances the atmospheric depth of each environment. The soundscapes are immersive and add to the overall experience, and the voice acting is compelling, bringing characters like Athena to life.
The controls on the PlayStation 5 are smooth and intuitive, making navigation through these complex worlds a seamless experience. The user interface is clean and accessible as well, which helps manage the intricate puzzle mechanics without becoming cumbersome. However, there are a few instances where precision is key, and in those challenging sections of the game things can feel a bit fiddly.
In conclusion, The Talos Principle 2: Road to Elysium on PlayStation 5 is a rich expansion that continues to push the boundaries of puzzle design and narrative depth. Its philosophical themes, challenging puzzles, and stunning environments make it a must-play for fans of the series. Its complexity and difficulty may not appeal to everyone, but Road to Elysium offers a rewarding and thought-provoking journey.
Score: 8.2/10
Press Play Media