Mortal Shell 2 has received its media review scores, with both IGN and GameSpot giving it an 8/10. IGN stated that Mortal Shell 2's ambition to expand into a large-scale action RPG was largely successful, with all new ideas being excellent.
IGN Verdict:
Mortal Shell 2's attempt to transition into a large-scale action RPG is largely successful. The game still suffers from some technical issues and fails to fully resolve certain lingering problems from the first installment, such as the beautiful yet nightmarish world being easy to get lost in, and players scaling too quickly in the late game, which significantly reduces the challenge.
However, nearly all the new mechanics added to the game are excellent, especially the active "Shell" abilities, which bring more options to combat. The more open world is enticing, compelling players to dive into one labyrinth after another.
The expanded combat system further imbues the vibrant warriors with distinct personalities. Players can borrow their bodies and seize their abilities. Moreover, the game integrates all of this into a charming dark fantasy world filled with impressive monsters and memorable locations, standing out among similar titles.
IGN Review Video:
GameSpot Score: 8/10
Pros
Combat features flexible pacing, responsive controls, solid impact feedback, and a strong emphasis on aggression
A rich variety of Shells, weapons, Seals, and Tars provides ample room for players to experiment with different builds and loadouts
Diverse enemy types challenge players in various ways
Although compact, the open world is densely packed with content, making exploration both purposeful and enjoyable
Cons
Money is scarce, making it nearly impossible to fully upgrade multiple main weapons simultaneously.
Level design has issues, with players frequently dying from fall damage.
The parry window for standard deflections is too generous, and some minor bosses have overly obvious wind-ups and tells, making combat feel somewhat dull
