At E3 last week, the sequel "Unravel Two" was not only announced but also released on the same day, without much of a wait, but with high expectations. After all, the first adventure of the little woolly creature "Yarny" had impressed with its great mechanics and a captivating, touching story.
With "Unravel Two“Everything is supposed to be even better now, especially through the integration of the co-op mode, which promises completely new approaches. We tried to unravel the mystery of whether it lives up to this promise in our short test.”
Shipwreck, a new friend, and new paths
Yarny's journey begins quite literally with a storm. Aboard a small wooden raft, we find ourselves caught in a tempest that sweeps us away and washes us ashore on an unknown island, our threads disconnected. But help is quickly at hand, for a second Yarny unexpectedly climbs out of a crate and immediately bonds with his counterpart! Together, the two are ready to embark on a new adventure.
Unfortunately, something that gave the first installment its special charm is missing: the story! While shadows and silhouettes depict various events that revisit a family's lost memories, a truly coherent narrative thread is either nonexistent or difficult to construct. As in the original, the player's imagination plays a significant role, since dialogue and similar elements are entirely absent.
Further work has been done on the game mechanics. The title can be played not only solo, but also exceptionally well with a partner, allowing players to constantly find ways to help each other achieve new goals. Sometimes one player needs to move something, other times the other needs to help with climbing. The various ideas and techniques feel really great and easily keep you engaged for hours. If you get stuck, you can use hints or slow motion to help you along. However, this isn't really necessary. We encounter exposed power lines, air ducts, and chickens that want to get their hands on our wool, which adds a touch of excitement to the gameplay.
Melancholy meets excitement, amazing worlds
Speaking of which: In addition to the aforementioned tension, there's always a touch of melancholy. This is primarily due to the excellent soundtrack, which blends seamlessly into the individual scenes. Furthermore, the game worlds are beautifully designed, with each section boasting its own unique charm and character. The resolution and visuals are also outstanding.Unravel Two"It's once again right up there with the best. Just watching it is fun. Luckily, the second character offers the chance for great co-op puzzles that can be started without much of an introduction. The game's real strength, however, lies in its cuteness factor, as Yarny not only looks incredibly adorable but also has the potential to achieve cult status. A great feature: this time, the characters can be customized in terms of color and appearance. A nice touch."
