Oxenfree 2
Oxenfree II: Lost Signals is a graphic adventure, a direct sequel to the first Oxenfree released in 2016. The peculiarity lies in that it always unfolds with the Night School Studio team, just like the first chapter, but the release comes from Netflix Games, the gaming division of the streaming service.
Netflix acquired Night School Studio in 2021, intending to expand its narrative capacity into the world of video games. Oxenfree II: Lost Signals fits perfectly into this vision as it is an adventure where the narrative reigns supreme.
There is, of course, a main story, but also small secondary missions and hidden subplots. Dialogues are of great importance, with full English voiceovers.
THE STORY AND SETTING OF OXENFREE 2: LOST SIGNAL
The plot of Oxenfree II: Lost Signals relates to the first chapter in a way that may need to be more evident but becomes clear midway through the game. Therefore, I advise revisiting the first Oxenfree (or at least reading the extended story) and then playing this sequel.
You need to do this to avoid not understanding a good number of references that the characters continue to make throughout the game.
The setting of Lost Signals is a mix of science fiction and thriller, with some horror elements (never exaggerated). The events occur one night, five years after the first Oxenfree, so the vibe is similar. In a way, you’ll breathe in nostalgia from the ’80s and ’90s, reminiscent of productions like Stranger Things, also on Netflix.
The absolute protagonist of the game is Riley. From the beginning, we discover that Riley has a somewhat troubled personal history, with complex family relationships and an uncertain future. Arriving on Cámaraisland, Riley meets the affable Jacob, who will accompany you throughout the adventure narrated in the game.
The relationship between them is undoubtedly one of the most exciting dynamics in Oxenfree II, but not the only one.
There are other characters to interact with, both in person and through the walkie-talkie supplied by Riley. Among the first ones you’ll meet are Evelyn and Shelley. Pay special attention to optional characters, you will need to”unlock” them in some way later in the game. You might easily miss them during the story, which would be a shame.
MINOR SPOILERS AHEAD
Riley and Jacob’s initial mission is to install transmitter gods at the highest points of Camena to analyze data from strange electromagnetic signals disrupting communications on the island. Soon, however, they realize that the signals are much more dangerous: they can create time loops in which Riley relives the same scenes repeatedly, dividing space-time between past and future.
Riley will have to understand where the signals are coming from and try to restore the situation, but a group of children led by a certain Olivia will also be hindered in their mission.
They are part of a cult called The Origins and will be very important in the plot.
All of this happens in the early parts of the game, and I won’t spoil anything further. I can tell you that, amidst the dialogues and actions we’ll have to undertake, there will be time to delve into the main characters’ past and make critical decisions determining the end of the story.
Oxenfree II: Lost Signals is a beautiful story of choices and family, but narratively, it could be more satisfying compared to the first chapter because, at times, it repeats the same structure. In a sense, precisely because the first Oxenfree exists, this sequel has a lesser impact: if you know the plot of the first one, the conclusion of this second chapter becomes apparent halfway through the game. Therefore, the player’s choices are important on a moral level but keep the plot the same, which ultimately remains quite linear and cannot deviate from the paths set by the writers.
OXENFREE 2: LOST SIGNAL GAMEPLAY
Oxenfree II: Lost Signals follows the same gameplay mechanics as the first chapter from 2016, with some minor additions that make the game a bit more diverse in how it’s played. However, the essence remains a dynamic adventure with a few environmental puzzles and multiple-choice dialogues.
The control scheme can still be managed with a mouse or keyboard, but it feels clunky and outdated. Moving through the various game environments is uncomfortable and becomes quite frustrating in the game’s later stages. Some side missions require a bit of backtracking, and it can get a little boring during the long walks between locations.
Fortunately, a dedicated button opens Camena’s map with points of interest. This will update automatically and show you a notebook where ongoing missions are.
The map is essential for this second chapter: Camena has a very vertical development, so you need to figure out which paths to take, where to climb, and which places to visit.
In the environments, there are usually a few interactable objects, and when you pass by them, they are marked with white circles, making them hard to miss. Riley can use the radio, which serves both to listen to some broadcasts and to interact with electromagnetic signals and open dimensional portals. These will help you travel back and forth through time.
THE LOOK, THE FEEL
One of the standout aspects of Oxenfree II: Lost Signals is its graphic style and animations. The landscapes of Camena are beautiful, and there’s a pleasing variety of scenery. Some paths are deliberately designed to be highly scenic and enhance the player’s experience as if they amplify the emotions conveyed to the player.
Each character is well-visually characterized, as are the external and internal environments of the buildings. The style isn’t pixel art but rather somewhat comic-book-like, challenging to define. In any case, I liked it a lot, just as I did with the first Oxenfree.
Notably, Lost Signals excels in terms of audio quality. The soundtrack consists entirely of ambient electronic music, but what’s most interesting is the management of interferences and electromagnetic disturbances, capable of evoking a slight unease in various parts of the story. This is why we recommend you play this with headsets on. We used XP-Panther Sand; the experience is entirely different and more immersive.
The only drawback in terms of game production is the performance issue. Oxenfree II runs very well on PC, but there are too many loading screens between scenes, some of which are pretty long. Such frequent loading feels out of place for a game with simple graphics and no great computational demands.
IN CONCLUSION
Oxenfree 2: Lost Signals feels familiar, for better or worse. The game’s limitation may be the few technical and narrative innovations compared to the first chapter. However, it still engages players with its quality storytelling and well-crafted dialogues. It’s not your typical graphic adventure with environmental puzzles and logic games but a journey of self-awareness in which empathy and emotion matter much more.
The environments are beautiful, and the sound design is outstanding, enhancing the gaming experience. If you enjoy quirky, science fiction-infused stories, this is one of those games worth trying: it’s easy to play, short and tells a compelling story.
Although Oxenfree 2: Lost Signal doesn’t have an official ESRB rating, we wouldn’t advise it to anyone younger than 13. It frequently references sex and violence, but nothing on screen, though. There are a lot of references about drugs and drug use. One character even takes hash brownies and experiences the effects afterward.
If you are looking for a more child-friendly game, try Pikmin 4.
Posted on 2nd Oct 2023 by igorthegreat